Education

To establish a program for providing scholarships for nuclear science and nuclear engineering students, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Directs the Secretary of Energy to award at least 65 four-year grants per year to undergraduate institutions to fund scholarships for students majoring in nuclear science or nuclear engineering. Requires the Secretary to provide Congress with recommendations for developing a robust nuclear workforce in this country.

TEACH for Our Future Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Teacher Education Assistance Creating Hope for Our Future Act of 2008 or the TEACH for Our Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the loan forgiveness available to public elementary and secondary school teachers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs. Makes inapplicable to public school teachers the requirements limiting loan forgiveness to: (1) new borrowers on or after October 1, 1998; and (2) highly qualified teachers in certain schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged students. Maintains the requirement that such teachers teach full-time for five consecutive complete school years before becoming eligible for loan forgiveness. Raises to $25,000 the amount of the FFEL or DL outstanding that may be forgiven after a public school teacher's fifth complete school year of teaching. Maintains current loan forgiveness eligibility requirements for private elementary and secondary school teachers.

Protecting Our Children Online Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Protecting Our Children Online Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require schools and libraries that receive telecommunications services at discounted rates under specified provisions to educate minors about safe online behavior. Requires that education to include information about: (1) interacting with other individuals through social networking websites, chat rooms, electronic mail, bulletin boards, instant messaging, and other means of online communication; and (2) cyberbullying awareness and response.

Responsibility in Drug and Device Advertising Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Responsibility in Drug and Device Advertising Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising in the first three years after approval of a new drug or device. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) waive such prohibition if such advertising would have an affirmative value to public health; and (2) continue such prohibition in subsequent years if the drug or device has significant adverse health effects. Requires any direct-to-consumer advertisement to include a fair balance of the benefits and risks associated with the drug or device. Deems a drug to be misbranded if a direct-to-consumer television advertisement for such drug does not prominently display a statement encouraging individuals to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires the Secretary to discontinue the study designed to determine if such a statement is appropriate for television advertisements. Deems a device to be misbranded if a direct-to-consumer television advertisement for such device does not include a statement encouraging individuals to report negative side effects of medical devices to the FDA. Sets forth civil monetary penalties for violations relating to the advertising and promotion of a drug or device. Allows the Secretary to order the distribution of materials to notify the public and the medical community of such a violation and to provide corrective information. Requires the Secretary to conduct an education campaign to increase public awareness of risks that, for some patients, may outweigh the benefits of using a particular drug or device. Authorizes additional appropriations to regulate direct-to-consumer drug and device advertisements.

Expressing support for designation of June 2008 as "National Safety Month".

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Expresses support for the designation of National Safety Month. Recognizes the contributions of the National Safety Council and its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the need for the implementation of safe practices in our schools and jobs.

Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008 - Requires the President to establish, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM education) within the National Science and Technology Council. Establishes an Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in the Department of Education, to be administered by an Assistant Secretary. Requires the Assistant Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of the STEM education programs administered by the department. Requires the Secretary of Education to award a grant to establish a voluntary State Consortium on STEM Education and a grant to the National Science Digital Library to establish a National STEM Education Research Repository.

A resolution calling upon the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California to uphold the fundamental and constitutional right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Commends the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles, California, for allowing a rehearing of the decision in the In re Rachel L. case, requiring parents to hold a teaching license in order to legally homeschool their children. Calls upon the court to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion that parents have a fundamental and constitutional right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) regarding delineation of lateral offshore state boundaries with respect to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as well as related oil and gas mineral rights. Amends the OCSLA with respect to Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) subsoil and seabed. Revises procedures governing natural gas lease administration. Prohibits the President from: (1) revising or revoking a withdrawal that is extended by a state; or (2) withdrawing from leasing any area for which a state has failed to prohibit leasing. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to include, in each five-year OCS leasing program, lease sales that, when viewed as a whole, propose to offer to lease at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area for oil and gas or natural gas. Prescribes conditions for a federal agency permit, without adjacent state concurrence, to construct a crude oil or petroleum products pipeline within the part of the adjacent state's Adjacent Zone that is withdrawn from oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Exempts lease suspensions and all preliminary activities on OCS tracks from the requirement to prepare environmental assessments or impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Program to manage wildlife and natural resources related to energy and minerals development on federal lands. Declares without force or effect existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing OCS oil and natural gas. Prohibits a federal agency from permitting certain activities on the federal OCS or in state waters that are incompatible with: (1) oil or natural gas leasing; and (2) full exploration and production of tracts geologically prospective for oil or natural gas. Requires the Secretary to repurchase and cancel certain federal oil and gas, geothermal, coal, oil shale, tar sands, or other mineral leases, whether onshore or offshore. Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends the OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for an artificial reef, scientific research, or any other use authorized for leases, easements, or rights-of-way for energy and related purposes. Redesignates the Mining and Mineral Resource Institutes Act of 1984 as the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to state-chartered petroleum or mining schools. Establishes the Office of Petroleum and Mining Schools. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory Committee on Petroleum, Mining, and Mineral Engineering and Energy and Mineral Resource Education. Authorizes grants to schools for career technical education. Establishes a Physical Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship Program. Directs the Secretary to establish OCS Regional Headquarters in designated locations. National Geo Fund Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for production of: (1) fuels from strategic unconventional resources; and (2) oil and gas resources using CO2 enhanced recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish grant programs for production of: (1) geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy; (2) liquid fuels; and (3) renewable energy from ocean waves, currents, and thermal resources. Grants the lessee of an existing oil and gas lease located completely within 100 miles of the coastline within the California or Florida Adjacent Zones the option of exchanging such lease for a new oil and gas lease having a primary term of five years. Amends OCSLA to repeal the coastal impact assistance program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement for payments for oil shale and tar sands leases. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prescribe requirements for treatment of oil shale or tar sands lease revenues and royalty rates for commercial leases. Amends OCSLA to make OCS receipts available in certain circumstances for payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the management of pain experienced by veterans, including department-wide management of acute and chronic pain, the standard of care, the consistent application of pain assessments, health care personnel education and training, and education for veterans and their families.

Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008 - Requires the President to establish, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM education) within the National Science and Technology Council. Establishes an Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in the Department of Education, to be administered by an Assistant Secretary. Requires the Assistant Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of the STEM education programs administered by the department. Requires the Secretary of Education to award a grant to establish a voluntary State Consortium on STEM Education and a grant to the National Science Digital Library to establish a National STEM Education Research Repository.

To direct the Attorney General to provide grants for Internet crime prevention education.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Directs the Attorney General to award grants to U.S. entities that assist elementary and secondary school administrators, faculty, and staff and law enforcement officials in implementing Internet crime prevention education. Defines "Internet crime prevention education" as programs that help parents, educators, and law enforcement officials to educate children and communities to recognize and prevent potentially criminal activity on the Internet, telephone, and other electronic means.

A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through June 30, 2008.

ACTION Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

AmeriCorps: Together Improving Our Nation Act or the ACTION Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to alter the formula for determining the amount of the national service educational award to base the award on the average cost of attending a four-year institution of higher education, rather than a portion of a veteran's basic educational assistance allowance. Excludes the national service educational award from an individual's gross income for tax purposes. Permits the Corporation for National and Community Service to support a national service program that is carried out by another federal agency and implements the priorities of such agency. Makes Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation a Cabinet position. Raises the Officer's compensation to Level I of the Executive Schedule.

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) identify the potential for avalanches on federal land and inform the public about the probability of avalanches and the potential adverse effects; (2) carry out ongoing research to improve avalanche forecasting; and (3) reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches. Requires the Secretary: (1) to coordinate the program to ensure protection for recreational users of public land under the Secretary's and Secretary of the Interior's jurisdiction, using resources of the Forest Service's National Avalanche Center; (2) to establish an advisory committee to assist in program development and implementation; and (3) with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out projects and activities to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation, utilities, and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and explosives required for avalanche control in specified areas; and (4) assist persons in providing public education about avalanches and in conducting research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects carried out in avalanche zones with a high frequency or severity of avalanches or in which deaths, injuries, or damage to public facilities and communities have occurred. Requires the Administrator of General Services to transfer specified property suitable for avalanche control purposes to a user of surplus ordnance.

Supporting the designation of Destination ImagiNation Week.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Commends the students, teachers, schools, and volunteers who participate in the Destination ImagiNation program, which promotes students' development of creativity, teamwork, and problem solving skills. Encourages more teachers and schools to participate in the program. Supports the designation of Destination ImagiNation Week.

To authorize funding to conduct a national training program for State and local prosecutors.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2008

Authorizes the National District Attorneys Association to use the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, for a training program to improve the professional skills of state and local prosecutors and to enhance the ability of federal, state, and local prosecutors to work together. Authorizes the National Advocacy Center to provide comprehensive legal education in trial practice, provide substantive legal updates, and support staff training.

Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2008

Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to military personnel to: (1) deem spouses of members of the Armed Forces with valid identification numbers to have a valid identification number for purposes of claiming a 2008 recovery rebate; (2) require tax-qualified pension plans to entitle survivors of plan participants who die while on active military duty to certain additional benefits and benefit accruals; (3) treat differential wage payments to employees who serve on military active duty as wages for withholding and retirement plan purposes; (4) extend the limitation period for filing refund claims arising from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability determinations; (5) allow tax-free rollovers of military death gratuities and life insurance benefits into survivor Roth individual retirement accounts (Roth IRAs) and education savings plans; (6) allow Peace Corps volunteers a five-year suspension of the use and ownership requirements applicable to the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a personnel residence; (7) allow employers a tax credit for differential wage payments made to their employees who are active duty members of the uniformed services; (8) treat state payments to members of the uniformed services as qualified military benefits for purposes of the tax exclusion of such benefits; (9) permit members of the military reserve called to active duty to withdraw amounts held in a flexible spending account without penalty; and (10) affirm that excludable tax rebates and other benefits paid to volunteer firefighters are not subject to employment or unemployment taxes. Makes permanent: (1) the election to include combat pay as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (2) the authority to use qualified mortgage bonds to finance residences for veterans; (3) penalty-free retirement account withdrawals for individuals called or ordered to active military duty; (4) the authority of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to disclose tax return information to the VA for benefit determinations; and (5) exclusion of gain provisions relating to the sale of a principal residence by certain employees of the intelligence community. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to treat cash remuneration paid to members of the uniformed services as earned income. Excludes certain state annuity payments to blind, disabled, or aged veterans and cash or in-kind benefits paid to AmeriCorps volunteers from supplemental security income determinations. Revises tax rules relating to U.S. citizens and permanent residents (expatriates) who relinquish citizenship or residency to avoid U.S. taxation. Treats certain foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies performing services under a contract with the U.S. government as U.S. employers for purposes of Social Security and Medicare employment taxes. Increases the minimum penalty for failure to file an individual income tax return. Extends through 2008 mental health parity requirements for group health plans.

Senior Year Community Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Senior Year Community Service Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to implement a national pilot program awarding six competitive grants to local educational agencies to establish local programs matching secondary school seniors to community service opportunities for which such students receive national service educational awards. Directs the Corporation to contract with an independent agency to study the effects of the national pilot program on the achievement of participating students. Requires the Corporation to plan an expansion of such program if it is shown to be effective in improving student achievement.

COACH Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Coaching Our Adolescents for College Heights Act or the COACH Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to award a contract to a nonprofit organization to establish a seven-year pilot program under which recent college graduates commit to two terms of service as coaches to high-achieving, low- or middle-income high school students in exchange for national service awards for each term of service. Requires such coaches, which are to total 100 and operate in no more than five school districts, to: (1) build a strong college-going culture for all students in high schools with historically low college attendance rates; and (2) provide limited cohorts of high-achieving, low- or middle-income students with guidance in studies suited to college-bound students, and support during the college search and application processes. Requires the nonprofit organization to raise $3 of nonfederal funds for every $1 of federal funds provided under the contract. Directs the Corporation to contract with an independent agency to study the effects of the pilot program on the achievement of participating students and students in participating high schools. Requires the Corporation to plan an expansion of such program if it is shown to be effective in improving student achievement.

GREEN Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Requires the Secretary of HUD to conduct a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of funding a portion of the costs of carrying out energy efficiency and conservation and green building measures for multifamily housing projects for which rental assistance is provided under a covered multifamily assistance program. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the aggregate outstanding principal obligation of mortgages on single-family housing meeting energy efficiency standards that are insured by the Secretary is not less than $1 billion; and (2) conduct an energy efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to require the disclosure of the number and dollar amount of mortgage loans that are energy efficient and location efficient. Prohibits insurers from denying homeowner insurance coverage or discriminating in coverage for structures that are not connected to, or not able to receive electricity from, electric power providers. Requires the Secretary to establish incentives for developers to: (1) increase the energy efficiency of multifamily housing; and (2) certify that trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants are planted properly. Sets forth provisions concerning energy saving techniques and energy performance requirements for manufactured homes. Requires the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to facilitate the financing of cost-effective capital improvements for covered assisted housing projects to improve their energy efficiency and conservation. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary to make grants for energy efficiency improvements in housing. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require state and local housing strategies to include provisions to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Requires the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit organizations to increase low-income community development capacity. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) direct the Secretary to ensure that public housing agencies will receive the full financial benefit from reductions in utility costs resulting from contracts to undertake energy conservation improvements in connection with revitalization plans; and (2) prohibit the Secretary from making grants for demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance unless the applicant's proposed revitalization plan meets green development requirements. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require federal financial supervisory agencies, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider specified energy efficiency and environmental ventures undertaken by the institution. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct: (1) federal financial institution regulatory agencies to require their standards for the performance of real estate appraisals to consider renewable energy sources for, or energy-efficiency or energy-conserving improvements or features of, the property in determining its value; and (2) the Appraisal Subcommittee to establish requirements for appraisers regarding energy-efficiency features and guidelines for appraising photovoltaic measures and training of appraisers. Directs the Secretary to require the Housing Assistance Council to establish incentives for compliance by structures assisted by the Secretary and HUD's Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development with energy efficiency requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to require federal banking agencies to prescribe guidelines encouraging the establishment and maintenance of green banking centers by insured depository institutions to provide consumers information on home energy ratings, financing for energy-saving improvements to property, and beneficial terms for mortgages or loans that meets energy-efficiency standards.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent. Reauthorizes the Glory Mission. Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). Sets forth provisions concerning environmental aviation research initiatives. Requires a review of NASA's aviation safety-related research programs. Requires the establishment of an aviation weather research program. Requires the awarding of grants for the establishment of university-based Centers for Research on Aviation Training. Sets forth provisions concerning NASA's lunar exploration activities. Requires the establishment of an exploration technology development program that is not tied to specific flight projects. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) a common docking system standard to maximize the ability to rescue astronauts from disabled space vehicles; and (2) a cross-directorate technology development program. Requires the development of a plan to restart the production of radioisotope thermoelectric generator material for deep space and other science missions. Ensures that the International Space Station (ISS) remains capable for potential U.S. utilization through at least 2020. Requires specified Space Shuttle flights to be flown prior to the retirement of the Space Shuttle. Requires development of a strategy for providing commercial launch services in support of NASA's small and medium-sized science, space operations, and exploration missions. Provides for notifying federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat. Sets forth requirements for the use of commercial crew transfer and crew rescue services. Requires: (1) a review of NASA's information security controls; (2) a report on intrusions of NASA's network resources; and (3) a review of NASA's laboratories. Requires a survey regarding astronaut health care. Increases the maximum award amount for an innovation prize. Sets forth provisions for specified earth science, aeronautics, international exploration, space science, and space operations activities, missions, initiatives, studies, and programs.

Green Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Green Schools Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program awarding matching grants to local educational agencies for green school construction and improvement projects that create healthy learning environments while saving natural resources and money. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend, through 2012, the Qualified Zone Academy Bond program (which provides tax credits to the holders of such bonds, which in turn finance low or no interest loans for the improvement of public schools serving low-income areas). Requires public school rehabilitation, repair, or equipment financed through such bonds to serve the green goals of creating healthy learning environments while saving natural resources and money.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any comprehensive plan to reform our national energy policy must promote the expanded use of renewable and alternative energy sources; increase our domestic refining capacity; promote conservation and increased energy efficiency; expand research and development, including domestic exploration; and, enhance consumer education.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, in order to meet our nation's growing long-term energy demands and maintain our economic viability in the world marketplace, any comprehensive and economically viable energy bill must address: (1) expanded use of renewable and alternative energy sources; (2) increased domestic refining capacity; (3) promotion and incentivization of increased conservation and energy efficiency; (4) expansion and promotion of additional research and development through methods such as public-private partnerships; and (5) enhanced consumer awareness and education regarding methods to increase energy efficiency and available alternative fuel sources.

Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Guard Youth Challenge Day.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Supports the goals and ideals of a National Guard Youth Challenge Day to improve the education, life skills, and employment potential of America's high school dropouts though public awareness, scholarships, higher education assistance, mentoring, and job development programs.

Internet Crime Prevention Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008

Internet Crime Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to i-SAFE, Inc., and to establish and administer competitive grant programs for organizations, to carry out Internet crime prevention education programs. Defines "Internet crime prevention education program" to mean a program for educating parents, children, educators, and communities to recognize and prevent potentially criminal activity on the Internet.

Preserving the American Historical Record Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008

Preserving the American Historical Record Act - Authorizes the Archivist of the United States to make grants to states to: (1) protect historical records; (2) use such records in new and creative ways; (3) provide education and training to those who care for historical records; and (4) create a wide variety of access tools, including finding aids, documentary editions, indexes, and images of key records maintained on state and local organization websites. Requires the Archivist to consult with state and local officials on criteria for making the grants.

THE SUCCESS AND SHORTFALL OF SELF- GOVERNANCE UNDER THE INDIAN SELF- DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT AFTER TWENTY YEARS

United States · United States Senate · 13 May 2008

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize certain aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among those aliens not subject to worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons who have earned a master's or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and who have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree.

National Security Culture and Language Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

National Security Culture and Language Training Act - Establishes an: (1) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Irregular Warfare, Cultural Training, and Social Sciences Initiatives; and (2) Office of Irregular Warfare, Cultural Training, and Social Sciences Initiatives. Requires the Office to, among other things: (1) devise and implement a training doctrine that includes the development of cultural, sociological, and psychological knowledge and skills for members of the Armed Forces; and (2) use existing military cultural training programs to expand training efforts for all military personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to pay: (1) a skill proficiency bonus to a regular or reserve member in training to acquire proficiency in a foreign language or expertise in foreign cultural studies or a related skill designated as critical by the Secretary concerned; and (2) incentive pay to a person enrolled in an officer training program to also participate in an education or training program to acquire such proficiency. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a pilot program to provide a skill proficiency bonus to a member of the reserves receiving compensation for inactive-duty training while participating in an education or training program to acquire such proficiency.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

Expressing support for designation of May as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Expresses support for the designation of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Encourages increased awareness about the prevalence of asthma and allergies and the disparities in asthma cases based on race, ethnicity, and economic status. Recognizes: (1) health care professionals that treat asthma- and allergy-related health issues; and (2) the nation's commitment to continued education surrounding asthma and allergy treatment and symptoms and to advancing care for both conditions.

STEM EDUCATION BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL: SHAPING OUR FUTURE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH LEADERS OF TOMORROW BY INSPIRING OUR CHILDREN TODAY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 May 2008

HONOR Warriors Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Honoring Our Nation's Obligation to Returning Warriors Act or HONOR Warriors Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Makes any Armed Forces member who serves in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services through Vet Centers regardless of whether the member is on active duty at the time of receipt of counseling and services. Directs the Secretary, on receipt of a request for counseling from an individual who has been discharged or released from active service, to: (1) provide referrals to assist the individual in obtaining mental health care and services outside the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2) if pertinent, advise such individual of the individual's rights to apply for review of the discharge or release. Treats the suicide of a former member that occurs within two years after separation or retirement, if the member had a medical history of a combat-related mental health condition, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as a death in line of duty for purposes of the survivors' eligibility to burial benefits and benefits under the Survivor Benefit Plan, laws administered by the Secretary, and the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces and deceased veterans through the survivors' peers. Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of various means of enhancing awareness among members of the Army of PTSD.

Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), military construction, and national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense programs; (3) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) working capital funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (12) additional costs due to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; (13) chemical demilitarization programs; (14) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program; (15) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (16) base closure and realignment activities; (17) war-related military construction; and (18) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (7) DOD contractor matters; (8) matters relating to Iraq and Afghanistan; (9) DOD organization and management, including space matters and defense intelligence matters; (10) DOD financial, counter-drug, and wounded warrior matters; (11) civilian personnel matters; (12) matters relating to foreign nations, including DOD participation in bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation programs; and (13) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies.

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation, including missile defense programs; (3) operation and maintenance, including environmental restoration; (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths; (5) working capital funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; and (12) additional costs due to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including officer and enlisted personnel policy; (2) military education and training, including defense dependents' education matters; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) retired pay and survivor benefits; (5) military health care; (6) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (7) DOD contractor matters; (8) matters relating to Iraq and Afghanistan; (9) DOD organization and management, including space matters and defense intelligence matters; (10) DOD financial, counter-drug, and wounded warrior matters; (11) civilian personnel matters; (12) matters relating to foreign nations, including DOD participation in bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation programs; and (13) cooperative threat reduction with states of the former Soviet Union.

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING: MARKETING, EDUCATION, OR DECEPTION?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 May 2008

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include among entities eligible for rural emergency medical service training and equipment grants entities that provide training for emergency medical services personnel, including institutions of higher education, technical colleges, community colleges, and other state-certified training entities; and (2) include among grant uses the provision of required coursework and training to enable military veterans to satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements, as determined by the appropriate state regulatory entity.

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 · 8 May 2008

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the country for their ongoing contributions to education and our public school system. Supports the ideas and goals of the ninth annual National Charter Schools Week (May 5-May 9, 2008).

Student Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Student Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction, up to $10,000 per year, for supplemental education expenses. Defines "supplemental education expenses" as expenses not required for the a student's enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school that are for academic tutoring designed to supplement or enhance the student's education and related books, supplies, and equipment.

Main Street U.S.A. Energy Security Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Main Street U.S.A. Energy Security Act of 2008 - Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon request of a state governor, to provide financial assistance to hire additional personnel with expertise in federal refinery authorizations. Directs the President to: (1) appoint a federal coordinator to implement a federal refinery authorization; and (2) designate certain closed military installations as potentially suitable refinery construction sites. Sets forth an oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revise the outer Continental Shelf leasing program. Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations for a natural resources enhancement program for management of fish, wildlife, and natural resources. Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary to use decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for artificial reef and scientific research. Redesignates as the Energy and Mineral Schools Reinvestment Act specified law governing mining and petroleum schools. Revises requirements for the funding of certain state-chartered petroleum or mining schools. National Geo Fund Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary to establish: (1) a fuel production program using strategic unconventional resources and CO2 enhanced recovery; and (3) a grant program to produce geothermal and geopressure oil and gas. Grants the lessee of an existing oil and gas lease located completely within 100 miles of the coastline of California or Florida Adjacent Zones the option, without compensation, of exchanging such lease for a new oil and gas lease having a primary term of five years. Amends OCSLA to: (1) repeal the coastal impact assistance program; and (2) provide conditional funds for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) revise incentives for innovative technologies; (2) authorize construction of nuclear power plants by 2010 (Nuclear Power 2010 Program); and (3) instruct the Secretary of Labor to promulgate implementing regulations for a nuclear energy workforce program. Creates an interagency working group to recommend coordinated federal promotion of increased domestic nuclear manufacturing capacity and export of domestic nuclear energy products and services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a qualifying nuclear power manufacturing tax credit. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Nuclear Energy Council; and (2) the President to establish a High Level Waste Authority with jurisdiction over nuclear waste contracts. Sets forth a program to develop coal-to-liquid manufacturing on federal land. Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify tax credits for: (1) renewable energy; (2) electricity produced from marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy; (3) electricity produced from the production of substitute natural gas from refined coal or petcoke; (4) new clean renewable energy bonds; (5) residential energy efficient property; (6) plug-in hybrid vehicles; (7) production of cellulosic ethanol; and (8) alternative fuels and vehicles. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a research and development program for blending transportation fuels derived from coal-to-liquids with transportation fuels derived from renewable sources; and (2) maintain four Bioenergy Research Centers.

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Veterans to Paramedics Transition Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) include among entities eligible for rural emergency medical service training and equipment grants entities that provide training for emergency medical services personnel, including institutions of higher education, technical colleges, community colleges, and other state-certified training entities; and (2) include among grant uses the provision of required coursework and training to enable military veterans to satisfy emergency medical services personnel certification requirements, as determined by the appropriate state regulatory entity.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 7 May 2008

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

United States · United States Senate · 7 May 2008

HIGHER EDUCATION IN AFRICA: MAKING THE LINK BETWEEN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 May 2008

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008

Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2008 - 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.

DNA Expansion and Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008

DNA Expansion and Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states and local governments to purchase or improve forensic DNA technology. Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) require grants under the DNA identification program to pay the salaries of employees of DNA criminal laboratories; (2) require grant applications under such program to provide assurances that states and local governments will implement a process for the collection of DNA samples from convicted felons in their prisons; (3) increase and extend through FY2014 the authorization of appropriations for the DNA identification program; and (4) require the Attorney General to give priority to grant applications that will use funds for crime laboratories with demonstrated training and personnel needs. Amends the Justice For All Act of 2004 to extend through FY2014 grants for: (1) DNA training and education for law enforcement and correctional personnel, forensic science professionals, and court officers; (2) sexual assault DNA identification; (3) research and development for DNA forensic technology; (4) the Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing Grant Program; and (5) DNA identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains.

Employers Financial Literacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Employers Financial Literacy Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small business taxpayers a tax credit for up to 35% of the costs of providing continuing financial education to their employees. Grants a preference to such small businesses in the awarding of federal contracts or assistance.

Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2008

Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist suppliers of drinking water in adapting to the effects of climate change. Requires research areas to include: (1) water quality and quantity impacts and solutions; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration; (3) infrastructure impacts and solutions; (4) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies; (5) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization; (6) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions; (7) utilities management, decision support systems, and water management models; (8) greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy demand management; (9) water conservation and demand management; and (10) communications, education, and public acceptance.

TAX INCENTIVES FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 May 2008

A bill to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing education or training in behavioral health care specialties that are critical to the operations of Vet Centers (centers for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans) in order to recruit and retain individuals with such specialties for service in Vet Centers. Conditions the scholarship on agreeing to serve in such a capacity for whatever period the Secretary specifies in the agreement. Makes any Armed Forces member who serves in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom eligible for readjustment counseling and related mental health services through Vet Centers regardless of whether the member is on active duty at the time of receipt of counseling and services. Directs the Secretary, on receipt of a request for counseling from an individual who has been discharged or released from active service, to: (1) provide referrals to assist the individual in obtaining mental health care and services outside the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2) if pertinent, advise such individual of the individual's rights to apply for review of the discharge or release. Treats the suicide of a former member that occurs within two years after separation or retirement, if the member had a medical history of a combat-related mental health condition, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as a death in line of duty for purposes of the survivors' eligibility to burial benefits and benefits under the Survivor Benefit Plan, laws administered by the Secretary, and the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide emotional support services for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces and deceased veterans through the survivors' peers.