Education

Public School Green Rooftop Program

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020

Public School Green Rooftop Program This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program for installing and maintaining green roof systems on public elementary and secondary school buildings. ( Green roof refers to a layer of vegetation that is planted over a waterproofing system or to a waterproof management practice that is installed on a roof and may support plant growth.) Specifically, DOE must award grants to public elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies, and partnerships with nonprofits organizations to (1) pay the costs of planning assistance for green roof systems on school buildings, such as assessing structures, conducting financial and engineering analyses, and receiving cost estimates; and (2) install green roof systems on these buildings. Additionally, a grant recipient must complete the installation of a green roof system within four years of receiving the grant. A grant recipient that completes this installation requirement shall receive additional funding for maintenance activities, such as conducting routine inspections to monitor the condition of the green roof.

Defense, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2021

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities. (The bill excludes military construction, military family housing, civil works projects of the Army Corps of Engineers, and nuclear warheads, which are all considered in other appropriations bills.) Within the DOD budget, the bill provides appropriations for Military Personnel; Operation and Maintenance; Procurement; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Revolving and Management Funds. The bill provides appropriations for Other Department of Defense Programs, including the Defense Health Program, Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, and the Office of the Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations for (1) Related Agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (2) Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

COVID–19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to health care providers, public health departments, tribal organizations, schools for social workers and health professionals, and other nonprofit entities for bias and anti-racism training to reduce disparities in COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response efforts. In administering these grants, HHS must give priority to, among others, recipients in communities with racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and death rates. In addition, HHS must develop requirements for bias and anti-racism training that aligns with continuing education requirements of applicable state licensing bodies, such as medical boards.

Jobs to Fight COVID–19 Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Labor to award grants to states and other governmental and native American entities to (1) support the recruitment, placement, and training of—and provide employment to—certain individuals seeking employment in COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) contact tracing and pandemic response positions; and (2) assist with the transition to new employment or education and training of these individuals in preparation for and upon termination of such employment. The employees must be paid at least the required prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services and state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments, must establish and implement a national evidence-based system for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, and mitigation. The CDC shall also award grants or contracts to these entities for such activities and to public entities to implement multilingual and culturally appropriate COVID-19 awareness campaigns.

To direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to develop, administer, and evaluate early childhood education apprenticeships, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

This bill establishes a grant program for states to develop, administer, and evaluate apprenticeship programs focused on early childhood education.

Pedestrian Safety Study Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

Pedestrian Safety Study Act of 2020 This bill directs the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration to jointly conduct a study on the effects of the high-speed rail project carried out in Florida by Virgin Trains USA, or any successor operator, on motorist and pedestrian safety, including the safety of individuals attending schools that are within one mile of such rail project.

To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide that COPS grant funds may be used for local law enforcement recruits to attend schools or academies if the recruits agree to serve in precincts of law enforcement agencies in their communities.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

This bill authorizes using certain grants to provide training to law enforcement recruits who agree to serve in their communities. Specifically, the Department of Justice (DOJ) may provide such a grant for a local law enforcement agency to provide training for a recruit who agrees to serve as a full-time law enforcement officer (1) for at least four of the eight years after completing the training, and (2) at a local law enforcement agency within a certain distance of the place where the recruit has resided for at least five years. The recruit must repay the costs of the training to the local law enforcement agency if the recruit does not meet these conditions. DOJ shall establish categories of extenuating circumstances that may excuse a recruit from repayment.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2020

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Wage and Hour Division, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and the Office of the Secretary. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Education for Education for the Disadvantaged; Impact Aid; School Improvement Programs; Indian Education; Innovation and Improvement; Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; English Language Acquisition; Special Education; Rehabilitation Services; Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; Career, Technical, and Adult Education; Student Financial Assistance; Student Aid Administration; Higher Education; Howard University; the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; the Institute of Education Sciences; and Departmental Management. The bill also provides appropriations to Related Agencies, including the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the National Council on Disability, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Mediation Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Social Security Administration. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2020

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to Interior for the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, the Office of the Special Trustee For American Indians, Departmental Offices, and Department-Wide Programs. The bill also provides appropriations to the EPA and the Forest Service. Within the Department of Health and Human Services, the bill provides appropriations for the Indian Health Service, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The bill provides appropriations to several related agencies, including the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Commission of Fine Arts, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. the National Capital Planning Commission, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Presidio Trust, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, and the World War I Centennial Commission. The bill also provides additional emergency funding to the Bureau of Indian Education, the EPA, and the Indian Health Service for school construction, infrastructure grants, and the construction of health care facilities. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize individuals who are pursuing programs of rehabilitation, education, or training under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to receive work-study allowances for certain outreach services provided through congressional offices, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020

This bill expands the list of work-study activities that qualify for payment of work-study allowances under Department of Veterans Affairs rehabilitation, training, and education programs. Under the bill, the following activities carried out at the offices of Members of Congress qualify as work-study activities: the distribution of information to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents concerning benefits and services; and the preparation and processing of documents, including those used to file veterans benefits claims.

Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to USDA for Agricultural Programs, including the Office of the Secretary, Executive Operations, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the Agricultural Research Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Marketing Service, and the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The bill also provides appropriations to USDA for Farm Production and Conservation Programs, including the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The bill provides appropriations to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. For USDA Rural Development programs, the bill includes appropriations for Rural Development Salaries and Expenses, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. The bill provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for Child Nutrition Programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program); the Commodity Assistance Program; and Nutrition Programs Administration. The bill provides appropriations to the Foreign Agricultural Service for (1) Food for Peace Title II Grants, and (2) McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants. The bill also provides appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

FLUENT Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020

Families Learning and Understanding English Together Act of 2020 or the FLUENT Act This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to establish a grant program to improve the literacy and English skills of English language learners. Specifically, ED may award grants to providers of family literacy services to provide these services to families with English language learners. These services may only be provided to a family in which each parent is 16 years of age or older and at least one child is under the age of 8. Further, ED must make grants to or enter into contracts with at least two national organizations with expertise in providing family literacy services to English language learners. These national organizations must provide grantees with technical assistance and training. Additionally, ED must annually evaluate the grant program. The bill also requires grantees to meet specified outcome measures.

CONFUCIUS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020

Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States Act or the CONFUCIUS Act This bill addresses China's influence on postsecondary educational institutions through Confucius Institutes, which are cultural institutes directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government. Specifically, the bill establishes requirements for postsecondary educational institutions that receive federal funding and that have contracts or agreements with Confucius Institutes. The contracts or agreements must include clear provisions that (1) protect the academic freedom of the institutions; (2) prohibit the application of foreign law on the institutions' campuses; and (3) grant full managerial authority of the institutes to the institutions, including full control over teaching plans, activities, research grants, and employment decisions.

American Farmers, Food Banks, and Families Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

American Farmers, Food Banks, and Families Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the position of Domestic Agriculture Supply Chain Administrator. The Administrator must carry out activities in the interest of assisting farmers in entering their products into the domestic market; act as a liaison to connect farmers with food banks, schools, grocers, restaurants, and nonprofit organizations to expand domestic market access for organizations that are in need of agricultural products; identify barriers, either regulatory or legal, that prevent or inhibit farmers from entering their products into the domestic market through food distribution networks or other entities; and make recommendations to USDA regarding the means by which to remove such barriers. Additionally, USDA must establish a catalog or data resource that is capable of recording (1) farms that have excess agricultural products, and (2) food distribution organizations that are in need of certain agricultural products.

Clean Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Clean Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2020 This bill addresses provisions related to clean energy and zero-emission electricity technology. Among these provisions, the bill (1) implements measures to deploy clean energy technologies and make them commercially available, including through the activities of a Clean Energy Deployment Administration within the Department of Energy; (2) sets forth requirements for a zero-emission electricity standard; (3) provides incentives to power companies for the accelerated deployment of a zero-emission electricity system, including tax credits and grants; (4) reauthorizes through FY2030 and revises the Weatherization Assistance Program; and (5) establishes a nationwide program to improve education and training for jobs in energy-related industries with existing or expected worker shortages.

Protecting Students from Cybercrimes Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Protecting Students from Cybercrimes Act This bill authorizes the Federal Bureau of Investigation to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to help prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to cybercrimes. LEAs must use grant funds for certain activities, such as establishing scholarship or apprenticeship programs to provide financial assistance to students who pursue careers in cybersecurity.

Transportation and Infrastructure Profession Opportunity Grants Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Transportation and Infrastructure Profession Opportunity Grants Act This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to provide education and training for transportation and infrastructure professions that are experiencing labor shortages or are in high demand. Entities eligible for these grants include local workforce development boards, states, territories, tribes, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and labor organizations.

Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2020 This bill extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to certain public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following a stressful situation while on duty. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty.

Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education that sponsor construction and manufacturing-oriented registered apprenticeship programs for (1) expanding or supporting outreach to high schools, local businesses, and local workforce development boards; and (2) providing academic advising programs and student support services to students who are enrolled in these apprenticeship programs.

COVS Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2020 or the COVS Act This bill allows federal agencies to directly transfer surplus computers and related technology to refurbishers for eventual distribution to schools, veterans, seniors, and other specified populations in need. The General Services Administration (GSA) may also transfer property it receives from other agencies to refurbishers for such purposes. Currently, the GSA operates the Computers for Learning Program, which distributes surplus computers and related technology from federal agencies to schools and educational nonprofits; the program does not allow property to be transferred directly to refurbishers.

FUTURE of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

Fundamentally Understanding the Usability and Realistic Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2020 or the FUTURE of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2020 This bill directs the Chief Technology Officer, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to establish a Federal Advisory Committee on the Development and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence to advise the President on matters relating to the development of artificial intelligence, including: U.S. competitiveness, including the promotion of investment into the development of artificial intelligence; the U.S. workforce, including the potential for using artificial intelligence for rapid retraining of workers, due to the possible effect of technological displacement; education, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to prepare workers as the needs of employers change; open sharing of data and research on artificial intelligence; international cooperation and competitiveness, including the competitive international landscape for artificial intelligence-related industries; matters relating to individual civil rights, including how rights are or will be affected by the use of artificial intelligence technology and whether such uses should be subject to additional controls, oversight, or limitations; and matters relating to urbanization and the development of smart cities.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program and recognizing the significant contributions of Albert Einstein Fellows.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020

This resolution recognizes the significance of the 30th anniversary of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program and supports the continuation of the program. (The program places science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers in positions with federal agencies and congressional offices.)

A MAJOR TEST: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 July 2020

Success for Rural Students and Communities Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2020

Success for Rural Students and Communities Act of 2020 This bill establishes a grant program through which the Department of Education may award funds to eligible partnerships to support rural postsecondary education and economic growth and development in rural communities. A grant recipient must be a partnership whose members represent at least three designated types of organizations, specifically (1) a local educational agency or educational service agency serving a rural area, (2) an institution of higher education (IHE), (3) a regional economic development entity, or (4) a rural community-serving organization with demonstrated success supporting rural students in accessing higher education and attaining degrees. A grant recipient must use awarded funds to carry out no fewer than two specified activities, namely (1) improving postsecondary enrollment rates for rural secondary school students, (2) increasing enrollment and completion rates of rural nontraditional students in degree programs at IHEs, (3) creating or strengthening academic programs at rural-serving IHEs to prepare graduates to enter into high-need occupations in the regional and local economies, or (4) generating local and regional economic development that creates employment opportunities for rural students with postsecondary degrees.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

United States · United States Senate · 2 July 2020

PLACE Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Promoting Local Arts and Creative Economy Workforce Act of 2020 or the PLACE Act This bill establishes or amends programs and activities to provide for opportunities for education or job training in a creative industry or occupation.

Library Stabilization Fund Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Library Stabilization Fund Act of 2020 This bill establishes and provides funds for a Library Stabilization Fund to assist libraries with responding to and recovering from the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) pandemic. Specifically, the bill directs the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to allocate funding to states, Indian tribes, and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. From these allocated funds, the IMLS must also make emergency library relief grants to state library administrative agencies with approved five-year plans, Indian tribes, and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. Additionally, the IMLS must allocate funding to carry out activities that strengthen the ability of libraries to provide services to communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The IMLS may enter into arrangements (e.g., grants and contracts) and other forms of assistance with libraries, library consortia and associations, and institutions of higher education to carry out these activities. Funds allocated by the bill may be used to provide support to libraries, such as by supporting general operations; paying staff; purchasing cleaning supplies; training library staff on the safe handling of library materials; providing access to computers and other technology; purchasing digital resources; expanding resources related to early education and literacy, distance learning, and workforce development training; and ensuring access to community services and activities.

Homeland Security Higher Education Advisory Council Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Homeland Security Higher Education Advisory Council Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a homeland security higher education advisory council. The council must make recommendations to DHS on matters concerning homeland security and the academic community, including the threat of foreign influence and interference in the United States, homeland security academic and research programs, issues relating to international students (e.g., visas), and cybersecurity.

National Institute of Manufacturing Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

National Institute of Manufacturing Act This bill establishes the National Institute of Manufacturing to serve as the central hub for federal manufacturing programs, and it directs the institute to coordinate such programs across agencies through a national strategic plan for manufacturing. The institute shall, among other things, (1) convene key stakeholders to develop a national strategic plan for manufacturing in the United States that identifies the needs and priorities of the U.S. manufacturing sector; (2) support and incentivize manufacturing-focused research, collaboration, and education; and (3) be the primary federal entity for all decisions related to manufacturing. Overseen by a Chief Manufacturing Officer, the institute shall be composed of various directorates (e.g., a Directorate for Technology Development and a Directorate for Trade), and the functions of specified federal manufacturing programs and offices shall be transferred to the institute and its directorates. The bill also permanently reauthorizes the U.S. Manufacturing Council of the International Trade Administration as the National Manufacturing Council, and it tasks the council with (1) ensuring regular communication between the federal government and the U.S. manufacturing sector, (2) advising the institute's Chief Manufacturing Officer on government policies and programs that affect U.S. manufacturing, and (3) ensuring the U.S. remains the leading destination for investment in manufacturing throughout the world. Lastly, the bill requires the Chief Manufacturing Officer to establish the manufacturing.gov hub , a section of the Department of Commerce's website that shall serve as the primary point for information relating to every federal manufacturing program.

1619 Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

1619 Act This bill expands the National Museum of African American History and Culture's educational programming. Specifically, the bill requires the museum to develop and nationally disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote understanding of notable events in African American history. It also authorizes various African American history education program activities to engage prospective and current teachers and educational leaders. Additionally, the museum must maintain on its website a special section designated for African American history education resources.

PROTECT Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Providing Resources for Ongoing Training and Education in Cyber Technologies Act of 2020 or the PROTECT Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program.

A resolution recognizing the forthcoming centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

This resolution recognizes the forthcoming centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The resolution, among other things acknowledges the historical significance of this event as one of the largest single instances of state-sanctioned violence against black people in American history; honors the lives and legacies of the estimated 300 black individuals who were killed during the massacre and the nearly 9,000 who were left homeless and penniless; condemns efforts to cover up the truth and shield the white community, especially government officials, from accountability; condemns the continued legacy of racism and white supremacy against black people in the United States, particularly in the form of police brutality; encourages education about the massacre, the history of white supremacy that fueled the massacre, and subsequent attempts to deny or cover up the massacre, in all elementary and secondary education settings and in institutions of higher education; and recognizes the commitment of Congress to acknowledge and learn from the history of racism and racial violence to reverse the legacy of white supremacy and fight for racial justice.

Library Stabilization Fund Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Library Stabilization Fund Act of 2020 This bill establishes and provides funds for a Library Stabilization Fund to assist libraries with responding to and recovering from the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) pandemic. Specifically, the bill directs the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to allocate funding to states, Indian tribes, and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. From these allocated funds, the IMLS must also make emergency library relief grants to state library administrative agencies with approved five-year plans, Indian tribes, and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians. Additionally, the IMLS must allocate funding to carry out activities that strengthen the ability of libraries to provide services to communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The IMLS may enter into arrangements (e.g., grants and contracts) and other forms of assistance with libraries, library consortia and associations, and institutions of higher education to carry out these activities. Funds allocated by the bill may be used to provide support to libraries, such as by supporting general operations; paying staff; purchasing cleaning supplies; training library staff on the safe handling of library materials; providing access to computers and other technology; purchasing digital resources; expanding resources related to early education and literacy, distance learning, and workforce development training; and ensuring access to community services and activities.

Minority Business Resiliency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

Minority Business Resiliency Act of 2020 This bill permanently authorizes the Minority Business Development Agency and provides additional funding for the agency to assist minority businesses affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires the agency to (1) promote and administer minority business development programs in the public and private sectors, and (2) carry out programs that increase access to capital, management, and technology for such businesses. The bill provides statutory authority for the agency's existing initiatives. Such initiatives include the Minority Business Development Center Program, which is a national network of public-private partnerships that assist, provide counseling and mentoring to, and facilitate the growth of minority businesses. The bill also establishes new initiatives to promote resiliency for minority businesses, such as (1) an annual government-business forum to review the status of problems and programs relating to capital formation by minority businesses, (2) an agency study on opportunities to provide alternative financing solutions to minority businesses, and (3) grants to institutions of higher education for developing and implementing entrepreneurship curricula.

Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms Act This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to designate organizations as National Centers of Excellence in Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Prevention, Response, and Mitigation. An algal bloom is a rapid growth of algae that may create toxic or hypoxic (severely low-oxygen) conditions that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. To be eligible for designation, an organization must be an institution of higher education, a government research agency, a nonprofit laboratory or other research entity, or a consortium of such institutions; have demonstrated expertise and success in harmful algal bloom research, monitoring, forecasting, prevention, or response efforts; have demonstrated ability to collaborate with local, state, territorial, and tribal governments and federal agencies on harmful algal blooms; and be located in an area that is economically and environmentally impacted by harmful algal blooms. In designating National Centers of Excellence, NOAA must (1) consult with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia; (2) ensure regional balance by designating centers in a variety of locations throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and other territories and possessions of the United States; and (3) avoid duplication of other harmful algal bloom research. Each designation shall be effective for five years and reviewed by NOAA in the fourth year of such effective period. The designation may be renewed for an additional five-year period.

Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and modifies use of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which provides funding for several things, including fisheries conservation and management, water and boating infrastructure, and recreational boating safety. The bill modifies use of the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund, which supports wildlife restoration, conservation, and hunter education and safety programs. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on (1) the increasing use of nonmotorized vessels and their impacts on motorized and nonmotorized vessel access, (2) user conflicts at waterway access points, (3) the use of Sport Fish Restoration Program funds to improve nonmotorized vessel access and the reasons for providing such access, and (4) the use of Recreational Boating Safety Program funds for nonmotorized boating safety programs. The GAO shall consult with the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the National Boating Safety Advisory Council on study design, scope, and priorities for the report.

To establish a grant program for domestic maritime workforce training and education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to award maritime career training grants to institutions of higher education and postsecondary vocational institutions for the purpose of developing, offering, or improving educational or career training programs for American workers related to the maritime workforce. Each awarded grant may not exceed $20 million. DOT must award grants based on a determination of the merits of the grant proposal submitted by the institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational institution to develop, offer, or improve maritime educational or career training programs to be made available to workers; an evaluation of the likely employment opportunities available to workers who complete a maritime educational or career training program that the institution proposes to develop, offer, or improve; an evaluation of prior demand for training programs by workers in the community served by the institution, as well as the availability and capacity of existing maritime training programs to meet future demand for training programs; and any prior designation of the institution as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.

Professional Military Education Review Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Professional Military Education Review Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Defense to submit to Congress a specified report on the status of the professional military education enterprise.

Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act This bill establishes, within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), grant programs for health professional education and training. It also requires the National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) to study the documentation requirements for cognitive services under Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers, including administrative and labor costs of such documentation. For the first grant program, HHS must award matching grants to states for scholarships to ensure an adequate supply of health professionals. As a condition of receiving scholarships, recipients must agree to work in areas with shortages of health care providers for one year for each year they receive the scholarship. For the second grant program, HHS must award grants to medical and other health professions schools to improve curricula for, and education and training on, certain priority competencies, such as patient-centered medical homes and chronic disease management. The Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry shall select these competencies annually. For the last grant program, HHS may award grants to medical schools for primary care mentorship programs to support faculty who serve as mentors and encourage interest in primary care among students.

Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020 This bill establishes refinancing programs for federal and private student loans. Specifically, it allows certain borrowers to refinance their federal student loans down to lower interest rates, and creates the Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loan to allow certain borrowers to refinance their private student loans.

Recognizing the forthcoming centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

This resolution recognizes the forthcoming centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The resolution, among other things acknowledges the historical significance of this event as one of the largest single instances of state-sanctioned violence against black people in American history; honors the lives and legacies of the estimated 300 black individuals who were killed during the massacre and the nearly 9,000 who were left homeless and penniless; condemns efforts to cover up the truth and shield the white community, especially government officials, from accountability; condemns the continued legacy of racism and white supremacy against black people in the United States, particularly in the form of police brutality; encourages education about the massacre, the history of white supremacy that fueled the massacre, and subsequent attempts to deny or cover up the massacre, in all elementary and secondary education settings and in institutions of higher education; and recognizes the commitment of Congress to acknowledge and learn from the history of racism and racial violence to reverse the legacy of white supremacy and fight for racial justice.

Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020 This bill establishes refinancing programs for federal and private student loans. Specifically, it allows certain borrowers to refinance their federal student loans down to lower interest rates, and creates the Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loan to allow certain borrowers to refinance their private student loans.

Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act This bill establishes measures related to expanding broadband infrastructure and access in unserved and underserved communities. The bill creates the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, and it provides funding for programs that (1) promote digital equity and broadband capacity building, (2) provide discounts on broadband service for low-income consumers, and (3) subsidize internet services for schools and libraries. The bill establishes specified transparency requirements, such as making federal broadband data available to local governments. It also requires the Federal Communications Commission to expand broadband access for unserved and underserved communities and make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for support under the E-Rate program.

A resolution recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and the need for greater access to music education for African-American students and designating June 2020 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

This resolution designates June 2020 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. The resolution also recognizes the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States. Finally, the resolution recognizes Black History Month and African-American Music Appreciation Month as important times to celebrate this impact and to encourage greater access to music education.

Money Mule Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Money Mule Awareness Act This bill directs financial regulatory agencies to encourage consumer education at depository institutions regarding the risk of transferring illegally acquired money on behalf of another person.

Military Spouse Student Loan Deferment Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Military Spouse Student Loan Deferment Act This bill allows certain military spouses to defer payment on their federal student loans for 90 days. Specifically, borrowers are eligible to receive this deferment if (1) their spouse is an active duty service member of the Armed Forces, (2) they have lost their employment due to a permanent change in duty station of their spouse, and (3) they provide certain documentation to the Department of Education. Loan interest shall not accrue during the deferment period.

Selected Reserve Education Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Selected Reserve Education Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act This bill increases, to the greater of 20% or $1000, the maximum amount of certain education loans that the Department of Defense may repay for members of the Selected Reserve under the education loan repayment program. Under current law, the maximum amount is the greater of 15% or $500.

Don’t Block LGBTQ Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Don't Block LGBTQ Act of 2020 This bill prohibits elementary schools, secondary schools, or libraries that receive discount rates for telecommunications services under the universal service support program from blocking internet access to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer resources. The bill does not prohibit schools or libraries from blocking content that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.

Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act This bill provides approximately $430 billion in FY2020 appropriations for child care, child abuse prevention and treatment, elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education, and career and technical education in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The amounts provided by the bill are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) and the Senate PAYGO rule.

College Athlete Pandemic Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020

College Athlete Pandemic Safety Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) to take certain health and safety actions to respond to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), specifically for college athletes. Specifically, the bill prohibits IHEs from (1) allowing any individual to agree to a liability waiver for any sporting activity, or (2) canceling a scholarship or any other financial aid provided to a college athlete who does not participate in team activities due to concerns about COVID-19. Further, each IHE must inform its college athletes when a college athlete or a staff member of its athletic department tests positive for COVID-19, without revealing any personally identifiable information about the individual. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must, within 90 days, develop health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 for athletic departments of IHEs. IHEs must comply with these guidelines. The bill also provides a private right of action for individuals affected by violations of the bill.