Education

Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls and Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support a national education campaign focusing on reducing falls among older adults and preventing repeat falls; and (2) award grants to design and carry out local education campaigns. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research to: (1) improve the identification of older adults who have a high risk of falling; (2) improve data collection and analysis to identify fall risk and protective factors; (3) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective fall prevention interventions; (4) tailor effective strategies to reduce falls to specific populations of older adults; (5) maximize the dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention interventions; (6) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and (7) assess the risks of falls occurring in various settings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct research and develop, implement, and evaluate the most effective approaches to reduce falls among high-risk older adults living in long-term care facilities; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs; (3) provide professional education for physicians and allied health professionals in fall prevention; (4) oversee and support specified demonstration and research projects; (5) award grants to design, implement, and evaluate fall prevention programs using proven intervention strategies and carry out a multistate demonstration project; and (6) report to Congress on the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for reducing associated health care costs.

A bill to provide for teacher acculturation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Teacher Acculturation Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a demonstration program to investigate, develop, and test methods to attempt to ameliorate the cultural mismatch between teachers and the students they teach. Directs the Secretary to develop a measure of cultural mismatch. Authorizes program grants to partnerships of local educational agencies and institutions of higher education, or organizations with expertise in multicultural education, for teacher preparation activities under practicum, induction, and in-service phase components. Authorizes the Secretary to establish up to ten centers of excellence in multicultural education located within universities, colleges, or schools with approved teacher education programs. Allows such centers to form partnerships with specified entities.

America's Better Classroom Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

America's Better Classroom Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified public school modernization bonds, defined to include: (1) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land for such facility (qualified school construction bonds); (2) bonds to finance certain academic programs below the postsecondary level in empowerment zones or enterprise communities (qualified zone academy bonds); and (3) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of certain Indian tribal schools (qualified tribal school modernization bonds). Establishes a national limitation on the issuance of such bonds and provides for the allocation of bond amounts among the states according to a specified formula. Limits the term of such bonds to 15 years and terminates the authority for issuance of such bonds after September 30, 2007 (December 31, 2012, for qualified tribal school modernization bonds). Amends the General Education Provisions Act to apply certain labor standards to public school construction projects financed by this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require states to establish employment and training programs relating to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Centers in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate, establish, and operate at selected Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facilities: (1) at least six centers for Parkinson's disease research, education, and clinical activities; and (2) at least two Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. Requires the Under Secretary for Health to: (1) assure appropriate geographical distribution of such facilities; and (2) establish a panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals submitted by a facility for the establishment of such a center.

Loan Manageability for Armed Forces in Higher Eucation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Loan Manageability for Armed Forces in Higher Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide certain members of the Armed Forces with a deferment of all student loan repayments under HEA title IV during the period of service and for six months after (with principal payments suspended, and accruing interest paid by the Secretary of Education). Requires any institution of higher education that participates in a title IV program to offer an option to reenroll when such service is completed to any student who is enrolled at the time such service begins. Makes eligible, for such deferment and option, members of: (1) the Armed Forces serving in a combat operation or combat zone; or (2) a reserve component of the Armed Forces serving pursuant to a call or order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

Incentives to Educate American Children (I Teach) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Incentives to Educate American Children (I Teach) Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a tax credit of $1,000 for: (1) teachers in public elementary or secondary schools or public kindergartens in rural areas or areas with high poverty; and (2) teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Grants a credit of $2,000 for a teacher meeting both criteria.

Roads to Success Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Roads to Success Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make a grant to a nonprofit educational organization, Roads to Success, to develop a higher education preparation program curriculum for students in grades 7-12. Requires the curriculum to provide such students with: (1) one class hour of higher education preparation each week; (2) information on higher education opportunities and importance; (3) career awareness development; (3) life skills building; and (4) education planning. Requires the grantee to award subgrants to up to five state educational agencies to provide such students with higher education preparation programs using the curriculum.

A resolution designating March 8, 2006, as "Endangered Species Day", and encouraging the people of the United States to become educated about, and aware of, threats to species, success stories in species recovery, and the opportunity to promote species conservation worldwide.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Designates March 8, 2006, as Endangered Species Day. Encourages: (1) educational entities to spend at least 30 minutes on such Day teaching students about threats to, and the restoration of, endangered species; and (2) organizations, businesses, and agencies with an interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate on educational information for use in schools.

2005 District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

2005 District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act - Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to allow an increase of the amount appropriated as District of Columbia funds under a budget approved by an Act of Congress by a limited aggregate amount. Requires the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to certify that the increase in revenue and use of such funds is not anticipated to have a negative impact on the District's long-term financial, fiscal, or economic health. Prohibits the funds from being: (1) used to fund District government agencies under court-ordered receivership; or (2) obligated or expended without the approval of specified congressional committees in advance. Authorizes the District, under specified conditions, to allocate amounts from the emergency reserve and the contingency reserve funds. Amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 to revise the procedure for appointing members to the Public Charter School Board. Amends the District of Columbia Code to modify the duties of the Register of Wills to require that all wills proved before the Register or the court and other matters required by law be recorded in electronic or other format. Repeals requirements concerning the Register's fees and specified penalties imposed on the Register regarding them. Requires the Register to record all creditors' statements and releases of claims against a decedent's estate in lieu of maintaining a "Claims Against Nonresident Decedents" book. Increases the cap on rates of pay for nonjudicial employees of the D.C. courts. Limits the fixed rate of $25 per hour only for individuals providing investigative services to indigent defendants. Authorizes the DC courts, under specified conditions, to conduct proceedings outside of the District during emergencies. Revises requirements for the CFO, and the CFO's duties and term of office. Subordinates to the CFO, and changes the names of, the following District government offices or department: (1) the Office of Budget and Management to the Office of Budget and Planning; (2) the Department of Finance and Revenue to the Office of Tax and Revenue; and (3) the Office of Treasurer to the Office of Finance and Treasury. Consolidates the Office of the Controller and the Office of Financial Information Services into the Office of Financial Operations and Systems. Establishes: (1) the Office of Research and Analysis, headed by the Deputy CFO for the Office of Research and Analysis; and (2) the Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board. Provides that employees of the CFO Office shall be appointed by, serve at the pleasure of, and act under the direction and control of the CFO as at-will employees not covered by the District of Columbia Merit Personnel Act of 1978 (DCMPA). States that nothing in this Act, however, may be construed to prohibit the CFO from entering into a collective bargaining agreement governing such employees or personnel. Grants the CFO independent authority over legal personnel. Requires the CFO to carry out procurement of goods and services for the CFO Office through a procurement office or division that shall operate independently of, and shall not be governed by, the Office of Contracting and Procurement, or its successor office. Amends the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975 to require, except for emergency declaration, ceremonial, confirmation, and sense of the Council resolutions, all permanent bills and resolutions to be accompanied by a fiscal impact statement before final adoption by the Council. Amends the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 to authorize the District Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency to: (1) accept certain gifts; (2) accept and use reimbursement from the District government for space and services provided, on a reimbursable basis; and (3) charge fees to cover the costs of materials distributed to attendees of educational events, including conferences, sponsored by the Service. Amends the DCMPA to make the evaluation process and instruments for evaluating DC Public Schools employees a non-negotiable item for collective bargaining purposes. Applies DCMPA pay provisions to all District government employees. Amends the District of Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985 to require CFO review and certification of procurement contracts before their renewal or extension. Authorizes the Mayor to accept, obligate, and expend grants received by the District government that are not reflected in the budget approved by Act of Congress, under specified conditions. Requires an annual independent audit by the Inspector General of the District (in coordination with the CFO) of the financial statement and report submitted to the DC Council by the Mayor. Requires fines imposed for violation of traffic alcohol laws to be transferred to the District General Fund for enforcement and prosecution of such laws. Sets forth certification requirements by the CFO and the Inspector General regarding attorneys in cases brought under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the District.

GEAR UP & GO Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

GEAR UP & GO Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise specified requirements for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) to facilitate the transition of low-income high school students into postsecondary education. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out a GEAR UP & GO grants program to provide low-income high school students participating in GEAR UP partnerships or state programs opportunities for dual/concurrent enrollment in college courses while still enrolled in high school. Provides that students in such program: (1) shall not be required to apply for admission to the institution of higher education; and (2) may receive college credit. Requires up to 25 percent of GEAR UP & GO program funds to be reserved for grants to early/middle college high schools designed to provide 9th through 12th grade low-income and first-generation college students with a coherent course of study enabling them to earn simultaneously a high school diploma and college credit toward a postsecondary degree.

Education for the 21st Century (E-21) Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Education for the 21st Century (E-21) Act - Establishes assistance programs for: (1) middle school computer literacy; and (2) high-quality educational software for all schools. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states (especially those with a priority on training middle school teachers) that integrate into the state curriculum the goal of making all middle school graduates in the state technologically literate. Requires use of such grants for teacher training in technology, emphasizing programs preparing teachers in elementary, middle, and secondary schools to become technology leaders and then serve as experts and train other teachers. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants for students at secondary schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to work with IHE faculty, software developers, and experts in educational technology in developing high-quality educational software and Internet websites. Directs the Secretary to recognize outstanding software and websites developed with such assistance that focus on core curriculum areas, especially: (1) for the first year of awards, mathematics, science, and reading; and (2) for the second and third years of awards, again mathematics, science, and reading, but also social studies, the humanities, and the arts. Requires: (1) such recognized educational software to be made available to local educational agencies for free downloading from the Department of Education's website; and (2) such recognized websites to be accessible to any Web user.

Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include within the definition of specialty crop: (1) farm-raised or wild-harvested fish and shellfish; and (2) organically produced specialty crops. Makes the authorization of appropriations for state specialty crop block grants permanent. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to replace the agricultural marketing resource center pilot project with a state block grant program for value-added agricultural product market development. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an incentive program for third-party certification of agricultural producers and processors for quality and production practices that increase agricultural commodity marketability or value. Provides for up 50% reimbursement of participant certification costs. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program as a permanent program. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) expand the program to cover any county in which crops are produced; and (2) grant temporary policy subsidies for producers located in a county that has a high level of specialty crop production and has not had a high level of crop insurance coverage coverage. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) make available to students in not more than 100 schools in each state, and in elementary and secondary schools on one Indian reservation, free fresh and dried fruits and vegetables throughout the school day in one or more school-designated areas; and (2) give priority to states that produce large quantities of specialty crops. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase operating loan limits for loans guaranteed other than by the Secretary. Revises the related inflation percentage determination. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish the position of Assistant United States Trade Representative for Specialty Crops. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to increase the authorization of appropriations for specialty crop technical assistance.

Literacy, Education, and Rehabilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Literacy, Education, and Rehabilitation Act - Amends the federal criminal code to allow a prisoner serving a term of imprisonment of more than one year (other than life imprisonment) to receive credit beyond time already served of up to 60 days each year, in addition to any credit received for satisfactory behavior, for earning a certificate of completion in, or for participating in or teaching, a designated program which benefits prisoners or the Bureau of Prisons. Includes specified educational and vocational, treatment, or work and developmental programs. Requires the Director of the Bureau to establish the number of days of credit a prisoner may be awarded considering the difficulty, time required, responsibility expected, and rehabilitative benefits of the program. Makes any person sentenced to a term of imprisonment under the Attorney General's custody eligible for the credits, including prisoners transferred from foreign countries. Directs the Bureau to assure that a prisoner spends a reasonable part of the last portion (currently, the last ten percent) of the term of imprisonment to be served under conditions that will afford the prisoner a reasonable opportunity to prepare for reentry into the community.

Medicaid State Long-Term Care Partnership Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Medicaid State Long-Term Care Partnership Program Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to the requirement that a state seek adjustment or recovery of any medical assistance correctly paid on behalf of an individual under the state plan in the case of an individual who has received (or is entitled to receive) benefits under a long-term care insurance policy in connection with which assets or resources are disregarded in specified manner. Converts to a discretionary option the current requirement that the state seek adjustment or recovery from an individual's estate on account of medical assistance paid on the individual's behalf for nursing facility and other long-term care services. Exempts from application of such authority the case of an individual who received medical assistance under a state plan of a state which has a state plan amendment that provides for a qualified state long-term care insurance partnership. Defines "qualified state long-term care insurance partnership" to mean a state plan amendment under title XIX that provides for the disregard of any assets or resources in an amount equal to the insurance benefit payments that are made under a long-term care insurance policy, regardless of whether the policy was issued before the effective date of such plan amendment, if specified requirements are met. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promote the education of consumers regarding qualified state long-term care insurance partnerships.

Food Choking Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Food Choking Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to carry out a program to provide education to the public on food choking hazards to children, including education on prevention and lifesaving procedures. Requires the Commissioner to: (1) give priority to providing education to parents of children 14 years of age or younger and to such children directly; and (2) designate a particular week for intensification of the dissemination to the public of information. Authorizes the Commissioner to make awards of grants or contracts for the purpose of holding classes for the public during such week on preventing food choking hazards and performing lifesaving procedures. Requires the Commissioner to request the National Academy of Sciences to enter into an agreement to conduct a comprehensive study to: (1) assess current data and data collection efforts; (2) document food choking-related deaths and injuries; (3) consider the nature and causes of childhood food choking incidents; (4) establish criteria for determining whether a food poses a significant choking hazard to children; and (5) assess the opportunities and key impediments to initiatives to reduce the number of child deaths and injuries due to food choking. Directs the Commissioner to report to Congress on the reliability and utility of current systems for the collection of data on food choking-related deaths.

Education Savings Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Education Savings Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income employer contributions to a qualified tuition plan or a Coverdell education savings account held by an employee or the employee's spouse.

Prekindergarten Access Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Prekindergarten Access Act of 2005 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish prekindergarten programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to applicant states to establish or expand prekindergarten early learning programs by eligible prekindergarten providers and local educational agencies in partnership with early childhood programs, organizations, or agencies that serve three-, four-, and five-year old children.

Voter Outreach and Turnout Expansion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Voter Outreach and Turnout Expansion Act of 2005 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to: (1) permit an individual to register to vote on the date of the election at each polling place in a state at which ballots are cast in an election for federal office; and (2) require each jurisdiction in a state which administers an election for federal office to designate early voting sites to serve as polling places for the election prior to the election date, and to permit any registered voter to cast a ballot at the site. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) many Americans do not vote on Election Day because of conflicting work schedules; (2) federal, state, and local governments should share the responsibility for increasing voter turnout; (3) states should establish Election Day as a legal public holiday and provide full paid leave for state government employees; and (4) the treatment of Election Day in the same manner as Veterans Day for purposes of law relating to federal employment will lead to increased voter turnout and will increase the availability of poll workers and suitable polling places. Sets out requirements for employee voting leave. Expresses the sense of Congress encouraging state and other jurisdictions to distribute sample ballots, information on voting, and other voter education materials as an aid to preventing errors by voters at the polls and reducing the rates of spoiled ballots.

Local Control of Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Local Control of Education Act of 2005 - Prohibits the Secretary of Education from providing any funds to a state for any program under the Elementary and Secondary Education act of 1965 (ESEA), and prohibits such program from operating in that state, unless the state legislature has by law expressly and specifically authorized operation of the program and, in doing so, has waived the state's rights and authorities to act inconsistently with any requirement that might be imposed as a condition of receiving federal funds under the program. Requires such state authorization of the program's operation before any federal officer, employee, or authority may enforce any requirement of the program against a state authority, and before any state authority may be obliged to obey any such requirement. Prohibits the Secretary from providing any funds under an ESEA program to a local governmental entity unless the state's chief law enforcement officer certifies that participation by the entity in the program is consistent with any applicable requirements under state law.

Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award a grant to each eligible school of nursing to increase the number of nursing faculty and students. Requires such schools to formulate and implement a plan to accomplish at least two of specified goals, which include: (1) establishing or significantly expanding an accelerated baccalaureate degree nursing program designed to graduate new nurses in 12 to 18 months; (2) establishing cooperative interdisciplinary training between schools of nursing and other specified health related fields; (3) increasing admissions, enrollment, and retention of qualified individuals who are financially disadvantaged; (4) increasing enrollment of minority and diverse student populations; (5) increasing enrollment of new graduate baccalaureate nursing students in graduate programs that educate nurse faculty members; (6) developing post-baccalaureate residency programs to prepare nurses for practice in specialty areas where nursing shortages are more severe; and (7) increasing integration of geriatric content into the core curriculum. Requires the Comptroller General to study ways to increase participation in the nurse faculty profession and to submit a report to Congress that includes: (1) a discussion of the master's degree and doctoral degree programs that are successful in placing graduates as faculty in schools of nursing; and (2) an examination of compensation disparities throughout the nursing profession and between higher education instructional faculty generally and higher education instructional nursing faculty.

GATE Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Greater Access to E-Governance Act - GATE Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to state and local governments to assist them in deploying broadband computer networks for the conduct of electronic governance transactions by citizens in local schools and libraries. Allows such grants to be used to: (1) hire contractors or nonprofit organizations to deploy and manage such networks; (2) acquire broadband infrastructure, computers, and other equipment for such networks; and (3) acquire related software and services to support such networks. Sets forth grant allocation criteria.

Recognizing the importance of Knowing My 8 Rules for Safety in addressing the problem of missing children, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Recognizes the importance of Knowing My 8 Rules for Safety in addressing the problem of missing children. Commends schools and public establishments that have posted these rules in a central location, and encourages those that have not yet displayed them to consider doing so.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the employees of the Department of Homeland Security, their partners at all levels of government, and the millions of law enforcement agents and emergency response providers nationwide should be commended for their dedicated service on the Nation's front lines in the war against terrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Commends the public servants of the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies for their outstanding contributions to our Nation's homeland security. Salutes the dedication of state, local, territorial, and tribal government officials, the private sector, and citizens across the country for their efforts to enhance the Nation's ability to prevent, deter, protect against, and prepare to respond to potential acts of terrorism. Expresses the Nation's appreciation for the sacrifices and commitment of our law enforcement and emergency response personnel in preventing and preparing to respond to acts of terrorism. Supports the goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month as they relate to the threat of terrorism. Urges the federal government, states, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe National Preparedness Month with appropriate events and activities that promote citizen and community preparedness to respond to terrorist attacks.

Recognizing the Republic of Poland and philanthropic organizations and individuals for supporting the establishment of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Commends Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski and the Government of Poland for their support of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland, and their commitment to Holocaust education. Congratulates all involved in building the Museum of the History of Polish Jews to celebrate 900 years of Jewish life in Poland and to commemorate the millions of Polish Jews killed during World War II.

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

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

Mark S. Schneider, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Education Statistics for a term expiring June 21, 2009, vice Robert Lerner.

United States · United States Senate · 27 July 2005

HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend and authorize appropriations for the HOPE VI revitalization program. Includes educational and relocation aims among HOPE VI purposes. Requires each HOPE VI grant recipient to establish, in partnership with local schools, a comprehensive educational reform and achievement strategy for transforming the neighborhood schools into high-performing schools. Revises grant selection criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct funding-related site visits for HOPE VI applicants. Requires: (1) public housing agencies to establish performance benchmarks for each of their HOPE VI projects; and (2) the Secretary to establish specified sanctions for failure to meet such benchmarks.

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

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

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

Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make annual payments for education improvement to state educational agencies of the following eligible states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Bases each such state's portion of the total amount of such payments on its portion of the total number of acres of federally owned property in all of the eligible states.

Strengthening the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Strengthening the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Act - Amends the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (Program). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to distribute to states and localities information on access to federal programs (other than the Program) to help foster youth in transition to self-sufficiency. Requires states to certify that, before or when a child leaves foster care, they will inform the child of the full range of available financial, housing, counseling, employment, and education services, and other appropriate support and services for which the child is eligible. Directs the Secretary to develop a standard reporting format for states implementing the Program and a uniform process regional offices can use in assessing state progress in meeting needs of youth in foster care and those recently emancipated from such care. Requires case plans, where appropriate, to describe programs and services that will help the child's transition from foster care to independent living. Revises program evaluation requirements. Makes eligible for educational and training vouchers youths in or exiting from foster care after attaining 14 years of age. Directs the Secretary, after issuing a related notice and rule, to implement the plan for the national youth in transition database.

Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Action Plan for Public Lands and Education Act of 2005 - Makes grants of land to the following states in lieu of receiving, for the support of the common schools, five percent of the proceeds of the sales of federally land owned within such states which have not been sold by the United States as of July 1, 2005: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Makes the amount of land granted to each state five percent of the number of acres of federally owned land within that state as of July 1, 2005. Requires land selected to be held in trust to be sold or leased and the proceeds to be used only for the support of public education.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow married individuals who are legally separated and living apart to exclude from gross income the income from United States savings bonds used to pay higher education tuition and fees.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit certain married individuals who are legally separated and living apart and who file separate tax returns to exclude from gross income the income from U.S. savings bonds used for higher education tuition and fees.

Military Personnel Financial Services Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Military Personnel Financial Services Education Act of 2005 - Provides financial services and life insurance consumer education for members of the Armed Forces and their spouses, which shall be provided as a component of initial entry and recurring training. (Such training shall include information on financial services marketing practices that are particularly prevalent at a military installation and vicinity.) Provides financial services counseling for members of the Armed Forces, and upon request, for their spouses. Requires a full-time trained counselor at installations with at least 750 assigned personnel, and other counseling at smaller installations. Requires counselors to provide members or spouses with information on Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance when providing information on private sector life insurance. Prohibits junior enlisted members (members of the Armed Forces in pay grades E-1 through E-4) from paying for private sector insurance through pay allotments without a written certification of counseling.

NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Monitoring, Education, Training, and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Monitoring, Education, Training, and Restoration Act - Requires the Director of the Chesapeake Bay Office, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to establish a Chesapeake Bay Integrated Observing System. Directs the System to coordinate existing monitoring and observing activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, identify new data collection needs, and deploy new technologies to provide a complete set of environmental information needed to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Requires the Director to establish programs for: (1) watershed education and training; and (2) watershed stock enhancement and habit restoration. Authorizes the Director to make grants and enter into contracts with an institution of higher education to support education in Chesapeake Bay aquaculture sciences and technologies, including to develop aquaculture processes and technologies to improve production of disease-free oyster spat and submerged aquatic vegetation.

A bill to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to modify the definition of "Indian student count".

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 with respect to grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institutions that are not receiving federal support under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Act to provide basic support for the education and training of Indian students. Revises the definition of "Indian student count" (essential to the formula for the determination of grant amounts).

Environmental Health Research Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Environmental Health Research Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of not more than six centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each center to conduct basic and clinical research, develop training protocols, conduct training, develop model continuing education programs, and disseminate information to professionals and the public, with priority to prevention activities. Allows a center to use grant funds to provide stipends for health and allied health professionals enrolled in training programs. Requires the Director to establish a comprehensive program to: (1) conduct research on the impact of chemicals that affect the health of women and children through disruption of the hormone system; (2) conduct research on the occurrence of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the environment and their effects on ecological and wildlife health; (3) coordinate the design of a multiagency research initiative on hormone disruption; and (4) coordinate research on hormone disruption in the United States with such research conducted in other nations. Requires the Director to establish the Hormone Disruption Research Interagency Commission to advise the Director of the Institute and the Director of the United States Geological Survey on the development of a comprehensive agenda for conducting research on hormone disruption. Establishes a Hormone Disruption Research Panel to advise the Director of the Institute on the scientific hormone-disruption research program.

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Education Pilot Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Education Pilot Program Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a Chesapeake Bay Environmental Education Grant Pilot Program of matching grants for developing, demonstrating, or disseminating information on practices, methods, or techniques relating to environmental education and training in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Makes eligible for such grants public elementary or secondary schools and nonprofit environmental or educational organizations located in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service and the program Coordinator, to carry out a Chesapeake Bay watershed forestry program under which the Secretary shall make grants and provide technical assistance to eligible entities to restore and conserve forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including grants and assistance to: (1) promote forest conservation, restoration, and stewardship efforts; (2) accelerate the restoration of riparian forest buffers; (3) assist in developing and carrying out projects and partnerships; (4) promote the protection and sustainable management of forests; (5) develop public communication and education resources; (6) conduct forest research, assessment, and planning activities; and (7) contribute to the achievement Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals. Directs the Secretary to designate a Forest Service employee as program Coordinator. Sets forth the Coordinator's responsibilities. Defines an eligible entity as: (1) a Chesapeake Bay state (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia), or a political subdivision thereof; (2) a university or other institution of higher education; (3) a tax-exempt organization operating in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; or (4) any other person in the Chesapeake Bay watershed determined by the Secretary as eligible. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants (75% federal maximum) to such entities to carry out specified program projects; (2) conduct a study of urban and rural forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and (3) establish a watershed forestry research program for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes the use of funds under this Act to employ a state watershed forester to work with the Coordinator.

Family Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Family Asthma Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to award grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce asthma attacks in families. Requires the Secretary to give: (1) priority to entities that serve a medically underserved population; and (2) consideration to an adequate rural-urban distribution, so as to gain better information about asthma at the national level. Authorizes additional appropriations 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. 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 asthma data. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish Dr. Irving J. Selikoff individual and institutional training grants for education and training of health care providers on the role of environmental factors in the development and prevention of asthma and recurrent asthma attacks.

A resolution designating August 19, 2005, as "National Dyspraxia Awareness Day" and expressing the sense of the Senate that all Americans should be more informed of dyspraxia.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Designates August 19, 2005, as National Dyspraxia Awareness Day. Calls for: (1) all Americans to be more informed of dyspraxia, its symptoms, and treatment; (2) the Secretary of Education to establish and promote a school campaign to encourage the social acceptance of dyspraxic children; and (3) the federal government to raise awareness of dyspraxia.

A concurrent resolution paying tribute to the Africa-America Institute for its more than 50 years of dedicated service, nurturing and unleashing the productive capacities of knowledgeable, capable, and effective African leaders through education.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Pays tribute to the Africa-America Institute (AAI) for its more than 50 years of service, through education, in nurturing and unleashing the productive capacities of African leaders. Embraces AAI's mission and supports its work. Urges Members of Congress and others to join AAI's "Education Partnership Campaign: 50,000 New Leaders in Five Years."

Teacher Training Expansion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Teacher Training Expansion Act of 2005 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to give preference to certain entities in selecting recipients for specified IDEA grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for technical assistance, model demonstration projects, information dissemination, and implementing activities supported by scientifically based research. Allows such preference to be given to institutions of higher education (IHEs) that are: (1) educating regular education personnel to meet the needs of children with disabilities in integrated settings; (2) educating special education personnel to work in collaboration with regular educators in integrated settings; or (3) successfully recruiting and preparing individuals with disabilities and individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the profession for which the IHE is preparing individuals. Allows such preference also to be given to local educational agencies, other public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations that provide training to regular education personnel to: (1) meet the needs of children with disabilities in integrated settings; or (2) work in collaboration with special education personnel in integrated settings.

Schools Safely Acquiring Faculty Excellence Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Schools Safely Acquiring Faculty Excellence Act of 2005 - Directs the Attorney General, upon request of the chief executive officer of a state, to ensure that appropriate officers of state and local educational agencies have the authority for "read only" online access to the national crime information databases to carry out criminal history records checks. Permits: (1) an officer to use such authority only in furtherance of the purposes of the agency and only for an individual under consideration for employment in a position in which the individual would work with or around children; and (2) an individual having information derived as a result of such a check to release that information only to an appropriate officer of such an agency or to another person authorized by law to receive that information. Sets criminal penalties for exceeding the authority in, or releasing information in violation of, this Act.

Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Quality Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Quality Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the federal survey and certification process for skilled nursing facilities. Revises requirements for nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disapprove such programs offered by a facility. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive certain requirements for the skilled nursing survey and certification process in order to test and implement innovative alternatives to the otherwise applicable survey process; and (2) continue payments for up to one year, in certain circumstances, pending remediation, to a nursing facility that no longer meets the specified requirements. Requires each state to establish an informal and independent dispute resolution process to allow facilities to settle disputes involving compliance with nursing facility requirements. Directs the Secretary to provide incentives for operators with histories of good compliance to acquire facilities with poor compliance histories. Permits nursing facilities to appeal deficiency determinations. Requires the State to establish a process for joint training and education of surveyors and providers at least annually and periodically as changes to regulations, guidelines, and policy governing nursing facility operations are implemented and used in surveys of participating facilities. Directs the Secretary to require the state to establish a process for facility-based training for new surveyors.

Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public heath policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the appropriate federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available; (3) accurately determining the prevalence of such diseases; (4) evaluating the feasibility of creating a national uniform reporting system; (5) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases; (6) increasing public education related to such diseases; (7) creating a physician education program; (8) establishing epidemiological research objectives to determine the long term course of illness for Lyme disease; and (9) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities by establishing treatment outcome objectives

Improving Educational Opportunities for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

Improving Educational Opportunities for All Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to include as high need local educational agencies (LEAs), for purposes of teacher quality enhancement grants, LEAs that serve an elementary school or secondary school located in an area in which there is a rural population or a high percentage of minority students, students with limited English proficiency, or Native American students. Revises an HEA program for Hispanic-serving institutions to eliminate: (1) a requirement that such institutions provide assurances that at least 50% of their Hispanic students are low-income individuals; and (2) a two-year wait-out period between grants (thus permitting such an institution to apply for a subsequent five-year grant award immediately after the expiration of its most recent five-year award).

Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public heath policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the appropriate federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available; (3) accurately determining the prevalence of such diseases; (4) evaluating the feasibility of creating a national uniform reporting system; (5) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases; (6) increasing public education related to such diseases; (7) creating a physician education program; (8) establishing epidemiological research objectives to determine the long term course of illness for Lyme disease; and (9) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities by establishing treatment outcome objectives.

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act - Prohibits commercial logging and timber sales (with specified exceptions) on Federal public lands, with a two-year phase-out for existing contracts. Provides for payment of relinquished contracts. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to each: (1) establish a National Heritage Restoration Corps to restore (and monitor) such lands to their natural pre-logging condition; and (2) develop National Heritage Restoration Plans and related standards for regional ecological restoration and monitoring. Sets forth provisions respecting forest fire and hazardous fuel reduction. Provides for worker retraining of eligible persons whose jobs have been lost due to terminated timber and logging contracts. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make training grants, including grants for job search and relocation. Sets forth fund allocation provisions, including amounts for an Environmental Protection Agency investigation of non-wood paper and construction alternatives. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to make permanent certain education, transportation, and public purpose payments to States and counties containing Federal land. Authorizes a private right of action for violations of this Act.

Health Education Loan Payment (HELP) for Citizen Soldiers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

Health Education Loan Payment (HELP) for Citizen Soldiers Act of 2005 - Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the maximum amount of education loans that may be repaid by the Department of Defense on behalf of officers in the Selected Reserve who possess professional qualifications, or are enrolled in programs of education leading to such qualifications, in health professions that are critically needed to meet wartime combat medical skill shortages.

Ocean and Coastal Literacy in Urban and other Environments

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2005

Ocean and Coastal Literacy in Urban and other Environments - Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to rename the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology as the National Science and Technology Council. Establishes a National Ocean and Coastal Science Education Task Force to: (1) serve as the primary source of advice on ocean and coastal science education for the Council; and (2) improve cooperation among federal agencies with respect to ocean and coastal sciences and education budgets, programs, operations, facilities, and personnel. Requires the Task Force to maintain an Ocean and Coastal Science Education Advisory Panel. Directs the Task Force to develop a national strategy for ocean and coastal science education and literacy. Establishes an interagency ocean and coastal education program to improve public awareness of the role of the ocean in meeting the Nation's economic, social, and environmental needs. Establishes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ocean and coastal science education programs, including: (1) a regional elementary and secondary education program; (2) an Ocean and Coastal Literacy in Urban Environments Program (Ocean CLUE Program); (3) an educational partnership program; and (4) the Teacher-at-Sea Program and the Teacher-in-the-Air Program. Requires the Administrator of NOAA to develop a science education plan setting forth NOAA education goals and strategies for the next 20 years. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for estuarine science education for FY2006-FY2011, including: (1) the educational activities of the National Estuarine Research Reserves; and (2) competitive grants for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System system-wide monitoring program data to advance ocean and coastal science literacy.