Education

Montgomery GI Bill Revitalization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2005

Montgomery GI Bill Revitalization Act of 2005 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 2005: (1) first enters on active duty; (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty; (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years; or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government (after serving at least 42 months of such duty), or due to a reduction in force. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program. Provides: (1) a monthly stipend for approved programs of education; and (2) tutorial assistance. Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program; (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance; (3) the requirement that participants complete the requirements of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate prior to the end of their initial obligated period of service in order to be eligible to receive such assistance; and (4) provisions limiting an individual's opportunity to withdraw an election not to enroll in such assistance program.

GRAD Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2005

Graduation Really Achieves Dreams Act - GRAD Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Project GRAD USA, a nonprofit educational organization for improving high school graduation and college attendance and completion rates for disadvantaged students, to provide technical assistance and support through subgrants to existing and new programs that implement a set of integrated education reform services. Requires the grantee to select only subgrantees that serve a substantial number or percentage of low-income students. Requires the programs to identify one or more groups of public schools at which services will be provided through a feeder pattern through which elementary and secondary schools channel students having participated in program services into an identified high school. Requires program services to include: (1) research-based programs in reading, mathematics, and classroom management; (2) campus-based social services programs, including increasing family and community involvement in schools; (3) a college access program, including providing college scholarships for students who meet established criteria, increasing student and family college awareness, and assisting students to apply for college financial aid; and (4) other services the grantee identifies as necessary.

College Aid Made EZ Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2005

College Aid Made EZ Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and simplify the Federal student aid application process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Provides for: (1) a FAFSA-EZ form with fewer pages and questions; (2) a pre-FAFSA process, allowing application for HEA student assistance one year earlier, in junior year of high school; (3) greater Internet access to FAFSA forms; (4) more students qualifying for using a simplified form; and (5) automatic qualification for a simplified form for those students eligible for specified Federal programs, including school lunches. Reduces the types of income and benefits which are considered untaxed for purposes of student assistance need analysis. Removes specified requirements relating to suspension of student aid eligibility due to drug-related offenses. Revises requirements relating to income protection allowances and student contributions from available income.

Melina Bill

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2005

United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act of 2005 or the Melina Bill - Directs: (1) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to jointly study the health effects of indoor mold growth and toxic mold; (2) EPA to promulgate standards for preventing, detecting, and remediating indoor mold growth; and (3) EPA, NIH, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sponsor related public education programs. Directs: (1) rental property lessors to conduct annual indoor mold inspections and notify the occupants of such results; and (2) HUD and EPA to promulgate mold hazard disclosure regulations. Directs the Secretary of HUD to: (1) establish, with respect to indoor mold in public housing, inspection requirements for existing housing and construction standards for new housing; and (2) establish model construction standards and techniques for mold prevention in new buildings. Establishes an indoor/toxic mold inspection requirement with respect to federally made or insured mortgages. Amends the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to provide for industry standards development for building products that are designed to retard mold development. Directs EPA to make grants to States and local governments for mold growth remediation efforts in buildings owned or leased by such governments, including schools and multifamily dwellings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual tax credit for 60 percent of non-reimbursed mold inspection and remediation expenses ($50,000 annual maximum) paid or incurred by a taxpayer. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) establish a toxic mold insurance program, with priority for one-to-four-family residential properties; and (2) establish in the Treasury a National Toxic Mold Hazard Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Director to assist qualifying insurers to form a federally-assisted toxic mold hazard insurance pool. Provides for Federal operation of such program under specified circumstances. Authorizes State waiver of income, resource, and other Medicaid requirements for an individual whose health has been adversely affected by toxic mold exposure, and who lacks adequate medical insurance coverage.

Education Funding Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2005

Education Funding Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the phaseout of the personal tax exemption and the overall limitation on itemized tax deductions. Establishes in the Treasury the Education Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund 50 percent of the revenues raised by this Act for the purpose of funding education programs administered by the Department of Education to the degree that funding for such programs are increased from the FY 2005 level.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2005 and 2007 through 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2005

Sets forth the congressional budget for the Federal Government for FY 2006, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2005 and 2007 through 2010. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2005 through 2010, with respect to: (1) Federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security and specified major functional categories for FY 2005 through 2010. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (3) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (4) Energy and Natural Resources; (5) Environment and Public Works; (6) Finance; and (7) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Requires the Committee on Finance to report a reconciliation bill to the Senate that increases the statutory debt limit. Provides for certain reserve funds for: (1) health information technology and pay-for-performance; (2) an Asbestos Injury Trust Fund; (3) the uninsured; (4) the Land and Water Conservation Fund; (5) the Federal Pell Grant Program; (6) higher education; (7) energy legislation; and (8) safe importation of prescription drugs. Provides for adjustments with respect to discretionary spending for surface transportation. Prohibits Senate legislation that would require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception. Enables Congress, if in the absence of an extension of the discretionary spending limits and PAYGO requirements under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), to designate provisions of legislation as an emergency (meeting specified criteria) in order to exempt such measures from enforcement of this resolution with respect to the new budget authority, outlays, and receipts resulting from them. Includes measures making supplemental appropriations for FY 2006 for overseas contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism. Continues the supermajority enforcement requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as a Senate rule through FY 2010. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Declares the sense of the Senate on: (1) precluding consideration of unauthorized appropriations; (2) establishing a committee to review the performance of programs; (3) granting access to TRICARE for members of the Department of Defense Reserve Components; (4) restraining Medicaid growth; (5) funding tribal colleges and universities; (6) supporting the President's request for Federal funding of State and local homeland security assistance programs; (7) rejecting the President's proposed elimination of per diem reimbursement to State Veterans Homes; (8) funding Impact Aid; and (9) modifying payment limitations in mandatory agricultural programs.

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006, revising appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2005, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 through 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2005

Sets forth the congressional budget for the Federal Government for FY 2006, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2005 and 2007 through 2010. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY 2005 through 2010, with respect to: (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 FY 2005 through 2010. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and the Workforce; (3) Energy and Commerce; (4) Financial Services; (5) the Judiciary; (6) Resources; (7) Transportation and Infrastructure; (8) Veterans' Affairs; and (9) Ways and Means. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means to report a reconciliation bill providing for revenue reduction. Provides for contingency procedures for surface transportation. States that if legislation is reported that makes supplemental appropriations for FY 2005 or 2006 for contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism, or for any emergency requirements, then the resulting new budget authority, new entitlement authority, outlays, and receipts shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) for the provisions of such measure that are designated as making appropriations for such contingency operations. Authorizes the House Committee on Appropriations to make a separate suballocation for general appropriations for the legislative branch for the first fiscal year of this resolution. Deems such allocation to be made under CBA and to be treated as such for all purposes under it. Declares the sense of Congress that concurrent resolutions on the budget for FY 2007 through 2010 should include reconciliation instructions to committees biennially to achieve significant savings in mandatory spending.

Johanna's Law

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005 or Johanna's Law - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national campaign to increase the awareness and knowledge of women with respect to gynecologic cancers, which shall include: (1) maintaining a supply of written materials to provide information to the public on gynecologic cancers; and (2) developing and placing public service announcements to encourage women to discuss their risks of gynecologic cancers with their physicians. Requires the Secretary to award grants to nonprofit private entities to test different outreach and education strategies for increasing such awareness among women and health professionals.

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. 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 improve products and processes, increase energy efficiency, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize resources and technologies 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 the factors that constitute barriers to the successful commercial application of promising results from green chemistry research and development.

Latin America Military Training Review Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Latin America Military Training Review Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to suspend operation of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (Institute). Suspends the authority of the Secretary of Defense to operate such an education and training facility until submission of a report containing the results of an investigation in response to violations of human rights to which training at such Institute contributed. Establishes: (1) a joint congressional task force to assess appropriate education and training for DOD to provide to military personnel of Latin American nations; and (2) a commission to investigate activities of the United States Army School of the Americas and its successor institution, the Institute.

Teague Ryan Sudden Child Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndromes Screening and Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Teague Ryan Sudden Child Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndromes Screening and Education Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants or contracts to carry out programs to: (1) screen children for sudden cardiac arrhythmia syndromes; (2) provide referrals for medical services regarding such syndromes; and (3) provide education on such syndromes to health professionals and the general public. Requires the Secretary to give priority to: (1) screenings and referrals for children who participate, or intend to participate, in organized sports; and (2) educational activities directed toward parents of such children and health professionals who commonly provide medical care for such children.

Children's Hospitals Education Equity and Research (CHEER) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Children's Hospitals Education Equity and Research (CHEER) Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments through FY 2010 (currently, through FY 2005) to children's hospitals for expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs. Excludes reductions for unused resident positions when calculating the number of full-time residents in a children's hospital's approved training program for purposes of reimbursing direct expenses. Requires the Secretary to adjust the proportion of such a hospital's costs attributable to wages for differences in hospital wage levels by geographic area. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2010 for direct and indirect expenses associated with operating such programs. Requires that funds appropriated for such programs for a fiscal year remain available for obligation through the end of the succeeding fiscal year. Limits the ability to recoup funds unless a demand for recoupment is made by the end of the fiscal year. Sets forth an appeals procedure and limitations on retroactivity for decisions affecting the amount of payments to a hospital for such programs.

Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2005

Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to make a voluntary contribution (on a grant basis) to the Organization of American States to establish a: (1) Center for Caribbean Basin Trade; and (2) a skills-based training program for Caribbean Basin countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a thorough study and analysis should be undertaken to determine a permanent location of the Center; and (2) the skills-based program should focus on mid-level technical education and training for the workforce in Caribbean Basin countries, utilizing existing educational facilities, cooperative private sector and government entities, and Internet-based training.

Advance Directives Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Advance Directives Education Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require a service provider, Medicare Advantage organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to: (1) provide each individual receiving medical care through such provider or organization with the opportunity to discuss issues relating to an individual's rights under State law to make decisions concerning medical care and formulate advance directives; and (2) give effect to an advance directive executed outside the State even if such directive does not appear to meet State requirements, unless the provider or organization can reasonably demonstrate that the directive is not an authentic expression of the individual's health care wishes. Makes such advance directive requirements applicable under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the establishment of a national, toll-free, information clearinghouse for State-specific information regarding advance directives and end-of-life decisions. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report on the feasibility of a national registry for advanced directives. Requires each State to establish a program that: (1) provides information to residents at the State's department of motor vehicles on the advance directives clearinghouse; and (2) is modeled after the State's organ donation program at the department of motor vehicles.

RISE Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Removing Impediments to Students Education Act - RISE Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal provisions which make persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive student financial assistance for a certain period.

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act - Deems each of the following actions undertaken by a Federal agency to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for which a detailed environmental impact statement is required in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: (1) any action having as a purpose the resumption of nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device tests at the Nevada Test Site; or (2) use of any other location for such testing. Outlines information required to be included in such statement, including: (1) the possibility of radiation containment failure and the effects of such failure; (2) possible long-term effects on the water table from underground radiation leakage; and (3) information with respect to certain kiloton categories of weapons. Prohibits the United States from resuming any such testing unless authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act. Requires: (1) advance public notice of each test; (2) prompt notice of each release of radiation beyond the boundaries of the Nevada Test Site; and (3) a public meeting after each test to discuss test results. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the safety and health of citizens in the vicinity of the Nevada Test Site. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a Nevada Test Site Citizens Review Board. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to institutions of higher education to acquire and operate, for ten years, radiation detection equipment and sensors. Directs the Secretary of Energy, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency, to monitor the nature and extent of any radiation released into the atmosphere as a result of such testing. Requires: (1) DOE radiation containment assessment; and (2) public notice of monitoring data. Requires the: (1) Director of the National Institutes of Health to make a grant to establish the National Center for the Study of Radiation and Human Health; and (2) Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of individuals exposed to nuclear weapons tests.

Veterans Education Affordability Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Veterans Education Affordability Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to exclude veterans education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill in determining need analysis for student assistance under HEA.

American Health Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

American Health Security Act of 2005 - Establishes the State-Based American Health Security Program to provide every U.S. resident who is a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident alien with health care services. Requires each participating State to establish a State health security program. Eliminates benefits under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (3) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires each State health security program to prohibit the sale of health insurance in that State that duplicates benefits provided under the program. Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to: (1) develop policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements to carry out this Act; (2) establish uniform reporting requirements; (3) provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council and an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education; and (4) establish a national health security budget specifying the total Federal and State expenditures to be made for covered health care services. Establishes the American Health Security Quality Council to: (1) review and evaluate practice guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria; and (2) develop minimum competence criteria. Establishes the Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund and appropriates to the Fund specified tax liabilities and current health program receipts.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) should affirm its commitment to a policy of discouraging alcohol use among underage students by ending all alcohol advertising during radio and television broadcasts of collegiate sporting events.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2005

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), its member colleges and universities, and athletic conferences should affirm a commitment to a policy of discouraging alcohol use among underage students and other young fans by ending all alcohol advertising during radio and television broadcasts of collegiate sporting events.

Protection of Vulnerable Populations During Humanitarian Emergencies Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Protection of Vulnerable Populations During Humanitarian Emergencies Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) develop a comprehensive strategy for the protection of vulnerable populations, especially women and children, who are affected by a humanitarian emergency; and (2) designate an individual within the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as the coordinator for such efforts. Authorizes USAID to establish a fellowship program to increase USAID expertise in carrying out protective activities of vulnerable populations, especially women and children, affected by a humanitarian emergency. Prohibits certain Department or USAID funds for refugees or internally displaced persons to be provided to a primary grantee or contractor unless the grantee or contractor has adopted a code of conduct that is consistent with the six core principles recommended by the United Nations (UN) Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Directs the coordinator to seek to provide health services to vulnerable populations, including: (1) prevention of of sexual violence; (2) reduction of HIV transmission; (3) provision of obstetric care; and (4) integrating women's health services into the primary health care services provided during a humanitarian emergency. Amends the Microenterprise for Self-Reliance Act of 2000 to seek to extend microcredit program availability to vulnerable populations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to: (1) permit providing military education and training where it would provide for the protection vulnerable populations; and (2) authorize the President to provide assistance for programs to protect vulnerable populations during humanitarian emergencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the UN should strengthen the ability of its Department of Peacekeeping Operations to protect civilians, especially women and children, from sexual exploitation by peacekeeping personnel.

Lifetime Savings Account Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Lifetime Savings Account Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax-exempt trust to be known as a "Lifetime Savings Account" for the benefit of an individual taxpayer or his beneficiaries. Allows an individual taxpayer to make cash contributions up to $5,000 each year to such trusts. Prohibits: (1) investment of trust assets in life insurance contracts; and (2) commingling of trust assets with any other property except in a common trust or investment fund. Provides for an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the contribution amount after 2006. Excludes from gross income distributions from a Lifetime Savings Account. Allows tax-free rollovers to a trust from: (1) another account of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from such other account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (2) from a Lifetime Savings Account of the spouse of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from the spouse's account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (3) from a qualified state tuition plan or a Coverdell education savings account before January 1, 2007.

Driver Licensing and Education Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Driver Licensing and Education Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish the National Driver Licensing and Education Improvement Program in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Requires the Program, among other things, to provide States with services for coordinating State motor vehicle driver education and licensing programs. Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to: (1) improve motor vehicle driver education programs; and (2) establish and improve the administration of graduated licensing systems. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine whether the establishment and imposition of nationwide minimum standards of motor vehicle driver education would improve national highway traffic safety or the performance and legal compliance of novice drivers. Modifies eligibility requirements for grants for support of alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures to require a multiple-stage graduated licensing system for young drivers that: (1) authorizes the issuance of an initial license or learner's permit to a driver on or after the driver's 16th birthday; (2) prohibits a person under age 21 with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or greater from operating a motor vehicle; (3) provides for a learning stage and an intermediate stage of at least six months each; (4) limits the numbers of passengers under the age of 18 years old; (5) limits nighttime driving, and (6) applies special penalties for violations of system restrictions and of other State motor vehicle laws.

Medicare Dual Eligible Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Medicare Dual Eligible Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2005 - Provides that, for prescriptions filled between January 1 and June 30, 2006, requirements for the coordination of prescription drug benefits with Medicare as primary payor for dual eligible individuals under the new prescription drug benefit program (PDP) under Medicare part E (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) shall not apply. Requires a State to continue to provide Medicaid medical assistance with respect to prescription drugs as if such coordination requirements had not been enacted. Declares that no State or the District of Columbia shall be required to pay (reimburse) the Secretary of Health and Human Services for Medicaid prescription drug costs for dual eligible individuals (Medicaid clawback payments) for any month before July 1, 2006. Earmarks specified amounts for education and outreach to dual eligibles regarding prescription drug coverage and monitoring of their transition to prescription drug coverage under Medicare. Requires a PDP sponsor and an MA organization offering an MA-PD plan to submit to the Secretary appropriate information regarding the drug utilization of enrollees in such plans who are full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to collect data on the drug utilization of full-benefit dual eligible individuals and share it with the States and District of Columbia in as close to a real-time basis as possible. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the clawback formula.

Medicare Dual Eligible Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Medicare Dual Eligible Prescription Drug Coverage Act of 2005 - Provides that, for prescriptions filled between January 1 and June 30, 2006, requirements for the coordination of prescription drug benefits with Medicare as primary payor for dual eligible individuals under the new prescription drug benefit program (PDP) under Medicare part E (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) shall not apply. Requires a State to continue to provide Medicaid medical assistance with respect to prescription drugs as if such coordination requirements had not been enacted. Declares that no State or the District of Columbia shall be required to pay (reimburse) the Secretary of Health and Human Services for Medicaid prescription drug costs for dual eligible individuals (Medicaid clawback payments) for any month before July 1, 2006. Earmarks specified amounts for education and outreach to dual eligibles regarding prescription drug coverage and monitoring of their transition to prescription drug coverage under Medicare. Requires a PDP sponsor and an MA organization offering an MA-PD plan to submit to the Secretary appropriate information regarding the drug utilization of enrollees in such plans who are full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to collect data on the drug utilization of full-benefit dual eligible individuals and share it with the States and District of Columbia in as close to a real-time basis as possible. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the clawback formula.

State and Local Education Flexibility Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

State and Local Education Flexibility Act of 2005 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, to revise accountability requirements of title I part A assistance for basic programs operated by local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve the academic achievement of the disadvantaged (ESEA I-A). Provides for State and local flexibility, under specified conditions, to: (1) exclude from adequate yearly progress and academic assessments the performance of certain limited English proficient students; (2) modify academic content and achievement standards in the individual education plans of students with disabilities; (3) develop assessments locally and use multiple assessments; and (4) have alternative qualification requirements for special education teachers and rural teachers. Directs the Comptroller General to study the amounts LEAs and schools receive from ESEA I-A, and the costs to them in complying with it. Directs the Secretary of Education to arrange with an educational research entity to assess feasibility of measuring individual academic achievement.

Gifted and Talented Education Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Gifted and Talented Education Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include teacher quality enhancement programs relating to the needs of gifted and talented students among authorized uses of title II grants for States and partnerships.

Health and Higher Education Facilities Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Health and Higher Education Facilities Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a small tax-exempt bond issuer, the proceeds of the obligations of which are to be used to make or finance eligible loans for health care or educational purposes, to elect to apply specified current limitations on the amount of obligations by treating each borrower as the issuer of a separate issue.

Lifetime Savings Account Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2005

Lifetime Savings Account Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax-exempt trust to be known as a "Lifetime Savings Account" for the benefit of an individual taxpayer or his beneficiaries. Allows an individual taxpayer to make cash contributions up to $5,000 each year to such trusts. Prohibits: (1) investment of trust assets in life insurance contracts; and (2) commingling of trust assets with any other property except in a common trust or investment fund. Provides for an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the contribution amount after 2006. Excludes from gross income distributions from a Lifetime Savings Account. Allows tax-free rollovers to a trust from: (1) another account of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from such other account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (2) from a Lifetime Savings Account of the spouse of the trust beneficiary if the rollover from the spouse's account is completed within 60 days of the date of distribution; (3) from a qualified state tuition plan or a Coverdell education savings account before January 1, 2007.

Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2005

Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide support and continue grants to specified organizations to train health professionals to: (1) recognize substance abuse in their patients or patients' family members; (2) intervene, treat, or refer for treatment those individuals who are affected by substance abuse; (3) identify and assist children of substance abusing parents; (4) serve as advocates and resources for community-based substance abuse prevention programs; and (5) address the non-therapeutic use of prescription medications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage community colleges and other academic institutes to offer academic credit for classes offered by the Addiction Technology Transfer Centers; (2) conduct a process and outcome evaluation of the programs and activities carried out under this Act; and (3) establish and administer a substance abuse faculty fellowship program. Requires the Secretary to establish centers of excellence at U.S. medical centers or universities to: (1) initiate, promote, and implement training, research, and clinical activities related to targeted issues or special areas of focus; and (2) provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in curriculum development, course development, clinical practice, research and translation of research into practice, and policy analysis and formulation.

Native American Omnibus Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2005

Native American Omnibus Act of 2005 - Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 to make technical amendments with respect to: (1) loan guarantees and insurance; (2) loan approval; and (3) sale or assignment of loans and underlying security. Amends the Indian Tribal Justice Technical and Legal Assistance Act with respect to reauthorization of training and technical assistance, civil and criminal legal assistance grants, and grants to Indian tribes to enable such tribes to carry out programs to support the development, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. Amends the Indian Tribal Justice Act with respect to reauthorization of tribal justice systems. Amends the Indian Pueblo Land Act with respect to criminal jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey all U.S. right, title, and interest in and to certain described land, subject to specified conditions, to the Secretary, to be: (1) held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Prairie Island Indian Community in Minnesota; and (2) included in the Prairie Island Community Reservation in Goodhue County, Minnesota. Revises provisions concerning binding arbitration for Gila River Indian Community reservation contracts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) accept the conveyance of described parcels of land within the Puyallup Reservation; and (2) hold the land in trust for the benefit of the Puyallup Indian Tribe. Amends the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act with respect to the definition of Native American. Amends the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Indian Tribes Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990 with respect to settlement fund involved in the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribes settlement. Revises provisions concerning a Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California land conveyance. Amends the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 with respect to criminal proceedings and civil actions. Provides for the Colorado River Indian Reservation boundary correction. Amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) the Intra-Departmental Council on Native American Affairs; (2) authorization of appropriations; and (3) reports. Amends the Native Hawaiian Education Act with respect to research and educational activities. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 with respect to the definition of Indian student count. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 with respect to border preparedness on Indian land. Makes other amendments to laws relating to Native Americans and Indian land leasing, Navajo health contracting, and probate law.

Native American Connectivity Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2005

Native American Connectivity Act - Establishes within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration a Native American telecommunications block grant program to provide grants on a competitive basis to an Indian tribe or organization, tribal college or university, or institution of higher education acting jointly with an Indian tribe to carry out activities for the development of telecommunications capacities in Indian country. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide training and technical assistance grants to: (1) facilitate local use and maintenance of new telecommunications technologies; (2) develop and implement telecommunications and information technology (TCIT) work study programs and related education, development, planning, and management programs; (3) develop a training program for telecommunications employees; or (4) provide assistance to students who participate in TCIT programs. Provides for: (1) fiscal year block grant set-asides for the training and technical assistance grants; (2) Comptroller General audits of grant fund uses; (3) environmental compliance in the development of telecommunications facilities; and (4) remedies for noncompliance with block grant requirements.

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2005

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish programs related to mental health services for children and adolescents to include: (1) entering into contracts with qualified individuals to pay educational loans in exchange for providing mental health services to children and adolescents; (2) awarding scholarships to students who agree to work as child and adolescent mental health service professionals after graduation or completion of residency; (3) entering into contracts with higher education institutions to establish or expand internship or other field placement programs for students receiving specialized training or clinical experience in child and adolescent mental health; (4) awarding grants to State-licensed mental heath organizations to pay for programs for preservice or in-service training of paraprofessional child and adolescent mental health workers; and (5) awarding grants to higher education institutions to establish or expand graduate child and adolescent mental health programs. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to adjust the graduate medical education program to: (1) exclude a reasonable number of residents or fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry when calculating the maximum number of residents in the field of allopathic or osteopathic medicine for which the hospital may be paid; and (2) extend the period of board eligibility for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution of, and need for, child mental health service professionals.

A bill to designate a United States Anti-Doping Agency.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Designates the United States Anti-Doping Agency to: (1) serve as the independent anti-doping organization for the amateur athletic competitions recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee; (2) ensure that athletes participating in such competitions are prevented from using performance-enhancing drugs; (3) implement anti-doping education, research, testing, and adjudication programs to prevent U.S. amateur athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs; and (4) serve as the U.S. representative for coordination with other anti-doping organizations coordinating amateur athletic competitions.

Caring for Children Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Caring for Children Act of 2005 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA) to reauthorize appropriations and revise its provisions. Includes among CCDBGA goals early learning, school preparedness, and parental and involvement in the education of young children in child care settings. Revises CCDBGA requirements for: (1) State plans with respect to lead agencies, consumer and child care provider education information, use of block grant funds for child care resource and referral systems, direct services, and payment rates; (2) activities to improve the quality of child care, including early learning and school preparedness standards; (3) national activities; and (4) a child's eligibility based on a State-determined income level. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve specified amounts for: (1) annual grants to improve child care quality and access; and (2) a toll-free hotline. Directs the following Federal officials to issue regulations concerning matters relating to occupant emergency plans, evacuations, and relocation sites for their respective child care facilities: (1) the Administrator of General Services for executive facilities; (2) specified officers of the House and Senate, and the Librarian of Congress, for legislative facilities; and (3) the Director of the Office of the U.S. Courts for judicial facilities. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a demonstration program of competitive grants to assist States to enable small businesses to establish and operate child care programs.

Education Begins at Home Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Education Begins at Home Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, to: (1) allot grants to states for Parents as Teachers programs, or other programs of early childhood home visitation; and (2) make competitive grants to local educational agencies and other eligible applicants for early home visitation for families with English language learners. Directs the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, to make competitive grants to eligible applicants for early home visitation for military families. Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to establish standards for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs with respect to their training, qualifications, and conduct of home visits. Revises Early Head Start programs to provide for: (1) training in parenting skills and child development; (2) certain home-based and family support services; (3) procedures for transition into Head Start or other local early childhood education programs; (4) staff communication and program coordination; and (5) professional development and personnel enhancement.

JUBILEE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Justice and Understanding By International Loan Elimination and Equity Act of 2005 or JUBILEE Act of 2005 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions (multilateral development institutions (MDI's)) to accomplish: (1) the cancellation of all debts owed to each institution by specified eligible poor countries, and the financing of such debt cancellation from the institution's ongoing operations, procedures, and accounts; (2) the limitation of any waiting period before receipt of debt cancellation to one month from the date of an eligible poor country's application for it; and (3) encouragement of the government of each eligible poor country to allocate at least 20 percent of its national budget, including the savings from such debt cancellation, for the provision of basic health care services, education services, and clean water services to individuals in the country. Sets forth requirements for: (1) establishment of a framework to ensure transparency regarding each international financial institution's activities; and (2) availability on the Treasury Department's website of U.S. Executive Directors' remarks at meetings of international financial institutions' Boards of Directors. Requires the Secretary to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club, the IMF, and other appropriate MDI's, to ensure that the provision of debt cancellation to such countries is not conditioned on any agreement by such a country to implement or comply with specified policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment.

Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national campaign to increase awareness and knowledge with respect to osteoporosis. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Aging to make demonstration program grants to public and private nonprofit agencies, organizations, and institutions to provide information and outreach for the prevention of osteoporosis.

National Park Centennial Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

National Park Centennial Act - Establishes the National Park Centennial Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate overpayments and contributions for the benefit of the National Park System. Allocates such amounts to the Fund (along with necessary amounts from the General Fund to the extent that such amounts are inadequate in any fiscal year) for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations for a public awareness campaign about the Fund and the ability of taxpayers to make tax-related contributions. Requires a specified percentage of Fund deposits to be used: (1) for the elimination of the backlog of unmet needs in the national parks as identified in the Facility Condition Index of the National Park Service (NPS); (2) to protect natural resources within the parks; and (3) to protect cultural resources within the parks. Requires a majority of such percentages to be distributed to those national parks that have completed comprehensive business plans under the Business Plan Initiative of the NPS. Directs the Government Accountability Office annually to submit a report on the National Park System to specified congressional committees. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to elementary and secondary schools for cooperative agreements with the NPS providing distance learning and onsite education programs.

Full Funding for IDEA Now Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Full Funding for IDEA Now Act of 2005 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-446), to set forth a mandatory minimum level of Federal grant payments to States for assistance for education of all children with disabilities under IDEA part B. Entitles a State to receive such a minimum grant allotment in an amount determined by current formulas for maximum authorization levels in specified fiscal years (which such minimum entitlement replaces). Eliminates the current authorization of appropriations for specified fiscal years for such grants.

Student Loan Fairness Consolidation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Student Loan Fairness Consolidation Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise student aid requirements for Federal consolidation loans under the Federal Family Education Loan program, and establish parallel requirements under a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan program, to: (1) allow borrowers to refinance existing consolidation loans (except those for repaying Federal PLUS loans to parents of students); and (2) make available variable interest rate consolidation loans (but, again, not for PLUS loans).

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2005

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish programs related to mental health services for children and adolescents, to include: (1) entering into contracts with qualified individuals to pay educational loans in exchange for providing mental health services to children and adolescents; (2) awarding scholarships to students who agree to work as child and adolescent mental health service professionals after graduation or completion of residency; (3) entering into contracts with higher education institutions to establish or expand internship or other field placement programs for students receiving specialized training or clinical experience in child and adolescent mental health; (4) awarding grants to State-licensed mental heath organizations to pay for programs for preservice or in-service training of paraprofessional child and adolescent mental health workers; and (5) awarding grants to higher education institutions to establish or expand graduate child and adolescent mental health programs. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to adjust the graduate medical education program to: (1) exclude a reasonable number of residents or fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry when calculating the maximum number of residents in the field of allopathic or osteopathic medicine for which the hospital may be paid; and (2) extend the period of board eligibility for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution of, and need for, child mental health service professionals.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2005

Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act of 2005 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide: (1) assistance, including health information and education, to advance good health and promote economic development by improving the safety of water supplies, expanding access to safe water and sanitation, promoting sound water management, and promoting better hygiene; and (2) such assistance (including well drilling and maintenance) using local currency payments under title I of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Authorizes the President to establish a five-year clean water infrastructure development program. Provides for: (1) congressional consultation; (2) partial loan guarantee assistance; and (3) priority to projects sponsored by or significantly involving U.S. small businesses or cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of State to implement a foreign assistance strategy to promote economic development by expanding access to safe water and sanitation, promoting sound water management, and improving hygiene.

A bill to amend title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase teacher familiarity with the educational needs of gifted and talented students, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include teacher quality enhancement programs relating to the needs of gifted and talented students among authorized uses of title II grants for States and partnerships.

Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2005 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive funds for 21st Century Community Learning Center activities also to use them for educational activities for children four years of age or younger, if the LEA agrees to phase in, where possible, a prekindergarten program taught by teachers with qualifications equivalent or similar to those teaching other grades in the school involved.

Living Wage, Jobs For All Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

A Living Wage, Jobs for All Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the basic economic rights and responsibilities under the 1944 "Economic Bill of Rights," while updating and extending it to include: (1) certain rights to decent jobs, income security for individuals unable to work for pay, a decent living for farm families, freedom from monopolies, decent housing, adequate health services, Social Security in old age, sickness, accidental injury, and unemployment, and education and work training; and (2) certain other rights relating to collective bargaining, a safe working environment, information on trends in pollution sources and products and processes that affect the well-being of workers throughout the world, voting and campaigning, and personal security. Requires corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to disclose fully in annual reports the impact of their activities on environmental quality and on the rights of other stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities. Requires each State to require all State-chartered corporations to submit such annual reports. Directs the Attorney General to establish a computerized registration program of all corporations found guilty of violating a Federal or State law. Authorizes the President to deny Federal contracts, loans, or loan guarantees to non-compliant corporations. Requires Federal agencies and commissions, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to help establish and maintain conditions under which all adult Americans may freely exercise the economic rights specified in 1944 and in this Act. Prohibits Federal agencies or commissions from promoting recession, stagnation, or unemployment to reduce wages or inflation. Directs the President to establish a full employment framework for the annual budget submitted to the Congress that meets specified goals for: (1) quality of life and environment; (2) responsible, sustainable growth; (3) unemployment reduction; and (4) human rights. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to oversee actions under this Act and submit an annual Concurrent Resolution on Economic Policy setting forth its proposed employment goals.

Tools for Community Initiatives Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Tools for Community Initiatives Act - Establishes the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (the Office) in the Executive Office of the President. Requires the Director of the Office to encourage faith-based and community initiatives and work to eliminate improper Federal barriers so as to allow faith-based and community entities to compete for Federal funding to the fullest opportunity permitted by law, including by: (1) developing, leading, and coordinating policies with respect to such initiatives; (2) coordinating public education activities designed to mobilize public support for such initiatives; (3) advising the President on options and ideas to assist, strengthen, and replicate successful initiatives; (4) developing and implementing strategic initiatives in keeping with policies that will strengthen families, communities, and the institutions of civil society; and (5) working to eliminate unnecessary legislative and regulatory barriers which impede the efforts of such initiatives to solve social problems. Requires the heads of the Departments of Education, Labor, Justice, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Commerce, and Veteran Affairs, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration to designate a liaison to coordinate the activities of the department or agency with the Office. Lists designated department or agency liaison responsibilities.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of all citizens of the United States to a public education of equal high quality.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2005

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that all persons shall enjoy the right to a public education of equal high quality.

ENFNORCEMENT OF FEDERAL ANTI-FRAUD LAWS IN FOR-PROFIT EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 March 2005

National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2005

National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to extend deadlines for development of a five-year strategic plan for the geologic mapping program and for appointment of the advisory committee. Removes from program objectives the development of a geophysical- and geochemical- map database. Directs that mapping priorities be based in part on the needs of the Department of the Interior land management agencies. Modifies the composition of the advisory committee. Requires the advisory committee to provide a scientific overview of geologic maps (including maps of geologic-based hazards) used or disseminated by Federal agencies for regulation or land-use planning. Directs that the national geologic map database include all maps developed with funding provided by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including under the Federal, State, and education components. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 2006 through 2010. Increases the percentages allocated for the State and education components.