Education

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2005

Hope for Homeless Kids Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2005

Hope for Homeless Kids Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to provide assistance to local educational agencies serving homeless children and youths displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2005 - 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 (CDCP) 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 of State 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 CDCP 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. Directs the President to establish the Office of Foreign Biological Threat Detection and Warning.

Health and Welfare Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Health and Welfare Relief Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) the 2006 update to the single conversion factor for physician's services; (2) a three-year transition of hold harmless payments for small rural hospitals under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services; (3) the composite rate component of the basic case-mix adjusted system for dialysis services; and (4) other related matters. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategic and implementing plan to address issues regarding physician investment in specialty hospitals. Extends through calendar 2006 the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program under SSA title IV part A, the national random sample study of child welfare and child welfare waiver authority, and transitional medical assistance and abstinence education programs. Provides for emergency health care, including disaster relief Medicaid under SSA title XIX, and other relief for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to: (1) reimbursement of states for TANF benefits to assist families affected by Hurricane Katrina; (2) an increase in additional TANF funds available for hurricane-damaged states; and (3) rules for receipt of Hurricane Katrina emergency TANF benefits and their application to the child support requirement. Specifies requirements related to disclosure based on valid authorization and emergency procurement authority in support of Hurricane Katrina rescue and relief efforts.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Higher Education Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Higher Education Enhancement Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 title III part A (Strengthening Institutions) to direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants and related assistance to certain institutions of higher education for activities to improve their capacity to serve students who are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Gives priority to eligible institutions with a significant percentage of enrollment made up of such students who are low-income individuals.

National Homeland Security Academy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

National Homeland Security Academy Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a National Homeland Security Academy consisting of: (1) a National Homeland Security Education and Strategy Center to provide fundamental instruction and develop a homeland security curriculum; (2) a communications network capable of delivering distance learning opportunities; (3) the programs of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness' Center for Homeland Defense and Security; and (4) a National Homeland Security Education Network composed of representatives from all of the academies and training centers within DHS jurisdiction.. Directs the Secretary to appoint a State and Local Education and Training Coordinator in the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness to serve as the primary point of contact between federal, state, and local training facilities, the Academy, and the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness.

Medicare Dual Eligible Identification and Enrollment Facilitation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Medicare Dual Eligible Identification and Enrollment Facilitation Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for outreach and education to pharmacies participating under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, particularly independent pharmacies. Requires such outreach and education to address: (1) the full-benefit dual eligible population; (2) the transition from Medicaid prescription drug coverage to part D coverage for such population; and (3) the processes established by the Secretary to facilitate, at point of sale, identification of the drug plan assignment of such population or enrollment of previously unidentified or new full-benefit dual eligible individuals into Medicare part D prescription drug coverage. Directs the Secretary to reimburse pharmacies fully for: (1) any transaction fees associated with point-of-sale facilitated identification and enrollment processes; and (2) costs associated with any technology or software upgrade necessary to make any identification and enrollment inquiries as part of such processes.

Armed Forces Education Benefits Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Armed Forces Education Benefits Improvement Act - Increases for FY2005 and thereafter the amount of monthly basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (GI Bill) for veterans whose obligated period of active duty for such entitlement is three years. Increases such amounts, for FY2006 and thereafter, by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Directs the Secretary of Defense to work expeditiously with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that members of the Selected Reserve receive their educational benefits in a timely manner. Requires a study from the Secretary of: (1) Defense analyzing the effect of all GI Bill educational benefits on recruitment and retention; and (2) Veterans Affairs analyzing the effect of such benefits on the readjustment of veterans eligible for the increased benefits, above. Increases for FY2005 and thereafter the amount of monthly educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who agree to remain members for at least six years. Increases such amounts, for FY2006 and thereafter, by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Allows eligible members of the Armed Forces to make an irrevocable election to receive basic educational assistance under the GI Bill. Defines as eligible members those who: (1) first became a member or first served on active duty before July 1, 1985; (2) served on active duty without a break in service since such date; (3) continue to so serve during the one-year period following enactment of this Act; (4) have successfully completed the requirements of a secondary school diploma and the equivalent of 12 semester hours toward a standard college degree; and (5) when discharged or released, receive an honorable discharge.

Eugene Land Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2005

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

Fair Share for Military Children in Public Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2005

Fair Share for Military Children in Public Schools Act - Amends title VIII (Impact Aid) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for basic payments for heavily impacted local educational agencies (LEAs) for eligible federally connected children. Authorizes such funds in amounts equal to increasing portions of the full amount computed for each such LEA for each of FY2007-FY2010, until the full amount is reached for FY2011.

STEP Up Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2005

Summer Term Education Programs for Upward Performance Act of 2005, or STEP UP Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to state educational agencies to pay the federal share of summer learning grants for eligible students to be summer scholars in summer learning opportunity programs.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2005

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants to third and fourth year undergraduate students of physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, or foreign languages critical to national security who are also eligible for Pell grants.

To authorize grants to carry out projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to: (1) local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies; and (2) public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies. Reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the Carol M. White physical education program, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (2) TRIO programs and GEARUP, under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Wired for Health Care Quality Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005

Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative to recommend uniform policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology; and (2) adopt recommended modifications to standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Prohibits any federal agency from expending federal funds to purchase health information technology that is inconsistent with adopted standards and requires all federal agencies collecting health data to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to develop criteria to: (1) ensure uniform and consistent implementation of any standards voluntarily adopted by private entities; and (2) ensure and certify hardware, software, and support services compliance with adopted standards. Allows the Secretary to award grants to: (1) facilitate the purchase and enhance the utilization of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implement regional or local health information plans; and (3) develop academic programs integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the heads of specified federal agencies to develop a system to measure the quality of care patients receive. Requires the Secretary to: (1) adopt and utilize such system; (2) disseminate recommendations and best practices derived from the analysis of quality measures; and (3) study methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), to develop a Center for Best Practices to provide technical assistance and develop best practices to support and accelerate efforts to adopt, implement, and effectively use interoperable health information technology. Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to reduce statutory and regulatory barriers to telemedicine.

To amend the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to allow scholarship and fellowship recipients to work in a field of education if no position in the Federal Government relating to national security is available.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005

Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to revise the service requirements for certain National Security Scholarship and Fellowship recipients. Repeals the conditions that a recipient work: (1) one year of service for each year for which the scholarship or fellowship assistance was provided; and (2) in order to utilize the unique language and region expertise acquired by the recipient pursuant to such study. Requires the recipient to work at least one year in a position contributing to national security in the Department of Defense (as under current law), any element of the intelligence community (as under current law), the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of State. Allows the recipient to work at least one year in such a position in any other federal agency if none is available in any of the primary departments specified, or if none is available in another federal agency, at least one academic year in a position in a field of education in a discipline related to the studies supported by the scholarship or fellowship.

K-16 Critical Foreign Language Pipeline Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005

K-16 Critical Foreign Language Pipeline Act - Amends the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 to create a Critical Foreign Language Program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide grants to five institutions of higher education to establish such program to collaborate with elementary schools and secondary schools for language learning pipelines to train students from kindergarten through college to be proficient in those foreign languages that the Secretary identifies as being the most critical in the interests of U.S. national security.

Student Loan Marketplace Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005

Student Loan Marketplace Equity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to impose a special fee on the entity whose portfolio of interests in student loans has the greatest value (dominant lender), as determined annually by the Secretary of Education. Requires the dominant lender to pay the fee to the Secretary monthly, calculated annually in an amount equal to 0.25% of such portfolio value.

Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require: (1) quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosures reports; (2) electronic filing; (3) maintenance of certain lobbying disclosure information in an electronic database, available to the public free of charge over the Internet; (4) disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and congressional employment; (5 ) disclosure of grassroots lobbying activities by paid lobbyists; (6) disclosure of registered lobbyists' contributions and payments; and (7) an increased penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements. Revises criteria, with regard to disclosure requirements, for determining a coalition or association of groups that retain a person to conduct lobbying or grassroots lobbying activities. Extends from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former very senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and officers and employees of the legislative branch with any officer or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to grant a current or former employee or officer assigned to an Indian tribe to perform services pursuant to self-governance contracts or compacts formerly performed by them for the United States to communicate with and appear before any department, agency, court, or commission on behalf of the Indian tribe with respect to any matter relating to the contract or compact. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment negotiations. Exempts from the restrictions on gifts to Members of Congress or Senators, officers, or employees the market value for a flight on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Declares that such market value is the fair market value of a charter flight. Requires public disclosure of such flights. Requires increased disclosure of travel by Members of Congress. Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to develop and revise guidelines on reasonable expenses or expenditures for official government travel. Declares that a gift to a covered executive branch official, or to an officer, employee, or Member of the House or of the Senate, of a ticket to a sporting or entertainment event shall be the face value of the ticket (or if there is no face value, then the highest cost of a ticket with a face value for the event). Calls for reviews and semiannual reports by the Comptroller General on activities carried out by the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate under the Act.

Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a manufacturing research pilot grants program to make awards to partnerships consisting of at least one industry and one nonindustry partner to foster cost-shared collaborations among firms, educational and research institutions, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations in the development of innovative, multidisciplinary manufacturing technologies. Requires the Director to establish: (1) a manufacturing fellowship program for studies and research activities relating to manufacturing sciences; and (2) a program of competitive grants to manufacturing centers to develop projects to solve new or emerging manufacturing problems. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) manufacturing support programs; (2) the collaborative manufacturing research pilot grants program; (3) technical workforce education and development; (4) scientific and technical research and services; (5) the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program; and (6) the advanced technology program. Requires the Director to carry out a Standards Education program to award grants to institutions of higher education to develop curricula on the role of standards in the fields of engineering, business, science, and economics.

TANF and Related Programs Extension Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

TANF and Related Programs Extension Act of 2005 - Reauthorizes and extends through June 30, 2006, in the manner authorized for FY2005, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant Program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA), additional grants to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, funding for state abstinence education programs under SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant), and eligibility for Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Reauthorizes and extends the national random sample study of child welfare and child welfare waiver authority through June 30, 2006, in the manner authorized for FY2005.

Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to issue a pandemic influenza declaration putting into effect provisions relating to government liability and compensation for injuries with respect to specified countermeasures. Requires the Secretary to establish a compensation program for countermeasure-related injuries or deaths. Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Countermeasure Injury Compensation Fund. Establishes the liability of the United States for claims arising out of the administration of a covered countermeasure by a qualified person during the period of such declaration. Requires states to have an approved state pandemic influenza preparedness plan as a condition of receiving certain bioterrorism funds. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide for the purchase of excess stocks of influenza vaccine; (2) establish minimum thresholds for state pandemic influenza surveillance; (3) procure antivirals, vaccines, essential medication, and other supplies related to a pandemic influenza for the Strategic National Stockpile; and (4) develop a national system for tracking and distributing antiviral medications and vaccines. Establishes a Global Network for Avian Influenza Surveillance. Provides for: (1) the development of an influenza public education campaign; (2) the expansion and intensification of influenza research; and (3) the development of best practices and social science research. Requires the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary to develop workplace standards to protect health care workers and first responders from workplace exposure to pandemic influenza. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat the avian influenza virus. Requires the Secretary of State to: (1) designate a coordinator of U.S. assistance to combat the avian influenza virus; and (2) develop country strategies to prevent, mitigate, and respond to outbreaks in designated high-risk countries. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an early warning system to prevent, mitigate, and respond to outbreaks of the avian influenza virus in foreign countries.

Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to educational organizations to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust.

Student Achievement and Successful Schools Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Student Achievement and Successful Schools Act of 2005 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) full funding should be provided to schools to allow them to satisfy federal mandates required under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLBA), which amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); and (2) states and school districts should have the necessary flexibility in implementing NCLBA to ensure that all students are successful and achieve all of the goals of the law. Amends ESEA to revise requirements relating to: (1) adequate yearly progress (AYP); (2) student achievement measured through longitudinal growth; (3) supplemental educational services; and (4) extended deadlines and uniform state standards for evaluating teachers as highly qualified. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) allocate federal funds to pay for administrative costs of demonstrating AYP and for paraprofessional training; and (2) make performance bonus grants to eligible states for non-administrative functions by schools that have closed achievement gaps to a certain degree between specified subgroups. Authorizes state and local educational agencies and schools to defer implementation of certain ESEA requirements in any fiscal year when the amount appropriated under ESEA and the Individuals with Disabilities Act does not equal or exceed a specified authorized amount. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on certain topics concerning how costs of NCLBA mandates may affect adequate funding for ESEA.

Achieving Our IDEA Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Achieving Our IDEA Act of 2005 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize and make appropriations for: (1) each of FY2007-FY2012 in specified amounts; and (2) each subsequent fiscal year, in amounts necessary to fully fund 40% of the average per pupil expenditure for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities.

Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require: (1) quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosures reports; (2) electronic filing; (3) maintenance of certain lobbying disclosure information in an electronic data base, available to the public free of charge over the Internet; (4) disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and congressional employment; (5 ) disclosure of grassroots lobbying activities by paid lobbyists; (6) disclosure of registered lobbyists contributions and payments; and (7) an increased penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements. Revises criteria, with regard to disclosure requirements, for determining a coalition or association of groups that retain a person to conduct lobbying or grassroots lobbying activities. Extends from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former very senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and officers and employees of the legislative branch with any officer or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to grant a current or former employee or officer assigned to an Indian tribe to perform services pursuant to self-governance contracts or compacts formerly performed by them for the United States to communicate with and appear before any department, agency, court, or commission on behalf of the Indian tribe with respect to any matter relating to the contract or compact. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment negotiations. Exempts from the restrictions on gifts to Members of Congress or Senators, officers, or employees the market value for a flight on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Declares that such market value is the fair market value of a charter flight. Requires public disclosure of such flights. Requires increased disclosure of travel by Members of Congress. Requires the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Select Committee on Ethics to develop and revise guidelines on reasonable expenses or expenditures for official government travel. Declares that a gift to a covered executive branch official, or to an officer, employee, or Member of the House or of the Senate, of a ticket to a sporting or entertainment event shall be the face value of the ticket; and if there is no face value, then the highest cost of a ticket with a face value for the event. Calls for reviews and semiannual reports by the Comptroller General on activities carried out by the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate under the Act.

Paget's Cancer Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Paget's Cancer Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program to provide information and education to health professionals and the public on the symptoms of and treatment for Paget's disease of the breast. Requires the Secretary to study aspects of the disease concerning the range of symptoms, time lapse between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis and treatment, and demographic distribution.

Educational Immunity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Educational Immunity Act of 2005 - Absolves from civil liability in federal court any educator or school administrator in a public or private pre-K-12 school for any act or omission in the course and scope of employment, except for liability under a contract or for criminal conduct.

Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for support of basic research activities in the physical sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering; and (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) for support of basic research activities. Makes at least 8% of such amounts available for high-risk, potentially high-payoff research. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to the NSF, National Institutes of Health (NIH), DOE, DOD, and NASA for the support of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers program. Directs NSF to institute the Graduate Scholar Awards in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics program or GSA-STEM program, to award graduate fellowships in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory board. Establishes a Presidential Innovation Award, which the President shall periodically award to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure to: (1) identify and prioritize deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in academic institutions and national laboratories; and (2) make recommendations for resource allocation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 to NSF and DOE for construction and maintenance of research facilities at institutions of higher education or national laboratories and other physical resources for performing leading-edge research.

Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005

Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national voluntary influenza vaccination program to provide free influenza vaccines. Requires the Secretary to reimburse participating entities for the cost of administering such vaccines. Requires the Secretary to award grants to health departments, public hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other entities to facilitate: (1) the establishment of influenza vaccination programs in partnership with private entities; and (2) the development of influenza vaccination programs for students and families of students. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award grants to elementary and secondary schools to facilitate the development of a voluntary influenza vaccination program; (2) develop an immunization plan with immunization target numbers for Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); (3) provide bonus payments to eligible health care providers and other entities who meet such immunization targets; (4) establish a Volunteer Vaccine Corps to facilitate the distribution of vaccines during a public health emergency related to an influenza outbreak; (5) maintain a database of Corps members; and (6) award grants for the training of Corps members. Limits the liability of Corps members when performing their duties. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a national public affairs campaign to increase influenza immunization rates.

National Innovation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005

National Innovation Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering. Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Make permanent the research credit for qualified research expenses and provides for an alternative simplified credit for such expenses. Requires studies: (1) to explore methods for managing costs associated with catastrophic healthcare events and with chronic disease; and (2) for establishing lifelong learning accounts for educational or training purposes; and (3) of methods to mitigate new forms of risk for businesses that affect innovation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue regulations relating to private foundation support of innovations in economic development; and (2) establish an advisory group to examine best practices for valuation of intangibles. Makes it the goal of the Department of Defense (DOD) to allocate: (1) at least 3% of the total DOD budget to science and technology; and (2) of such amount, at least 20% to basic research. Extends and expands the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Scholarship Pilot Program. Expands the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship program. Requires DOD to: (1) award institution-based traineeships in areas of importance to DOD in mathematics, science, or engineering; and (2) undertake specified actions with respect to defense manufacturing research and development.

National Hepatitis B Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005

National Hepatitis B Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for hepatitis B prevention, control, and medical management. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) support the integration of testing, counseling, immunization, and medical referral activities into existing clinical and public health programs at state, local, and tribal levels; and (2) provide hepatitis B coordinators to health departments in order to ensure the success of such integration. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to implement programs to increase awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to: (1) support the establishment of a national hepatitis B surveillance program; and (2) report on population-based seroprevalence studies and hepatitis B's economic and clinical impact and its impact on quality of life. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Directors of CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct research on hepatitis B. Requires the Secretary to give priority in carrying out this Act to individuals with limited access to health education, testing, and health care services and groups that may be disproportionately affected by hepatitis B.

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

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005

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.

Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 (P.L. 109–81) to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) through March 31, 2006. Amends HEA to extend: (1) limitations on a special allowance for loans from the proceeds of tax exempt issues; and (2) an effective date limitation on increased teacher loan forgiveness benefits.

Technology Education Incentive Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Technology Education Incentive Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for 20% of the wages paid to employees who volunteer services at certain K-12 schools related to science, mathematics, or engineering education. Imposes a maximum credit amount of $1,000 per employee. Directs the Secretaries of Education and the Treasury to conduct a joint study on the effects of such tax credit.

Calling on the Board of Directors of the National High School Mock Trial Championship to accommodate students of all religious faiths.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Calls on the Board of Directors of the National High School Mock Trial Championship to: (1) accommodate the religious beliefs of students participating in the competition; and (2) restructure the competition's rules to allow qualifying students of all faiths to compete fully without betraying their religious beliefs.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of providing fair and up-to-date teaching in United States secondary schools of the developments of modern day Russia.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Applauds public and private school officials who are trying to improve the history curriculum in secondary schools in the United States Calls on school officials to reexamine such curriculum to ensure fair and up-to-date teaching of the developments of modern day Russia. Calls on publishers of history textbooks to include more information and additional points of view regarding Russian history in new versions of textbooks or as supplementary materials.

Michell C. Clark, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Management, Department of Education, vice William Leidinger.

United States · United States Senate · 13 December 2005

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for student loan forgiveness to encourage individuals to become and remain school administrators in low income areas.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for forgiveness of Federal Family Education (FFEL) loans and Ford Federal Direct (student) loans to any borrower who has been employed as a full-time school superintendent, principal, or other administrator for five consecutive complete school years in a school district in a low-income area.

Waiving points of order against the further conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3010) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005

Waives points of order against further consideration of the conference report on H.R. 3010 (FY2006 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies appropriations).

Rape Prevention and Education Grant Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Rape Prevention and Education Grant Program Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for grants to states for rape prevention and education programs conducted by rape crisis centers, state sexual assault coalitions, and other public and private nonprofit entities. Earmarks a portion of such funds for the provision of resource information, policy, training, and technical assistance to federal, state, local, and Indian tribal agencies, state sexual assault coalitions, local sexual assault programs, and other professionals and interested parties on issues relating to sexual assault, including maintenance of a central resource library to collect, prepare, analyze, and disseminate information, statistics, and analyses relating to the incidence and prevention of sexual assault.

Fair and Responsible Lending Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Fair and Responsible Lending Act - Uniform National Mortgage Lending Standards Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to define high-cost home loans. Revises guidelines regarding: (1) requirements for high-cost home loans; (2) dispute and error resolution; (3) damages, rescission, and liability; (4) state law coordination; (5) state enforcement authority; and (6) disclosure guidelines. Prescribes consumer counseling requirements. Expanding Housing Opportunities Through Education and Counseling Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, in the Office of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Office of Housing Counseling to carry out homeownership and rental counseling functions, including related research, grant administration, public outreach, and development of policy and performance measures. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish homeownership and rental counseling procedures, and a related a toll-free telephone number and World Wide Web site; (2) certify computer software programs for consumer evaluation of residential mortgage loans; (3) establish a housing counseling multimedia outreach program for vulnerable populations; (4) assist states, local government, and non-profit organizations with consumer education programs about mortgage, refinancing, home equity, or home repair loans; and (5) make grants for state, local government, and nonprofit organization housing counseling assistance. Requires organizations to use HUD-certified counselors in order to qualify for specified HUD assistance. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) direct the Secretary to prepare an updated booklet to help consumers applying for federally related mortgage loans to understand the nature and costs of real estate settlement services; and (2) prescribe guidelines governing an option for notice of foreclosure prevention counseling availability.

To provide higher education relief to individuals and institutions affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify requirements under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for student financial assistance programs, or other student or institutional eligibility provisions, as necessary to reflect changes in the financial condition of affected students and their families resulting from Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita (a Gulf hurricane disaster). Cancels: (1) certain institutional repayments by institutions of higher education affected by a Gulf hurricane disaster; and (2) student loans for affected students during certain cancelled enrollment periods. Provides for: (1) temporary deferment of student loan repayment by affected individuals; and (2) waiver of consecutive service requirements for affected individuals under a program of student loan forgiveness for school teachers. Directs the Secretary to make special efforts to notify affected students who qualify for a means-tested federal benefit program of their potential eligibility for a maximum Pell Grant and to disseminate informational materials regarding such eligibility.

Educators in Military Service Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Educators in Military Service Act of 2005 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to extend the deadlines by which state and local educational agencies are required to ensure that teachers or paraprofessional educators are highly qualified in order to account for their applicable periods of military service. Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Act to extend similar deadlines with respect to new special education teachers.

College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of contracting with fire alarm companies to install professionally fire alarm detection systems or other fire detection and prevention technologies in student housing, dormitories, and other buildings controlled by such entities.

Service for School Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Service for School Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide tuition assistance to undergraduate students attending eligible institutions of higher education in exchange for a commitment to perform national service.

To authorize science scholarships for educating mathematics and science teachers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish programs of grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) undergraduate scholarships and academic programs to recruit and educate elementary and secondary school mathematics and science teachers; and (2) master's degree scholarships and part-time graduate programs for inservice mathematics and science teachers. Requires the NSF Director to: (1) increase the number of awards under the Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century program and allow its grantees to operate one- to two-week summer teacher institutes; (2) add to the Teacher Professional Continuum Program a grants component for preparing to teach Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate science and mathematics courses; and (3) with a national panel and the Secretary of Education, disseminate effective materials and support development of new materials for K-12 science and mathematics teaching. Authorizes, or extends the authorization of, appropriations for NSF programs established or revised under this Act, including NSF Instructional Materials Development, as well as for the Department of Energy's Laboratory Science Teacher Professional Development program.

To provide certain authorities for the Department of State, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide for U.S. participation in the Regional Emerging Disease Intervention Center ("REDI Center") in Singapore. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to credit Department of State medical reimbursements to the currently available appropriation account, which shall be available for expenditure during the fiscal year received or longer as may be provided by law. Amends the Diplomatic Security Act to authorize the Secretary to not convene an Accountability Review Board to conduct an inquiry for incidents that involve serious injury, loss of life, or significant property destruction at a U.S. mission in Iraq or Afghanistan during the period of October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2009. Requires the Secretary, in the case of such an incident, to: (1) notify the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) investigate the incident and report to such committees. Increases the maximum post-differential and danger pay allowance for a Foreign Service employee to 35% of base pay. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 respecting grievance procedures. Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 to make the International Broadcasting Bureau personal services contracting pilot program permanent, and increase personnel levels to 100. Authorizes the Department to provide in advance funds available for official residence expenses to those persons currently eligible to receive such reimbursement. Amends the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 to authorize the Broadcasting Board of Governors to pay the primary and secondary education costs of dependents of personnel stationed in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including certain transportation costs, if the Board determines that the schools available in the Commonwealth are unable to provide an adequate education. Limits such payments to amounts similarly permitted to Department of Defense (DOD) dependents' educational expenses in the Commonwealth.

To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the Department of Energy to reduce the amount of energy the United States imports from foreign sources by 20% over the next 10 years. Establishes the Energy Independence Acceleration Fund, administered by the ARPA-E Director for the award of competitive grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia, including federally funded research and development centers, to achieve specified goals through targeted acceleration of: (1) energy-related research; (2) development of resultant techniques, processes, and technologies, and related testing and evaluation; and (3) demonstration and commercial application of the most promising technologies and research applications. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures and criteria for recoupment of the federal share of each project supported under this Act. Requires the President's Committee on Science and Technology to evaluate for Congress and the public how well ARPA-E is achieving its goals and mission.

Higher Education Tax Deduction Expansion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2005

Higher Education Tax Deduction Expansion Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for higher education tuition and related expenses and to increase the maximum amount of such deduction to $7,500.

HOW THE LACK OF HIGHER EDUCATION FACULTY CONTRIBUTES TO AMERICA'S NURSING SHORTAGE, PART II

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 December 2005