Education

A bill to authorize the operation of National Guard counterdrug schools.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2003

Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to establish and operate, or provide financial assistance to the appropriate States to establish and operate, not more than five National Guard counterdrug schools for the provision by the National Guard of training in drug interdiction and counter-drug activities and drug demand reduction activities to personnel of Federal agencies, State and local law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, and other non-Federal governmental and private entities and organizations. Identifies such schools in California, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.

Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2003

Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2003 - Amends the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 to modify the definition of "anabolic steroid" to include tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), androstenedione, and specified related chemicals. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to exempt from regulation any compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any anabolic steroid, that is intended for administration to a human being or an animal, and that does not present any significant potential for abuse because of its concentration, preparation, formulation, or delivery system. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review the Federal sentencing guidelines with respect to offenses involving anabolic steroids and consider amending such guidelines to provide for increased penalties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) award grants to enable public and nonprofit private entities to carry out science-based education programs in elementary and secondary schools to highlight the harmful effects of anabolic steroids; and (2) ensure that the National Survey on Drug Use and Health includes questions concerning the use of anabolic steroids.

To direct the Secretary of Labor to establish a pilot grant program to retrain displaced workers in high technology fields.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Directs the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to specified provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, to establish a pilot program to award grants for retraining displaced workers in high technology fields. Makes eligible to receive such grants schools or vocational or career training centers in the State of Pennsylvania that conduct training in high technology fields. Sets the amount of such a grant at $10,000 for each displaced worker enrolled.

Prevention, Awareness, and Research Auto-Immune Disease Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Prevention, Awareness, and Research Auto-Immune Disease Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide grants through the Centers for Disease Control to conduct public and professional awareness activities regarding autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Provides grants through the Health Resources and Services Administration for the education of health care providers on potential links between autoimmune diseases and cognitive and mood disorders such as depression. Establishes a research program where qualified physicians agree to conduct research concerning autoimmune diseases in exchange for student loan repayment.

Expressing the sense of the House that John Wooden should be honored for his contributions to sports and education.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2003

Congratulates John Wooden for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and for the naming of the Pauley Pavilion basketball floor in his honor. Commends his unparalleled achievements and contributions in sports and education.

PREEMIE Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2003

Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act or the PREEMIE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to expand and coordinate research relating to preterm labor and delivery and infant mortality. Establishes within NIH two networks: a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network and a Neonatal Research Unit Network. Requires the Director of the CDC to study and report on the relationship between prematurity, birth defects, and developmental disabilities as well as review the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Survey. Requires the Director of NIH to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences for a study on the health and economic consequences of preterm birth. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to assess the current national core performance and outcome measures under the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant with the goal of expanding them to include known risk factors of low birthweight and prematurity such as smoking by pregnant women. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for a demonstration project to improve the provision of information on prematurity to health professionals and other health care providers and the public. Funds grants for projects to support the informational and emotional needs of families during the stay of an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit (nicu). Establishes an Interagency Coordinating Council on Prematurity and Low Birthweight.

Adequate Yearly Federal Funding Report Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2003

Adequate Yearly Federal Funding Report Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require the Comptroller General to report annually to Congress on whether amounts appropriated for the preceding fiscal year to carry out each ESEA grant program are adequate to permit grant recipients to meet conditions imposed by receipt of the grant.

National Consumer Credit Reporting System Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2003

National Consumer Credit Reporting System Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency, upon consumer request, to: (1) include a fraud alert in the consumer's file for a seven-year period; and (2) refer such fraud alert to other consumer reporting agencies. Mandates truncation of credit card and debit card numbers. Requires Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to establish identification procedures for identity theft incidents. Increases the Federal criminal penalty for identity fraud. Requires the FTC to: (1) prepare a model summary of rights for identity theft victims; and (2) implement a public education campaign on identity theft. Requires a consumer reporting agency to block the reporting of information that the consumer alleges resulted from identity theft. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) coordination of consumer complaint investigations; (2) prevention of repollution of consumer reports; (3) debt collector communications regarding identity theft; (4) free annual credit reports; (5) free disclosures in connection with fraud alerts; (6) summary of consumer rights to obtain and dispute information in consumer reports and to obtain credit scores; (7) consumer reporting agency disclosure of credit scores; (8) enhanced disclosure of the means available to opt out of prescreened lists; and (9) a special disclosure and consumer opt-out rule on affiliate sharing of consumer report information for marketing solicitations. Directs the Federal banking agencies, NCUA, and the FTC to establish and update periodically guidelines for persons furnishing information to consumer reporting agencies regarding accuracy and completeness of consumer information. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to conduct ongoing audits of the accuracy and completeness of consumer reports prepared or maintained by consumer reporting agencies. Prohibits the use and sharing of medical information by consumer reporting agencies unless specified requirements are met. Prescribes confidentiality guidelines for medical contact information in consumer reports. Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act - Establishes the Financial Literacy and Education Commission to: (1) improve Federal financial literacy and education programs, grants, and materials; (2) establish a toll-free telephone number for the public; and (3) develop a national strategy to promote basic financial literacy and education.

Farm-to-Cafeteria Projects Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2003

Farm-To-Cafeteria Projects Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to make competitive grants to private nonprofit entities and educational institutions to establish and carry out Farm-to-Cafeteria projects to improve access to local foods in schools and institutions receiving funds under NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) (except the special supplemental program for women, infants, and children (WIC), which already has a WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program). Requires the Secretary, in selecting such projects, to give preference to ones designed to: (1) procure local foods from small and medium-sized farms to provide foods for school meals; (2) support nutrition education activities or curriculum planning incorporating school children's participation in farm and agriculture education projects; and (3) develop a sustained commitment to farm-to-cafeteria projects in the community by linking schools, agricultural producers, parents, and other community stakeholders. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer a specified amount, at the beginning of each of FY 2003 through 2007, to the Secretary to carry out this Act.

Incentives to Educate American Children (I Teach) Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2003

Incentives to Educate American Children (I Teach) Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a tax credit of $1,000 for: (1) teachers in public elementary or secondary schools or public kindergartens in rural areas or areas with high poverty; and (2) teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Grants a credit of $2,000 for a teacher meeting both criteria.

Higher Education Loan Plan Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003

Higher Education Loan Plan Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for variable interest rates on student (Stafford) loans, consolidation loans (which currently have fixed rates), and parent (PLUS) loans. Revises formulas for determining such variable interest rates for student loans, consolidation, loans, and parent loans based on the bond equivalent rate for 91-day Treasury bills and specified additional percentages. Caps at specified levels interest rates for new loans during an interim period from October 1, 1998, up to the enactment of this Act. Caps the interest rates for new loans on or after such enactment date for: (1) student loans and consolidation loans at 7.75 percent; and (2) parent loans at 8.5 percent.

Better Eating for Better Living Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003

Better Eating for Better Living Act of 2003 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to revise school lunch programs with respect to reimbursement rates, nutrition guidelines, milk guidelines, and funds for nutrition education and training. Amends NLSA to increase the reimbursement rate for school lunches by ten cents per meal (from 10.5 to 20.5). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to evaluate nutrition guidelines for school meals, and issue any necessary revised guidelines, every five years. Revises milk guidelines. Requires schools, at a minimum, to offer students a choice of low fat or nonfat fluid milk. Allows schools, in addition, to offer any other varieties of fluid milk that are: (1) consistent with expressed preferences of the student population; and (2) reasonably equivalent in calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin K content and cost. Amends CNA to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary specified amounts of funds for implementing and administering nutrition education and training programs. Requires grants to each State from such amounts to be: (1) based on a rate of 1/2 cent per average daily number of meals served; and (2) allocated among State, district, and school food service and health education authorities, as determined by the Secretary. Sets a minimum grant amount.

Affordability in Higher Education Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003

Affordability in Higher Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish: (1) a College Affordability Index for consumer information and public accountability in higher education; (2) a College Affordability Demonstration Program for supporting innovative approaches to higher education; and (3) requirements, as conditions of participation in HEA student aid programs, for institutions of higher education and accrediting agencies with respect to acceptance of transfers of student credits. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to reducing the administrative and regulatory burden of Federal student financial assistance programs on institutions and such burden's impact on their tuition and fees.

Education Savings Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003

Education Savings Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts paid by the employer as contributions to an education savings entity held by the employee or spouse of the employee if the contributions are made pursuant to an educational assistance program.

Emergency Moratorium Testing Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2003

Emergency Moratorium Testing Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) (as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) to extend deadlines for implementing certain academic assessments. Directs the Secretary of Education to encourage States, during the three-year period beginning upon enactment of this Act, to place a moratorium on the administration of all standardized tests. Requires each State desiring to receive a grant under ESEA title I part A, beginning after such three-year period, to report annually to the Secretary on all standardized tests administered to elementary or secondary students in the State.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2003

Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies to use funds from competitive grant awards under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program for educational activities for children four years of age or younger if they agree to phase in, where possible, pre-kindergarten programs.

To amend the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Assistant Secretary for Community and Junior Colleges.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2003

Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Assistant Secretary for Community and Junior Colleges. Repeals provisions for a Liaison for Community and Junior Colleges.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the World Year of Physics.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2003

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the World Year of Physics, as designated by the General Assembly of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics. Encourages: (1) the American people to observe such Year as a special occasion for giving impetus to education and research in physics; (2) all science-related government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and the media to highlight and give enhanced recognition to the role of physics in social, cultural, and economic development; and (3) those involved in physics education and research to take additional steps to ensure that support for physics continues and that physics studies continue to attract an adequate number of students.

PREEMIE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2003

Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act or the PREEMIE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to expand and coordinate research relating to preterm labor and delivery and infant mortality. Establishes within NIH two networks: a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network and a Neonatal Research Unit Network. Requires the Director of the CDC to study and report on the relationship between prematurity, birth defects, and developmental disabilities as well as review the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Survey. Requires the Director of NIH to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences for a study on the health and economic consequences of preterm birth. Directs the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to assess the current national core performance and outcome measures under the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant with the goal of expanding them to include known risk factors of low birthweight and prematurity such as smoking by pregnant women. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for a demonstration project to improve the provision of information on prematurity to health professionals and other health care providers and the public. Funds grants for projects to support the informational and emotional needs of families during the stay of an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit (nicu). Establishes an Interagency Coordinating Council on Prematurity and Low Birthweight.

To award congressional gold medals posthumously on behalf of Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Harry and Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson in recognition of their contributions to the Nation as pioneers in the effort to desegregate public schools that led directly to the landmark desegregation case of Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2003

Authorizes the President to award congressional gold medals posthumously, to their next of kin, on behalf of Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Harry and Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson, in recognition of their contributions to the Nation as pioneers in South Carolina in the effort to desegregate public schools that led directly to the landmark desegregation case of Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al. Directs that amounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals be deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Pathways to Advance Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2003

Pathways to Advance Training Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make formula matching grants to States with approved plans for programs of vocational education, training, employment counseling, and related services, including tuition assistance, for: (1) single parents and displaced homemakers; and (2) secondary and postsecondary students pursuing nontraditional training and employment. Provides that State boards designated or created as State agencies responsible for vocational and technical education vocational education agency shall administer such programs and make competitive subgrants to eligible entities.

21st Century Job Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2003

21st Century Job Opportunities Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Job Opportunity Grants program of temporary emergency postsecondary education assistance for dislocated workers who have been laid off and who require additional education and training to successfully reenter the workforce. Makes the maximum grant amount equal to the Pell Grant maximum award.

Child Nutrition Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2003

Child Nutrition Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to revise school lunch program requirements relating to fluid milk. Requires school lunches to offer students a variety of flavored and unflavored milk, as determined by the school. Allows schools or institutions participating in the program to offer a la carte fluid milk products to be sold in addition to and, at the school's option, adjacent to fluid milk offered as part of a reimbursable meal. Prohibits program participants from directly or indirectly restricting the sale or marketing of fluid milk products by the school or by a person approved by the school at any time or any place on the school premises or at any school-sponsored event. Establishes a program of increased reimbursement rates for school lunches under NSLA and for school breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA), to be provided as an incentive to schools and institutions that increase consumption of fluid milk by children in their meals there. Establishes a program of grants to schools that implement healthy school environment programs with respect to the nutrition, including availability of healthy food choices, and the physical activity of the children there.

Personal Access to Continued Education Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2003

Personal Access to Continued Education Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the Lifetime Learning Credit; (2) make the Hope Credit refundable; (3) increase the Hope Credit; (4) specify that such credit shall not be reduced by either Pell grants or supplemental educational opportunity grants; and (5) allow additional qualifying expenses for such credit, including job skills courses.

Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2003

Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2003 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to revise tribal self-governance requirements. Establishes a tribal self-governance demonstration project for certain programs of the Department of the Interior.

Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2003

Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2003 - Defines "specialty crop" as all agricultural crops, except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to States to enhance specialty crop competitiveness. Bases grant amounts on specialty crop production value. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase fruit or vegetable producer operating loan limits. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to provide for marketing order specialty crop food safety programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State or local educational agencies for school garden programs that permit children to learn about specialty crops' dietary importance. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) increase maximum orchardist assistance under the tree assistance program; and (2) increase and extend specialty crop technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to provide restitution to licensed specialty crop shippers for economic losses resulting from the preparation of false inspection certificates by Department of Agriculture graders at Hunts Point Terminal Market, Bronx, New York. Authorizes appropriations for the maintenance of the Agricultural Marketing Service inspection training center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Directs the United States Trade Representative to establish at least one position in the Office of the United States Trade Representative for specialty crop trade matters. Directs: (1) the General Accounting Office to conduct a study on why and to what extent U.S. specialty crops have not benefited from the Uruguay Round; and (2) the Secretary to prepare a foreign market access strategy plan aimed at increasing such exports. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department, the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Export Petition Division to process petitions for reducing sanitary and phytosanitary export barriers; and (2) in the Department an office to develop and protect intellectual property rights in plants and plant materials. Provides for a Foreign Agricultural Service study of supplier credit guarantee program modifications in order to increase specialty crop exports. Directs the Secretary to transfer the Office of Pest Management Policy of the Department from the Agricultural Research Service to the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture for administrative and funding purposes. Provides for additional research initiatives respecting: (1) methyl bromide alternatives; (2) specialty crop clean air benefits; (3) produce quality improvement; (4) new crop protection tools and integrated pest management; (5) foreign invasive pests and diseases; and (6) national specialty crop development initiative grants. Establishes in the Treasury the Invasive Pest and Disease Response Fund to support emergency eradication and research activities of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in response to economic and health threats posed by invasive pests and agricultural disease. Directs the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide for independent scientific advice and peer review with regard to specialty crop import and export requests, including risk and mitigation assessments. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a food safety education program to reduce contamination from: (1) microbial pathogens; and (2) unsanitary handling practices. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to remove the income limitation from the environmental quality incentives program.

Arts Education Advancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2003

Arts Education Advancement Act of 2003 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to require, when appropriations for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) exceed a certain level, that all of the excess funds be used for the arts education program. (Current law requires the use of only half such excess NEA funds for arts education, and allows the NEA to use a greater amount for other purposes before such set-aside for arts education is triggered.) Requires half the funds for the arts education program in any fiscal year to be used in formal systems of elementary and secondary education.

Enhancing Resources Utilized in Developing Investments for Tuition Expenditures Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2003

Enhancing Resources Utilized in Developing Investments for Tuition Expenditures Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, concerning Coverdell education savings accounts, to provide for a new contribution limit lump sum contribution.

Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003

Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003 - Rape Kits and DNA Evidence Backlog Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends: (1) the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize the Act; (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 (Identification Act) to expand the scope of DNA samples to be included in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); and (3) the Violence Against Women Act to authorize grants to increase the availability of legal assistance to victims of dating violence. DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2003 - Amends the Identification Act to require that CODIS include only information on DNA identification records and analyses that are prepared by laboratories that: (1) have been accredited by a nationally recognized nonprofit professional association of forensic scientists within two years; and (2) undergo external audits at least every two years that demonstrate compliance with specified standards. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for: (1) DNA training and education; (2) sexual assault forensic examination programs; (3) research and development; (4) using DNA technology to identify missing persons; and (5) tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Expands and reauthorizes the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program. Innocence Protection Act of 2003 - Sets forth conditions under which a Federal prisoner may obtain post-conviction DNA testing of specific evidence. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to States to improve the quality of legal representation in State capital cases.

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

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003

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

Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Self-Governance Amendments Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003

Department of Health and Human Services Tribal Self-Governance Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to revise Indian self-determination requirements. Establishes a tribal self-governance demonstration project for certain programs of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2003

Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003 - Rape Kits and DNA Evidence Backlog Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends: (1) the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to reauthorize the Act; (2) the DNA Identification Act of 1994 (Identification Act) to expand the scope of DNA samples to be included in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); and (3) the Violence Against Women Act to authorize grants to increase the availability of legal assistance to victims of dating violence. DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2003 - Amends the Identification Act to require that CODIS include only information on DNA identification records and analyses that are prepared by laboratories that: (1) have been accredited by a nationally recognized nonprofit professional association of forensic scientists within two years; and (2) undergo external audits at least every two years that demonstrate compliance with specified standards. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for: (1) DNA training and education; (2) sexual assault forensic examination programs; (3) research and development; (4) using DNA technology to identify missing persons; and (5) tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. Expands and reauthorizes the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program. Innocence Protection Act of 2003 - Sets forth conditions under which a Federal prisoner may obtain post-conviction DNA testing of specific evidence. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to States to improve the quality of legal representation in State capital cases.

Diabetic Foot Complication and Lower Extremity Amputation Reduction Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2003

Diabetic Foot Complication and Lower Extremity Amputation Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible multidisciplinary health care programs for education, screening, and treatment respecting diabetic foot complications and lower extremity amputations.

Community College Partnership Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2003

Community College Partnership Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a community college opportunity program to help students at community or technical colleges (CTCs) to transfer to four-year institutions of higher education (IHEs) and complete baccalaureate degrees. Directs the Secretary of Education to award not less than six and not more than 12 program grants to eligible entities. Makes eligible for such grants: (1) partnerships that include one or more CTCs that award associate's degrees and one or more IHEs that offer a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree not awarded by the partner colleges; or (2) a statewide governance or coordinating board that has jurisdiction over both CTCs and IHEs, or a partnership of such boards that have separate jurisdiction over such entities. Requires funds from such grants to be used for: (1) development of policies to expand opportunities for community or technical college students to earn baccalaureate degrees, including promoting the transfer of academic credits between institutions and expanding articulation and guaranteed transfer agreements; (2) support services to students participating in the program, including tutoring, mentoring, academic and personal counseling, and transition facilitation; (3) academic program enhancements at the community or technical college that increase program quality and the number of student participants in the dual degree program offered in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree granting institution; and (4) programs to identify barriers that inhibit student transfers.

Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2003

Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to award grants to support comprehensive State diabetes control and prevention programs. Requires the Secretary to promote and coordinate diabetes research, including data collection and the development of best practices, early detection and prevention programs, and a national diabetes laboratory. Gives priority to programs which reduce disparities in diabetes prevention and care for high-risk or underserved populations. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to award competitive grants to apply the best practices identified by the Secretary for diabetes prevention and control. Gives priority to programs to reduce disparities in prevention and control for high-risk or underserved populations. Requires the Director to: (1) develop and update scientifically validated quality measures for assessing and improving clinical services related to diabetes; (2) establish a Diabetes Quality Improvement Program; and (3) incorporate diabetes in the annual quality and disparities reports. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee, to: (1) coordinate a national diabetes education program; and (2) develop and update a strategic research plan for diabetes. Requires the expansion of research programs concerning diabetes in underserved populations and minority groups and in children and youths. Requires the development or enhancement of data collection on the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children, including the support of long-term epidemiological studies in children. Authorizes a report on diabetes by the Surgeon General.

Health and Education Access for Students with Diabetes Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003

Health and Education Access for Students with Diabetes Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to prohibit a State or public or private entity from receiving funds under ESEA title IV part A, also known as the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, unless it has a policy in effect against hindering or restricting a student from engaging in diabetes treatment prescribed or recommended by a physician.

Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003

Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the recognition of certified diabetes educators as Medicare providers for purposes of diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the barriers, if any, that exist in rural areas to successfully becoming a recognized diabetes education program, including the difficulty of rural health care professionals in becoming certified diabetes educators; and (2) whether individuals with diabetes who live in rural areas have barriers to accessing diabetes self-management training.

College Opportunity for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2003

College Opportunity for All Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize requirements relating to: (1) Pell Grants and other student aid amounts and access to higher education for all students; (2) support and educational opportunities for students at minority-serving institutions, including centers for teacher education; (3) postbaccalaureate opportunities at Hispanic-serving institutions; (4) TRIO and other outreach programs to disadvantaged students pursuing a postsecondary education; (5) support for working students through revision of student aid need analysis; (6) student loan forgiveness for certain public service employment; (7) relief to borrowers through elimination of origination fees and allowance of refinancing of consolidation loans; (8) simplification of the student aid process; (9) voluntary flexible agreements with guaranty agencies; and (10) allowance for State and other taxes.

PREPARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2003

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add provisions entitled the Preparing America to Respond Effectively Act of 2003 (PREPARE Act), which direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Task Force on Standards for Terrorism Preparedness and authorize the Secretary to make terrorism preparedness and response grants to State governments. Designates the Office for Domestic Preparedness as being responsible for administering all terrorism preparedness and response grant programs of the Department of Homeland Security. Requires the Secretary to revise the Homeland Security Advisory System to include a process for activating the System on a regional or critical infrastructure sector basis. Includes among executive branch responsibilities the making of grants to compensate States and local governments for additional personnel costs incurred as a result of elevated threat level designations. Requires: (1) the President to specify the lead Federal agency for sharing terrorism threat information with State and local governments; and (2) the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments to provide the equipment and facilities necessary to handle and store classified information. Makes the Under Secretary for Science and Technology responsible for first responder equipment and training standards. Requires the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response to conduct studies regarding: (1) electromagnetic spectrum and frequency bands for emergency communications; and (2) the establishment of a nationwide emergency notification system. Requires the Secretary to: (1) procure and deploy equipment to facilitate interoperability between emergency communications systems; (2) award grants for programs at public schools to instruct students in preparing for and responding to a man-made emergency or natural disaster; and (3) establish and maintain a clearinghouse of best practices and curricula for instructing students regarding emergency preparedness and response.

Tobacco Reduction, Accountability, and Community Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2003

Tobacco Reduction, Accountability, and Community Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends, and repeals, specified agricultural Acts to eliminate tobacco quota and price support programs, including no net cost provisions. Adds a new subtitle, Subtitle E: Tobacco Assistance, to title III of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 which requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make transition payments to each tobacco quota holder (generally, an owner of a farm, as of July 1, 2002, for which a basic tobacco marketing or farm acreage allotment for quota tobacco was established for the 2002 tobacco marketing year under a marketing quota program). Requires the Secretary to make direct payments to a traditional producer of tobacco (a person that, for at least one of the 2000, 2001, or 2002 tobacco marketing years, was actively engaged in the production of tobacco marketed, or considered planted, under a marketing quota and shared in the risk of producing the tobacco). Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a permanent Tobacco Advisory Board for each kind of tobacco; and (2) a poundage limitation program for each crop of each kind of tobacco. Directs the Secretary, during any marketing year period in which the insured price for the crop of a kind of tobacco exceeds the average domestic price for such tobacco, to make market stability payments available to active producers of such tobacco. Directs the Secretary to make research grants to colleges and universities in eligible States to: (1) assist tobacco producers reduce or eliminate reliance on tobacco production through crop diversification, or to promote alternative tobacco uses or enhance tobacco quality; and (2) foster development of economically viable new agricultural technologies and enterprises for rural communities. Establishes in the Commodity Credit Corporation a revolving Tobacco Trust Fund to carry this subtitle. Deposits into the Fund a quarterly assessment (imposed by this Act) on each tobacco product manufacturer and tobacco product importer that sells tobacco products in domestic U.S. commerce. Sets forth tobacco stocks and no net cost transition provisions.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2003

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 2004. Appropriates amounts for continuing, at the current rate of operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY 2003 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in the: (1) Agricultural, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003; (2) Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003; (3) District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2003; (4) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2003; (5) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2003; (6) Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003; (7) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003; (8) Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2003; (9) Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003; (10) Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2003; and (11) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003. 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 without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) October 31, 2003. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

Recognizing the more than 200 independent colleges and universities that together have addressed the need to help families pay for the increasing cost of attending college by creating the first nationwide prepaid tuition plan.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2003

Congratulates Independent 529 Plan on its launch of a prepaid tuition plan for more than 200 private colleges and universities.

A resolution commending the Government and people of Kenya.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2003

Expresses the Senate's desire to see the new democracy in Kenya thrive. Commends the people and Government of the Republic of Kenya for: (1) conducting free and fair elections; (2) completing a peaceful and orderly transition of power; (3) assisting and cooperating in the global fight against terrorism; (4) sharing friendship and values of democracy with the people of the United States; (5) regional peacemaking efforts and contributions to international peacekeeping; (6) strengthening democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; (7) fighting corruption; (8) improving access to education; and (9) working to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Commits to working with the people of Kenya to continue making progress in fighting corruption, encouraging development, fighting HIV/AIDS, and fostering respect for the rule of law and a climate of transparency. Welcomes the October 2003 visit of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki to the United States.

Ralph J. Bunche Scholarship Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2003

Ralph J. Bunche Scholarship Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise and reauthorize title III part C programs of the Institute for International Public Policy. Directs the Institute to conduct a program to enhance U.S. global competitiveness by increasing the participation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and other underrepresented minorities in the international service, including private international voluntary organizations, the foreign commercial service, and the foreign service of the United States. Lowers, from one-half to one-third, the matching funds requirement for recipients of grants from the Institute. Establishes a Ralph J. Bunche Scholarships program. Authorizes the Institute to provide such scholarships to qualified low-income, minority, and other underrepresented students who demonstrate special interest in international affairs and language study, demonstrate exceptional academic ability, and show promise of continued academic excellence and ability. Provides such Bunche Scholarships for up to $5,000 for each of the last two years of undergraduate study toward a bachelor's degree. Directs the Institute to provide a program of study leading to an advanced degree in international relations, international affairs, international economics, or other academic areas related to the Institute fellow's career objectives. Authorizes the Institute to grant fellowships for such program of study up to an amount comparable to National Science Foundation research graduate fellowships. Requires fellowship recipients to agree to undertake full-time study and to enter the international service, including work with international voluntary organizations, or the U.S. foreign service.

HBCU Expansion Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2003

HBCU Expansion Act of 2003 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) as eligible under title III part B provisions for strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Defines a PBI as any institution of higher education that: (1) offers a bachelor's degree program, and meets title III eligibility requirements including a certain enrollment of needy students; and (2) at the time of application, has a student enrollment of at least 500 full-time students, at least 51 percent of whom are African Americans.

To extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant program, and certain tax and trade programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2003

Extends the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA), and related provisions, including those providing for abstinence education and for extending eligibility for medical assistance under Medicaid (SSA title XIX) for six months for former TANF recipients. Provides for: (1) a similar extension with respect to the national random sample study of child welfare under SSA title IV part B (Child and Family Services); and (2) treatment of such provisions as direct spending for purposes of the Scorekeeping Guidelines. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the extension of the authority for: (1) disclosure to Department of Education officers and staff of tax return information to carry out the program for income contingent repayment of student loans; and (2) Internal Revenue Service user fees. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for an extension of the authority for fees for certain customs services. Amends SSA title XIX to provide for the extension of Medicare cost-sharing for certain low-income individuals.

Raymond Simon, of Arkansas, to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education, vice Susan B. Neuman, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 22 September 2003

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

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2003

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.

A concurrent resolution supporting National Funeral Service Education Week.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2003

Expresses support for efforts to establish National Funeral Service Education Week (designated by national funeral service organizations as September 21 through 27, 2003, to provide consumers with information about their choices in planning a funeral and selecting funeral goods and services).

Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2003

Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003 - Amends title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to revise provisions and reauthorize appropriations for workforce investment systems for job training and employment services, including the Job Corps. Amends title II of WIA, also known as the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, to revise provisions and reauthorize appropriations for adult basic skills education, including adult education and family literacy programs. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to: (1) require employment services offices in each State to be co-located with comprehensive one-stop centers under WIA-I; and (2) revise provisions and reauthorize appropriations for the workforce and labor market information system to be carried out through grants or cooperative agreements with the States. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to revise provisions and reauthorize appropriations for vocational rehabilitation services. Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to reauthorize appropriations for such Act in general and for the Helen Keller National Center Federal Endowment Fund.