Education

Gang Elimination Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Gang Elimination Act of 2006 - Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on a national strategy to eliminate the illegal operations of National Threat Drug Gangs (i.e., the top three international drug gangs that present the greatest threat to law and order in the United States). Sets forth criteria for the Attorney General to consider in identifying a National Threat Drug Gang, including (1) ties to international terrorist organizations or state-sponsored terrorism; (2) the volume of controlled substances imported or distributed by such gangs; and (3) the threat to children and schools in the United States.

Senior Independence Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Senior Independence Act of 2006 - Reauthorizes the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for the Administration on Aging, the National Eldercare Locator Service, pension counseling and information programs, specified services under such Act, and older American community service employment-based training. Revises the definition of "information and assistance service" for purposes of such Act to include such a service to older individuals at risk for institutional placement. Adds as duties and functions of the Administration on Aging: (1) assisting service providers to inform certain older individuals of the eligibility requirements for specified benefits; and (2) assisting states to support the provision of disease prevention and health promotion services. 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 that serve older individuals in integrated health promotion and disease prevention programs. Includes among state eligibility requirements for grants for programs on aging: (1) assuring that preference will be given to providing services to older individuals, including low-income minority individuals, individuals with limited English proficiency, and individuals living in rural areas; and (2) promoting the development of a comprehensive, coordinated system for providing long-term care in home and community-based settings. Requires area plans to: (1) provide that the area agency on aging shall facilitate the development and implementation of such system; and (2) determine the extent of need for services and senior centers by considering low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited English proficiency, older individuals residing in rural areas, and older individuals at risk for institutional placement. Authorizes area agencies to: (1) include in such plan an assessment of how prepared the area is for change in the number of older individuals; and (2) make recommendations to government officials on actions that build the area's capacity to meet needs of older individuals. States as the purpose of the nutrition projects grant program to promote socialization and the health and well-being of older individuals by assisting such individuals to gain access to disease prevention and health promotion services to delay the onset of health conditions resulting from poor nutritional health or sedentary behavior. Requires states to provide nutrition education, counseling, and services to recipients of meals delivered by state nutrition projects. Requires area agencies to encourage using trained volunteers for services and to coordinate with specified volunteer programs. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to assess the aging population and facilitate planning and coordination between state and local agencies. Rewrites provisions concerning the older American community service employment program as the Older American Community Service Employment-Based Training Act. Repeals requirements for review and public comment on training projects. Requires the Secretary of Labor to use funds for demonstration, pilot, and evaluation projects for the purpose of developing approaches and demonstrating the effectiveness of methods in addressing older workers' employment and training needs. Requires a state's chief executive officer to submit a plan that outlines a strategy for the statewide provision of training and related activities (currently, the governor submits the plan). Includes among uses of state allotments for the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation promotion of financial literacy to prevent identity theft and financial exploitation of older individuals.

Protection of University Governance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Protection of University Governance Act of 2006 - Prohibits a nongovernmental entity that regulates intercollegiate sports from penalizing, or denying any benefit to, an institution of higher education by reason of the name, symbol, emblem, or mascot of the school's intercollegiate sports team. Makes an entity which violates such prohibition subject to injunction and liable to an aggrieved school for damages and legal fees.

Improving Access to Medicare Part D Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Improving Access to Medicare Part D Act of 2006 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for a one-year extension until May 15, 2007, of the 2006 initial enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug benefits and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Extends through May 14, 2007, the current extended period of continuous open enrollment and disenrollment. Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of SSA title XVIII to repeal the prohibition against interference by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with prescription drug price negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors. Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate prescription drug price contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs in order to ensure that each enrollee under a PDP or an MA-PD plan pays the lowest possible price. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should conduct (and improve current) activities, with respect to individuals eligible for the Medicare prescription drug benefits, to: (1) raise the awareness and improve the education of such individuals about such benefits; (2) improve and enhance outreach and enrollment assistance; and (3) provide for the accessibility of appropriate experts (at national, state, and local levels) to ensure that such individuals understand the benefits for which they are eligible.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify that the Constitution neither prohibits voluntary prayer nor requires prayer in schools.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution, including amendments, shall be construed to prohibit voluntary prayer or require prayer in a public school or at a public school extracurricular activity.

Recognizing and celebrating students who overcome immeasurable adversity to excel academically.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Commends those students who have risen above obstacles to their success and encourages all students to strive for excellence. Recognizes the contributions of families, schools, and communities to student achievement. Congratulates Hollywood for meeting the challenge of positively depicting young people in film. Recognizes the talents of Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer, and Doug Atchison for the portrayal of an American educational success story in the movie, "Akeela and the Bee."

THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN K-12 SCIENCE AND MATH EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 May 2006

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

United States · United States Senate · 3 May 2006

To establish an interagency task force to develop a national strategy to combat the increase in infertility in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Establishes the Infertility Prevention Task Force to develop a federal strategy to facilitate activities to prevent infertility, including strategies for: (1) maximizing cooperation among federal departments and agencies and the use of resources in compiling data on the incidence of infertility; (2) coordinating and encouraging research on the causes and treatment of infertility; (3) developing federal policies to promote public awareness of the causes of infertility; (4) creating an infertility prevention curriculum to serve as a model for medical schools; and (5) establishing partnerships with industry, organized labor, academia, and state and local governments to collect and disseminate information on infertility prevention and coordinate appropriate agency resources in the area of infertility prevention.

Recognizing the 17th anniversary of the massacre in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2006

Expresses sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned as a result of their participation in the democracy protests of June 3-4, 1989, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People's Republic of China (PRC), and to all the people of China who lack fundamental human rights. Commends all persons who are peacefully advocating for democracy and human rights in China. Condemns the ongoing human rights abuses by the government of the PRC, and calls on that government to: (1) reevaluate the official verdict on the Tiananmen pro-democracy activities and order formal investigations into the reported killing, torture, and imprisonment of democracy activists; (2) release all prisoners of conscience; (3) end censorship of free speech on the Internet and persecution of Internet dissidents; (4) end persecution of Falun Gong; (5) end organ harvesting that is not voluntary; (6) end the coercive one-child policy; (7) grant the United Nations High Commission on Refugees access to all refugees, and end forcible repatriations of refugees, particularly to North Korea; (8) close "re-education through labor" camps; and (9) release Dr. Yang Jianli.

A concurrent resolution encouraging all 50 States to recognize and accommodate the release of public school pupils from school attendance to attend off-campus religious classes at their churches, synagogues, houses of worship, and faith-based organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

Calls on the states to recognize and accommodate those churches, faith-based organizations, and individuals that wish to release public school pupils from school attendance to attend religious classes. Requests the President to proclaim the third week of November 2006 as Bible Education in School Time Week.

Digital Television Consumer Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require manufacturers of television receiving equipment (TVs) that does not include a digital tuner to: (1) place an advisory label on its screen stating that, after February 17, 2009, such TV will receive TV signals only by using additional equipment; and (2) place such label permanently and conspicuously on the outside of the TV packaging. Provides related advisory requirements for retail distributors and other vendors. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to educate the public about the digital television transition. Requires such education to commence by September 1, 2007.

To establish the Silver Scholarship program to provide transferable educational awards to older individuals who have performed certain volunteer services.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Assistant Secretary for Aging to make grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations experienced in administering volunteer programs to provide $1,000 scholarships to older individuals who perform at least 600 hours of volunteer service with such agencies or organizations within a 12-month period. Allows the proration of such scholarships when an individual, due to compelling personal circumstances, cannot perform 600, but performs at least 300, hours of service within such period. Allows a scholarship recipient to designate another individual to use such scholarship.

American Flag Display Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

American Flag Display Protection Act - Prohibits an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education from receiving federal funds by grant or contract if the school has a policy or practice preventing students from respectfully displaying or wearing a representation of the U.S. flag in a manner at least equal in quality and scope to their right to respectfully display or wear any other representation.

To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Assistant Secretary, when making grants for multidisciplinary centers of gerontology and gerontology centers of special emphasis, to give preference with respect to such centers that are located at institutions of higher education in urban areas.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Assistant Secretary for Aging, when making grants to nonprofit organizations for the establishment or support of multidisciplinary centers of gerontology and gerontology centers of special emphasis, to give priority to centers located at urban institutions of higher education having a special emphasis on research to identify and provide technical assistance that promotes the best practices in long-term care service delivery, housing, financing, transportation, and other areas designed to create sustainable livable urban communities for future generations of increasingly diverse older individuals.

Life-long Learning Opportunity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2006

Lifelong Learning Opportunity Act of 2006 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Assistant Secretary for Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to higher education institutions for life-long learning programs that provide older individuals who are not enrolled in such institutions the opportunity to audit courses free of charge. Requires such programs to provide such individuals with registration assistance and financial assistance for text books and associated course fees.

Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006

Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reduce the cost of calling home for U.S. military personnel stationed outside the United States in support of military operations, training exercises, or other approved purposes. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to allocate a portion of the funds available under such Act for: (1) making interoperable communications system equipment grants for equipment that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum; and (2) establishing and implementing a strategic technology reserves initiative. Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 - Requires each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas). Outlines requirements for distribution of universal service support to eligible communications carriers. Establishes a Broadband for Unserved Areas Account. Video Competition and Savings for Consumers Act of 2006 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide regulatory and franchising requirements for video services and video service providers similar to those currently applicable to cable communications operators. Requires the provision of channels for public, educational, and governmental use. Prohibits the denial of video service access because of income, race, or religion. Video Content Act - Sports Freedom Act of 2006 - Prohibits multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices to hinder or prevent other MVPDs from providing such programming or satellite broadcast programming to consumers. Digital Content Protection Act of 2006 - Directs the FCC to implement its Report and Order in the matters of: (1) Digital Broadcast Content Protection; and (2) Digital Output Protection Technology and Recording Method Certifications. Authorizes the FCC to promulgate regulations governing the indiscriminate redistribution of audio content with respect to digital and satellite radio broadcasts. Requires the FCC to establish the Digital Audio Review Board. Community Broadband Act - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to prohibit any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from prohibiting any public provider from providing, to any person or any public or private entity, advanced communications capability or any service that utilizes the advanced communications capability provided by such provider. Provides safeguards, including that a public provider may not provide advanced communications capability to the public unless the provision of such capability by that public provider is subject to the same laws and regulations that would apply if the advanced communications capability were being provided by a nongovernmental entity. Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 or WIN Act of 2006 - Makes eligible television spectrum available for wireless use. Outlines consumer education requirements for analog television receivers, as well as requirements to reduce the government cost of the converter box program. Outlines requirements for: (1) the protection of children with respect to the video transmission of child pornography; and (2) the free flow of information over the Internet.

A concurrent resolution acknowledging African descendants of the transatlantic slave trade in all of the Americas with an emphasis on descendants in Latin America and the Caribbean, recognizing the injustices suffered by these African descendants, and recommending that the United States and the international community work to improve the situation of Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2006

Urges the President to encourage the remembrance of the achievements of African descendants in the Americas and to resolve injustices suffered by them. Encourages the United States and the international community to work to ensure that poverty is eradicated, universal education is achieved, quality healthcare is made available, environmental resources are provided, and equal access to justice and representation under law are granted in Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, including by: (1) promoting research on identifying and eradicating racial disparities in economic, political, and social spheres; (2) promoting programs and the creation of an international working group that focus on Afro-descendant communities; (3) providing technical support and training to Afro-descendant advocacy groups; and (4) promoting bilateral and multilateral agreements that take into account the needs of Afro-descendant communities.

Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to Native American Language Educational Organizations (Organizations) (or organizations demonstrating potential to become one), Native American Language Colleges, Indian tribal governments, or a consortia of such entities to establish Native American Language Nest programs (site-based education programs conducted through a Native American language) for students under age seven and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or enter into contracts with such entities to operate Native American Language Survival Schools for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Permits the use of grant and contract funds to provide full or partial higher education scholarships and fellowships for the professional development of faculty and staff. Requires the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts with eligible entities to establish at least four demonstration programs in geographically diverse locations to: (1) provide assistance to schools and nests; and (2) participate in a national study of the linguistic, cultural, and academic effects of schools and nests. Directs the Secretary to provide nests and schools with alternative methods of achieving national education standards with respect to Native American language education.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to awards grants to eligible entities to: (1) provide education and training in newborn screening and congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders to health care professionals and newborn screening laboratory personnel; (2) develop educational programs about newborn screening for parents, families, and patient advocacy and support groups; and (3) establish, maintain, and operate a system to assess and coordinate treatment relating to congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders. Requires the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children to: (1) recommend a uniform screening panel for newborn screening programs that includes the heritable disorders for which all newborns should be screened; and (2) develop a model decision-matrix for newborn screening program expansion. Directs the Secretary to adopt or reject any new or pending recommendations by the Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) provide for quality assurance for screening laboratories; (2) provide for population-based pilot testing for evaluating use of new screening tools on a mass scale; (3) collect, analyze, and make available data on certain heritable disorders; and (4) operate regional centers for the conduct of applied epidemiological research on the prevention of such disorders.

Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, in connection with the administration of Forest Service activities on and near National Forest System (NFS) lands, to enter into agreements with cooperators for the mutual benefit of parties to the agreement for specified activities, including for: (1) developing, conducting, producing, or selling education and interpretive materials, products, programs, and services; (2) constructing, maintaining, and operating facilities; (3) selling health and safety convenience products and photography supplies; (4) collecting funds from the sale of materials, products, programs, and services; (5) activities to restore and maintain ecological integrity and biodiversity of NFS lands; (6) watershed restoration and enhancement activities on NFS lands, or on other lands that benefit resources on NFS land within the same watershed for protecting, restoring, and enhancing resources or reducing risk from natural disaster where public safety is threatened; and (7) such other cooperative activities as the Secretary considers to be appropriate. Amends the National Forest Foundation Act to: (1) double the number of members who shall serve on the Board of Directors of the National Forest Foundation; (2) extend to October 1, 2006, the provision of matching funds for administrative and project expenses incurred by the Foundation; and (3) extend for the five-year period beginning on October 1, 2006, the authorization of appropriations for the Foundation to match private contributions made to it.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify that the Constitution neither prohibits voluntary prayer nor requires prayer in schools.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution, including amendments, shall be construed to prohibit voluntary prayer or require prayer in a public school or at a public school extracurricular activity.

A resolution recognizing the cultural and educational contributions of the American Ballet Theatre throughout its 65 years of service as "America's National Ballet Company".

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Recognizes and commends the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) for over 65 years of service as "America's National Ballet Company," during which it has provided world class art to audiences in all 50 states. Recognizes that: (1) the ABT serves as a true cultural ambassador for the United States by having performed in 42 countries and fulfilling its reputation as one of the world's most revered and innovative dance companies; and (2) the ABT's extensive and innovative education, outreach, and artistic development programs both train future generations of great dancers and expose students to the arts.

A resolution congratulating charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and the public school system. Supports the seventh annual National Charter Schools Week.

Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act of 2006 - Requires the Archivist of the United States to: (1) establish, as part of the National Archives, an electronically searchable database of historic records of servitude, emancipation, and post-Civil War reconstruction contained within federal agencies for genealogical and historical research; and (2) preserve relevant records. Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to provide grants to states, colleges and universities, and genealogical associations to preserve records and establish databases of local records of such information.

Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Native American Languages Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to Native American Language Educational Organizations (Organizations) (or organizations demonstrating potential to become one), Native American Language Colleges, Indian tribal governments, or a consortia of such entities to establish Native American Language Nest programs (site-based education programs conducted through a Native American language) for students under age seven and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or enter into contracts with such entities to operate Native American Language Survival Schools for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Permits the use of grant and contract funds to provide full or partial higher education scholarships and fellowships for the professional development of faculty and staff. Requires the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts to establish four specified demonstration programs that will provide assistance to schools and nests through grants to: (1) the 'Aha Punana Leo, Inc. in consortium with the Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani; (2) Piegan Institute of Browning, Montana; (3) the governing board of Window Rock Unified School District No. 8 and its Indian Education Committee on the Navajo Reservation; and (4) the Alaskan Federation of Natives, in consortium with other appropriate entities. Directs the Secretary to recognize the unique circumstances of education in Native American languages and to provide for the meeting of national educational standards through alternative means in the area of Native American language education. Outlines provisions for: (1) performance assessments of students, teachers, and staff in Native American language survival schools and Native American language nests; and (2) prohibitions on restrictions on Native American language use in federally funded educational activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the inclusion of support for Native American language nests and Native American language survival schools in federal support for private education and charter schools; (2) assure that such support is coordinated as part of a unified effort for Native American language revitalization; and (3) look to Native American language educational organizations to lead coordinated public-private cooperative efforts to revitalize Native American languages.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the newborns and infants hearing loss program to: (1) provide services for young children (currently, limited to infants and newborns); and (2) include diagnostic services among services provided. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to assist in the recruitment, retention, education, and training of qualified personnel and health care providers. Includes within the purposes of such program: (1) developing efficient models to ensure that newborns, infants, and young children who are identified with a hearing loss through screening are not lost to follow-up by a qualified health care provider; and (2) ensuring an adequate supply of qualified personnel to meet the screening, evaluation, and early intervention needs of children. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, to establish a postdoctoral fellowship program to foster research and development in the area of early hearing detection and intervention. Amends the definition of "early intervention" to require that families be given the opportunity to obtain the full range of early intervention services, educational and program placements, and other options for their child from highly qualified providers.

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations. Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused research programs. Directs the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop and implement a federal plan to address diabetes mellitus within communities of color. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) conduct and support research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations; (2) direct the Division of Diabetes Translation to conduct and support programs to educate the public on diabetes in minority populations; and (3) carry out diabetes health promotion and prevention programs for minority populations. Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) education and awareness programs designed to increase participation of minority populations in clinical trials; and (2) mentorship programs for minority researchers who are conducting research on diabetes in minority populations. Provides for studies on the shortage of adult and pediatric endocrinologists specializing in diabetes and on outcomes of minority children with diabetes compared to non-minority children.

Dedicated Dental Service for HIV/AIDS Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Dedicated Dental Service for HIV/AIDS Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement under which an individual agrees to serve as a dentist for a not less than two years at a facility with a critical shortage of dentists in an area with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS in exchange for the Secretary making payments on the individual's dental education loans. Requires such payments to equal 30% of the principal and interest on such loans after the first and second years of service and 25% after the third year of service.

Tax and Education Assistance for Children (TEACH) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2006

Tax and Education Assistance for Children (TEACH) Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit for the tuition paid by taxpayers to send their dependents to private or religious elementary or secondary schools. Sets the annual credit limit at $4,500 for single individuals and taxpayers filing a joint return, and $2,250 for a married individual filing a separate return.

GULF COAST RECOVERY: FACING CHALLENGES AND COMING BACK STRONGER IN EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 April 2006

FOSTERING INNOVATION IN MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION

United States · United States Senate · 26 April 2006

Protection of Young Consumers Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Protection of Young Consumers Act of 2006 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit consumer reporting agencies from furnishing reports in connection with firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by consumers under age 21. Allows consumers who are at least 18, but not yet 21, to elect, in writing, to have their names and addresses included in any list of names provided by such agencies in connection with such transactions. Youth Financial Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new title IV part D Promoting Youth Financial Literacy. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to state educational agencies to implement financial education programs for elementary and secondary school students. Makes a state's allocation proportionate to its share of such students. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make a competitive five year grant to, or contract with, a national nonprofit organization to establish a national clearinghouse for instructional materials and information on model financial education programs and best practices; and (2) develop and use performance measures to evaluate the financial education programs and clearinghouse established pursuant to this Act.

United States-China Engagement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

United States-China Engagement Act of 2006 - Provides funding with respect to the People's Republic of China (PRC) for: (1) public diplomacy; (2) construction and staffing of one additional U.S. consulate; and (3) ten U.S. diplomatic posts. Provides funding (including grants) for: (1) a U.S. contribution to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; (2) elementary and secondary Chinese language and cultural studies; (3) Chinese language instruction technology enhancement; and (4) higher education Chinese business education and consortia exchange programs. Expresses the sense of Congress that an increase in the number of students who receive substantial pre-college exposure to Chinese language and cultural studies will enhance U.S. global economic competitiveness. Authorizes 17 additional Commercial Service Officers for PRC assignment. Provides grants to states for offices to promote and assist exports to the PRC. Directs the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide guidance to small businesses respecting exporting services and products to the PRC.

Congratulating charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and the public school system. Supports the seventh annual National Charter Schools Week.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the designation of a National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Calls for the establishment of a National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week. Commends the hospitals, child care councils, schools, and other organizations that are working to increase awareness of the danger of shaking young children.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the Day of Silence with respect to discrimination and harassment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in schools.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2006

Supports the goals and ideals of the Day of Silence (during which students vow to remain silent to bring attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in schools). Encourages each city and state to adopt laws to prohibit such discrimination and harassment.

Lawrence A. Warder, of Texas, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Education, vice Jack Martin, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 25 April 2006

Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to educational organizations to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust.

Veterans' Equity in Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Veterans' Equity in Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to calculation of financial assistance for which a student receiving veterans' education benefits may be eligible. Reduces the factor in the eligibility formula representing estimated educational financial assistance already received by the student by the amount of military pay deductions for such benefits made by or on behalf of the student while on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or in the Selective Reserve.

Bureau of Reclamation Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Management Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Bureau of Reclamation Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Management Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, nonfederal entities with water delivery authority to pay the federal share of the cost of a project to conserve water, increase water use efficiency, facilitate water markets, enhance water management, or implement other actions to prevent water-related crises or conflicts in watersheds that have a nexus to federal water projects within reclamation states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). Directs the Secretary to publish assistance eligibility and priority criteria. Limits the federal cost share of the project to 50%. Sets the nonfederal cost share for project operation and maintenance at 100%. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education, nonprofit research institutions, or organizations with water or power delivery authority to fund research to conserve water, increase water use efficiency, or enhance water management.

Fair Flat Tax Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2006

Fair Flat Tax Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the individual income tax system by: (1) reducing the number of individual income tax brackets to three (15, 25 & 35%); (2) repealing after 2005 the tax rate reductions for capital gains and dividend income; (3) repealing various tax credits, deductions, exclusions and preferences; (4) increasing the basic standard tax deduction; (5) allowing families with dependent children a standard tax credit amount based on family size or modified adjusted gross income; (6) allowing a tax credit for higher education expenses; (7) allowing non-itemizing taxpayers a tax deduction for home mortgage interest and for contributions to tax-exempt universal pension accounts; (8) allowing certain small employers a tax credit for costs associated with universal pension accounts; and (9) repealing the alternative minimum tax for individual taxpayers. Imposes a flat tax of 35% on corporate taxable income. Limits tax write-offs for use of corporate aircraft and employee personal use of noncommercial aircraft. Requires governmental agencies to withhold 3% of payments made for goods and services. Imposes penalties for promoting abusive tax shelters and for aiding and abetting the understatement of tax liability. Increases tax penalties for fraud and failure to file tax returns. Defines "economic substance" for purposes of evaluating tax shelter transactions. Eliminates amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures for integrated oil companies. Requires such oil companies to adjust the value of LIFO inventories of crude oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products. Requires an inflation adjustment to the excise tax on distilled spirits, beer, wine, and tobacco. Terminates this Act after 2010.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, document integrity, and mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry; and (4) Central American gangs. Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Provides criminal penalties for construction, financing, or use of illegal border tunnels or passages. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2006 - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which is a high impact area. Sets forth interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) alien terrorists; (2) alien street gang members; (3) illegal entry and reentry; (4) passport and immigration fraud; (5) criminal aliens; (6) voluntary departure; (7) detention and alternatives; (8) criminal penalties; (9) alien smuggling; (10) tribal lands security; (11) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (12) expedited removal; and (13) alien protection from sex offenders. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Establishes in the Treasury the Employer Compliance Fund. Provides for additional worksite and fraud detection personnel. Provides for a report examining the impacts of the current and proposed annual grants of legal status, including immigrant and nonimmigrant status, along with the current level of illegal immigration, on U.S. infrastructure and quality of life. Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa). Provides: (1) that the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine H-2C eligibility; (2) for a three-year admission with one additional three-year extension; (3) issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouse and children; (4) for U.S. worker protection; (5) for implementation of an alien employment management system; and (6) establishment of a Temporary Worker Task Force. Expands the S-visa (witness/informant) classification. Limits the L-visa (intracompany transfer) classification. Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions respecting remedies for immigration legislation. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting: (1) family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels; (2) country limits; (3) immigrant visa allocations; (4) minor children; (5) shortage occupations; and (6) student and advanced degree visas. Widows and Orphans Act of 2006 - Establishes a special immigrant category for certain children and women at risk of harm. Immigrant Accountability Act of 2006 - Provides permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying illegal alien (and the spouse and children of such alien) who has been in the United States for five years and employed (with exceptions) for specified periods of time. Authorizes mandatory departure and immigrant or nonimmigrant reentry for a qualifying illegal alien who has been present and employed in the United States since January 7, 2004. Establishes a three-year mandatory departure status, and sets forth immigration prohibitions and penalties for failure to depart or delayed departure. Subjects the spouse or children of a principal alien to the same conditions as such alien, except that if such alien meets the departure requirement the spouse and children will be deemed to have done so. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2006, or AgJOBS Act of 2006 - Establishes a pilot program (Blue Card program) for adjustment to permanent resident status of qualifying agricultural workers who have worked in the United States during the two-year period ending December 31, 2005, and have been employed for specified periods of time subsequent to enactment of this Act. Revises the H-2A (temporary agricultural worker) program. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2006 or the DREAM Act of 2006 - Eliminates denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes cancellation of removal and adjustment to conditional permanent resident status of certain alien students who are long-term U.S. residents. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) additional Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice immigration personnel; and (2) the Board of Immigration Appeals. Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - Provides that fingerprints provided by a qualifying individual at the time of military enlistment shall satisfy naturalization fingerprint requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish the position of Citizenship Advocate at each military entry processing station. State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Provides state courts grants to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand court proceedings, and allocates funds for a related court interpreter technical assistance program. Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act - Provides for: (1) a port of entry infrastructure assessment study; (2) a national land border security plan; and (3) a port of entry technology demonstration program. September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act - Provides permanent resident status adjustment or cancellation of removal and permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying alien who was on September 10, 2001, the wife, child, or dependent son or daughter of a lawful nonimmigrant alien who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) noncitizen Armed Forces membership; (2) nonimmigrant status for athletes; (3) extension of returning worker exemption; (4) surveillance programs, including aerial and unmanned aerial surveillance; (5) a Northern Border Prosecution Initiative; (6) reimbursement of Southern Border State and county prosecutors for prosecuting federally initiated drug cases; (7) conditional nonimmigrant worker-related grants; (8) border security on federal land; and (9) parole and status adjustment relief for qualifying widows and orphans.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, document integrity, and mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry; and (4) Central American gangs. Border Tunnel Prevention Act - Provides criminal penalties for construction, financing, or use of illegal border tunnels or passages. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2006 - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which is a high impact area. Sets forth interior enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) alien terrorists; (2) alien street gang members; (3) illegal entry and reentry; (4) passport and immigration fraud; (5) criminal aliens; (6) voluntary departure; (7) detention and alternatives; (8) criminal penalties; (9) alien smuggling; (10) tribal lands security; (11) state and local enforcement of immigration laws; (12) expedited removal; and (13) alien protection from sex offenders. Makes it unlawful to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer for a fee an unauthorized alien. Establishes in the Treasury the Employer Compliance Fund. Provides for additional worksite and fraud detection personnel. Provides for a report examining the impacts of the current and proposed annual grants of legal status, including immigrant and nonimmigrant status, along with the current level of illegal immigration, on U.S. infrastructure and quality of life. Establishes a temporary guest worker program (H-2C visa). Provides: (1) that the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine H-2C eligibility; (2) for a three-year admission with one additional three-year extension; (3) issuance of H-4 nonimmigrant visas for accompanying or following spouse and children; (4) for U.S. worker protection; (5) for implementation of an alien employment management system; and (6) establishment of a Temporary Worker Task Force. Expands the S-visa (witness/informant) classification. Limits the L-visa (intracompany transfer) classification. Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions respecting remedies for immigration legislation. Sets forth backlog reduction provisions respecting: (1) family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant levels; (2) country limits; (3) immigrant visa allocations; (4) minor children; (5) shortage occupations; and (6) student and advanced degree visas. Widows and Orphans Act of 2006 - Establishes a special immigrant category for certain children and women at risk of harm. Immigrant Accountability Act of 2006 - Provides permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying illegal alien (and the spouse and children of such alien) who has been in the United States for five years and employed (with exceptions) for specified periods of time. Authorizes mandatory departure and immigrant or nonimmigrant reentry for a qualifying illegal alien who has been present and employed in the United States since January 7, 2004. Establishes a three-year mandatory departure status, and sets forth immigration prohibitions and penalties for failure to depart or delayed departure. Subjects the spouse or children of a principal alien to the same conditions as such alien, except that if such alien meets the departure requirement the spouse and children will be deemed to have done so. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2006, or AgJOBS Act of 2006 - Establishes a pilot program (Blue Card program) for adjustment to permanent resident status of qualifying agricultural workers who have worked in the United States during the two-year period ending December 31, 2005, and have been employed for specified periods of time subsequent to enactment of this Act. Revises the H-2A (temporary agricultural worker) program. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2006 or the DREAM Act of 2006 - Eliminates denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Authorizes cancellation of removal and adjustment to conditional permanent resident status of certain alien students who are long-term U.S. residents. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) additional Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice immigration personnel; and (2) the Board of Immigration Appeals. Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - Provides that fingerprints provided by a qualifying individual at the time of military enlistment shall satisfy naturalization fingerprint requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish the position of Citizenship Advocate at each military entry processing station. State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Provides state courts grants to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand court proceedings, and allocates funds for a related court interpreter technical assistance program. Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act - Provides for: (1) a port of entry infrastructure assessment study; (2) a national land border security plan; and (3) a port of entry technology demonstration program. September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act - Provides permanent resident status adjustment or cancellation of removal and permanent resident status adjustment for a qualifying alien who was on September 10, 2001, the wife, child, or dependent son or daughter of a lawful nonimmigrant alien who died as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) noncitizen Armed Forces membership; (2) nonimmigrant status for athletes; (3) extension of returning worker exemption; (4) surveillance programs, including aerial and unmanned aerial surveillance; (5) a Northern Border Prosecution Initiative; (6) reimbursement of Southern Border State and county prosecutors for prosecuting federally initiated drug cases; (7) conditional nonimmigrant worker-related grants; (8) border security on federal land; and (9) parole and status adjustment relief for qualifying widows and orphans.

Headwaters Protection and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006

Headwaters Protection and Restoration Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior (for Bureau of Land Management [BLM] land) or the Secretary of Agriculture (for National Forest System land) to consider emergency event procedures in response to watershed and forest emergencies. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to: (1) carry out projects in Colorado to reduce hazardous fuel or prevent the spread of bark beetles to adjacent trees; (2) prepare emergency event proposals or consider proposals from the governor, the state forester, a water conservation district, or an at-risk community; and (3) conduct emergency event evaluations in response to a request or to an emergency event that affects a municipal water supply system, a wildland-urban interface, or other public or private property and that has caused or will cause significant damage o to federal land or adjacent nonfederal land. Requires the Secretary concerned to carry out a program in Colorado to: (1) ensure the long-term health of forests; and (2) reduce the risk of catastrophic fire, flooding, and watershed destruction. Extends the authority of the Secretaries to enter into federal and state cooperative watershed restoration and protection agreements and contracts. Requires the Secretary concerned to provide: (1) financial assistance for long-term stewardship projects in certain areas; and (2) grants and low-cost loans to small business concerns in the Colorado forest product industry. Establishes the Colorado Forest Health Fund from which amounts shall be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out measures to improve forest health and reduce hazardous fuels. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide grants for research and development and marketing of forest products and for research in higher elevation forests; and (2) collaborate on research on and the development and transfer of broader landscape treatment strategies and ways to integrate best science with community needs. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) financial assistance under the Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program to the Colorado State Forest Service to establish a grant program to help improve private forest land; and (2) grants to Colorado for the Colorado Fuels for Schools program under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Small Business Health Education and Awareness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006

Small Business Health Education and Awareness Act of 2006 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a four-year pilot program to make grants to small business development centers to provide information and educational materials regarding health insurance options to small businesses. Allows the Administrator to select up to 20 centers to receive such grants. Sets the maximum individual grant limit at $300,000 per fiscal year.

A resolution expressing the sense of Congress that institutions of higher education should adopt policies and educational programs on their campuses to help deter and eliminate illicit copyright infringement occurring on, and encourage educational uses of, their computer systems and networks.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that colleges and universities should continue to take: (1) a leadership role in educating students regarding the detrimental consequences of online infringement of intellectual property rights; and (2) all practicable steps to deter and eliminate unauthorized peer-to-peer computer use by warning students of the risks of such use and educating them concerning the value of intellectual property.

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 to: (1) require the Office to develop goals and performance measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of national drug control policy; (2) revise the duties of the Director and Deputy Directors; and (3) reauthorize the Office through FY2010. Revises the process for the development, submission, implementation, and assessment of national drug control strategy to require quantifiable goals for reducing drug abuse. Revises the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program to: (1) allow law enforcement agencies to petition for the designation of a high intensity drug trafficking area; (2) appoint an Executive Board to manage such areas; and (3) authorize funding to address emerging drug trafficking threats and combat methamphetamine trafficking. Dawson Family Community Protection Act - Requires the Director of the Office to ensure that at least $7 million of appropriated funds be used in high intensity drug trafficking areas with severe neighborhood safety and illegal drug distribution problems. Replaces the Director of Technology of the Counter-Drug Technology Assessment Center with a Chief Scientist. Directs the Chief Scientist to coordinate and implement a counterdrug technology transfer program. National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Drug-Free Media Campaign Act of 1998 to: (1) identify responsibilities and functions under the national youth anti-drug media campaign; and (2) authorize appropriations for FY2006-FY2010. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the drug-free communities program. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to establish National Guard counterdrug schools.

Bureau of Reclamation Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Management Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006

Bureau of Reclamation Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Management Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, nonfederal entities with water delivery authority to pay the federal share of the cost of a project to conserve water, increase water use efficiency, facilitate water markets, enhance water management, or implement other actions to prevent water-related crises or conflicts in watersheds that have a nexus to federal water projects within reclamation states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). Directs the Secretary to publish assistance eligibility and priority criteria. Limits the federal cost share of the project to 50%. Sets the nonfederal cost share for project operation and maintenance at 100%. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher education, nonprofit research institutions, or organizations with water or power delivery authority to fund research to conserve water, increase water use efficiency, or enhance water management.

Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2006

Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to revise the definition of "food of minimal nutritional value," the sale of which in areas where school meals are sold or eaten is prohibited as a condition for federal funding of school lunch and breakfast programs. Applies such definition (and prohibition) to all food sold outside such programs anywhere on school campuses at any time of the day, with the possible limited exemption of food sold at school fundraisers. Requires the Secretary, when revising such definition, to consider the recommendations of authoritative scientific organizations and evidence concerning the relationship between diet and health.