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Bill· HRH.R. 5168 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014
Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2014 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to: (1) consortia composed of one or more local educational agencies (LEAs) and one or more community-based, nonprofit, or other public or private entities to assist public elementary or secondary schools to function as full-service community schools; and (2) state collaboratives to support the development of full-service community school programs. Requires such schools to: (1) participate in community-based efforts to coordinate and integrate educational, developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships; and (2) provide access to such services to students, families, and the community. Gives local grant priority to: (1) entities that will serve at least two full-service community schools eligible for a schoolwide program under the Act or that include an LEA serving only small or rural schools; and (2) entities that will be connected to a consortium that is comprised of a broad representation of stakeholders or that demonstrates a history of effectiveness. Establishes a Full-Service Community Schools Advisory Committee.
Bill· HRH.R. 5171 (113th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes appropriations for FY2015 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (3) the National Park Service, (4) the U.S. Geological Survey, (5) the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, (6) the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, (7) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, (8) the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, (9) the Office of the Secretary, (10) departmental offices for insular affairs, (11) the Office of the Solicitor, (12) the Office of Inspector General, (13) the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, (14) wildland fire management, (15) the Central Hazardous Materials Fund, and (16) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Makes appropriations for FY2015 for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Forest Service, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Indian Health Service. Makes appropriations for FY2015 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), (2) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, (3) the Executive Office of the President, (4) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, (5) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, (6) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, (7) the Smithsonian Institution, (8) the National Gallery of Art, (9) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, (10) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, (11) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, (12) the Commission of Fine Arts, (13) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, (14) the National Capital Planning Commission, and (15) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds.
Bill· SS. 2639 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014
Veterans Affairs Health Workforce Enhancement Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish medical residency programs, or ensure a sufficient number of residency positions in medical residency programs, at any VA medical facility that the Secretary determines is experiencing a shortage of physicians. Requires the Secretary to determine the specialty of health care professionals that each such facility is experiencing a shortage of and allocate residency programs and positions based on such determination. Directs the Secretary, during the five-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, to increase the number of graduate medical education residency positions at VA medical facilities by not less than 2,000 positions, giving priority to medical facilities that: (1) do not have a medical residency program, and (2) are located in a community in which there is a high need for health care for veterans.
Bill· HRH.R. 5165 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014
Advancing Girls in STEM Act of 2014 - Directs the Department of Education to award grants to states to carry out programs that promote the involvement of elementary and secondary female students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Transfers $20 million of unobligated funds made available to the Office of Nuclear Warhead Protection in the National Nuclear Security Administration to the Department of Education to carry out this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 676 (113th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives to initiate or intervene in one or more civil actions, on behalf of the House, in a federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek any appropriate relief regarding the failure of the President, the head of any department or agency, or any other executive branch officer or employee, to act in a manner consistent with that official's duties under the U.S. Constitution and federal laws with respect to implementation of requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), certain PPACA-related requirements in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, including any amendment made by them, or any other related provision of law, including a failure to implement it. Requires the Speaker to notify the House of a decision to initiate or intervene in any such civil action. Requires the Office of the General Counsel of the House, at the direction of the Speaker, to represent the House in the civil action initiated, or in which the House intervenes. Authorizes the Office to employ the services of outside counsel and other experts for this purpose.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 677 (113th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3136) to establish a demonstration program for competency-based education, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4984) to amend the loan counseling requirements under Higher Education Act of 1965.
Bill· SS. 2626 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Fair Share Act of 2014 - Consolidates and amends three federal programs that provide payments to local governments that have federal lands within their borders: the Department of the Interior's Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, the Forest Service's Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Refuge Revenue Sharing (RRS) program. Expands the definition of "entitlement land" eligible for payment under the Department of the Interior's PILT program to include land owned by the U.S. government that was purchased for addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Combines the PILT, SRS, and RRS programs into one expanded PILT program, and alters the formulas for allocating payments under the programs. Provides permanent mandatory funding for the PILT program. Provides funding in FY2014-FY2018 for resource advisory committees created under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, and permits them to propose vegetation management projects, including projects authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.
Law· HRH.R. 5134 (113th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend by one year, through FY2015, the term of: (1) the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, and (2) the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 5157 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive certain institutional continuity requirements that would block the Secretary's approval of a veteran's enrollment in a program of education offered by a proprietary school that does not lead to a standard college degree, provided: (1) the school has been operating the program of education in another location for at least two years, and (2) that program of education is approved under the veterans' educational benefits program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5151 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Student Loan Transparency for Success Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education and loan originators, servicers, and collectors participating in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program to include in the information they are required to provide Direct Loan borrowers prior to disbursement: the total aggregate amount of Direct Loans borrowed by the borrower; the estimated number of payments and total amount to be paid to repay such a loan based on a standard repayment plan; and the estimated average income and percentage of employment in the borrower's state for persons with a high school diploma or its equivalent, persons with some post-secondary education without completion of a degree or certificate, persons with a bachelor's degree, and persons with a post-baccalaureate degree.
Bill· HRH.R. 5144 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Equal Access to Support Youth Voting Act or the EASY Voting Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require state and local election officials to accept a current and valid student photo identification issued by the institute of higher education the student attends when such identification is required to obtain a ballot or vote in a federal election.
Bill· HRH.R. 5140 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014
Child Welfare Workforce Partnership Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to deem child welfare training expenditures made by public or private nonprofit education institutions to be made by the state if those expenditures would otherwise have been allowable if made by the state claiming federal reimbursement. (Thus allows a state to be federally reimbursed for child welfare training expenditures made by a nonprofit education institutions in the state.)
Bill· SS. 2612 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Dynamic Repayment Act of 2014 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to make students ineligible to receive William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans (DLs) on or after July 1, 2015. Makes certain exceptions for student borrowers who have an outstanding balance on their DLs or Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) as of that date and who later apply for a Direct Unsubsidized, PLUS, or Consolidation Loan. Establishes an Income Dependent Education Assistance (IDEA) Loan program, effective July 1, 2015, making federal funds available for loans to student borrowers who: (1) have no outstanding balance due on a DL or FFEL, or (2) consolidate such loans into an IDEA Consolidation Loan. Sets forth the formulae for determining the interest rates on IDEA Loans, which are capped at 8.25% for undergraduate students and 9.25% for graduate or professional students. Blocks the accrual of interest on IDEA Loans for active duty military personnel. Makes an IDEA Loan eligible for loan forgiveness after: (1) 20 years of payments if the borrower begins repayment with an outstanding balance that does not equal or exceed the maximum aggregate amount of Direct Unsubsidized Loans that an undergraduate student borrower would have been eligible to borrow but for this Act; and (2) 30 years if the borrower begins repayment with an outstanding balance equal to or greater than that amount. Allows student borrowers to consolidate FFELs, DLs, and Perkins Loans into IDEA Consolidation Loans that bear interest at an annual rate that equals the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated. Establishes the IDEA Loan Repayment program under which: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury provides the Secretary of Education with the tax information needed to determine each borrower's income-based repayment obligation; and (2) those obligations are withheld from the borrower's wages. Allows borrowers to opt-out of the withholding process and make payments on a monthly basis. Sets the annual repayment obligation for borrowers at an amount equal to 10% of the excess of their taxable income over the sum of: (1) an exemption amount equal to $10,000, adjusted for inflation; and (2) the lesser of $3,000 or specified income other than wages, salaries, tips, and other employee compensation. Sets the income-based repayment obligation of individuals who are not required to file a federal tax return at zero. Allows borrowers to prepay all or part of an IDEA Loan without penalty. Penalizes borrowers who fail to pay their full repayment amount for a taxable year. Makes specified FFEL and DL loan repayment or forgiveness programs applicable to IDEA Loans. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide the Secretary of Education with information in the National Directory of New Hires regarding IDEA Loan borrowers for the purpose of improving the collection of such loans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose borrowers' tax return information to the Department of Education for purposes of the IDEA Loan Repayment program. Excludes IDEA Loan forgiveness from a borrower's gross income for income tax purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 5127 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act of 2014 - Reauthorizes appropriations for the grant program under part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Includes the training of school personnel to recognize child sexual abuse among the uses of grants to states and subgrants to local educational agencies and partnerships under that program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5120 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Department of Energy Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act of 2014 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to rename the Under Secretary for Science as the Under Secretary for Science and Energy. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to report on DOE's ability to improve the technology transfer and commercialization of energy technologies. Directs the Secretary to carry out the Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program in accordance with this Act, including by giving the contractors of the national laboratories increased authority to negotiate contract terms and making every DOE nonmilitary national laboratory eligible for the program. Extends the pilot program for two years. Requires the Secretary to delegate to the directors of the national laboratories signature authority with respect to specified agreements of less than $1 million. Permits the directors of national laboratories to use funds authorized to support technology transfer within DOE to carry out early-stage and pre-commercial technology demonstration activities to: (1) remove technology barriers that limit private sector interest, and (2) demonstrate potential commercial applications of any research and technologies arising from national laboratory activities. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to exempt institutions of higher education and nonprofit institutions from the cost-sharing requirements for research or development for six years. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enable the participation of DOE researchers in the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program. Requires a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 671 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2014
Recognizes the centennial of the founding of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Honors the Fraternity for a century of fortitude and distinguished service to the people of the United States and the global community.
Bill· SS. 2605 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Preserving Religious Freedom and a Woman's Access to Contraception Act - Prohibits employers from restricting employees from purchasing any drug or medical device regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Repeals sections of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 to: (1) allow health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending accounts to be used to pay for non-prescription drugs; and (2) remove the annual limit for salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.
Law· HRH.R. 5108 (113th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014
Establishes the Law School Clinic Certification Program of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to be available to accredited law schools for the 10-year period after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the USPTO Director to establish regulations and procedures for application to and participation in such program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5100 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2014
Standardization of Collegiate Oversight of Revenues and Expenditures Act or the SCORE Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each coeducational institution of higher education (IHE) that is participating in a title IV program and has an intercollegiate athletic program to include in its annual report on its intercollegiate athletic program: (1) the amount of revenue generated by each item on a list of categorized sources, disaggregated by each sports team; and (2) the expenses attributable to each item on a list of categorized activities or obligations, disaggregated by each sports team. Prohibits an IHE from being a member of any intercollegiate athletic association or participating in any national intercollegiate athletics competition organized by any person, unless such association or person annually reports and disaggregates by sport, athletic event, or contract, as applicable: (1) the total generated revenue and amount of revenue generated by each item on a list of categorized sources, (2) the amount of expenses attributable to each item on a list of categorized activities or obligations, and (3) executive compensation schedules. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) define the categories of information that must be reported pursuant to this Act; and (2) biannually review and, as necessary, update each definition in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or significant changes in the national system of intercollegiate athletics. Directs the Secretary to appoint a task force, made up of representatives from division I, II, and III schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with which the Secretary is to consult in defining or redefining each category.
Bill· HRH.R. 5092 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014
Fair and Accountable IHS Recompense Act of 2014 or the FAIR Act - Requires the annual report on the implementation of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to be made available to the public. Amends the Act to presume that in any civil action, claim, or related appeal brought under the Act the deficiency amounts reported to Congress accurately reflect the minimum damages due to any Indian tribe or tribal organization upon whose behalf such civil action, claim, or appeal was filed absent fraud or mathematical error. Bars any of the funds awarded in such a case from being allocated for or used to pay attorney fees until: (1) the fees are documented and charged at reasonable hourly rates, and (2) the required documentation has been made available to specified congressional committees and the public.
Bill· HRH.R. 5083 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014
Medicare DMEPOS Audit Improvement and Reform (AIR) Act of 2014 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a Medicare Administrative Contractor Payment Outreach and Education Program for DMEPOS (durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies) suppliers. Requires each Medicare administrative contractor responsible for DMEPOS payments, in order to reduce improper payments to DMEPOS suppliers under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), to provide suppliers, physicians and practitioners who prescribe DMEPOS, and discharge planners and case managers who coordinate DMEPOS for individuals in the contractor's area with error rate reduction training as well as: a list of suppliers' most frequent payment errors and the most expensive payment errors over the last quarter, specific instructions regarding how to correct or avoid such errors in the future as well as to prevent future issues related to new audits, and a notice of all new topics that have been approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for audits. Sets forth the structure for audits of DMEPOS suppliers, requiring a contractor to give priority to activities under the DMEPOS payment outreach and education program that will reduce improper Medicare payments based on technical errors, medical necessity, and fraud. Requires annual reports to Congress on the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program to include certain information on the results of audit appeals related to DMEPOS. Requires the Secretary to: (1) increase the maximum record requests made by Medicare DMEPOS contractors in auditing claims of suppliers with a relatively high audited claims error rate for DMEPOS payments, and (2) decrease the maximum record requests for suppliers with a relatively low error rate. Directs the Secretary to limit the audit documentation review period for Medicare administrative contractors to three years.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 667 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014
Supports the designation of National Dance Day to celebrate the national commitment to dance education and physical fitness. Acknowledges that dance is making an important contribution to health by encouraging physical fitness and reducing overweight and obesity. Commends Nigel Lythgoe for his leadership in promoting National Dance Day.
Bill· SS. 2584 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2014 - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to revise the requirements for the plan of a state seeking federal assistance for career and technical education programs. Requires the state plan to describe how the eligible state agency will ensure the quality of any program of study culminating in an industry-recognized certificate, credential, or license. Requires state agency leadership activities to support career academies which: implement a college and career ready curriculum at the secondary education level integrating rigorous academic, technical, and employability contents; include experiential or work-based learning for secondary school students, in collaboration with local and regional employers; include opportunities for secondary school students to earn postsecondary credit while in secondary school; and establish and maintain ongoing partnerships between the local educational agency, business and industry, and institutions of higher education, or postsecondary vocational institutions, including local government. Requires the local plan for career and technical education programs to describe: (1) how the eligible recipient of assistance will assess local needs related to career and technical education as part of the local plan development process, and (2) how this needs assessment will be updated annually, especially on progress toward specific elements leading to high-quality implementation of career and technical education programs of study. Authorizes the local use of funds for improving such programs to support career academies.
Bill· HRH.R. 5059 (113th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Secretary of Defense (DOD), at least annually, to each arrange for an independent third party evaluation of, respectively, the VA and DOD mental health care and suicide prevention programs. Requires a board reviewing the discharge or dismissal of a former member of the Armed Forces whose application for relief is based at least in part on post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury related to military operations or sexual trauma, to: (1) review the medical evidence from the VA or a civilian health provider that is presented by the former member; and (2) review the case, with a presumption of administrative irregularity, and place the burden on the VA or DOD to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that no error or injustice occurred. Directs the VA Secretary to publish an Internet website that serves as a centralized source to provide veterans with regularly updated information regarding all of the VA's mental health care services. Requires the VA Secretary and the DOD Secretary to enter into certain strategic relationships to facilitate: the mental health referrals of members of the reserve components who have a service-connected disability and are being discharged or released from the Armed Forces, timely behavioral health services for such members, communication when such members are at risk for behavioral health reasons, and the transfer of documentation for line-of-duty and fitness-for-duty determinations. Requires the VA Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the education loans relating to psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who: are eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine, demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA, and agree to a period of obligated service with the VHA in the field of psychiatric medicine. Directs the VA Secretary to carry out a program, as part of the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, under which the VA Secretary and an institution of higher education (IHE) agree to cover the full cost of charges not covered by post-9/11 educational assistance that are incurred by veterans who: (1) are pursuing an advanced degree in mental health at the IHE, and (2) intend to seek employment as a mental health professional in the VA. Allows the VA Secretary to cover up to 64% of those charges, if the school covers the remainder. Requires the DOD Secretary to submit to Congress a zero-based review of the staffing requirements for individual State National Guard Commands with respect to Directors of Psychological Health. Directs the VA Secretary to establish a pilot program at not less than five Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) to assist veterans transitioning from active duty and to improve the access of veterans to mental health services. Requires the pilot program at each VISN to include: (1) a community oriented veteran peer support network, and (2) a community outreach team for each medical center in such VISN.
Bill· HRH.R. 5056 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014
Research and Development Efficiency Act - Requires the Director of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a working group under the authority of the National Science and Technology Council that includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Makes the working group responsible for reviewing federal regulations affecting research and research universities and making recommendations on how to: (1) harmonize, streamline, and eliminate duplicative federal regulations and reporting requirements; and (2) minimize the regulatory burden on U.S. institutions of higher education performing federally funded research while maintaining accountability for federal tax dollars.
Bill· HRH.R. 5035 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014
NIST Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Reauthorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for FY2014-FY2015. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Director of the NIST to: (1) serve as the President's principal advisor on standards policy pertaining to the nation's technological competitiveness and innovation ability, (2) support scientific and technical conferences, and (3) perform pre-competitive measurement research with institutions of higher education and industry. Revises requirements for research fellowships. Authorizes the NIST Director to support, promote, and coordinate activities and efforts to enhance awareness and understanding of measurement sciences, standards, and technology. Eliminates the manufacturing fellowship program and the teacher science and technology enhancement program. Requires the Director to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a review of NIST laboratory programs. Directs NIST to contract with the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the technical quality and impact of the work conducted at NIST laboratories. (Currently, NIST is authorized to contract with the NRC.) Makes revisions to the program known as the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Adds as a purpose of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Centers the transfer of best business practices. Removes the National Security Agency (NSA) from the list of agencies that NIST must consult in developing standards and guidelines for information systems.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 662 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014
Recognizes school principals' and assistant principals' contribution to the success of elementary, middle, and high school students. Encourages the observation of National Principals Month in a manner that promotes awareness of the importance of school leadership in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education.
Bill· SS. 2568 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2014
Allocating for Children's Education Act or the ACE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to Coverdale education savings accounts, to: (1) increase from $2,000 to $5,000 the maximum allowable contribution to such accounts in a taxable year, and (2) allow distributions from such accounts for the purchase of athletic equipment at elementary and secondary schools.
Bill· HRH.R. 5022 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2014
Enhanced Dental Care for Veterans Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish additional dental services and treatment, and dental appliances, needed to restore functioning in a veteran that is lost due to VA services or treatment furnished to such veteran. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a three-year pilot program for furnishing dental care to veterans not otherwise eligible for dental services and treatment under current VA programs, (2) carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans, and (3) enable private sector dental care providers to submit information on dental care provided to veterans under the pilot program for inclusion in VA electronic medical records.
Bill· HRH.R. 5031 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2014
STEM Education Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to support: (1) research and development of innovative out-of-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning and emerging STEM learning environments; and (2) research that advances the field of informal STEM education. Requires supported activities to include research and development that improves understanding of learning and engagement in informal environments and design and testing of innovative STEM resources for such environments to improve STEM learning outcomes and increase engagement for elementary and secondary school students and teachers and the public. Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to allow award of NSF Master Teaching Fellowships to mathematics and science teachers who possess a bachelor's degree in their field (currently limited to those with a master's degree). Requires fellowship grants to be used, in the case of Master Teaching Fellowships for teachers with bachelor's degrees in their field who are working toward a master's degree, to: (1) offer academic courses leading to a master's degree and leadership training to prepare individuals to become master teachers, and (2) offer programs both during and after matriculation to enable fellows to become highly effective mathematics and science teachers and to exchange ideas with others in their fields. Limits fellowship support during such a master's degree program to one year. Includes elementary or secondary school computer science teachers as mathematics and science teachers for purposes of the program of teacher recruiting and training grants known as the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 5027 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2014
Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act of 2014 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise provisions regarding the technical assistance that the Department of Energy (DOE) provides to states, Indian tribes, local governments, or model organizations with respect to model energy codes for residential and commercial building codes. Requires DOE to provide technical assistance to implement technically feasible and cost-effective building energy codes. Requires states and Indian tribes to measure their compliance with applicable building energy codes or with the associated model building energy code. Sets standards for compliance. Prohibits DOE from advocating, promoting or discouraging the adoption of a particular building energy code, code provision, or energy savings target to a state or Indian tribe. Deems information provided by DOE to be "influential information" subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines. Requires DOE to establish energy saving targets for updating model building energy codes. Requires DOE to consider the economic feasibility of achieving the proposed targets and the potential costs and savings for consumers and building owners by conducting a return on investment analysis using a simple payback methodology over a 3-, 5-, and 7-year period. (Simple payback is the time in years that is required for energy savings to exceed the incremental first cost of a new requirement or code.) Prohibits DOE from proposing or providing assistance for any code or target that has a payback greater than 10 years. Directs DOE to provide grants to establish building training and assessment centers at institutions of higher education. Requires any DOE program that may enable the owner of a building to obtain a rating, score, or label regarding energy usage or performance of a building to be made available on a voluntary basis.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 658 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2014
Expresses support for a whole child approach to education. Recognizes the benefit of ensuring students are challenged, supported, healthy, safe, and engaged. Encourages the federal government to identify opportunities among federal agencies to coordinate the education, health, and social service sectors serving youth in the United States.
Bill· SS. 2564 (113th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2014
End Trafficking Act of 2014 - Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation Act of 2014 or the SAVE Act of 2014 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the advertising of commercial sex acts with children or with others who are coerced to engage in such acts. Child Trafficking Victims Protection Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to award grants to state and local governments for court-based programs that involve: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders who are younger than 18, have been trafficked, and are not violent offenders; and (2) integrated administration of other sanctions and services, including housing, education, health care, counseling, and job placement. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on: (1) the effectiveness and impact of such grants, (2) any service gap between trafficking victims who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and foreign nationals residing in the United States and federal agency progress in addressing that gap, (3) efficiencies that could be achieved by consolidating federal grant programs for trafficking survivors, and (4) legislative and regulatory options to ensure adequate criminal justice policies to combat sex trafficking of minors. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to expand the definitions of: (1) "child abuse and neglect" to include any act or failure to act that results in commercial sexual exploitation, and (2) "sex abuse" to include the use of a child's engagement in sexually explicit conduct for commercial purposes. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) report on deficiencies that exist in the services available to child victims of human trafficking in the United States, (2) make available a database on resources and services for trafficking survivors, and (3) give priority for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grants to states and local governments that have adopted demand reduction strategies designed to combat minor sex trafficking. Prescribes increased penalties for fraud in foreign labor contracting if the offense results in sexual abuse or trafficking of a foreign national younger than age 21. Extends the statute of limitations for civil actions against perpetrators of human trafficking offenses until ten years after the victim reaches age 18.
Bill· HRH.R. 5013 (113th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2014
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes FY2015 appropriations for the Department of State for: administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; the Capital Investment Fund; the Office of Inspector General; educational and cultural exchange programs; representation allowances; protection of foreign missions and officials; U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; the repatriation loans program account; the American Institute in Taiwan; the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; salaries and expenses; plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; the International Joint Commission, the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; international fisheries commissions; international broadcasting operations and capital improvements; the Asia Foundation; the United States Institute for Peace; the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; the National Endowment for Democracy; the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Makes FY2015 appropriations for: operating expenses of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the capital investment fund, and the Office of Inspector General; expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, global health and child survival; specified development assistance; international disaster assistance; transition initiatives; development credit authority; the Economic Support Fund; promotion of democracy; migration and refugee assistance; the Peace Corps; the Millennium Challenge Corporation; the Inter-American Foundation; the African Development Foundation; the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities; international narcotics control and law enforcement; nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining; international peacekeeping operations; international military education and training; foreign military financing grants; international organizations and programs; the Global Environment Facility; the International Development Association; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program; the Inter-American Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; the Asian Development Fund; the African Development Bank; the African Development Fund; the International Fund for Agricultural Development; the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including the Office of Inspector General; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); and the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Inter-American Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; and the African Development Bank. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.
Bill· SS. 2557 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Core Opportunity Resources for Equity and Excellence Act of 2014 - Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require states to adopt student achievement standards that lead to college and career readiness by high school graduation. Requires each state school improvement plan to ensure that the state's public school system enables students to meet those standards by providing them with fair and equitable access to the core resources for learning. Includes among the core resources for learning: high-quality instructional teams; rigorous academic standards and curricula that lead to college and career readiness by high school graduation; equitable and instructionally appropriate class sizes; up-to-date instructional materials, technology, and supplies; effective school library programs; school facilities and technology, including physically and environmentally sound school buildings and well-equipped instructional spaces; specialized instruction support teams providing assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic, and other necessary services as part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs; and effective programs to engage families and the community in education. Prohibits states that fail to make progress toward eliminating inequities in access to the core resources for learning for two or more consecutive years from receiving funds under any competitive grant program authorized by the ESEA. Requires the annual report cards publicly disseminated by states and their local educational agencies (LEAs) to include information on the performance of LEAs and schools in providing students with fair and equitable access to the core resources for learning. Requires states to identify any of their LEAs as needing improvement if they: (1) fail for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress toward state academic content and achievement standards, or (2) have received a waiver of the ESEA's statutory or regulatory requirements from the Secretary of Education. Requires states to: (1) identify any inequities in access to the core resources of learning in schools served by an LEA that has been identified as needing improvement, and (2) work with the LEA to address those inequities. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving this Act's requirements for accountability in providing students with access to the core resources for learning.
Bill· SS. 2551 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency Act of 2013 or the TRANSFER Act of 2013 - Amends the Small Business Act to revise the requirement that the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) use funds for a Proof of Concept Partnership pilot program to accelerate the creation of small businesses and the commercialization of research innovations made by certain institutions. Directs the head of each covered federal agency required to establish a small business technology transfer (STTR) program to establish an Innovative Approaches to Technology Transfer Grant Program to make grants to institutions of higher education, technology transfer organizations that facilitate the commercialization of technologies developed by one or more of the institutions, federal laboratories, public or private nonprofit entities, or a consortium of any of these entities in order to improve or accelerate the commercialization of high quality and commercially viable federally funded research and technology by small businesses. Outlines activities eligible for funding, application requirements, and award procedures and amounts. Requires grant recipients to assemble an oversight board to establish award programs for individual projects and evaluate project applications. Prescribes the percentage of each covered agency's extramural budget for research, or research development required to be expended on such Program for FY2015-FY2017. Directs each covered agency to develop a Program evaluation plan to collect data to identify outcomes resulting from the transfer of technology under its Program. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to include information on each covered agency's Program on the public database of small businesses participating in STTR or Small Business Innovation Research programs.
Bill· SS. 2543 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Supporting Afterschool STEM Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish an afterschool STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant program awarding competitive grants to afterschool or STEM networks to: develop quality standards for STEM programming in afterschool programs and provide those programs with technical assistance in implementing such standards, work with state education stakeholders to define and promote appropriate measurable outcomes for afterschool programs that include STEM content, provide technical assistance to afterschool programs to start or grow their afterschool STEM efforts and define appropriate learning outcomes for such efforts, coordinate professional development for afterschool program educators, help afterschool program providers form strategic partnerships to advance STEM learning in afterschool programs, create and disseminate tool kits to afterschool programs wanting to form partnerships and incorporate STEM professionals as mentors and role models, and provide technical assistance to federally funded STEM researchers and professionals who wish to engage with afterschool programs. Defines: (1) an "afterschool program" as a structured program offered for elementary, middle, or secondary school students when school is not in session, such as before or after school, on the weekend, or during the summer; and (2) an "afterschool or STEM network" as a coalition that fosters partnerships and provides support to afterschool program providers and STEM education providers. Includes as goals of the grant program: (1) to support the development and delivery of high-quality STEM education to populations underrepresented in STEM fields, and (2) to provide hands-on learning and exposure to STEM research facilities and businesses through in-person or virtual distance-learning experiences. Requires the Director to provide each recipient of a STEM research grant who is under the Director's authority with information on opportunities to engage with students in out-of-school-time programs, such as through mentorships.
Bill· SS. 2538 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out surveillance, education, and testing programs with respect to hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections. Requires the Secretary to establish a national system with respect to HBV and HCV to: (1) determine the prevalence of such infections; (2) carry out testing programs to increase the number of individuals who are aware of their infection; (3) disseminate public information and education programs for the detection and control of such infections; (4) improve the training of health professionals in the detection, control, and treatment of such infections; and (5) provide referrals for counseling and medical treatment and ensure the provision of follow-up services. Directs the Secretary to determine the populations that are considered at high risk. Directs the Secretary to establish and support public-private partnerships that facilitate such HBV and HCV surveillance, education, screening, testing, and linkage to care programs. Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to convene the Preventive Services Task Force every three years to review its recommendation for HBV and HCV screening.
Bill· HRH.R. 5005 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools Act of 2014 - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the Secretary of Education from providing education funding to any educational agency or institution that allows school personnel to inflict corporal punishment upon a student as a form of punishment or to modify undesirable behavior. Requires each state to submit a plan to the Secretary, within 18 months of this Act's enactment and every third year thereafter, that describes how the state eliminates the use of corporal punishment in schools and makes school personnel and parents aware of its policies and procedures for doing so. Authorizes the Secretary to award three-year grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to assist them in improving school climate and culture by implementing school-wide positive behavior supports. Requires grant and subgrant funds to be used for professional training, technical assistance, research, and outreach regarding positive behavior supports. Requires LEAs to ensure that private school personnel can participate, on an equitable basis, in activities supported by such funds. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out such activities with regard to schools operated or funded by the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national assessment to determine compliance with this Act's requirements and identify best practices regarding positive behavior support professional training programs. Gives Protection and Advocacy Systems the authority provided under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to investigate, monitor, and enforce this Act's protections for students.
Bill· HRH.R. 5001 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Core Opportunity Resources for Equity and Excellence Act of 2014 - Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require states to adopt student achievement standards that lead to college and career readiness by high school graduation. Requires each state school improvement plan to ensure that the state's public school system enables students to meet those standards by providing them with fair and equitable access to the core resources for learning. Includes among the core resources for learning: high-quality instructional teams; rigorous academic standards and curricula that lead to college and career readiness by high school graduation; equitable and instructionally appropriate class sizes; up-to-date instructional materials, technology, and supplies; effective school library programs; school facilities and technology, including physically and environmentally sound school buildings and well-equipped instructional spaces; specialized instruction support teams providing assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic, and other necessary services as part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs; and effective programs to engage families and the community in education. Prohibits states that fail to make progress toward eliminating inequities in access to the core resources for learning for two or more consecutive years from receiving funds under any competitive grant program authorized by the ESEA. Requires the annual report cards publicly disseminated by states and their local educational agencies (LEAs) to include information on the performance of LEAs and schools in providing students with fair and equitable access to the core resources for learning. Requires states to identify any of their LEAs as needing improvement if they: (1) fail for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress toward state academic content and achievement standards, or (2) have received a waiver of the ESEA's statutory or regulatory requirements from the Secretary of Education. Requires states to: (1) identify any inequities in access to the core resources of learning in schools served by an LEA that has been identified as needing improvement, and (2) work with the LEA to address those inequities. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving this Act's requirements for accountability in providing students with access to the core resources for learning.
Bill· HRH.R. 4982 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to provide for the use of data from the second preceding tax year to carry out the simplification of the applications used in estimating and determining financial aid eligibility. Requires such simplification to include data sharing between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Education, pursuant to taxpayer consent.
Bill· HRH.R. 4984 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) to provide annual (currently, entrance) counseling to student borrowers under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program, beginning at or prior to the student's acceptance of the loan. Requires that counseling to be conducted in person, online, or through the use of an online counseling tool maintained by the Secretary of Education. Adds to the information such counseling shall provide: an explanation that the borrower is not required to accept the full amount of the loan; an explanation that the borrower should consider accepting any grant, scholarship, or state or federal work-study jobs for which the borrower is eligible before accepting federal student loans; a recommendation to exhaust the borrower's federal student loan options prior to taking out private loans which may not offer as favorable terms and repayment options as federal student loans; an explanation of the educational expenses Direct Loans cover; information on the annual and aggregate limits on such loans; and information regarding the borrower's outstanding balance and anticipated monthly payment amount. Requires the exit counseling IHEs provide to student borrowers of loans under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), Direct Loan, and Federal Perkins Loan programs to be conducted through: (1) the use of an interactive program, (2) during an in-person or online session, or (3) through the use of an online counseling tool maintained by the Secretary. Adds to the information such counseling shall provide: the outstanding principal and interest due on the loans; an explanation of the grace period preceding repayment and the expected date the borrower will enter repayment; an explanation that the borrower has the option to pay any interest that accrued while the borrower was in school or that may accrue during grace, deferment, or forbearance periods, prior to the capitalization of the interest; information showing the borrower's anticipated monthly payments under different repayment plans; and contact information for the loan servicer and a link to such servicer's website. Requires IHEs to provide annual counseling to Federal Pell Grant recipients that is conducted in person, online, or through the use of an online counseling tool maintained by the Secretary. Requires such counseling to include an explanation of: the Pell Grant; the educational expenses such Grants cover; why the student may have to repay the Grant; the maximum number of semesters or equivalent periods for which the student may be eligible for the Grant and the amount of time remaining on such eligibility; how the student may budget for typical educational expenses; and how the student may seek additional financial assistance from the IHE's financial aid office due to changes in the student's financial circumstances, including contact information for that office. Directs the Secretary to maintain consumer tested online counseling tools that provide recipients of assistance under title IV with the annual counseling and exit counseling this Act requires.
Bill· HRH.R. 4983 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to eliminate the restriction of college cost calculations to those costs incurred by first-time students. Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary of Education make publicly available on the College Navigator website: (1) college affordability and transparency lists, (2) state higher education spending charts, and (3) the multi-year tuition calculator. Requires that the Secretary develop, annually update, and make publicly available a College Dashboard website that displays the following information regarding each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in the programs under title IV (Student Assistance) of the HEA: a link to the IHE's website; an identification of the IHE's type; the number of students enrolled at the IHE; the student-faculty ratio; the percentage of degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students at the IHE who obtain a certificate within the normal time for completing their program, within 150% of that time period, and within 200% of that time period; the average net price per year for undergraduate students at the IHE and a link to the net price calculator for the IHE; the average federal student loan debt incurred by undergraduate students who borrowed federal student loans in the course of obtaining a certificate or degree from the IHE; the IHE's cohort default rate; and a link to national and regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on starting salaries in all major occupations. Directs the Secretary to publish more detailed and disaggregated IHE information regarding student enrollment, completion rates, costs, and use of financial aid on Internet web pages that are linked to through the College Dashboard website. Requires the Secretary to: (1) include on the College Dashboard website a function enabling users to easily compare information between IHEs, and (2) provide each student who submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with a link to the web page of the College Dashboard website that contains information for each IHE on the student's FAFSA.
Bill· HRH.R. 5007 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014
Restoring Accountability in Veterans Access to Health Care Act - Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually determine, and publish in the Federal Register, the five occupations of health care providers for which there is the largest staffing shortage throughout the VA. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, based upon such determination, to recruit and appoint highly qualified health care providers to positions in those occupations. Requires the Secretary to submit biennial reports assessing the staffing of each VA medical facility, including: (1) information on wait times and workload levels, (2) a plan to fill staffing shortages, and (3) an analysis of succession planning. Directs the Secretary to implement a clinic management training program to provide in-person, standardized education on health care management to all managers of, and health care providers at, VA medical facilities, including training on how to: (1) manage the schedules of health care providers, (2) optimize the use of technology, (3) use data to meet the demand for health care, (4) use the VA appointment scheduling system, and (5) use physical plant space at VA facilities to ensure efficient flow and privacy for patients and staff.
Bill· SS. 2531 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014
Better Options for Kids Act of 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in awarding priority mental health needs grants to programs for youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system, to give preference to states that: (1) demonstrate greater educational continuity, lower rates of juvenile court involvement, and reduced recidivism through implementation of certain evidence-based policies; (2) demonstrate partnerships through which the state will establish a coordinated process for service delivery and develop the ability to share information and which involve interagency agreements or strategic plans; and (3) have certified a commitment to such partnerships and to the state's responsibility for the desired results. Terminates such grant preference five years after enactment of this Act. Requires a state, to receive such preference, to demonstrate that it has implemented, or will use grant funds to implement, evidence-based policies under which the state: provides or funds training for local educational agencies (LEAs) in the use of discipline and positive school climate strategies that minimize the use of suspensions, expulsions, and other actions that remove students from instruction and that show evidence of effectiveness for improving the learning environment; requires or provides incentives to LEAs to execute with any law enforcement agency that assigns officers to schools a collaborative agreement that prohibits the involvement of such officers in regular student disciplinary matters and describes their roles and responsibilities; prohibits or limits court referrals for juvenile school-based status offenses; has shifted, or has a plan to shift, significant funding formerly dedicated to secure detention of minors into community-based alternatives to incarceration; and has adopted, or will adopt, a reentry policy to ensure that youth in correctional facilities can continue their education immediately and without delay upon release by providing for prompt re-enrollment.
Bill· HRH.R. 4973 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014
Spurring Teacher Education Movement for STEM Act or the STEM for STEM Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: the United States should be at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; students in low-income and rural areas have limited access to STEM resources; teachers should have high-quality professional development opportunities in STEM; and teacher professional development should provide strategies for integrating STEM education across all demographics. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies to use grant funds under the Rural and Low-Income School program to train teachers to provide STEM education.
Bill· HRH.R. 4965 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014
Pre-K for USA Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting jointly in accordance with an interagency agreement, to award competitive grants to local educational agencies or local governmental entities to develop, enhance, or expand high-quality preschool programs. Requires each of those programs to include structural elements that are evidence-based and nationally recognized as important for ensuring program quality, including, at a minimum: high staff qualifications, including having a teacher with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or in any field with a state-approved alternate pathway to teaching preschool children and having teaching assistants with appropriate credentials; high-quality professional development for all staff; at least 1 staff member for every 10 children; a class size that does not exceed 20 children; a full-day program; the full inclusion of disabled children; developmentally appropriate curricula and learning environments, that are aligned with state early learning and development standards, for at least the year preceding kindergarten; individualized accommodations and supports so that all children can participate fully in learning activities; instructional staff salaries that are comparable to the salaries of kindergarten through grade 12 teaching staff; program evaluation to ensure continuous improvement; onsite or accessible comprehensive services for children; and health and safety standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 4974 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014
Doctors' Education Loans Impact VA Employee Retention Act or the DELIVER Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and carry out a program to make each monthly payment owed by a VA employee on a covered loan during such employee's period of service to the VA. Defines a "covered loan" as a loan under the Federal Family Education Loan program or the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program that is in repayment under an income-based repayment plan under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Bill· SS. 2524 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2014
Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2014 - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to replace specified minimum measures of student attainment in the core indicators of performance for career and technical education students at the secondary level with a measure of the median earnings of students employed during the second quarter after completing a career and technical education program of study in the state. Requires the national research center, established under the Act, to engage in evaluation and technical assistance activities that will assist in: (1) collecting information on the industry-recognized credentials awarded to participants in career and technical education programs, and (2) developing the necessary infrastructure to support the state and local reporting of specified related information. Makes it a responsibility of the state agency involved to establish statewide credit transfer agreements aligned to approved career and technical education programs of study. Requires each local plan for career and technical education programs to describe how the eligible recipient of assistance will partner with business and industry to: (1) identify opportunities for experiential and work-based learning opportunities either in-person or virtually, (2) ensure the career and technical education programs of study are responsive to community and employment demands and meet other specified criteria, and (3) ensure funding under the Act is spent in a coordinated manner with other local resources. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the purpose of grants for demonstration projects of innovative practices to require the projects to show the most promise of enabling the children served to meet rigorous, state-identified college and career readiness standards that address both certain academic content and certain career and technical education content.
Bill· SS. 2518 (113th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2014
College Access Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive planning grants and competitive implementation grants to states to plan and implement comprehensive state plans to: (1) enhance the affordability of postsecondary education; and (2) increase the number and percentage of students attaining a postsecondary credential, particularly first generation and low-income college students. Requires each comprehensive state plan to require the implementation of: specified measures to increase the transparency and accessibility of the information provided to students and their families about the costs and outcomes of attaining a postsecondary credential in the state, including the adoption by each institution of higher education (IHE) of a net price calculator linked to the IHE's website that provides individualized information and meets certain other requirements; and measures to maintain or increase fiscal support for postsecondary education that include increasing need-based grant aid for postsecondary education and restricting tuition increases at public IHEs to a rate that lies below the inflation rate. Requires each comprehensive state plan to require one or more of the following reforms that are not already in place in the state: removing barriers to innovation in postsecondary education by developing innovative education delivery models, promoting the use of technology, and creating or expanding the use of open educational resources; improving the students' transition to and from postsecondary institutions and increasing their graduation rate by increasing their participation in accelerated learning models, reforming postsecondary remediation, improving the credit transfer policies and articulation agreements between or among IHEs, and incentivizing IHEs to increase the number and percentage of Federal Pell Grant recipients who attain a postsecondary credential. Requires applicants for a planning grant and applicants for an implementation grant that have not received a planning grant to establish performance indicators, annual targets, and goals to track their performance in: implementing the reforms that are required by their plans, increasing the graduation rate of first generation and low-income college students and the number and percentage of students from community colleges and postsecondary vocational schools who transfer to a four-year IHE and attain a baccalaureate degree, and reducing the net price of attaining a postsecondary credential. Terminates an implementation grant after two years if the Secretary determines that the state is making insufficient progress in implementing its comprehensive state plan and meeting its annual targets. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the implementation and impact of this Act's requirements, and (2) disseminate research on best practices for achieving this Act's objectives.