Education

Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Comprehensive Assistance for Veterans Exposed to Traumatic Stressors Act of 2006 - Extends eligibility for readjustment counseling services for Vietnam-era veterans. Requires implementation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Department of Defense (DOD) Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund. Requires: (1) the DOD to assist the VA with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health-related data collection; (2) substance use disorder questions in pre- and post-deployment screens and related treatment protocols; and (3) routine preventative maintenance intervention for returning members of the Armed Forces. Requires a study of factors that decrease the likelihood of developing combat-related chronic PTSD. Extends the enhanced eligibility period for VA health services for certain veterans. Provides for a joint demonstration project that stations VA psychologists and psychiatrists at major demobilization sites and military treatment facilities. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) carry out a program of veteran peer counseling to other veterans on mental health matters; and (2) develop model programs to address mental health disorders prevalent among veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Requires: (1) performance measures that ensure appropriate deployment of resources to implement the Iraq war clinical practice guidelines; (2) establishment of the DOD/VA Council on Post-Deployment Mental Health; (3) a plan for expanded access to specialized PTSD care; and (4) additional mental health services personnel for certain VA programs and locations. Requires counseling for immediate family members of disabled veterans and Armed Forces personnel killed in action. Establishes a National Steering Committee on PTSD Education. Addresses deficiencies in compensation and pension examinations with regard to PTSD. Requires development of criteria for determining which medical conditions are likely associated with PTSD and when secondary service-connection should be granted for those conditions. Provides for an outreach program to enhance PTSD awareness.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a voluntary policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing food allergy management guidelines contained in the policy.

Latina Health Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Latina Health Access Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for programs and activities that provide health care services to uninsured and low-income individuals in medically underserved areas. Directs that grant funds be used to care for a full spectrum of preventable and treatable health care problems in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, including through: (1) family planning services and information; (2) prenatal and postnatal care; and (3) assistance and services with respect to asthma, cancer, HIV disease and AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, diabetes, and heart disease. Requires the Secretary to reserve a portion of grants and assistance awarded under the PHSA for entities that represent medically underserved areas or populations with a large number of uninsured low-income individuals. Directs the Secretary to award grants to research institutions to: (1) conduct research on the health status of populations for which there is an absence of health data, such as the Latina population; and (2) work with organizations that focus on such populations on developing participatory community-based research methods. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide outreach, education, and delivery of comprehensive health services to uninsured and low-income individuals in a culturally competent manner; and (2) carry out a health education program targeted specifically to such individuals through community centered informational forums, public service announcements, and media campaigns.

Get Information on Financial Transactions Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Get Information on Financial Transactions Act - Amends title VI (International Education Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to require, as part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) annual data collection, that each institution of higher education receiving federal funds for its international education programs include data concerning: (1) the total cost such a program or center; (2) state and private contributors whose total aggregate contributions exceed $100,000 for the fiscal year; and (3) the use of such contributions. Directs the Secretary to prepare an annual report summarizing such data.

Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory group to examine and recommend best practices of chronic illness employee wellness incentivization and disease management programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prepare, biennially, a diabetes report card for the nation and for each state that: (1) is adaptable by state and local agencies in order to rate or report local diabetes care, costs, and prevalence; and (2) includes trend analysis in order to track progress in meeting established national goals and objectives and to inform policy and program development. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify existing efforts to increase awareness of the diabetes and screening benefit among Medicare beneficiaries and providers; and (2) maximize economies of scale, cost-effectiveness, and resource allocation in increasing utilization of the Medicare diabetes screening program. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct, support, and promote the collection, analysis, and publication of data on the prevalence and incidence of type 1 and 2 diabetes and of pre-diabetes. Requires such activities to include an assessment of diabetes as a primary or underlying cause of death. Allows the Secretary to promote the addition to death certificates of language to improve the collection of diabetes mortality data. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of diabetes on the practice of medicine in the United Sates and the level of diabetes medical education that should be required prior to licensure, board certification, and board recertification.

Practicality in Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Practicality in Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow states to exclude the results of limited English proficient students, during their first two school years in this country, from adequate yearly progress (AYP) assessments, when such students are assessed in reading or mathematics in a language other than their native tongue. Requires that state determinations of AYP pursuant to state academic achievement standards employ a growth model, measuring the achievement of the same students and subgroups from year to year. Requires that 4% of disabled students taking modified assessments be counted in measuring student proficiency pursuant to such standards. Gives schools which are identified as needing improvement, due to having failed for two consecutive years to make AYP pursuant to such standards, a full new school year to meet the standards before its students must be given the option to transfer to another public school. (Currently, such transfers must be allowed at the beginning of the school year following such identification.) Provides that, in determining AYP, a student in more than one group subject to measurable annual objectives shall be counted only toward one such group. Allows states to consider new middle and secondary school special education and rural teachers to be highly qualified even if they do not pass a rigorous state academic subject test in every subject they teach, provided they pass such a test for one subject they teach and, with respect to each other subject they teach, work in close consultation with another teacher who is highly qualified in such other subject.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2006

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Specifies Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) fund amounts to be used for the Program in each of FY2008-FY2012. Makes the Secretary of Agriculture responsible for specified program administration provisions currently delegated to the President.

Public Service Academy Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Public Service Academy Act of 2006 - Establishes, in the Department of Homeland Security, a United States Public Service Academy providing a fully subsidized liberal arts education to students selected from a pool of candidates nominated by Congress and the President. Reserves 100 first-year seats for international students, whose tuition and expenses are to be covered by their home countries. Requires incoming students to sign an Honor Code and be at least 17 years old, unmarried, and without dependents. Requires students to: (1) participate in daily public service programming and, during their final year, plan and implement a one-year public service project; (2) take foreign language and international relations courses in preparation for spending their junior year studying abroad and interning at a U.S. mission; (3) spend eight weeks each summer engaged in specified training and internship activities; and (4) by the completion of their fourth semester, choose a public service concentration in the economy, education, emergency management, the environment, foreign policy, health care, law enforcement, or the public infrastructure. Directs the Academy to assign graduates to public service employment in their field of concentrated study, where they must serve for at least five years. Includes private nonprofit organizations and private entities deemed to meet critical national needs among acceptable public service employers. Requires foreign students to serve in their home countries. Authorizes the Academy to subsidize a student's graduate education in return for an extended public service commitment. Requires the Academy to raise 20% of its annual budget from private sources.

Public Service Academy Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Public Service Academy Act of 2006 - Establishes, in the Department of Homeland Security, a United States Public Service Academy providing a fully subsidized liberal arts education to students selected from a pool of candidates nominated by Congress and the President. Reserves 100 first-year seats for international students, whose tuition and expenses are to be covered by their home countries. Requires incoming students to sign an Honor Code and be at least 17 years old, unmarried, and without dependents. Requires students to: (1) participate in daily public service programming and, during their final year, plan and implement a one-year public service project; (2) take foreign language and international relations courses in preparation for spending their junior year studying abroad and interning at a U.S. mission; (3) spend eight weeks each summer engaged in specified training and internship activities; and (4) by the completion of their fourth semester, choose a public service concentration in the economy, education, emergency management, the environment, foreign policy, health care, law enforcement, or the public infrastructure. Directs the Academy to assign graduates to public service employment in their field of concentrated study, where they must serve for at least five years. Includes private nonprofit organizations and private entities deemed to meet critical national needs, among acceptable public service employers. Requires foreign students to sign an agreement with the student's home country that meets the same conditions applicable to U.S. students. Authorizes the Academy to subsidize a student's graduate education in return for an extended public service commitment. Requires the Academy to raise 20% of its annual budget from private sources.

Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Disease Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Disease Act of 2006 - 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 to eligible entities to conduct public and professional awareness activities regarding autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Defines an "eligible entity" as a nonprofit organization, a consumer group, an institution of higher education, a federal, state, or local government agency, or a media organization. Allows such an entity to use grant funds to: (1) promote increased awareness of early intervention and treatment to significantly improve the quality of life for people with autoimmune diseases; (2) target minority communities that may be underserved or disproportionately affected by such diseases; and (3) target women to help reduce the amount of time taken for correct diagnosis of such diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to: (1) award grants to eligible entities for the education of health care providers on potential links between autoimmune diseases and cognitive and mood disorders, such as depression; and (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for physicians agreeing to conduct research on autoimmune diseases.

Truman Scholarship Fund Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Truman Scholarship Fund Modernization Act - Amends the Harry S Truman Memorial Scholarship Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to invest amounts appropriated and contributed to the Harry S Truman Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund: (1) only at the request of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation; and (2) only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States issued directly to such Fund. Repeals the Secretary's discretion to invest in obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States. Repeals the condition that such obligations shall be issued only if it is not in the public interest to purchase other interest-bearing obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States. Makes all requests of the Board binding on the Secretary. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to sell any obligation acquired by the fund (except special obligations issued exclusively to it) at the market price. Requires the Secretary, at the Board's request, to redeem any obligation issued directly to the fund.

Alternative Energy Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Alternative Energy Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application (R&D) for: (1) production of motor and other fuels from biomass; (2) technologies to enable practical onboard storage of hydrogen for use as a fuel for light-duty motor vehicles; (3) advanced solar photovoltaic technologies; and (4) advanced wind energy technologies. Instructs the Secretary to continue R&D activities targeting: (1) distributed energy; (2) micro-cogeneration technology; and (3) geothermal energy, hydropower, and ocean energy authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement an R&D program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric drive transportation; and (2) establish a pilot program to provide competitive grants to state governments, local governments and public entities, and metropolitan transportation authorities for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle demonstration projects. Solar Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006, or the SUN Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary to establish a program of grants to states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot grants program for new builidng construction or renovation to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency technologies. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the guidelines for a geographically dispersed network of Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to study its October 2005 recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Directs the Secretary to establish R&D programs for commercial application of: (1) coal gasification facilities that convert coal into pipeline quality gaseous fuels (methanation); and (2) materials to be added to alternative biobased fuels and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuels. Directs the Secretary, in making awards for integrated biorefinery demonstration projects, to encourage the commercial application of biomass technologies for biodegradable natural plastics from biomass.

City Youth Violence Recovery Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

City Youth Violence Recovery Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to partnerships between a state mental health authority and one or more local public or private entities to prevent or alleviate the effects of youth violence in urban communities with a high or increasing incidence of such violence by providing violence-prevention education, mentoring, counseling, and mental health services to children and adolescents. Gives priority to grant applicants that agree to use the grant in communities that lack the resources to address youth violence. Requires grant applicants to agree to use no more than 15% of a grant for violence-prevention education.

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 - Reauthorizes the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging, the National Eldercare Locator Service, pension counseling and information programs, supportive, nutrition, and disease prevention and health promotion services, family caregiver support, nutrition grants to American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians, the Native Americans Caregiver Support Program, and vulnerable elder rights protection activities. Reduces each state's guaranteed share of any increase in state allotments for such services above the state's FY2006 allotment. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Aging to: (1) designate a person to have responsibility for elder abuse prevention and services; (2) designate an employee to administer mental health services; and (3) establish a National Center on Senior Benefits Outreach and Enrollment. Requires the Assistant Secretary to: (1) implement in all states Aging and Disability Resource Centers; and (2) assist entities in integrated health promotion and disease prevention programs. Repeals the authorization for the Assistant Secretary to provide staff and assistance to the Federal Council on Aging. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Aging. Adds state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging, including assuring that particular attention will be given to services to older individuals with limited English proficiency. Revises requirements for area plans. Authorizes area agencies to assess preparedness for change in the number of older individuals over the next ten years. Adds state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging. Limits nutrition allotments to the purchase of agricultural commodities and other foods. Requires: (1) states to provide nutrition education, counseling, and services to recipients of meals delivered by state nutrition projects; and (2) the Assistant Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board to establish an independent panel to study nutrition projects. Requires the Assistant Secretary to provide information on methods of improving indoor air quality in buildings where older individuals congregate. Amends the National Family Caregiver Support Act to include within the definition of "child" individuals with disabilities, decrease the specified age for relative caregivers, and require priority for services to family caregivers of older individuals with Alzheimer's. Requires area agencies to encourage using trained volunteers and to coordinate with specified volunteer programs. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to prepare communities for the aging of the population, support the use of health monitoring and technology, improve transportation for seniors, conduct activities of national significance to support caregivers, and build public awareness of cognitive impairments. Requires the Assistant Secretary to award grants for projects for multigenerational and civic engagement activities, mental health programs, and model aging in place projects. Redesignates the Older American Community Service Employment Act as the Community Service Senior Opportunities Act and revises provisions concerning the community service employment program. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants for elder justice programs and collection of data regarding elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Tom Osborne Federal Youth Coordination Act - Establishes the Federal Youth Development Council to provide advice and recommendations on federal programs designed to serve youth.

Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Secretary Act to require states to establish a process for joint training and education for nursing home surveyors and providers at least annually as changes to regulations, guidelines, and policy governing nursing facility operations are implemented. Requires individuals newly hired as surveyors to be assigned full-time to a nursing facility to observe actual operations outside of the survey process before the individuals begins oversight responsibilities. Sets forth provisions related to resumption of nursing aid training program for skilled nursing facilities after correction of deficiencies. Permits: (1) split or shared Medicare billing by physicians and nurse practitioners in such facilities; and (2) nurse practitioners employed by such facilities to certify skilled care under Medicaid. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a condition-based system of physical therapy services based on medical necessity; and (2) utilize an area wage index for such facilities based on wage data from such facilities and not from hospitals to determine a federal per diem for such facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from the Medicare prospective payment system for such facilities: (1) high cost and low probability cancer treatment drugs; (2) all ambulance services; and (3) additional items and services that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. Eliminates the hospital stay requirement for coverage of extended care services under Medicare. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to establish a national nursing database to be used to predict future nursing shortages. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a 10-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property.

Commending The New York Institute for Special Education for providing excellent education for students with blindness and visual disabilities for 175 years, and for broadening its mission to provide the same quality education to students with emotional and learning disabilities.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2006

Commends the New York Institute for Special Education for educating students with blindness and visual disabilities for 175 years and for broadening its mission to educate students with emotional and learning disabilities. Recognizes the importance of, and supports efforts to improve, education for physical, emotional, and learning disabled children.

THE INTERNET AND THE COLLEGE CAMPUS: HOW THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND HIGHER EDUCATION ARE WORKING TO COMBAT ILLEGAL PIRACY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 September 2006

National Competitiveness Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

National Competitiveness Investment Act - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit; (2) establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness; and (3) establish the Innovation Acceleration Research Program. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to: (1) establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research; (2) coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (3) establish a Basic Research Executive Council. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program; and (2) reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) establish a program of ocean and atmospheric research and development; and (2) develop an ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science education plan. Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act or PACE-Energy Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) appoint a Department of Energy (DOE) Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education, and establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund; (2) award grants for establishing specialty schools for mathematics and science; (3) establish a national laboratories summer internship program for middle and secondary school students; (4) establish Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at schools in regions of national laboratories; (5) establish or expand programs to strengthen mathematics and science teaching skills of public school teachers; (6) establish a program to expand and enhance higher education nuclear science educational capabilities; (7) award grants to outstanding DOE early-career researchers; and (8) establish a program to support the appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and national laboratories. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages with concurrent teacher certification or to enhance teacher knowledge and teaching skills; (2) increase the number of teachers and students teaching or enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; (3) help low-income students performing below grade level in mathematics; (4) establish programs of study in critical foreign languages; (5) promote content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation and establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse and pilot programs relating to the creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs; (4) establish a program to provide mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (5) establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies.

Educational Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Educational Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase, make permanent, and make athletic coaches, trainers, or assistants eligible for the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (2) allow the Hope scholarship credit for the first three years (currently, two years) of postsecondary education, expand the type of expenses eligible for the credit, and allow the receipt of Pell Grants and federal supplemental educational opportunity grants without a reduction in the allowable credit; (3) increase the employee tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance; (4) increase the tax deduction for student loan interest; (5) extend through 2010 the authority for issuing qualified zone academy bonds (QZABs) and include bonds issued for public schools in rural counties and counties with National Forest System Lands; and (6) increase the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Veterans Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Veterans Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to, among other things: (1) authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in certain cases, to furnish up to 14 days of postnatal care to the newborn child of a woman veteran; (2) revise third-party payer provisions relating to health care furnished through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for spina bifida and associated disabilities in the children of Vietnam veterans; (3) make permanent the homeless veterans' comprehensive services program; (4) include as authorized VA mental health service providers marriage and family therapists and professional mental health counselors; (5) provide a pay level adjustment for the Chief Nursing Officer; (6) authorize VA vs. private contractor cost comparison studies with respect to certain commercial or industrial products; (7) direct the Secretary to expand certain veterans' mental health clinical services and education programs; (8) provide an exception to the confidentiality of VA medical records in the case of possible organ donations; (9) direct the Secretary to expand the National Guard outreach program and telehealth services; (10) allow limited veterans' travel reimbursement in connection with treatment or care for a non-service-connected disability; (11) establish VA blind rehabilitation outpatient specialists; (12) provide priority health care and services for certain veterans affected by Hurricane Katrina; (13) authorize the Secretary to reimburse veterans for certain outstanding emergency treatment expenses for which they remain personally liable; and (14) authorize the Secretary to convey to the city of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, certain property located in the Tower Park area of Fort Thomas.

10,000 Trained by 2011 Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

10,000 Trained by 2011 Act - Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants for basic research on innovative approaches to improve information systems, as well as for scientific and engineering activities to improve education in information fields. Requires the award of NSF grants also to institutions of higher education to: (1) establish multidisciplinary Centers for Informatics Research for conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research to generate innovative approaches in information; and (2) establish or improve undergraduate and master's degree information programs, attract students to such programs, and provide them with experience in government or industry related to their studies.

America's Partnership for Nursing Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

America's Partnership for Nursing Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to qualifying states to increase the number of faculty at collegiate schools of nursing to alleviate the shortage of nurses. Sets forth conditions to be a qualifying state, including that the state: (1) has a population increase of more than 50% between 1995 and 2005; (2) is projected to have fewer than 555 nurses per 100,000 residents by 2020; and (3) has a program in place, as of January 1, 2006, to assist in increasing the number of faculty at such schools of nursing. Allows such a grant to be used for collegiate school of nursing salaries, benefits, training, and related expenses. Prohibits such a grant from being expended for any capital expenses.

Honoring the 25th anniversary of Northern Ireland's first integrated school and further encouraging desegregation of schools and teacher training colleges in Northern Ireland.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2006

Honors the 25th anniversary of Northern Ireland's first integrated school, and encourages desegregation of schools and teacher training colleges in Northern Ireland.

A resolution to authorize the production of records, testimony, and legal representation.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006

Authorizes the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to produce documents and its staff to testify, except where a privilege should be asserted, in the investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia of the financial disclosures made to the Committee by Dr. Lester Crawford in connection with confirmation proceedings on his nomination to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Committee employees in connection with such case.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2006

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2007. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY2006 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (2) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House of Representatives) or the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (3) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (4) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007; (5) Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (6) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007; (7) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2007; (8) Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); (9) Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate); and (10) Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the House) or the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate), and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2007 (in the Senate). Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 17, 2006. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: HOW CAN WE INCREASE PARENTAL AWARENESS OF SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION SERVICES?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 September 2006

Foreign Affairs Management Authorities Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Department of State Authorities Act of 2006 - Provides certain authorities for the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Amends provisions respecting: (1) fraud prevention; (2) protective functions; (3) education allowances; (4) property disposition; (5) protection of North Korean refugees; (6) discrimination; (7) passport fees; (8) personal services contracting; (9) contracting prohibition; (10) Foreign Service compensation; (11) maternal and prenatal care for persons in Belarus and Ukraine affected by Chernobyl; and (12) the dual gateway policy of Ireland. Authorizes the President to extend privileges and immunities to the African Union (AU), the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, and the Bank for International Settlements.

A bill to provide for the Office of Domestic Preparedness of the Department of Homeland Security to provide grants to local governments for public awareness education relating to preparedness for natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and influenza pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Office of Domestic Preparedness to provide grants to local governments for the promotion of public awareness, through media campaigns and educational materials, relating to preparedness for natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and influenza pandemic.

Empower America: Securing America's Energy Future Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Empower America: Securing America's Energy Future Act of 2006 - Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to make eligible for Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees any large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities that use domestic coal resources to produce at least 10,000 barrels a day of liquid transportation fuel. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish a coal-to-liquid facilities loan program. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds to the Secretary for a clean coal power initiative. Gas Petroleum Refiner Improvement and Community Empowerment Act, or the Gas PRICE Act - Obligates the Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take specified steps to streamline the petroleum refinery permitting process. Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2006 - Sets forth actions under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) with respect to oil and natural gas production from leased tracts within the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), especially the sharing of OCS receipts with neighboring states. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2006 - Revises OCSLA to direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations for authorizing use of a decommissioned offshore oil and gas platform or other facility for an artificial reef, scientific research, or any other authorized use. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund Act of 2006 - Institutes a Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Fund. Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds to historic and existing state-chartered recognized petroleum or mining schools and related institutions. National GEO Fund Act of 2006 - Creates a National Geo Fund for grants to support geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy production, as well as a new program for fuel production from strategic unconventional resources and oil and gas resources using CO2 enhanced recovery. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2006 - Keeps specified areas in the Coastal Plain of Alaska, including the Sadlerochit Spring Area, separate from oil and natural gas leasing activity for purposes of environmental, wildlife, and cultural management. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive and environmentally sound oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain. Specifies lease terms and related requirements. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 to fund biomass and other renewable energy resource research and development. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an electric drive transportation technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an income tax credit for qualified teleworking expenses; and (2) exclude employer-provided computer equipment from gross income as a fringe benefit. Corporate Average Fuel Economy Reform Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to revise average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide funding for the Advanced Building Efficiency Testbed and energy efficient public building programs, and the energy efficiency public information initiative. Gasoline Consumer Anti-Price-Gouging Protection Act - Prohibits suppliers from selling gasoline or petroleum distillates at unjustifiably increased prices in areas where the President or the Federal Trade Commission has proclaimed an emergency owing to an abnormal market disruption. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the excise tax credit for coal-to-liquids, the alternative motor vehicle credit, biodiesel income and excise tax credits, the investment tax credit with respect to solar energy property and qualified fuel cell property, the credit for production of natural gas, and the credit for residential energy efficient property. Extends specified tax incentives to encourage cellulosic ethanol production and the renewable electricity production credit. Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the authority of the EPA Administrator to make boutique fuel reductions.

A resolution recognizing that the occurrence of prostate cancer in African American men has reached epidemic proportions and urging Federal agencies to address that health crisis by designating funds for education, awareness outreach, and research specifically focused on how that disease affects African American men.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men. Declares the critical importance of the designation of increased funding for: (1) research to address and attempt to end the health crisis; and (2) efforts relating to education, awareness, and early detection at the grassroots levels to end the health crisis.

Pregnant Women Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Pregnant Women Support Act - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for collecting and reporting abortion surveillance data. Requires health facilities that perform abortions to obtained informed consent from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion, except in a medical emergency. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to allow states to extend health care coverage to an unborn child. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering individual coverage from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion or a waiting period or otherwise discriminating against a woman on the basis that she is pregnant. Allows the Secretary to make grants for the purchase of ultrasound equipment for examinations of pregnant women. Provides for the collection and dissemination of information on Down syndrome and other prenatally diagnosed conditions. Provides for services to pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Requires states to have a pregnant "box check" on homicide death certificates. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist pregnant and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to provide for programs to work with pregnant or parenting teens to finish high school. Requires group homes for pregnant and parenting women to provide counseling on adoption and parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and make refundable the tax credit for adoption expenses. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the eligibility threshold for food stamps.

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services, to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytologic preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; and (2) maintain a record of program results. Requires the Secretary to terminate individual proficiency testing that was in effect before enactment of this Act.

Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through June 30, 2007. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to bar trustees of institutions of higher education (IHEs), or of institution-affiliated organizations, from serving as eligible lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, unless the trusteeship continues pursuant to a contract entered into before the enactment of this Act. Alters the grant program for Hispanic-serving IHEs to: (1) move the time at which at least 25% of their full-time students must be Hispanic, from the time such IHEs apply for a new grant back to the end of the preceding grant year; (2) eliminate the requirement that at least 50% of their Hispanic students be poor; and (3) eliminate the two-year waiting period between grant applications. Requires that account maintenance fees payable to guarantee agencies under the FFEL program be calculated on the basis of .10% of the original principal amount of such outstanding loans on which insurance was issued. (Currently, such fees are capped at such percentage.) Directs the Secretary of Education to discharge or cancel the federal student loan indebtedness of spouses and parents of individuals who died (or die) or who became (or become) permanently and totally disabled from injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. States that, in the case of a consolidation loan used jointly by a victim of such attacks and his or her spouse, the discharge or cancellation shall apply only to that portion of debt incurred on behalf of the victim; except that, where the victim served as a police officer, firefighter, other safety or rescue personnel, or member of the Armed Forces, all of the debt on such loan shall be discharged or canceled.

National Minority Business Enterprise Incubator Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

National Minority Business Enterprise Incubator Program Act - Authorizes the National Director of the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency to make grants to certain organizations (e.g., public charities, business leagues, small business development centers, colleges or universities) to establish and operate minority business enterprise incubator programs.

Education for All Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2006

Education for All Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to state that it is U.S. policy to work with foreign countries and international organizations to: (1) assist developing countries committed to serious reforms to provide all children with quality elementary and secondary education; and (2) provide incentives to encourage educational system reform and educational service improvement in countries lacking such commitment. Requires the President to establish an Education for All Task Force to carry out such policy and to develop a unified strategy to promote universal basic education. Authorizes the President to provide funds or other assistance to eligible entities to assist a foreign country in developing and implementing a comprehensive national education plan that allows its citizens to access and complete basic education. Sets forth plan requirements. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an education fellowship program to increase the expertise of agency personnel in promoting universal basic education and to carry out this Act.

A resolution supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, and religious organizations to facilitate the first democratic transition of Nigeria from 1 civilian government to another in the general elections to be held in April 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Recognizes Nigeria's importance as a strategic partner and long-time friend of the United States. Acknowledges Nigeria's rising prominence as a regional leader and role model. Commends the National Assembly of Nigeria's decision to reject a constitutional amendment that would have allowed for a third presidential term. Encourages the government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate a commitment to democratic elections by: (1) developing a voter registration and education plan; (2) addressing corruption charges; and (3) conducting unbiased recruitment and training of election officials. Urges the government of Nigeria to respect the freedoms of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties, and others to assemble and conduct public events free from intimidation. Urges a robust effort by Nigeria's law enforcement and judicial officials to enforce the rule of law, particularly by preventing and investigating politically-motivated violence and prosecuting those suspected of such acts. Expresses U.S. support for coordinated efforts by the government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission to work with political parties, civil society, religious organizations, and other entities to organize a peaceful democratic transition based on free elections in April 2007.

Universal Prekindergarten Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2006

Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to a designated state agency for development of universal prekindergaten programs for all children three, four, and five years old in the state. Requires the state to: (1) match federal funds by at least 20%; and (2) submit with its grant application a plan to establish, coordinate, and implement a statewide universal prekindergarten program. Authorizes state agencies to set aside up to 5% of a grant for ongoing professional development activities for teachers and staff of prekindergarten programs that wish to participate.

Military Education Enhancement Opportunities Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Military Education Enhancement Opportunities Act of 2006 - Allows certain active duty members of the Armed Forces to elect to receive basic educational assistance benefits.

To extend the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under title IV, section 105, of Public Law 109-148.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Amends the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006 to extend, through FY2007, the authority of the Secretary of Education, in providing any grant or other assistance to entities in states in which a major disaster was declared relating to Hurricane Katrina or Rita, to waive or modify requirements relating to maintenance of effort, supplementary use of funds, and matching funds.

Disabled Warriors' Family Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Disabled Warriors' Family Education Act of 2006 - Allows spouses and dependent children of permanently disabled members of the Armed Forces to access benefits under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program while such members are still on active duty.

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

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2006

Expresses support for the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Recognizes breast cancer survivors, the efforts of victims, volunteers, and professionals who combat breast cancer, and the work of national and community organizations in promoting breast cancer awareness, providing information, and offering treatment.

Education for All Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2006

Education for All Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to state that it is U.S. policy to work with foreign countries and international organizations to: (1) assist developing countries committed to serious reforms to provide all children with quality elementary and secondary education; and (2) provide incentives to encourage educational system reform and educational service improvement in countries lacking such commitment. Requires the President to establish an Education for All Task Force to carry out such policy and to develop a unified strategy to promote universal basic education. Authorizes the President to provide funds or other assistance to eligible entities to assist a foreign country in developing and implementing a comprehensive national education plan that allows its citizens to access and complete basic education. Sets forth plan requirements. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an education fellowship program to increase the expertise of agency personnel in promoting universal basic education and to carry out this Act.

Education Competitiveness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Education Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish scholarship programs for students pursuing degrees in: (1) early childhood education; (2) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; or (3) critical foreign languages. Requires scholarship recipients, for four years, to teach in their field of study or or work in employment that improves education. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to nonprofit educational agencies to work with local educational agencies (LEAs) to expand or develop Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in their schools. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to states for: (1) programs encouraging elementary and secondary school teachers to serve in rural or underserved areas; (2) voluntary universal prekindergarten programs focusing on child development; (3) coordination of prekindergarten through grade 16 (PK-16) programs and establishment of integrated data systems tracking student progress; (4) internships and summer programs for middle and secondary school students; (5) student mentoring, afterschool , and enrichment programs; and (6) summer science and engineering institutes for secondary school students. Requires states to take specified actions to raise early childhood education teachers' qualifications. Authorizes the Secretary to award: (1) matching grants to LEAs to establish and operate specialty science and mathematics secondary schools; (2) scholarships to students pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degree who agree to work in their field of study for four years; and (3) research grants to scientists who are under age 40. Increases the Pell grant. Increases and extends funding for Indian education programs, including Native American language immersion programs. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between: (1) institutions of higher education and local workforce investment boards for job training in high-growth industries or occupations; and (2) such institutions and facilitators of small business development for small business training. Authorizes grants to states and LEAs for distance learning. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish education tax incentives which include: (1) a refundable higher education tax credit; (2) the application of retirement plan distributions to longer student loan repayment periods; (3) larger deductions for teachers' classroom expenses, student loan interest, and charitable contributions to schools; (4) a larger employee exclusion for employer provided educational assistance; (5) Young Savers Accounts; (6) the extension of the Qualified Academy Zone Bond program and participation by tribally controlled colleges and universities; and (7) an additional standard deduction for real property taxes.

Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a direct income-dependent education assistance (IDEA) loan program, from July 1, 2007, through July 1, 2013, under which student borrowers of Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) or Direct Loans (DL), under parts B and D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, may elect to convert or consolidate such loans to direct IDEA loans. Provides that when a student defaults on a loan under the FFEL or DL programs and it is repaid or canceled by the Secretary, it is thereby converted to a direct IDEA loan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to collect IDEA loan repayments through the income tax withholding system.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a public information and educational campaign to inform the public, new parents, child care providers, and other care givers of young children about: (1) brain injuries and other harmful effects that may result from shaking infants and children under five years of age; and (2) healthy strategies to cope with a crying baby and related frustrations. Directs that such campaign include dissemination of effective prevention practices and techniques to parents, care givers, maternity hospitals, child care centers, organizations providing prenatal and postnatal care, and organizations providing parenting education and support services. Requires the Secretary to establish biannual meetings with Shaken Baby Syndrome advocacy groups, parenting support communities, organizations involved in child protection and child maltreatment prevention, and other federal and state agencies involved in prevention activities. Directs the Secretary and such entities to provide support for the parents of surviving children who suffer serious brain injuries as the result of shaking.

JUSTICE Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act of 2006 or the JUSTICE Act of 2006 - Requires the Attorney General to direct the Bureau of Prisons to allow community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Prohibits a federal correctional facility from taking adverse action against a prisoner who possesses or uses a sexual barrier protection device. Expresses the sense of Congress that states should allow for the legal distribution of sexual barrier protection devices in their correctional facilities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a survey of all educational, testing, and other programs in federal and state correctional facilities for reducing the spread of STIs; and (2) develop and implement a five-year strategy to reduce the prevalence and spread of STIs in such facilities.

Department of State Authorities Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Department of State Authorities Act of 2006 - Provides certain authorities for the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Amends provisions respecting: (1) fraud prevention; (2) protective functions; (3) education allowances; (4) property disposition; (5) protection of North Korean refugees; (6) discrimination; (7) passport fees; (8) personal services contracting; (9) contracting prohibition; (10) Foreign Service compensation; (11) maternal and prenatal care for persons in Belarus and Ukraine affected by Chernobyl; and (12) the dual gateway policy of Ireland. Authorizes the President to extend privileges and immunities to the African Union (AU), the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, and the Bank for International Settlements.

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006 - Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the grassland reserve program; (5) the environmental quality incentives program; (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (7) the agricultural management assistance program; and (8) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the suburban and community forestry and open space program; (3) an integrated pest management initiative; and (4) a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Revises: (1) the farmland protection program; (2) funding for the healthy forests reserve program; and (3) the national organic certification and transition cost share program. Makes permanent funding available for: (1) the education grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions; and (2) the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Revises and extends the biorefinery development program. Extends: (1) the energy audit and renewable energy development program; (2) the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program; (3) the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program; (4) biomass research and development; and (5) carbon cycle research. Extends: (1) the community food project grant program; (2) the farm-to-cafeteria program; (3) WIC farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (5) farmers' market promotion program.

Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Provides for: (1) grants to prevent teen pregnancy; and (2) a national center for parents of adolescents to support parents in preventing teen pregnancy. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of Social Security Act to expand coverage of family planning services. Sets forth requirements for primary care clinics that receive federal financial assistance and provide abortion services. Expands state options to provide health care coverage to low-income pregnant women. Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for voluntary family planning projects. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit individual health insurance coverage from excluding pregnancy as a preexisting condition. Provides for: (1) grants for ultrasound equipment and prenatal testing for pregnant women; and (2) programs to better identify and treat pregnant women and mothers who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Allows the Secretary to make grants to public institutions of higher education to assist students who have decided to carry their pregnancies to term and parenting students in continuing their studies and graduating. Requires the Secretary to require that federally funded group homes for pregnant and parenting women provide, upon request, adoption counseling and counseling on parenting skills. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax credit for adoption expenses; (2) make such tax credit refundable; and (3) increase the exclusion from gross income for employer-paid adoption expenses. Provides for: (1) education of teen and first-time mothers through home visits by registered nurses; and (2) the collection and reporting of abortion surveillance data.

Lauren M. Maddox, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach, Department of Education, vice Kevin F. Sullivan, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 7 September 2006