Education

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

United States · United States Senate · 31 December 2006

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for: (1) enrollment of qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX (as under current law); and (2) related payments to Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations operating in the state. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with a Division of Urban Indian Health. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bipartisan Indian Health Care Commission to: (1) establish a study committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the study committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding the delivery of federal health care services to Indians. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through FY 2016. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (SCHIP) to conform with this Act.

To reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 and to offset the cost of payments to States and counties under such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Act of 2000 to extend the Act through FY2007. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to temporarily accelerate the effective date (makes withholding effective for 2007) for the imposition of certain withholding on payments made by federal, state, and local governments for property or services. Excludes during such period payments to: (1) businesses that employed fewer than 50 employees during the preceding taxable year; and (2) state and local governments.

To increase the amount in certain funding agreements relating to patents and nonprofit organizations to be used for scientific research, development, and education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Increases to 15% (currently 5%) of a government-owned contractor-operated facility's annual budget, for facilities with annual budgets of less than $40 million, the amount of money from royalties or income earned during any fiscal year from a patent for a subject invention under a funding agreement that a nonprofit organization can keep for scientific research, development, and education consistent with the research and development mission and objectives of the facility.

To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide for a sequestration on December 31, 2009, to eliminate the actual budget deficit for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2006

Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require a sequestration on December 31, 2009, of an amount equivalent to the actual amount of the deficit (if any) for FY2009, as determined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prescribes a general formula for mandatory permanent reduction of each account of the United States, with specified exceptions, under such a sequestration. Exempts from such a sequestration specified accounts, including: (1) Social Security benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA); (2) tier I railroad retirement benefits; (3) Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII; (4) certain federal retirement and disability benefits; (5) certain federal administrative expenses; (6) certain veterans' life and disability insurance programs and the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Education Account; and (7) certain automatic spending increases under the National Wool Act and the special milk program. Prescribes formulae for partial reductions for: (1) foster care and adoption assistance programs under part E of SSA title IV; (2) veterans' medical care; (3) specified federal retirement programs; (4) specified veterans' programs, including pension and education benefits; (5) military health and retirement funds; (6) federal civilian and military pay; and (7) certain Commodity Credit Corporation cash payments. Requires reductions under any sequestration order in the federal matching rate for state administrative costs under the child support enforcement program of SSA title Authorizes a state, when a sequestration is in effect, to reduce each weekly benefit payment made under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970.

National Energy Efficiency Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

National Energy Efficiency Development Act - Establishes the National Energy Efficiency Development Administration, headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, to develop energy-efficient technologies and reduce U.S. imports of oil by 50% by 2015. Establishes in the Administration: (1) a Policy Advisory Committee; (2) an Office of Administration (to include an Energy Efficiency Economics Division, an Education Division, and the position of General Counsel); (3) an Office of Policy, Research, and Development; and (4) an Office of Venture Capital. Authorizes the Administrator to solicit the development of energy-effcient technologies.

Jeremy Bell Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Jeremy Bell Act of 2006 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit an employer from transferring an employee to another state if the employer knows that such employee engaged in sexual conduct with a minor. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require private or public schools and educational agencies to adopt policies to ensure that all school or agency employees undergo a fingerprint-based check of the national crime information databases and, where possible, a fingerprint-based check of state criminal history databases.

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify certain expiring tax provisions relating to education, business investment and economic development, research, health care, environmental remediation, and energy conservation. Health Opportunity Patient Empowerment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax and other incentives for funding health savings accounts. Medicare Improvements and Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Social Security Act to extend and modify various Medicare and Medicaid provisions, including provisions relating to physician fee schedules, health care reporting requirements, hospital and medical provider reimbursements for certain medical procedures, Medicare fraud and abuse prevention, and the transitional medical assistance and abstinence education program. Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund and reduce rate of reclamation fees payable by mine operators to the Fund. Allows certain mine operators to prepay health care premium liabilities to the Combined Benefits Fund. Modifies rules relating to the reimportation of exported tobacco products for personal use. Extends through 2008 tariff duties on ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Allows a tax exclusion of gain from the sale of certain mineral or geothermal interests. Extends the school choice scholarship program for low-income children in the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on establishing a uniform national database on elder abuse.

Maternal Motor Vehicle Crash Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Maternal Motor Vehicle Crash Safety Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to: (1) provide grants and other incentives to eligible entities to promote the development of data linkage systems that improve the tracking of adverse health effects and birth outcomes for pregnant women involved in motor vehicle crashes; (2) conduct a research program to promote the health and safety of such women and their unborn children; and (3) conduct a public outreach and education program to increase awareness of safety risks associated with motor vehicle crashes for such women and children and methods to reduce such risks. Directs the Administrator to include data regarding the safety of pregnant women and their unborn children who are involved in motor vehicle crashes in the NHTSA's Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Crashes.

Telehealth and Medically Underserved and Advancement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Telehealth and Medically Underserved and Advancement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the type of originating sites allowed to offer telehealth services, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and county or community health clinics; and (2) remove the requirement that such originating sites must be in rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a conference of state licensing boards, local telehealth projects, health care practitioners, and patient advocates to promote interstate licensure for telehealth projects. Authorizes the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to award grants to: (1) demonstrate how telehealth technologies can be used to expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of health care services, and to improve and expand the training of health care providers, the quality of health information available, and efforts to eliminate health care disparities; and (2) provide oral health services to patients who reside in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to establish a Joint Working Group on Telehealth to: (1) identify, monitor, and coordinate federal telehealth projects, data sets, and programs in rural and urban areas; (2) analyze how telehealth systems are expanding access to health care services, education, and information; (3) analyze the clinical, educational, or administrative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of telehealth applications; (4) analyze the quality of the telehealth services delivered; (5) analyze how telehealth systems can advance the improve of health care quality and the elimination of health care disparities; (6) analyze the federal resources needed to accomplish the stated objectives of telehealth programs; and (7) make recommendations for coordinating federal and state efforts to increase access to health services, education, and information in rural and urban medically underserved areas.

Expanding, Rebuilding, and Improving Access to Qualified Health Care Professionals in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Affected Areas Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Expanding, Rebuilding, and Improving Access to Qualified Health Care Professionals in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Affected Areas Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish: (1) the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to ensure an adequate supply of public health professionals in state and local public health agencies in areas directly affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita; and (2) the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program for individuals agreeing to work at a public health agency. Provides for an additional loan repayment incentive amount for working in a Hurricane Katrina or Rita priority service area. Provides for grants to test, implement, and evaluate models of cultural competence training. Reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake education to enter a health profession; (2) assistance to schools for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities; and (3) a loan repayment program for qualified health professionals that agree to conduct certain prevention activities. Allows the Secretary to make grants for scholarships to individuals changing careers to a health profession. Gives priority to individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds and who seek to work in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita. Requires the Secretary to make additional payments under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to states directly affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita for: (1) health services; (2) health professional recruitment, training, and retention programs; and (3) repair, renovation, and construction of health facilities.

Strengthening Public Health Protections in Major Disasters and Emergencies Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Strengthening Public Health Protections in Major Disasters and Emergencies Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, if one or more chemicals or substances associated with potential acute or chronic human health effects are being or have been released in a major disaster area, to carry out a program for the protection, assessment, monitoring, and study of the health and safety of workers or volunteers who responded to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita or who respond to a major disaster or emergency, residents in a disaster area, or persons who are employed in, or who attend school, child care, or adult day care in, a disaster area. Authorizes the President to carry out such a program through a cooperative agreement with a medical institution or consortium of medical institutions, especially those located near the disaster area and any other area in which there reside groups of individuals that worked or volunteered in response to the disaster. Requires such institution to have appropriate experience in the areas of environmental or occupational health, toxicology, and safety. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter jointly into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to study and report on disaster area health and environmental protection and monitoring. Amends: (1) the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to extend to September 30, 2010, the authority for the predisaster hazard mitigation program; and (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize the use of preventive health services block grants for community outreach and education programs and other activities designed to address and prevent health and health care disparities.

Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2006 - Authorizes additional appropriations, for the purpose of conducting and supporting applied research to enhance the safety of perishable agricultural commodities for consumers, for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service: (2) the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and (3) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments (not to exceed 75% of the value of the unmarketed spinach crop) to growers and first handlers of fresh spinach that were unable to market spinach crops as a result of the Food and Drug Administration Public Health Advisory issued on September 14, 2006.

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 - Amends the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 to: (1) require the Office of National Drug Control Policy (Office) to develop goals and performance measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of national drug control programs; (2) revise the duties of the Director of the Office and the Deputy Directors; (3) revise requirements for the development, submission, implementation, and assessment of the National Drug Control Strategy; and (4) reauthorize the Office through FY2010. Revises the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program to: (1) allow law enforcement agencies to petition for the designation of high intensity drug trafficking areas; (2) authorize the Director to use such Program for terrorism prevention activities; and (3) authorize funding to address emerging drug trafficking threats and to combat methamphetamine trafficking. Dawson Family Community Protection Act - Requires the Director to allocate at least $7 million to high intensity drug trafficking areas with severe neighborhood safety and illegal drug distribution problems. Replaces the Director of Technology of the Counter-Drug Technology Assessment Center with a Chief Scientist. Requires the Chief Scientist to coordinate and implement a counter-drug technology transfer program. Revises requirements for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the drug-free communities program. Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to establish National Guard counterdrug schools. National Methamphetamine Information Clearinghouse Act of 2006 - Establishes the National Methamphetamine Information Clearinghouse and an Advisory Council to promote information sharing on methamphetamine prevention and treatment. Requires the Director to study, and report to Congress on, various drug control issues, including law enforcement intelligence sharing, the South American and Afghan heroin threat, prescription drug abuse prevention, drug endangered children programs, and school drug testing.

Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006 - Extends for specified periods certain expiring programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including: (1) health care for veteran participants in Department of Defense (DOD) chemical and biological warfare testing; (2) certain assistance for homeless veterans and seriously mentally ill veterans; and (3) the educational assistance allowance for work-study. Expands eligibility under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program to include the spouse or child of a member who: (1) is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care; (2) has a total permanent disability incurred in the line of duty; and (3) is likely to be discharged or released due to such disability. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate specified VA health care facilities as: (1) centers of Parkinson's disease research, education, and clinical activities; and (2) multiple sclerosis centers of excellence. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified major medical facility leases in FY2006 and FY2007. Codifies recently enacted VA cost-of-living adjustments in veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

Summer of Service Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Summer of Service Act of 2006 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create Summer of Service programs providing at least 100 hours of summer community service learning opportunities to youth who will subsequently enroll in grades six through nine. Requires the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide competitive three-year grants to: (1) states under a State Grant program; and (2) public or private organizations under a National Direct Grant program, when a state does not apply for funding or the community service program includes multiple states. Requires states and organizations, in making project subgrants, to favor entities with established track records that: (1) have leadership positions in the communities from which participating youth will be drawn; (2) focus on youth service during the transition year before high school; (3) encourage or enable youth to continue providing community service throughout the school year; (4) involve youth in the design and operation of the community service project; and (5) include youth of diverse backgrounds, at least 50% of which are from low-income families. Permits such entities to charge the parents of participants an income-based fee to contribute to the nonfederal share of project costs. Makes each youth serving at least 100 hours in a service-learning project eligible for an educational award of up to $500.

Building Opportunities for Our Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Building Opportunities for Our Kids Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide additional funds for the purchase of textbooks for eligible schools under the schoolwide program of part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged). Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a Textbook Recycling Program to facilitate the donation of textbooks by any local educational agency (LEA) to any other LEA for use by such schools. Directs the Comptroller General to assess the condition of textbooks used in public elementary and secondary schools.

Homeland Security Community Mobilization Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2006

Homeland Security Community Mobilization Act of 2006 - Establishes the Homeland Security Community Mobilization Program, under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make grants to local entities in 10 metropolitan areas (including New Orleans, Louisiana) to carry out pilot projects that provide: (1) emergency response training to prepare low-income adults and youth to provide emergency assistance in metropolitan areas during disasters; (2) job training and financial assistance to families with children in school, awarding priority to families with incomes under the poverty line; (3) community education and school support; (4) juvenile delinquency prevention programs and youth counseling; (5) entrepreneurial business development training for youth; and (6) family health care information and solutions.

No Child Left Behind Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

No Child Left Behind Improvements Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter requirements for adequate yearly progress (AYP) assessments of student groups by: (1) lowering, from 95% to 90%, the minimum percentage of students in each group in a school that must take such assessments; (2) allowing the fractional counting of students who are in more than one group, for each such group; (3) allowing states to treat as proficient or advanced specified scores on alternate assessments for disabled students and those not proficient in English; and (4) allowing states to use alternative methods of defining AYP. Revises criteria for local educational agency identification of schools needing improvement. Declares that only those meet such criteria that fail AYP standards, for two consecutive school years (as under current law), in the same subject for the same group of students. Revises eligibility criteria for school transfers after a school is identified as needing improvement. Declares that only failing students in the failing group, instead of all students in such a school, may transfer. Allows such schools to provide students with supplemental services rather than transfers during that school year.

SPEAK Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Standards to Provide Educational Access for Kids Act or the SPEAK Act - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (the Act) to require the Commissioner for Educational Statistics to add science to the mandatory biennial national and state academic achievement assessments of students in grades four, eight, and twelve in reading and mathematics. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states receiving school improvement funds to participate in such science assessments of students in grades four and eight, beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. Amends the Act to task the National Assessment Governing Board with creating voluntary American education content standards in mathematics and science for kindergarten through grade 12 which reflect the knowledge students need to enter college or the workforce and compete in the global economy. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish the American Standards Incentive fund to award competitive four-year grants to states which agree to: (1) adopt such voluntary mathematics and science standards as the core of their own academic content standards in such subjects; and (2) align their teacher certification and professional development requirements to such standards. Provides additional funds to successful grantees for the enhancement of their student performance data systems. Authorizes the Secretary to extend by up to four years for such grantees the 12-year period at the end of which students must meet or exceed state academic performance standards established under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

ACT for Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Accurate Crime Trends for Schools Act or the ACT for Schools Act - Directs the Attorney General to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of expanding the National Incident-Based Reporting System to include information on the occurrence of school-related crime in elementary and secondary schools. Requires the study to identify and evaluate methods for collecting and reporting such information.

Guarantee of Medical Accuracy in Sex Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2006

Guarantee of Medical Accuracy in Sex Education Act - Prohibits a federal agency from providing funds or assistance to an entity for the development of course material or the provision of instruction on human development and sexuality if such material or instruction will include medically inaccurate information. Directs such an agency to require a sufficient assurance that such material or instruction will not include medically inaccurate information. Defines "medically inaccurate information" as information related to medical, psychiatric, psychological, empirical, or statistical statements that is unsupported or contradicted by peer-reviewed research by leading medical, psychological, psychiatric, and public health organizations and agencies.

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise national quality assurance standards to assure consistent performance by laboratories of valid and reliable cytology services, to include requirements that each clinical laboratory: (1) ensure that all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological preparations participate annually in an approved continuing medical education program in gynecologic cytology that provides each participant with gynecologic cytologic preparations designed to improve locator, recognition, and interpretive skills; and (2) maintain a record of program results. Requires the Secretary to terminate individual proficiency testing that was in effect before enactment of this Act.

Summer of Service Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Summer of Service Act of 2006 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create Summer of Service programs providing at least 100 hours of summer community service learning opportunities to youth who will subsequently enroll in grades six through nine. Requires the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide competitive three-year grants to: (1) states under a State Grant program; and (2) public or private organizations under a National Direct Grant program, when a state does not apply for funding or the community service program includes multiple states. Requires states and organizations, in making project subgrants, to favor entities with established track records that: (1) have leadership positions in the communities from which participating youth will be drawn; (2) focus on youth service during the transition year before high school; (3) encourage or enable youth to continue providing community service throughout the school year; (4) involve youth in the design and operation of the community service project; and (5) include youth of diverse backgrounds, at least 50% of which are from low-income families. Permits such entities to charge the parents of participants an income-based fee to contribute to the nonfederal share of project costs. Makes each youth serving at least 100 hours in a service-learning project eligible for an educational award of up to $500.

Troops to Teachers Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Troops to Teachers Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with respect to the Troops-to-Teachers program (which provides armed forces veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in a high-need local educational agency (LEA) or public charter school). Allows a program participant, if a high-need LEA or public charter school is not located within 50 miles of his or her residence, to teach within an LEA or at a public charter school: (1) experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers, especially in science, mathematics, special education, or vocational or technical education; or (2) receiving grant funds because of concentrations of children from low-income families.

Congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery Act - Defines "modern-day slavery." Establishes a congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery which shall: (1) study matters relating to modern-day slavery; (2) review programs of relevant governmental agencies; (3) examine efforts by foreign countries and multilateral organizations to combat modern-day slavery; and (4) convene additional experts from nongovernmental organizations as part of the Commission's review. States that the Commission shall: (1) advise Congress on how the United States could support efforts to eradicate modern-day slavery; (2) provide a comprehensive evaluation of best practices to prevent modern-day slavery, to rescue and rehabilitate its victims, and to prosecute traffickers and increase accountability within countries; (3) examine the economic impact on communities and countries that demonstrate measured success in fighting modern-day slavery; (4) provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of U.S. laws prohibiting the importation of goods produced through forced labor or child labor, as well as policies with regard to countries that tolerate modern-day slavery; and (5) increase education and awareness about modern-day slavery.

Sandra Day O'Connor and William H. Rehnquist Law Centers Establishment Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Sandra Day O'Connor and William H. Rehnquist Law Centers Establishment Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Attorney General to provide a grant to: (1) Stanford Law School to establish the Sandra Day O'Connor Center on Constitutional Law; and (2) the University of Arizona James E. Rogers School of Law to establish the William H. Rehnquist Center on Constitutional Structures of Government. Requires such Law Schools to provide specified nonfederal contributions toward the establishment of such Law Centers.

Electing a certain Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2006

Elects a majority Member to the House Committees on Education and the Workforce and on Transportation and Infrastructure.

ACT for Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2006

Accurate Crime Trends for Schools Act or the ACT for Schools Act - Directs the Attorney General to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on the feasibility of expanding the National Incident-Based Reporting System to include information on the occurrence of school-related crime in elementary and secondary schools. Requires the study to identify and evaluate methods for collecting and reporting such information.

Student Privacy Protection Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2006

Student Privacy Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to establish private civil remedies for educational institutions' or agencies' violations of certain rights of privacy of and access to student educational records. Allows students and applicants, and their parents, to bring civil actions in U.S. district courts to enjoin such violations and recover court-determined damages. Allows a court, in its discretion, to award treble damages for willful or knowing violations.

Child Medication Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Child Medication Safety Act of 2006 - Requires states, as a condition of receiving funds under any program or activity administered by the Secretary of Education, to develop and implement policies and procedures prohibiting school personnel from requiring a child, as a condition of attending school or receiving services, to obtain a prescription for any specified controlled substances listed under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Provides that nothing in such requirement shall be construed to create a federal prohibition against teachers and other school personnel consulting or sharing classroom-based observations with parents or guardians regarding a student's academic performance or behavior in the classroom or school, or regarding the need for evaluation for special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Directs the Comptroller General to review and report on: (1) variation among state definitions of psychotropic medication in state jurisdiction over public education; (2) prescription rates of medications used in public schools to treat children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other disorders or illnesses; and (3) which of such medications are CSA-listed and which are not, including properties and effects of the latter and whether they have been considered for CSA-listing.

Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for the development of an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparity Elimination; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities in health professions; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority and other health disparity populations through improved access to health care, patient navigators, and health literacy education and services. Provides for grants to: (1) design, implement, and evaluate culturally and linguistically appropriate, science-based and community-driven sustainable strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic health and health care disparities; and (2) implement systems of primary care practices to eliminate disparities in the delivery of health care and improve the health care provided to all patients. Requires the Secretary to establish the Community Health Initiative demonstration program to support comprehensive state, tribal, or local initiatives to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and other health disparity populations. Provides for grants or contracts for research to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities and other health disparity populations. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection of data from federally conducted or supported health programs by race, ethnicity, geographic location, socioeconomic position, primary language, and, when practicable, health literacy. Establishes an Office of Minority Health and Health Disparity Elimination and transfers to it functions of the Office of Minority Health. Requires the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

Public Research in the Public Interest Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Public Research in the Public Interest Act of 2006 - Requires, as a condition of receiving federal assistance, any institution of higher education or research that conceives, reduces to practice, or holds title in a subject invention to grant irrevocable, perpetual, nonexclusive licenses to the invention and associated rights to any party requesting such a license pursuant to this Act. Provides that licenses shall be issued for: (1) supplying medical products to countries with low-income or lower-middle income economies; or (2) conducting neglected research anywhere, royalty-free. Provides that such licenses shall be part of the institution's title in a subject invention. Makes a license under this Act irrevocable and perpetual so long as the licensee submits to the licensor payment of a fair royalty on sales of any medical product within 90 days. Deems a party as automatically receiving the license requested upon submitting the required information to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sets forth procedures for objections to the grant of a requested license. Requires the holder of title or any license in a subject invention to notify the FDA of any grant or license of rights in that invention.

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal the school as lender program.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate institutions of higher education as eligible lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan program.

Environmental Protection for Children Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Environmental Protection for Children Act of 2006 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) ensure that environmental and public health standards for environmental pollutants protect children and vulnerable subpopulations from exposure; and (2) create lists of pollutants posing health risks to children as well as safer-for-children substances and products. Requires the EPA Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research into the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and pollutants on children. Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (Agency) and the EPA Administrator to jointly: (1) develop a hazardous substance list; and (2) revise guidelines for the preparation of toxicological profiles of substances. Requires the Agency to prepare and revise such profiles every five years. Directs the Agency develop an environmental health education program focusing on the hazardous substance exposure of fetuses and children. Requires the Agency, in cooperation with states, to establish a registry of children exposed to significant levels of hazardous substances released at facilities on CERCLA's National Priorities List. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require EPA to establish toxic chemical release form reporting thresholds for toxic chemicals that may present a significant risk to children's health or the environment. Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) to require EPA, acting jointly with the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to publish a list of substances toxic to children because of their carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or reproductive toxic effects. Requires EPA to implement strategies for chemical testing and risk assessment. Requires manufacturers and importers of such substances to report to the CPSC on such substances. Authorizes private citizens to bring a civil action in the U.S. district court for specified violations of FHSA or this Act. Establishes a penalty fund. Requires EPA, in collaboration with HHS, to establish a block grant program for state testing and removal of pollutants from schools and day care centers.

Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2006 - Reauthorizes programs for combating criminal gangs, including, after-school programs, programs for safe and drug-free schools and communities, adult and juvenile offender reentry demonstration projects, and gang resistance education and training projects. Establishes or increases funding for criminal gang-related grant programs, including: (1) innovative approaches to combat gang activity in the school and community; (2) grants to study parole or post-incarceration supervision violations and revocations; (3) substance abuse treatment; (4) mentoring programs of nonprofit organizations; (5) transition training for young offenders; (6) grants for certain at-risk youth and juvenile offenders aged 11 to 19; (7) gang activity policing grants; and (8) grants to prosecutors and law enforcement officials to combat violent crime and protect witnesses to crimes. Public and Assisted Housing Gang Elimination Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to public housing agencies and private entities to eliminate gang-related crime in low-income housing projects. Amends the federal criminal code to increase penalties for: (1) use of interstate commerce facilities to commit murder-for-hire or other crimes of violence; (2) violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity; and (3) use of firearms in crimes of violence and drug trafficking. Imposes criminal penalties for violent crimes committed in furtherance or in aid of a criminal street gang and for recruiting persons to join criminal street gangs. Extends the limitation period for prosecuting certain noncapital violent crimes. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise guidelines relating to violent gang-related crimes. Provides for certain studies and reports relating to criminal gangs, including the National Youth Gang Survey.

Education Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Education Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to low-income secondary school juniors and seniors for the cost of taking nonremedial courses offered by institutions of higher education which award such students transferable postsecondary credits for such courses. States the sense of the Senate that funding for this program should not affect funding for the Pell Grant program.

Kindergarten Plus Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Kindergarten Plus Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) to provide Kindergarten Plus (K+) programs of voluntary full days of kindergarten during the summer before and the summer after the traditional kindergarten school year determined by the state. Directs the Secretary to ensure, to the extent possible, that each such grant is of sufficient size to enable the SEA to provide K+ to all eligible students served by the local educational agencies (LEAs) within the state with the highest concentrations of eligible students. Makes eligible students those children who are: (1) five-years old or who will be eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the next school year; (2) from a family with an income at or below 185% of the poverty line; and (3) not already served by a high-quality program in the summer before or the summer after the child enters kindergarten. Requires SEAs, in awarding subgrants, to give priority to LEAs that: (1) serve the greatest number or percentage of eligible students; and (2) propose to reduce class size and student-to-teacher ratios in K+ significantly below the average ratios in regular kindergarten classes served by the LEA. Provides for direct grants to LEAs in states that do not apply for grants. Sets forth K+ teacher and personnel quality standards.

Nursing Education and Quality of Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Nursing Education and Quality of Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to, or enter into contracts with, schools of nursing, health care facilities, or partnerships of such schools and facilities to educate nurses to serve in rural areas, including by developing distance learning education. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to such schools, facilities, or partnerships for the establishment of demonstration projects that will expand the number of nurse faculty within schools of nursing, including by developing recruitment programs and offering scholarships. Allows the Secretary, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more than 10% of traineeships for advanced nursing education programs to individuals in doctoral degree programs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) award grants to, and enter into contracts with, eligible entities to increase the nursing opportunities for individuals who reside in rural communities, including by increasing and expanding pipeline programs and supporting a web-based health care workforce development system; (2) award grants to entities for demonstration projects that advance the education, delivery, or measurement of quality and patient safety in nursing practice; and (3) award grants to collect data and study the potential benefits of basic and advanced nursing education levels or certification status in the efforts to promote quality improvement strategies and enhance patient outcomes and cost saving measures.

A resolution supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, religious organizations, and the people of Nigeria from one civilian government to another in to he general elections to be held in April 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Recognizes Nigeria's importance as a strategic partner and long-time friend of the United States. Acknowledges the increasing significance of Nigeria's leadership throughout the region and continent. Commends the National Assembly of Nigeria's decision to reject a constitutional amendment that would have lifted the existing two-term limit and allowed for a third presidential term. Encourages the government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate a commitment to democratic elections by: (1) developing a voter registration and education plan; (2) addressing corruption charges; and (3) conducting unbiased recruitment and training of election officials. Urges the government of Nigeria to respect the freedoms of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties, and others to assemble and conduct public events free from intimidation. Urges a robust effort by Nigeria's law enforcement and judicial officials to enforce the rule of law, particularly by preventing and investigating politically-motivated violence and prosecuting those suspected of such acts. Urges: (1) President Bush to ensure that the United States supports Nigeria's democratic gains made during the last eight years; and (2) the government of Nigeria to seek international support for free elections in April 2007. Expresses U.S. support for coordinated efforts by the government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission to work with political parties, civil society, religious organizations, and other entities to organize a peaceful democratic transition based on free elections in April 2007.

A resolution recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Serving Institutions, and the 20 years of educational endeavors provided by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Recognizes, on its 20th anniversary, the national role of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as an advocate and champion for Hispanic higher education. Applauds Hispanic Serving Institutions for providing quality educational opportunities for all Hispanic and other students attending their institutions. Urges those providing and supporting Hispanic higher education to continue to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a voluntary policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing food allergy management guidelines contained in the policy.

Health Equity and Justice Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Health Equity and Justice Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for: (1) establishment of the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Healthcare; (2) programs to improve language access to health care for individuals with limited English proficiency; and (3) programs to improve health care for patient populations that have low functional health literacy. Provides for the establishment of: (1) a national working group on workforce diversity; (2) a technical clearinghouse on health workforce diversity; (3) a health and healthcare disparities education program; and (4) an Advisory Committee on Health Professions Training for Diversity. Requires federal health-related programs to: (1) require the collection of data on the race, ethnicity, and primary language of each applicant for and recipient of health-related assistance; and (2) analyze such data to detect racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care. Renames the Office of Minority Health as the Office of Minority Health Disparity Elimination. Requires the Indian Health Service (IHS) to be administered by an Assistant Secretary of Indian Health (in place of the Director of IHS), who shall report directly to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires four specified federal agencies to each establish an Office of Minority Health and Racial, Ethnic, and Primary Language Health Disparities Elimination. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an Office of Minority Health within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and (2) an Office of Minority Affairs within the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Establishes the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice and the Federal Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. Provides for grants to establish health empowerment zone programs in communities that disproportionately experience disparities in health status and health care.

Special Agent Scott K. Carey Public Safety Officer Benefits Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Special Agent Scott K. Carey Public Safety Officer Benefits Enhancement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend: (1) educational benefits to public safety officers who become permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty and to their spouses and children; (2) allow payment of retroactive benefits to dependents of such disabled officers; and (3) establish a program of pension payments for certain survivors of deceased public safety officers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to: (1) award a Public Safety Officer scholarship to disabled public safety officers, their spouses, and their children; and (2) enter into agreements with educational institutions to carry out such scholarship program. Amends federal personnel law to allow widows or widowers of federal employees killed on the job to continue to receive monthly compensation even if they remarry before reaching age 55.

Personalized Health Information Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Personalized Health Information Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to provide financial incentives for the establishment of interactive qualifying personal health records for Medicare and other patients and their health care providers in order to: (1) provide patients access to and control over their personal health data and information and educational information; and (2) make available to authorized health care providers a more accurate minimum data set of patient information. Directs that under the program each qualified physician receives an incentive payment for each qualifying patient. Directs the Secretary to: (1) publish a list of qualifying physicians who participate in Medicare and have received such payments; and (2) take steps to educate Medicare beneficiaries and providers and other patients about the benefits of qualifying personal health records. Sets forth requirements for a qualified personal health record, including that such record: (1) is controlled solely by the patient; (2) meets minimum security standards; (3) complies with interoperability data standards; (4) is capable of sending patient-specific patient education, reminders, and clinical messages to the patient; and (5) is capable of providing de-identified data for public health analysis and research purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) set minimum security, privacy, and data use standards for such health records; (2) establish a consumer protection board to recommend standards and procedures to the Secretary; and (3) establish a PHR Incentive Fund to make incentive payments. Provides that such Fund shall accept contributions from: (1) the Secretary for Medicare beneficiaries; (2) drug manufacturers for messages regarding medical adherence programs; and (3) other Fund partners.

Disabled American Financial Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Disabled American Financial Security Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt Disabled American Financial Security Accounts to pay certain expenses, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training, of disabled individuals.

Recognizing the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities for 20 years of service to Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic higher education.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Recognizes the accomplishments of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, on its 20th anniversary, as an advocate and champion for Hispanic higher education. Applauds its member colleges and universities for providing quality educational opportunities for all Hispanic and other students attending their institutions. Urges those providing and supporting Hispanic higher education to continue to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.

Recognizing that the occurrence of prostate cancer in African American men has reached epidemic proportions and urging Federal agencies to address that health crisis by designating funds for education, awareness outreach, and research specifically focused on how that disease affects African American men.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men. Declares the critical importance of the designation of increased funding for: (1) research to address and attempt to end the health crisis; and (2) efforts relating to education, awareness, and early detection at the grassroots levels to end the health crisis.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should grieve for the loss of life that defined the Third Reich and celebrate the continued education efforts for tolerance and justice, reaffirming the commitment of the United States to the fight against intolerance and prejudice in any form, and honoring the legacy of transparent procedure, government accountability, the rule of law, the pursuit of justice, and the struggle for universal freedom and human rights.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Expresses the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should grieve for the loss of life that defined the Third Reich and celebrate the continued education efforts for tolerance and justice. Reaffirms U.S. commitment to the fight against intolerance and prejudice. Urges all members of the international community to honor those individuals of all races, creeds, and colors who perished at the hands of the Nazis. Honors the primacy of the rule of law, the pursuit of justice, and the struggle for universal freedom and human rights.

Supporting the observance of World Stroke Awareness Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2006

Expresses support for the observance of World Stroke Awareness Day to offer education on the importance of prevention and treatment. Salute the volunteers and professionals who assist patients every day. Emphasizes the need to coordinate the efforts of all disease-oriented organizations to prevent the rise of underlying risk factors and promote healthy living behaviors around the world.