A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to encourage prompt, informal and inexpensive resolution of civil cases by use of arbitration in U.S. district courts.

Authorizes United States district courts to refer the following types of civil actions to arbitration, any appeal from which is to be by trial de novo: (1) Federal litigation of a type designated by the Attorney General for referral; (2) certain action by employees and materialmen of public contractors for money owed; (3) actions for money damages where all parties consent to referral; and (4) most diversity and general Federal question actions where money damages under $50,000 are sought and nonmonetary claims are insubstantial.