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651 records in US in 1977
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Repeals the time limitation within which programs of education for veterans must be completed.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a pension to each veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service at any time during World War I and who is not eligible for a non-service connected disability pension. Directs the Administrator to pay medical services costs required outside Veterans' Administration facilities if travel to such facilities would be a burden for the veteran. Provides for survivor pensions for the widows of such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Reserve Forces Benefits Act - Entitles specified reserve members of the uniformed services and members of the National Guard to the same medical and dental benefits enjoyed by members of the uniformed services on active duty. Entitles the dependents of such individuals to the same medical and dental benefits presently available to the dependents of members on active duty under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to permit a veteran, who is being supplied with drugs but who is not a patient in a Veterans' Administration facility, to determine whether the drugs will be supplied directly by the Administrator or from a source approved by the Administrator and whether the Administrator shall pay such source directly or reimburse the veteran who will pay for the drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Stipulates that a member of the armed forces may be given only one of the following discharges: (1) an Honorable Discharge; (2) a Discharge from Service as regulated under this Act; (3) a Bad Conduct Discharge issued in accordance with the sentence of a general court-martial; or (4) a Dishonorable Discharge issued in accordance with the sentence of a general court-martial. Requires that a narrative statement describing the service of a former member be issued to such member upon request at any time following separation from service. Limits the information which may be included in such a statement. Sets forth the composition of administrative discharge boards which shall consider whether a member should be separated with a Discharge from Service pursuant to this Act. Allows such boards to recommend a Discharge from Service only upon a finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that: (1) the member has engaged in misconduct; (2) in the case of an officer, cadet, or midshipman, that such member has engaged in moral or professional dereliction; (3) the retention of such member would be contrary to the interests of national security; or (4) such member has been convicted previously in a civilian court or previous court-martial under specified circumstances and the retention of such member is not warranted. Authorizes the use of such a discharge by the President in time of war when the individual has been absent without authority for one year, or where the member has requested such discharge, after consultation with counsel, in lieu of board action under this Act or a court-martial. Sets forth the rights of the member concerned before the board and procedures regarding the board's actions. Directs each Judge Advocate General to establish a Court of Administrative Review to review recommendations for separation with a Discharge from Service. Requires the Court of Military Appeals to review the record upon which such a discharge was issued after final action by the Court of Administrative Review if the Judge Advocate General orders such review. Authorizes the Court to review the case upon petition by the member affected. Sets forth the conditions under which an administrative discharge board shall be precluded from determining whether a member should be issued a Discharge from Service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Prohibits the closure or realignment of military bases involving reductions in civilian personnel positions below a specified level or construction or conversion at military installations made necessary by the relocation of such civilian personnel unless: (1) the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives that such installation is a candidate for closure or realignment; (2) the appropriate Secretary complies with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (3) the appropriate Secretary notifies the Committees on Armed Services of a final decision in writing regarding such closure or realignment and a detailed justification for such decision; and (4) a period of at least 60 days elapses between such notification and the implementation of such decision. Stipulates that this Act does not apply to closures or reductions which the President has certified to Congress as being necessary for reasons of national security or a military emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Military Justice Act - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to establish within the Office of the Judge Advocate General of each armed force an independent command known as the Courts-Martial Command. Stipulates that each such command shall be divided into four separate divisions as follows: (1) the judicial division which shall be responsible for the detailing of military judges; (2) the prosecution division which shall be responsible for detailing trail counsel and assistant counsel to courts-martial trials; (3) the defense division which shall be responsible for detailing defense counsel and assistant counsel to courts-martial trials; and (4) the administrative division which shall be responsible for convening court-martial and detailing court reporters to courts-martial trials. Stipulates that each Court-Martial Command shall be subdivided into one or more Regional Commands which shall have responsibility for the administration of military justice within its geographic area. Revises the classification of courts-martial to establish only two types of courts- martial, upper courts-martial consisting of a military judge and seven members, and lower courts-martial consisting of a military judge and three members. Sets forth the jurisdiction of upper and lower courts-martial. Stipulates that lower courts- martial may not prescribe punishments of death, dishonorable discharge, dismissal, confinement for more than six months, hard labor without confinement for more than three months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months. Grants the district courts of the United States jurisdiction over enumerated offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Stipulates that courts-martial may be convened only by the Chief of the Administrative Division of the Regional Command or the Chief's designee within that division. Stipulates that members of upper and lower courts-martial are to be selected on a random basis among those eligible persons permanently stationed within the geographical limits of the Regional Command convening the court-martial unless the Secretary concerned prescribes by regulation that the selection be made from a smaller geographical area. Requires that, within 24 hours after charges are preferred against an individual or 24 hours after an individual is arrested, whichever is first, such person be brought before a military judge at which time the judge shall inform the accused of the charges against the accused as well as the rights of the accused including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney and the accused's right to a preliminary examination. Stipulates that the judge shall admit the accused to bail in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned or may impose such restrictions in lieu of bail to insure the presence of the accused at trial. Allows interlocutory appeals for denial of bail. Allows trial counsel and defense counsel three preemptory challenges at any lower court- martial if a bad conduct discharge may be adjudged, six preemptory challenges at any upper court-martial and ten challenges if the death penalty may be adjudged by the court. Prohibits the court-martialing of any individual who has been tried for substantially the same offense in any State or Federal court or the trial of any individual in State or Federal courts if such individual has been tried by a court-martial for substantially the same offense. Requires that all subpoenas be signed by a military judge. Stipulates that only military judges in accordance with regulations promulgated by the President shall have the authority to issue orders to conduct searches and seizures in connection with offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and requires that such orders be in writing and based upon probable cause. Sets forth the powers of military judges with respect to contempt proceedings. Authorizes military judges to enter judgements of acquittal after the evidence on either side is closed if the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction. Requires concurrence of two-thirds of the members of a court-martial who are present at the time the vote is taken in order to convict an individual. Stipulates that where the sentence is death the vote must be unanimous and that such vote is not binding on the military judge. Increases the number of judges on the United States Court of Military Appeals from three to nine. Authorizes the court, whenever it determines it is necessary to expedite business of the court to divide itself into three separate panels each consisting of three judges. Stipulates that cases in the United States Court of Military Appeals may be reviewed by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari. Establishes a committee to conduct a study of specified aspects of the military justice system and to report the results of such study to the President within one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Comprehensive Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Redefines the qualifying service period of an "eligible veteran" to be the period from August 4, 1964 to January 1, 1977; and redesignates as an "eligible peacetime post-Korean veteran" anyone whose qualifying service period fell between January 31, 1955, and August 5, 1964; and entitles both "eligible veterans" and "eligible peacetime post-Korean veterans" to all benefits, services and loans available under the educational assistance program. Extends from 36 to 45 months the period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance (this provision currently exist, 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a)). Sets conditions for extending the ten-year delimiting period for receipt of assistance up to a maximum of two additional years. Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction after development of the required job skills; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist in attaining educational or vocational objectives; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical, or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Directs the Administrator to take such measures as may be necessary, including denial of applications or disapproval of courses, to insure that no aspect of the educational assistance program is used for the purpose of income supplementation, unemployment compensation, or adjusted compensation. Allows continued payments to veterans enrolled in institutions not complying with provisions of the Act if such veterans are not at fault for the noncompliance. Provides an accelerated educational assistance allowance, not to exceed twice the ordinary monthly amount, to be granted, after appropriate counseling, to an eligible veteran or person who demonstrates need for the acceleration. Stipulates the categories of persons most likely to need a program of acceleration. Limits any program of accelerated assistance allowances to five years. Title II: War Orphans' and Widows' Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of the spouse and such veteran. Entitles eligible war orphans and widows to accelerated educational assistance allowances. Title III: Administration of Educational Benefits - Extends the coverage of existing administrative provisions of the educational assistance program to all branches and extensions of an educational institution. Directs the Administrator to establish between the Administration, the State approving agencies and nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, an exchange of information pertaining to activities of educational institutions, especially to the enforcement of approval standard and enrollment restrictions and fraudulent and other criminal activities on the part of persons connected with the institution; and directs the Administrator to furnish the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal, State and local agencies such information and assistance as may be necessary to preclude abuses or enhance the effectiveness of the programs established hereunder. Requires educational institutions to transmit to State approving agencies catalogs or bulletins certified as true, current and correct both in content and policy by an authorized school official. Requires the State approving agencies to find as a condition of approval, adequate standards of progress established and clearly defined, and to find that an institution and its programs of education are in every aspect, portion, element, and division in full compliance with the law. Revises the criteria for approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires all advertising, promotion, sales techniques, claims and personnel employed by or representing the institution and branches or extensions offering nonaccredited courses to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal licensing regulations and laws. Permits the Administrator to disapprove any institution of program of education approved as accredited if it fails to comply with any of specified provisions of law. Makes any advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance conditional, and denies such advance payments to those entitled to receive accelerated payments. Requires the application for conditional advance payments to indicate that the eligible veteran or person had requested such, that it is necessary and appropriated to meet specific expenses, and that such expenses shall reasonably equal or exceed the amount of conditional advance payment. Requires the Administrator to set up an appeals procedure for administrative proceedings involving property loss resulting from a decision to terminate or modify an eligible veteran's or person's educational benefits. Increases from $3 and $4 to $8 and $10 respectively the fees paid to educational institutions in reimbursement for reports and certifications. Directs the Administrator to refer to the U.S. Attorney General any deliberate, premeditated, or willful misconduct or illegal action of a significant nature or involving a significant sum of money stemming from overpayments occasioned by a false or misleading report by an educational institution. Sets new conditions for the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in a program of correspondence or residence-correspondence. Denies approval of enrollment in an institution in any way affiliated with a proprietary institution or profitmaking operation which affects any program of education provided eligible veterans and persons unless such program meets all the requirements of the law. Requires the Administrator to notify any eligible veteran or eligible person of any available vocational assistance alternatives and of any legal recourse when it disapproves an institution or discontinues anyone's educational assistance. Requires the Administrator, upon determination that the interruption of failure of a person's program was due in whole or in part to problems of personal adjustment, to advise such person of available counseling services and vocational, educational and psychological assistance. Establishes with the Veterans Administration an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force to advise and assist the Administrator, among other things, in: (1) the review of the effectiveness and coordination of all rights and services authorized for veterans; (2) the development and implementation of studies of the effectiveness of laws applicable to veterans and eligible persons; (3) the monitoring and evaluation and preclusion of abuses of veterans' adjustment assistance programs; (4) the investigation of allegations indicating that veterans are being denied rights, benefit,or assistance; and (5) the appraisal of Federal laws, appropriations, and policies meeting the readjustment needs of veterans. Directs the Task Force to serve as a national clearinghouse for information and assistance relating to the needs of veterans, and to serve as an advocate for the correction of problems and the preclusion of abuses. Establishes within the Task Force a section on enforcement and implementation of laws, a section on the evaluation and accreditation of military experience, and an Advisory Committee to take over the duties and responsibilities of the current advisory committee, with special emphasis on the inclusion and participation of veterans receiving or requiring readjustment assistance. Empowers the Task Force and its sections to issue subpenas. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress within one year of enactment its findings and recommendations for post-Vietnam era readjustment assistance programs. Sets maximum aggregate education loan amounts for eligible persons with no, one, two, or more dependents. Title IV: Miscellaneous Veterans Program Amendments - Requires the Veterans' Administration to adjust its adjudication criteria and under no circumstances to determine eligibility for veterans' benefits for ex-servicemen with other than honorable discharges with either less lenient or more restrictive criteria and procedures that those used by the various military departments in the review and upgrading of other than honorable discharges. Title V: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam-era Veterans - Creates within the Department of Labor a separate agency to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title VI: Veterans' Administration: Miscellaneous Amendments - Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform veterans of the programs and services made available by this Act. Directs the veterans' representatives to carry out such outreach and information assistance services. Requires both the Administrator and the veterans' representatives especially to assist veterans whose educational benefits have ended because of the expiration of their delimiting period to obtain alternative means of completing their education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Veterans' Administration Medical Facilities Acquisition Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellence of architecture and design. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $1,000,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $200,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. States that the Administrator may not enter into any construction, acquisition, or alteration involving a total expenditure of $1,000,000 or less before the expiration of 60 days after the date on which he submits a report of the facts concerning such proposed expenditure to such committees. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facilities pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Requires such report to contain: (1) a five-year plan for those medical facilities most in need of construction, replacement and alteration; (2) a priority list of at least ten such hospitals; and (3) general plans for each medical facility in the five-year plan or the list. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 10,000 beds in the fiscal year 1980, and in each fiscal year thereafter, for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Title I: Organization - Establishes the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency within the Department of Defense to be headed by a civilian Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civil Preparedness. Declares it the sense of Congress that the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration can best accomplish its interagency coordinating functions through the Executive Office of the President and that the Administrator of the Administration should report to the Director of the Officer of Management and Budget. Establishes a National Emergency Service Advisory Committee to consult with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civil Preparedness and the Administrator of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration regarding civil defense policies. Title II: Powers and Duties - Enumerates the powers and duties of the Assistant Secretary including: (1) the preparation of national programs for civil defense; (2) research and development of civil defense measures; (3) conducting civil defense instruction programs including the establishment of a National Civil Defense College; (4) assisting and encouraging States to enter into interstate civil defense compacts; (5) the procurement of civil defense materials and facilities by contract or by condemnation in the event the President declares a state of national emergency; (6) making financial contributions to the States for civil defense programs under specified conditions; (7) assuming responsibility for the coordination of the national defense executive reserve program; and (8) assuming responsibility for United States participation in NATO and other international civil emergency planning activities. Stipulates that the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration shall assume responsibility for all programs relating to peacetime crisis management including postattack rehabilitation. Requires the Assistant Secretary to assist States in arranging mutual civil defense aid between the States and neighboring countries. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to prescribe insignia to be worn by persons engaged in civil defense activities and establishes penalties for the wearing of such insignia in violation of regulations prescribed by the Assistant Secretary. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make financial contributions to the States for State civil defense personnel and administrative expenses pursuant to approved State civil defense plans. Title III: Emergency Authority - Stipulates that the provisions of this title shall only be in effect during the existence of a State of civil defense emergency proclaimed by the President or by concurrent resolution of the Congress. Authorizes the President during such an emergency to direct any Federal department or agency to: (1) provide their personnel and materials to the States; (2) provide emergency shelter; and (3) engage in work to protect life and property on public or private lands. Sets forth the powers of the Assistant Secretary during such an emergency including: (1) the sale or delivery of materials and services for civil defense purposes regardless of existing laws; (2) the exercise of specified authority under this Act regardless of existing law; (3) reimbursing a State for employee expenses and for materials utilized outside that State; (4) providing financial assistance to aid injured civilians; (5) employing additional personnel regardless of civil service laws. Grants the Federal Government immunity from liability for any property damages, personal injury, or death in carrying out the provisions of this title during such emergency. Stipulates that during such an emergency the functions and duties exercised under this Act shall be excluded from the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Sets forth procedures for the determination and payment of compensation for property acquired by the Federal government under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth the administrative powers of the Assistant Secretary under this Act. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish any necessary security requirements and safeguards including restrictions on the access of information. Transfers the functions, personnel, and funds of the Office of Preparedness, General Services Administration to the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency and the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration. Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress and the President regarding the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Comprehensive Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Redefines the qualifying service period of an "eligible veteran" to be the period from August 4, 1964 to January 1, 1977; and redesignates as an "eligible peacetime post-Korean veteran" anyone whose qualifying service period fell between January 31, 1955, and August 5, 1964; and entitles both "eligible veterans" and "eligible peacetime post-Korean veterans" to all benefits, services and loans available under the educational assistance program. Extends from 36 to 45 months the period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance (this provision currently exist, 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a)). Sets conditions for extending the ten-year delimiting period for receipt of assistance up to a maximum of two additional years. Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction after development of the required job skills; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist in attaining educational or vocational objectives; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical, or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Directs the Administrator to take such measures as may be necessary, including denial of applications or disapproval of courses, to insure that no aspect of the educational assistance program is used for the purpose of income supplementation, unemployment compensation, or adjusted compensation. Allows continued payments to veterans enrolled in institutions not complying with provisions of the Act if such veterans are not at fault for the noncompliance. Provides an accelerated educational assistance allowance, not to exceed twice the ordinary monthly amount, to be granted, after appropriate counseling, to an eligible veteran or person who demonstrates need for the acceleration. Stipulates the categories of persons most likely to need a program of acceleration. Limits any program of accelerated assistance allowances to five years. Title II: War Orphans' and Widows' Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of the spouse and such veteran. Entitles eligible war orphans and widows to accelerated educational assistance allowances. Title III: Administration of Educational Benefits - Extends the coverage of existing administrative provisions of the educational assistance program to all branches and extensions of an educational institution. Directs the Administrator to establish between the Administration, the State approving agencies and nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, an exchange of information pertaining to activities of educational institutions, especially to the enforcement of approval standard and enrollment restrictions and fraudulent and other criminal activities on the part of persons connected with the institution; and directs the Administrator to furnish the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal, State and local agencies such information and assistance as may be necessary to preclude abuses or enhance the effectiveness of the programs established hereunder. Requires educational institutions to transmit to State approving agencies catalogs or bulletins certified as true, current and correct both in content and policy by an authorized school official. Requires the State approving agencies to find as a condition of approval, adequate standards of progress established and clearly defined, and to find that an institution and its programs of education are in every aspect, portion, element, and division in full compliance with the law. Revises the criteria for approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires all advertising, promotion, sales techniques, claims and personnel employed by or representing the institution and branches or extensions offering nonaccredited courses to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal licensing regulations and laws. Permits the Administrator to disapprove any institution of program of education approved as accredited if it fails to comply with any of specified provisions of law. Makes any advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance conditional, and denies such advance payments to those entitled to receive accelerated payments. Requires the application for conditional advance payments to indicate that the eligible veteran or person had requested such, that it is necessary and appropriated to meet specific expenses, and that such expenses shall reasonably equal or exceed the amount of conditional advance payment. Requires the Administrator to set up an appeals procedure for administrative proceedings involving property loss resulting from a decision to terminate or modify an eligible veteran's or person's educational benefits. Increases from $3 and $4 to $8 and $10 respectively the fees paid to educational institutions in reimbursement for reports and certifications. Directs the Administrator to refer to the U.S. Attorney General any deliberate, premeditated, or willful misconduct or illegal action of a significant nature or involving a significant sum of money stemming from overpayments occasioned by a false or misleading report by an educational institution. Sets new conditions for the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in a program of correspondence or residence-correspondence. Denies approval of enrollment in an institution in any way affiliated with a proprietary institution or profitmaking operation which affects any program of education provided eligible veterans and persons unless such program meets all the requirements of the law. Requires the Administrator to notify any eligible veteran or eligible person of any available vocational assistance alternatives and of any legal recourse when it disapproves an institution or discontinues anyone's educational assistance. Requires the Administrator, upon determination that the interruption of failure of a person's program was due in whole or in part to problems of personal adjustment, to advise such person of available counseling services and vocational, educational and psychological assistance. Establishes with the Veterans Administration an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force to advise and assist the Administrator, among other things, in: (1) the review of the effectiveness and coordination of all rights and services authorized for veterans; (2) the development and implementation of studies of the effectiveness of laws applicable to veterans and eligible persons; (3) the monitoring and evaluation and preclusion of abuses of veterans' adjustment assistance programs; (4) the investigation of allegations indicating that veterans are being denied rights, benefit,or assistance; and (5) the appraisal of Federal laws, appropriations, and policies meeting the readjustment needs of veterans. Directs the Task Force to serve as a national clearinghouse for information and assistance relating to the needs of veterans, and to serve as an advocate for the correction of problems and the preclusion of abuses. Establishes within the Task Force a section on enforcement and implementation of laws, a section on the evaluation and accreditation of military experience, and an Advisory Committee to take over the duties and responsibilities of the current advisory committee, with special emphasis on the inclusion and participation of veterans receiving or requiring readjustment assistance. Empowers the Task Force and its sections to issue subpenas. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress within one year of enactment its findings and recommendations for post-Vietnam era readjustment assistance programs. Sets maximum aggregate education loan amounts for eligible persons with no, one, two, or more dependents. Title IV: Miscellaneous Veterans Program Amendments - Requires the Veterans' Administration to adjust its adjudication criteria and under no circumstances to determine eligibility for veterans' benefits for ex-servicemen with other than honorable discharges with either less lenient or more restrictive criteria and procedures that those used by the various military departments in the review and upgrading of other than honorable discharges. Title V: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam-era Veterans - Creates within the Department of Labor a separate agency to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title VI: Veterans' Administration: Miscellaneous Amendments - Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform veterans of the programs and services made available by this Act. Directs the veterans' representatives to carry out such outreach and information assistance services. Requires both the Administrator and the veterans' representatives especially to assist veterans whose educational benefits have ended because of the expiration of their delimiting period to obtain alternative means of completing their education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Comprehensive Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Redefines the qualifying service period of an "eligible veteran" to be the period from August 4, 1964 to January 1, 1977; and redesignates as an "eligible peacetime post-Korean veteran" anyone whose qualifying service period fell between January 31, 1955, and August 5, 1964; and entitles both "eligible veterans" and "eligible peacetime post-Korean veterans" to all benefits, services and loans available under the educational assistance program. Extends from 36 to 45 months the period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance (this provision currently exist, 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a)). Sets conditions for extending the ten-year delimiting period for receipt of assistance up to a maximum of two additional years. Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction after development of the required job skills; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist in attaining educational or vocational objectives; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical, or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Directs the Administrator to take such measures as may be necessary, including denial of applications or disapproval of courses, to insure that no aspect of the educational assistance program is used for the purpose of income supplementation, unemployment compensation, or adjusted compensation. Allows continued payments to veterans enrolled in institutions not complying with provisions of the Act if such veterans are not at fault for the noncompliance. Provides an accelerated educational assistance allowance, not to exceed twice the ordinary monthly amount, to be granted, after appropriate counseling, to an eligible veteran or person who demonstrates need for the acceleration. Stipulates the categories of persons most likely to need a program of acceleration. Limits any program of accelerated assistance allowances to five years. Title II: War Orphans' and Widows' Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of the spouse and such veteran. Entitles eligible war orphans and widows to accelerated educational assistance allowances. Title III: Administration of Educational Benefits - Extends the coverage of existing administrative provisions of the educational assistance program to all branches and extensions of an educational institution. Directs the Administrator to establish between the Administration, the State approving agencies and nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, an exchange of information pertaining to activities of educational institutions, especially to the enforcement of approval standard and enrollment restrictions and fraudulent and other criminal activities on the part of persons connected with the institution; and directs the Administrator to furnish the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal, State and local agencies such information and assistance as may be necessary to preclude abuses or enhance the effectiveness of the programs established hereunder. Requires educational institutions to transmit to State approving agencies catalogs or bulletins certified as true, current and correct both in content and policy by an authorized school official. Requires the State approving agencies to find as a condition of approval, adequate standards of progress established and clearly defined, and to find that an institution and its programs of education are in every aspect, portion, element, and division in full compliance with the law. Revises the criteria for approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires all advertising, promotion, sales techniques, claims and personnel employed by or representing the institution and branches or extensions offering nonaccredited courses to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal licensing regulations and laws. Permits the Administrator to disapprove any institution of program of education approved as accredited if it fails to comply with any of specified provisions of law. Makes any advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance conditional, and denies such advance payments to those entitled to receive accelerated payments. Requires the application for conditional advance payments to indicate that the eligible veteran or person had requested such, that it is necessary and appropriated to meet specific expenses, and that such expenses shall reasonably equal or exceed the amount of conditional advance payment. Requires the Administrator to set up an appeals procedure for administrative proceedings involving property loss resulting from a decision to terminate or modify an eligible veteran's or person's educational benefits. Increases from $3 and $4 to $8 and $10 respectively the fees paid to educational institutions in reimbursement for reports and certifications. Directs the Administrator to refer to the U.S. Attorney General any deliberate, premeditated, or willful misconduct or illegal action of a significant nature or involving a significant sum of money stemming from overpayments occasioned by a false or misleading report by an educational institution. Sets new conditions for the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in a program of correspondence or residence-correspondence. Denies approval of enrollment in an institution in any way affiliated with a proprietary institution or profitmaking operation which affects any program of education provided eligible veterans and persons unless such program meets all the requirements of the law. Requires the Administrator to notify any eligible veteran or eligible person of any available vocational assistance alternatives and of any legal recourse when it disapproves an institution or discontinues anyone's educational assistance. Requires the Administrator, upon determination that the interruption of failure of a person's program was due in whole or in part to problems of personal adjustment, to advise such person of available counseling services and vocational, educational and psychological assistance. Establishes with the Veterans Administration an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force to advise and assist the Administrator, among other things, in: (1) the review of the effectiveness and coordination of all rights and services authorized for veterans; (2) the development and implementation of studies of the effectiveness of laws applicable to veterans and eligible persons; (3) the monitoring and evaluation and preclusion of abuses of veterans' adjustment assistance programs; (4) the investigation of allegations indicating that veterans are being denied rights, benefit,or assistance; and (5) the appraisal of Federal laws, appropriations, and policies meeting the readjustment needs of veterans. Directs the Task Force to serve as a national clearinghouse for information and assistance relating to the needs of veterans, and to serve as an advocate for the correction of problems and the preclusion of abuses. Establishes within the Task Force a section on enforcement and implementation of laws, a section on the evaluation and accreditation of military experience, and an Advisory Committee to take over the duties and responsibilities of the current advisory committee, with special emphasis on the inclusion and participation of veterans receiving or requiring readjustment assistance. Empowers the Task Force and its sections to issue subpenas. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress within one year of enactment its findings and recommendations for post-Vietnam era readjustment assistance programs. Sets maximum aggregate education loan amounts for eligible persons with no, one, two, or more dependents. Title IV: Miscellaneous Veterans Program Amendments - Requires the Veterans' Administration to adjust its adjudication criteria and under no circumstances to determine eligibility for veterans' benefits for ex-servicemen with other than honorable discharges with either less lenient or more restrictive criteria and procedures that those used by the various military departments in the review and upgrading of other than honorable discharges. Title V: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam-era Veterans - Creates within the Department of Labor a separate agency to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title VI: Veterans' Administration: Miscellaneous Amendments - Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform veterans of the programs and services made available by this Act. Directs the veterans' representatives to carry out such outreach and information assistance services. Requires both the Administrator and the veterans' representatives especially to assist veterans whose educational benefits have ended because of the expiration of their delimiting period to obtain alternative means of completing their education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes the recomputation at age 60 of the retired or retainer pay for members or former members of the uniformed services whose retired or retainer pay was computed on the basis of pay scales in effect prior to January 1, 1972 in order to reflect any retired or retainer pay increases for other members which was based on changes in the Consumer Price Index since that date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes the recomputation at age 60 of the retired or retainer pay for members or former members of the uniformed services whose retired or retainer pay was computed on the basis of pay scales in effect prior to January 1, 1972 in order to reflect any retired or retainer pay increases for other members which was based on changes in the Consumer Price Index since that date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Amends the Maritime Academy Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of the Navy to appoint students at maritime academies or colleges assisted under such Act as Reserve midshipmen in the Navy and to commission such individuals as Reserve ensigns upon graduation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Prohibits the change in status of any member of the uniformed services currently in a missing status due to service in Southeast Asia until: (1) the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam have fully complied with the provision of the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam relating to information concerning those missing in action; and (2) the President of the United States has determined that all reasonable actions have been taken to account for such members and has reported such to Congress in writing. Directs the Committees on Armed Services of the House and Senate to review specified provisions of law relating to the reclassification of individuals currently in a missing status to determine whether such laws should be repealed or amended and to report the results of such study to their respective House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Establishes Optometry Corps within the Army and the Navy and establishes a separate optometric service within the Air Force.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Terminates the authority of Members of Congress and Delegates to Congress from the various territories to make appointments to the various service academies. Terminates the authority of the Secretaries of the military departments to appoint members of the reserve components of the armed forces to the academies except under certain circumstances. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Military, Naval, and Air Force academies to inquire into the admission policy and procedure of these academies on their annual visit and to send their annual report to the Congress as well as the President. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies to inquire into specified subject areas including admission policies and procedures on their annual visit and to report to the Congress as well as the President regarding their findings. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to accomplish the purposes of this Act with respect to the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Removes the time limitation within which programs of education for veterans must be completed. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Removes the requirement that a veteran die in the service in order to be entitled to a memorial headstone or marker when his remains have not been recovered or identified, or have been buried at sea.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Extends from ten to fifteen years the delimiting period in which a veteran's educational assistance may be used.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Stipulates that no veteran may be denied care or treatment under the Champus program for any service-connected disability solely because care or treatment for such disability is available at Veterans' Administration medical facilities. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1086)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Prohibits disclosure of information identifying or tending to identify a person as a present or former participant in United States foreign intelligence operations if (1) the information has been designated by statute or Executive Order as requiring some degree of protection or (2) the person disclosing the information knows or has reason to believe that such disclosure may prejudice the safety or well-being of the person identified.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Provides that the fees payable to agents or attorneys who represent veterans in allowed claims under the veterans laws shall be paid by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs rather than deducted from amounts awarded under the claims.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Eliminates the provision in the Veterans' Assistance and Employment Act of 1976 which prohibits colleges and universities from receiving Veterans' Administration educational benefits for classes in which more than 85 percent of the enrollment is composed of students having their fees paid either by the Federal Government or the institutions themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Permits National Guard technicians who served before 1969, and were separated after 1968 but before the date of enactment of this Act, to be credited with such service for purposes of civil service retirement, and computing leave, health insurance, severance pay, tenure, and status. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8332)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish a Presidential task force to advise the President with respect to actions which may be taken to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans who are prisoners of war or missing in Southeast Asia as a result of the Vietnam conflict and to recommend to the President the adoption of national policies with respect to prisoners of war and individuals who are missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish a Presidential task force to advise the President with respect to actions which may be taken to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans who are prisoners of war or missing in Southeast Asia as a result of the Vietnam conflict and to recommend to the President the adoption of national policies with respect to prisoners of war and individuals who are missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to (1) restore the entitlement of any person who lost their entitlement by reason of certain past increases in monthly social security benefits; and (2) pay in a lump sum to any such person any such compensation or pension that would have been payable to him but to such loss of entitlement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Requires an increase in the annuities payable under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan to spouses or children of deceased members of the armed forces who died before March 20, 1974, whenever retired or retainer pay is increased to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. Makes such adjustments retroactive for retired or retainer pay adjustments since September 21, 1972. Makes adjustments regarding eligible and the amounts payable under the Survivor Benefit Plan of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Expands the program of making grants to States for the construction, remodeling or renovation of State veterans' care facilities to include hospital and domiciliary as well as nursing home care facilities. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and states that such sums shall remain available until expended. Repeals the authorization provisions of the existing program, together with the limitation on the amount any one State may receive.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Repeals the requirement that medical services be furnished only within the limits of Veterans' Administration facilities to eligible veterans receiving an allowance for regular care and attendance or veterans who are permanently housebound.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Provides that the decisions of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs on any question of law or fact under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration providing benefits for veterans and their dependents or survivors shall be subject to judicial review. Subjects all rules regulations, orders and any other determination of any kind made by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Repeals the requirement that the Administrator determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys in allowed claims for monetary benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Defense Department Overseas Teachers Pay and Personnel Practices Act to provide that a teacher's entitlement to any allowance or other benefit under such Act shall be made without regard to whether the teacher was recruited outside or inside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Removes the time limitation within which programs of education for veterans must be completed. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to (1) restore the entitlement of any person who lost their entitlement by reason of certain past increases in monthly social security benefits; and (2) pay in a lump sum to any such person any such compensation or pension that would have been payable to him but to such loss of entitlement.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of general or cost-of- living increases in social security benefits or in benefits under any other Federal retirement, annuity or endowment program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides that representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans are recognized as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
World War I Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay to each veteran of World War I, who meets the service requirements of this Act, or his widow, a pension at the monthly rate of $150. Defines the terms "veteran" and "World War I". States that the pension under this Act shall be paid to a veteran or his widow without regard to his or her annual income, if solely derived from the payments of social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, or pensions. Sets forth specified minimum service requirements for a veteran to be eligible for a pension under this Act. Stipulates that a widow must have been married to the veteran for not less than ten years at the time of his death.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to authorize the use of Federal civil defense funds by local civil defense agencies for natural disaster or civil disturbance relief. Increases the Federal contribution for travel expenses and per diem allowances for students in civil defense training programs and increases the Federal financial contribution to States for civil defense personnel and administrative expenses. Increases the authorization for appropriations under such Act for travel expenses, for personal equipment for State and local workers, and personnel and administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides that any portion of any public or private retirement, annuity or endowment payment made to any person (including monthly social security insurance benefits), attributable to any dependent of such person, shall not be included in computing annual income for the purpose of determining eligibility for a service pension or a non-service-connected disability pension paid by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides, for purposes of awarding veterans' wartime disability compensation, that progressive muscular atrophy developing a ten percent or more degree of disability within seven years after separation from active service during a period of war shall be presumed to be service connected.