Education

Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): (1) acting through the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, to expand and coordinate NIH activities on paralysis research; (2) to award grants to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for Christopher Reeve Paralysis Research Consortia; (3) to educate and disseminate information and receive public comment on NIH programs and research regarding paralysis; (4) acting through the Director of the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development and the National Center for Rehabilitation Research, to expand and coordinate NIH research with implications for enhancing daily function for persons with paralysis; and (5) to make grants to plan, establish, improve, and provide basic operating support for multicenter clinical trial networks to design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols and measures of outcomes on paralysis. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to study the health challenges associated with paralysis and other physical disabilities and carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of individuals with such conditions. Permits the Secretary to award grants for activities related to paralysis, including to: (1) establish paralysis registries; and (2) disseminate information to the public. Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish Paralysis Research, Education and Clinical Care Centers; and (2) award grants to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to translate clinical findings and recommendations on paralysis into evidence-based best practices.

Next Generation Hispanic-Serving Institutions Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Next Generation Hispanic-Serving Institutions Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise requirements for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions). Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees.

College Student Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

College Student Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to phase-in cuts in the interest rate charged undergraduate student borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs, thereby reducing such rate from 6.8% in July 2006 to 3.4% in July 2011. Limits FFEL lender insurance to 95% of the unpaid balance of such loans. (Currently, 97% of a FFEL issued after June 2006 is federally-insured.) Provides for graduated reductions in the percentage of defaulted FFEL loan collections a guaranty agency is allowed to retain until, beginning in October 2010, it is equal to the average rate paid to collection agencies that have contracts with the Secretary of Education. Eliminates exceptional performer status for lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies, which rewards such entities for high due diligence in FFEL collection. Reduces special allowance payments made to FFEL lenders to compensate them for the difference between FFEL interest rates and market rates. Exempts small lenders from such reduction. Increases the loan fee charged FFEL lenders from .5% to 1% of the principal amount of loans disbursed after June 2007. Prohibits its collection from borrowers. Increases, after June 2007, the rebate fee charged a holder of FFEL consolidated loans, provided that at least 90% of the total principal and accrued unpaid interest outstanding on loans held by such holder are such loans.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Establishment Act - Establishes the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in New Mexico in order to conserve, protect, and enhance the unique and nationally important paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources and values of specified public land in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) develop a comprehensive management plan for the long-term protection and management of the Monument; and (2) provide for public interpretation of, and education and scientific research on, the paleontological resources of the Monument, with priority given to exhibiting and curating the resources in Dona Ana County.

A bill to authorize the establishment of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii. Requires the Archives to use grant funds for: (1) facilities and equipment to house and provide computer and web access to a repository of Native Hawaiian historical data; (2) scholarships to assist disadvantaged students in attending college; (3) the creation of educational materials from the archives that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students; (4) outreach to elementary and secondary school students; (5) teacher training, so that the teaching of kindergarten through grade 12 students is culturally congruent with the learning modalities of such students, particularly indigenous students; and (6) the enhancement of the economic and financial literacy of college students.

Fairness in Higher Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Fairness in Higher Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit the provision of federal funding under such Act to institutions of higher education located in states whose law expressly authorizes the provision of state student aid, including in-state tuition, to illegal aliens.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit military death gratuities to be contributed to certain tax-favored accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax free rollovers of military death gratuities to Roth individual retirement accounts, health savings and Archer medical savings accounts, and Coverdell education savings accounts.

Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the quality of distance education, as compared to campus-based education programs, at institutions of higher education. Requires the study to identify the types of students that derive the most benefit from each program and the types that do not benefit from distance education.

United States Physician Shortage Elimination Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

United States Physician Shortage Elimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to: (1) carry out the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and Loan Repayment Program to assure an adequate supply of physicians and other health professionals to provide primary health services; (2) assist schools in supporting programs of excellence in health professionals education for underrepresented minority individuals; and (3) assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake education to enter a health profession. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to community health centers to: (1) establish new or alternative-campus accredited medical residency training programs affiliated with a hospital or other health care facility; or (2) fund new residency positions within existing accredited medical residency training programs at the centers and their affiliated partners. Requires the Secretary to give preference to funding medical residency training programs focusing on primary health care. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to make grants to community health centers to: (1) increase the number of medical service providers associated with such centers; and (2) increase primary health care capabilities through the construction, expansion, or renovation of facilities.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain temporary provisions applicable to individuals, including the sales tax deduction, the child credit, the repeal of the estate tax, and the deduction for higher education expenses.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes, for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and for tuition and related expenses. Exempts certain provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, repeal of the estate tax, and the tax deduction for higher education expenses from the general terminating date of that Act (i.e., December 31, 2010).

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to school prayer.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Constitution shall not be construed to prohibit individual prayer in public schools or to prohibit school officials from including voluntary prayer in official school ceremonies and meetings. Prohibits the United States or any state from prescribing the content of any prayer.

National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to extend deadlines for development of a five-year strategic plan for the geologic mapping program and for appointment of the advisory committee. Removes from program objectives the development of a geophysical- and geochemical- map database. Directs that mapping priorities be based in part on the needs of the Department of the Interior land management agencies. Modifies the composition of the advisory committee and increases the number of members on such committee. Requires the advisory committee to provide a scientific overview of geologic maps (including maps of geologic-based hazards) used or disseminated by federal agencies for regulation or land-use planning. Directs that the national geologic map database include all maps developed with funding provided by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including under the federal, state, and education components. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY2007 through FY2016. Increases the percentages allocated for the state and education components.

Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for support of basic research activities in the physical sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering; and (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) for support of basic research activities. Makes at least 8% of such amounts available for high-risk, potentially high-payoff research. Requires the Director of the NSF and the Director of the Office of Science of the DOE to carry out a program to award grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education and certain research organizations, such as museums, observatories, or research laboratories, to conduct research in fields relevant to NSF's mission. Directs the President to periodically present the Presidential Innovation Award to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure to: (1) identify and prioritize deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in academic institutions and national laboratories; and (2) make recommendations for resource allocation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to NSF and DOE for construction and maintenance of research facilities at institutions of higher education or national laboratories and other physical resources for performing leading-edge research.

Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act - Requires the Archivist of the United States to: (1) establish, as part of the National Archives, an electronically searchable database of historic records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction contained within federal agencies for genealogical and historical research; and (2) preserve relevant records. Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to provide grants to states, colleges and universities, and genealogical associations to preserve records and establish databases of local records of such information.

To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the Department of Energy to reduce the amount of energy the United States imports from foreign sources by 20% over the next 10 years. Establishes the Energy Independence Acceleration Fund, administered by the ARPA-E Director for the award of competitive grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia, including federally funded research and development centers, to achieve specified goals through targeted acceleration of: (1) energy-related research; (2) development of resultant techniques, processes, and technologies, and related testing and evaluation; and (3) demonstration and commercial application of the most promising technologies and research applications. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures and criteria for recoupment of the federal share of each project supported under this Act. Requires the President's Committee on Science and Technology to evaluate for Congress and the public how well ARPA-E is achieving its goals and mission.

To authorize science scholarships for educating mathematics and science teachers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act - Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to revise requirements for the Robert Noyce Scholarship program, which provides scholarships, stipends, and teacher training to science, mathematics, and engineering students and professionals in exchange for service as elementary or secondary school teachers. Extends the use of funds to summer internships for freshmen students. Increases the duration of the scholarships and stipends, and the minimum yearly scholarship amount. Eliminates the requirement that scholarship recipients serve in high-need areas, but reduces their service obligation for doing so. Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to accept private donations for the program. Revises requirements for the Mathematics and Science Education Partnerships program, which provides grants to IHEs or nonprofit institutions for the improvement of elementary and secondary mathematics and science instruction. Provides for: (1) prioritizing applications that focus on teacher training; (2) requiring the availability of master's degree programs for in-service teachers; and (3) allowing teacher training in the provision of advanced placement courses. Sets minimum and maximum grant amounts. Provides funding for: (1) teacher institutes or workshops and master's degree programs, under the Partnerships program; and (2) the Laboratory Science Teacher Professional Development program. Requires the Director to convene a panel of experts to identify, collect, and recommend the development of kindergarten through grade 12 mathematics and science teaching materials. Revises the Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Talent Expansion program to require the Director to issue grants for the creation of centers to develop and disseminate curriculum, teaching methods, and ways to better train professors and teacher assistants to increase the number and performance of undergraduate students in such courses.

Gifted and Talented Education Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Gifted and Talented Education Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include teacher quality enhancement programs relating to the needs of gifted and talented students among authorized uses of title II grants for states and partnerships.

Gang Elimination Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Gang Elimination Act of 2007 - Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on a national strategy to eliminate the illegal operations of National Threat Drug Gangs (i.e., the top three international drug gangs that present the greatest threat to law and order in the United States). Sets forth criteria for the Attorney General to consider in identifying a National Threat Drug Gang, including (1) ties to international terrorist organizations or state-sponsored terrorism; (2) the volume of controlled substances imported or distributed by such gangs; and (3) the threat to children and schools in the United States.

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

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Elects Majority Members to the House Committees on Armed Services and to Education and Labor.

Honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools.

Electing minority members and the Resident Commissioner to certain committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2007

Elects minority Members to the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and Labor; (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Financial Services; (6) Oversight and Government Reform; (7) Homeland Security; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) the Judiciary; (10) Natural Resources; (11) Science and Technology; (12) Small Business; (13) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (14) Veterans Affairs.

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 · 9 January 2007

SPEAK Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007

Standards to Provide Educational Achievement for Kids Act or the SPEAK Act - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (the Act) to require the Commissioner for Educational Statistics to add science to the mandatory biennial national and state academic achievement assessments of students in grades four, eight, and twelve in reading and mathematics. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states receiving school improvement funds to participate in such science assessments of students in grades four and eight, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. Amends the Act to task the National Assessment Governing Board with creating or adopting voluntary American education content standards in mathematics and science for kindergarten through grade 12 which reflect the knowledge students need to enter college or the workforce and compete in the global economy. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish the American Standards Incentive fund to award competitive four-year grants to states which agree to: (1) adopt such voluntary mathematics and science standards as the core of their own academic content standards in such subjects; and (2) align their teacher certification and professional development requirements to such standards. Provides additional funds to successful grantees for the enhancement of their student performance data systems. Authorizes the Secretary to extend by two to four years for such grantees the 12-year period at the end of which students must meet or exceed state academic performance standards established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007

Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to make permanent the authorization for the Secretary of Agriculture to use Forest Service appropriations for the purpose of entering into cooperative agreements with government, private, and nonprofit entities and landowners for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat and other resources on public or private land and/or the reduction of risk from natural disaster. Makes provisions regarding executive agency use of procurement contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements inapplicable to: (1) watershed restoration and enhancement agreements entered into under such Act; and (2) cooperative agreements between the Secretary of Agriculture and public or private entities for Forest Service programs, including for cooperative pollution abatement equipment and facilities, cooperative manpower and job training and development, cooperative environmental education and forest history materials, and forestry protection.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and make permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for Government markers for marked graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007

Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to make permanent (currently, terminates on December 31, 2006) the authority for the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of government markers or memorial headstones for the marked graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries. Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to make eligible for such markers or headstones certain veterans dying on or after November 1, 1990 (currently, September 11, 2001).

SAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007

Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act or the SAVE Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to allow a student who is attending a public school that does not have a safe climate for academic achievement, or who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while on school grounds, in a school bus, or on a school function, to transfer to a safe public school within the school district. (Currently, the school must be persistently dangerous and the offense must occur on school grounds.) Requires the counseling or removal of offenders. Requires a state's determination that a school is unsafe to: (1) be based on verifiable data reported in a consistent and uniform manner; (2) result in ameliorative efforts by unsafe schools; and (3) be relayed to local educational agencies (LEAs) within 45 days before the start of a school year so that LEAs can relay such information to parents in a timely manner. Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grant program to require LEAs to certify to states that the school truancy, violence, and drug and gun crime information they report is complete and accurate. Directs the Secretary of Education to publish a handbook providing guidance on specifically what incidents must be reported. Augments the information LEAs must provide states concerning students with guns to include school-related off-campus incidents and those that do not involve a student's expulsion. Requires LEAs to implement comprehensive school safety plans incorporating community input. Directs the Secretary to fund schoolwide climate surveys of students, parents, and school personnel for use in creating collaborative plans for school improvement. Gives funding priority to, and reserves program funding for, unsafe schools.

SPEAK Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007

Standards to Provide Educational Achievement for Kids Act or the SPEAK Act - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (the Act) to require the Commissioner for Educational Statistics to add science to the mandatory biennial national and state academic achievement assessments of students in grades four, eight, and twelve in reading and mathematics. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states receiving school improvement funds to participate in such science assessments of students in grades four and eight, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. Amends the Act to task the National Assessment Governing Board with creating or adopting voluntary American education content standards in mathematics and science for kindergarten through grade 12 which reflect the knowledge students need to enter college or the workforce and compete in the global economy. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish the American Standards Incentive fund to award competitive four-year grants to states which agree to: (1) adopt such voluntary mathematics and science standards as the core of their own academic content standards in such subjects; and (2) align their teacher certification and professional development requirements to such standards. Provides additional funds to successful grantees for the enhancement of their student performance data systems. Authorizes the Secretary to extend by two to four years for such grantees the 12-year period at the end of which students must meet or exceed state academic performance standards established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

ACT for Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2007

Accurate Crime Trends for Schools Act or the ACT for Schools Act - Directs the Attorney General to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of expanding the National Incident-Based Reporting System to include information on the occurrence of school-related crime in elementary and secondary schools. Requires the study to identify and evaluate methods for collecting and reporting such information.

To amend the Impact Aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve the distribution of school construction payments to better meet the needs of military and Indian land school districts.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise Impact Aid program requirements for distribution of school construction payments, and of school facility emergency and modernization grants, to local educational agencies (LEAs) impacted by military dependent children or by children residing on Indian lands. Makes LEAs which were eligible for Impact Aid for the preceding fiscal year, and experience an overall increase in student enrollment, eligible for school facility emergency and modernization grants if at least 250 extra children are, or at least 10% of such increase is, the direct result of: (1) base realignment and closure or global rebasing; (2) force structure changes or relocations; or (3) an action initiated by the Secretary of the Interior or other federal agency.

Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity, to establish, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) cybersecurity professional development programs; (2) associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (3) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to operate the program. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish an E-Security Fellows program to bring state, local, tribal, and private sector officials to participate in the work of the National Cybersecurity Division in order to become familiar with Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity missions and capabilities.

Technology Retraining and Investment Now Act for the 21st Century

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Technology Retraining and Investment Now Act for the 21st Century - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the information and communications technology education and training program expenses of individuals and employees, up to $4,000 in a taxable year. Increases the allowable amount of such credit to $5,000 for expenses for a program operated: (1) in an empowerment zone, enterprise community, or renewal community; (2) in a school district in which at least 50 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches; (3) in an federally-declared disaster area; (4) in certain rural areas receiving federal assistance; (5) in an Indian tribal jurisdiction; (6) by an employer with 200 or fewer employees during a specified period; or (7) for a disabled individual. Defines "information technology education and training program expenses" to include: (1) course work; (2) certification testing; (3) apprenticeship programs registered by the Department of Labor; and (4) other expenses essential to assessing skill acquisition. Redefines "eligible educational institution" to include a commercial information and communications technology training provider. Establishes an Information Technology Training Certification Advisory Board to develop: (1) guidelines for computer science, information technology, and related college courses; and (2) a list of the information technology training and certifications that qualify for the tax credit established by this Act.

National Board-Certified Teachers in Low-Performing Schools Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

National Board-Certified Teachers in Low-Performing Schools Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a pilot program of stipends for teachers in low-income, low-performing schools who: (1) are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and (2) serve as resident facilitators at their schools and as liaisons with the Board to help encourage other teachers to become Board-certified. Authorizes base stipends and potential bonuses for up to 500 teachers annually under such five-year program.

Early Detection of Dyslexia in Children Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Early Detection of Dyslexia in Children Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to study and report to Congress on methods for identifying and treating children with dyslexia in kindergarten through third grade.

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Geological Survey (administering agencies) to: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation and coordination of this Act; and (2) develop a marine and freshwater research program to support efforts to assess introduction rates and patterns of invasive nonnative species into the aquatic ecosystem, and efforts to detect, prevent, and eradicate them. Requires the administering agencies to: (1) develop standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of such species; (2) conduct research to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of such species; and (3) analyze the data collected and develop a profile that determines whether a species planned for importation is likely to invade an aquatic ecosystem. . Requires the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a central, national pathway and ecological surveys database of information. Makes the Invasive Species Council responsible for disseminating such information and develop a national strategy for how it will be shared with federal, state, and local entities. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound, cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate such species. Reauthorizes the ship pathway technology demonstration program. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of ship pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry our research programs in systematics and taxonomy.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act - Reestablishes in the Department of Commerce the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), headed by an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, who shall serve as the Administrator of NOAA. Maintains within NOAA: (1) the National Weather Service; (2) programs to support efforts, on a continuing basis, to collect data and provide information and products regarding satellites, observations, and coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes information; and (3) programs to conduct and support research and education and the development of technologies relating to weather, climate, and the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes. Establishes a Science Advisory Board within NOAA. Terminates the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (the executive order that established NOAA). Requires the Administrator to develop and submit to Congress a NOAA reorganization plan. Prohibits the Administrator from closing, consolidating, relocating, subdividing, or establishing a facility of NOAA unless there has been specified prior public and congressional notification, and an assessment, of any proposed changes. Prohibits, except as provided, a NOAA activity or function that is converted to contractor performance under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 from being performed by the contractor or any subcontractor at a location outside of the United States.

Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Directs the President to establish or designate an Interagency Committee to plan and coordinate Federal efforts in manufacturing research and development, with an Advisory Committee from the non-Federal sector. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NIST Act) to establish: (1) a pilot program of collaborative manufacturing research grants; (2) manufacturing sciences research fellowships; (3) manufacturing extension center competitive grants; and (4) standards education grants to develop higher education curricula on the role of standards in engineering, business, science, and economics. Revises requirements under the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for the following NIST programs: (1) scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities; (2) the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980); (3) construction and maintenance of facilities; (4) Teacher Science and Technology Enhancement Institute; (5) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (through the Secretary or other appropriate Federal agencies); (6) Collaborative Manufacturing Research Pilot Grants; and (7) Manufacturing Fellowships.

Fair Voter Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Fair Voter Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state from using election administration funds received under such Act for public communications which promote or oppose a candidate for public office or political party.

Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth provisions governing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants for first responders to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate against, or recover from terrorist attacks. Directs the DHS Secretary to: (1) evaluate and prioritize applications based on the degree to which applicants would lessen the threat to persons and critical infrastructure; and (2) ensure that each state receives no less than .25% of grant funds available in a fiscal year (.45% for international border states). Requires the Secretary to establish the Improve Communications for Emergency Response Grant Program. Requires state, local, and tribal governments to pre-identify sites where a unified command system can be quickly established. Establishes the Checkpoint Screening Security Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to inspect 100% of cargo transported on passenger aircraft. Permits containers to enter the United States only if scanned with equipment, and secured by seals, that meet prescribed standards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take specified actions regarding human trafficking and terrorist travel; and (2) report on international collaboration and a plan to accelerate implementation of an automated biometric system. Requires the Secretary to carry out a Fusion and Law Enforcement Education and Teaming Grant Program. Establishes in DHS the Border Intelligence Fusion Center Program. Homeland Security Information Sharing Enhancement Act of 2007 - Renames the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection as the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Directs the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to implement a Homeland Security Advisory System. Establishes, within the Office, an Internal Continuity of Operations Plan. Homeland Security Information Sharing Partnerships Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative; and (2) establish a Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program. Establishes, within DHS, an Office of Infrastructure Protection. Protection of Civil Liberties Act - Makes the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board an independent agency within the executive branch. Privacy Officer With Enhanced Rights Act of 2007 or the POWER Act - Sets forth provisions governing the DHS privacy officer's investigative authority. Directs the Secretary to prepare vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure and to establish a National Asset Database, a National At-Risk Database, a National Asset Database Consortium. Requires the Secretary to establish a Strategic Transportation Security Information Sharing Plan. Directs the Secretary to implement a program to enhance private sector preparedness for acts of terrorism and other emergencies and disasters through the promotion of the use of voluntary consensus standards. Repeals or modifies limitations on assistance for preventing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should strive to expand and strengthen the Proliferation Security Initiative, including by working with the United Nations Security Council to authorize the Initiative under international law. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and for the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration programs to prevent WMD proliferation and terrorism. Establishes: (1) within the Executive Office of the President the Office of the United States Coordinator for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism; and (2) the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. Nuclear Black Market Counter-Terrorism Act of 2007 - Directs the President to impose sanctions for transfers of nuclear technology involving foreign persons and terrorists. Requires the President to: (1) identify nuclear proliferation network countries; and (2) suspend arms sales to such countries. 9/11 Commission International Implementation Act of 2007 - Declares U.S. policy regarding increasing the availability of modern basic education in Arab countries. Authorizes: (1) the President to establish an International Arab and Muslim Youth Opportunity Fund; and (2) the Secretary of State to fund a private, nonprofit Middle East Foundation. Sets forth authority for providing a surge capacity for international broadcasting activities to support U.S. foreign policy objectives. Requires reports on: (1) expanding U.S. scholarship, exchange, and library programs in Arab and predominantly Muslim countries; and (2) progress towards implementing 9/11 Commission recommendations for developing a common coalition approach toward the detention and humane treatment of captured terrorists. Sets forth statements of U.S. policy and strategy with respect to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to voluntary school prayer.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Constitution shall not be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions. Prohibits the United States or any state from requiring any person to participate in prayer or from prescribing the content of any prayer.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should grieve for the loss of life that defined the Third Reich and celebrate the continued education efforts for tolerance and justice, reaffirming the commitment of the United States to the fight against intolerance and prejudice in any form, and honoring the legacy of transparent procedure, government accountability, the rule of law, the pursuit of justice, and the struggle for universal freedom and human rights.

United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should grieve for the loss of life that defined the Third Reich and celebrate the continued education efforts for tolerance and justice. States that: (1) the United States reaffirms its commitment to the fight against intolerance and prejudice; (2) Congress urges all members of the international community to honor those individuals of all races, creeds, and colors who were killed by the Nazis; and (3) the United States honors the primacy of transparent procedure, government accountability, the rule of law, the pursuit of justice, and the struggle for universal freedom and human rights.

STEP UP Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Summer Term Education Programs for Upward Performance Act of 2007, or the STEP UP Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to state educational agencies to pay the federal share of summer learning grants for eligible students to be summer scholars in summer learning opportunity programs primarily designed to increase the literacy and numeracy of such students.

Lifelong Learning Accounts Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Lifelong Learning Accounts Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a tax-exempt lifelong learning account for the payment of certain employee higher education and training expenses; (2) allow individuals a nonrefundable tax credit for contributions to such accounts; and (3) allow employers a business-related tax credit for contributions to such accounts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on such accounts and the tax credits enacted by this Act.

Access to Affordable Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Access to Affordable Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) tax credits to small businesses for qualified employee health insurance expenses; (2) tax credits for qualified health insurance; (3) deductions for long-term care premiums; and (4) tax credits for individuals with long-term care needs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to award grants to states to assist in planning, developing, and operating qualified small employer purchasing groups for health insurance. Directs the Small Business Administration to award grants to states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to provide health insurance information to small employers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to award demonstration grants for states to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative ways to increase access to health insurance. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to: (1) establish a special rule for redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments; and (2) provide for additional allotments to eliminate FY2007 funding shortfalls remaining after redistribution of unspent FY2004 allotments. Renames such title the FamilyCare program and allows states to extend coverage to qualified children, parents, and pregnant women. Allows states to simplify the qualification and enrollment requirements. Requires the Secretary to provide for improved outreach and enrollment in government programs for eligible children and homeless individuals and families. Expresses the sense of the Senate that appropriations for consolidated health centers and the National Health Service Corps should be doubled over the next five fiscal years. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award grants to states for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and for the establishment and operation of worksite wellness programs for small employers and their employees; (2) expand comprehensive school health education programs; and (3) establish demonstration projects related to providing low-cost, high-quality health care and attracting educators and clinical practitioners to underserved areas.

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

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

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

Lobbying, Ethics, and Earmarks Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Lobbying, Ethics, and Earmarks Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) with respect to lobbying disclosures reports, including electronic filing and mandatory free availability to the public over the Internet. Amends Rule XXXVII (Conflict of Interest) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to impose a one-year lobbying moratorium on departing Member or committee staff. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to allow U.S. officers and employees assigned to an Indian tribe, and former U.S. officers and employees employed by Indian tribes, to act as agents or attorneys for, or appear on behalf of, such tribes in connection with any matter pending before any department, agency, court, or commission. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment negotiations. Amends Rule XXIII (Privilege of the Floor) to deny certain floor, gymnasium, and parking privileges to former Senators and Senators-elect, Secretaries, Sergeants at Arms of the Senate, and Speakers of the House if they: (1) are registered lobbyists or agents of a foreign principal; or (2) are in the employ of or represent any party or organization for the purpose of influencing, directly, or indirectly, the passage, defeat, or amendment of any legislative proposal. Declares that the market value of a flight by Members, officers, or employees of the House or Senate on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire is the fair market value of a charter flight. Requires public disclosure of such flights. Requires increased disclosure of travel by Members of Congress. Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to develop and revise guidelines on reasonable expenses or expenditures for official government travel. Amends Rule XXXV (Gifts) to exclude gifts from lobbyists or agents of a foreign principal from the gift ban exceptions. Establishes the Senate Office of Public Integrity. Requires the Select Committee on Ethics to provide certain ethics training and awareness programs for Senators and staff. Amends Rule XVI (Appropriations and Amendments to General Appropriations Bills) to revise procedures for consideration of points of order on appropriations bills in the Senate. Amends LDA to require a recipient of federal funds to disclose any registered lobbyist to whom the recipient paid money to lobby on behalf of such funding. Prohibits a federal agency from obligating any funds made available in an appropriation Act to implement an earmark included in an accompanying report unless the earmark is also included in the Act. Amends Rule XXVIII (Conference Committee; Reports; Open Meetings) to make it out of order to consider a conference report containing certain matter not committed to the conferees by either chamber, or not available to all Members and the general public on the Internet for at least 48 hours before its consideration. Amends Rule XVI to prohibit consideration of an appropriation bill or amendment between the chambers which includes unauthorized appropriations unless accompanied by a detailed listing of such appropriations and their proponents. Specifies conditions under which the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate shall recognize a notice of intent of a member of their caucus to object to proceeding to a measure or matter.

Education Savings for Students Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Education Savings for Students Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000 and make such increase permanent.

College Savings Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

College Savings Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000 and make such increase permanent; and (2) allow a tax deduction up to $5,000 for contributions to an education savings account.

SUCCESS Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

States Using Collaboration and Coordination to Enhance Standards for Students Act of 2007 or the SUCCESS Act - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act to require a biennial national assessment of student achievement in grades four and eight, and grade 12 student preparedness, in reading, mathematics, and science. (Currently, science is not included in such assessments and grade 12 assessments need not be biennial.) Requires the Assessment Board's national academic content and student achievement standards to be competitive with rigorous international standards and set at a level that prepares students for non-remedial higher education, participation in the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces. Requires the Board, at a state's request, to assist it in identifying discrepancies between its standards and national standards, and in aligning such standards. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to establish prekindergarten through grade 16 (PK-16) student preparedness councils made up of public and private stakeholders that: (1) develop and implement measures to ensure that a state's academic content and student academic achievement standards and assessments meet the national benchmarks; and (2) establish a PK-16 longitudinal data system to track student progress toward such benchmarks. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to consortia of states for the development of common performance standards and assessments that compare favorably with national and international standards and assessments. Requires the Secretary to make consortia assessments available to all states.

Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to 10 urban and 10 non-urban local educational agencies (LEAs) for the creation of innovation districts. Requires the LEAs to: (1) establish tests and longitudinal data systems to track the academic progress of each elementary and secondary school student and use such performance measures in evaluating and awarding school personnel and programs; (2) work with teacher representatives and other community partners to attain the administrative flexibility to staff more equitably all agency schools with effective personnel; (3) evaluate and award effective teachers on the basis of student progress and observations of teacher performance; (4) provide grants to recent college graduates and mid-career professionals to attend LEA-established Teacher Academies which provide classroom mentoring and concurrent teacher education from partner institutions in exchange for three years of service in hard-to-staff schools; (5) establish career ladders allowing teachers to progress from novice to master with a concomitant increase in compensation and responsibility for the development of fellow teachers; and (6) plan for the recruitment, training, and evaluation of school principals who are to serve as instructional leaders in the schools and hold significant responsiblity for teacher hiring and placement. Allows the LEAs to support new schools or networks of public schools, serving predominantly disadvantaged students, which are sponsored by universities, education management organizations, or nonprofit organizations.

Strengthen Social Work Training Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 2007

Strengthen Social Work Training Act of 2007 - 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.