Education

Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to treat current active National Guard and Reserve personnel who have completed their initial military training as independent students in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act. Prohibits educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in such need analyses.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause: (1) a net increase in deficits in excess of $0 in any of the four consecutive ten-year periods beginning with the first fiscal year that is a decade after the budget year provided for in the most recently adopted concurrent resolution; or (2) the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; (5) comparative effectiveness research at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (6) reducing waste in defense contracting; (7) adjustments for war costs in Iraq and Afghanistan; and (8) supplemental appropriations for FY2008, if such legislation is enacted. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception; (2) constitute changes in mandatory programs producing net costs that would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) were they included in legislation other than appropriations legislation. Makes it out of order to consider a budget resolution in the Senate unless it contains a specified debt disclosure section. Provides for certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for legislation for: (1) strengthening and stimulating the American economy and providing economic relief to American families; (2) improving education; (3) investing in America's infrastructure; (4) investing in clean energy, preserving the environment, and providing for certain settlements; (5) providing for America's veterans and wounded servicemembers, including a post 9/11 GI bill; (6) improving America's health; and (7) revising judicial pay and judgeships.

Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2008

Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committee on Ways and Means. Authorizes certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for: (1) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (2) veterans and servicemembers; (3) educational benefits for servicemembers, veterans, and their families; (4) infrastructure investment; (5) renewable energy and energy efficiency; (6) middle-income tax relief and economic equity; (7) alternative minimum tax revision; (8) higher education; (9) affordable housing; (10) Medicare improvements; (11) health care quality, effectiveness, and efficiency; (12) Medicaid and other programs; (13) trade adjustment assistance and unemployment insurance modernization; (14) county payments legislation; (15) San Joaquin River restoration and Navajo Nation Water Rights settlement; (16) the National Park Centennial Fund; and (17) child support enforcement. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary authority, and outlays for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations by the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax compliance; (3) the health care fraud and abuse control program; and (4) unemployment insurance program integrity activities. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2010 or FY2011 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. States that new budget authority and outlays resulting from adoption of legislation making appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for overseas deployments and related activities, or emergency appropriations for nondefense discretionary spending, shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA). Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) middle-income tax relief; and (2) defense priorities. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) the Innovation Agenda and America Competes Act; (2) servicemembers' and veterans' health care and other priorities; (3) homeland security; (4) long-term fiscal revision; (5) waste, fraud, and abuse; (6) extension of the statutory PAYGO rule; (7) long-term budgeting; (8) the need to maintain and build upon efforts to fight hunger; (9) affordable health coverage; (10) pay parity; (11) subprime lending and foreclosures; and (12) the importance of child support enforcement.

Deamonte Driver Dental Care Access Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008

Deamonte Driver Dental Care Access Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to schools of dentistry and hospitals with accredited training programs in pediatric dentistry. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary to provide for a pilot program to increase access to dental care for underserved populations through the use of new allied dental health professionals. Requires the Secretary to award grants to federally qualified health centers to expand and improve the provision of dental services to medically underserved populations. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to develop, implement, and evaluate public health and clinical strategies to prevent and manage early childhood caries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for a portion of compensation received for providing dental services under SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) or from an uninsured individual. Requires the Secretary, acting through the the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct a public education and awareness campaign on preventing, controlling, and ultimately eliminating early childhood caries. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI to expand reporting requirements with respect to children's dental services. Requires the Comptroller General to study payment rates for dental services provided to individuals under Medicaid or SCHIP. Requires the Secretary to ensure the inclusion of dental health prevention and promotion activities within existing prenatal and maternal child health programs.

Justin Bailey Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008

Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008 - Requires each substance use disorder treatment plan developed by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center to ensure that such center provides ready access to a full continuum of care for substance use disorders for veterans in need of such care. Outlines the treatment and services that will be considered a full continuum of care. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide outreach to veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom concerning the availability of such care. Requires the Secretary to ensure that amounts made available to the VA for substance use disorder care, treatment, and services are allocated to ensure a full continuum of such care to veterans regardless of the location of their residence. Directs the Secretary to carry out a two-year pilot program to test the feasibility and advisability of providing veterans who seek treatment for substance use disorders with access to a computer-based self-assessment, education, and specific treatment program through a secure Internet website operated by the Secretary.

Deamonte Driver Dental Care Access Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2008

Deamonte Driver Dental Care Access Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to schools of dentistry and hospitals with accredited training programs in pediatric dentistry. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary to provide for a pilot program to increase access to dental care for underserved populations through the use of new allied dental health professionals. Requires the Secretary to award grants to federally qualified health centers to expand and improve the provision of dental services to medically underserved populations. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to develop, implement, and evaluate public health and clinical strategies to prevent and manage early childhood caries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for a portion of compensation received for providing dental services under SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) or XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) or from an uninsured individual. Requires the Secretary, acting through the the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct a public education and awareness campaign on preventing, controlling, and ultimately eliminating early childhood caries. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI to expand reporting requirements with respect to children's dental services. Requires the Comptroller General to study payment rates for dental services provided to individuals under Medicaid or SCHIP. Requires the Secretary to ensure the inclusion of dental health prevention and promotion activities within existing prenatal and maternal child health programs.

Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008

Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a Geriatric and Gerontology Loan Repayment Program to enter into contracts with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, psychologists, and social workers trained in geriatrics or gerontology to pay educational loans in exchange for providing full-time clinical practice and service to older adults; and (2) establish the National Advisory Council on the Geriatric and Gerontology Loan Repayment Program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that individuals eligible for the nurse loan repayment program include registered nurses who complete specialty training in geriatrics or gerontology and who elect to provide nursing services to older adults in home and long-term care settings. Authorizes the Secretary to award nursing education grants and enter into contracts for programs that focus on specialty training in providing long-term care services for nursing personnel who provide services in home and long-term care settings. Requires the Secretary to establish a Health and Long-Term Care Workforce Advisory Panel to conduct a research project to identify incentives for recruitment and retention of clinicians and providers who agree to serve vulnerable older adults in geriatric and long-term care settings.

Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008

Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007 [ sic ] - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide grants (not to exceed $500) to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements. Provides such grants to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by the English language course in which the legal resident is enrolled. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide that a legal U.S. resident who demonstrates English fluency will satisfy the residency requirement upon the completion of four (currently, five years) years of continuous U.S. legal residency. Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) establish an American citizenship grant program for qualified entities to provide civics, history, and English classes to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens; and (2) implement a strategy to enhance public awareness of naturalization ceremonies. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship. Amends INA to set forth a new oath of allegiance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) incorporate a knowledge and understanding of the oath of allegiance into the history and government citizenship test; and (2) notify the embassy of the country of which a new citizen was a citizen or subject that such citizen has renounced allegiance to that foreign country and sworn allegiance to the United States. Establishes a new citizens award program to recognize citizens who: (1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United States; and (2) were naturalized during the 10-year period ending on the date of such recognition.

Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008

Troops to Nurse Teachers Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs under which commissioned officers of the nurse corps: (1) serve as full-time faculty of accredited schools of nursing in exchange for additional service or in exchange for scholarships provided by the school to those accepting commissions in the nurse corps; (2) receive scholarships leading to a graduate degree in nursing in exchange for service as nursing school faculty and to undertake activities to encourage nurses to serve in the Armed Forces nurse corps; (3) receive nursing faculty career placement and continuing education assistance if they are retirement-eligible and have graduate degrees qualifying them as nurse instructors; or (4) receive, while serving after retirement as faculty at a nursing school, retired pay without reduction and a pay differential to ensure that compensation for faculty member service will not be less than the basic pay received before retirement. Requires: (1) any program established under this Act to last at least two years; and (2) the Secretary to assess each program to determine if it should be continued.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that providing breakfast in schools through the National School Breakfast Program has a positive impact on the lives and classroom performance of low-income children.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008

Recognizes the positive effect the National School Breakfast Program has had on children's classroom performance and the lives of low-income children and families. Expresses strong support for states that have successfully implemented school breakfast programs and encourages all states to improve their programs. Recognizes the need to provide states with resources to improve the availability of adequate and nutritious breakfasts.

Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008

Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2008 - Requires all new U.S. vessels with a building contract date after enactment of this Act or delivered after August 1, 2010, and with an aggregate capacity of 600 cubic meters or more of oil used as fuel, to comply with a specified regulation requiring double hulls. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to order any vessel to change heading and speed if the vessel does not comply with any regulation, law, or treaty or does not satisfy port entry conditions, or if the order is justified for safety. Directs the Secretary to: (1) continue individual port and waterway safety assessments to determine the U.S. ports, waterways, and channels needing new or improved vessel traffic management risk mitigation measures, including vessel traffic service (VTS) systems; (2) identify infrastructure requirements to improve existing or support new VTSs; and (3) review and validate the recruiting, retention, training, and expansion of the VTS personnel workforce and require basic navigation training for VTS watchstander personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a medical review board to advise the Coast Guard on medical standards and guidelines for merchant mariner physical qualifications, medical examiner education, and medical research; and (2) establish and maintain a national registry of medical examiners qualified to perform examinations and issue medical certificates.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Act of 2008 - Requires the President: (1) acting through the Secretary of State and in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to seek to establish an International Renewable Energy Agency; and (2) to direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice and vote of the United States to seek to establish such an agency. Provides that such agency should: (1) support governments in establishing policies and programs that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures; (2) assist in conducting country studies of the potential of renewable energy; (3) provide a global status report for renewable energy; (4) provide long-term projections and scenarios to identify market potential, barriers to deployment, and failures in markets and policies, as well as plan for future demand for renewable energy; (5) organize training programs, information campaigns, and courses relating to renewable energy for civil servants, scientists, businesses, and nongovernment organizations; (6) assist in developing and supplying curricula relating to renewable energy for schools and universities; (7) cooperate with financing institutions to develop and support innovative financing mechanisms to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures; (8) facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices gained from successful renewable energy programs; (9) develop common, nondiscriminatory international norms and quality standards including certification relating to renewable energy; and (10) draft and disseminate statistics, technology information, reports on project implementation, and progress of legislation and policy programs relating to renewable energy.

Expressing the sense of Congress that providing breakfast in schools through the National School Breakfast Program has a positive impact on classroom performance.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008

Recognizes the importance of the National School Breakfast Program and its overall positive effect on the lives of low-income children and families, as well as its effect on helping to improve a child's overall classroom performance. Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for states that have successfully implemented school breakfast programs in order to improve the test scores and grades of their participating students. Encourages states to: (1) strengthen their school breakfast programs by improving student access; (2) promote improvements in the nutritional quality of breakfasts served; and (3) inform students and parents of healthy nutritional and lifestyle choices.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify certain authorities relating to educational assistance benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2008

Amends federal provisions concerning veterans' educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) allow the accelerated payment of such assistance for the pursuit of education leading to employment in high-technology industry only for programs of education which do not lead to an associate or higher degree; (2) terminate the June 30, 2010, delimiting period on an expanded scope of work activities that may be assigned to individuals participating in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work-study programs; and (3) authorize appropriations for VA payments to state agencies which approve programs of education for purposes of participation in the VA educational assistance program.

A resolution designating April 2008 as "National 9-1-1 Education Month".

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2008

Designates April 2008 as National 9-1-1 Education Month.

Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008

Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs that support veterans who are students by providing and coordinating services that address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Requires each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.

Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2008

Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Educaton Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution used in determining Pell Grant eligibility in the case of a student applicant whose parent or guardian died as a result of performing service as a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder.

Financial Literacy Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2008

Financial Literacy Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award formula matching grants to states or partnerships between states and experienced nonprofit providers of financial literacy or personal finance education programs. Requires grantees to use 25% of the grant funds to: (1) develop financial literacy standards and assessments for at least three grade levels; (2) create teacher training programs to embed financial literacy or personal finance education into core academic subjects; and (3) evaluate the impact such education has on students' financial literacy. Requires the remaining grant funds to be used for subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community organizations, local businesses, or other educational entities to implement such financial literacy activities, including student assessments and teacher training. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or partnerships between IHEs and experienced nonprofit providers of financial literacy or personal finance education programs for activities that increase student knowledge in consumer, economic, and personal financial concepts.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 February 2008

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2008

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2008 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate federal research, development, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. Defines "green chemistry" as chemistry and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances while producing high quality products through safe and efficient manufacturing processes. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to provide for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology to enhance productivity and technological performance in U.S. manufacturing through the enabling of supply chain manufacturers to continuously make improvements with the aim of reducing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program to award grants to institutions of higher education to support their efforts to revise their undergraduate curriculum in chemistry and chemical engineering to incorporate green chemistry concepts and strategies. Requires such Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to conduct a study of, and report on, the factors that constitute barriers to the successful commercial application of promising results from green chemistry research and development. Directs the agencies participating in the Program to carry out a joint, coordinated program to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish partnerships with companies in the chemical industry to retrain chemists and chemical engineers in the use of green chemistry concepts and strategies.

Emily's Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2008

Pharmacy Technician Training and Registration Act of 2008 or Emily's Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states to establish and implement a pharmaceutical technician registration program that requires a state to: (1) prohibit an individual from performing the duties of a pharmaceutical technician unless the individual is registered by the State Board of Pharmacy; (2) require for registration that the individual meet certain requirements related to education and training; and (3) submit an annual report to the Secretary on pharmaceutical technician errors in the state. Allows a state receiving a grant to provide a transitional period for individuals who began practicing as pharmaceutical technicians before the date of the enactment of this Act to comply with the requirements of the registration program. Expresses the sense of Congress that State Boards of Pharmacy should strive to ensure: (1) a ratio of two pharmaceutical technicians to each pharmacist in hospital settings; and (2) a ratio of three pharmaceutical technicians to each pharmacist in other settings, including drug stores.

A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the devastating shooting incident of February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2008

Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in the tragic shooting on February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Extends support and prayers to those who were wounded and wishes them a speedy recovery. Commends the emergency responders, law enforcement officers, health care providers, and counselors who performed their duties with professionalism and dedication in response to the tragedy. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to helping ensure that our schools are safe and secure environments for learning. Expresses solidarity with Northern Illinois University.

Supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2008

Expresses support for the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening.

Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 2008

Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act.

ACTION Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now Act of 2008 or the ACTION Act of 2008 - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategic plan for increasing U.S. competitiveness for international students, scholars, scientists, and exchange visitors. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the International Education Coordinating Council. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) revise the "intent" criterion with respect to foreign students; and (2) permit specified employment-based visas to be renewed in the United States. Extends the security clearance for nonimmigrant scientists. Provides for: (1) security clearance portability under specified circumstances; (2) periodic review of the technology alert list (as defined by this Act); and (3) expansion of the social security number enumeration-at-entry program to include eligible exchange visitor nonimmigrants (J-visa) at all U.S. ports of entry. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 with respect to temporary driver's licenses and temporary identification cards. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an expedited visa trusted traveler program for international students, researchers, scholars, and individuals engaged in business.

Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Revises veterans' insurance benefits matters to: (1) direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to grant level-premium term life insurance to certain service-disabled veterans; (2) increase the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans; (3) provide retroactive traumatic injury coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program for certain members of the Armed Forces who incurred a traumatic injury in the line of duty; (4) provide for the designation of a recipient of funds for traumatic injury coverage when the member is mentally incapacitated or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness; and (5) increase the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program. Revises veterans' housing benefits matters to: (1) allow home improvements and structural alterations for totally disabled members likely to be discharged or released from service; (2) make eligible for specially adapted housing benefits and assistance members with certain severe service-connected disabilities and veterans with such disabilities residing outside the United States; (3) authorize the provision of such assistance for veterans with a severe burn disability and disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member; and (4) increase specially adapted housing benefits for disabled veterans. Revises veterans' employment and education matters to: (1) require coordination of veterans' educational course approval activities with those performed by the Departments of Labor and Education and other appropriate entities; (2) enhance the authority for reimbursing expenses of state approving agencies; (3) waive the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training; (4) extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training; and (5) increase supplemental educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve with certain skills or specialties. Deems certain service performed with the military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active U.S. military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits. Entitles children of such Filipino veterans to the same rate of educational assistance entitlement as children of other veterans. Revises provisions concerning the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to: (1) eliminate the service limit for retired judges who voluntarily return to the Court; (2) remove the annual limit on Court registration and practice fees; and (3) require reports on Court workloads and expansion of Court facilities. Revises veterans' compensation and pension matters to: (1) add osteoporosis to the disabilities presumed to be service-connected in former prisoners of war with post-traumatic stress disorder; and (2) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment to temporary dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) payable to surviving spouses with dependent children under 18 years old. Provides an annual adjustment for veterans' burial benefits. Increases eligibility for, and the amount of, assistance provided to disabled veterans for the purchase of automobiles and adaptive equipment. Allows for the termination or suspension of cellular phone contracts for members undergoing deployments of 90 days or more outside the United States. Provides for the maintenance, management, and availability for research of assets of the Air Force Health Study. Requires: (1) a study on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis as a result of certain military service; and (2) a report on the adequacy of DIC to support survivors of veterans who die from service-connected disabilities.

Global Autism Assistance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Global Autism Assistance Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish and administer a health and education grant program (Global Autism Assistance Program) to: (1) support activities by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers, including advocacy groups, focused on autism in developing countries; and (2) establish a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with autistic children in developing countries.

Civil Service Reform Commission Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Civil Service Reform Commission Act of 2008 - Establishes the Civil Service Reform Commission to study and report to the President and Congress on: (1) the federal compensation system; (2) recruiting individuals for the federal workforce; (3) expediting and improving hiring processes; (4) retaining a high-quality federal workforce and providing continuing professional education to maintain the quality of such workforce; (5) policies and barriers related to the termination of under-performing workers; (6) the role and oversight of federal contractors and issues related to contractor assumption of traditionally federal duties; and (7) proposed legislation to implement recommended improvements.

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008

Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work. Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, knowledge development, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure and reciprocity agreements for providing services across state lines. Authorizes the Secretary to award various grants to eligible entities to support demonstration programs and other activities related to research, workplace improvements, education, training, and programs of excellence. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with a national social work research entity to serve as a coordinating center and clearinghouse for information on activities under the demonstration program; and (2) develop and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the social work profession. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should designate a National Social Work Awareness month.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 February 2008

A resolution recognizing February 20, 2008, as the 100th anniversary of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008

Recognizes: (1) the 100th anniversary of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for its contributions to the community and to higher education in Georgia; and (2) the achievements of its administration, faculty, students, and staff.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the per resident payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase, between FY2008 and FY2010, from 90% to 100% of the locality adjusted national average per resident amount the payment floor for direct graduate medical education (GME) payments under the Medicare program.

Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008

Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to: (1) require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspector General's report to Congress on the management of the brownfields program to be submitted every four years; and (2) extend the authorization of appropriations for such program and for state response programs through FY2012. Includes among the criteria used to rank brownfield grant applications the extent to which the grant would implement green building standards, including the use of energy efficient building standards. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to authorize grants to be made for the training and education of workers who are or may be engaged in activities related to: (1) brownfields site characterization, assessment, or remediation; or (2) emergency response, rescue, recovery, or cleanup in connection with a natural or intentional disaster. Authorizes funding for worker training and education grants for FY2008-FY2012.

GREEN School Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008

Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Needs School Improvement Act or the GREEN School Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states to provide competitive grants to local educational agencies and eligible entities to make energy improvements to schools that result in a direct reduction in school energy costs, an improvement in teacher and student health, or the installation of renewable energy technologies. Requires a priority to be given to high-need local agencies and local agencies designated with a specified metrocentric locale codes. Sets forth grant application requirements, including a needs assessment for the schools involved and a description of the benefits and costs of the energy improvements to be made. Authorizes a state agency to require matching funds. Requires the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to states to develop guidelines and standards for energy improvements and new facility construction. Requires recipients of grants under this Act to report on their use of funds. Requires the Secretary to use report results to publish best practices: (1) for school energy improvement activities; and (2) to further the goal of developing nationwide and regional guidelines and standards for improvements, modernizations, renovations, and new construction. Directs the Comptroller General to carry out a study on: (1) the costs of repair, renovation, and construction for public elementary schools and secondary schools; (2) federal, state, local, and private expenditures for such costs; and (3) the potential of federal funding to address the repair, renovation, and construction needs of such schools with energy improvements.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 3-7, 2008, as "School Social Work Week" to promote awareness of the vital role of school social workers in schools, and in the community as a whole, in helping students prepare for their future as productive citizens.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2008

Honors the contributions of school social workers to the success of students in schools. Encourages the observation of School Social Work Week.

Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2008

Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate centers of excellence for research on various forms of muscular dystrophy as Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers. Requires the Muscular Dystrophy Interagency Coordinating Committee to give special consideration to enhancing the clinical research infrastructure required to test emerging therapies for the various forms of muscular dystrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that any data on patients that is collected as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) is regularly updated to reflect changes in patient condition over time. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) report to the appropriate congressional committees on MD STARnet and data collection; and (2) make publicly available prospective health outcome data on the health and survival of people with muscular dystrophy. Requires the Director of CDC, in carrying out a program to provide information and education on muscular dystrophy to health professionals and the general public, to: (1) partner with leaders in the muscular dystrophy patient community; and (2) widely disseminate the Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy care considerations. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) evaluate the available scientific evidence to develop and issue an initial set of care considerations for Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy and provide ongoing review and updates where appropriate; and (2) replicate the same systematic review methodology used to develop such care considerations as a model for other muscular dystrophies.

United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008

United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012. Authorizes including within fire personnel training: (1) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with all hazards, including terrorist acts; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in areas crossing jurisdictional boundaries, fires at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving hazardous materials; and (4) advanced emergency medical services training. Requires the Administrator of USFA to include in triennial reports information about changes to the National Fire Academy curriculum. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) contract with nationally recognized organizations to facilitate the delivery of education and training programs directly to fire personnel; and (2) assist the nation's fire services to sponsor and encourage research, including into land-use policies, to improve fire prevention and control in rural and remote areas and in the wildland-urban interface. Directs the Administrator to: (1) use specified funds during FY2009-FY2011 to update the National Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-time incident reporting database: (2) make available to the public information about fire-related research through a regularly updated Internet-based database; (3) promote adoption of voluntary national consensus standards for firefighter health and safety; and (4) provide liaison to assure coordination of fire service-based emergency medical services programs. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish a fire service position at the National Operations Center to represent the interests of state and local fire services; and (2) designate, on a rotating basis, a state or local fire service official for such position.

Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008

Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate centers of excellence for research on various forms of muscular dystrophy as Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers. Requires the Muscular Dystrophy Interagency Coordinating Committee to give special consideration to enhancing the clinical research infrastructure required to test emerging therapies for the various forms of muscular dystrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that any data on patients that is collected as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) is regularly updated to reflect changes in patient condition over time. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) report to the appropriate congressional committees on MD STARnet and data collection; and (2) provide prospective health outcome data on the health and survival of people with muscular dystrophy. Requires the Director of CDC, in carrying out a program to provide information and education on muscular dystrophy to health professionals and the general public, to: (1) partner with leaders in the muscular dystrophy patient community; and (2) widely disseminate the Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy care considerations. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) evaluate the available scientific evidence to develop and issue an initial set of care considerations for Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy and provide ongoing review and updates where appropriate; and (2) replicate the same methodology used to develop such care considerations as a model for other muscular dystrophies.

A bill to amend title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding institution financial aid offer form requirements.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to: (1) prepare a report for specified congressional committees on the adequacy of the financial aid offer forms issued by federally-assisted institutions of higher education (IHEs); and (2) develop model financial aid offer formats based on the report's findings. Requires such formats to include, in a consumer-friendly manner, specified information regarding: (1) the student's total and net cost of attending the IHE; (2) available scholarships, loans, and work assistance; and (3) where to obtain additional information on the financial aid offered. Directs each IHE to use one of the model formats as part of its financial aid offer form, and provide such form to current or prospective students and their parents in time for them to consider the format information before applying for or selecting an educational loan.

Military Spouse Education and Employment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008

Military Spouse Education and Employment Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) and eligible teleworking military spouses (teleworking spouses whose wages are expected to equal or exceed 150% of U.S. median annual earnings) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit. Includes the wife or husband of a member serving on extended active duty within the federal veterans' employment preference. Allows members who have completed two terms of service and have reenlisted for a third term to transfer a portion of their entitlement to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. (Current law allows such transfer for members with critical military skills.) Requires studies on: (1) the development of an education grant program for training military spouses in health care and early childhood development careers; and (2) creating work opportunities for undergraduate- and graduate-educated military spouses during the active-duty service of their spouses.

S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008

Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, or S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 - Encourages the states to establish a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry for the residential mortgage industry through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators. Sets forth procedures, requirements (including education and testing), and standards for mandatory registration and state licensing of mortgage loan originators. Requires the federal banking agencies jointly, through the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, to develop and maintain a system for registering depository institiution employees as registered loan originators with the Registry. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish and maintain a backup licensing and registration system for loan originators operating in a state that either: (1) does not, after a certain period of time, have a licensing and registering system for loan originators that meets the requirements of this Act; or (2) does not participate in the Registry. Requires the HUD Secretary also to establish and maintain a backup licensing, supervisory, and tracking system for loan originators if the Registry is failing to meet the requirements and purposes of this Act. Declares that this Act does not preempt state law which provides greater protection to consumers than is provided under this Act. Directs the HUD Secretary to study and report to Congress on the root causes of default and foreclosure of home loans.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965.

CURE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2008

College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships between rural institutions of higher education (IHEs) and rural local educational agencies, rural education service agencies, regional employers, or rural education nonprofit organizations for activities to: (1) improve the rural IHE enrollment rates of rural secondary school graduates and former attendees; and (2) encourage nontraditional students' participation in rural IHE degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between rural IHEs and regional employers to: (1) provide additional training to rural IHE attendees in careers relevant to the regional economy; and (2) encourage regional businesses to employ rural IHE graduates. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to rural IHEs to create or strengthen academic programs that prepare graduates to enter high-need occupations in the regional and local economies. Requires the Comptroller General to investigate, and make recommendations to Congress regarding the improvement of, rural access to four-year IHEs and degree programs.

A resolution designating the week of February 10-16, 2008, as "National Drug Prevention and Education Week".

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Designates the week of February 10-February 16, 2008, as National Drug Prevention and Education Week. Urges communities, schools, parents, and youth to carry out prevention and education activities to reduce and stop drug use.

A resolution recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week and honoring the valuable contributions of Catholic schools in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Recognizes the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that recognizes the vital contributions of thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Commends Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for their ongoing contributions to education and the future of this country.

International Education Leadership Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

International Education Leadership Act of 2008 - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish, in the Department of Education, an Office of International and Foreign Language Education, headed by an Assistant Secretary for International and Foreign Language Education with extensive experience in international and foreign language instruction. Makes the Assistant Secretary responsible for: (1) promoting the study of foreign languages and cultures at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels; (2) administering the Department's programs on international and foreign language education and research, and its activities in international affairs; and (3) coordinating such programs with other related federal programs.

Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from denying provider-operated status for a nursing and allied education program that substantially meets certain requirements pertaining to the cost of approved activities for such programs, in effect as of October 1, 2006, on the basis of an organizational structure, contractual arrangements, or legal structure of the program, or a change in such a structure or arrangement, so long as a hospital, hospitals, or health system continues to substantially control the nursing or allied program. Prohibits denial of payments for the costs of approved educational activities for a nursing or allied health education program. Requires restoration to a hospital of any recoupment or denial effected for a previous cost reporting year.

Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for: (1) services to children, adults, and older adults with mental illnesses who have co-occurring primary care conditions and chronic diseases through the co-location of primary and specialty medical care in community-based mental and behavioral health settings; (2) programs to address behavioral and mental health workforce needs in professional shortage areas; (3) expanding behavioral and mental health education and training programs; (4) tele-mental health in medically-underserved areas; and (5) developing and implementing a plan to ensure that the National Health Information Infrastructure meets the needs of mental health and substance abuse providers. Provides for reports to Congress on: (1) the paperwork burden on community mental health providers; and (2) the compensation structure for such providers.

RISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Removing Impediments to Students Education Act or the RISE Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal a provision which makes persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance for specified periods.

Children's Compassionate Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008

Children's Compassionate Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to: (1) provide training in pediatric palliative care and related services for children with life-threatening conditions; and (2) implement or expand pediatric palliative care programs for such children. Authorizes the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award training grants to expand the number of physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, and appropriate allied health professionals and specialists with interdisciplinary pediatric palliative clinical training and research experience. Allows the Secretary to award grants to enhance pediatric palliative care and care for children with life-threatening conditions in general pediatric or family practice residency training programs and general or pediatric nursing education programs through the development of model interdisciplinary programs that partner with other health professional schools. Requires the Director to provide grants to fund interdisciplinary research in pediatric pain and symptom management that will utilize existing NIH facilities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish Medicare and private sector pediatric palliative care demonstration projects; and (2) convene a Symposium on Pediatric Palliative Care.