Education

To amend the basic pay provisions of title 37, United States Code, to ensure pay equity for enlisted members of the reserve components who are selected to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School, or the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Amends Federal military pay provisions to remove the requirement that, in order for enlisted members of the reserves who are selected to attend one of the military academy preparatory schools to continue to be paid at their enlisted pay rate, such members, prior to such selection, must have been on active duty for more than 30 days. Allows such individuals to be paid at their enlisted rate or the rate provided for cadets and midshipmen, whichever is greater.

Electing Members and Delegates to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Elects specified Members to the House Committees on: (1) Education and the Workforce; (2) Financial Services; (3) International Relations; (4) Small Business; and (5) Veterans' Affairs.

Recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Declares the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school. Recognizes NAMM, the International Music Products Association, for its efforts to emphasize the importance of school music programs in the academic and social development of children.

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998 to reauthorize and revise its programs.

Nevada National Forest Land Disposal Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Nevada National Forest Land Disposal Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell any right, title, or interest of the United States in and to certain parcels of National Forest System lands in Carson City and Douglas County, Nevada. Declares that the Secretary and the relevant unit of local government shall jointly decide whether land is to be offered for sale under this Act. Sets forth percentages of the gross proceeds from sales under this Act that shall be earmarked for: (1) the State of Nevada general education program; (2) the Carson Water Subconservancy District in Nevada; (3) the fund established in the Sisk Act, to be used for land sales costs and for the development and maintenance of parks, trails, and natural areas in specified Nevada counties; and (4) the Minden Interagency Dispatch Center in Minden, Nevada. Declares that the lands authorized to be sold under this Act shall not be subject to specified Federal law pertaining to property management.

A resolution designating the year 2005 as the "Year of Foreign Language Study".

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Designates the year 2005 as the Year of Foreign Language Study, during which foreign language study is promoted and expanded in elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, businesses, and government programs.

Education, Achievement, and Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Education, Achievement, and Opportunity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual refundable tax credit for certain expenses incurred for children enrolled in elementary or secondary public and private schools. Includes as eligible expenses: tuition and fees, computers and educational software, academic tutoring, special needs services for children with disabilities, transportation fees, and academic testing services. Excludes expenses for nonacademic purposes, including fees for student activities, athletics, insurance, school uniforms, and nonacademic after-school activities. Limits the amount of such credit to $2,500 for a child enrolled in an elementary school and $3,500 for a child in secondary school. Reduces such credit amounts for taxpayers earning over $75,000 ($150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return).

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Assessment and Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Assessment and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to assess the extent of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive invasion in the western United States. Directs the Secretaries to submit a report containing the results of such assessment and identifying: (1) long-term management and funding strategies; and (2) deficiencies or areas for further study and where actual field demonstrations would be useful in the control effort. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or both) in order to obtain technical experience, support, and recommendations related to the identification of the long-term management and funding strategies required to be included in such report. Directs the Secretaries to initiate a program of at least three demonstration projects in the western States designed to address deficiencies and areas for further study to address the invasion of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive. Sets forth required project elements.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit the use of education benefits under the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill for licensing or certification tests.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Permits members of the Selected Reserve to use up to $2,000 of Reserve Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits for payment for licensing or certification tests.

To provide for the establishment of a tsunami hazard mitigation program for all United States insular areas.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Directs the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration to establish a tsunami hazard mitigation program for all U.S. insular areas to perform hazard assessment, monitoring and warning, and public education functions. Requires the program to be designed for the benefit of all such areas, including American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

National Science Education Incentive Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

National Science Education Incentive Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) certain science, engineering, math, or technology teachers who teach in elementary or secondary schools a refundable tax credit for ten percent of their undergraduate tuition costs, up to $1,000 ($1,500 for teachers in high-needs school districts); and (2) a general business tax credit for certain contributions of property or services to elementary and secondary schools and for teacher training to promote instruction in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM contributions).

Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 36) expressing the continued support of Congress for equal access of military recruiters to institutions of higher education.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 36) expressing the continued support of Congress for equal access of military recruiters to institutions of higher education.

Expressing the continued support of Congress for equal access of military recruiters to institutions of higher education.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Expresses the continued support of Congress for, and encourages the executive branch to continue challenging any judicial decision against, specified provisions of Federal law prohibiting making certain Federal contracts with or grants to institutions of higher education that prevent military recruiters from having access to their campuses and to certain information about their students.

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Defense, to carry out a salt cedar (Tamarix spp) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) assessment and demonstration program to: (1) assess the extent of the infestation by salt cedar and Russian olive trees in the western United States; (2) demonstrate strategic solutions for the long-term management of such trees and the reestablishment of native vegetation; and (3) assess economic means to dispose of biomass created as a result of removal of those trees. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete an assessment of the extent of the infestation on public and private land; (2) identify and document long-term management and funding strategies that could be implemented by federal, state, and private land managers in addressing the infestation and that should be tested as components of specified demonstration projects; and (3) establish a program that selects and funds at least five projects proposed by and implemented in collaboration with federal agencies, state and local governments, national laboratories, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, individuals, organizations, or soil and water conservation districts to demonstrate and evaluate the most effective methods of controlling salt cedar and Russian olive trees.

Ensuring College Access for all Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Ensuring College Access for All Americans Act - Prohibits the application of the annual updates (published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2004) to the allowance for State and other taxes in the tables used in the Federal Needs Analysis Methodology to determine a student's expected family contribution for the award year 2005-2006 under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to the extent such updates will reduce the amount of Federal student assistance for which the student is eligible.

A bill to amend the Head Start Act to require parental consent for nonemergency intrusive physical examinations.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Amends the Head Start Act to require Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administration of any nonemergency intrusive physical examination of a child in connection with participation in a Head Start program.

G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly stipend to each individual who is entitled to veterans' basic educational assistance and is pursuing full-time a doctoral degree in the sciences of engineering, mathematics, or other technology disciplines. Allows such payment in addition to any other authorized Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance. Makes such payment $1,200 a month (adjusted for inflation for fiscal years after 2005) for up to 60 months.

Education Improvement Tax Cut Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Education Improvement Tax Cut Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit up to $3,000 per year for contributions to a school tuition organization which distributes at least 90 percent of its annual gross income for elementary and secondary school scholarships; and (2) a tax credit up to $3,000 per year for contributions to a school materials organization which distributes at least 90 percent of its annual gross income to elementary and secondary schools for instructional materials and equipment and for materials and equipment for extracurricular activities.

Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Vocational and Technical Education of the Future Act - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998 to reauthorize and revise its programs.

Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to: (1) establish a program of grants for pilot projects to explore the integrated use of sources of remote sensing and other geospatial information to address State, local, regional, and tribal agency needs; (2) establish an advisory committee to monitor the program; (3) transmit to Congress an independent evaluation of program effectiveness; and (4) ensure that project results are retrievable through an Internet-accessible database. Requires the Administrator to seek opportunities to assist: (1) in the development of commercial applications potentially available from the remote sensing industry; and (2) State, local, regional, and tribal agencies in applying remote sensing and geospatial information technologies for growth management. Requires the Administrator to establish an educational outreach program to increase awareness at institutions of higher education and such agencies of the potential applications of remote sensing and geospatial information. Requires the Administrator to study the effect of remote sensing imagery costs on potential State, local, regional, and tribal agency applications.

Government Reservation Accelerated Development for Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Government Reservation Accelerated Development for Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to entitle certain local educational agencies (LEAs) to specified payment amounts under Impact Aid programs: (1) relating to Federal acquisition of real property; and (2) for basic support for eligible federally-connected children. (Current law makes such LEAs eligible for such payments up to specified maximum amounts.) Revises the formula for calculating additional Impact Aid payments to LEAs for federally-connected children with disabilities who are eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) construction and school modernization payments for certain LEAs, including ones with high percentages of children living on Indian lands or children of military parents; and (2) facilities maintenance payments for certain schools located on military bases and serving military dependent children.

Retirement Security Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Retirement Security Education Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to provide financial education programs to mid-life and older individuals who reside in local communities in order to: (1) enhance their financial and retirement knowledge; and (2) reduce financial abuse and fraud, including telemarketing, mortgage, and pension fraud, among them. Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to one or more eligible entities to: (1) create and make available instructional materials and information that promote financial education; and (2) provide training and other related assistance regarding the establishment of financial education programs. Expresses the sense of Congress that organizations with demonstrated experience in providing financial education to older women should receive high priority for assistance under this Act.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2005 - Amends the Teacher-Taxpayer Protection Act of 2004 to make applicable to all eligible teachers in mathematics, science, and special education certain additional amounts of student loan forgiveness. (Current law makes such additional amounts applicable only with respect to those who are new borrowers on or after October 1, 1998, and before October 1, 2005.) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to treat certain speech-language pathologists as special education teachers for purposes of student loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan program.

Make College Affordable Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Make College Affordable Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers, their spouses, dependents, and grandchildren a tax deduction from gross income for certain higher education expenses and for interest on certain student loans. Includes as higher education expenses undergraduate tuition and fees and reasonable living expenses while attending an institution of higher education.

Hope Plus Scholarship Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Hope Plus Scholarship Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include qualified elementary and secondary education expenses within the definition of the term qualified tuition and related expenses for purposes of the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit.

Family Education Freedom Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Family Education Freedom Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of up to $3,000 per student per year for the cost of attendance at any educational institution (including any private, parochial, religious, or home school) organized to provide elementary or secondary education, or both.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding anti-Semitism at the United Nations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Welcomes recent U.N. attempts to address the issue of anti-Semitism, and calls on the United Nations to condemn anti-Semitic statements in its meetings and hold member states accountable for such statements. Urges the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop and implement Holocaust education programs. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should direct the Secretary of State to: (1) include in the Department of State's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and annual Report on International Religious Freedom information on U.N. and constituent body compliance with international human rights treaties and norms relating to anti-Semitism; and (2) use projects funded through the Middle East Partnership Initiative and U.S. overseas broadcasts to educate Arab and Muslim countries about anti-Semitism, religious intolerance, and incitement to violence.

Electing Members and Delegates to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Elects specified Members to the following standing committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Budget; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Financial Services; (7) Government Reform; (8) Homeland Security; (9) House Administration; (10) International Relations; (11) Judiciary; (12) Resources; (13) Rules; (14) Science; (15) Small Business; (16) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (17) Veterans' Affairs.

Electing Members and Delegates to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Elects specified Members to the following standing committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Budget; (5) Education and the Workforce; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Financial Services; (8) Government Reform; (9) House Administration; (10) International Relations; (11) Judiciary; (12) Resources; (13) Rules; (14) Science; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Transportation and Infrastructure; (18) Veterans' Affairs; and (19) Ways and Means.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that there should be established a School Zone Safety Awareness Week to encourage schools, government, parents, and businesses in the United States to educate children and adults about safety in our Nation's school zones.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be established a School Zone Safety Awareness Week to encourage schools, government, parents, and businesses in the United States to educate children and adults about safety in our Nation's school zones.

National Ocean Exploration Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

National Ocean Exploration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a coordinated national ocean exploration program. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out the program, to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages or other scientific activities to survey, inventory, observe, and assess little-known areas of the marine environment; (2) promote the development of oceanographic research; (3) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve the public understanding of ocean science, resources, and processes; and (4) accept donations for such purposes. Requires the NOAA to convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force to develop and implement a strategy to: (1) facilitate the transfer of new exploration technology to the program; (2) improve the availability of communications infrastructure (including satellite) to the program; (3) develop a data management information processing system for information obtained under the program; and (4) encourage cost-sharing partnerships to assist in transferring exploration technology and technical expertise to the program. Authorizes the NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and other Federal agencies participating in the program to participate in interagency financing in carrying out program activities.

Afghanistan Education Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Afghanistan Education Enhancement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a pilot program of scholarships for public policy internships in the United States for students from Afghanistan.

Keep Our PACT Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers Act - Keep Our PACT Act - Makes appropriations in order to provide for the full funding of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA-NCLBA), and for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Makes such appropriations for ESEA-NCLBA programs in amounts for each of FY 2006 through 2011 which equal the difference between other appropriations and specified amounts for each of those fiscal years. Amends IDEA to authorize and make appropriations for: (1) each of FY 2006 through 2011 in specified amounts; and (2) for FY 2012 and each subsequent fiscal year, in the amount that is the total for all States of the maximum amounts necessary to fully fund 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities.

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and other services that are necessary to assist certain local school districts in the State of California in providing educational services for students attending schools located within Yosemite National Park, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to adjust the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds for FY 2006 through 2009 to the Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District and the Mariposa Unified School District in California for educational services for students who: (1) are dependents of persons engaged in the administration, operation, and maintenance of Yosemite National Park; or (2) live within or near the Park upon Federal property. Terminates the Secretary's authority to make such payments if the State of California or local education agencies do not continue to provide funding to the schools in those school districts at per student levels that are no less than the amount provided in fiscal year 2005. Sets forth limitations on the use and amount of such funds, including a maximum limit of $400,000 on payments in any fiscal year. Prohibits payments under this Act from coming from: (1) fees under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965; (2) the recreational fee demonstration program; (3) the national park passport program; and (4) emergency appropriations for Yosemite flood recovery. Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to allow certain facilities to be located outside the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act - Modifies the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to include specified additional lands. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire certain of those lands only from a willing seller.

Military Educational Parity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Military Educational Parity Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education, as a condition of their participation in the student aid program, to grant students who are called or ordered to active duty a military leave of absence while serving on active duty and for one year after conclusion of such service. Entitles students receiving such leave, upon release from active duty, to be restored to prior educational status attained without loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or grants awarded, or tuition or fees paid, unless those have been refunded. Requires institutions to give such students certain refunds of tuition or fees paid prior to active duty. Includes as active duty, in the case of National Guard members, active State duty. Excludes training or attendance at a service school from treatment as active duty.

Central Asia Education Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Central Asia Education Enhancement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a pilot program of scholarships for public policy internships in the United States for students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Andrew J. McKenna, Jr., of Illinois, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years, vice Robert N. Shamansky, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

James William Carr, of Arkansas, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years, vice Manuel Trinidad Pacheco, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

George M. Dennison, of Montana, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years, vice Bruce Sundlun, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

Craig T. Ramey, of West Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term of two years. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

Kiron Kanina Skinner, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years, vice Herschelle S. Challenor.

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

Charles P. Ruch, of South Dakota, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring August 11, 2010, vice Niranjan Shamalbhai Shah, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and other services that are necessary to assist certain local school districts in the State of California in providing educational services for students attending schools located within Yosemite National Park, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to adjust the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, to adjust the boundaries of Redwood National Park, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds for FY2006-FY2009 to the Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District and the Mariposa Unified School District in California for educational services for students who: (1) are dependents of persons engaged in the administration, operation, and maintenance of Yosemite National Park; or (2) live within or near the Park upon Federal property. Terminates the Secretary's authority to make such payments if the State of California or local education agencies do not continue to provide funding to the schools in those school districts at per student levels that are no less than the amount provided in fiscal year 2005. Sets forth limitations on the use and amount of such funds, including a maximum limit of $400,000 on payments in any fiscal year. Prohibits payments under this Act from coming from: (1) fees under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965; (2) the recreational fee demonstration program; (3) the national park passport program; and (4) emergency appropriations for Yosemite flood recovery. Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to allow certain facilities to be located outside the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act - Modifies the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to include specified additional lands. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire certain of those lands only from a willing seller.

Guard and Reserve Enhanced Benefits Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Guard and Reserve Enhanced Benefits Act of 2005 - Provides for benefits for members of the National Guard and Armed Services Reserves who serve extended periods on active duty, including special assistance to them and their families through: (1) family leave, under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; (2) child care, under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; (3) educational assistance, under Federal law relating to Montgomery GI Bill benefits; (4) student loan deferments, under the Higher Education Act of 1965; (5) preservation of educational status and tuition, under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act; (6) non-reduction in pay in the case of those who are Federal employees, under Federal civil service law; (7) a tax credit to their employers for the income differential between their wages and their military pay, or a self-employment credit, under the Internal Revenue Code; (8) reduced minimum age for non-regular service retired pay, under Federal law relating to the Armed Services; and (9) health benefits, through expanded eligibility for the TRICARE program and continuation of non-TRICARE plan coverage for dependents, under Federal law relating to the Armed Services.

A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to improve the benefits provided for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Increases from $12,000 to $100,000 the death gratuity payable to survivors of members of the Armed Forces who die while on active duty or inactive duty training. Provides an additional gratuity of $25,000 to any child of such member under 18 years old at the time of the member's death, payable when such child attains 21. Continues TRICARE (a Department of Defense managed health care program) eligibility for the dependents of a member who dies while serving on active duty of more than 30 days for a three-year period after the member's death, with a further conditional extension in the case of a dependent child. Terminates a 45-month limit on the use of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide special restorative training to certain individuals. Increases the amount of basic educational assistance for veterans' survivors and dependents pursuing certain types of institutional education. Authorizes the provision of tutorial assistance to such individuals without charge to their educational assistance entitlement.

Strengthen Social Work Training Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Strengthen Social Work Training Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include clinical psychology and social work programs among eligible health education programs for purposes of receiving grants to: (1) support programs for underrepresented minorities; (2) provide scholarships to disadvantaged students; and (3) offer faculty positions to disadvantaged students. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to, and enter into contracts with: (1) schools offering degrees in social work to provide support for geriatric training projects; (2) hospitals, schools, or other entities to plan or operate an approved social work training program and to provide financial assistance to program participants that are planning to specialize, work, or teach in the field of social work; and (3) schools offering social work programs to establish, maintain, or improve academic administrative units to provide clinical instruction in social work. Authorizes health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to offer health services through a clinical social worker as provided for under State law.

Fair Wage, Competition, and Investment Act of 20005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Fair Wage, Competition and Investment Act of 2005 - Overtime Rights Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to deny any force or effect to any portion of a rule promulgated on April 23, 2004, that has the effect of exempting from FLSA overtime compensation requirements (which limit maximum hours at regular compensation) any employee who would not otherwise be exempted if regulations in effect on March 31, 2003, remained in effect. Reinstates that portion of such regulations that would prevent such an employee from being exempt. Directs the Secretary of Labor to increase, in a specified manner, the minimum salary level for the exemption for executive, administrative, and managerial occupations from FLSA overtime compensation requirements. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2005 - Amends the FLSA to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to include offshoring of jobs among the circumstances for which employers are required to post notices of employee rights. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) investment in infrastructure in the areas of transportation, water, rail, transit, and aviation; and (2) advanced technology and manufacturing extension partnership programs. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 (TA) to: (1) revise and extend the requirement that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) identify and report on trade expansion priorities; and (2) establish the position of Chief Enforcement Negotiator. Foreign Debt Ceiling Act of 2005 - Directs the USTR, when a certain level of net U.S. foreign debt or of U.S. trade deficit is reached, to convene an emergency meeting of the Trade Policy Review Group to develop a plan of action to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. Requires specified negotiations and certification regarding the currency valuation policy of the People's Republic of China. Trade Adjustment Assistance Equity for Service Workers Act of 2005 - Amends TA to extend trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision or public agency. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Communities Act of 2005 - Amends TA to revise the TAA program for communities negatively impacted by trade, and to establish a TAA for Communities Program at the Department of Commerce to coordinate the Federal response. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Reorganization Act - Amends TA to establish in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce an Office of TAA for TAA to firms that have been adversely affected by import competition. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to offer TAA workers enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefit program (FEHBP). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for: (1) taxing income of controlled foreign corporations attributable to imported property; (2) a broadband access credit; (3) permanent extension and expansion of a research and development credit, and revision of alternative incremental credits; (4) repeal of a limit on contract research expenses paid to small businesses, universities, and Federal laboratories; (5) increased credit for health insurance costs; and (6) revised covered month eligibility for spouses of individuals entitled to Medicare, under a health care credit related to TAA. Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding: (1) multiemployer pension plans; (2) promotion of science and technology funding; and (3) free trade agreements.

Rural Community Arsenic Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Rural Community Arsenic Relief Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems to exempt any nonprofit small public water system (serving 10,000 or fewer persons) that so requests in accordance with this Act from the requirements of any national primary drinking water regulation for naturally occurring contaminants, including arsenic, radon, radium, and uranium. Requires exemption requests to demonstrate that the system's compliance with applicable national primary drinking water regulations: (1) is not economically feasible; (2) has a disproportionate and adverse impact on low-income families; (3) is substantially impeded by limited access to innovative and affordable technology; or (4) is not necessary because the drinking water provided by the system does not pose an unreasonable health risk. Sets forth alternative arsenic standards for those systems receiving arsenic exemptions. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a university-based arsenic research consortium comprised of specified institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to the consortium to carry out its duties.

International Remittance Consumer Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

International Remittance Consumer Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to require a remittance transfer provider to: (1) clearly and conspicuously make specified disclosures in writing and in a form that the consumer may keep to each consumer requesting a remittance transfer; and (2) make such disclosures in English and in the same languages principally used by the remittance transfer provider, or its agents at that office, if other than English. Prescribes error resolution guidelines and remedies governing remittance transfer errors. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to publish electronically on each business day the foreign currencies dollar exchange rate. Subjects a remittance transfer provider to liability for violations committed by its agents or subsidiaries. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to empower Federal Credit Unions to: (1) provide remittance transfers to persons in the field of membership; and (2) to cash checks and money orders for such persons for a fee. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to work with the Federal reserve banks to expand the use of the automated clearinghouse system for remittance transfers to foreign countries. Requires certain Federal banking agencies to provide guidelines to financial institutions regarding the offering of low-cost remittance transfers and no-cost or low-cost basic consumer accounts, as well as agency services to remittance transfer providers. Requires such agencies and the Secretary to assist the Financial Literacy and Education Commission in improving the financial literacy and education of consumers who send remittances.

Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to reauthorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award state family assistance grants. Authorizes States to use grants for marriage promotion activities and requires the Secretary to make bonus grants to each State that has achieved formulated employment goals. Revises requirements for: (1) the consideration of certain child care expenditures in determining State compliance with contingency fund requirements; (2) State work participation standards (including minimum participation rate floors), incorporating a 40-hour work week standard, and creating a State superachiever participation rate credit; and (3) the use of TANF grants. Replaces personal responsibility plans with family self-sufficiency plans. Authorizes the Secretary to establish TANF performance goals and plans. Makes appropriations for research, demonstrations, and technical assistance. Promotion and Support of Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage Act of 2005 - Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit community entities for demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of various approaches to create a Fatherhood Program. Permits States the option to make TANF programs mandatory partners with one-stop employment training centers. Caring for Children Act of 2005 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to specify consumer education information States are required to collect and disseminate. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to income tax benefits. Reauthorizes funding for State child care entitlement programs and revises State requirements for child support payments. Amends: (1) SSA title XI (General Provisions) to eliminate specified limitations on the Secretary's authority to approve demonstration projects and grant waivers; and (2) SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to review State agency blindness and disability determinations. Authorizes the administering Secretary to authorize innovative State demonstration projects involving individual programs, or integrating multiple public assistance, employment security, and other programs to support working families. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to States to provide food assistance and funds to operate employment and training programs for needy individuals. Extends abstinence education funding and reauthorizes transitional medical assistance.