Education

Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act of 2023 This bill contains provisions pertaining to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. The director of the American Institute in Taiwan's Taipei office shall be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. (In 1979, the United States established diplomatic relations with China and ended formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan represents U.S. interests in Taiwan and provides consular services.) U.S. government departments and agencies (1) may not formally or informally recognize China's claims of sovereignty over Taiwan without the assent of Taiwan's people, as expressed through the democratic process; (2) shall treat Taiwan's elected government as the legitimate representative of Taiwan's people; and (3) shall end the practice of referring to Taiwan's government as authorities. The Department of State shall submit to Congress a report on cooperation between the United States and Taiwan to promote freedom, democracy, culture, and history in conjunction with Chinese language education. In addition, the State Department shall develop and implement a strategy to respond to Chinese government attempts to use misinformation, media manipulation, economic coercion, and other strategies against Taiwan or persons in Taiwan. The State Department and the Department of Defense shall report to Congress on deterrence of military conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The bill also directs the President to establish an interagency Taiwan policy task force, which shall annually report to Congress a plan for enhancing U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This resolution condemns the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. It also urges the Department of Education to direct the Office for Civil Rights to investigate and, where appropriate, take immediate action.

A resolution condemning Hamas and antisemitic student activities on college campuses in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

This resolution condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas and denounces the rhetoric of anti-Israel, pro-Hamas student groups. It also acknowledges that Israel has the right to exist and defend itself and encourages the U.S. government to fully support Israel and these rights.

America’s College Promise Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

America's College Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides funding and establishes grant programs to expand access to higher education, including by providing free community college to students. Specifically, the bill establishes a program to waive resident tuition and fees for community college students. The Department of Education (ED) must award grants to states and tribal colleges and universities to pay the federal share of the program. As a condition of receiving such a grant, a state must (1) submit a plan to align the requirements for receiving a regular high school diploma with the requirements for entering credit-bearing coursework at community colleges; and (2) submit a plan to improve transfer pathways between institutions of higher education (IHEs), including by ensuring that associate degrees awarded by community colleges are fully transferable to four-year IHEs. Next, the bill directs ED to award grants to states and tribal colleges and universities for implementing evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve student outcomes. In addition, ED must award grants to participating historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and minority-serving institutions to waive or significantly reduce the first 60 credits of tuition and fees for low-income students.

America’s College Promise Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

America's College Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides funding and establishes grant programs to expand access to higher education, including by providing free community college to students. Specifically, the bill establishes a program to waive resident tuition and fees for community college students. The Department of Education (ED) must award grants to states and tribal colleges and universities to pay the federal share of the program. As a condition of receiving such a grant, a state must (1) submit a plan to align the requirements for receiving a regular high school diploma with the requirements for entering credit-bearing coursework at community colleges; and (2) submit a plan to improve transfer pathways between institutions of higher education (IHEs), including by ensuring that associate degrees awarded by community colleges are fully transferable to four-year IHEs. Next, the bill directs ED to award grants to states and tribal colleges and universities for implementing evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve student outcomes. In addition, ED must award grants to participating historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and minority-serving institutions to waive or significantly reduce the first 60 credits of tuition and fees for low-income students.

CONFUCIUS Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States Act or the CONFUCIUS Act This bill addresses China's influence on postsecondary educational institutions through Confucius Institutes, which are cultural institutes directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government. Specifically, the bill establishes requirements for postsecondary educational institutions that receive federal funding and that have contracts or agreements with Confucius Institutes. The contracts or agreements must include clear provisions that (1) protect the academic freedom of the institutions; (2) prohibit the application of foreign law on the institutions' campuses; and (3) grant full managerial authority of the institutes to the institutions, including full control over teaching plans, activities, research grants, and employment decisions.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON H.R. 4389, TO AMEND THE NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THAT ACT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, "MIGRATORY BIRDS OF THE AMERICAS CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENTS ACT OF 2023"; H.R. 4770, TO REAUTHORIZE THE CHESAPEAKE BAY OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, "CHESAPEAKE BAY SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND ECOSYSTEM ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2023"; AND H.R. 5009, TO REAUTHORIZE WILDLIFE HABITAT AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, AND FOR OTHERPURPOSES, "WILDLIFE INNOVATION AND LONGEVITY DRIVER REAUTHORIZATION ACT" or "WILD ACT"

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 October 2023

Adult Education WORKS Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Recognizing the significance of "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

This resolution recognizes the significance of National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.

Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from authorizing, facilitating, providing funding for, or otherwise supporting any event that promotes anti-Semitism on the IHE's campus.

Eyes on the Board Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Eyes on the Board Act of 2023 This bill requires schools receiving specified federal funding for internet connectivity to limit students’ screen time and access to social media platforms on subsidized devices and networks.  Specifically, schools receiving funding through the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support (E-Rate) program or the Emergency Connectivity Fund may not allow students to access social media platforms on subsidized devices or networks. Such schools must also implement policies that specify permitted device usage and screen time by grade. Schools must submit copies of their internet safety and screen time policies to the Federal Communications Commission, and the commission must make those policies publicly available in a database.   Under the bill, social media platforms are defined as online platforms that primarily provide a forum for users to generate and share content. 

Adult Education WORKS Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act This bill makes changes to the Charter Schools Program (CSP).  Specifically, the bill allows state entities (e.g., state educational agencies and state charter school boards) to use up to 5% of their CSP grant funds to make pre-charter planning subgrants to prospective charter applicants (or nonprofit or public entities that will support prospective applicants). Currently, state entities must use at least 7% of their CSP grant funds to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants and authorized public chartering agencies. The bill instead allows state entities to use not more than 10% of these funds for technical assistance.

Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2023

Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act This bill revises requirements for effective school leadership programs that are funded by Teacher Quality Partnership Grants. Specifically, the bill requires the leadership programs to train early education leaders on skills concerning early childhood development and instruction of children from birth through age eight.

Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2023 This bill allows the Office of National Drug Control Policy to award grants for eligible entities to implement school-community partnerships for preventing and reducing substance use and misuse among youth. Eligible entity refers to a coalition that (1) is a Drug-Free Communities funded coalition on or before the date on which the coalition submits a grant application, and (2) has a memorandum of understanding in effect with not less than one local school to establish a school-community partnership.  

United Negro College Fund, Inc. Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

United Negro College Fund, Inc. Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the United Negro College Fund, Inc. and its member institutions in recognition of its 80th anniversary.

Name, Image, and Likeness for International Collegiate Athletes Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2023

Name, Image, and Likeness for International Collegiate Athletes Act This bill makes nonimmigrant student visas (F visas) available to college athletes who enter into endorsement contracts involving the individual’s name, image, or likeness. The visa is available to individuals enrolled in a U.S. institution of higher education who intend to contract for the commercial use of their name, image, or likeness (i.e., endorsement contracts).  The bill authorizes the visa holder to obtain employment authorization for the purpose of engaging in activities related to such contracts. (Under current law, student visa holders must obtain employment authorization to perform off-campus work. The off-campus work must either be related to the student’s field of study or in response to severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, subject to further requirements.) The Department of Homeland Security may engage the student's institution of higher education in oversight of the student's employment activity. 

Soil CARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2023

Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023 or the Soil CARE Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a training program for biological soil health management in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. Under the bill, biological soil health management means land management methods used to increase and balance soil biology, such as microbial biomass and macrofauna, for the purpose of improving biological functions, including forming and stabilizing soil structure, cycling nutrients, controlling pests and disease, and degrading or detoxifying contaminants. The training program must (1) provide education, resources, and technical support to USDA personnel and third-party providers on the rapidly evolving methodologies, science, and practices for improving soil health; and (2) assist USDA personnel and third-party providers in supporting agricultural producers in understanding and implementing biological soil health management systems that regenerate farmland. The training program must be available twice every two years in each NRCS region and include both an online curriculum and in-person training workshops. The training program must be developed and delivered through cooperative agreements with entities with biological soil health management systems expertise and experience working with and training producers. The bill includes minimum curriculum requirements for the training program, including specific units on soil health and diversified production systems. USDA must review and update the training program curriculum every two years.

Protecting Students’ Civil Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2023

Protecting Students' Civil Rights Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) to take certain actions to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to designate at least one employee to coordinate compliance with federal civil rights. In addition, an IHE must (1) annually submit to the Department of Education a report that includes all complaints alleging discrimination and make such report publicly available; and (2) provide students and employees with the contact information of the designated employee, the report, the enforcement policies of the IHE, and the procedures for reporting and investigating complaints.

DETERRENT Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act This bill expands oversight and disclosure requirements related to foreign sources and institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to annually disclose to the Department of Education (ED) any year in which the IHE receives a gift from a foreign country of concern (e.g., China or Russia) or foreign entity of concern of any dollar amount; receives a gift or contract from a foreign source (other than a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern) that is valued at $50,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts or contracts within a calendar year (current disclosure threshold is $250,000 or more), or which has an undetermined monetary value; enters into a contract with a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern after receiving a waiver for such contract; or is substantially controlled by a foreign source. Additionally, the bill prohibits IHEs from entering into contracts with a foreign country of concern or with a foreign entity of concern without obtaining a waiver, requires certain IHEs to disclose gifts or contracts between faculty members and foreign sources, and requires private IHEs with specified assets or investments to file annual investment disclosure reports. The bill authorizes ED to investigate possible violations of this bill and outlines the various penalties for each violation.

Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 This bill provides FY2024 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Wage and Hour Division, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the Office of the Secretary. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Education for Education for the Disadvantaged; Impact Aid; School Improvement Programs; Indian Education; Innovation and Improvement; Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; Special Education; Rehabilitation Services; Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; Career, Technical, and Adult Education; Student Financial Assistance; Student Aid Administration; Higher Education; Howard University; the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; the Institute of Education Sciences; and Departmental Management. The bill also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the National Council on Disability, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Social Security Administration. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

Disclose GIFT Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023

Disclose Getting Involved in Foreign Transactions Act or the Disclose GIFT Act This bill requires certain institutions of higher education (IHEs) to disclose gifts or contracts between covered individuals (e.g., researchers) and foreign sources. This bill applies to an IHE that (1) is an eligible institution for purposes of federal student aid programs, and (2) has received more than $50,000,000 in federal funds in any of the previous five calendar years to support research and development or that receives certain other federal funds. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to maintain a policy requiring faculty, professional staff, and other staff engaged in research and development to annually disclose gifts received from, or contracts entered into with, a foreign source; a publicly available and searchable database with the disclosed information; and  a plan to identify and manage potential information gathering by foreign sources through espionage targeting faculty, professional staff, and other staff engaged in research and development that may arise from gifts received from, or contracts entered into with, a foreign source. The bill requires the Department of Education to investigate possible violations of this bill and outlines the various penalties for each violation.

Expressing support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023

This resolution supports the goal of increasing Latino individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a way to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, not only in their community, but in the overall U.S. economy. The resolution also encourages increased federal support for initiatives aimed at boosting the number of Latino students who pursue STEM education and career paths, particularly engineering. Finally, the resolution recognizes the important role that Hispanic-serving institutions and all institutions of higher education must play in order to achieve the goal of increasing Latino individuals in STEM.

United Negro College Fund, Inc. Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023

United Negro College Fund, Inc. Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the United Negro College Fund, Inc. and its member institutions in recognition of its 80th anniversary.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2023

This bill expands the allowable uses of grants under the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program to include activities related to arts, arts education, and cultural programs. Specifically, the bill allows grants under the HBCU program to be used for  providing financial and other assistance to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs; establishing outreach programs and development offices for arts, arts education, and cultural departments; providing comprehensive wraparound services for arts, arts education, and cultural students, including faculty and peer mentorship, work-based learning opportunities, guidance counseling, and career advising; exhibiting, maintaining, monitoring, and protecting Black art collections in exhibition and in storage; and providing well-paid apprenticeship, internship, and fellowship opportunities to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs through partnerships with nonprofit arts, arts education, and cultural institutes. A grant recipient may enter into a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts to carry out these activities.

Native Histories and Cultures Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2023

Native Histories and Cultures Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the National Museum of the American Indian to develop a nationally focused curriculum on Native histories and cultures. The museum must also award grants to partnerships of state educational agencies and Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian educational organizations to (1) use the curriculum to develop and plan Native histories and cultures education programs that are local and regionally specific, and (2) implement these programs in elementary and secondary schools.

Soil CARE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2023

Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023 or the Soil CARE Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a training program for biological soil health management in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. Under the bill, biological soil health management means land management methods used to increase and balance soil biology, such as microbial biomass and macrofauna, for the purpose of improving biological functions, including forming and stabilizing soil structure, cycling nutrients, controlling pests and disease, and degrading or detoxifying contaminants. The training program must (1) provide education, resources, and technical support to USDA personnel and third-party providers on the rapidly evolving methodologies, science, and practices for improving soil health; and (2) assist USDA personnel and third-party providers in supporting agricultural producers in understanding and implementing biological soil health management systems that regenerate farmland. The training program must be available twice every two years in each NRCS region and include both an online curriculum and in-person training workshops. The training program must be developed and delivered through cooperative agreements with entities with biological soil health management systems expertise and experience working with and training producers. The bill includes minimum curriculum requirements for the training program, including specific units on soil health and diversified production systems. USDA must review and update the training program curriculum every two years.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as "National 4-H Week".

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2023

This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2023

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act This bill provides continuing FY2024 appropriations to federal agencies through November 17, 2023, and provides emergency funding for disaster relief. It also extends several expiring programs and authorities, including several Federal Aviation Administration programs, the National Flood Insurance Program, Federal Drug Administration user fees for animal drug applications, and several public health programs. DIVISION A--CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 This division provides continuing FY2024 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of November 17, 2023, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2024 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2024 begins on October 1, 2023. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2023 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. This division also provides emergency funding to respond to natural disasters. (Sec. 101) This section provides FY2024 appropriations to federal agencies for continuing projects or activities at the levels and under the conditions included in specified FY2023 appropriations acts. The section also extends several immigration-related programs and specifies several exceptions. (Sec. 102) This section prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from funding new or accelerated production of certain projects and other activities and certain multiyear procurements prior to the enactment of the regular annual appropriations act. (Sec. 103) This section specifies that funds provided by Section 101 of this division shall be available to the extent and in the manner that would be provided in the pertinent appropriations act. (Sec. 104) This section generally prohibits appropriations provided by Section 101 of this division from being used to initiate or resume any project or activity that was not funded during FY2023. (Sec. 105) This section specifies that appropriations provided by the CR are to be used to conduct FY2024 activities and programs during the period of the CR. (Sec. 106) This section continues the appropriations provided by this division through the earlier of November 17, 2023, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. (Sec. 107) This section requires expenditures for activities funded in this division to be charged to the full-year appropriations bill and relevant account when the applicable appropriations bill becomes law. (Sec. 108) This section waives the normal time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments of accounts funded in annual appropriations acts. (Sec. 109) This section limits disbursements for programs that would otherwise have high initial rates of operation or would complete distribution of funding at the beginning of the fiscal year if those actions would impinge on final congressional funding prerogatives. (Sec. 110) This section requires this division to be implemented so that only the most limited funding action permitted by this division is taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities. (Sec. 111) This section continues funding for certain appropriated entitlements and other mandatory payments with budget authority provided in an FY2023 appropriations act at the rate necessary to maintain program levels under current law. It also provides authority to obligate funds for mandatory payments that are due up to 30 days following the expiration of the CR. (Sec. 112) This section permits funding made available by this division for civilian personnel compensation and benefits in each department and agency to be apportioned at the rate necessary to avoid furloughs. It also requires all necessary actions to reduce or defer non-personnel-related administrative expenses to be taken prior to using this authority. (Sec. 113) This section permits funds appropriated by this division to be obligated and expended notwithstanding specified statutory provisions restricting appropriations for foreign assistance, the Department of State, international broadcasting, and intelligence activities in the absence of prior authorizations. (Sec. 114) This section extends designations of emergency requirements to funds provided by this division that previously carried those designations. (Emergency spending is generally exempt from discretionary spending limits.) This section also extends other specified designations (e.g. disaster relief funds) to funds provided by this division. (These designations generally allow adjustments to discretionary spending limits to accommodate additional spending for specified purposes.) (Sec. 115) This section sets forth requirements for the treatment of rescissions when federal agencies implement the funding levels provided by the CR. (Sec. 116) This section allows the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Farm Service Agency to apportion funding for the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program account at the rate necessary to accommodate approved applications for direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans. (Sec. 117) This section allows USDA to apportion funding at the rate necessary to maintain activities for the Rural Housing Service's Rental Assistance Program. (Sec. 118) This section allows USDA to apportion funding at the rate necessary to maintain participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). (Sec. 119) This section allows USDA to apportion funding at the rate necessary to maintain the current program caseload for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. (Sec. 120) This section extends various authorities under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999, which requires buyers of live cattle, swine, and lamb and sellers of wholesale beef, pork, and lamb to report prices, volumes, and other marketing characteristics to USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. (Sec. 121) This section allows the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to apportion funding for Salaries and Expenses at the rate necessary to administer broadband programs. (Sec. 122) This section extends the availability of specified funds that were provided to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Space Operations. (Sec. 123) This section extends the U.S. Parole Commission through the duration of the CR. (Sec. 124) This section allows DOD to obligate specified funds from the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy account for the procurement of one Columbia Class Submarine. (Sec. 125) This section extends the authority for DOD to provide physical protection and personal security for certain former or retired DOD officials who face serious and credible threats arising from duties performed while employed by DOD. (Sec. 126) This section provides additional funding to the Office of Personnel Management for Salaries and Expenses. (Sec. 127) This section authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates set forth in the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act of 2023 for programs and activities that were funded in FY2023. (Sec. 128) This section allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to apportion funding for the Disaster Relief Fund at the rate necessary to carry out response and recovery activities under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 129) This section provides emergency funding to FEMA for the Disaster Relief Fund. It also requires specified funds to be transferred to the Office of the Inspector General for related audits and activities. (Sec. 130) This section reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program through November 17, 2023. (Sec. 131) This section extends the authority for the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity Protection System (commonly known as EINSTEIN) and related reporting requirements. (Sec. 132) This section allows the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to apportion funds at the rate necessary to continue funding a base salary increase for federal wildland firefighters. (Sec. 133) This section extends funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. (Sec. 134) This section extends the authority for DOD to obligate funds for certain military construction projects. (Sec. 135) This section extends the authority for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to hire certain Personal Service Contractors. (Sec. 136) This section extends the term of a member of the board of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. (Sec. 137) This section makes additional funding available to the Federal Aviation Administration for the personnel and related expenses funded by the Facilities and Equipment account. DIVISION B--OTHER MATTERS TITLE I--EXTENSIONS AND OTHER MATTERS (Sec. 2101) This section extends through November 17, 2023, certain provisions of the Compact of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) that provide grants and other financial assistance for the FSM. The section also extends the authority for certain federal programs and services in the FSM and the Republic of the Marshall Islands until new federal programs and services agreements take effect. (Sec. 2102) This section extends the deadlines for the Department of the Interior to issue proposed and final regulations pursuant to negotiated rulemaking for the Tribal Self-Governance Program. (The PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act revised Interior's process for approving self-governance compacts and funding agreements with tribes. The act also authorized a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and promulgate regulations for its implementation.) TITLE II--FAA EXTENSION This title temporarily extends specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities. Subtitle A--Federal Aviation Programs (Sec. 2201) This section extends through December 31, 2023, the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This program provides grants for planning, development, and noise compatibility projects at or associated with certain public-use airports. (Sec. 2202) This section extends through December 31, 2023, certain expiring Department of Transportation (DOT) and FAA authorities and programs. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority of DOT to provide insurance and reinsurance for the federal government for risks from operating an aircraft and providing related goods or services. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site Program, which provides verification of the safety of public and civil UAS, operations, and related navigation procedures before their integration into the national airspace system. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority of DOT to provide exemptions from some requirements for UAS by using a risk-based approach to determine if certain UAS may operate safely in the national airspace system. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and enforcement program to test and evaluate technologies or systems that detect and mitigate potential aviation safety risks posed by UAS. This section extends through December 31, 2023, competitive access disclosure requirements for AIP grant applications for large and medium hub airports. Specifically, an airport must provide assurances to DOT that it will report if it has been unable to accommodate one or more requests by an air carrier for access to gates or other facilities at that airport in order to provide service or expanded service. This section extends authorization through December 31, 2023, for AIP grants for airports located in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. This section extends authorization through December 31, 2023, for the FAA AIP supplementary discretionary funds for grants for airport or terminal development projects. This section extends through December 31, 2023, AIP grant authorization for compatible land use planning and projects by state and local governments. Airport-compatible land uses are those that can coexist with a nearby airport without constraining the safe and efficient operation of the airport, or exposing people living or working nearby to significant environmental impacts. This section extends through December 31, 2023, authorization for the AIP non-movement area surveillance surface display systems pilot grant program. These systems use on-airport sensors to track vehicles or aircraft that are equipped with transponders on portions of the airfield surface that are not under the control of air traffic control. This section extends through December 31, 2023, authorization for the FAA weather reporting programs. This section extends through January 1, 2024, a learning period (i.e., moratorium) that applies to certain DOT commercial spaceflight safety regulations governing the design or operation of a launch vehicle to protect the health and safety of crew, government astronauts, and space flight participants. This section extends through December 31, 2023, authority for DOT to enter into a reimbursable agreement with the Department of Interior for the purpose of funding airport development at Midway Island Airport. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the termination date for a final order establishing mileage and adjustment eligibility under the Essential Air Service Program using the most commonly used route between the place and the nearest medium hub airport or large hub airport. (DOT established the program to ensure that small communities that were served by certificated air carriers before the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 would continue to receive scheduled passenger service.) This section extends through December 31, 2023, the moratorium on discontinuing the FAA Contract Weather Observer Program at any airport. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for the FAA remote tower pilot program. A remote tower is a remotely operated air navigation facility, including all necessary system components, that provides the functions and capabilities of an air traffic control tower whereby air traffic services are provided to operators at an airport from a location that may not be on or near the airport. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for DOT to provide AIP grants for airport access roads in certain remote locations and for storage facilities for certain snow removal and safety equipment. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for the FAA's UAS remote detection and identification pilot program. Under the program, the FAA uses available remote detection or identification technologies for safety oversight, including enforcement actions against operators of UAS that are not in compliance with federal aviation laws and regulations. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, which advises DOT in carrying out activities relating to airline customer service improvements. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the requirement that the Aviation Consumer Advocate at DOT submit an annual report to Congress summarizing aviation consumer complaints and recommendations. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for the FAA Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee to address the needs of passengers with disabilities. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for an FAA pilot program to provide air traffic control services on a preferential basis to aircraft equipped with certain Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) avionics. This section extends through December 31, 2023, the pilot program that allows AIP funds to be used for activities related to the redevelopment of airport properties. (Sec. 2203) This section reauthorizes through December 31, 2023, FAA salaries, operations, and maintenance. Further, this section extends through December 31, 2023, DOT's authority to reduce the FAA's expenses for non-safety-related activities if DOT determines that the funding levels are insufficient to meet the FAA's authorized salary, operations and maintenance expenses. (Sec. 2204) This section extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's authority to acquire, establish, and improve air navigation facilities and equipment. (Sec. 2205) This section extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's authority to conduct civil aviation research, engineering, and development. (Sec. 2206) This section reauthorizes through December 31, 2023, the FAA Essential Air Service Program. Further, this section reauthorizes through December 31, 2023, the Small Community Air Service Development Program, a DOT grant program designed to help small communities address air service and airfare issues. Subtitle B--Aviation Revenue Provisions (Sec. 2211) This section extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF). The AATF is the primary funding source for all major FAA accounts that fund federal aviation programs, with the remainder coming from general fund appropriations. (Sec. 2212) This section extends through December 31, 2023, the authority for the FAA to collect various taxes and fees to fund the AATF, including taxes on aviation fuel and airline tickets. Subtitle C--Expiring Counter-UAS 12 Authorities (Sec. 2221) This section extends through November 18, 2023, the authority of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to take certain actions to mitigate a credible threat to certain facilities or assets from an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). These include certain facilities that are located in the United States and identified as high-risk and a potential target for unlawful UAS activity. TITLE III--HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Subtitle A--Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments This subtitle reauthorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect fees for brand-name and generic animal drug applications through FY2028. Animal drugs are drugs that are intended for animals other than humans (e.g., pets and livestock). Animal drugs must be approved by the FDA before they may be offered on the commercial market. The FDA is authorized to collect fees for animal drug applications in order to support its regulatory activities; this authority currently expires at the end of FY2023. Chapter 1--Fees Relating to Animal Drugs Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023 (Sec. 2302) This section updates statutory references to mutual agreements between the United States and the European Union regarding animal drug manufacturing to include specific mutual recognition agreements between the United States and the European Union and between the United States and the United Kingdom. (Sec. 2303) This section reauthorizes the FDA to collect fees for brand-name animal drug applications through FY2028 and makes related updates to fee calculations. (Sec. 2304) This section updates FDA reporting requirements to reflect the reauthorization. (Sec. 2305) This section provides that current law continues to apply with respect to fees for brand-name animal drug applications that were accepted by the FDA before October 1, 2023. (Sec. 2306) This section provides that the fee changes apply to brand-name animal drug applications that are received on or after October 1, 2023. (Sec. 2307) This section provides that the fee authorizations expire on October 1, 2028, and that related reporting requirements expire on January 31, 2029. Chapter 2--Fees Relating to Generic Animal Drugs Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023 (Sec. 2312) This section reauthorizes the FDA to collect fees for generic animal drug applications through FY2028 and makes related updates to fee calculations. It also provides for a specific fee for requests to establish generic investigational new animal drug files and requires other application fees to be adjusted accordingly. (Sec. 2313) This section updates FDA reporting requirements to reflect the reauthorization. (Sec. 2314) This section provides that current law continues to apply with respect to fees for generic animal drug applications that were accepted by the FDA before October 1, 2023. (Sec. 2315) This section provides that the fee changes apply to generic animal drug applications that are received on or after October 1, 2023. (Sec. 2316) This section provides that the fee authorizations expire on October 1, 2028, and that related reporting requirements expire on January 31, 2029. Subtitle B--Public Health Extenders (Sec. 2321) This section extends through November 17, 2023, funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Community Health Center Fund, and the National Health Services Corps. (The program supports education and training of medical students in primary care residency programs in community-based ambulatory patient care centers. The fund supports (1) grants for outpatient health care facilities that serve medically underserved populations; and (2) the National Health Service Corps, which provides scholarships and student loan repayment awards to health care providers who agree to work in areas with health care provider shortages.) (Sec. 2322) This section extends funding through November 17, 2023, for the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. (The Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes supports research on the prevention and cure of Type I diabetes, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians supports diabetes treatment and prevention for tribal populations.) Subtitle C--Necessary Authorities to Respond to Threats (Sec. 2331) This section extends through November 17, 2023, the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to directly appoint candidates to positions within the National Disaster Medical System if HHS determines the number of personnel in the system is insufficient to address a public health emergency or potential public health emergency. Currently, the authorization expires on September 30, 2023. The National Disaster Medical System is a partnership between HHS, the Department of Defense, and other federal departments that responds to public health and other emergencies, including by deploying medical response teams. (Sec. 2332) This section extends through November 17, 2023, the authority that allows states and tribes to request the temporary reassignment of state and local health department personnel who are funded through certain federal programs to immediately address a public health emergency. Currently, the authorization expires on September 30, 2023. (Sec. 2333) This section extends through November 17, 2023, the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters, the National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters, and the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters. Currently, these committees terminate on September 30, 2023. Subtitle D--Medicaid (Sec. 2341) This section delays reductions to Medicaid disproportionate-share hospital (DSH) allotments until November 18, 2023. (DSHs are hospitals that receive additional payments under Medicaid for treating a large share of low-income patients.) (Sec. 2342) This section reduces the amount of funding available to the Medicaid Improvement Fund for activities relating to mechanized claims systems beginning in FY2028. Subtitle E--Human Services (Sec. 2351) This section funds through November 17, 2023, programs that support child welfare services and activities. Specifically, it funds the (1) Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Service Program, which provides grants to states and Indian tribes to support preventive interventions and other activities to keep families together; and (2) the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, which supports efforts to prevent the unnecessary separation of children from their families, improve quality of care and services to children and their families, and ensure permanent living arrangements for children (e.g., parental reunification or adoption). (Sec. 2352) This section extends funding through November 17, 2023, for the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program. This program supports projects to implement sexual risk avoidance education that teaches participants to voluntarily refrain from nonmarital sexual activities. (Sec. 2353) This section extends funding through November 17, 2023, for the Personal Responsibility Education Program. This program provides grants to states to educate young people about abstinence and contraception for prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The program also supports pregnant and parenting youth. TITLE IV-- BUDGETARY EFFECTS (Sec. 2401) This section exempts the budgetary effects of this division from (1) the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO Act), (2) the Senate PAYGO rule, and (3) certain budget scorekeeping rules.

A resolution designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as "National Character Counts Week".

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2023

This resolution designates the week beginning on October 15, 2023, as National Character Counts Week.

Johanna’s Law Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Johanna's Law Reauthorization Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and otherwise revises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national awareness campaign regarding gynecologic cancers. The CDC must target specified populations of women at higher risk for gynecologic cancers in the campaign. Additionally, the CDC may establish a grant program to evaluate different strategies to increase knowledge and awareness of gynecologic cancers among women and health care providers. In awarding these grants, the CDC must give preference to (1) grantees with expertise in gynecologic cancer education or treatment or expertise in working with groups of women at increased risk of such cancers; and (2) projects that will establish links between health care providers, hospitals, insurance companies, and state health departments.

Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 6, 2023, as "National School Psychology Week".

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National School Psychology Week and recognizes the contributions of school psychologists to the success of students in schools across the United States.

America’s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

America’s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act of 2024 This bill requires various actions to address revegetation and promote the use of forest products. Among other provisions, the bill requires the Forest Service to continue its experimental forests and ranges network. The bill requires the Department of Labor to develop a career and technical education and training program focused on tree planting and revegetation, tree maintenance, nursery management, or seed collection as part of the Job Corps program. The Department of the Interior must establish a pilot program to establish native trees, shrubs, or grasses on mined land.  The bill authorizes the Forest Service to expend funds received from a nonfederal entity as a carbon credit to conduct forest revegetation activity that reduces greenhouse gases. Interior and the Forest Service must jointly develop and implement an action plan to map, treat, and control invasive grasses. The Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with the Department of Energy, must expand research relating to the use of wood for various purposes, including renewable fuel and mass timber. The bill establishes an Office of Technology Transfer in the Forest Service. USDA must establish an innovation voucher pilot program to accelerate product development, demonstration, and commercialization in the forest products sector. The Forest Products Laboratory of the Forest Service must establish a mass timber science and education program. The bill designates, upon acquisition by the United States, approximately 2,693 acres of land within the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia as the Patsye Crites Forest.

Reducing Obesity in Youth Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Reducing Obesity in Youth Act of 2023 This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in coordination with the Administration for Children and Families, to award grants to nonprofits, institutions of higher education, or consortia of these entities to promote healthy eating and physical activity and address food insecurity among children in early care and education settings.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the goal of the education system shall be that virtually every American student be able to read at grade level or better.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

This resolution recognizes the goal of the education system shall be that virtually every American student be able to read at grade level or better. Additionally, the resolution encourages literacy programs to be set up to include one-on-one tutoring for each student diagnosed with a literacy gap of one year or more. The resolution encourages this one-on-one tutoring to be five days per week until the student is reading at grade level.  The resolution also encourages state and local government agencies working with private organizations with proven literacy programs to (1) work together to identify and establish solutions to illiteracy, and (2) establish adult literacy programs to help adults who have reading gaps below 8th grade.

Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and otherwise revises Head Start programs. Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for Head Start programs to include families with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill also adds a definition for public assistance under the Head Start Act to include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program to make grants to Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) to construct or improve facilities. HHS must also establish and carry out a program to make grants to Head Start agencies for increasing the compensation paid to employees. The bill also provides student loan forgiveness for certain Head Start and Early Head Start child care workers. In particular, the Department of Education must cancel the outstanding balance of principal, interest, and fees due on Federal Direct Loans for a borrower who (1) has been employed full-time by a Head Start or Early Head Start program for three years, and (2) has provided care or instruction to children enrolled in such a program.

Expressing support for the recognition of September 25, 2023, to October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

This resolution recognizes the 16th anniversary of the establishment of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions and expresses support for the designation of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week.

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides environmental and educational resources to public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.

Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023 This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the institutional challenges and barriers that hinder historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) from achieving, and the feasibility of HBCUs achieving, classification as an R1 institution. R1 institution means an institution classified as an R1 doctoral university according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education framework.

Schools Not Shelters Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Schools Not Shelters Act This bill denies federal funds to schools providing emergency shelter or housing to certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law), subject to exceptions. Under the bill, primary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education are ineligible for federal funds if they provide emergency shelter or housing exclusively to non-U.S. nationals under the order of state, local, or federal government. The bill excepts short-term (72 hours or less) emergency shelter made necessary by qualifying disasters.  Federal funds denied by the bill include grants, loans, loan guarantees, and property, but not certain reimbursements for services rendered.

A resolution designating the week of October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate religious education in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

This resolution designates October 1-October 7, 2023, as Religious Education Week.

A resolution expressing support for the recognition of the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

This resolution recognizes the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program and designates the week of September 25-October 1, 2023, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week.

Pregnant Students’ Rights Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Pregnant Students' Rights Act of 2023 This bill requires a public institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs to provide information to admitted and enrolled students on the rights and resources for students who are pregnant or may become pregnant. These rights and resources must exclude abortion services. Additionally, the IHE must establish a protocol to meet with students who believe they were discriminated against based on pregnancy. The IHE must also provide pregnancy-related questions to enrolled students and annually submit compiled responses to the Department of Education.

Youth Voting Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Youth Voting Rights Act This bill expands voting access for youth. Specifically, the bill establishes a private right of action to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on age. Further, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment against age-based restrictions for voting by mail. Additionally, the bill directs each state to designate as voter registration agencies all offices within public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that provide assistance to students, implement a preregistration process to allow minors who are 16 years or older to register to vote in federal elections that take place when or after the preregistered individual turns age 18, and ensure the availability of polling places on campuses of IHEs (with the availability of waivers). The bill prohibits durational residency requirements for voting in all federal elections. Currently, this prohibition applies only to voting for the offices of President and Vice President. States and local jurisdictions with voter identification requirements must treat IHE-issued student identification cards as voter identification. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on trends related to voter registration, absentee voting, and provisional voting. The EAC must also collect and make publicly available certain data from states.

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides funding for environmental and educational resources for public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.

Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Defense to complete a data matching agreement with the Department of Education to ensure that current or former active-duty military service members or civilian employees who are eligible for the public service loan forgiveness program have their periods of employment (beginning on October 1, 2007) automatically certified and counted towards the program.

Family Friendly Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Family Friendly Schools Act This bill establishes a pilot program to implement policies at elementary schools that align the school day with the work day. It also establishes a grant program as a supplement to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program to support programs and activities during summer recess. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award five-year grants to local educational agencies for establishing policies at 500 elementary schools that align the school day with the work day. ED must report to Congress at the three-year mark and at the conclusion of the five-year grant period on best practices and recommendations for aligning school and work schedules, and for strengthening partnerships between schools and community resources. In addition, the bill requires ED to carry out a supplemental grant program to establish or expand community learning center summer programs.  

Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act This bill expands special education and related services for children and youth who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. The bill establishes additional requirements for states to identify and evaluate children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. A state's closure of a specialized school serving children who are blind or deaf shall count as a reduction of its financial support for special education and related services. The bill also authorizes support, including grants for training special education personnel, to be used in preparing individuals to become qualified teachers and early intervention specialists for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, or deafblind. The bill establishes within the Department of Education the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on Visual Disability and Educational Excellence to better support students with visual disabilities. 

A resolution designating the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week".

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

This resolution designates the week of September 17-September 23, 2023, as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week.

Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act This bill expands special education and related services for children and youth who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. The bill establishes additional requirements for states to identify and evaluate children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. A state's closure of a specialized school serving children who are blind or deaf shall count as a reduction of its financial support for special education and related services. The bill also authorizes support, including grants for training special education personnel, to be used in preparing individuals to become qualified teachers and early intervention specialists for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, or deafblind. The bill establishes within the Department of Education the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on Visual Disability and Educational Excellence to better support students with visual disabilities.