Education

Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Addressing Teacher Shortages Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish an Addressing Teacher Shortages Program. Through this program, ED shall award grants for local educational agencies to address teacher shortage challenges. Specifically, grant funds may be used to establish or expand teaching residency programs, teacher mentor programs, specified recruitment and training programs, and other evidence-based strategies to increase teacher retention and support teachers.

Strengthening Telehealth and Education for Rural Communities Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Strengthening Telehealth and Education for Rural Communities Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program that is administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program supports telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through telecommunications, computer networks, and other advanced technology by students, teachers, medical professionals, and residents of rural areas. The bill expands the scope of the program to specifically allow the use of program funds for operational expenses associated with telemedicine programs. It also allows the USDA to waive matching fund requirements in certain circumstances and requires USDA to set aside a specific amount of funding allotments for programs that focus on substance use disorder treatment or mental health services.

Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2023 This bill authorizes advance appropriations for several covered appropriations accounts of (1) the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education within the Department of the Interior, and (2) the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services. The advance appropriations provide new budget authority that first becomes available for the first fiscal year after the budget year. The covered accounts within the Bureau of Indian Affairs are (1) Operation of Indian Programs, (2) Contract Support Costs, (3) the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program, (4) Construction, and (5) Payments for Tribal Leases. The covered accounts within the Bureau of Indian Education are (1) Operation of Indian Education Programs, and (2) Education Construction. The covered accounts within the Indian Health Service are (1) Indian Health Services, (2) Contract Support Costs, (3) Payments for Tribal Leases, and (4) Indian Health Facilities. The bill also requires the President's budget and the supporting documents submitted to Congress to include detailed estimates related to the advance appropriations.

RINA

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Regional Integration and Normalization Act of 2023 or RINA This bill requires and authorizes actions to support the Abraham Accords and the Negev Forum. (The Abraham Accords are agreements to normalize or improve relations between Israel and four members of the Arab League: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The Negev Forum is a framework for cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa involving several countries including Israel, Egypt, Morocco, and the United States.) The bill establishes within the Department of State the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements. The office's responsibilities include (1) leading diplomatic efforts to strengthen and expand the Negev Forum and the Abraham Accords, and (2) implementing U.S. policy to expand normalization within the Middle East and North Africa. The bill also authorizes activities related to the Abraham Accords and the Negev Forum, such as (1) expanding the participation of Negev Forum countries in the Middle East Desalination Research Center; (2) supporting interfaith dialogue between Abraham Accords countries, Negev Forum countries, and other relevant actors; (3) expanding educational and cultural exchange programs; and (4) authorizing grants for initiatives to facilitate scientific and industrial research cooperation between the relevant countries. Furthermore, the bill establishes within the State Department the Young Middle East Leaders Initiative to build the capacity of young leaders in Negev Forum countries to address issues such as energy diversification, education and coexistence, and regional security.

Strengthening Pharmacy Access for Seniors Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Strengthening Pharmacy Access for Seniors Act This bill prohibits prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors and pharmacy benefit managers from restricting access to any covered drug under the Medicare prescription drug benefit to a subset of their network pharmacies except for limited access drugs.  Limited access drugs are those for which the Food and Drug Administration has restricted distribution to certain facilities or physicians or for which dispensing requires extraordinary special handling, coordination, or education that a network pharmacy cannot meet.  PDP sponsors must annually report to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (1) a list of drugs that the PDP sponsor designated as limited access drugs, (2) the reasons for the designations, (3) information about relevant requirements for pharmacies with respect to these drugs, and (4) the types of pharmacies dispensing these drugs.

Food for Thought Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Food for Thought Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Education to award grants for eligible institutions of higher education to provide free meals to low-income students through on-campus meal programs.

PATHS to Tutor Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Partnering Aspiring Teachers with High-need Schools to Tutor Act of 2023 or the PATHS to Tutor Act of 2023 This bill expands access to tutoring in hard-to-staff and high-need schools by establishing a grant program. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to local consortia to carry out high-quality tutoring programs. Local consortia refers to partnerships between teacher preparation programs, local educational agencies or individual schools, and community-based organizations. Grant recipients may use these funds for certain activities, including matching and placing tutors, purchasing instructional materials and connectivity resources, and providing transportation and meals to students who attend the tutoring program. ED must also enter into an interagency agreement with the Corporation for National and Community Service to include tutor positions as approved national service positions.

Bridging the SNAP Gap Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Bridging the SNAP Gap Act of 2023 This bill expands certain income exclusions and the excess medical expense deduction under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the bill excludes income from children in elementary or secondary schools who are age 21 or younger from income calculations for purposes of determining SNAP eligibility (currently, the exclusion is limited to children who are age 17 or younger). In addition, the bill expands the excess medical expense deduction to include all individuals, rather than only individuals age 60 or older or individuals with disabilities. (The excess medical expense deduction allows for the deduction of certain out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35 per month from income calculations under SNAP.) The bill also specifies that the amount of the deduction must be equal to the premium rate for Medicare medical services, although states may choose to set higher amounts.  

PELL Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2023

Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning Act or the PELL Act This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grants Program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award Workforce Pell Grants to students enrolled in eligible short-term programs. Eligible programs are those that provide 150 to 600 clock hours of instructional time over a period of 8 to 15 weeks and meet other eligibility criteria. An accrediting agency or association recognized by ED must determine a program's eligibility based on several criteria, including that the program provides education aligned with the requirements of in-demand industry sectors and occupations and meets specified completion and job placement rates. ED must annually collect and publish information on the College Scorecard regarding each eligible program, including job outcomes. The College Scorecard is a comparison tool for information on school sizes, settings, graduation rates, average costs, and salary ranges per field of study.

Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act This bill allows five Alaska Native communities in Southeast Alaska to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements. Specifically, the bill allows the Alaska Native residents of each of the Alaska Native villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska, to organize as Alaska Native urban corporations and to receive certain settlement land. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey specified land to each urban corporation. Further, Interior must convey the subsurface estate for that land to the regional corporation for Southeast Alaska. The land conveyed to each urban corporation must include any U.S. interest in all roads, trails, log transfer facilities, leases, and appurtenances on or related to the land conveyed to the urban corporation. The bill also allows each urban corporation to establish a settlement trust to (1) promote the health, education, and welfare of the trust beneficiaries; and (2) preserve the Alaska Native heritage and culture of their communities.

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 This bill expands access to water resources for Native communities (i.e., Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian communities). Specifically, the bill allows the Department of Agriculture to make or insure loans and make grants to eligible entities (e.g., Native communities) for technical assistance to develop, use, and control water. Additionally, the bill allows the Indian Health Service to (1) provide and maintain essential sanitation facilities to community structures (e.g., schools, hospitals, and tribal offices), (2) provide technical assistance, and (3) provide financial assistance to operate and maintain water facilities that serve Native communities.The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for the Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program through FY2028.

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 This bill expands access to water resources for Native communities (i.e., Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian communities). Specifically, the bill allows the Department of Agriculture to make or insure loans and make grants to eligible entities (e.g., Native communities) for technical assistance to develop, use, and control water. Additionally, the bill allows the Indian Health Service to (1) provide and maintain essential sanitation facilities to community structures (e.g., schools, hospitals, and tribal offices), (2) provide technical assistance, and (3) provide financial assistance to operate and maintain water facilities that serve Native communities. The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for the Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program through FY2028.  

Pay Back Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Pay Back Act This bill prohibits the Departments of Education, Justice, or the Treasury from taking any action to cancel or forgive the outstanding balances (or portion of balances) of covered loans or otherwise modify the terms or conditions of covered loans unless expressly authorized by Congress. Covered loans refer to Federal Family Education Loans, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and loans under the Health Education Assistance Loan Program.

Health Impacts of Nuclear War Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Health Impacts of Nuclear War Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the consequences of the environmental impacts of nuclear war on human health and the ability of the United States to address these consequences. Specifically, HHS must conduct a five-year research and preparedness program that addresses the environmental effects of explosions of nuclear weapons (e.g., vast quantities of soot) and the resulting impact on human health (e.g., increased cancer rates). HHS may implement the program directly, as well as through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with nonprofits, nonprofit research institutions, or institutions of higher education. Additionally, HHS must, in coordination with other specified agencies and stakeholders, assess the ability of U.S. health systems to respond to these health consequences and identify any critical gaps or uncertainties.

PREP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Preparing and Retaining Education Professionals Act of 2023 or the PREP Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes and revises certain grant programs to address shortages of teachers and school leaders (e.g., principals) in elementary and secondary schools, including shortages in rural areas and related to specific positions (e.g., special education and English language instruction). First, the bill makes permanent and otherwise revises the Teacher Quality Partnership program (which provides grants to improve the quality of teachers and enhance professional development activities). In particular, the bill revises the program to (1) expand the purpose of grants to include the recruitment of well-prepared individuals, including individuals from underrepresented populations, into the teacher and school leadership force; (2) include training and professional development opportunities for school leaders; and (3) authorize a grant program to address workforce shortages or increase workforce diversity. Next, the bill makes permanent and otherwise revises the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence program (which provides grants to establish teacher preparation programs at minority-serving institutions). Further, the bill allows grants to be used for school leader preparation programs. Additionally, the bill aligns activities within teacher preparation programs at predominantly Black institutions, Native American-serving nontribal institutions, and other minority-serving institutions with certain changes made to the Teacher Quality Partnership program. The bill permanently reauthorizes the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement program (which provides grants to improve science and engineering education at predominantly minority institutions).

Competency-Based Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Competency-Based Education Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for regulations related to competency-based education programs that were in effect on July 1, 2021. The Department of Education must comply with these regulations when administering competency-based education programs or determining the eligibility of these programs to receive federal assistance.  The bill also provides definitions for competency-based education and skill .

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2023

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues relating to non-U. S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, including exempting certain such individuals from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year. To be exempt from the annual numerical limitations on immigrant visas, the individual must (1) have earned a master's level or higher degree in certain STEM fields while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have an offer) to perform work directly related to the degree and earn higher than the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements. The bill also allows an individual seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa for an advanced STEM degree to obtain the nonimmigrant visa even if the individual seeks lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an individual may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the individual actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that visa.) Under this bill, to be approved for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree, the applicant must apply for the visa before beginning the advanced degree program. The bill also requires an individual who is inside the United States and applying for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree to undergo the same vetting (e.g., verifying academic credentials and undergoing background checks) as an individual applying from outside the United States.

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

This bill directs the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish a grant program within its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program for eligible institutions to develop and carry out agriculture workforce training programs. Eligible institutions include U.S. land-grant universities, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, junior or community colleges with agriculture programs, and area career and technical education schools with agriculture programs. The grants must be used to develop and carry out programs to (1) promote the growth of the agriculture industry, (2) foster competitiveness within the industry, and (3) improve the training and retention of workers in the industry. An agriculture workforce training program is a program developed by an eligible institution in collaboration with a targeted industry partner through which the industry partner provides training to enrolled students. This may include training through internships, apprenticeships, experience-based curricula, and educational programs and workshops.  The program must be implemented by January 31, 2024.

Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act This bill provides statutory authority for and expands the Farm Service Agency's (FSA's) Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program (the Increasing Land Access Program) for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners. Specifically, the FSA must make competitive grants to, enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide other capital support to eligible entities (e.g., state or local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education) to provide direct assistance to (1) historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest owners; (2) farmers, ranchers, and forest owners operating in high-poverty areas; or (3) young and beginning farmers. The bill specifically excludes from assistance any foreign-based or foreign-owned corporation. The direct assistance may include payments to intended beneficiaries to acquire real property (including air rights and water rights), secure clear title on an heirs' property farmland, and improve or remediate land, water, and soil. Eligible entities may also use grants (1) to provide direct assistance to intended beneficiaries in assessing, purchasing, acquiring, or retaining eligible land; (2) for activities designed to support farm establishment and long-term viability; and (3) to provide technical assistance. The FSA must establish a stakeholder committee, and in collaboration with the committee, develop a process for evaluating and selecting applications submitted by eligible entities. The stakeholder committee must include perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders, including a diverse representation of geographic distribution and farming models, practices, and purposes.  

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3935) to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3941) to prohibit the use of the facilities of a public elementary school, a public secondary school, or an institution of higher education to provide shelter for aliens who have not been admitted into the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3935) to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3941) to prohibit the use of the facilities of a public elementary school, a public secondary school, or an institution of higher education to provide shelter for aliens who have not been admitted into the United States.

Protecting Taxpayers from Student Loan Bailouts Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Protecting Taxpayers from Student Loan Bailouts Act This bill limits the authority of the Department of Education (ED) to propose or issue regulations and executive actions related to federal student aid programs. The bill prohibits ED from issuing such a proposed rule, final regulation, or executive action if ED determines that the rule, regulation, or action (1) is economically significant, and (2) would result in an increase in a subsidy cost. Economically significant refers to a regulation or executive action that is likely to (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; or (2) adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities.

Health Impacts of Nuclear War Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Health Impacts of Nuclear War Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the consequences of the environmental impacts of nuclear war on human health and the ability of the United States to address these consequences. Specifically, HHS must conduct a five-year research and preparedness program that addresses the environmental effects of explosions of nuclear weapons (e.g., vast quantities of soot) and the resulting impact on human health (e.g., increased cancer rates). HHS may implement the program directly, as well as through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with nonprofits, nonprofit research institutions, or institutions of higher education. Additionally, HHS must, in coordination with other specified agencies and stakeholders, assess the ability of U.S. health systems to respond to these health consequences and identify any critical gaps or uncertainties.

Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act or the STUDENT Act This bill revises the federal charter for the National Education Association. The bill specifies that the corporation and its state and local affiliates may only accept payment of membership dues or fees from a state or local government employee if the employee (1) has been notified of the employee's right under the First Amendment to refrain from membership and payment of associated dues or fees, (2) has clearly and affirmatively consented to membership and payment of associated dues or fees, and (3) has authorized the transmittal of membership dues or fees without the use of payroll deduction. Further, the corporation and its state or local affiliates must process and honor cancellation requests for membership or payment of dues as soon as practicable following receipt of the request. The bill also outlines requirements for the corporation, such as  prohibiting the corporation or its directors or officers from contributing to, supporting, or participating in political activities; requiring each officer of the corporation to be a U.S. citizen;  requiring the corporation to submit annual reports to Congress; prohibiting the corporation and its affiliates from requiring staff, officers, affiliates, or members to affirm, adopt, or adhere to certain principles related to race or sex; and prohibiting the corporation and its affiliates from calling or participating in a strike, work stoppage, or slowdown affecting a state or local government. The bill repeals the corporation's exemption from District of Columbia property taxes.

Train More Doctors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023

Train More Doctors Act of 2023 This bill extends the resident cap building period for purposes of Medicare graduate medical education payments for hospitals that began training residents in a new program between July 1, 2018, and July 1, 2021, to take into account the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on these hospitals.

Advanced Nuclear Feasibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023

Advanced Nuclear Feasibility Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a grant program for feasibility studies to site, construct, and operate advanced nuclear reactors (e.g., certain nuclear power plants with significant improvements, such as additional safety features and a lower cost of electricity). Institutions of higher education, private individuals, private companies, or local governments may apply for grants if they are located in a state or territory that has an appropriate plan in effect for furthering the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Those states and territories may also apply for grants.

Workforce Development Investment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2023

Workforce Development Investment Act of 2023 This bill allows employers new tax credits for (1) partnering with qualified educational institutions (i.e., any community college, any other institution of higher education, and any area career and technical education school) to improve workforce development and job training for students; and (2) certain job training program expenses.

High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act This bill increases the annual cap on H-1B visas (nonimmigrant visas for workers in specialty occupations) and authorizes grants for education. Specifically, the bill (1) increases the cap on such visas for each fiscal year from 65,000 to 130,000; and (2) exempts from this cap all visas for individuals with a postgraduate degree from a U.S. institution of higher education (currently, only up to 20,000 such visas are exempted each fiscal year). The bill also modifies the criteria for determining whether an employer is an H-1B-dependent employer. (Such employers are subject to additional requirements.) The Department of Education may make grants to states to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (commonly referred to as STEM) education.

One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Entrepreneurship Education of the Small Business Administration to establish a website that provides licensing and business permit information for small businesses.

HALT Our Adversaries Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

Halting Academic Liaisons To Our Adversaries Act or the HALT Our Adversaries Act This bill prohibits federal funding for institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have certain agreements with China or Russia. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify academic institutions of China, Russia, and other countries that are known to provide support to China's People's Liberation Army or Russia's armed forces. Further, the bill prohibits an IHE from receiving federal funds if it maintains a contract or other agreement with such an academic institution identified by DOD. Additionally, the bill prohibits an IHE from receiving funds made available for an element of the intelligence community for research, development, testing, and evaluation if it maintains a contract or other agreement with (1) any entity identified as a Chinese military company operating in the United States, or (2) an academic institution of China that maintains a relationship with such an entity. The bill also prohibits an IHE or other postsecondary educational institution from receiving federal funds (with exceptions for certain federal education funds) if it has a contractual partnership in effect with an entity that is (1) owned or controlled by the Chinese government, or (2) organized under the laws of China. The IHE or other postsecondary educational institution may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the partnership.

Rural Wellness Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Rural Wellness Act This bill prioritizes behavioral and mental health treatment services under certain rural development grant and loan programs. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2028 the set-asides and prioritizations for substance use disorder treatment services under the Department of Agriculture's (1) Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, (2) Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, and (3) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. Under the community facilities program, the bill prioritizes direct loans and grants for the development of behavioral and mental health services facilities, including facilities that provide treatment services. Further, loans and grants provided under the program may be used to develop facilities and systems to provide telehealth services for behavioral and mental health treatment. Under the Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, the bill prioritizes grants for behavioral and mental health education and treatment. Under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program, the bill includes a 17% set-aside for telemedicine projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services (currently a 20% set-aside).   

Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act This bill requires the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to award grants for pilot projects that have the potential to reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions and that convert and valorize tree nut harvest by-products into higher value biocarbon products. Eligible grantees include, among others, certain colleges or universities and agricultural business entities.

Informed Student Borrowing Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Informed Student Borrowing Act of 2023 This bill revises and expands loan counseling for borrowers of federal student loans. Specifically, the bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs to provide loan counseling to a student borrower of a federal student loan at the first disbursement of a loan in each award year. Currently, an IHE must provide one-time entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower. The bill also revises and expands required elements of loan counseling. For example, required elements of loan counseling must include (1) an explanation that the borrower must affirmatively determine and manually enter the federal loan amount that the borrower will borrow for each award year, and (2) sample monthly repayment amounts based on the standard repayment plan and the most commonly used income-driven repayment plan. Each IHE must ensure that student borrowers and parent borrowers manually enter the exact dollar amount of the loan that they wish to borrow for the year. If an IHE provides a student or prospective student with a financial aid award notification that includes funds under the Federal Work-Study Program, then the IHE must ensure that the notification includes an explanation that these funds are not directly awarded to the student or IHE and that such amounts must be earned through the student's completion of work over time.

American Food for American Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2023 This bill provides for the removal of any adverse credit history related to a defaulted federal student loan from a borrower's credit history once the borrower has repaid in full the amount due on the loan.

Calling on the Secretary of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from State educational institutions, and calling on State educational institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned use of such logos, mascots, and names.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This resolution condemns all racism and discrimination, directs the Department of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from state educational institutions, and calls for such institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned used of such logos, mascots, and names.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets via research, education, and promotion.

National Education Association Charter Repeal Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Community Health Care Reauthorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Community Health Care Reauthorization Act This bill extends several programs relating to the health care workforce.  Specifically, the bill extends (1) through FY2029, funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program; and (2) through December 31, 2025, the Community Health Center Fund and the National Health Services Corps. The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program supports education and training of medical students in primary care residency programs in community-based ambulatory patient care centers. The Community Health Center Fund supports (1) grants for outpatient health care facilities that serve medically underserved populations; and (2) the National Health Service Corps, which provides scholarships and student loan repayment awards to health care providers who agree to work in areas with health care provider shortages.

American Food for American Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023 This bill expands the policy of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to include reducing food insecurity, increasing nutrition security, and improving diet quality for low-income people in the United States. It also requires additional related reporting by states and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill defines (1) food security as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life; (2) nutrition security as consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being; and (3) diet quality as the extent to which a set of foods aligns with key recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Under current requirements, a state agency that provides nutrition education and obesity prevention services under SNAP must submit an annual report to USDA. The bill requires the report to include (1) state actions taken to enhance the food and nutrition security of SNAP participants, and (2) recommendations regarding administering SNAP in a manner that would enhance state food and nutrition security in the state. Further, USDA must submit an annual report to Congress on U.S. food security, nutrition security, and diet quality. USDA must use data collected from retail stores participating in SNAP to submit a report to Congress at least every four years on food sales in SNAP. The report must be made publicly available and include an analysis of the specific food items acquired with SNAP benefits by eligible households.    

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.

Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2023 This bill expands Department of Agriculture (USDA) support for organic agricultural research. USDA must establish the Coordinating and Expanding Organic Research Initiative for USDA resources dedicated to organic agricultural research. Every five years, the initiative must survey USDA's organic agricultural research and produce a report, including findings and recommendations on expanding research and increasing coordination. USDA must take the findings and recommendations into consideration when preparing USDA's annual budget recommendations. The bill also reauthorizes, and increases funding for, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative through FY2028. Further, eligible grant projects are expanded to include (1) facilitating the identification and adoption of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices, and (2) identifying how organic agriculture can adapt to and mitigate climate change. The bill also reauthorizes, and extends funding for, USDA's organic production and market data initiatives through FY2028. The Economic Research Service must conduct an economic impact analysis of organic agricultural management conducted in accordance with the National Organic Program. USDA may make competitive grants to support research, education, and extension activities relating to the transition from nonorganic into organic agricultural production systems.  Further, the Agricultural Research Service must submit a report to Congress on the resources needed to maintain a proportion of certified organic agricultural land acreage for research so that it is equal to or greater than the organic agriculture industry’s market share of agricultural production.   

Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2023 This bill includes additional priorities as Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension areas. Under the bill, USDA may award grants for developing and evaluating (1) technologies to mechanize agricultural processes (and may emphasize processes for harvesting specialty crops), and (2) agricultural uses of artificial intelligence (and may emphasize uses for improving specialty crop production). Further, USDA may award grants to support research projects at land-grant colleges and universities to develop and apply methods to manage and eradicate invasive species of plants and animals, including through methods of biocontrol; and aquaculture methods, including through the propagation and rearing of economically and ecologically valuable aquatic and marine species. 

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act This bill establishes two pilot programs to train individuals in cybersecurity: an apprenticeship program and a program for veterans and military spouses. First, the bill establishes an apprenticeship pilot program to train and prepare up to 25 participants per year for information technology, cybersecurity, or other cyber-related functions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill authorizes DHS to implement the program via contracts with or grants to certain eligible entities (e.g., an education and training provider). Participants must agree to remain employed in a federal cyber workforce position for a specified period of time after the completion of the program. Next, the bill establishes a pilot program to provide cybersecurity training to veterans and military spouses. The program must include coursework and training that, if applicable, qualifies for postsecondary credit toward an associate or baccalaureate degree at an institution of higher education; virtual learning opportunities; hands-on learning and performance-based assessments; federal work-based learning opportunities and programs; and the provision of recognized postsecondary credentials to eligible individuals who complete the pilot program. When implementing the program for veterans and military spouses, DHS must coordinate with relevant agencies to (1) leverage existing education and training resources, (2) ensure that participants can use educational assistance while participating in the program, and (3) identify interagency opportunities that enable participants to acquire the competencies and capabilities necessary for federal employment. Each pilot program is authorized to last for five years.

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Agriculture Accessibility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Agriculture Accessibility Act of 2023 This bill expands the eligible programs under the AgrAbility grant program of the Department of Agriculture and reauthorizes the program through FY2033. (AgrAbility provides direct education and assistance to farmers and family members with disabilities.) The bill specifies that grants may be used to initiate, expand, or sustain programs that provide education and support to youth and young adults with disabilities interested in farming and farm-related occupations. The bill also provides that the maximum grant award under the program is $260,000. Current law specifies a minimum grant award amount of $150,000, but does not include a maximum amount. 

Agricultural Representation for the United States Territories Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Agricultural Representation for the United States Territories Act This bill increases agricultural representation for U.S. territories on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board.  Specifically, the bill increases the advisory board membership to 16 members (from the current 15). The additional member must represent the agricultural interests of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. The bill also extends the advisory board through FY2028. (The NAREEE Advisory Board advises the Department of Agriculture, land-grant colleges and universities, and Congress on top priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics.)

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill provides federal housing assistance to Indians and Native Hawaiians. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2034 and otherwise revises the Indian Housing Block Grant program and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program. Among other revisions to these programs, the bill expands allowable housing activities under the Indian program to include education-related stipends, college housing assistance, and other education-related assistance for low-income college students. Next, the bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to guarantee housing loans for Indians and Native Hawaiians through FY2034. HUD may make grants to eligible recipients of block grants for use in eliminating drug-related and violent crime. Additionally, the bill provides statutory authority for the Tribal HUD-VASH program, which provides rental assistance and supportive services to Indian veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and living in or near an area where a tribe or tribally designated housing entity provides assistance for affordable housing. HUD must use at least 5% of rental assistance amounts under the HUD-VASH program, which provides housing assistance to homeless veterans, for the Tribal HUD-VASH program. The Tribal HUD-VASH program must be carried out by HUD in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the program, grants must be made to entities eligible for housing assistance block grants. HUD may make renewal grants to entities that have received prior program grants.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.

Clean Slate through Rehabilitation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Clean Slate through Rehabilitation Act This bill provides for the removal of any adverse credit history related to a federal student loan from a borrower's credit history once the borrower has completed loan rehabilitation.

Clean Slate through Consolidation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2023

Clean Slate through Consolidation Act This bill provides for the removal of any adverse credit history related to a defaulted federal student loan from a borrower's credit history once the borrower has obtained a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan discharging the borrower's liability on the defaulted loan.