Education

VETS Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007 or VETS Act of 2007 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, whenever a servicemember is called, activated, or ordered to military service and therefore withdraws or takes a leave of absence from such institution, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit after such withdrawal or leave; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when ordered to military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against the indebtedness of a servicemember during a period of military service in the case of an obligation or liability incurred by a servicemember who is a student at an institution of higher education at the time of the call to service.

Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for the development or expansion of gifted and talented education programs, and the provision of direct educational services and materials. Specifies that such gifted and talented education programs include: (1) professional development for such students' teachers; (2) the implementation of innovative educational strategies; (3) making materials and services available through state regional educational service centers, institutions of higher education, or other entities; and (4) providing challenging, high-level coursework through technology.

To increase the corporate average fuel economy standards for automobiles, to promote the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Revises corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE standards) provisions for non-passenger and passenger automobiles to: (1) provide for increased average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles; (2) permit separate average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles based on vehicle attributes related to fuel economy; (3) establish a a corporate average fuel economy credit transferring program within a manufacturer's fleet; (4) establish an account to fund domestic commercialization and production of advanced technology vehicles and vehicle components; and (5) extend for 10 years provisions providing manufacturing incentives for alternative fuel automobiles. Establishes a national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program. Provides for the establishment of a public education campaign to provide information to U.S. drivers about immediate measures that may be taken to conserve transportation fuel.

Transition Education Accountability Report Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Transition Education Accountability Report Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the measures taken by the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and other federal agencies to inform the public of the transition to digital television broadcasting and the termination of analog broadcasting. Requires the FCC to provide for the public dissemination of the report.

Lifelong Learning Accounts Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Lifelong Learning Accounts Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish tax-exempt lifelong learning accounts to pay for certain higher education expenses and allow a tax deduction for cash contributions to such accounts; and (2) allow employers, employees, and self-employed individuals tax credits for contributions to such accounts. Requires the Comptroller General to study the effectiveness of such accounts and the tax credits provided by this Act.

Middle Class Opportunity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Middle Class Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the child tax credit for the first year in which a child is claimed as a qualifying child; (2) expand eligibility for the dependent care tax credit and allow such credit for expenses to care for parents (and ancestors of such parents) not residing with the taxpayer; and (3) provide for an increased alternative minimum tax exemption amount through 2008 Replaces the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits with an expanded education tax credit which provides for a 100% education tax credit for qualified tuition and related expenses (including a certain allowance for books) up to $1,000, 50% for such expenses between $1,000 and $3,000, and 20% of such expense between 3,000 and $5,500. Reduces credit amounts for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes over $70,000 ($140,000 in the case of a joint tax return). Allows an inflation adjustment to credit amounts beginning after 2008. Limits such credit to three eligible students per taxpayer in any taxable year and for four taxable years. Denies such credit for certain part-time students and for students convicted of a felony drug offense. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

Recognizing the month of November as "National Homeless Youth Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007

Supports helping vulnerable youth through current programs authorized under title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act. Encourages the promotion through such programs of assistance for especially foster youth in staying off the streets, staying in school, and obtaining their high school diplomas and further education and training. Applauds the initiative of public and private organizations and individuals dedicated to helping these programs prevent homelessness among youth, and provide aid when prevention fails. Declares that the House of Representatives should recognize National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (November) to support and further encourage such efforts.

INVESTING IN YOUNG CHILDREN PAYS DIVIDENDS: THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION

United States · United States Senate · 27 June 2007

Small Business Children's Health Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Small Business Children's Health Education Act of 2007 - Establishes a task force to conduct a nationwide campaign of education and outreach for small businesses regarding the availability of health care coverage for children through private insurance options, the Medicaid program, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) (title XXI of the Social Security Act). Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure that links to information on eligibility and enrollment requirements for the Medicaid program and SCHIP of each state are prominently displayed on the SBA website.

First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through July 31, 2007.

VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Veterans Education Tuition Support Act or VETS Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, in the case of a servicemember who because of military service discontinues a program of education at an institution that administers a federal financial aid program, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit because of such military service; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when the program was discontinued because of the military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against student loan indebtedness.

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public heath policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Requires the Secretary, acting through the appropriate federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available; (3) accurately determining the prevalence of such diseases; (4) evaluating the feasibility of creating a national uniform reporting system; (5) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases; (6) increasing public education related to such diseases; (7) creating a physician education program; (8) establishing epidemiological research objectives to determine the long term course of illness for Lyme disease; and (9) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities by establishing treatment outcome objectives

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide additional educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay to each individual entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and pursuing a program of education with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math a lump-sum payment of $2,000 per academic year, or fraction thereof for enrollment lasting less than a year. Makes such amount in addition to any other educational assistance to which the individual is entitled.

A bill to provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through the end of fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to extend transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through FY2007. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to limited continuous open enrollment of original fee-for-service enrollees in Medicare Advantage non-prescription drug plans. Accelerates from the end of 2008 to July 31, 2007, the sunset of the period during which a Medicare Advantage-eligible but unenrolled fee-for-service individual may elect to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that is not an MA-Prescription Drug plan. Revises the initial funding available to the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization for expenditures during 2012 and 2013. Reduces the total for both years currently set at $3.5 billion to: (1) $1.6 billion during 2012; and (2) $1.79 billion during 2013.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Labor. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Health and Human Services. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department Education. Makes appropriations for FY2008 to: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) the National Council on Disability; (10) the National Labor Relations Board; (11) the National Mediation Board; (12) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) the Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (14) the Social Security Administration for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to promote growth and opportunity for the dairy industry in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal the dairy price support program. Amends the national dairy market loss payment program to: (1) extend the sign-up and contract duration periods; (2) replace the "Class 1 milk" definition with a "Class III milk" definition; (3) revise the payment formula (which shall include a feed adjustment factor); and (4) establish a maximum annual payment of $50,000 per dairy operation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a national dairy options program; and (2) make nonrecourse loans available to commercial processors of cheddar cheese, butter, and nonfat dry milk. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out a milk revenue insurance pilot program under which dairy producers may elect to receive insurance against revenue loss due to natural disasters and price fluctuations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study the economic benefits to milk producers of establishing a two-class system (fluid milk class and manufacturing grade milk class) for classifying milk under federal milk marketing orders; and (2) amend federal milk marketing orders to implement such system if it would benefit milk producers. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to eliminate pilot program status for, and extend, the dairy forward pricing program. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize rural industrial assistance loans and loan guarantees for dairy processors to invest in new equipment and technologies. Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize banks for cooperatives to assist dairy processing cooperatives with export activities. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to establish a new subtitle P, entitled the "Federal Dairy Education Loan Forgiveness Act." Directs the Secretary to carry out a dairy education loan forgiveness program under which the Secretary shall assume the obligation to repay a specified amount for one or more qualified loans made to eligible applicants. Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for mandatory reporting of specified dairy commodities.

SHINE Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Screening for Health of Infants and Newborns Act or the SHINE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop guidelines that states may follow in reporting data from newborn screening tests. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop guidelines to: (1) monitor and evaluate newborn screening activities; and (2) coordinate the results of surveillance activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, to develop a surveillance system for newborn screening. Directs the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children to advise the Secretary on the guidelines and on monitoring and evaluating newborn screening and surveillance activities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) direct the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of HRSA to establish a central clearinghouse of current education and family support and services information, materials, resources, research, and data on newborn screening; (2) award grants for demonstration projects that increase state capacity to screen for all of the core conditions; (3) award Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening grants for demonstration projects that develop screening tests for additional newborn conditions or develop multiple markers to increase the specificity of such tests; and (4) appoint an Interagency Grant Review Panel to select grant applications and provide oversight on the grant program.

A bill to amend title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Federal Supplemental Loan Program.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a part I Federal Supplemental Loan program under which the Secretary of Education provides fixed and variable interest rate loans to undergraduates and graduates who attend institutions of higher education (IHEs) on a full-time basis. Requires the rate for fixed loans and the margin for variable loans to be set at a level that results in the lowest rate for a borrower that will result in no net cost to the government. Sets the maximum Supplemental loan amount at a student's cost of attending an IHE minus the financial aid awarded to such student and the amount such student is eligible for but does not receive under the Federal Family Education Loan program. Directs the Secretary to offer Supplemental loan borrowers the same repayment plans offered under the Direct Loan program.

A resolution recognizing the historical and educational significance of the Atlantic Freedom Tour of the Freedom Schooner Amistad, and expressing the sense of the Senate that preserving the legacy of the Amistad story is important in promoting multicultural dialogue, education, and cooperation.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Recognizes the historical and educational significance of the Freedom Schooner Amistad's Atlantic Freedom Tour. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that preserving the legacy of the Amistad should be regarded as a means of fostering multicultural dialogue, education, and cooperation.

SHINE Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Screening for Health of Infants and Newborns Act or the SHINE Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop guidelines that states may follow in reporting data from newborn screening tests. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop guidelines to: (1) monitor and evaluate newborn screening activities; and (2) coordinate the results of surveillance activities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, to develop a surveillance system for newborn screening. Directs the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children to advise the Secretary on the guidelines and on monitoring and evaluating newborn screening and surveillance activities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) direct the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of HRSA to establish a central clearinghouse of current education and family support and services information, materials, resources, research, and data on newborn screening; (2) award grants for demonstration projects that increase state capacity to screen for all of the core conditions; (3) award Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening grants for demonstration projects that develop screening tests for additional newborn conditions or develop multiple markers to increase the specificity of such tests; and (4) appoint an Interagency Grant Review Panel to select grant applications and provide oversight on the grant program.

Medicare Residency Program Technical Correction Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Medicare Residency Program Technical Correction Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payments to hospitals for the direct graduate medical education (DGME) costs of inpatient hospital services, particularly the redistribution among qualifying hospitals of unused resident positions which figure in the calculation of DGME costs. Requires a specified adjustment to the reduction of Medicare resident positions where that reduction was based on a cost report subsequently settled, whether as a result of an appeal or otherwise, if the reference resident level under such settled cost report is higher than the resident level used for the reduction.

Teague Ryan Sudden Child Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndromes Screening and Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Teague Ryan Sudden Child Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndromes Screening and Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants or contracts to carry out programs to: (1) screen children for sudden cardiac arrhythmia syndromes; (2) provide referrals for medical services regarding such syndromes; and (3) provide education on such syndromes to health professionals and the general public. Requires the Secretary to give priority to: (1) screenings and referrals for children who participate, or intend to participate, in organized sports; and (2) educational activities directed toward parents of such children and health professionals who commonly provide medical care for such children.

Recognizing the historical and educational significance of the Freedom Schooner Amistad's 14-month 2007 Atlantic Freedom Tour, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that preserving the legacy of the Amistad story is important in promoting multi-cultural dialogue, education, and cooperation.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2007

Recognizes the historical and educational significance of the Freedom Schooner Amistad's Atlantic Freedom Tour. Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that preserving the legacy of the Amistad should be regarded as a means of fostering multicultural dialogue, education, and cooperation.

Wired for Health Care Quality Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Provides for the adoption by the federal government of standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Establishes the American Health Information Community to provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of any relevant federal agencies concerning the policy considerations related to health information technology. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the: (1) purchase of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implementation of regional or local health information plans; and (3) development of academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the Secretary to provide for the development and use of health care quality measures to measure the quality and efficiency of health care that patients receive. Extends health information privacy requirements to an operator of a health information electronic database. Gives individuals the right to inspect and obtain a copy of their protected health information stored in electronic format. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the circumstances in which it is necessary and workable to require that individuals be notified if their individually identifiable health information is wrongly disclosed. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center.

Pollinator Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Pollinator Protection Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Research Service, for: (1) personnel, facilities improvement, and additional research at Department of Agriculture Bee Research Laboratories; (2) research on honey bee physiology, insect pathology, insect chemical ecology, and honey and native bee toxicology at other Department facilities in New York, Florida, California, Utah, and Texas; and (3) research to identify causes and solutions for Colony Collapse Disorder, with specified amounts for research at the Agricultural Research Services in Beltsville, Maryland, and Tucson, Arizona. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary, through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, for research grants to investigate: (1) honey bee immunology, genomics, biology, ecology, and bioinformatics; (2) pollination biology; and (3) the effects of genetically modified crops, insecticides, herbicides, parasites, and fungicides on honey bees and other beneficial insects and pollinators.

SKILLs Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act or the SKILLs Act - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2013 for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries grant program. Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive school improvement funds to ensure that by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year there is at least one highly qualified school library media specialist in every school that receives such funds. Requires Improving Literacy through School Libraries funds to be: (1) proportionally distributed to serve students in elementary, middle, and high schools; (2) used for media resources appropriate for all grades; and (3) used for professional development in information literacy instruction that is appropriate for all grades. Expands the program of grants to states and subgrants to LEAs for the recruitment, retention, and professional development of teachers to require that highly qualified school library media specialists be included in the focus of such efforts.

To promote the production and use of ethanol.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit a franchisor from restricting a franchisee from: (1) installing on the marketing premises a renewable fuel pump or tank; (2) converting an existing tank or pump for renewable fuel use; (3) advertising the sale of renewable fuel; (4) selling renewable fuel; (5) purchasing renewable fuel from sources other than the franchisor if the franchisor does not offer its own renewable fuel for sale by the franchisee; (6) listing renewable fuel availability or prices; or (7) allowing for payment of renewable fuel with a credit card. Allows such franchisee activities so long as they do not constitute willful adulteration, mislabeling, or misbranding of motor fuels or other trademark violations. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grants program for universities to demonstrate replacing corn as an ethanol feedstock with sweet sorghum. Amends the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide for loan guarantees for closed loop ethanol commercial demonstration projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit; (2) make refueling property for biodiesel and renewable biodiesel eligible for the income tax deduction for clean-fuel vehicles and certain refueling property; and (3) increase the credit amount for research relating to alternative and renewable energy processes.

Central Asia Education Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Central Asia Education Enhancement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a pilot program of scholarships for public policy internships in the United States for undergraduate and graduate students from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Gives internship priority to students who are: (1) underprivileged or from ethnic, religious or cultural minorities; and (2) from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Uzbekistan.

GIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service, also known as Learn and Serve programs; (2) National Service Trust programs, also known as AmeriCorps; (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Authorizes new Summer of Service programs, within School-Based Learn and Serve programs, that provide certain elementary and secondary school students with summer community service-learning projects for which they earn educational awards. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Gives special consideration to minority institutions of higher education (IHEs) in funding Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching fixed-term grants to states, nonprofit organizations, and IHEs to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and secondary, college, and graduate students; and (2) research and evaluate service-learning. Includes among eligible AmeriCorps programs: (1) an E-corp program increasing community access to technology; (2) a program engaging citizens in public safety, health, and emergency preparedness services; (3) a youth mentoring program; and (4) the Education Awards Only program. Increases National Service educational awards for AmeriCorps, NCCC, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) participants. Includes among needs to be met under the NCCC program, disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Establishes a National Office of Outreach and Recruitment in the Corporation for National and Community Service. Establishes matching fixed grant Innovative and Model Program Support programs within the Investment for Quality and Innovation program that include service programs for disadvantaged youth. Eliminates federal funding for the Points of Light Foundation. Revises under DVSA: (1) the VISTA program; and (2) the National Senior Service Corps (Senior Corps), including the Retired and Senior Volunteer program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent program, and the Senior Companion program. Gives priority in VISTA participant selection to disadvantaged youth and retired adults of any profession. Authorizes new VISTA programs, providing grants for programs of national significance that provide poor and rural communities with: (1) financial literacy and planning; (2) before-school and after-school services; (3) community economic development initiatives; (4) assistance to veterans and their families; and (5) health and wellness services. Eliminates the VISTA Literacy Corps, University Year for VISTA, and Literacy Challenge Grant programs. Raises the minimum and maximum stipend provided to VISTA participants. Prioritizes RSVP projects in education, health and wellness, youth crime prevention, public safety, emergency management and relief, and access to technology. Makes anyone 55 years of age or older eligible as Senior Corps volunteers. Authorizes stipends to Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion program volunteers whose income does not exceed 200% of the poverty level. Includes among the programs eligible for Senior Corps funding those addressing energy conservation, the environment, and homeland security. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the number of AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC participants should reach 100,000 by 2012.

Prepare All Kids Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Prepare All Kids Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Prekindergarten Incentive Fund from which matching grants shall be awarded to states and, through them, subgrants to qualified prekindergarten providers to establish, expand, or enhance voluntary high quality full-day prekindergarten programs serving children ages three through five. Requires prekindergarten providers to target children from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty line and provide them with program services free of charge. Directs state grantees to set aside: (1) at least 10% of a grant for quality early childhood development programs for children ages zero through three; and (2) at least 10% of a grant to extend the hours of early childhood programs to create extended day and year programs.

SKILLs Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act or the SKILLs Act - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2013 for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries grant program. Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive school improvement funds to ensure that by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year there is at least one highly qualified school library media specialist in every school that receives such funds. Requires Improving Literacy through School Libraries funds to be: (1) proportionally distributed to serve students in elementary, middle, and high schools; (2) used for media resources appropriate for all grades; and (3) used for professional development in information literacy instruction that is appropriate for all grades. Expands the program of grants to states and subgrants to LEAs for the recruitment, retention, and professional development of teachers to require that highly qualified school library media specialists be included in the focus of such efforts.

Language Education for Success Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Language Education for Success Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan and Direct loan programs to teachers of students of limited English proficiency who have taught for five consecutive complete school years at elementary or secondary schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged children. Directs the Commissioner of the National Center for Educational Statistics to study and report to Congress on the performance of recipients of grants for the language instruction of limited English proficient and immigrant students under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to measure student academic progress. Directs the Secretary of Education to compile and publicize a list of state instructional programs for such students that assesses the costs and benefits of each program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants under the Pell Grant program to institutions of higher education to provide: (1) foreign language and teacher preparation instruction to incoming first-year undergraduates during the months preceding their enrollment; and (2) scholarships to such students for the costs of such instruction.

Reliable and Accurate Graduation Rate Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Reliable and Accurate Graduation Rate Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states that receive school improvement funds under part A of title I to calculate graduation rates by dividing the number of students in schools or local educational agencies who receive a regular diploma by the number of first time ninth-grade students who enrolled four years earlier, taking into account student transfers, recently arrived limited English proficient students, students who enroll in an early college high school, and disabled students who require an extra year to receive a diploma. Allows states to publish and report additional completion measures for those students who completed high school or some equivalent measure in more than four years.

Healthy Schools Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007

Healthy Schools Act of 2007 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to require the state to certify that it has implemented procedures to pay for covered items and services furnished by school-based health clinics under Medicaid and SCHIP.

Higher Education Opportunity for Our National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Higher Education Opportunity for Our National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Act - Extends by an additional ten years the time limit for the use of educational assistance by members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel supporting contingency and certain other operations. Prohibits such extension with respect to any person discharged or released from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2007 - Prohibits assistance under this Act to an eligible developing country that does not: (1) permit World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) personnel to investigate infectious disease outbreaks within its borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to appropriate U.S. and international agencies and organizations. Prohibits any participating foreign national from having unsupervised access to agents that may be used in a biological weapon. Establishes a public health education and training fellowship program for eligible nationals to pursue: (1) a master of public health degree with a concentration in epidemiology; or (2) advanced public health training in epidemiology. Directs the Secretary to support short training courses in-country (not in the United States) for laboratory technicians and other public health personnel in: (1) laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks; and (2) syndrome surveillance reporting and rapid analysis of syndrome information using Geographic Information System (GIS). Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain: (1) public health laboratory equipment necessary to collect, analyze, and identify pathogens which may cause disease outbreaks or may be used as a biological weapon; and (2) related communications equipment and information technology. Authorizes a federal agency head, upon the request of a U.S. chief of diplomatic mission or an international health organization, and with the Secretary's concurrence, to assign to the respective U.S. mission or organization any public health officer or employee of the agency for the purpose of enhancing disease and pathogen surveillance efforts in developing countries. Directs CDC and the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) increase the number of personnel assigned to their respective laboratories located in eligible developing countries that conduct infectious disease research; and (2) expand the operations of those laboratories, especially in the implementation of on-site training of foreign nationals and regional outreach efforts. Authorizes: (1) the President to provide assistance to enhance the surveillance and reporting capabilities for WHO and existing regional and international health networks, and develop new health networks; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish new country or regional foreign epidemiology training programs in eligible developing countries.

A resolution supporting efforts for increased healthy living for childhood cancer survivors.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Calls for the U.S government to: (1) support neuropsychological research and testing of childhood cancer survivors and their families; (2) work with health care providers, educators, and childhood cancer advocacy and education organizations to encourage such testing; (3) reaffirm the U.S. commitment to fighting childhood cancer by promoting awareness about its causes, risks, prevention, and treatment; (4) promote new education programs about, research of, and expanded medical treatment for childhood cancer survivors; (5) support research and expanded public-private partnerships to improve post-cancer life for survivors; and (6) encourage early diagnosis and access to high-quality care for childhood cancer patients and survivors.

Improving Classroom Learning and Student Performance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Improving Classroom Learning and Student Performance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award five-year grants to states that receive funds under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to enable them to: (1) collaborate with institutions of higher education, other research institutions, and other organizations to improve the quality, validity, and reliability of state and local academic assessments, including performance assessments that evaluate the application of knowledge to real-world tasks; (2) develop the capacity of local education agencies (LEAs) to assess student academic achievement using multiple measures, including school-based performance assessments; and (3) develop, together with LEAs, the capacity of teachers and school leaders to develop, use, and reliably evaluate the results of locally-administered performance assessments. Requires state grantees to ensure that state and local assessments are aligned to learning standards, unbiased, valid for the purposes for which they are used, reliably scored, and meet professional standards.

Michelle's Law

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Michelle's Law - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from terminating coverage of a dependent child due to a medically necessary leave of absence from a postsecondary education institution or any other change in enrollment at that institution that commences while such child is suffering from a severe illness or injury and causes such child to lose full-time student status before that earlier of: (1) one year after the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence; or (2) the date on which such coverage would otherwise terminate under the terms of the plan. Requires certification by the child's attending physician. Applies such requirement to coverage offered in the individual market.

Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide prompt emergency cash assistance to a member of the Armed Forces or veteran who, on or after September 11, 2001, was or is severely injured while serving on active duty (to be known as a Wounded Hero) and, due to such injury, is undergoing significant financial difficulty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit for employers hiring Wounded Heroes. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide increased protections under such Act for Wounded Heroes and persons in military service. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to ensure the provision of sufficient services to meet the needs of Wounded Heroes without regard to residential geographic location with respect to the following: (1) adult day health care; (2) home health care; (3) respite care; (4) home-based primary care; (5) hospice; and (6) such other noninstitutional extended care services as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to operate and maintain a program in caregiver education, training, and certification for family members of Wounded Heroes. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to furnish care to a Wounded Hero, under certain conditions. Establishes: (1) in the VA an Office for Wounded Heroes Advocate; (2) in the Executive Office of the President an Office for Wounded Heroes; and (3) the Wounded Heroes Independent Review Board. Requires the Board to, among other things, review VA or other federal agency determinations with respect to the scope and intensity of benefits, especially health care or vocational rehabilitation, provided to Wounded Heroes.

Food Security and Agricultural Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Food Security and Agricultural Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to increase funds available to eligible organizations for agricultural commodity distribution. Extends: (1) minimum assistance and minimum non-emergency assistance authority; (2) the John Ognowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program; (3) the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, and (4) the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Provides for program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to make contributions to the World Food Program for indirect support costs. Extends authorization of appropriations for: (1) assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods; and (2) prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Extends authorization of appropriations to finance sales or provide assistance under this Act. Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to extend authorization of appropriations for: (1) the export credit guarantee program; (2) the market access program; (3) the export enhancement program; and (4) the foreign market development cooperator program. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to address international sanitary and phytosanitary barriers to U.S. agricultural commodities, including poultry, meat, and specialty crops. Amends the Food, Agricultural, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to extend the emerging markets program. Amends the Food for Progress Act of 1985 to extend the food for progress program. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend authorization of appropriations for specialty crop export assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enhance U.S. support for specified international organizations that establish international standards regarding food, food safety, plants, and animals by funding additional positions to address U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary priorities within such organizations; and (2) provide technical assistance to limited resource agriculture persons and organizations to address unfair trade practices, property right violations, and to reduce trade barriers. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should provide significant U.S. financial resources to the Global Crop Diversity Trust to ensure the conservation of crop diversity which can yield significant benefits to U.S. farmers.

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2007

Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2007 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to provide for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology to enhance productivity and technological performance in U.S. manufacturing through the enabling of supply chain manufacturers to continuously make improvements with the aim of reducing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a program to award grants to institutions of higher education to support their efforts to revise their undergraduate curriculum in chemistry and chemical engineering to incorporate green chemistry concepts and strategies. Requires such Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to conduct a study of, and report on, the factors that constitute barriers to the successful commercial application of promising results from green chemistry research and development. Directs the agencies participating in the Program to carry out a joint, coordinated program to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish partnerships with companies in the chemical industry to retrain chemists and chemical engineers in the use of green chemistry concepts and strategies.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

United States · United States Senate · 22 June 2007

VA Vision Scholars Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

VA Vision Scholars Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a scholarship program of financial assistance for individuals who: (1) are accepted for, or currently enrolled in, a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or both; and (2) enter into an agreement to serve, after program completion, as a full-time Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee for three years within the first six years after program completion. Sets maximum assistance amounts of $15,000 per academic year and $45,000 total. Requires pro rate repayment for failure to satisfy education or service requirements, while allowing the Secretary to waive or suspend such repayment whenever noncompliance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the participant, or when waiver or suspension is in the best interests of the United States.

Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate, establish, and operate at least six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care facilities as locations for epilepsy centers of excellence. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals for the designation of such centers. Requires a VHA national coordinator for epilepsy programs to: (1) supervise the operation of the centers; (2) coordinate and support throughout the VA health-care system better access to diagnosis, research, care, and education for epilepsy and traumatic brain injury; and (3) conduct regular evaluations of the centers.

New Apollo Energy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

New Apollo Energy Act of 2007 - Directs the President, when formulating and enforcing national energy policy, to consider the New Apollo Energy Act Performance Goals established by this Act. Advanced Design in Energy for Living Efficiently Act of 2007 - Sets forth requirements governing building enterprises, including: (1) green building design; (2) reduced carbon emissions in new buildings; (3) high-performance school buildings and green building; and (4) energy efficiency increases and carbon emission reductions in federal agencies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) create an energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property; and (2) extend biodiesel and other specified energy-related tax credits. Get Real Incentives to Drive Plug-in Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Biofuels Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) prescribe reductions for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and aircraft; and (2) set forth global climate change requirements. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding low carbon renewable fuel and carbon capture and storage. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 regarding: (1) rate design modifications; (2) net metering and interconnection standards; (3) efficiency resource standards; and (4) a federal renewable portfolio standard. Rural Clean Energy Superhighways Act - Amends the Federal Power Act regarding designation of National Renewable Energy Zones. Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes: (1) a marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy research program; and (2) the Adaptive Management and Environmental Fund. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to provide information sharing and planning assistance to small manufacturing firms to implement new green manufacturing technologies. Sets forth a Green Workforce Education Incentives grants program. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize loan forgiveness for green workforce members. Establishes the New Energy Technologies Commission. Authorizes a grant program to create clean energy business districts. Prescribes a clean energy technology exports program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe an international energy technology deployment program. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to meet renewable energy targets in its lending practices. Establishes the Renewable Energy and Technology Commission. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to: (1) increase financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency transactions; and (2) establish an Office of Renewable Energy Promotion. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Emerging Clean Energy Technology Venture Capital Fund. Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to prescribe climate change research initiatives. Ending Subsidies for Big Oil Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil, natural gas, and appurtenant primary products; and (2) augment from five years to seven years the amortization schedule for geological and geophysical expenditures of major integrated oil companies. Royalty Relief for American Consumers Act of 2007 - Prescribes price thresholds for royalty suspension provisions. Sets prerequisites for new leases for oil or natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain federal subsidies for royalty relief for oil and gas, including ones related to Planning Areas Offshore Alaska. Creates a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve.

Angels Nurture Growing Entrepreneurs into Long-term Successes (ANGELS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

Angels Nurture Growing Entrepreneurs into Long-Term Successes (ANGELS) Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish within the Investment Division of the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Angel Investment, headed by a Director, to provide support for the development of angel investment opportunities for small businesses. Requires the Director to: (1) establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Angel Finance Program, to provide financing to approved angel groups; (2) establish and maintain a searchable database, to be known as the Federal Angel Network, to assist small businesses in identifying angel investors; and (3) establish and carry out a program to make grants for the development of new or existing angel groups and to increase awareness and education about angel investing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a small business investment tax credit of 20 percent of the amount paid or incurred for qualified small business investment.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Zoo Keeper Week, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2007

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Zoo Keeper Week. Recognizes the contribution zoo keepers make to the care and conservation of captive exotic animals and to research, public education, and recreation. Expresses a renewed dedication to the appreciation and preservation of animal wildlife and nature and an invigorated effort to foster conservation projects and increase awareness of the need for preservation.

Entrepreneurial Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Entrepreneurial Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize for FY2008-FY2010 the following programs for small businesses administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA): (1) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program; (2) the small business development center (SBDC) program; (3) the drug-free workplace program; and (4) the women's business center program and the National Women's Business Council. Establishes the position of Associate Administrator for International Trade within the SBA's Office of International Trade. Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007 - Establishes within the SBA the Office of Native American Affairs to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians). Requires: (1) the SBA to provide financial assistance to tribal governments, tribal colleges, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Alaska Native corporations to create Native American business centers; and (2) each business center to conduct projects for business education aid to such entities. Establishes related pilot programs. National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2007 - Establishes a pilot program to provide regulatory compliance assistance to small businesses through participating SBDCs. Directs the Administrator to: (1) make minority entrepreneurship and innovation grants to historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, and Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions; and (2) establish a pilot program for grants to SBDCs to provide health insurance information to small businesses. Authorizes the Office of Native American Affairs to conduct a pilot program to provide economic development assistance to Indian tribes. Directs the President to convene a National Small Business Summit to examine present conditions and the future of the U.S. community of small businesses.

Healthy Schools Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007

Healthy Schools Act of 2007 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to require the state to certify that it has implemented procedures to pay for covered items and services furnished by school-based health clinics under Medicaid and SCHIP.