Education

Southwest Regional Border Authority Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority. Requires the Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to ten authorized demonstration projects; (4) enhance the capacity of and support for local development districts; (5) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to federal, state, and local development programs for the region; and (6) encourage private investment in the region. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development and deployment, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides funding. Requires the Authority to allocate at least 60% of the amounts authorized under this Act for programs and projects to serve the needs of distressed counties and isolated areas of distress within counties along the U.S.-Mexican border. Authorizes the Authority to increase the federal share to up to 90% of a project's total cost (to aid communities that could not otherwise meet matching funds requirements). Requires the Authority to make grants to local development districts for administrative expenses. Directs: (1) the Authority to designate distressed counties, economically strong counties, attainment counties, competitive counties, and isolated areas of distress within the region; and (2) each affected state to submit to the Authority an annual development plan for the appropriate state area within the region.

THE FIRST TEE AND SCHOOLS: WORKING TO BUILD CHARACTER EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 June 2006

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2006 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings. Requires the Office Director to: (1) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (2) carry out public outreach; (3) develop and recommend a high-performance green building research plan; (4) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of high-performance green buildings; and (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to educational agencies for use in: (1) providing technical assistance for EPA's programs (including the Tools for Schools Program and the Healthy School Environmental Assessment Tool) to schools for use in addressing environmental issues; and (2) developing state school environmental quality plans. Authorizes the EPA to provide grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in community and public education on healthy school environments. Requires the EPA to develop school site acquisition guidelines that account for: (1) the special vulnerability of children to hazardous substances or pollution exposure where the potential for site contamination exists; (2) available modes of transportation; and (3) potential use of the school as an emergency shelter. Requires the EPA to issue guidelines for states in developing and implementing environmental health programs for schools. Requires the Director to identify incentives to encourage the use of green buildings and related technology in federal government operations. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to: (1) revise applicable acquisition regulations; and (2) issue guidance to federal procurement executives on renegotiating proposed facilities design, existing facilities renovations, and eased facilities improvements. Requires the Director to consult with the Committee to assist in the implementation of the Environmental Stewardship Scorecard announced at the White House Summit on federal sustainable buildings in 2006. Requires the Office to carry out specified demonstration projects at federal buildings and universities to contribute to its research goals.

Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Nurse Education, Expansion, and Development Act of 2006 - 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.

Student Debt Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Student Debt Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase yearly maximum Pell grant amounts. Authorizes and appropriates specified additional annual funding for such grants if discretionary appropriations for such year are sufficient to fund a specified maximum Pell grant award of $4,050. Requires the Secretary of Education to provide institutions of higher education Student Aid Reward Payments for participating in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or Direct Loan (DL) program most cost-effective for taxpayers. Cuts interest rates under the FFEL and DL programs. Allows students to consolidate loans under the FFEL program while still in school. Reduces DL origination fees. Eliminates exceptional performer status for lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies, which rewards such entities for high due diligence in FFEL collection. Imposes certain requirements regarding federal fund supplementation and lender trustees on schools which act as FFEL lenders. Sets limits on funds available for administrative expenses under the FFEL and DL programs for FY2007-FY2012. Directs the Secretary to forgive the balance due on DLs and direct consolidation loans by individuals who have been public sector employees for 10 years and have made 120 income contingent payments on such loans. Defers FFEL principal and Perkins loan principal and interest repayments when borrowers are suffering economic hardship, redefined to include borrowers whose full-time earnings do not exceed 150% of the poverty line. Defers student loan repayments to the extent they would exceed 15% of the amount a borrower's adjusted gross income exceeds the poverty line. Includes such deferral periods in calculating the maximum period an income contingent repayment plan may be in effect for a non-defaulting borrower. Increases consolidation loan lender fees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction for higher education expenses and make it permanent. Establishes a tax credit for student loan interest payments.

Student Financial Readiness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Student Financial Readiness Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $2,000 to $5,000 the annual contribution limit to Coverdell education savings accounts; (2) adjust such contribution limit for inflation after 2006; and (3) prohibit contributions by individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns).

No Child Left Behind Improvements Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

No Child Left Behind Improvements Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to alter requirements for adequate yearly progress (AYP) assessments of student groups by: (1) allowing states to vary the number of students sufficient for such an assessment from local educational agency (LEA) to LEA and from school to school; (2) lowering the percentage of students in a failing group who must show improvement from the preceding year for a school to avoid corrective action; (3) changing the method of counting students in more than one group; (4) allowing states to use alternative methods of defining AYP; (5) exempting a higher percentage of students from such assessments; (6) giving states greater flexibility in the use of alternate assessments for disabled students and those not proficient in English; and (7) allowing multiple assessments of the same student in a school year and measurement of the achievement of students as if they were in their prior grade. Provides that a state's intermediate academic achievement goals need not increase in equal increments for all groups. Requires that states be given maximum flexibility in devising academic improvement plans. Limits the implementation of sanctions to schools and LEAs that fail AYP standards in the same subject for the same group for two consecutive school years, and the provision of school transfers and supplemental services to students in the group who failed AYP standards. Provides further exceptions to and conditions on the application of corrective actions. Involves LEAs in the choice and critique of supplemental service providers as well as the provision of such services. Authorizes states, LEAs, and schools to defer implementation of certain corrective actions in any fiscal year when the amount appropriated under ESEA and the Individuals with Disabilities Act does not equal or exceed a specified authorized amount. Applies AYP assessments to private schools receiving benefits under ESEA. Allows states to deny such benefits to private schools that fail state AYP standards for three consecutive years and underperform local public schools.

IMPACT Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2006

Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act or the IMPACT Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand an existing grant program for training for health profession students to include the treatment of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for the training of primary care physicians and other health professions on how to identify, treat, and prevent obesity or eating disorders and aid individuals who are overweight or obese or who suffer from eating disorders. Requires the Secretary, acting though the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants for the planning and implementation of programs that promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activity. Allows the Secretary, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to provide for the collection and analysis of data for determining the fitness levels and energy expenditures of children and data collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to review the research to determine if the information might be important for the health disparities report. Permits states to use preventive health and health services block grants for activities and community education programs designed to address and prevent obesity and eating disorders. Requires the Secretary to report to the relevant congressional committees on: (1) the causes and health implications of being overweight, obese, or having an eating disorder; and (2) the effectiveness of campaigns to change children's behaviors and reduce obesity.

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2006

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 - Reauthorizes the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging, the National Eldercare Locator Service, pension counseling and information programs, specified service, nutrition grants to American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians, the Native Americans Caregiver Support Program, and vulnerable elder rights protection activities. Revises the definition of "information and assistance service" to include such a service to older individuals at risk for institutional placement. Authorizes the Administration on Aging's Secretary to establish an Office of Elder Abuse Prevention and Services. Adds duties and functions for the Administration on Aging, including establishing a National Center on Senior Benefits Outreach and Enrollment. Requires the Secretary to establish an interagency coordinating committee for aging issues. Repeals the authorization for the Assistant Secretary for Aging to provide staff and assistance to the Federal Council on Aging. Requires the Assistant Secretary to assist entities in integrated health promotion and disease prevention programs. Adds state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging, including assuring that preference will be given to services to individuals with low-income, limited English proficiency, or residence in a rural area. Revises requirements for area plans. Authorizes area agencies to assess preparedness for change in the number of older individuals. Adds state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging. Requires: (1) states to provide nutrition education, counseling, and services to recipients of meals delivered by state nutrition projects; and (2) the Assistant Secretary to use Older Americans Act funds to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board to establish an independent panel to study nutrition projects. Requires the Assistant Secretary to provide information on methods of improving indoor air quality in buildings where older individuals congregate. Amends the National Family Caregiver Support Act to include within the definition of: (1) "child" individuals with disabilities; and (2) "family caregiver" caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders. Decreases the specified age for relative caregivers. Requires area agencies to encourage using trained volunteers and to coordinate with specified volunteer programs. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to: (1) carry out activities of national significance concerning support for families and caregivers; (2) make grants to prepare communities for the aging of the population, support the use of health monitoring and technology, and improve transportation for seniors; and (3) establish a national technical assistance program. Requires the Assistant Secretary to award grants for: (1) projects for multigenerational and civic engagement activities; (2) mental health programs; (3) model aging in place projects; and (4) the federal share of costs for modifying state long-term care systems. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance (instead of corrective action) for grantees with low performance. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants for elder justice programs and collection of data regarding elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2006

Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2006 - Prohibits any person who is a licensed health care service provider but who is not a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine, dental surgery, or dental medicine from making any statement or engaging in any act that deceives or misleads the public or a prospective or current patient into believing that such person is a doctor or has the same or equivalent education, skills, or training. Treats such statements or acts as unfair or deceptive acts or practices prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct an investigation of health care providers engaging in such acts to: (1) identify specific acts and practices constituting a violation of this Act; (2) determine the frequency of such acts and practices; (3) identify instances of harm or injury resulting from such acts and practices; and (4) identify instances where any state public policy has permitted such acts and practices.

National Hepatitis B Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

National Hepatitis B Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for hepatitis B prevention, control, and medical management. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) support the integration of testing, counseling, immunization, and medical referral activities into existing clinical and public health programs at state, local, and tribal levels; and (2) provide hepatitis B coordinators to health departments in order to ensure the success of such integration. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to implement programs to increase awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to: (1) support the establishment of a national hepatitis B surveillance program; and (2) report on population-based seroprevalence studies and hepatitis B's economic and clinical impact and its impact on quality of life. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Directors of CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary to give priority in carrying out this Act to individuals with limited access to health education, testing, and health care services and groups that may be disproportionately affected by hepatitis B.

Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2006

Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 for science-related programs, the Departments of State, of Justice and of Commerce, and related agencies. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice for FY2007 for: (1) general administration (including transfer of funds); (2) the U.S. Parole Commission; (3) legal activities; (4) the U.S. Marshals Service; (5) interagency crime and drug enforcement; (6) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (7) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (8) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; (9) the federal prison system; (10) Office on Violence Against Women; and (10) Office of Justice Programs. Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 for: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Commission; (3) the International Trade Administration; (4) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (5) the Economic Development Administration; (6) the Minority Business Development Agency; (7) economic and statistical analysis programs; (8) the Bureau of the Census; (9) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (10) public telecommunications facilities planning and construction grants; (11) the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; (12) the Under Secretary for Technology; (13) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); (14) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including transfers of funds; (15) restoration of Pacific salmon populations; (16) the fisheries finance program account; and (17) departmental management, including for the Office of Inspector General. Science Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 for: (1) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), including for the Office of Inspector General; and (3) the National Science Foundation (NSF), including for carrying out science and engineering education and human resources programs and activities pursuant to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the Office of the National Science Board, and the Office of Inspector General. Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for the Department of State for FY2007 for: (1) administration of foreign affairs; (2) the Office of Inspector General; (3) international organizations and commissions; (4) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; and (5) the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Makes appropriations for FY2007 for: (1) the Antitrust Modernization Commission; (2) the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (3) the Commission on Civil Rights; (4) the Commission on International Religious Freedom; (5) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (6) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; (7) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (8) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including transfer of funds; (9) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (10) the Helping Enhance the Livelihood of People Around the Globe Commission (HELP Commission); (11) the Legal Services Corporation; (12) the Marine Mammal Commission; (13) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (14) the Small Business Administration (SBA), including the Office of Inspector General, including the Surety Bond Guarantees Revolving Fund; (15) the State Justice Institute; (16) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; and (17) the United States Institute of Peace. Rescinds certain unobligated balances available to the Department of Justice for: (1) the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund; (2) general administration (Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund); (3) legal activities (Assets Forfeiture Fund); and (4) the Office of Justice programs for state and local law enforcement assistance and community oriented policing services. Rescinds certain unobligated balances available to the: (1) Department of Commerce for the Emergency Steel Guaranteed Loan Program Account; and (2) the Department of State for the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund. Rescinds certain unobligated balances available to the SBA for: (1) the business loans program account; and (2) the disaster loans program account.

Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the following energy research, development and commercial application projects: (1) advanced clean coal energy technology; (2) advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies for generating electricity and industrial process heat from nuclear power; (3) advanced battery technologies for use in motor vehicles, particularly for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; (4) production of liquid fuels from biomass; (5) technologies to enable practical onboard storage of hydrogen for use as a fuel for light-duty motor vehicles; (6) advanced solar photovoltaic technologies; and (7) advanced wind energy technologies. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to conduct a research, development, and commercial application program on technologies needed for the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Solar Utilization Now Demonstration Act of 2006, or the SUN Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary to establish a grants program: (1) for states to demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology; (2) for businesses and organizations for new construction or renovation of energy efficient buildings; and (3) for Cooperative Extension services or offices, states, local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions with expertise in energy research or extension to conduct activities to transfer knowledge and information about advanced energy technologies that increase efficiency of energy use. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds to the National Science Foundation: (1) for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program; and (2) for improvement of interdisciplinary engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of high performance buildings. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study and make further recommendations to Congress on the October 2005 National Academy of Sciences recommendation to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).

Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay up to $20,000 of the medical education loans incurred by any physician who receives board certification in preventive medicine from FY2007-FY2011. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a wellness program tax credit for employers that develop and implement a program that provides: (1) at least two preventive health screenings for employees; and (2) counseling, seminars, self-help materials, and other resources related to preventive health. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to carry out a national education campaign to encourage the use of preventive health screenings.

Honoring Dr. Carolyn R. Wilder, Professor of Child Development at West Los Angeles College in Los Angeles, California, in recognition of her retirement after 32 years of service to the College.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2006

Honors Dr. Carolyn R. Wilder, upon her retirement from West Los Angeles College in Los Angeles, California, for 32 years of service to the College. Recognizes her accomplishments in childcare service, higher education, and as an entrepreneur.

Green Energy Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Green Energy Education Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to contribute energy research and development funds to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program to support graduate education related to such energy projects. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds for advanced energy technology research and development for high performance buildings to the NSF for curriculum development to improve undergraduate or graduate interdisciplinary engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of such buildings.

Energy Technology Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Energy Technology Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive grants to Cooperative Extension services or offices, states, local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions with expertise in energy research to transfer knowledge about advanced energy technologies that increase efficient energy use to individuals, businesses, nonprofit entities, and public entities, including local governments and school districts. Requires an eligible grant applicant already to: (1) operate an outreach program capable of transferring such knowledge; or (2) partner with an entity that has such an outreach program. Authorizes the Secretary and the National Laboratories to provide grantees with technical assistance on advanced energy technologies and methods.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2006

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY2007. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (6) employment and training program administration; (7) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (8) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (9) the Employment Standards Administration; (10) certain special benefits, including ones for disabled coal miners; (11) the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund; (12) the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund; (13) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (14) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (15) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (16) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (17) departmental management; (18) veterans employment and training; and (19) the Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) health education assistance loans; (3) the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Trust Fund; (4) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), for disease control, research, and training; (5) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the John E. Fogarty International Center, the National Library of Medicine, and the Office of the Director; (6) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (7) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (8) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for grants to states for Medicaid, payments to health care trust funds, and program management; (9) the Administration for Children and Families for payments to states for child support enforcement and family support programs; (10) low-income home energy assistance; (11) refugee and entrant assistance; (12) payments to states for the child care and development block grant; (13) the social services block grant; (14) children and families services programs, including amounts for disabled voter services; (15) promoting safe and stable families, through family preservation and support; (16) payments to states for foster care and adoption assistance; (17) the Administration on Aging; (18) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (19) the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals for administrative law judges for Medicare appeals; (20) the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; (21) the Office of Inspector General; (22) the Office for Civil Rights; (23) retirement pay and medical benefits for Public Health Service commissioned officers, and medical care of dependents and retired personnel; and (24) the public health and social services emergency fund, for activities related to countering potential biological, disease, and chemical threats to civilian populations, and other public health emergencies. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Education for: (1) education for the disadvantaged; (2) impact aid; (3) school improvement programs; (4) Indian education; (5) innovation and improvement activities; (6) safe schools and citizenship education; (7) English language acquisition and language enhancement; (8) special education; (9) rehabilitation services and disability research; (10) special institutions for persons with disabilities, including the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University; (11) vocational and adult education; (12) certain student financial assistance programs, as well as federal administrative expenses for such programs (setting a maximum individual Pell Grant amount); (13) specified higher education programs; (14) Howard University; (15) the college housing and academic facilities loans program; (16) the historically Black college and university capital financing program account; (17) the Institute of Education Sciences; (18) departmental management and program administration; (19) the Office for Civil Rights; and (20) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the: (1) Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) National Council on Disability; (10) National Labor Relations Board; (11) National Mediation Board; (12) Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (14) Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General.

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF ACTIVE DUTY RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD, AND EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR THE TOTAL MILITARY FORCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 June 2006

YouthBuild Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

YouthBuild Transfer Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish a revised YouthBuild program under the authority of the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to carry out certain activities under the YouthBuild program, including: (1) education and workforce investment; (2) supervision and training for participants in the rehabilitation or construction of housing (including residential housing for homeless individuals or low-income families), transitional housing for homeless individuals, and community and other public facilities; (3) adult mentoring; and (4) follow-up services. Repeals authority for the YouthBuild program under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Transfers the YouthBuild program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Department of Labor.

Higher Education Study Abroad Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Higher Education Study Abroad Act of 2006 - Urges the federal government to endorse the goals outlined by the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program regarding expanding the opportunity for students at institutions of higher education to study abroad. Requires the Secretary of Education to review Commission recommendations and report to Congress on the feasibility of their implementation, including the feasibility of the recommended national scholarship program for study abroad.

CRSI Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Community Response System Initiative Act of 2006 or the CRSI Act - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), acting through the Chief Medical Officer, to enter into an agreement with an organization which shall provide funds to local governmental agencies that provide emergency response or similar medical services or training for education and training in life supporting first aid to children. Requires the selected organization to give priority to emergency medical services, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and school nurses.

Congratulating Spelman College on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2006

Congratulates Spelman College on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. Commends those associated with the College for their outstanding achievements and contributions to African American education, history, and culture.

Impact Aid Update Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Impact Aid Update Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the formula for the limitation on Impact Aid program special payments made to local educational agencies which serve school districts in which at least 60% of the real property is federally owned and there is a U.S. military academy. Changes from 1996 to 2002 and from 1997 to 2003 certain fiscal year components of such formula.

Nontraditional Student Success Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Nontraditional Student Success Act - Authorizes and appropriates specified funds for Federal Pell grants under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Increases yearly maximum grant amounts and revises requirements for the allowance of two Pell grants during a single award year. Requires the Secretary to publish annually in the Federal Register a revised table of income protection allowances. Excludes the earned income tax credit (EITC) from financial aid determinations. Authorizes the Secretary to select institutions of higher education for a Nontraditional Students Demonstration Program to test the effectiveness of providing expanded financial assistance to less than half-time students and students in compressed, modular, or other alternative schedules. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible institutions to improve remedial education. Increases minimum grant amounts for the Federal TRIO programs. Permits student support services and educational opportunity centers to include career and academic (as well as personal) counseling. Makes awards under the Early Intervention and College Awareness Program for six years. Revises requirements for and reauthorizes the Program. Reauthorizes the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program of campus-based child care services for low-income parents in postsecondary education. Directs the Secretary to establish a website and brochures for providing outreach about financial aid and education tax credits that targets employers, one-stop centers, Head Start centers, and other appropriate locations. Increases the activities for which grants to Hispanic-serving institutions, as well as grants from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, may be used. Revises requirements for Special Programs for Students Whose Families Are Engaged in Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork. Reauthorizes the high school equivalency and the college assistance migrant programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the percentage Lifetime Learning income tax credit for qualified higher education expenses, but reduce the maximum annual dollar amount. Makes a portion of the credit refundable. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for making advance payments of such credits to eligible institutions on behalf of certified individuals.

Heroes at Home Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Heroes at Home Act of 2006 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to require the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health, in addition to current duties, to report to the Secretary of Defense an assessment of, and recommendations for, improving assistance to members of the National Guard and reserve returning from deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, and their families, in transitioning to civilian employment. Directs the Secretary to establish the Assistance Center for Employers and Employment Assistance Organizations to assist employers, employment assistance organizations, and associations of employers in facilitating such transition. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to carry out demonstration projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of utilizing community-based settings for the provision of assistance to such returning members and their families, including: (1) reuniting services; and (2) education to increase awareness of the physical and mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, that members can and may experience. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a 15-year study on the effects of traumatic brain injury incurred by such members; and (2) establish within the Department of Defense the Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel to develop curricula for training family members in the provision of care and assistance to returning members for traumatic brain injuries incurred during such service.

MOTHERS Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Mom's Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act or the MOTHERS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to: (1) states to provide to women who have recently given birth and their families, before such women leave their birthing centers, education concerning postpartum depression, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis and to screen new mothers for such postpartum conditions during their first year of postnatal checkup visits; and (2) public or nonprofit private entities to provide for the delivery of essential services to individuals with such postpartum conditions and their families. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the heads of other federal agencies that administer federal health programs, to organize a series of national meetings that are designed to develop a research plan for postpartum depression and psychosis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to expand and intensify research relating to postpartum conditions to carry out such plan.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should designate the week beginning September 10, 2006, as "National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week".

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should designate the week beginning September 10, 2006, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.

Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a state or local government to pay for the federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2005 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Amends FMLA and federal civil service law to entitle to leave those employees who must address the effects of domestic violence. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2005 - Permits the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with one or more employing agencies to conduct a grant project that provides paid leave for eligible individuals who are responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Requires the leave to last for at least six weeks during a 12-month period. Time for Schools Act of 2005 - Amends FMLA to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends federal civil service law to provide the same school involvement leave allowance for federal employees.

Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2006

Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act of 2006 - Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to extend the award of remaining coral reef conservation program grant funds, in addition to projects addressing emerging priorities or threats, to other appropriate projects, as determined by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including monitoring and assessment, research, pollution reduction, education, and technical support. Establishes as additional coral reef conservation project approval criteria: (1) the minimization of the likelihood of damage to coral reefs; and (2) promoting and assisting of entities to work with local communities, and appropriate governmental and nongovernmental organizations, to support community-based planning and management initiatives for the protection of coral reef systems. Authorizes the Administrator and the Secretary of the Interior to undertake emergency response actions to prevent or minimize the destruction or loss of, or injury to, coral reefs or coral ecosystems from vessel impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs, including damage from unforeseen or disaster-related circumstances. Authorizes the Administrator to make community-based planning grants to certain persons to work with local communities and appropriate federal and state entities to implement plans for increased protection of high priority coral reefs. Establishes the United States Coral Reef Task Force to coordinate federal actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. Reauthorizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and authorizes appropriations through FY2010 for: (1) the coral reef conservation program; and (2) community-based planning grants.

Fuel Consumption Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Fuel Consumption Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into a partnership with interested industry groups to create a public education campaign for U.S. drivers about immediate measures that can be taken to conserve transportation fuel.

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support national education campaigns focusing on reducing falls among older adults, on preventing repeat falls, and on educating health professionals about falls risk, assessment, and prevention; and (2) award grants for local and state 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 and medication management interventions; (4) tailor 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 concerning barriers to the adoption of proven interventions, approaches to reduce falls among high-risk older adults living in long-term care facilities, and strategies in home modifications; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs; (3) provide for a website to serve as an information clearinghouse; (4) oversee and support demonstration projects designed to reduce the risk of falls in frail older adults emphasizing projects that foster collaboration between health care providers and the aging services network or residential and institutional settings; and (5) 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.

10,000 Trained by 2010 Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

10,000 Trained by 2010 Act - Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants for basic research on innovative approaches to improve health care information systems, as well as for scientific and engineering activities to improve education in the health care information fields. Requires the award of NSF grants also to institutions of higher education to: (1) establish multidisciplinary Centers for Informatics Research for conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research to generate innovative approaches in health care information; and (2) establish or improve undergraduate and master's degree health care information programs, attract students to such programs, and provide them with experience in government or industry related to their studies.

Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2006

Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through September 30, 2006.

New National Defense Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

New National Defense Education Act of 2006 - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act to require a biennial national assessment of student achievement and grade 12 student preparedness in reading, mathematics, and science. Requires that national academic content and student achievement standards be competitive with rigorous international standards and set at a level that prepares students for non-remedial higher education, participation in the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces. Authorizes prekindergarten through grade 16 student preparedness council grants to states to ensure that a state's academic content and student academic achievement standards and assessments meet the national benchmarks. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the student loan forgiveness available to elementary and secondary school teachers of science, engineering and technology education, critical-need foreign languages, or special education. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income compensation provided to teachers of such subjects in high-need schools and principals of such schools. Increases funding for National Science Foundation (NSF) education and human resources programs, and mathematics and science education partnerships. Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to provide for summer professional development institutes for elementary and secondary school teachers. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1963 to require competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to improve the recruitment of teachers from students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, a critical-need foreign language, special education, or teaching English to students with limited English proficiency. Requires an eligible state to provide contract for educational opportunity (CEO) grants to low-income students who complete CEO requirements and enroll in a two-or four-year degree-granting institution of higher education. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to: (1) improve mathematics, science, and engineering and technology education infrastructure in public elementary schools and secondary schools; and (2) provide scholarships to make higher education tuition free for low-income and middle-income undergraduate and graduate students to earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and critical-need foreign languages. Directs the Secretary to award grants to: (1) IHEs to develop summer institute programs to improve teachers' knowledge of foreign cultures and expose public elementary and secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate students to foreign languages and cultures; and (2) eligible partnerships to provide literacy, technology, and technical skills training for workers.

Guarantee of Medical Accuracy in Sex Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2006

Guarantee of Medical Accuracy in Sex Education Act - Prohibits a federal agency from providing funds or assistance to an entity for the development of course material or the provision of instruction on human development and sexuality if such material or instruction will include medically inaccurate information. Directs such an agency to require a sufficient assurance that such material or instruction will not include medically inaccurate information. Defines "medically inaccurate information" as information related to medical, psychiatric, psychological, empirical, or statistical statements that is unsupported or contradicted by peer-reviewed research by leading medical, psychological, psychiatric, and public health organizations and agencies.

Protection for Participants in Research Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Protection for Participants in Research Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require all human subject research conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to federal regulation, to be conducted in accordance with the Common Rule and the vulnerable-population rules, as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and harmonize such regulations. Requires informed consent before an individual may be a subject of human research. Requires an Institutional Review Board to approve all human subject research proposals. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for identifying and monitoring high-risk human subject research projects. Prohibits grants or awards to a public entity or private academic institution that does not have a program to educate investigators and Board members on the protection of human research subjects. Prohibits the use of federal funds for classified human subject research if: (1) the Board has waived the informed consent requirement; or (2) the research is exempt from Board review. Establishes the Office of Human Research Protections within the Office of the Secretary. Requires the Director of the Office to: (1) provide for the protection of human research subjects; (2) establish criteria regarding assurance of compliance with Common Rule requirements; and (3) coordinate federal activities with respect to the protection of human research subjects. Authorizes the Director to make grants for a model education program. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations enhancing the protection of people with diminished decisionmaking capacity participating in human subject research.

Condemning the recent vote by the British National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE) to boycott Israeli academia.

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2006

Condemns the vote by the British National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE) on May 29, 2006, to boycott Israeli academics and academic institutions that refuse to declare their opposition to the government and State of Israel. Finds NATFHE's criticism of Israeli policy particularly objectionable given the Israeli government's courageous and far-reaching contributions to peace. Urges the University and College Union (UCU) to nullify and void the NATFHE resolution and issue a statement deploring the campaign to boycott Israeli academia. Commends the British government and leading academics for criticizing the NATFHE resolution. Deplores any comparison between Israel, where all citizens are equal before the law, and the former apartheid regime in South Africa. Urges governments and educators throughout the world to reaffirm the importance of academic freedom and open dialogue.

MEAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a standard food serving; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such information shall be provided in writing upon request; and (4) in a statement adjacent to the name of the food on a menu board, the number of calories in a serving of the food. Exempts condiments, items placed on a table or counter for general use, daily specials, temporary menu items, and irregular menu items from these requirements. Requires restaurants that sell self-serve food, such as through salad bars or buffet lines, to place a sign that lists the number of calories per standard serving adjacent to each food offered. Permits retail food establishments to voluntarily provide, and states to require, additional nutritional information. Requires vending machine operators to provide a conspicuous sign disclosing the number of calories in each item of food offered.

National Innovation Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

National Innovation Education Act - College Pathway Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to establish preschool through postsecondary (P-16) education stewardship commissions or systems consisting of such commissions and P-16 education data systems. Tasks each commission with reaching a consensus among statewide education stakeholders on the skills, knowledge, and patterns of coursework needed to successfully transition to and complete postsecondary education. Requires that state-level longitudinal P-16 data systems track the academic performance of each student so that the factors which correlate with such success may be identified and publicized. Authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the development or improvement of magnet school programs which focus on science, mathematics, and technology education. Directs the NSF to award grants to LEAs to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education for integrated courses in mathematics, science, or engineering and teacher education, that lead to undergraduate degrees in such fields with concurrent teacher certification. Requires grantees to work with LEAs to support new teachers. Teachers Professional Development Institutes Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to partnerships, or joint ventures between institutions of higher education and LEAs serving a significant low-income population, for the conduct of collaborative seminars designed to enhance the subject matter and pedagogical resources of seminar participants. Requires the NSF to: (1) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (2) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (3) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; (4) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; and (5) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science. Authorizes appropriations for the NSF Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Talent Expansion Program.

Indian Country Educational Empowerment Zone Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Indian Country Educational Empowerment Zone Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a program of repaying the student loans of any borrower with a bachelor's or graduate degree who obtains employment in Indian country.

District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act - Authorizes the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard to provide financial assistance to members of the District of Columbia National Guard who satisfactorily complete initial active duty service and agree to serve for a period of not less than six years, to assist in them in covering expenses they incur while pursuing their first undergraduate, masters, vocational, or technical degree or certification at an approved institution of higher education. Limits such assistance to up to $400 per credit hour, but not to exceed $5,000 per year.

MEAL Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a standard food serving; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such information shall be provided in writing upon request; and (4) in a statement adjacent to the name of the food on a menu board, the number of calories in a serving of the food. Exempts condiments, items placed on a table or counter for general use, daily specials, temporary menu items, and irregular menu items from these requirements. Requires restaurants that sell self-serve food, such as through salad bars or buffet lines, to place a sign that lists the number of calories per standard serving adjacent to each food offered. Permits retail food establishments to voluntarily provide, and states to require, additional nutritional information. Requires vending machine operators to provide a conspicuous sign disclosing the number of calories in each item of food offered.

Recognizing the national marine sanctuaries program as critical to managing the ocean and Great Lake resources of the United States, and commending local and State partners and volunteers of the program for their contribution.

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2006

Recognizes the national marine sanctuary program as critical to the management of the ocean and Great Lake resources of the United States, as well as a leading force in promoting ocean education and literacy. Commends state and local partners and volunteers of the program for critical management and devotion to the conservation of national marine sanctuaries. Acknowledges that investing in such sanctuaries will provide economic and other benefits to present and future generations.

Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2006

Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006 - Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) establish a fund to assist women and girls in Iraq in the areas of political, legal, and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter. Directs that the fund: (1) provide direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs to strengthen the Ministry as the government of Iraq transitions to a long-term government structure; and (2) collaborate with the Iraq Ministry of Education to construct women's educational facilities and promote the education of Iraqi girls beyond primary school. Obligates specified economic and humanitarian assistance to Iraq for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Iraqi women and children.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resiliency Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resiliency Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), acting through the Center for Mental Health Services, to provide for comprehensive state mental health plans that exclusively meet the mental health needs of children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary to provide for child and adolescent mental health early intervention and prevention services. Requires the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide for access to mental health and case management services in educational settings; and (2) develop guidelines that encourage schools to provide counseling and positive behavioral supports. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Social Security Act to provide for appropriate mental health promotion and mental health services to at-risk mothers, grandmothers who are legal guardians, and their children. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to foster the ability of local case managers to work across the mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, education, and juvenile justice systems in a state; (2) provide for the development and implementation of three technical assistance centers to support full consumer and family participation in decision-making about mental health services for children and adolescents; (3) establish an interagency coordinating committee to develop policy across the federal government with respect to child and adolescent mental health; and (4) provide for the development of child and adolescent mental health services and support systems that address gaps in mental health service delivery.

Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

Rural Veterans Health Care Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct an outreach program to identify and provide information to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom and who reside in rural communities in order to enroll those veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system; (2) expand access to Vet Centers in rural areas; (3) develop and implement a plan for improving veterans access to health care in rural areas; (4) establish a health information technology pilot program to ensure quality care for rural veterans through VA facilities; (5) establish the Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans; (6) designate at least four VA health care facilities as centers of rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (7) include rural veterans in a current VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs; (8) enhance the education, training, retention, and recruitment of health professionals in rural areas; and (9) expand VA health care presence in Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Native Alaskan rural communities.

U.S. General Population Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2006

U.S. General Population Act - Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement or promote measures to: (1) influence population dynamics through education systems, public health systems, professional and technical training systems, and child protection systems, and encourage the participation of the collective populace in solving the problems that affect it; (2) regulate immigration and ensure immigrant assimilation and distribution into the national environment; (3) restrict U.S. emigration when national interests so require; and (4) stimulate the establishment of strong population cores of U.S. citizens and nationals in low population density border areas. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) migration; (2) immigration; (3) a national population registry; and (4) immigration-related penalties.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for accelerated payment of survivors' and dependents' educational assistance for certain programs of education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2006

Permits accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to an individual enrolled in program with tuition in excess of 200% of the monthly rate of educational assistance otherwise payable when the program is an approved program of education that either: (1) leads to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry; or (2) lasts less than two years and leads to employment in a sector of the economy that is projected to experience a substantial increase in the number of jobs, positively affect the growth of another sector of the economy, or consists of existing or emerging businesses that are being transformed by technology and innovation and require new skills for workers. Includes as an authorized program for purposes of such assistance a program of education pursued at a tribally controlled college or university as defined under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978.

Student Borrower Bill of Rights Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2006

Student Borrower Bill of Rights Act of 2006 - Urges the Department of Education to vigorously enforce rules requiring lenders to complete lender verification certificates in a timely manner for borrowers seeking to consolidate loans. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require specified loan participants under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Federal Perkins Loan programs to disclose to each national credit bureau organization any on-time payments made for such loans and their status as student loans. Repeals the single holder rule which requires borrowers to apply to their current lenders for FFEL consolidation loans. Offers Federal Direct Consolidation Loans (FDCLs) to borrowers who are unable to obtain insured FFEL consolidation loans with income-sensitive repayment terms. Requires FFEL consolidation loan borrowers or lenders to pay the Department 1% of the balance owed on the sum of such loans to obtain a subsequent FFEL consolidation loan. Allows borrowers to refinance FDCLs. Creates a student borrower bill of rights requiring lenders to provide student borrowers with specified loan information at specified periods of time. Urges the Department to distribute a training manual and provide technical assistance to those counseling borrowers concerning the repayment of federal student loans. Limits, on the basis of a borrower's income, the monthly payment amount required of federal student loan borrowers. Discharges such borrowers' loan liability if they cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment which can be expected to result in death or last at least 60 continuous months. Amends federal bankruptcy law to discharge certain educational benefit overpayments, repayments, and student loan debt. Directs the Secretary to study the interest rates and fees charged to private student loan borrowers. Limits the collection fee on defaulted federal student loans and the total interest and fees that can be imposed on such loan borrowers. Requires institutions of higher education that enroll students receiving assistance, and tout the employment prospects of their graduates, to make information publicly available concerning graduates' employment, earnings, and loan defaults. Establishes a settlement and appeals process for federal student loan borrowers who suffer economic losses from violation of their rights. Makes institutions of higher education liable for the total amount of a federal student loan if they provide incentives to admissions officers to secure student enrollments or financial aid. Requires lenders to provide borrowers with an easy and unbiased means of designating an overpayment as a prepayment or payment against federal student loan principal.