Education

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that State approving agencies provide timely responses to applications for approval of courses of education and provide justifications for disapproval of courses, to provide for the review of the disapproval of courses by State approving agencies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Requires a state approving agency (agency) that receives an application from an educational institution for approval of a course of education for purposes of the veterans' educational assistance program to respond in writing to such institution within 90 days. Requires an agency that disapproves of a course of education to transmit to the institution a justification for such disapproval. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and, if appropriate, overturn a negative agency determination.

Veterans Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Veterans Training Act - Deems a program of education as an approved program for purposes of the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program if the program is offered by an institution offering: (1) postsecondary instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved institution of higher learning; or (2) instruction that does not lead to an associate or higher degree and the institution is an approved educational institution.

Recognizing and congratulating ACT, Inc. on 50 years of service to the Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Congratulates ACT, Inc. on 50 years of service to this country. (ACT is a nonprofit organization offering educational and workplace measurement and research services.) Congratulates ACT employees, directors, and members of state organizations for their dedication to assisting people in this country and around the world in their pursuit of educational and workforce success.

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in hostile areas to benefit from the provision barring the accrual of interest on their student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program regardless of the date their loan was first disbursed. (Currently, their loan must be disbursed on or after October 1, 2008, to qualify for such treatment.) Eliminates the restriction of such benefit on direct consolidation loans to that portion of the loan which is used to repay direct loans.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a two-year demonstration project for Medicare payment for comprehensive cancer care symptom management services furnished by an eligible entity in accordance with a described plan. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for establishing a new, or expanding an existing, palliative care and symptom management program for cancer patients. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to improve the quality of graduate and postgraduate training of physicians, nurses, and other health care providers, as well as continuing professional education, in palliative care and symptom management for such patients. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a program of grants for research on palliative care, symptom management, communication skills, and other end-of-life topics for such patients.

Kelsey Smith Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Kelsey Smith Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require telecommunication carriers to provide, at the request of a law enforcement agency, call location information of users a commercial mobile service or an IP-enabled voice service (e.g., cell phones) to such agencies and other public safety agencies to respond to emergency situations. Directs the Attorney General, under the Byrne Law Enforcement Grant Program, to: (1) provide education and training to state and local law enforcement agencies and officials to collect and use call location information in emergency situations; and (2) develop and disseminate procedures to ensure that such agencies and officials have the necessary contact information to request and obtain call location information.

Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2009 - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Office of Specialized Instructional Support Services within the Department of Education to improve specialized instructional support services in schools. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a Reduced Barriers to Learning program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to states to: (1) establish or expand specialized instructional support services and programs at the state level that are designed to provide technical assistance, coordination, and support to specialized instructional support services and programs addressing barriers to learning within local educational agencies and individual schools; and (2) hire and support specialized instructional support services coordinators to provide such assistance, coordination, and support. Replaces references to pupil services and pupil services personnel with references to specialized instructional support services and specialized instructional support personnel. Defines such services as those provided by school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other qualified professionals that provide assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic, and other necessary services as part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs.

Expressing support for students to learn about Christopher Columbus.

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Supports the recognition of Christopher Columbus and his role in the discovery and history of the United States. Recognizes that it is important for young people to learn about Christopher Columbus and the discovery, heritage, and history of the nation. Encourages all people to take advantage of educational opportunities in high schools and institutions of higher education to learn about Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas and U.S. history.

Medical Education Development Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Medical Education Development Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to newly accredited allopathic medical schools to support scholarships, develop residencies, build infrastructure, recruit and retain faculty, and develop research programs, for the purpose of increasing the supply of physicians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to schools accredited to admit students from FY2009-FY2014; (2) provide increased funding to schools that enroll larger classes while maintaining competitive faculty-to-student ratios; and (3) allocate funds to only schools that provide accountability and transparency in expending such funds. Requires: (1) each school to report annually on the specific uses of funds received and on how the grant has benefited the region and the nation; and (2) the Secretary to report annually on the extent to which such grants have increased the supply of physicians, resulted in greater access to health care, enabled the creation of new care models, provided economic regional benefits, and increased the focus on medical students' communications skills.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of October 20, 2009, as the National Day on Writing.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Expresses the Senate's support for the designation of October 20, 2009, as the National Day on Writing. Encourages participation in the National Gallery of Writing, which is maintained by the National Council of Teachers of English and contains examples of writing by individuals throughout our country. Encourages educational institutions, businesses, community and civic associations, and other organizations to celebrate the writing of their members through individual submissions to the Gallery.

Medical Education Development Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Medical Education Development Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program of grants to newly accredited allopathic medical schools to support scholarships, develop residencies, build infrastructure, recruit and retain faculty, and develop research programs, for the purpose of increasing the supply of physicians. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to schools accredited to admit students from FY2009-FY2014; (2) provide increased funding to schools that enroll larger classes while maintaining competitive faculty-to-student ratios; and (3) allocate funds to only schools that provide accountability and transparency in expending such funds. Requires: (1) each school to report annually on the specific uses of funds received and on how the grant has benefited the region and the nation; and (2) the Secretary to report annually on the extent to which such grants have increased the supply of physicians, resulted in greater access to health care, enabled the creation of new care models, provided economic regional benefits, and increased the focus on medical students' communications skills.

Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive funds for 21st Century Community Learning Center activities to use them also for educational activities for children four years of age or younger, if the LEA agrees to phase in, where possible, a prekindergarten program taught by teachers with qualifications equivalent or similar to those teaching other grades in the school involved.

H.R. 1740, THE BREAST CANCER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS REQUIRES LEARNING YOUNG ACT OF 2009; H.R. 1691, THE BREAST CANCER PATIENT PROTECTION ACT OF 2009; H.R. 2279, THE ELIMINATING DISPARITIES IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT ACT OF 2009; AND H.R. 995, THE MAMMOGRAM AND MRI AVAILABILITY ACT OF 2009

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 October 2009

Family Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Family Asthma Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award grants for pilot projects to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce asthma attacks and improve self-management for individuals and families. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of NIH, in awarding grants, to give: (1) priority to entities that serve populations disproportionately impacted by asthma; and (2) consideration to an adequate national understanding of asthma prevalence. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a National Asthma Action Plan and to fund a report to Congress by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program on federal asthma activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) collaborate with state and local health departments to conduct activities to inform and educate the public regarding asthma; (2) conduct asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma, the effectiveness of public heath asthma intervention, and the quality of asthma management; and (3) compile and annually publish data on childhood and adult asthma.

A concurrent resolution recognizing the benefits of service-learning and expressing support for the goals of the National Learn and Serve Challenge.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Recognizes the benefits of service-learning, which include: (1) enriching and enhancing academic outcomes for youth; (2) engaging youth in positive experiences in the community; and (3) encouraging youth to make more constructive choices with regards to their lives. Encourages schools, school districts, college campuses, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to provide youth with more service-learning opportunities. Expresses support for the goals of the National Learn and Serve Challenge, an annual event which spotlights the value of service-learning to youth, schools, college campuses, and communities.

PRIDE Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Providing Resources to Improve Dual Language Education Act of 2009 or the PRIDE Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies (LEAs), early childhood education programs, and technical assistance providers for the implementation of dual language demonstration programs designed to enhance and assess the biliteracy, bilingualism, and multicultural skills of low-income minority and limited English proficient students from preschool through grade five. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange for an entity that has dual language program experience to provide technical assistance to LEA grantees and evaluate the programs funded by this Act; and (2) disseminate information on model practices implemented under such programs that are appropriate for use by early childhood education providers to improve the school readiness of limited English proficient students.

Family Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Family Asthma Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award grants for pilot projects to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce asthma attacks and improve self-management for individuals and families. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of NIH, in awarding grants, to give: (1) priority to entities that serve populations disproportionately impacted by asthma; and (2) consideration to an adequate national understanding of asthma prevalence. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop a National Asthma Action Plan and to fund a report to Congress by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program on federal asthma activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) collaborate with state and local health departments to conduct activities to inform and educate the public regarding asthma; (2) conduct asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma, the effectiveness of public heath asthma intervention, and the quality of asthma management; and (3) compile and annually publish data on childhood and adult asthma.

Expressing support for designation of October 2009 as "National Principals Month".

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Recognizes school principals' contribution to the success of elementary and secondary school students. Encourages the observation of National Principals Month.

Community College Energy Training Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Community College Energy Training Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to create a program awarding grants to community colleges to provide workforce training and education in sustainable energy industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) energy efficient construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) sustainable energy technologies; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agriculture and farming. Requires at least one-half of the grant funds to be awarded to community colleges with existing sustainability programs leading to certificates or degrees in one or more of the industries or practices listed above.

Armed Forces Education Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Armed Forces Education Parity Act - Makes enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard eligible to participate in the higher education programs offered by the Community College of the Air Force. (Currently, only enlisted members of the Air Force and other enlisted members of the Armed Forces who are serving as Air Force training school instructors are eligible to participate in such programs.)

Drinking Water Adaptation, Technology, Education, and Research (WATER) Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Drinking Water Adaptation, Technology, Education, and Research (WATER) Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist the utilities in adapting to the effects of climate change. Requires research areas to include: (1) water quality impacts and solutions; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration; (3) water quantity impacts and solutions; (4) infrastructure impacts and solutions for water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities and underground pipelines; (5) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies; (6) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization; (7) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions; (8) utility management, decision support systems, and water management models; (9) greenhouse gas emissions reduction and improvement of energy demand management; (10) water conservation and demand management; and (11) communications, education, and public acceptance.

Financial Education for Teachers and Students Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Financial Education for Teachers and Students Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to states to: (1) integrate financial literacy education into their public middle and secondary schools; and (2) provide training to financial literacy teachers in such schools. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the provision of financial literacy training and assistance to parents and students. Encourages LEA grantees to partner with community organizations, financial institutions, or local businesses when implementing such program. Directs the Secretary and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to coordinate the activities funded under this Act with the activities carried out by any financial education research center operated by a Federal Reserve bank.

Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, headed by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity, to administer VA programs of economic opportunity assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. Requires the Administration to administer the following VA programs: (1) vocational rehabilitation and employment; (2) educational assistance; (3) veterans' housing loan and related programs; (4) veterans' entrepreneurship; and (5) homeless veterans. Establishes as an interagency committee the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Labor-Small Business Administration Joint Executive Committee on Economic Opportunity to recommend to the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing of efforts to promote and administer veterans economic opportunity programs for education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, small business, and homelessness, and to oversee implementation of those efforts.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool!", a national celebration of after-school programs.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Supports the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool!," a national celebration of after-school programs.

ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY: HOW EXPANDING PELL GRANTS WILL OFFER HIGHER EDUCATION TO MORE AMERICANS

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2009

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON H.R. 1017, H.R. 1036, H.R. 2504, H.R. 2559, H.R. 2735, H.R. 3073, H.R. 3441, H.R. 2506, AND DRAFT DISCUSSIONS ON HOMELESSNESS, GRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION, AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOGS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 October 2009

Expand School Meals Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Expand School Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to expand eligibility for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs to children whose family income falls at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Phases-in this eligibility expansion by increasing the income eligibility level in annual increments until it reaches 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for the school year beginning on July 1, 2013. (This will make all children who are eligible for reduced price meals eligible for free meals on such date.)

Women's Hospitals Education Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Women's Hospitals Education Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make two payments to each eligible women's hospital for each of FY2010-FY2014: (1) one payment for direct expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical residency training programs; and (2) one for indirect expenses associated with the treatment of more severely ill patients and the additional costs relating to teaching residents in such programs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make the payments in 12 equal interim installments based on the number of residents reported in the hospital's most recently filed Medicare cost report; (2) withhold up to 25% from each installment to ensure a hospital will not be overpaid on an interim basis; (3) determine, prior to the end of each fiscal year, any changes to the number of residents reported to determine the final amount; and (4) recoup any overpayments based on such determination. Considers the final amount so determined to be a final intermediary determination, subject to administrative and judicial review, under the Social Security Act. Applies to women's hospitals under this Act annual reporting requirements and provisions regarding direct graduate medical education payments and indirect medical education payments applicable to children's hospitals that operate graduate medical education programs.

Expand School Meals Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Expand School Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to expand eligibility for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs to children whose family income falls at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. (This makes children who are currently eligible for reduced price meals eligible for free meals.)

More Books for Africa Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

More Books for Africa Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the availability of textbooks and library books is a critical component of the U.S. investment in primary, secondary, higher, and adult community education; and (2) the donation of textbooks and library books is a powerful diplomatic tool. Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the More Books for Africa Program to facilitate the donation and distribution of not fewer than 3 million text and library books per year to African schools, libraries, and community learning centers in partnership with U.S.-based entities. Provides that: (1) Program books may come only from unrestricted donations from citizens, not-for-profits, educational institutions, libraries, and private companies; (2) the Program shall encourage partnerships with faith-based organizations, community organizations, K-12 educational institutions, and private companies; (3) the Program shall encourage partnerships with African ministries of education; and (4) the Program shall encourage U.S. Ambassadors to African countries to make the establishment of libraries and donations of books to schools on behalf of the United States a priority. Provides for Program monitoring.

To encourage programs of health promotion or disease prevention.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Prohibits anything in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code, or the Public Health Service Act from being interpreted to prevent any health insurance provider from establishing premium discounts or rebates, or modifying copayments or deductibles, for individuals who participate in a health promotion or disease prevention (wellness) program which meets this Act's requirements. States that if none of the conditions for obtaining a premium discount, rebate, or other reward for participation in a wellness program is based on an individual satisfying a standard related to a health status factor, such program shall not violate this Act if participation is made available to all similarly situated individuals with respect to a program: (1) that reimburses the cost for memberships in a fitness center; (2) of diagnostic testing that provides a reward for participation not based on outcomes; (3) that encourages preventive care related to a health condition through the waiver of the copayment or deductible requirement under a health plan for costs related to a health condition (such as prenatal care or well-baby visits); (4) that reimburses individuals for the costs of smoking cessation programs without regard to whether the individual quits smoking; and (5) that rewards individuals for attending a periodic health education seminar. Provides that if any of the conditions for obtaining a premium discount, rebate, or other reward for participation in a wellness program is based on an individual satisfying a standard related to a health status factor, the program shall not violate this Act if specified conditions are met, including that: (1) the reward for the program, together with the reward for other wellness programs regarding the plan that requires satisfaction of a standard related to a health status factor, does not exceed 30% of the cost of employee-only coverage under the plan; (2) the program is reasonably designed to promote health or prevent disease; (3) the plan gives individuals eligible for the program the opportunity to qualify for the reward at least annually; and (4) the full reward under the program is made available to all similarly situated individuals.

White House Conference on Autism Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

White House Conference on Autism Act of 2009 - Requires the President, by December 31, 2010, to call the White House Conference on Autism (to be convened within 18 months of the selection of a Policy Committee) to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to combat the autism epidemic in the United States. Sets forth as purposes of the Conference to: (1) galvanize a national effort to find the underlying causes of autism; (2) identify viable solutions and valuable services to help autistic individuals and their families; (3) bring together the best scientific minds to chart a comprehensive research agenda; (4) bring together parents of autistic children and leaders in the fields of education and social services to begin a national dialogue on the challenges faced by these children and their families; (5) highlight emerging and innovative programs that effectively serve the needs of autistic children and adults; and (6) review the effectiveness of existing legislation and programs that provide autism research services and develop recommendations for legislative action for improvements.

To make certain adjustments to the price analysis of propane prepared by the Secretary of Commerce.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to revise requirements for the annual report by the Secretary of Commerce to the Propane Education and Research Council, the Secretary of Energy, and the public analyzing changes in the price of propane relative to other energy sources. Requires the analysis to compare indexed changes in the average price of consumer grade propane to all end users to an equally weighted composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of No. 2 fuel oil on an annual national average basis. (Currently, the comparison is to be made of indexed changes in the price of consumer grade propane to a composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to prepare and make available to the public an updated propane price analysis reflecting the amendment made by this Act.

Congratulating the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, on winning the 2009 "Broad Prize for Urban Education".

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

Recognizes the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, for winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education, the largest education award for school districts in this country. Congratulates the entire Aldine Independent School District community on its efforts to improve student achievement, particularly its efforts to reduce the achievement gaps among ethnic groups and between high- and low-income students.

A bill to establish driver education curriculum for teenage drivers and to provide grants to States and tribal governments to carry out driver education training for licensed teenage drivers.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to award grants to states and tribal governments to provide continued driver training courses for teenagers (between 16 and 20) who are licensed drivers. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants that: (1) maximize participation of teenage drivers in the proposed driver training course; and (2) supplement the grant funds from other sources.

Teacher Incentive Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009

Teacher Incentive Fund Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a Teacher Incentive Fund program of competitive grants to assist states, local educational agencies (LEAs), and nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, or improve, appraisal and performance-based compensation systems to reward teachers and principals who raise student academic achievement and close the achievement gap, especially in the highest-need schools. Increases required nonfederal contributions to the program, on a graduated basis, from an amount equal 10% of the grant amount received in the first year to 70% of the grant amount received in the grant's fifth and final year. Allows the Secretary of Education to waive such matching requirement for high-need LEAs.

Kelsey Smith Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009

Kelsey Smith Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require telecommunication carriers to provide, at the request of a law enforcement agency, call location information of users a commercial mobile service or an IP-enabled voice service (e.g., cell phones) to such agencies and other public safety agencies to respond to emergency situations. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a program to provide education and training to state and local law enforcement agencies and officials to collect and use call location information in emergency situations; and (2) develop and disseminate procedures to ensure that such agencies and officials have the necessary contact information to request and obtain call location information.

American Small Business Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009

American Small Business Innovation Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require (under current law, authorizes) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to participate in the new markets venture capital program (a program under which investment companies provide capital financing to small businesses). Requires a report from the Administrator to Congress evaluating the success of the new markets venture capital program (program). Requires the Administrator, in selecting companies for program participation, to approve at least one company from each SBA geographic region. Requires each conditionally approved company engaged primarily in development of and investment in small manufacturers to raise at least $3 million in capital for such purposes from private investors. Directs the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy to study the availability of equity capital in low-income urban and rural areas. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to conditionally-approved companies for participation in the program. Revises the program's operational assistance grant formula. Reauthorizes appropriations to fund debenture guarantees and for operational assistance grants. Establishes the Office of Angel Investment, headed by a Director, to provide support for the development of angel investment opportunities for small businesses. Requires the Director to establish and carry out a program to provide financing to approved angel groups. Establishes an Angel Investment Fund. Requires the Director to establish and maintain a searchable database to assist small businesses in identifying angel investors. Requires the Director to establish and carry out a program to make grants for the development of new or existing angel groups and to increase awareness and education about angel investing.

A resolution to constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Eleventh Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009

Makes majority party appointments to the following Senate Committees for the 111th Congress: (1) Armed Services; (2) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (3) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and (4) Economic.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals pursuing programs of education offered through distance learning, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009

Allows, and regulates the amount of, housing assistance payable to certain post-9/11 veterans (and, in some instances, those veterans' spouses, children, or both) who are pursuing distance learning.

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to hospitals, medical schools, and other entities to train primary care providers to provide care through patient-centered medical homes and to develop tools and curricula and provide continuing education relevant to patient-centered homes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (National Center) to collect, analyze, and report data related to health workforce issues in coordination with the State and Regional Centers for Health Workforce Analysis; (2) award grants to, or enter into contracts with, states, state workforce commissions, and other health care entities to collect, analyze, and report to the National Center data on programs related to health workforce issues; and (3) increase the amount of grants or contracts awarded for the establishment and maintenance of a longitudinal tracking system (a system that tracks students, residents, fellows, interns, or faculty who have received education, training, or financial assistance from Health Professions Education and Training programs for at least five years). Requires the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages and the Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education to develop, publish, and implement performance measures for health professions education programs.

Impact Aid Fairness and Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009

Impact Aid Fairness and Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, with respect to the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies (LEAs) for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas), to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property in their areas. Prohibits LEAs from being paid amounts that: (1) exceed their total current expenditures in the second prior fiscal year; or (2) are less than 85% of their payment for the prior fiscal year, in FYs 2010, 2011, and 2012. Requires the ratable reduction of payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensation. Alters the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for eligible federally-connected children. Includes not only children in average daily attendance, but also those enrolled pursuant to a state open enrollment policy. Caps such payments for heavily impacted LEAs at the amount needed to raise their per-pupil expenditures to the higher of 110% of the average per-pupil expenditure of their state or the average per-pupil expenditure of three comparable LEAs. Continues a heavily impacted LEA's eligibility for such payments while activities associated with military base closures and realignments or force structure changes or relocations are ongoing. Alters the formula for determining the construction payments due LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments. Requires the Secretary of Education to use all Impact Aid construction appropriations to award: (1) emergency construction grants to LEAs that have no practical capacity, or minimal capacity, to issue bonds or are otherwise eligible for Impact Aid and have a school facility emergency; and (2) modernization grants to LEAs that are eligible for other Impact Aid payments.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for members of the United States Public Health Service and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Corps to transfer unused benefits under Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to family members, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009

Grants to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Commerce similar authority to allow members of the Public Health Service and of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps, respectively, to transfer unused benefits under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to family members. (Currently, this benefits transfer option applies only to the Secretary of Defense [DOD] and members of the Armed Forces.) Requires such personnel, at the time their benefits transfer request is approved, to have completed: (1) six years of service in the Public Health Service or NOAA Corps and agreed to serve at least four more; or (2) the years of service determined by the appropriate Secretary. Authorizes the transfer to family members of up to 36 months of unused post-9/11 educational assistance, although the appropriate Secretary may limit such transfer to as little as 18 months of assistance.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Urges Congress to work with health care providers and advocacy organizations to encourage awareness and education regarding Down syndrome.

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 - Specifies principles that Congress declares should be the basis of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Pakistan to support: (1) democratic institutions; (2) efforts to expand rule of law, build the capacity, transparency, and trust in government institutions, and promote internationally recognized human rights; (3) economic freedom and development; (4) investments in people, particularly women and children; and (5) strengthen public diplomacy to combat militant extremism and promote a better understanding of the United States. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including: (1) international military education and training (IMET); and (2) foreign military financing for the purchase of defense articles and services, among other things. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an exchange program between military and civilian personnel of Pakistan and certain other countries, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries. Prohibits any security-related assistance and arms transfers to Pakistan during FY2010-FY2014 until the Secretary of State certifies that: (1) Pakistan's government is continuing to cooperate with the United States in efforts to dismantle supplier networks relating to the acquisition of nuclear weapons-related materials; (2) Pakistan's government during the preceding fiscal year has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and is making significant efforts towards combating terrorist groups; and (3) Pakistan's security forces are not materially and substantially subverting Pakistan's political or judicial processes. Provides for a national security waiver of such limits. Prescribes FY2010 requirements for the Department of State's Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Restricts the provision of any direct cash security-related U.S. assistance or non-assistance payments to Pakistan to civilian authorities of a civilian government. Provides for a national security waiver of such restriction. Directs the Secretary to submit a Pakistan Assistance Strategy Report to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to review and comment on the Report, and recommend any additional actions that could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. efforts to meet the objectives of this Act. Directs the President to develop and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a comprehensive interagency regional security strategy to eliminate terrorist threats and close safe havens in Pakistan.

Open College Textbook Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Open College Textbook Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive one-year grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), professors from IHEs, and producers of open textbooks to create or update open textbooks, or adapt textbooks into open formats, for postsecondary coursework. (Open textbooks are defined as college textbooks or course materials in electronic format that are licensed under an open license, which is an irrevocable intellectual property license that grants the public the right to access, customize, and distribute copyrighted material.) Requires such textbooks to be posted on an easily accessible and interoperable website and made available to the public free of charge. Directs the Secretary to develop a peer review and evaluation process to ensure that these textbooks are of the highest quality, accurate in content, and meet or exceed market quality and accessibility standards. Requires all elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational materials created through federal grants to be licensed under an open license, posted on an easily accessible and interoperable website, and made available to the public free of charge. Expresses the sense of Congress that IHEs should encourage professors to consider open textbooks within the generally accepted principles of academic freedom which give faculty the right and responsibility to select pedagogically appropriate coursework.

Student Attendance Success Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Student Attendance Success Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states and, through them, competitive, renewable, three-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for programmatic initiatives aimed at improving academic achievement by keeping students in school. Requires subgrant applicants to demonstrate that their schools have a history of significant truancy in grades five through nine. Requires subgrantees to use their subgrant, to the extent practicable, to partner with a community-based organization to create such programmatic initiatives. Directs the Secretary to award a grant to an nonprofit organization to establish and operate a National Resource Center on Positive Youth Development and School Success to serve as a font of information, training, and research aimed at thwarting students' risky behavior and enhancing their academic performance. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to define truancy, for purposes of this Act and the requirement that states collect truancy data under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools program, as the unexcused absence: (1) for three consecutive school days of a child required to attend elementary school; and (2) for three or more class periods on each of three consecutive school days of a child required to attend middle or secondary school.

Ocean, Coastal, and Watershed Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Environmental Literacy Grant Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a national competitive grant program under which the Administrator shall provide financial assistance to: (1) expand the adoption of coastal, ocean, and watershed environmental education within mainstream educational systems and other appropriate media; (2) build administrative and technical capacity with coastal, ocean, and watershed communities and stakeholder groups to enhance their effectiveness; (3) encourage water-dependent and outdoor recreation, experiential learning, and hands-on involvement with coastal and watershed resources as a method of promoting stewardship of those resources; and (4) develop and implement new approaches to advance coastal, ocean, and watershed education and environmental literacy at national, regional, and local levels. Requires the Administrator to: (1) give priority, in awarding grants, to innovative, strategic, high-leverage projects that demonstrate strong potential for being sustained; and (2) publish guidelines regarding implementation of the grant program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program, which shall be carried out through specified regional program offices; and (2) appoint a Regional Program Manager for each office. Authorizes the Administrator, in awarding grants under such Program, to give priority to projects that will: (1) promote bay-watershed education throughout the region; (2) advance strategic initiatives to incorporate bay-watershed education into education systems; (3) build capacity within bay-watershed education communities and stakeholder groups for expanding and strengthening their work; (4) build bay-watershed education into professional development or training activities for educators; and (5) broadly replicate existing, proven bay-watershed education programs. Requires NOAA's Office of Education to work with Regional Program Managers. .

Rural Physician Pipeline Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Rural Physician Pipeline Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish a program to make grants to accredited schools of allopathic or osteopathic medicine to: (1) assist such schools in recruiting students most likely to practice medicine in underserved rural communities; (2) provide rural-focused training and experience; and (3) increase the number of recent allopathic and osteopathic medical school graduates who practice in underserved rural communities. Requires the Secretary to convene a Rural Training Program Symposium to: (1) develop best practices for such schools; and (2) establish a network of medical schools that have developed or will develop rural training programs.

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 - Specifies principles that Congress declares should be the basis of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Pakistan to support: (1) democratic institutions; (2) efforts to expand rule of law, build the capacity, transparency, and trust in government institutions, and promote internationally recognized human rights; (3) economic freedom and development; (4) investments in people, particularly women and children; and (5) strengthen public diplomacy to combat militant extremism and promote a better understanding of the United States. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including: (1) international military education and training (IMET); and (2) foreign military financing for the purchase of defense articles and services, among other things. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an exchange program between military and civilian personnel of Pakistan and certain other countries, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries. Prohibits any security-related assistance and arms transfers to Pakistan during FY2010-FY2014 until the Secretary of State certifies that: (1) Pakistan's government is continuing to cooperate with the United States in efforts to dismantle supplier networks relating to the acquisition of nuclear weapons-related materials; (2) Pakistan's government during the preceding fiscal year has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and is making significant efforts towards combating terrorist groups; and (3) Pakistan's security forces are not materially and substantially subverting Pakistan's political or judicial processes. Provides for a national security waiver of such limits. Prescribes FY2010 requirements for the Department of State's Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Restricts the provision of any direct cash security-related U.S. assistance or non-assistance payments to Pakistan to civilian authorities of a civilian government. Provides for a national security waiver of such restriction. Directs the Secretary to submit a Pakistan Assistance Strategy Report to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to review and comment on the Report, and recommend any additional actions that could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. efforts to meet the objectives of this Act. Directs the President to develop and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a comprehensive interagency regional security strategy to eliminate terrorist threats and close safe havens in Pakistan.