United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require the operator of a drilling and production operation under a lease to submit annually to the Secretary of the Interior a specified certification by the operator's chief executive officer that the operator is in compliance with all pertinent laws and operating regulations. Subjects the chief executive officer to a civil penalty for non-compliance with this requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) provide 700 incremental vouchers to the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation in FY2011 for tenant-based rental housing assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937; and (2) renew such vouchers in each ensuing fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the outbreak of the Gulf War. Honors the service and sacrifice of the armed forces of the United States and of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing that anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the role that school resource officers play in reducing and preventing school-related violence and crime through their professionalism and positive interaction with students. Encourages school districts to fully integrate school resource officers in the professional development of school staff.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century or the MOMS for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Office on Women's Health, to: (1) establish the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Promotion of Optimal Maternity Outcomes; and (2) develop and implement a consumer education campaign to promote understanding and acceptance of evidence-based maternity practices and models of care for optimal maternity outcomes among women of childbearing ages and families of such women. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to make publicly available and update an online bibliographic database identifying systematic reviews for care of childbearing women and newborns. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) designate maternity care health professional shortage areas under the National Health Service Corps program; (2) establish a loan repayment program to alleviate critical shortages of maternal care professionals; and (3) award planning and implementation grants to address workforce disparities for such professionals. Directs the Secretary to support the establishment of two additional Centers for Excellence on Optimal Maternity Outcomes to conduct research to improve maternity outcomes. Requires the Secretary to convene a Maternity Curriculum Commission to discuss and make recommendations for: (1) a shared core maternity care curriculum; (2) strategies to integrate and coordinate education across maternity care disciplines; and (3) pilot demonstrations of interdisciplinary educational models. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover services provided by a supervised student midwife or an intern or resident-in-training under a teaching program under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care. Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years. Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Eat Local Foods Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to states, by the beginning of each school year (beginning with the 2012-2013 school year), for use in providing school food authorities with local food credits that represent up to 10% of the total value of the commodity assistance (or cash payments in lieu thereof) that the authority would be eligible to receive for the school year. Subtracts the value of the food credit from the amount of commodity assistance (or cash payments in lieu thereof) that a school food authority would otherwise receive. Requires school food authorities to use their credits to purchase locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to serve in the school lunch program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the third annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. Encourages: (1) primary care physicians and other clinicians nationwide to become actively involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, treatment, and referral services; and (2) individuals to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Condemns the recent violence against members of the media in the Philippines. Expresses condolences to the families of Joselito Agustin, Desiderio Camangyan, and other victims of such violence. Calls on the government of the Philippines to fully investigate the murders of Joselito Agustin and Desiderio Camangyan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations under part H (School Dropout Prevention). Establishes a transition-to-success mentoring program under part H of the ESEA requiring the Secretary of Education to award five-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community-based nonprofit organizations to establish, expand, or support school-based mentoring programs to assist at-risk students in transitioning from middle to high school. Requires grantees to assign to each at-risk student in his or her middle school a success coach who: (1) creates a plan of success for the student; (2) enters into an agreement with the student's parents regarding their role in implementing such plan; (3) meets with the student at least once a month to assess and assist the student's progress; (4) meets at least quarterly with the student and the student's parents, teachers, or counselors to evaluate the student's progress and revise or establish new goals for the next academic year; and (5) serves as the student's advocate between the student's parents and teachers. Authorizes the use of grant funds to train success coaches and cover the cost of any materials they use under the mentoring program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow students who are pursuing a postbaccalaureate professional certification or licensing credential required for employment as a teacher to receive a Pell grant even if their institution of higher education (IHE) offers a baccalaureate degree in education, provided they do not live within 45 miles of an IHE that offers such a postbaccalaureate program but not a baccalaureate degree in education. (Currently, students are not eligible for Pell grants for such postbaccalaureate studies if their IHE offers a baccalaureate degree in education.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive the imposition or collection of copayments for telehealth and telemedicine visits of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Expresses support for the designation of, and requests the President to issue a proclamation recognizing, Cesar E. Chavez Day. Expresses support for a curriculum in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States focusing on the goals and ideals of Chavez and his dedication to farm workers' children by organizing migrant schools. Recognizes the legacy of Chavez in denouncing the abuse of human dignity and the exploitation of the vulnerable, in promoting education, and in advancing the American Dream.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Honors the accomplishments and legacy of Paul Leo Locatelli, S.J., for his contributions to Santa Clara University and the Silicon Valley community through his leadership in fostering social justice and equality. Recognizes the sacrifices that those suffering from social injustice endure, so that we may unite with competence, conscience, and compassion.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
Recognizes the service and sacrifices of all of the brave men and women who fought and contributed to American victory in World War II on the 65th anniversary of the end of that war. Honors the families and decedents of those men and women, and the men and women themselves, whose lives were taken in defense of liberty and freedom. Remembers and honors the servicemembers today who are actively fighting for freedom and to protect the American way of life in ongoing combat operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Authorizes the President to invite each U.S. territory to provide and furnish a statue, in marble or bronze, of a deceased person who has been a citizen of such territory, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services, such as the territory may deem to be worthy of this national commemoration. Requires the statues to be placed in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Prohibits a statue of any individual from being placed in Statuary Hall until 10 years after the individual's death. Prescribes requirements and administrative procedures for replacement of such statues.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Honors the achievements of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission which have improved health for the residents of the United States-Mexico border region. Recognizes the 10th anniversary of the agreement to establish the full Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the nation's goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for Americans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II. Honors the thousands of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Geothermal Energy Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2016 a 30% energy tax credit for investment in geothermal energy property.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to make available more funding to Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for Older American community service employment programs for unemployed low-income persons over age 55, while decreasing from 30% to 25% the amount of funding reserved for Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and increasing from 10% to 25% the amount reserved for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Commends Harry Belafonte for receiving the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights on May 12, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Acknowledges the family planning services programs operating under title X of the Public Health Service Act as a critical component of the U.S. public health care system. Expresses support for the mission of such programs. Recognizes family planning providers at Title X health centers who work tirelessly to provide quality care to millions of low-income individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Supports the designation of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. Encourages people across the United States to support programs to assist those in need of adult education and family literacy programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Supports the designation of a National ESIGN Day. Recognizes the previous contribution made by Congress to the adoption of modern solutions that keep the United States on the leading technological edge. Reaffirms the commitment of Congress to facilitating interstate and foreign commerce in an increasingly digital world.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Attorney General should implement changes to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to identify endangered juveniles; (2) funds awarded under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program should be used to provide education, training, deterrence, and prevention programs relating to sex trafficking of minors; (3) states should treat minor victims of sex trafficking as crime victims rather than as criminal defendants or juvenile delinquents and adopt and amend laws to protect and provide compensation to such victims; and (4) demand for commercial sex with sex trafficking victims must be deterred through consistent law enforcement. Authorizes the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs to award one-year block grants to up to six state or local governments in different regions of the United States that have significant sex trafficking to combat such trafficking. Requires grant funds to be used to provide shelter and services to minor victims of sex trafficking and for training for service providers. Amends title IV of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services) to require states to adopt procedures for reporting information on missing or abducted children for entry into the NCIC database. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require: (1) the Attorney General's annual statistical summary under such Act to include the total number of missing child reports received and the total number of entries made to the NCIC database; and (2) state law enforcement agencies to update the record of a missing child with a photograph taken within the previous 180 days and to notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of each report of a child missing from a foster care family home or childcare institution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2010; (2) efforts to educate Americans about infant mortality and its contributing factors; and (3) efforts to reduce infant deaths, low-birth weight, pre-term births, and disparities in perinatal outcomes. Recognizes the critical importance of including efforts to reduce infant mortality and its contributing factors as part of prevention and wellness strategies.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Volunteer Firefighter Fairness Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat qualified emergency service volunteers as independent contractors, not employees, for tax purposes. Defines "qualified emergency service volunteers" to include volunteers performing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service (NPS), to ensure that the flags of the states, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, encircle the Washington Monument in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Honors the graduating seniors of the class of 2010 for their academic achievements and contributions to their communities. Encourages all graduates to continue their studies. Supports the continued community engagement of the class of 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and commends the Institute for its leadership in research, research training, and science-based education programs. Recognizes the Institute-supported scientists, the volunteers who participate in clinical studies, and the patient and professional health organizations who contribute to the shared research goals of preventing, treating, and curing the diseases within the Institute's mission. Reaffirms support for the Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of United States Military History Month. Encourages the President to issue a proclamation to emphasize the importance of such Month.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to revise the school lunch and breakfast programs, the summer food service program, the child and adult care food program (CACFP), and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC program). Reauthorizes appropriations for such programs through FY2015. Includes among such revisions: (1) encouraging the direct certification of children who receive other public assistance as eligible for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs; (2) establishing new mechanisms by which schools or local educational agencies (LEAs) with very high proportions of low-income children can receive federal reimbursement for free or reduced price meals under such programs without collecting individual paper applications from households; (3) establishing a program awarding competitive grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to LEAs to establish or expand the school breakfast program at low-income schools; (4) expanding the access of low-income rural areas to the summer food service program; (5) requiring updates to meal patterns and nutrition standards for the school lunch and breakfast programs based on recommendations made by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS); (6) requiring the establishment of science-based nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools outside the school lunch and breakfast programs; (7) requiring LEAs participating in the school lunch and breakfast programs to establish local school wellness policies for their schools that include goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and education, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness; (8) requiring reimbursable meals and snacks provided under the CACFP to meet the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and certain authoritative scientific recommendations; (9) encouraging WIC program participants to breastfeed; and (10) requiring WIC electronic benefit transfer (EBT) systems to be implemented nationwide by October 1, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Honors Juan Antonio "Chi Chi" Rodriguez for his contributions to the successful programs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute for Latino youth and his lifelong leadership in shaping the lives of at-risk youth.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010
Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of 2010 or CARE Act - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 with respect to transfers of interest earned by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Fund. Requires the transfer during any fiscal year to the trustees of the 1974 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Pension Plan, to be used solely to pay pension benefits under such plan, of certain excess funds remaining after: (1) transfer from the AMR Fund to the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund; and (2) application of the annual $490 million cap on such transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010
Ending Childhood Hunger Challenge Act of 2010 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to award funding competitively to states, through grants or contracts, to carry out comprehensive and innovative demonstration projects that promote the reduction or elimination of childhood hunger by 2015. Requires the Secretary, when determining the amount of funds to be provided to a state, to consider: (1) the proportion of children in the state eligible for free or reduced price meals under the Act; and (2) the rates of food insecurity, hunger, or poverty in the state. Includes among the demonstration projects eligible for funding those that: (1) enhance federal child nutrition program benefits or establish innovative models for the delivery of program benefits; (2) increase children's access to and participation in such programs; and (3) improve the coordination of federal, state, and community resources and services aimed at eliminating food insecurity and hunger. Requires each state that receives such funding to: (1) collaborate with key stakeholders in the state to develop a comprehensive agenda for eliminating childhood hunger that is approved by the Secretary; (2) set specific performance goals for reducing or eliminating childhood hunger; and (3) arrange for an independent evaluation of its project's effectiveness. Favors projects with a 25% nonfederal match in cash or in-kind contributions. Limits project funding to five years and states to no more than one funded project. Makes the amount of federal funding provided for a project each year contingent on its progress toward performance goals.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2010
Recognizes the amount of work it requires to be a special education teacher. Commends special education teachers for their sacrifice and dedication while providing the quality life skills to individuals with special needs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Virtual Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide Medicare coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) as a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test; and (2) exclude screening CTC from the meaning of "imaging services" for which there is a special rule regarding outpatient services department (OPD) fee schedule payments. Directs the Comptroller General to study, by CRC screening procedure type, and report to Congress on: (1) the effect of the addition of the screening CTC benefit under this Act; (2) the effect of the addition of such benefit as part of an overall set of CRC screening made available to relevant Medicare population, including individuals over age 50 and over age 75; and (3) any other relevant questions involving access to, beneficiary preference of, and value of, screening CTC for Medicare beneficiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and implement a birth defects prevention and public awareness program, which includes: (1) a nationwide media campaign to increase awareness among health care providers and at-risk populations about pregnancy and breastfeeding information services; (2) grants for the provision of, or campaigns to increase awareness about, pregnancy and breastfeeding information services; and (3) grants for the conduct or support of surveillance of or research on maternal exposures and maternal health conditions that may influence the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal exposures that may influence health risks to a breastfed infant, or of networking to facilitate such surveillance or research.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Ready to Compete Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new Ready to Learn program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to provide a coordinated Ready to Learn television service by awarding subgrants and contracts to public television stations and producers or distributors of educational programming for the operation of Ready to Learn programs for preschool and elementary school children. Requires such service to include programming that: (1) is aligned with state academic and early learning standards; (2) addresses specific community and school needs, ascertained via ongoing community outreach programs; and (3) is in reading and social and emotional development. Specifies that public broadcasting entities are eligible for Ready to Teach grants to improve teaching in core curriculum areas by using high-tech platforms to deliver integrated educational content and services and teacher training. Requires grantees to direct a significant portion of such services to schools that have failed for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Alters the Digital Educational Programming Grants program by authorizing competitive five-year (currently, three-year) grants to public television stations that partner with certain other entities to develop, and train teachers in the use of, innovative educational tools and digital content for core curriculum content areas, particularly math, science, and technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for such revamped programs through FY2016. Directs the Secretary to award five-year grants to television public broadcasting entities to develop and operate a national on-demand digital education media service available to teachers, parents, educational entities, and the public at low or no cost. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to create a Ready to Earn program authorizing the Secretary to award competitive grants to public television stations that partner with states, state workforce investment boards, or institutions of higher education to develop, disseminate, and provide on-line and on-air education and training services for adults.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
America Realizing the Informational Skills and Initiative of New Graduates Act of 2010 or America RISING Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program of grants to: (1) eligible small business employers to defray the cost of compensation they pay to recent graduates from institutions of higher education; and (2) such graduates to enable them to defray the cost of undertaking further education for up to 24 months in subjects relating to mathematics, science, engineering, or technology.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Start Healthy Habits Early Act - Amends the child and adult care food program (CACFP) under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, at least once every ten years, to review and, as appropriate, update nutritional requirements for meals and snacks served under the CACFP to ensure that they meet the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and promote the health of those served. Prohibits CACFP providers from using reimbursable meal service as a punishment or reward. Requires fluid milk served as part of a reimbursable meal or snack to meet the most recent Dietary Guidelines and appropriate authoritative scientific recommendations for young children. Allows nondairy substitutes to be served to children who cannot consume fluid milk, provided the substitutes are nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk and meet certain nutritional standards. Requires CACFP providers to make potable water available to children throughout the day, including at meal times. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance and guidance to CACFP providers and states regarding: (1) nutritional requirements; (2) age-appropriate physical activity and electronic media use by children; (3) parental involvement in nutrition and wellness initiatives; and (4) food choking hazards. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award competitive grants to states and, through them, subgrants to institutions participating in the CACFP to promote health and nutrition in child care settings; and (2) provide states and such institutions with best practices for implementing effective nutrition and wellness initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Partnerships for Wellness Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive matching grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the school lunch and breakfast programs for projects that leverage community resources to increase student access to physical activity, nutrition education, and nutritious foods during the regular school calendar. Requires LEA grantees to partner with a community-based organization, a child- and youth-serving organization, an institution of higher education, a health care provider, or another business or community partner in implementing such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Requires transportation on Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft, on a space-available basis and on the same basis as members of the Armed Forces entitled to retired pay, for: (1) reserve members or former members eligible for retired pay but for attaining the required age (generally 60); and (2) any dependent of such member, if accompanying the member.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish the National Remote Teacher Corps of elementary and secondary school teachers to fill vacancies, reduce class sizes, and improve educational quality in certain remote areas in the U.S. territories. Requires Corps applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education (IHE), but gives priority to individuals who: (1) have at least a master's degree in education, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; or (2) are highly qualified teachers with at least ten years of experience teaching elementary or secondary school students, or equivalent qualifications. Directs the Secretary to place Corps teachers with local educational agencies or charter schools that have been designated as Corps sites. Requires Corps teachers to agree to obtain certification or licensing as an elementary or secondary school teacher within such time as the Secretary may require and accept an offer to serve as a full-time teacher for at least three years at a Corps site. Requires Corps sites to compensate Corps teachers as they would compensate other teachers having similar qualifications. Authorizes the Secretary to compensate Corps teachers for certain travel costs and award them annual or one-time cash bonuses. Directs the Secretary and each Corps site to develop jointly and implement a high-quality alternative certification route for Corps teachers who are not certified teachers, unless the Corps site has an existing alternative certification program that is acceptable to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a professional development and distance-learning certificate or degree program to assist individuals located in remote territorial areas in becoming highly qualified teachers; and (2) award grants to IHEs to implement such program and cover the program's tuition for teachers at Corps sites.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Student Veteran Counseling Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a toll-free telephone number to provide mental and behavioral health professionals with information related to the treatment and counseling of a veteran reporting symptoms of: (1) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (2) traumatic brain injury; (3) anxiety; (4) depression; (5) sexual assault; (6) sexual trauma; (7) readjustment disorder; or (8) other service-connected mental health conditions. Requires that a licensed mental health counselor employed by the VA operate the hotline and provide such information. Directs the Secretary to notify each institution of higher learning of the hotline and provide hotline information on the VA's Internet website. Requires the Secretary to provide mental and behavioral health professionals at each institution of higher learning with training on such information.