Education

Help Identify Indicators of Potential Student Aggression Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Help Identify Indicators of Potential Student Aggression Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to prepare and periodically revise: (1) concise written materials to be used by school personnel in elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education to help to identify the possible warning signs of a student with a high potential to be aggressive and harmful to property, themselves, or others, and report such behavior to designated school personnel; and (2) more detailed written materials to be used by designated school personnel to determine the appropriate actions to take with respect to such a student, including whether he or she should be referred to a mental health expert. Requires the first version of such materials to be provided to the Secretary of Education within 90 days of this Act's enactment for distribution to schools.

Comprehensive Coverdell Modernization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Comprehensive Coverdell Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $2,000 to $4,000 the annual contribution limit to Coverdell education savings accounts; and (2) adjust such contribution limit for inflation after 2008. Makes permanent provisions enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to Coverdell education savings accounts and qualified tuition programs.

Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Physician Workforce and Graduate Medical Education Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a loan program that provides loans to eligible hospitals to establish residency training programs. Requires that such program be an allopathic or osteopathic residency program in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics or gynecology, or general surgery. Requires the Administrator to give preference to hospitals in a rural area or an urban area that is not a large urban area.

State and Local Flexibility Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

State and Local Flexibility Improvement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to give states and local educational agencies (LEAs) greater flexibility in transferring federal funds among specified ESEA programs (relating to teachers, technology, safe and drug-free schools, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and innovative programs) and from such programs to their allotments under title I. Replaces the current State and Local Flexibility Demonstration under title VI of the ESEA with a program allowing states to enter five-year performance agreements with the Secretary of Education, and states to enter into performance agreements with LEAs, to: (1) waive statutory and regulatory requirements; (2) consolidate ESEA funds provided for improving student achievement and narrowing achievement gaps, for use in furthering any state educational purpose; and (3) use an alternative method of allocating school improvement funds under part A of title I to more effectively target LEAs and schools serving high proportions of needy students. Holds states, LEAs, and schools to the requirement that they make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward challenging state academic performance standards; but allows states to use additional models and systems for measuring AYP, such as longitudinal growth models. Requires states to give performance agreement priority to LEAs that have failed to make AYP for the two preceding academic years and serve a high percentage of needy students. Allows the Secretary to terminate an agreement with a state that fails to meet its terms for three consecutive school years. Lowers the minimum percentage of needy children a school must serve before its LEA may implement a schoolwide program consolidating school improvement funds for use in upgrading the school's entire educational program.

Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Energy to jointly develop a multiyear public relations and education campaign to promote responsible and fuel-efficient driving in the United States.

Safe and Effective Drug Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007

Safe and Effective Drug Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to enter into Critical Path Public-Private Partnerships with eligible entities to implement the Critical Path Initiative of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by developing research, education, and outreach projects to foster medical product innovation, accelerate medical product development, and enhance medical product safety. Prohibits such an entity from accepting any funding for the technical programs of a Critical Path Public-Private Partnership from any individual or organization that manufactures, distributes, or sells any FDA-regulated product. Establishes an exception for accepting funds from a consortium of companies whose products are FDA-regulated if the Secretary determines that such acceptance would not result in any conflict of interest and issues a waiver.

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (4) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (5) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (6) working capital funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Defense Inspector General; (12) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (13) increased costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education and military justice matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management; (7) DOD organization and management, including space matters; (8) financial and counter-drug matters; (9) civilian personnel matters; (10) matters relating to other nations; (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; (12) the National Defense Stockpile; and (13) chemical demilitarization matters.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2008. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation, including ballistic missile defense; (4) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (5) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (6) working capital funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Defense Inspector General; (12) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (13) increased costs due to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (14) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (15) Guard and reserve forces facilities; and (16) war-related military construction. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education and military justice matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management; (7) DOD organization and management, including space matters; (8) financial and counter-drug matters; (9) civilian personnel matters; (10) matters relating to other nations; (11) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union; (12) the National Defense Stockpile; (13) chemical demilitarization matters; and (14) base closure and realignment activities. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.

Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth research and demonstration projections for the prevention, treatment, control, and elimination of tuberculosis that shall receive priority from the Secretary of Health and Human Services in awarding research grants. Requires the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis to make recommendations on the development, revision, and implementation of a comprehensive plan to eliminate tuberculosis in the United States. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop new tools for the elimination of tuberculosis. Requires the Federal Tuberculosis Task Force to make recommendations on the development of a comprehensive plan for the creation of such tools. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate tuberculosis research and development. Allows the Director of NIH to provide awards for: (1) the development of curricula in schools of medicine or osteopathic medicine regarding the principles and practices of preventing, managing, and controlling tuberculosis; and (2) supervised study and research for clinically trained professionals who are committed to research regarding pulmonary infections and tuberculosis. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to conduct research activities to develop a tuberculosis vaccine. Requires the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences to carry out an international training program regarding tuberculosis. Requires the Secretary to seek to ensure that a portion of amounts appropriated for loan repayment for qualified health professionals conducting research is reserved for contracts with individuals to conduct tuberculosis research.

Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into cooperative agreements with states under which: (1) they establish state and multistate infrastructure banks for education; and (2) the Secretary awards grants to states for initial capital to make loans through such banks to local educational agencies and public libraries for construction, reconstruction, or renovation of public elementary or secondary schools and public library facilities. Grants congressional consent to states for interstate compacts to establish multistate infrastructure banks. Requires states to contribute from nonfederal sources at least 25% of the amount of each federal grant for an infrastructure bank. Lists types of projects eligible for such bank loans. Directs the Secretary to establish Healthy, High Performance School Guidelines for the construction and renovation of schools, educational facilities, and libraries relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water use, building materials, indoor environmental quality, and other appropriate matters. Requires any local educational agency or public library using a loan under this Act to fund a new construction or renovation project to ensure that the project conforms, to the maximum extent practicable, to such Healthy, High Performance School Guidelines.

National Digital Television Consumer Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

National Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require retail distributors of television receiving equipment (TVs) to place adjacent to each unit displayed for sale a consumer alert in English and Spanish that the TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna. Imposes similar requirements on sellers that use direct mail, catalog, or electronic means such as the Internet. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to educate the public about the digital television transition. Requires such education to commence by January 1, 2008. Requires the FCC to use funds available for consumer information activities to obtain advertising in public transportation vehicles and facilities to provide information concerning the digital television transition. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a temporary grant program to coordinate and lead a nationwide consumer education and outreach campaign regarding America's conversion to digital television.

Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into cooperative agreements with states for the establishment of state infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks for making loans to local educational agencies and public libraries for building or repairing public elementary or secondary schools and public library facilities. Grants congressional consent to states for interstate compacts to establish multistate infrastructure banks. Directs the Secretary to make grants to such banks to provide initial capital for such loans. Requires states to contribute from nonfederal sources at least 25% of the amount of each federal capitalization grant made to the state and contributed to the bank. Lists types of projects eligible for such bank loans. Directs the Secretary to establish Healthy, High Performance School Guidelines for the construction and renovation of schools, education facilities, and libraries relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water use, building materials, indoor environmental quality, and other appropriate matters. Requires any local educational agency or public library using a loan under this Act to fund a new construction or renovation project to ensure that the project conforms, to the maximum extent practicable, to such Healthy, High Performance School Guidelines.

First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through October 31, 2007.

Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007

Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to include, under HEA student loan forgiveness and cancellation programs, nurses who: (1) serve at least one calendar year in an approved health care facility or setting; or (2) have a Masters of Science in Nursing and are nursing instructors in a school of nursing. Limits the maximum amount of such loan repayment by the Secretary of Education to $2,000 after the first year of a nurse's employment, with incremental increases after the second through fourth years, up to $5,000 after the fifth year.

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT: INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES UNDER TITLE III AND TITLE V

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 June 2007

Bright Idea Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Bright Idea Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish technical standards for general service lamps that provide levels of illumination equivalent to those provided by lamps generally available in 2007, but with a lumens per watt rating of at least: (1) 30 by calendar 2013; and (2) 45 by calendar 2018. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out a lighting technology research and development program regarding lamps and related technologies made available in the United States; and (2) assist manufacturers in the manufacturing of general service lamps that achieve the lumens per watt ratings prescribed by this Act. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) implement a national program consumer education program about the benefits of using light bulbs with improved efficiency ratings; and (2) report to Congress recommendations regarding the means by which the federal government may reduce or prevent the release of mercury during the manufacture, transportation, storage, or disposal of light bulbs. Directs the Commissioner [ sic ] of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress regarding current lamp labeling practices by lamp manufacturers, with recommendations for a national labeling standard.

Fostering Adoption to Further Student Achievement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Fostering Adoption to Further Student Achievement Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the definition of independent student, for purposes of the financial need analysis to establish student aid eligibility, to individuals who were adopted from the foster care system when they were 13 years of age or older.

Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to Predominantly Black Institutions to: (1) enhance their capacity to serve more low and middle-income African-American students; (2) expand higher education opportunities for students eligible for student assistance under title IV of the Act by encouraging such students to prepare for college and persist in secondary and postsecondary education; and (3) strengthen their financial ability to serve the academic needs of such students. Defines such institutions as accredited institutions serving at least 1,000 undergraduate students at least: (1) 50% of whom are pursuing a bachelor's or associate's degree; (2) 40% of whom are African-Americans; and (3) 50% of whom are low-income or first-generation college students. Requires the spending per full-time undergraduate student of such institutions to be low in comparison to that of institutions offering similar instruction. Allows grant recipients to use up to 20% of their grant on an endowment fund, provided they raise nonfederal matching funds at least equal to the amount of the grant used for such endowment. Allots funding among institutions on the basis of their share of Pell Grant recipients, graduates, and graduates pursuing a higher degree. Establishes a minimum allotment for each institution of $250,000, which is to be ratably reduced if appropriations are insufficient to pay such amount.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions requiring centers to provide appropriate information, training, and technical assistance on youth suicide to require such information, training, and assistance on suicide among all ages, particularly for youth. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for research, training, and technical assistance centers related to mental health, substance abuse, and the justice system and suicide. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that a state does not receive more than one grant or cooperative agreement for the development of youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies at any one time. (Current law requires the Secretary to ensure that each state is awarded only one such grant or cooperative agreement.) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for such grants or cooperative agreements. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for grants to institutions of higher education for services to students with mental and behavioral health problems.

21st Century Skills Incentive Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

21st Century Skills Incentive Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to establish statewide 21st Century Skills initiatives. Conditions grant eligibility on a state's: (1) developing a comprehensive plan for such initiative; (2) showing a commitment to advancing such skills within standards and assessments, curriculum, professional development, and the learning environment; (3) achieving broad support for the initiative among state education, business, and civic leaders; and (4) being approved as a 21st Century Partner state by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Directs the Secretary to establish a 21st Century Skills Incentive Fund from which grants shall be awarded. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the percentage limitation on corporate charitable contributions be applied separately to cash contributions to state 21st Century Skills initiatives and all other corporate charitable contributions.

Food Stamp Fairness and Benefit Restoration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Food Stamp Fairness and Benefit Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 with respect to: (1) inflation adjustments for standard deductions and for household resources; (2) retirement account and education account exclusions; (3) eligibility for unemployed adults; (4) dependent care deduction cap elimination; (5) legal immigrant eligibility; and (6) extension of commodity availability for the emergency food assistance program.

Universal Higher Education and Lifetime Learning Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Universal Higher Education and Lifetime Learning Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits with a partially refundable Higher Education Tax Credit covering: (1) up to 50% of a taxpayer's higher education expenses for a taxable year that do not exceed $3,000; and (2) up to 30% of such expenses between $3,000 and $8,000. Sets a lifetime credit limitation of $12,000 per student. Applies the credit to no more than two years of graduate education. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Ethanol Education and Expansion Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Ethanol Education and Expansion Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary to make grants to majority-controlled producer-based business ventures to install E-85 fuel infrastructure, including infrastructure necessary: (1) for the direct retail sale of E-85 fuel, including E-85 fuel pumps and storage tanks; and (2) to directly market E-85 fuel to gas retailers, including in-line blending equipment, pumps, storage tanks, and load-out equipment; and Provides for infrastructure installation subgrants to direct retailers of E-85 fuel located in a rural area. Defines "E-85 fuel" as a blend of gasoline at least 85% derived from ethanol (or any other percentage, not below 70%, as determined by the Secretary for requirements relating to cold start, safety, or vehicle functions). Requires a grant equal to 20% of the total installation costs. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish a program, funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, to make competitive grants to eligible nonprofit organizations or institutions of higher education to educate governmental and private entities that operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities, and the public about the benefits of E-85 fuel use.

A resolution recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the American Association for Cancer Research and declaring the month of May National Cancer Research Month.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Congratulates the American Association for Cancer Research on its 100-year anniversary celebration. Expresses gratitude for the Association's contributions toward progress in advancing cancer research. Declares the month of May to be National Cancer Research Month to support the Association's public education efforts to make cancer research a national and international priority.

Energy Savings Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Energy Savings Act of 2007 - Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act of 2007 - Sets forth a schedule for motor vehicle fuel, home heating oil, and boiler fuel to contain specified volumes of renewable fuel by calendar year 2022. Prescribes a pilot program to establish refueling infrastructure corridors for gasoline blends containing renewable fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) increase funding for bioenergy research and development; (2) establish bioresearch centers that target biofuels; and (3) authorize loan guarantees for renewable fuel facilities. Establishes a grants program for: (1) renewable fuel production in states with low rates of ethanol production; and (2) transportation of biomass to local biorefineries. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a biorefinery information center. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to impose a fuel tank cap labeling requirement for alternative fueled vehicles. Requires studies on specified renewable fuels and biofuels. Energy Efficiency Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act regarding advanced lighting technologies. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prescribe new energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with respect to high efficiency vehicles, advanced batteries, and energy storage. United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a research and development program for energy storage systems for motor transportation and electricity transmission and distribution; and (2) establish an Energy Storage Advisory Council. Sets forth national goals for: (1) energy savings in transportation; and (2) national energy efficiency improvement. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act regarding federal fleet conservation requirements. Prescribes implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives with respect to federal facilities. Extends programs assisting state and local governments with energy efficiency programs. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 regarding utility energy efficiency programs. Provides: (1) technical assistance to governmental entities for energy efficiency and demand response programs, including an energy and environmental block grant; and (2) energy efficiency grants to institutions of higher education. Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a carbon capture and storage research and demonstration program.

Fuel Consumption Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Fuel Consumption Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into a partnership with interested industry groups to create a public education campaign for U.S. drivers about immediate measures that can be taken to conserve transportation fuel.

Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Asthma Act - Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Requires the Program's coordinating committee to report to Congress on: (1) the scope of the asthma problem in the United States; (2) federal programs that carry out asthma-related activities; and (3) recommendations for strengthening and better coordinating such activities. Includes the Secretary of Education or a designee in the committee's membership. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) collaborate with states to expand the scope of asthma-related activities to determine the incidence and prevalence of asthma and prevent related health consequences; (2) conduct local asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma and the quality of asthma management; and (3) compile and annually publish data on the prevalence of asthma in children. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for: (1) information and education on asthma; and (2) referrals to health programs that provide asthma-related services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to encourage the states to implement plans for activities to assist children with respect to asthma in accordance with the Institute's guidelines; and (2) make a grant to states under the state children's health program (SCHIP) for such activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies to carry out asthma-related activities at elementary and secondary schools in communities with a significant number of low-income or underserved individuals.

L-1 Nonimmigrant Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

L-1 Nonimmigrant Reform Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise L-1 (intracompany transfers) nonimmigrant visa provisions. Prohibits entry of an L-1 worker unless the employer has filed a labor condition application with the Secretary of Labor which shall attest that: (1) wage and working condition comparability exists; (2) no strike or lockout exists in the occupational classification at the employment site; (3) the employer has notified the bargaining representative or the employees about the prospective L-1 hiring; (4) the L-1 application contains occupational classification and wage and working condition information; and (5) there has not been nor will there be any lay-off of U.S. workers 180 days before or after the L-1 hiring. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish processes for receipt, investigation, and disposition of violation claims; (2) establish a process to permit an L-1 alien who files a complaint to work for another employer; and (3) report annually on the use of L-1 workers. Sets forth employer violation provisions. Makes an employer liable for the return transportation costs of an L-1 worker dismissed from employment prior to the end of the authorized admission. Imposes a fee on an L-1 employer. Establishes in the Treasury the L-1 Nonimmigrant Petitioner Account, which shall be used for data processing, labor enforcement, and training and education of U.S. workers. Establishes an annual 35,000 L-1 visa limit. Eliminates L-1 blanket visa authority. Requires: (1) an L-1 worker to have a bachelor's degree or higher in his or her area of special knowledge; and (2) verification by the Secretary of State. Increases the prior foreign employment requirement.

Energy for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Energy for America Act - Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program of research, development, and demonstration of technologies for environmentally sustainable utilization of produced water for agriculture, irrigation, municipal, industrial uses, or other environmentally sustainable purposes Requires the program to address: (1) produced water recovery, including research for desalination and demineralization; (2) reinjection of produced water into subsurface geological formations; and (3) safety and environmental impacts of such activities. Biomass Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include specified advanced biofuel technologies within the bioenergy program. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary to conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application on technologies for the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Energy Storage Solutions for America Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a research, development, and demonstration program to support the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive in energy storage systems for electricity transmission and distribution; and (2) establish an Energy Storage Advisory Council. Energy Efficient Buildings Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to award grants to businesses and organizations for new construction of energy efficient buildings, or major renovations of buildings that will result in energy efficient buildings, to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency technologies, especially those sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE). Prescribes criteria for mandatory consideration by the Secretary when identifying for support "ARPA-E" projects (that show promise to accelerate efforts to overcome barriers to development of advanced energy technologies). Green Energy Education Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program to support projects that enable graduate education related to DOE research,demonstration, and commercial application activities, especially those related to high performance buildings. Instructs the Secretary to transmit to Congress the results of a feasibility study of large-scale biological sequestration of carbon dioxide for coal power systems, including the feasibility of creating a closed loop carbon cycle through biological sequestration.

SBDC Colonias Outreach Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

SBDC Colonias Outreach Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize an applicant funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a small business development center (SBDC) and that is in a state along the United States-Mexico border that has individuals residing in colonias (areas comprised of low- or very low-income families and usually lacking basic services such as clean water, roads, sewage, schools, and law enforcement) to apply for grants to provide services to assist with outreach, development, and enhancement of small business startups and expansions within colonias.

America's Better Classrooms Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

America's Better Classrooms Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified public school modernization bonds, defined to include: (1) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land for such facility (qualified school construction bonds); and (2) bonds to finance certain academic programs below the postsecondary level in empowerment zones or enterprise communities (qualified zone academy bonds). Establishes a national limitation on the issuance of such bonds and provides for the allocation of bond amounts among the states according to a specified formula. Terminates the authority for issuance of such bonds after 2009. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to apply certain labor standards to public school construction projects financed by this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require states to establish employment and training programs relating to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.

Motorist's Bill of Rights: Increasing Gas Supply, Reducing Demand, and Protecting Consumers from Gouging

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

The Motorist's Bill of Rights: Increasing Gas Supply, Reducing Demand, and Protecting Consumers from Gouging - Makes it unlawful, with specified exceptions, for a supplier to increase the price for road transportation fuel or domestic heating fuel by an unconscionable amount in an area during a period covered by a presidential proclamation that an abnormal market disruption has occurred. States that a violation of this Act shall be: (1) treated as an unfair or deceptive act or practice as defined under the Federal Trade Commission Act; and (2) subject to civil and criminal penalties. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon the request of a state governor or tribal organization, to provide financial assistance to hire additional personnel to assist a state or Indian tribe with expertise in fields relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal coordinator, upon the request of an applicant seeking a federal refinery authorization, to establish a memorandum of agreement, executed by relevant federal and state agencies, setting forth the most expeditious coordinated schedule possible for completion of all such authorizations. States that such process of authorizations shall apply to a refinery sited or expanded: (1) in a state or on Indian lands where the process of authorization has been requested; or (2) on a closed military installation. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a public education campaign for U.S. drivers about immediate measures that can be taken to conserve transportation fuel. Amends the Clean Air Act to add as "extreme and unusual circumstances that prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel or fuel additives to consumers" under which the Administrator may temporarily waive a control or prohibition on the use of a fuel or fuel additive circumstances that are the result of unexpected problems with equipment necessary for transportation and delivery of fuel or fuel additives. States that EPA shall have no authority, when considering a state implementation plan (SIP) or SIP revision, to approve any fuel included in such plan or revision if the effect of such approval increases the total number of fuels set forth on the published list of approved fuels (currently EPA does not have the authority to approve a fuel if it increases the total number of fuels approved as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs). Requires notice and opportunity for comment before EPA removes a fuel from the list. Requires EPA to remove a fuel from the list if such fuel has ceased to be included in an SIP or is identical to a federal fuel control or prohibition. Repeals provisions prohibiting EPA from reducing the total number of authorized fuels. Requires EPA to publish a revised list reflecting the reduction in the number of fuels.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions requiring centers to provide appropriate information, training, and technical assistance on youth suicide to require such information, training, and assistance on suicide among all ages, particularly for youth. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for research, training, and technical assistance centers related to mental health, substance abuse, and the justice system and suicide. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that a state does not receive more than one grant or cooperative agreement for the development of youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies at any one time. (Current law requires the Secretary to ensure that each state is awarded only one such grant or cooperative agreement.) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for such grants or cooperative agreements. Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for grants to institutions of higher education for services to students with mental and behavioral health problems.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Cancer Research Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Calls for establishment of a National Cancer Research Month to support the American Association for Cancer Research in public education efforts to make cancer research a national and international priority. Congratulates the Association on its 100-year anniversary. Expresses gratitude for the Association's contributions and progress in advancing cancer research.

Encouraging the Federal Government and State and municipal governments, universities, companies, and other institutions in the United States, and all Americans to divest from companies that do business with Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Calls upon the government of Sudan to end the violence against the people of Darfur and enter into peace talks with those factions in Darfur that are non-signatories of the Darfur Peace Agreement. Encourages federal, state, municipal, university, corporate, and private citizen divestiture from companies that do business with Sudan.

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of further research and activities to increase public awareness, professional education, diagnosis, and treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007

Commends the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for working with leading scientists and researchers to organize the first NIH conference on hydrocephalus in September 2005 and the Inaugural Cerebellar Development: Bench to Bedside International Conference in November 2006. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Director of NIH should continue the current collaboration, with respect to Dandy-Walker syndrome, among the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of Rare Diseases; (2) further research into such syndrome should be conducted and supported; (3) NIH should take the lead in sponsoring an annual workshop to increase awareness and set national research priorities for such syndrome and hydrocephalus; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should form a coordinating committee for such syndrome and hydrocephalus research; and (5) public awareness and professional education regarding Dandy-Walker research should increase through partnerships between the federal government and patient advocacy organizations.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify research and related NIH activities with respect to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to conduct or support research to expand understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a national psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient registry. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements to develop, implement, and manage a system for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient data collection and analysis; (2) ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages; (3) convene a summit on current federal activities to conduct or support research, treatment, education, and quality-of-life activities with respect to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; and (4) enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to study insurance coverage of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

A bill to establish an establish an Early Federal Pell Grant Commitment Demonstration Program.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize an Early Federal Pell Grant Demonstration Program. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to four states to cover administrative expenses incurred in the program. Limits a state to a cohort of up to 10,000 of its eighth grade students who are eligible for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Provides for a cohort for each of the academic years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Declares that each student who participates in the demonstration project receives a commitment to receive a Pell Grant during their first year of undergraduate study at an institution of higher education, subject to a specified condition. Requires state grantees to choose local educational agencies to participate in the program from among those serving students at least half of whom are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Calculates participating students' Pell Grants by deeming them to have no expected family contribution. Directs the Secretary to arrange for an independent evaluation of the demonstration program's effectiveness in providing needy students with access to, and an incentive to pursue, higher education. Requires state grantees annually to provide program participants with information concerning college costs, Pell Grants, state college savings programs, and other state and federal aid programs.

Drug Free Varsity Sports Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Drug Free Varsity Sports Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education, acting through the Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, to award competitive grants to states to develop and carry out statewide pilot programs that randomly test secondary school students for performance-enhancing drug use. Requires a parent's or guardian's written consent before a student may be tested. Directs grantees to: (1) provide recovery, counseling, and treatment programs for students who test positive for performance-enhancing drug use; and (2) spend at least 10% of grant funds on preventing such drug use.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to make beginning farmer and rancher development grants available for energy conservation and organic and value-added alternative production. Caps annual grant amounts and permits consecutive grants to the same recipient. Sets forth grant evaluation criteria. Extends grant authority. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the new farmer individual development accounts pilot program under which: (1) an eligible participant shall deposit an agreed upon amount into an account which will be matched at 300% by the program ($9,000 annual cap); and (2) expenditures shall be used for specified farming purposes, including purchases of farmland, equipment and other assets, breeding stock, and timber, nut, or fruit trees. Revises: (1) the down payment loan program; and (2) the beginning farmer or rancher contract land sales program. Makes socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers eligible for inventory sales preferences on real property acquired by the Secretary through security servicing. Increases direct and operating agricultural loan limits. Requires the Secretary to establish a plan to transition agricultural loan borrowers to private credit sources. Increases fiscal year aggregate loan and specified set-aside levels. Makes socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers eligible for certain loan set-asides, and extends such set-aside authority. Includes among soil and water conservation grant priority recipients: (1) beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; and (2) owners or tenants who use the loans to convert to sustainable or organic agricultural production systems. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the conservation reserve program to permit the Secretary to modify a contract to facilitate land transition from a retired or retiring owner or operator to a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher in order to return some or all of the land into production using sustainable grazing or crop production methods. Sets forth transition options for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. Makes socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers eligible for cost sharing under the conservation security program and the environmental quality incentives program. Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to include among "high priority research" areas of concern to beginning farmers or ranchers. Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to include farm transfer options for beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers among priority grant areas. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide emphasis on risk management education for beginning, immigrant, retiring, or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.

Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Veterans' Mental Health Outreach and Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide to veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, particularly veterans who served in such Operations while in the National Guard and reserves: (1) peer outreach and support services; (2) readjustment counseling and related services; and (3) mental health services. Directs the Secretary to also provide to immediate family members of such veterans, during the three-year period following the return of the veterans from such a deployment, education, support, counseling, and mental health services to assist in: (1) readjustment to civilian life; (2) recovery from an injury or illness incurred during such deployment; and (3) readjustment of the family following the veteran's return. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with community health centers and other qualified entities to provide such services in areas not adequately served by health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract for a program to train veterans to provide the peer outreach and support services; and (2) conduct a training program for clinicians of community health centers and entities contracted to provide such services. Extends the eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations from two to five years after their discharge or release from such duty.

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Awareness Act of 2007 - Amends provisions of the Public Health Service Act commonly referred to as Johanna's Law to revise requirements for a national public awareness campaign regarding gynecologic cancers to: (1) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services specifically to increase awareness and knowledge of ovarian and cervical cancers; and (2) expand such campaign to include public service announcements targeted to low-income women. Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of gynecologic cancer education and awareness efforts should reflect the fact that ovarian and cervical cancers are the most deadly of the gynecologic cancers.

Universal Higher Education and Lifetime Learning Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Universal Higher Education and Lifetime Learning Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits with a partially refundable Higher Education Tax Credit covering: (1) up to 50% of a taxpayer's higher education expenses for a taxable year that do not exceed $3,000; and (2) up to 30% of such expenses between $3,000 and $8,000. Sets a lifetime credit limitation of $12,000 per student. Applies the credit to no more than two years of graduate education. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Wakefield Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Wakefield Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend by one year the length of time for which a grant may be awarded under the emergency medical services for children grant program, which allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states or schools of medicine to support projects to expand and improve emergency medical services for children who need treatment for trauma or critical care. Sets forth as the purpose of the program the reduction of child and youth morbidity and mortality by supporting improvements in the quality of all emergency medical care children receive. Requires the Secretary to support emergency medical services for children by supporting projects that: (1) develop and present scientific evidence; (2) promote existing innovative technologies appropriate for the care of children; and (3) provide information on health outcomes and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Directs that such program: (1) strive to enhance the pediatric capability of emergency medical service systems; and (2) be coordinated with all research, evaluations, and awards undertaken by the federal government related to emergency medical services for children.

Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2007 - Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize part D (Enhancing Education through Technology) through FY2013. Alters the current program to require states to use a portion of their allotted funds to develop challenging academic content and achievement standards to ensure that students are technologically literate before the end of grade eight. Provides that such standards are only for tracking technological literacy and not for assessing adequate yearly progress (AYP) under title I. Permits technological literacy testing to be embedded in other state tests or performance-based assessments portfolios, or made through other valid and reliable means. Requires states to use the bulk of their part D allotment for two new subgrant programs for local educational agencies (LEAs), devoting; (1) 60% for formula subgrants to improve teaching and learning through technology; and (2) 40% for competitive subgrants for systemic school reform through technology integration. Requires LEAs to: (1) include a new or updated local long-range strategic educational technology plan in their applications; (2) use a specified percentage of each subgrant for teacher training; and (3) use each subgrant to acquire and apply technology to identify individual student learning needs and support individualized learning. Allows LEAs that receive funds for both programs to use all the funds for systemic school reform through technology integration program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) conduct an annual national study on student technology literacy to determine the extent to which such literacy is attained by grade eight; and (2) update the National Education Technology Plan at least once every five years.

Energy and Environment Block Grant Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Energy and Environment Block Grant Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Energy and Environment Block Grant Program to make block grants to state or local governments for: (1) energy efficiency and climate protection strategy; (2) technical consultant services to assist in the development of such strategy; (3) energy audits; (4) weatherization programs; (5) financial incentives for energy efficiency retrofits; and (6) grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for energy retrofits. Declares the purchase or leasing of equipment or vehicles for the private sector, or of pollution control equipment for private electric utilities, ineligible for funds under this Act. Requires a local government unit that is a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary a proposed Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Strategy establishing goals for increased energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Requires a state that is a grant recipient to use at least 70% of the funds received to provide subgrants to otherwise ineligible local government units. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Energy and Environmental Block Grants, which shall in turn establish and implement a Research, Technical Assistance, and Education Program.

Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a direct income-dependent education assistance (IDEA) loan program, from July 1, 2008, through July 1, 2014, under which student borrowers of Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) or Direct Loans (DLs), under parts B and D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, may elect to convert or consolidate such loans to direct IDEA loans. Provides that when a student defaults on a loan under the FFEL or DL programs and it is repaid or canceled by the Secretary, it is thereby converted to a direct IDEA loan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for collection of IDEA loan repayments through the income tax collection system.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to promote growth and opportunity for the dairy industry in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal the dairy price support program. Amends the national dairy market loss payment program to: (1) extend the sign-up and contract duration periods; (2) replace the "Class 1 milk" definition with a "Class III milk" definition; (3) revise the payment formula (which shall include a feed adjustment factor); and (4) establish a maximum annual payment of $50,000 per dairy operation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a national dairy options program; and (2) make nonrecourse loans available to commercial processors of cheddar cheese, butter, and nonfat dry milk. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out a milk revenue insurance pilot program under which dairy producers may elect to receive insurance against revenue loss due to natural disasters and price fluctuations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study the economic benefits to milk producers of establishing a two-class system (fluid milk class and manufacturing grade milk class) for classifying milk under federal milk marketing orders; and (2) amend federal milk marketing orders to implement such system if it would benefit milk producers. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to eliminate pilot program status for, and extend, the dairy forward pricing program. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize rural industrial assistance loans and loan guarantees for dairy processors to invest in new equipment and technologies. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize banks for cooperatives to assist dairy processing cooperatives with export activities. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to establish a new subtitle P, entitled the "Federal Dairy Education Loan Forgiveness Act." Directs the Secretary to carry out a dairy education loan forgiveness program under which the Secretary shall assume the obligation to repay a specified amount for one or more qualified loans made to eligible applicants. Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for mandatory reporting of specified dairy commodities.

Diane Auer Jones, of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, vice Sally Stroup, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 May 2007

Equity in Law Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2007

Equity in Law Enforcement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include within the definition of "public safety officer" certain law enforcement officers serving private institutions of higher education and rail carriers (thus qualifying such officers for line-of-duty death and disability benefits). Qualifies such officers for law enforcement armor vest grant programs and for state and local law enforcement assistance grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.