Education

Canine Detection Team Augmentation and Certification Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006

Canine Detection Team Augmentation and Certification Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) increase the number of trained canine detection teams of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at specified federal agencies; and (2) notify specified congressional committees if any such agency is unable to achieve the increase required. Directs the Secretary to: (1) fully coordinate the Department's canine training programs that support its counter-terrorism, counter-smuggling, transportation security, border security, and other missions; (2) ensure that the Department is maximizing its use of existing training facilities and resources to train canines throughout the year; and (3) coordinate the use of detection canines trained by other federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and private training facilities to increase the number of trained detection canines available to law enforcement agencies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make it a priority to increase the number of domestically bred canines used by the Department to assist its counter-terrorism mission; (2) increase the utilization of domestically bred canines from universities and private and nonprofit sources; and (3) consult with other federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and private entities that use detection canines, as well as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to encourage domestic breeding of canines and to consolidate canine procurement across the federal government. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for domestic breeders of canines; and (2) establish a Homeland Security Canine Detection Accreditation Board.

Expand and Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2006

Expand and Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit to holders of school construction bonds. Sets forth requirements for issues of school construction bonds, including that: (1) 95% of the proceeds of such bonds must be used to construct new elementary and secondary school facilities and provide equipment for such schools; (2) local education agencies must require private business contributions of not less than 10% of the proceeds of an issue; and (3) bonds must be used for schools which meet specified criteria relating to curriculum, the alleviation of classroom overcrowding, and student-teacher ratios. Provides for a national school construction bond limitation of $400 million in 2007 and 2008.

Fishery Management Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2006

Fishery Management Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require determinations that a fishery is depleted (currently, overfished) or approaching being depleted to be based on the best scientific information available, subject to peer review, and include an explanation of the cause or causes of the depleted condition of the fishery. Sets forth circumstances under which the rebuilding deadline may be extended for an individual stock of fish within a multispecies fishery in which more than one stock of fish is subject to a management plan, amendment, or regulation. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to a depleted fishery due to unsustainable fishing, to notify a Regional Fishery Management Council and request action be taken to end the unsustainable fishing in such fishery and to implement conservation and management measures to rebuild affected fish stocks. Provides grants for qualifying health care coverage programs to provide benefits to individuals employed in the fishing industry (including their families). Establishes the Federal Fishery Research Network to conduct research on fishery management issues. Requires federal inspection of fishing vessel safety instruction and emergency drill records. Authorizes grants for fishing vessel safety training and instruction sessions (including purchase of safety equipment). Requires a holder of an individual fishing quota to be a U.S. citizen. Provides grants to construct or improve wharves in coastal areas for commercial fishing use. Establishes the Fishery Science Education Program to increase the number of post-baccalaureate degrees in fishery science.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2006 and 2008 through 2011.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2006

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2006 and FY2008-FY2011. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2006-FY2011 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security and specified major functional categories for FY2006-FY2011. Requires the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to report a reconciliation bill to the Senate that reduces budget authority and outlays. Provides for certain reserve funds for: (1) the uninsured; (2) health information technology; (3) the Asbestos Injury Trust Fund; (4) safe importation of prescription drugs; (5) reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act; (6) comprehensive immigration reform; (7) Indian claim settlement; (8) the National Flood Insurance Program; (9) protection of America's competitive edge; (10) the Land and Water Conservation Fund; (11) chronic care case management; and (12) receipts from Bonneville Power Administration. Prohibits Senate legislation that would require advanced appropriations, with a specified exception. States that new budget authority, outlays, and receipts resulting from designated emergency requirements (meeting specified criteria) pursuant to this resolution, in any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this resolution (relating to discretionary and directing spending limits in the Senate), the FY2006 budget resolution (relating to the long term direct spending), and the FY2004 budget resolution (relating to the PAYGO requirement in the Senate), until the adoption of a subsequent budget resolution. Limits such designated emergency requirements for FY2007 to $90 billion for the global war on terrorism and other emergencies, including U.S. border security initiatives and pandemic influenza initiatives. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Requires the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to notify the Senate of a Medicare funding warning.

ACE Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

American Competitiveness through Education Resolution or the ACE Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress should: (1) increase education tax benefits, Pell Grants, and the affordability of student loans; (2) keep its promises to children by fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Head Start Act; and (3) reject the cuts in the President's education budget for FY2007.

To amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to modify the definition of "Indian student count".

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 with respect to grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institutions that are not receiving federal support under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Act to provide basic support for the education and training of Indian students. Revises the definition of "Indian student count" (essential to the formula for the determination of grant amounts).

National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education Amendments Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act with respect to the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education (Foundation). Requires the Foundation Board to appoint a chief operating officer for the Foundation separate from the Secretary of the Interior (who currently acts as chief operating officer). Places limitations on the administrative costs of the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2009. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds to pay the operating expenses of the Foundation.

To extend the educational flexibility program under section 4 of the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out the educational flexibility (Ed-Flex) program to allow states that were in the program on September 30, 2004, to continue to waive statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to certain federally-funded education programs until the reauthorization of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Higher Education Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

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

Recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2006

Declares the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school. Recognizes NAMM, the International Music Products Association, for its efforts to emphasize the importance of school music programs in the academic and social development of children.

National Innovation Act--Commerce Provisions

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

National Innovation Act--Commerce Provisions - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering. Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Requires the Director of the NSF to conduct a study regarding how the federal government should support, through research, education, and training, the new discipline of service science.

21st Century Innovation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

21st Century Innovation Act of 2006 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award scholarships to students who: (1) are enrolled in undergraduate programs concurrently offering degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and elementary or secondary school teacher certification; and (2) agree to teach in such fields for at least five years. Awards matching grants to institutions of higher education to establish such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) state and local educational agencies to establish summer institutes offering elementary and secondary school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers continuing education, and to train them to provide advanced courses; and (2) institutions of higher education offering part-time master's degree programs to such middle and secondary school teachers. Augments the funding available for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers program at designated federal agencies. Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish programs awarding undergraduate and graduate scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on the basis of criteria to be established by the Secretary, but addressing areas of national need identified by program advisory bodies. Creates a Presidential Innovation Award, periodically conferring a medal upon individuals who develop unique scientific or engineering ideas serving the national interest. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure which shall prioritize funding provided to the NSF and the Department of Energy (DOE) under this Act for the construction and maintenance of higher education and federal research facilities. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the extended stay of aliens who obtain the equivalent of a doctorate in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other fields deemed important to the national interest, and seek or secure employment in such fields. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the DOE to award competitive energy research and development grants and contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia of such entities, which may include federal laboratories, to reduce our dependence on energy imports by 50% over the next 10 years. Provides for the recoupment and redeployment of such funding.

National Nurse Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

National Nurse Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Nurse within the Office of Public Health and Science to: (1) encourage individuals to enter the nursing profession; (2) encourage nurses to become educators in schools of nursing; and (3) promote the public health. Requires the National Nurse to: (1) designate four methods of achieving better health that will be given priority; and (2) make grants to nonprofit private entities to carry out projects for the purpose of educating the public on the annual health priorities.

Expressing the continued support of Congress for requiring an institution of higher education to provide military recruiters with access to the institution's campus and students at least equal in quality and scope to that which is provided to any other employer in order to be eligible for the receipt of certain Federal funds.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2006

Expresses continued support for conditioning an institution of higher education's receipt of certain federal funds on its providing military recruiters with the same access to its campus and students as it provides to any other employer.

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2006 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires the Office to ensure that a range of health benefits plans are provided, including one that provides the same benefits as the government-wide plan available to federal employees. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Prohibits varying premium rates based on health-status related factors, gender, class of business, or claims experience. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.

To provide for certain access to national crime information databases by schools and educational agencies for employment purposes, with respect to individuals who work with children.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2006

Directs the Attorney General, at the request of certain state education officials, to conduct fingerprint-based checks of public or private school employees, job applicants, or volunteers for positions involving work with or around children. Restricts the disclosure of information from such checks. Imposes criminal penalties for unauthorized use or release of such information.

A bill to extend the educational flexibility program under section 4 of the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out the educational flexibility (Ed-Flex) program to allow states that were in the program on September 30, 2004, to continue to waive statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to certain federally-funded education programs until the reauthorization of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Right TRACK Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Right Time to Reinvest in America's Competitiveness and Knowledge Act or Right TRACK Act - Amends specified federal laws to establish: (1) the Presidential Research and Development Advisory Committee to advise the President on the allocation of federal resources in education and technology development; and (2) an interagency working group to develop collaborative research in biomedical, science, engineering, and technology research. Makes permanent the extension of a research and development (R&D) tax credit. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2013 to increase funding of R&D activities of certain federal agencies. Allows a tax credit for the purchase of nanotechnology developer stocks. Establishes a national broadband policy for improving and expanding broadband access in the United States by 2010. Sets forth reauthorizations for Amtrak. America's Better Classroom Act of 2005 - Allows a tax credit to holders of qualified public school modernization bonds. New National Defense Education Act - Requires a biennial national assessment of student achievement and grade 12 student preparedness in reading, mathematics, and science. Authorizes prekindergarten through grade 16 student preparedness council grants to states to ensure a state's academic content and student academic achievement standards and assessments meet certain benchmarks. Makes competitive grants to institutions of higher education to improve the recruitment of teachers from students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, or a critical-need foreign language. Requires an eligible state to provide contract for educational opportunity (CEO) grants to low-income students who complete CEO requirements and enroll in a two-or four-year degree-granting institution of higher education. Provides for grants to: (1) improve mathematics, science, and engineering and technology education infrastructure in public elementary schools and secondary schools and to provide scholarships to make higher education tuition free for low-income and middle-income undergraduate and graduate students to earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and critical-need foreign languages; and (2) develop programs that expose public elementary and secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate students to foreign languages and cultures. Requires an employer to give 90-day notice before ordering the offshoring of jobs. Defines as foreign base company income and taxable as subpart F income any imported property income derived by a foreign corporation in a taxable year. United States Workers Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits: (1) outsourced federal government work or a contract for the procurement of goods or services from being performed outside the United States unless certain requirements are met; and (2) the disbursement of federal funds to a state if any of the funds will be spent for goods or services performed outside the United States. Limits the application of certain trade authorities procedures implementing bilateral or regional trade agreements unless such agreements prohibit forced and compulsory labor and child labor. Imposes an additional duty on any article from a country that manipulates the rate of exchange between its currency and the U.S. dollar unless the President certifies to Congress that such country is no longer manipulating the rate to gain an unfair competitive advantage in international trade. Global Worker Fairness Act - Establishes a wage insurance program for workers displaced due to unfair trade competition. Trade Adjustment Assistance Equity for Service Workers Act of 2006 - Extends trade adjustment assistance (TAA) to workers in a service sector firm or a public agency. Authorizes the payment of amounts for training of adversely affected workers due to unfair trade competition through FY2012. Workers Equity Act - Permits TAA where an employer has shifted production of like articles to a foreign country that has been extended permanent normal trade relations by the United States. Establishes an Office of Community Trade Adjustment in the Department of Commerce to coordinate the federal response to economic dislocation. Employee Free Choice Act - Certifies a bargaining representative without directing an election if a majority of the bargaining unit employees have authorized designation of the representative and there is no other currently certified or recognized exclusive employee representative. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2006 - Sets forth graduated increases of the federal minimum wage up to $7.25 an hour.

Emergency Targeted Revenue Sharing Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Emergency Targeted Revenue Sharing Act of 2006 - Authorizes and makes appropriations for FY2007-2009 for financial assistance to states and their local governments for: (1) assistance for education; and (2) general revenue sharing. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make allotments of such funds to states, with 50% of such allotments to be distributed by states among their local governments. Bases the amount of a state's allotment and of a local government's share upon relative: (1) school-age population, in the case of education assistance; and (2) general population, in the case of general revenue sharing.

Childhood Obesity Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Childhood Obesity Reduction Act - Establishes a Congressional Council on Childhood Obesity to engage in the following activities to encourage every U.S. elementary and middle school to develop and implement a plan to reduce and prevent obesity, promote improved nutritional choices, and promote increased physical activity: (1) work with outside experts to develop the Congressional Challenge to Reduce and Prevent Childhood Obesity; (2) develop and maintain a website on best practices for reducing and preventing childhood obesity; (3) assist schools in establishing goals for the healthy reduction and prevention of childhood obesity; (4) consult and coordinate with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and other federal initiatives that are conducting activities to reduce and prevent childhood obesity; (5) reward elementary schools, middle schools, and local educational agencies promoting innovative, successful strategies; (6) provide information to secondary schools; and (7) designate model plans for reducing and preventing childhood obesity that are submitted by schools as Congressional Challenge winners. Establishes the National Foundation for the Prevention and Reduction of Childhood Obesity as a nonprofit private corporation to support and carry out activities to prevent and reduce childhood obesity, including by: (1) establishing a fund to provide endowments for positions within the Council and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) associated with reducing childhood obesity; (2) evaluating model plans used by schools; and (3) making Challenge awards to schools and local agencies for developing and implementing such plans. Requires creation of a committee to incorporate the Foundation under state laws, establish its policies and bylaws, provide for its initial operation, and appoint members of its board of directors.

Emergency Moratorium Testing Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Emergency Moratorium Testing Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) (as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) to extend deadlines for implementing certain academic assessments. Directs the Secretary of Education to encourage states, during the three-year period beginning upon enactment of this Act, to place a moratorium on the administration of all standardized tests. Requires each state desiring to receive a grant under ESEA title I part A, beginning after such three-year period, to report annually to the Secretary on all standardized tests administered to elementary or secondary students in the state.

Katrina Health Access, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Katrina Health Access, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide low-interest loans to small business concerns located in a Hurricane Katrina-affected area for the restoration of health care and health care services. Provides for tax credits, deductions, and grants for medical malpractice insurance and medical liability insurance for providers located in such areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to make payments from the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund (established under this Act) for capital financing assistance to eligible health care facilities located in such an area for replacement, modernization and renovation projects, and capital equipment acquisition. Requires the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements to enable higher education institutions in such an area to resume health care-related programs. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Director of the Office of Minority Health, to designate as medically needy Katrina recovery zones areas located in a Hurricane Katrina-affected area that experience disproportionate racial and ethnic disparities in health status and health care. Provides for grants to: (1) such recovery zones; (2) public health facilities for constructing, modernizing, or repairing health facilities damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina; and (3) organizations in a Hurricane Katrina-affected area seeking to improve health of minorities and reduce health disparities. Requires states to provide Disaster Relief Medicaid Assistance to Katrina survivors as a condition of participation in the Medicaid program.

Innovation and Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Innovation and Competitiveness Act - Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2006 - Amends federal law concerning the power of a state to impose a net income tax on income derived from interstate commerce to extend the exemption from such tax with respect to solicitations for, and sales of, tangible personal property shipped from outside the state to all other forms of property, services, and other transactions fulfilled from a point outside the state. Makes such net income tax prohibitions applicable to other business activity taxes specified by this Act. Prohibits imposing a net income tax or other business activity tax on a person's activities in interstate commerce unless such person has a physical presence in the state during the taxable period with respect to which the tax is imposed. Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2006- Amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Signing of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to Court; Sanctions) with respect to mandatory court sanctions for frivolous lawsuits and award of attorney's fees to parties prevailing on Rule 11 motions. Applies Rule 11 to state civil actions that substantially affect interstate commerce. Requires personal injury claims filed in state or federal court to be filed in the county or federal district meeting specified requirements. Requires a federal district court to suspend from the practice of law for one year (or longer, at the court's discretion) an attorney found to have violated Rule 11 three or more times. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that an attempt to litigate a claim or defense involving the same plaintiff and defendant that has been litigated and lost on three consecutive prior occasions is a Rule 11 violation. Imposes additional sanctions for the willful and intentional destruction of documents highly relevant to a federal court proceeding. Requires public disclosure of the record of a Rule 11 proceeding, except in specified circumstances. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program with an Innovation Scholarship program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to: (1) award funds to a private nonprofit organization to administer, through a public-private partnership, a Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarships program for postsecondary and graduate students who commit to five consecutive years of service in a science, engineering, or mathematics field; (2) cover the student loan interest obligations of mathematics, science, or engineering professionals and elementary and secondary school teachers who commit to five consecutive years of service in such positions; and (3) award grants to states to establish, expand, or reform state mathematics and science education coordinating councils where education, business, and community leaders collaborate to improve teacher recruitment and training and student performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Investment in America Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) increase the rates of the alternative incremental tax credit for research activities; and (3) allow a taxpayer to elect an alternative simplified tax credit for certain research expenses. Health Care Choice Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of the primary state (as designated by the health insurance issuer) to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in both the primary state and any secondary state if the coverage and issuer meet certain requirements. Health Information Technology Promotion Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to oversee the nationwide implementation of interoperable health information technology. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to provide for establishment of uniform confidentiality and security standards with respect to individually identifiable patient health information. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from taking any action to impede the development of seamless mobility (the ability of a user and a user's connecting devices to move easily among Internet-protocol enabled technology platforms, facilities, and networks).

Promote Responsibility by Improving Development Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Promote Responsibility by Improving Development Education Act of 2006 - Character Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated in FY2007 for the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Reserves a specified amount of such Fund's appropriations in FY2007 and FY2008 for the Partnerships in Character Education program. Directs the Comptroller General to develop a model state character education curriculum. Childhood Adoption Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for adoption expenses and make it refundable. Increases the tax exclusion for employer-paid adoption expenses. Amends title IV, part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of the Social Security Act to increase the levels of adoption incentive payments to states and the FY2006-FY2008 authorization of appropriations for such payments. Borrower's Bill of Rights Act - Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Financial Education in the Department of the Treasury. Amends the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act to direct such Secretary to establish a financial literacy pilot program for middle and high school students. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) require that mandatory disclosures governing loan transactions be easy for consumers to comprehend; (2) prohibit loan flipping and mandatory arbitration; (3) lower the interest rate threshold for high-cost mortgages; (4) require creditors to ensure that consumers receive counseling before extending credit to them under high-cost mortgages; and (5) limit the rollover or refinancing of payday loans with the same creditor. Amends the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 to repeal the preemption of state mortgage usury laws. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to provide that a state's laws or constitution which expressly limit loan interest, rates, or other charges apply to all depository institutions and credit unions doing business in the state with customers who reside in or are located in the state. Amends the federal bankruptcy code to set an employee's claim to a debtor's equity securities held in a pension fund within the fourth order of priority and exempts such benefits from subordination agreement constraints. Increases the amount of an employee's earnings and benefits within such priority order.

Worker Amnesty and Opportunity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2006

Worker Amnesty and Opportunity Act of 2006 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for legal permanent resident status for certain undocumented or nonimmigrant aliens who are: (1) alien workers in an employee-shortage occupation and sponsored by a labor organization; (2) eligible for admission at a U.S. institution of higher education; or (3) at least 65 years old.

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

United States · United States Senate · 1 March 2006

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

United States · United States Senate · 1 March 2006

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the tax credit for holders of qualified zone academy bonds.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax credit allowed to holders of qualified zone academy bonds to: (1) extend through 2007 the authority for issuing such bonds and the national limitation amounts for such bonds; (2) allocate, after 2005, the bond limitation among states based upon grant amounts received by such states for disadvantaged students under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) permit the use of such bonds for constructing public school facilities and for the acquisition of land for such facilities; (4) permit all taxpayers to qualify for the tax credit (currently restricted to banks, finance and insurance companies); and (5) allow the ownership of such bonds and the credit entitlement for holding such bonds to be separate.

Businesses Supporting Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Businesses Supporting Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow business entities a tax credit for contributions to a tax-exempt education scholarship organization which provides scholarships to elementary or secondary school students from low or moderate income families. Limits the annual amount of such credit to $100,000. Imposes a penalty tax on education scholarship organizations that fail to make required distributions of scholarship funds.

Affordable College Education Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2006

Affordable College Education Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax deduction for higher education expenses by: (1) increasing the types of higher education expenses eligible for the deduction (2) eliminating the dollar limitations on the deduction; and (3) making the deduction permanent. Increases from $50,000 to $350,000 the modified adjusted gross income ceiling used to calculate the phaseout of the tax deduction for interest on education loans. Adjusts such ceiling for inflation after 2006. Makes the sunset provision (i.e., termination date of December 31, 2010) under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 inapplicable to: (1) the elimination of certain limitations on the tax deduction for interest on education loans; and (2) the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

College Pathway Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006

College Pathway Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to establish preschool through postsecondary (P-16) education stewardship commissions or systems consisting of such commissions and P-16 education data systems. Tasks each commission with reaching a consensus among statewide education stakeholders on the skills, knowledge, and patterns of coursework needed to successfully transition to and complete postsecondary education. Requires that state-level longitudinal P-16 data systems track the academic performance of each student so that the factors which correlate with such success may be identified and publicized.

To amend the provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 relating to Academic Competitiveness Grants to preserve State authority over secondary school curricula.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to shift from the Secretary of Education to the states the authority to recognize a rigorous secondary school program, the completion of which is required for a student to qualify for an Academic Competitiveness Grant.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Entrepreneurship Week and encouraging the implementation of entrepreneurship education programs in elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education through the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2006

Supports the goals and ideals of National Entrepreneurship Week and encourages the implementation of entrepreneurship education throughout the nation.

WISH Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 2006

Welcoming Immigrants to a Secure Homeland Act of 2006 or WISH Act of 2006 - Provides for increased: (1) worksite enforcement and fraud detection agents; and (2) foreign student, vocational student, and exchange visitor visa processing personnel. Provides penalties for: (1) unauthorized employment and false citizenship claims; and (2) social security number misuse. Sets forth a mandatory electronic employment verification system. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a nonimmigrant guest worker program of up to 500,000 fiscal year entrants. Sets forth program provisions, including: (1) a three-year initial admittance (with two additional three-year periods available), and a requirement to return to the alien's home country for at least three years before being eligible to return as a guest worker or to receive other immigration benefits; (2) family member admissions eligibility; (3) security and other checks; and (4) eligibility to adjust to immigrant status after six years of U.S. employment. Prohibits such status for citizens or nationals of Mexico until a bilateral U.S.-Mexico agreement is entered into covering repatriation, data sharing, border, and illegal immigration issues. Directs the Secretary to grant nonimmigrant guest worker status to qualifying aliens illegally in the United States under specified circumstances. Provides for nonimmigrant status adjustment after an alien has resided under such lawful status in the United States for five years and after returning to the alien's home country. Directs the Secretary to establish an employment management system. Authorizes grants for public education and training respecting the changes made by this Act. Removes numerical limitations for nonimmigrant aliens with advanced degrees. Exempts from direct numerical limitations: (1) aliens with an advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, or math who have been working in a related field in the United States during the three-year period preceding their application for an employment-based immigrant visa; (2) certain aliens who are priority workers or who have received a national interest waiver; and (3) immediate relatives of an employment-based immigrant. Authorizes full-time foreign students to work part-time off campus. Requires employer wages, hours, and U.S. citizen recruitment attestation. Provides temporary visas for certain alien honors graduates waiting for issuance of an employment based nonimmgrant visa. Authorizes foreign student, vocational student, and exchange visitor travel outside the United States under specified circumstances. States that the Secretary: (1) may not prohibit a nonimmigrant temporary visitor from traveling up to 100 miles from a U.S. international border; and (2) may permit such a nonimmigrant to travel further from such a border. Expresses the sense of the Senate that any comprehensive immigration reform during the 109th Congress should include agricultural worker reforms.

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Office within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Requires the Director of the Office to establish a program to award competitive matching grants to states, local governments, and private nonprofit organizations for the establishment and implementation of methamphetamine education and awareness campaigns to reduce the spread of methamphetamine use. Limits a recipient to one grant each fiscal year. Requires recipients to report to the Director on the impact of the campaign carried out under the grant.

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Act of 2006 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office of the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Chief Financial Officer to be responsible for the efficient and effective use of federal funds in Hurricane Katrina recovery activities. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a National Family Locator System and ensure that each state's homeland security plan provides information regarding evacuating individuals with special needs. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a volunteer corps to provide an adequate supply of health professionals in an emergency; and (2) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a database of health professionals to increase preparedness for federal emergencies. Requires the HHS Secretary to make grants: (1) for constructing, modernizing, or repairing health facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina; and (2) to assist individuals and specified entities in communities in affected areas that disproportionately experience health disparities. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to require the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to establish and manage an affordable housing fund to increase housing and home ownership for low-income families and in low-income areas and areas of chronic economic distress and for community or economic development activities in economically underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations for disaster relief in Katrina-affected areas through community development assistance programs. Authorizes the appropriate federal banking agency and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to forbear from taking any action otherwise required with respect to certain undercapitalized insured depository institutions or credit unions that are not significantly or critically undercapitalized and whose capital or net worth were reduced as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina. Grants emergency authority to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the NCUA to indemnify an insured depository institution or credit union, respectively, for any loss suffered through cashing a check is presented by an individual who, as of August 28, 2005, resided in a qualified disaster area. Increases the government-wide goal for procurement contracts awarded to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for recovery and reconstruction activities related to Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a government-wide goal for procurement contracts awarded to local businesses in Katrina-affected areas of 30% of that total value for each of FY2006-FY2007. Requires at least 40% of workers performing Katrina-related recovery or reconstruction activities to be local residents. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) award grants to three historically black colleges and universities in New Orleans, Louisiana, to assist in recruiting and retaining students and retaining faculty; and (2) carry out a program of assuming the obligation to repay a qualified loan under the Robert T. Stafford Federal Student Loan Program, and of canceling the obligation to repay a qualified loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, for any borrower who returns to or enrolls in a Hurricane Katrina-affected institution in academic years between 2005 and 2008, who obtains an associate's degree or bachelor's degree from such institution, and who is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks forgiveness. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the income threshold, and increase the percentage of earned income, used to calculate the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Allows certain taxpayers who maintained a primary residence in Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi an increase in the refundable portion of the child tax credit. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the funds necessary to carry out this Act should be made available from otherwise unobligated amounts appropriated for hurricane relief.

A resolution celebrating Black History Month.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Calls on U.S. citizens to observe Black History Month. Acknowledges the tragedies of slavery, lynching, and segregation and condemns them as an infringement on human liberty and equal opportunity. Honors citizens who: (1) risked their lives in the Underground Railroad and in other efforts to assist fugitive slaves and other African Americans; and (2) stood beside African Americans in the fight for equal opportunity. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to the founding principles that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Commits the Senate to addressing situations in which the African American community struggles with disparities in education, health care, and other areas where the federal government can help improve conditions for all citizens.

A resolution recognizing the creation of the NASCAR-Historically Black Colleges and Universities Consortium.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Recognizes the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), the NASCAR Universal Technical Institute, and a collaboration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for their creation of a consortium to increase the number of quality job opportunities available to African American students in key racing and other related automotive business activities. Encourages the Departments of Education and Labor and other appropriate federal agencies to provide suitable assistance and support to ensure the success of that effort.

Eugene Land Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Eugene Land Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified Bureau of Land Management land to Eugene, Oregon, to: (1) establish a wildlife viewing area; and (2) construct and operate an environmental education center.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require accrediting agencies and associations to comply with due process throughout the accreditation process, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise due process standards governing the accreditation process of educational institutions. Requires accrediting agencies and associations to provide educational institutions with: (1) written notice of deficiencies and a reasonable time period to correct such deficiencies; (2) advance notice of any adverse action and an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) a right to appeal an adverse action to an independent and impartial arbitration panel. Requires accrediting agencies and associations to: (1) ensure consistent application of accreditation standards to an educational institution's governing board in receivership; and (2) allow public access to meetings involving accreditation recommendations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to issue regulations to further define due process requirements for the accreditation process.

Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2006 - Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to extend the award of remaining coral reef conservation program grant funds, in addition to projects addressing emerging priorities or threats, to other appropriate projects, as determined by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including monitoring and assessment, research, pollution reduction, education, and technical support. Establishes as additional coral reef conservation project approval criteria that a project will: (1) minimize vessel impacts on coral reefs; and (2) promote and assist entities to work with local communities, and appropriate governmental and nongovernmental organizations, to support community-based planning and management initiatives for the protection of coral reef systems. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake emergency response actions to prevent or minimize the destruction or loss of, or injury to, coral reefs or coral ecosystems from vessel impacts, derelict fishing gear, vessel anchors and anchor chains, or damage from unforeseen or disaster-related circumstances. Authorizes, under the national program to conserve coral reefs and coral ecosystems, activities designed to minimize the likelihood of vessel impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs, including activities to identify certain at-risk coral reefs. Authorizes the Administrator to make community-based planning grants to certain entities to work with local communities and appropriate federal and state entities to implement plans for increased protection of high priority coral reefs. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding accidents involving coral reef resources; and (2) identify certain at-risk coral reefs that have a high incidence of vessel impacts, including appropriate measures to reduce such impacts. Reauthorizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) the coral reef conservation program; and (2) community-based planning grants.

Preparing Excellent Teachers Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Preparing Excellent Teachers Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to states and local educational agencies to establish and support teacher mentoring programs to attract and train teachers of exceptional ability who are mid-career professionals or recent college graduates. Places limits on the amount, number, and distribution of such grants.

Medicare Accountability, Bargaining, and Compassion for Part D (ABC for D) Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Medicare Accountability, Bargaining, and Compassion for Part D (ABC for D) Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to outreach and education for the prescription drug program under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require registration with state insurance departments of prescription drug plan sponsors in each state in which they offer a prescription drug plan; and (2) revise requirements for the Medicare prescription drug enrollment process. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs in order to ensure that beneficiaries pay the lowest possible price. Provides for increased funding for state health insurance counseling programs and Social Security regional offices for part D enrollment.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Physical Education and Sports Week and a National Physical Education and Sports Month.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Calls for the establishment of a National Physical Education and Sports Week (May 1-May 7, 2006) and a National Physical Education and Sports Month (May).

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the per resident payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase from 85% to100% of the locality adjusted national average per resident amount the payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare program for cost reporting periods begining during or after FY2006.

Sudanese Diaspora Loan Forgiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Sudanese Diaspora Loan Forgiveness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish education loan forgiveness programs for Sudanese citizens who have become naturalized U.S. citizens or who are lawfully residing in the United States if they commit to returning to Southern Sudan for five or more years to help repair damage to infrastructure caused by the Sudanese civil war.

Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to require the Secretary of Education to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, Native American language educational organizations, Native American language colleges, Indian tribal governments, organizations that demonstrate the potential to become Native American language educational organizations, or consortia of such entities to establish Native American nests that meet specified requirements for students under the age of seven and families of the students. Requires the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, Native American language educational organizations, Native American language colleges or universities where such languages are taught, Indian tribal governments, or consortia of such entities, to operate, expand, and increase the number of Native American language survival schools throughout the United States and its territories for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Specifies eligibility requirements for recipients of such funds. Requires the Secretary to make grants, or enter into contracts, to establish one demonstration programs that will provide assistance to Native American language survival schools and Native American languages nests located at a certain Carnegie Research-Extensive University.

Methamphetamine Eradication Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Methamphetamine Eradication Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to: (1) require fire departments seeking grants under such Act to provide its firefighters methamphetamine awareness training; and (2) allocate funds to rural fire departments for equipment needed for methamphetamine response. Requires public entities seeking Department of Justice grants to provide their law enforcement officers methamphetamine awareness training. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) reauthorize the public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat") grant program for FY2007-FY2009; (2) allocate funds to rural police departments and drug task forces to purchase equipment needed for methamphetamine response; and (3) impose a substance abuse testing requirement for federal and state prisoners in residential substance abuse treatment programs. Allocates funds under such Act to assist in prosecuting methamphetamine offenses in rural areas. Reauthorizes the Byrne Formula Grant Program for FY2007-FY2009. Requires that not less than 50% of funding under such program be available only for grants by the Attorney General to police departments and drug task forces in rural areas to purchase basic equipment to address situations involving methamphetamines. Requires that not less than 50% of amounts available to the Drug Enforcement Administration in a fiscal year to combat methamphetamines be available only for rural areas. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to regulate retail sales and packaging of list I pseudoephedrine products. Imposes a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years for the manufacture of methamphetamine on premises in which an individual under the age of 18 years resides. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for treatment of methamphetamine abuse, giving priority to rural areas; and (2) direct the Secretary to award grants for methamphetamine research, training, and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the health effects on children from the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine; and (2) award grants to address the mental health problems of children from homes where methamphetamines are manufactured. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to award grants to educate students about methamphetamine abuse and its prevention and treatment, giving priority to schools in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations and grants for methamphetamine laboratory cleanup in rural areas.

Electing a certain member to a certain standing committee of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Elects a majority Member to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, including as Chairman.

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Recognizes the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities for 50 years of service and contributions to higher education and higher education public policy.