Education

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2012

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 January 2011

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2013

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 January 2011

Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2010

Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a national energy security program to coordinate federal activities and policies to reduce oil consumption by 8 million barrels per day by calendar 2030. Directs the President to develop a national oil independence plan to meet or exceed such goal. Establishes also in the Executive Office a National Energy Security Council to assist and advise the President in setting and meeting the national oil independence goal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate joint regulations establishing fuel efficiency standards and greenhouse gas emissions limitations to maximize reductions in oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for each class of automobiles subject to fuel economy regulations and manufactured for each of model years 2017 through 2030 and for nonroad vehicles. Establishes within the Department of Energy (DOE) a national plug-in electric drive vehicle deployment program and a targeted electric drive vehicle deployment communities program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and publish guidance for model building codes for the inclusion of separate circuits for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; and (2) award grants to institutions to provide training and education for vocational workforce development to ensure skills needed to work on and maintain plug-in electric drive vehicles and the infrastructure required to support them. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a refundable personal tax credit to a qualified deployment community taxpayer who purchases a new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle and resides in a selected deployment community; (2) revise the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit; and (3) extend and revise the credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property. Creates tax-exempt qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle refueling property bonds. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize the Secretary to make guarantees for charging infrastructure and networks of charging infrastructure for plug-in drive electric vehicles, if the infrastructure will be operational prior to December 31, 2016. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to require each electric utility to develop a plan to support the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles. Requires the Federal Energy Management Program and the General Services Administration (GSA) to assess the conversion of federal government fleets to plug-in electric drive vehicles. Directs the GSA Administrator to acquire such vehicles and charging infrastructure and deploy them in a range of locations in the federal fleet. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Advanced Batteries for Tomorrow Prize to advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of a 500-mile vehicle battery. Creates in the Treasury a 500-mile Battery Fund. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a research and development funding program for advanced batteries, plug-in electric drive vehicle components, plug-in electric drive infrastructure, and other related technologies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to Congress on: (1) the raw materials needed for the manufacture of components for plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (2) the infrastructure needed to support such vehicles. Establishes the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Technical Advisory Committee. Directs the President to establish the Plug-in Electric Drive Vehicle Interagency Task Force. Requires disposal of an advanced battery from a plug-in electric drive vehicle in accordance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to direct the Secretary of Energy to guarantee loans to eligible entities for the aggregate purchase of not fewer than 200 qualified automotive batteries (designed for use in qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles but purchased for nonautomotive applications) in a calendar year with a total minimum power rating of one megawatt and advanced battery technology. Directs the Secretary to develop and publish model building codes for the inclusion of separate circuits for charging infrastructure in new construction and major renovations of private residences, buildings, or other structures; (2) model construction permitting or inspection processes that allow for the expedited installation of charging infrastructure for purchasers of plug-in electric drive vehicles; and (3) model zoning, parking rules, or other local ordinances that facilitate the installation of, and access to, charging infrastructure. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for grid-interactive plug-in vehicles. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the data that may be collected from plug-in electric drive vehicles. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the EPA Administrator to promulgate regulations to establish: (1) national transportation-related goals for reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) standardized models and related methods for states, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and air quality agencies to address oil savings and emission reduction goals. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations concerning the consideration of oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in transportation planning. Requires metropolitan planning areas and states to develop surface transportation-related oil savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as well as strategies to meet those targets. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to distribute funds to states and MPOs for investing in transportation greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $230 the amount of qualified transportation fringe (commuter) benefits excluded from an employee's gross income. Makes it the goal of the United States to shift at least 10% of freight shipped by truck to rail or marine shipping by calendar 2020. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a national freight transportation options plan; and (2) make grants to states for the capital costs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment for high priority rail corridor projects necessary to reduce congestion in freight rail transportation. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report on the benefits and costs of electrification of rail corridors. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for advanced biofuel facilities as well as grants in lieu of credits for advanced biofuel facility property (under division B of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). Includes algae-based biofuel in the definition of cellulosic biofuel. Extends: (1) the cellulosic biofuel producer credit; (2) the special allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property; (3) certain credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel; (4) alcohol fuels tax credits; and (5) alternative fuel excise tax credits. Allows a tax credit for qualified natural gas motor vehicles and creates tax-exempt natural gas vehicle bonds. Allows an expensing deduction for manufacturing facilities producing vehicles fueled by compressed or liquefied natural gas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations for environmental best management practices of oil and gas operators on federal lands. Directs the GSA Administrator to study and report to Congress on means of increasing the number of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles in the federal fleet. Establishes in DOE an Energy Efficiency Improvement for Heating Oil, Propane, and Kerosene Program to fund state participation in programs operated by a national oilheat research alliance or the Propane Education and Research Council to carry out cost-effective energy efficiency programs for homes and buildings that use home heating oil, propane, and kerosene. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a renewable biomass thermal energy loan program of grants to states to support financial assistance by qualified program delivery entities to replace with certain wood or wood-pellet fired boilers any thermal energy systems in commercial or multifamily residential buildings that use heating oil or another petroleum product. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to: (1) extend the placed-in-service dates applicable to specified alternative energy property eligible for grants in lieu of tax credits; and (2) allow such grants to state utilities with service obligations and mutual or cooperative electric companies.

Knowledge and Innovation for the Next Generation of Learning Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2010

Knowledge and Innovation for the Next Generation of Learning Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish the National Center for Knowledge Use (Center) within the Institute of Education Sciences to foster and support the use of scientifically valid education research to improve academic instruction and lifelong learning. Requires the Center to establish a Developing What Works Venture Fund program that awards competitive grants to entities that develop, bring to scale, and disseminate educational innovations based on scientifically valid research. Directs the Center to provide grants to states to employ corps of Chief Knowledge Officers that connect educators and administrators with research-based solutions to the most critical problems of practice in local educational agencies and chronically low-performing schools. Makes each state's share of the grant funds equivalent to its share of school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Establishes the National Leadership Office for Research to Innovation in the Department of Education to: (1) ensure that educational practices, policies, and investments based on scientifically valid research are brought to scale and fully coordinated across the federal government; (2) encourage the use of new technologies in appropriate research-based educational efforts; (3) support the effective coordination of federally supported education research programs; and (4) promote the coordinated administration of research-based education programs and services by means of an interagency task force.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and revise a research, training, and technical assistance resource center to prevent suicides. Expands the program's focus from youth suicides to suicides among all ages, particularly among groups that are at high risk for suicide. Reauthorizes a program of grants for the development of state or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies. Reauthorizes and revises a grant program to enhance services for students with mental health or substance use disorders at institutions of higher education. Requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to award grants to enhance such services and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services. Permits grant funds to be used for the provision of such services to students and to employ appropriately trained staff. Requires the Secretary to give special consideration to applications for grants that describe programs that demonstrate the greatest need for new or additional mental and substance use disorder services and the greatest potential for replication. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to convene an interagency, public-private sector working group to plan, establish, and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental health and substance use disorders on college campuses. Requires the Secretary to establish a College Campus Task Force to discuss mental health and substance use disorder concerns on college and university campuses.

Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require each state receiving funds under that Act to have in effect policies and procedures that: (1) require criminal background checks for school employees, including searches of state criminal registries or repositories, state-based child abuse and neglect registries and databases, the National Crime Information Center of the Department of Justice, the National Sex Offender Registry, and the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) prohibit the employment of school employees who refuse to consent to a criminal background check, make false statements in connection with one, or have been convicted of one of a list of felonies. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) or state educational agencies (SEAs) to report to local law enforcement any applicants for school employment who are discovered to be sexual predators. Requires periodic repetitions of such criminal background checks. Requires such states to provide for a timely process under which school employees may: (1) appeal the results of a criminal background check to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the information produced; and (2) seek appropriate relief for any final employment decision based on materially inaccurate or incomplete information produced. Requires this appeals process, however, to deny the individual employment as a school employee during the process.

To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Acts.

Safe Schools, Healthy Kids Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Safe Schools, Healthy Kids Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to states and local educational agencies for the abatement, removal, and interim control of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in public school facilities. Requires grantees to notify students and their families, staff and school employees, and other relevant parties in the community of the work to be undertaken. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide the Secretary with the necessary guidance to ensure safe school conditions and effective abatement, removal, or interim controls.

National Emergency Employment Defense Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

National Emergency Employment Defense Act of 2010 - Replaces Federal Reserve notes with United States Money. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to originate United States Money to address any negative fund balances resulting from a shortfall in available government receipts to fund government appropriations. Subjects to criminal and civil penalties any person who creates or originates United States Money by lending against deposits through "fractional reserve banking." Prohibits borrowing by the Secretary or by any federal agency or department, independent establishment of the executive branch, or any other instrumentality of the United States (other than a national bank, federal savings association, or federal credit union) from any source other than the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to begin to retire all outstanding instruments of U.S. indebtedness by payment in full of the amount legally due the bearer in United States Money. Prescribes requirements for the entry of United States Money into circulation. Directs the Secretary to purchase all net assets in the Federal Reserve System, including the Federal reserve banks. Requires return to any member bank in the form of United States Money of any reserves held by any Federal reserve bank. Establishes: (1) the Monetary Authority to establish monetary supply policy and monitor the nation's monetary status; (2) the Bureau of the Federal Reserve to administer the origination and entry into circulation of United States Money; (3) the Emergency Board to recommend to Congress when a national emergency requires the President to issue a certification of emergency for the exercise of authority by the Monetary Authority as lender of last resort; and (4) a revolving loan fund in the Treasury for relending to banking institutions. Sets forth a conversion process to replace fractional reserve banking with the lending of United States Money. Sets a ceiling on interest rates. Requires the Monetary Authority to instruct the Secretary to disperse monetary grants to states for public infrastructure, education, health care and rehabilitation, pensions, and paying for unfunded federal mandates. Directs the Secretary to make recommendations to Congress for payment of a tax-free Citizens Dividend to all U.S. citizens residing in the United States in order to provide liquidity to the banking system at the commencement of this Act, before governmental infrastructure expenditures have had a chance to work into circulation. Prescribes requirements for federal funding of education programs, coverage of any deficits in Social Security Trust Fund account, a universal health care plan, resolution of aspects of the mortgage crisis, and a program of interest-free lending of United States Money to state and local governmental entities.

Raising awareness of school pushout and promoting dignity in schools.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

States that the House of Representatives: (1) promotes a heightened awareness by educators and the public about the spectrum of policies and practices that lead to school pushout (students being effectively pushed out of school); (2) commits to working with states, local educational agencies, and schools to reduce or eliminate school suspensions, expulsions, arrests, corporal punishment, and placements in disciplinary alternative schools; (3) understands that proper behavior is not implicit but should be taught from an early age; (4) acknowledges that continuous teacher training and support enables teachers to give students the social skills and behaviors that improve the teaching and learning environment; (5) recognizes the need to improve the collection and use of school climate and disciplinary data; and (6) supports community collaborations and meaningful parental involvement to ensure that schools are safe, respectful, responsible, and effective teaching and learning environments.

Congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on the historic milestone of 100 years of serving local and international communities, maintaining a commitment to the betterment of mankind, and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Congratulates Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 100 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the nation.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2010

Expresses support for "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence and encourages government officials, schools, law enforcement agencies, and other interested groups to observe the week with appropriate programs and activities.

Campus SaVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act or Campus SaVE Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV program (except foreign schools) to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding its sexual assault and other intimate partner violence programs and the procedures it follows when such an offense occurs. Requires such procedures to include the provision, in writing, to students or employees that report to the IHE that they have been the victim of such an offense: (1) an explanation of their right to notify proper law enforcement authorities and their option to be assisted by campus authorities in doing so; (2) an explanation of their right to obtain protective orders or enforce protective orders that are already in existence, which the IHE must honor; and (3) contact information for victim services on-campus and in the locality. Requires an IHE's policy regarding sexual assault and other intimate partner violence to include: (1) education that promotes awareness of the offenses; (2) possible sanctions imposed following disciplinary action; (3) procedures victims should follow after such an offense occurs; (4) on-campus disciplinary procedures; and (5) the notification of victims regarding their options for, and assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations. Directs the Secretary of Education to seek the Attorney General's counsel regarding the development, and dissemination to IHEs, of best practices for preventing and responding to sex offenses and other intimate partner violence.

A resolution recognizing the work and importance of special education teachers.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Recognizes the amount of work required to be a special education teacher. Commends special education teachers for their sacrifices and dedication to preparing individuals with special needs for high school graduation, college success, and rewarding careers.

United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Relations Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Relations Promotion Act - Directs the President to appoint a Special Representative for United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs within the Department of State. States that the Special Representative should be a person of distinction, culturally sensitive to the underserved African Diaspora in the United States, with substantial experience in matters of trade or economic development and in matters relating to African Diaspora relations with Africa. Directs the Secretary of State to establish, within the Department of State, the Office of United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs, with the Special Representative as its head. Directs the Special Representative to establish five regional United States-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs public outreach, education, and liaison centers. Requires the Special Representative and the Office to: (1) promote U.S.-African trade and investment relations and foster socioeconomic development and economic growth; (2) design and implement public outreach, education, and liaison programs and activities intended to foster U.S.-African economic, technical, social, and cultural ties; (3) facilitate and increase the number of international learning exchange, professional, training, and educational programs between Africa and the United States; (4) establish a publicly accessible database through which U.S. and African businesses, academics, and organizations can communicate and establish ties; and (5) consult with African governments, the African Union, African intergovernmental subregional organizations, public-private partnership entities, private businesses and foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and United Nations (U.N.) agencies with respect to matters of Africa-related trade, economic development, and African-African Diaspora relations.

Improving Care for Kidney Patients Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Improving Care for Kidney Patients Act of 2010 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to kidney disease benefits. Sets at 100% the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) with respect to the placement of an arteriovenous fistula or graft in the hemodialysis treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to study and report to Congress on: (1) the social, behavioral, and biological factors leading to kidney disease; (2) efforts to slow the progression of kidney disease in minority populations that are disproportionately affected by it; and (3) research gaps in the development of quality measures and care management for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including pediatric patients. Amends the Social Security Act, with respect to criminal penalties for certain acts, to exclude from the meaning of illegal remuneration the waiver of any fee or cost-sharing by a renal dialysis facility (RDF) in providing chronic kidney disease screening that meets certain criteria. Treats as a hospital for Medicare purposes an institution providing Medicare or Medicaid patients diagnosed with stage IV or stage V kidney disease with educational materials about treatment. Treats as a person qualified to furnish kidney disease education services an RDF meeting specified criteria. Makes eligible to participate in a shared savings program as an accountable care organization (ACO) a group consisting of RDFs, nephrologists, and other service providers and suppliers that treat patients with kidney disease. Prescribes Medicare requirements for coordination of care between hospitals and RDFs for the discharge planning process for an ESRD patient. Specifies Medicare coverage to specialized occlusive dressings used by a patient receiving dialysis treatment for protection against life threatening catheter-related infections during maintenance of personal hygiene at home. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the transportation barriers facing dialysis patients that result in less than 100% compliance with a Medicare plan of care. Directs the Secretary, in specified circumstances, to accept the results of a state licensure survey for purposes of determining federal certification of an RDF's compliance with the conditions of Medicare participation. Directs the Secretary of HHS to report to Congress on the benefits of recognizing dialysis vascular and peritoneal dialysis access care service sites in order to receive Medicare reimbursement. Revises Medicare requirements for group health plans to: (1) extend the period during which they are primary payers (and Medicare the secondary payer) for ESRD patients; and (2) prohibit denial of a Medigap policy to a ESRD patient. Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to allow a group health plan or health insurance issuer to impose restrictions for kidney failure treatment on a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee only if they are reasonable and assure adequate access to out-of-network providers.

Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvements Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010

Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvements Act of 2010 - Designates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as the primary federal agency for field emergency medical services (field EMS). Defines "field EMS" as emergency medical services provided to patients prior to or outside a medical facility or other clinical setting.  Requires the Administrator of NHTSA to develop and implement a cohesive national strategy to strengthen the development of field EMS at the federal, state, and local levels. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) the EQUIP grant program to promote excellence, quality, universal access, innovation, and preparedness in field EMS;  (2) the SPIA grant program to improve field EMS system performance, integration, and accountability; and (3) national guidelines for medical oversight of field EMS.  Authorizes the Administrator to maintain, improve, and expand the National EMS Information System, including the National EMS Database, to insure that database information is available to federal and state policymakers, EMS stakeholders, and researchers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants for the development, availability, and dissemination of field EMS education programs and courses for field EMS personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete an evaluation of alternative delivery models for medical care through field EMS and the integration of field EMS patients with other medical providers and facilities; and (2) conduct or support up to five demonstration projects to evaluate alternative dispositions of field EMS patients (e.g., transporting such patients by ambulance to alternative medical facilities). Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to include field EMS as a model for testing by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require: (1)  the Director of the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to establish a Field EMS Evidence-Based Practice Center to support research to promote the highest quality of emergency medical care in field EMS and the most effective delivery system for such care; and (2) the HHS Secretary to establish an Emergency Care Coordination Center to promote and fund research, collaboration, and preparedness in emergency medicine and trauma health care. Requires the Administrator to establish and administer a National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations to federal agencies and a national forum to deliberate on field EMS. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund; and (2) allow taxpayers to designate a portion of any income tax overpayment and make additional contributions to finance such Fund.

Restoration of Legal Rights for Claimants under Holocaust-Era Insurance Policies Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010

Restoration of Legal Rights for Claimants under Holocaust-Era Insurance Policies Act of 2010 - Allows a beneficiary (including an heir, assignee, or legal representative of a named insured or beneficiary) of a Holocaust-era life, dowry, education, annuity, property, or other insurance policy to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court against the insurer for the covered policy (or a related company of the insurer) to recover proceeds due or otherwise to enforce any rights under the policy. Covers any such policy issued to a policyholder domiciled in any area that was occupied or controlled by Nazi Germany (or by an ally or friendly government) or the territorial jurisdiction of Switzerland. Requires the award to a prevailing beneficiary of the amount of the proceeds due under the policy, plus prejudgment interest at 6% per year, compounded annually, calculated from the date the amount was originally due. Requires the award of treble damages against any insurer or related company that acted in bad faith. Sets a 10-year statute of limitations for claims filed under this Act. Declares that any prior judgment or release entered for any claim arising under a covered policy in any civil action in a federal or state court shall not preclude, foreclose, bar, release, waive, acquit, discharge, or otherwise impair any claim brought under this Act by any person. Declares that any executive agreement between the United States and a foreign government entered into, or any executive foreign policy of the U.S. government established, before, on, or after the enactment of this Act, shall not supercede or preempt any state law or compromise, settle, extinguish, waive, preclude, bar, or foreclose any claim brought under this Act.

STOP Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act or the STOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and expand the program to reduce underage drinking by: (1) expressing the sense of Congress that the National Minimum Drinking Age Law has been an effective public health and safety policy and has reduced drinking and driving traffic fatalities; (2) expanding the national media campaign to prevent underage drinking; (3) authorizing the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in coordination with the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, to make supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance collaboration between communities and institutions of higher education to prevent and reduce underage alcohol use; (4) requiring the Administrator to make grants to professional pediatric provider organizations to increase effective practices, including the screening of children and adolescents for alcohol use, to reduce the prevalence of alcohol use among individuals under the age of 21, including college students; (5) expanding data collection and research activites with respect to underage drinking; and (6) requiring the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a review of the research on the influence of drinking alcohol on adolescent brain development and the public policy implications of such research.

Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010

Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2011. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) operation and maintenance; (5) military personnel; (6) Working Capital Funds; (7) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Defense Health Program; (12) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (13) overseas contingency operations; (14) chemical demilitarization; (15) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (16) National Guard and reserve forces facilities; (17) military base closure and realignment activities; (18) overseas contingency operations military construction; (19) environmental restoration; (20) cooperative threat reduction; and (21) Iraq and Afghanistan security forces. Improve Acquisition Act of 2010 - Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) civilian management of the defense acquisition system; (2) acquisition related functions of chiefs of the armed forces; and (3) performance assessments of the defense acquisition system. Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act - Recognizes the suffering and loyalty of Guam residents during World War II. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) payments for Guam World War II claims; (2) adjudication of claims; and (3) grants to memorialize the occupation of Guam during World War II. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for military construction, military family housing, and energy conservation projects. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy; (2) education and training; (3) military pay and allowances; (4) DOD organization and management; (5) DOD financial matters; (6) civilian personnel; (7) matters relating to foreign nations; (8) the National Defense Stockpile; (9) military construction; (10) counterterrorism; (11) Guantanamo detainees; (12) body armor; (13) counter-improvised explosive device (IED) database; (14) unmanned aerial vehicles; (15) intelligence information sharing; (16) cybersecurity; (17) missile defense; (18) nuclear weapon stockpiles; and (19) nonproliferation.

Life Sciences Jobs and Investment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010

Life Sciences Jobs and Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an increased research tax credit for qualified initial life sciences research expenses; and (2) certain corporations a tax deduction for dividends received which are reinvested in the United States to hire scientists and researchers engaged in life science research, fund life science research at research consortia, eligible small businesses, universities, and federal laboratories, or build or lease new facilities to be used primarily for qualified life sciences research. Terminates such tax incentives after 2015. Defines "qualified initial life sciences research expenses" as amounts, up to $150 million, attributable to the study of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, microbiology, genetics, or physiology, but excluding sociology or psychology. Directs the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to take necessary steps to ensure full compliance with the provisions of this Act and to report to Congress on the status of such compliance and related enforcement.

Protecting Jobs in Your State Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010

Protecting Jobs in Your State Act of 2010 - Prohibits a state or a political subdivision from using funds made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act, Public Law 111-226 (relating to education jobs and Medicaid payments to states), the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or funds for disaster relief administered by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), as an incentive for a business to: (1) relocate a plant, facility, or other operation from one state to another; or (2) expand an operation in a state in a manner that will result in a reduction in such an operation in another state. Authorizes a political subdivision to submit to the state governor a petition stating that it has been adversely affected by a violation of such prohibition and requesting that the governor submit to the Secretary of Commerce a petition for an investigation. Provides that if the Secretary determines that a violation has occurred, the state in which such a violation was committed shall be liable to the United States for the amount of funds involved. Prohibits such a state from receiving any other funds under such Acts until it fully repays such amount to the United States. Directs the Comptroller General, biannually during the period that ends five years after this Act's enactment, to submit to specified committees a report on the impact of such provisions, including: (1) a statement of the number of petitions received by the Secretary of Commerce and a summary of the disposition of such petitions; (2) a list of U.S. claims that arose, were outstanding, or were collected; and (3) a list of any funds withheld.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for the transfer of educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program to certain dependents to be used for special education.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2010

Allows veterans' educational benefits that are transferred to an intellectually or developmentally disabled dependent to be used for special education, even if the dependent has not earned a secondary school diploma or equivalency certificate. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to determine whether those dependents must enroll in the exceptional family member program of the Department of Defense (DOD). Prohibits payment of the monthly stipend to such dependents if the Secretary determines that it is not relevant to their special education. Prohibits this Act's special education benefits from affecting a dependent's receipt of, or eligibility for, other federal educational benefits.

A bill to amend the CDBG service cap.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2010

Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 with respect to the use of community development block grant (CDBG) funds to provide public services, including those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare, or recreation needs. Increases from 15% to 25% for FY2011 and FY2012 the limit on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used for such public services by a unit of general local government. Increase from 15% to 25%, also, for such fiscal years the statewide limit on the use of CDGB assistance by nonentitled communities.

DREAM Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2010

Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional nonimmigrant status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; (5) has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; (6) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; (7) has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal unless the alien has remained in the United States under color of law after such order's issuance, or received the order before attaining the age of 16; and (8) was under age 30 on the date of this Act's enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified grounds of inadmissibility or deportability for humanitarian, family unity, or public interest purposes. Provides for a $525 application surcharge (in addition to other applicable application fees). Requires an alien to apply for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status within one year after the later of: (1) earning a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; or (2) the effective date of related interim regulations. Requires prior to cancellation of removal or granting of conditional nonimmigrant status: (1) an alien to submit biometric and biographic data; and (2) completion of security and law enforcement background checks. Requires an alien applying for relief to: (1) register under the Military Selective Service Act if so required; and (2) undergo a medical examination. Prohibits the Secretary from removing an alien with a pending application who establishes prima facie eligibility for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status. Establishes an initial five-year period of conditional nonimmigrant status which shall include employment authorization. Terminates such status if the alien: (1) becomes a public charge; (2) receives a dishonorable or other than honorable military discharge; or (3) ceases to be a person of good moral character, becomes inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, or has been convicted of certain federal or state offenses. Extends such conditional status for an additional five-year period if the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; (4) has earned an IHE degree (or has completed at least two years in a bachelor's or higher degree program) in the United States, or has served in the Armed Forces for at least two years (or if discharged, was honorably discharged); and (5) has provided a list of each elementary school attended in the United States. Authorizes, and sets forth the criteria for, a hardship exception to such extension requirements. Provides for a $2,000 extension application surcharge (in addition to other applicable application fees). Authorizes a conditional nonimmigrant to file an application to adjust his or her status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Requires such application to be filed during the period beginning 1 year before and ending on either the date that is 10 years after the date of the granting of initial conditional nonimmigrant status or any other expiration date as extended by the Secretary. Requires such application to show that the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; and (4) if granted a hardship exception with respect to extension of conditional status, has subsequently complied with the appropriate requirements. Requires an alien, prior to adjusting from conditional to permanent resident status, to: (1) satisfy citizenship and federal tax requirements; (2) submit biometric and biographic data; and (3) have had security and law enforcement background checks completed. Authorizes an alien who adjusts to permanent resident status (and meets other specified requirements) to apply after three years in such status for naturalization. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to cancel removal and grant conditional nonimmigrant status to an alien who has satisfied the conditional status requirements prior to enactment of this Act; and (2) an alien who has met the appropriate requirements during the entire period of conditional nonimmigrant status to apply for permanent resident status. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Attorney General; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality of information; (4) higher education assistance; (5) military enlistment; and (6) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Commending North Pointe Elementary in Hebron, Kentucky, for its multidisciplinary study and selection of a National Invertebrate.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2010

Commends the fifth grade students and associated faculty, parents, and professionals of North Pointe Elementary in Hebron, Kentucky, on their project to select the firefly as the National Invertebrate. Encourages other schools to undertake similar multidisciplinary studies and organize similar competitions to advance elementary education and student engagement.

A resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health and the continuing leadership and achievements of the Office on Women's Health in conducting and supporting biomedical research to improve women's health.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2010

Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH). Commends ORWH for its leadership in women's health research, research training, and science-based education programs. Recognizes: (1) the ORWH-supported scientists whose studies have improved women's health and whose research continues to yield promising discoveries; and (2) the volunteers who participate in clinical studies and the patient and professional health organizations that contribute to the shared research goals of preventing, treating, and curing the diseases and disorders within the scope of ORWH's mission. Reaffirms the Senate's support for ORWH and its continued commitment to carrying out research to improve women's health.

Fairness for Texas Schools Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2010

Fairness for Texas Schools Act of 2010 - Allows the Secretary of Education to allocate funds from the Education Jobs Fund to entities in Texas other than the state government if the Secretary cannot provide such funds to the state government because of its failure to provide certain assurances regarding the distribution of such funds and the level of state support for elementary and secondary education.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to coordinate the reduction in the American Opportunity Tax Credit with Federal Pell Grants, to the extent such grants are attributable to expenses not eligible for such credit.

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the American Opportunity Tax Credit, to provide that any credit amount which is attributable to a federal Pell Grant under the Higher Education Act of 1965 shall be reduced by the  amount of expenses (other than qualified tuition and related expenses) which are taken into account in determining the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education for the academic period for which the credit amount is being determined.  Modifies the definition of "qualified scholarship," for purposes of the tax exclusion for such scholarships, to eliminate the requirement that such scholarships be used for qualified tuition and related expenses and to include a federal Pell Grant as a qualified scholarship.

Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health and its continuing leadership and achievements in conducting and supporting biomedical research to improve women's health.

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2010

Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH). Commends ORWH for its leadership in research, research training, and science-based education programs. Recognizes: (1) the ORWH-supported scientists whose studies have improved health and whose research continues to yield promising discoveries; and (2) the volunteers who participate in clinical studies and the health organizations who contribute to the shared research goals of preventing, treating, and curing the diseases and disorders within ORWH's mission. Reaffirms support for ORWH and its continued commitment to research to improve women's health.

Christopher's Law

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010

Christopher Bryski Student Loan Protection Act or Christopher's Law - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) that provide student loan counseling to new borrowers and cosigners at the time of any student loan application, origination, or consolidation, or at the time the cosigner assumes responsibility for repayment, to include information on creating a durable power of attorney for financial decision-making. Requires private educational lenders to provide borrowers and cosigners of student loans with that information at the time of loan application. Requires lenders of private educational loans for which cosigners are held jointly liable to describe clearly and conspicuously, in writing, the cosigners' obligations regarding such loans, including the effect a borrower's or cosigner's death, disability, or inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity would have on such obligations. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to publish model forms for the information this Act requires to be provided regarding: (1) the creation of a durable power of attorney; and (2) a cosigner's obligation. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require IHEs to provide borrowers of federal educational loans information at their entrance counseling regarding: (1) the effect their death, disability, or inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity would have on their federal and private educational loans; and (2) their state's model form, published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, for creating a durable power of attorney.

To amend section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include a condition of receipt of funds under the child and adult care food program.

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make child care institutions ineligible for funding under the child and adult care food program if they employ a child care staff member who: (1) refuses to consent to a criminal background check that includes a search of specified databases; (2) makes a false statement in connection with such background check; (3) is or is required to be registered on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry; or (4) has been convicted of a specified felony. Lists those felonies as: (1) homicide; (2) child abuse or neglect; (3) crimes against children; (4) spousal abuse; (5) crimes involving rape or sexual assault; (6) kidnapping; (7) arson; and (8) physical assault, battery, or drug-related offenses, committed within the past five years.

Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010

Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Makes the general terminating date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2010 (EGTRRA) (i.e., December 31, 2010) inapplicable to provisions of that Act relating to individual income tax rate reductions, tax benefits related to children and adoption, marriage penalty relief, and education. Repeals the terminating date of the Jobs Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 that applies to reductions in the tax rate for capital gains and dividend income, subject to the income thresholds set forth by this Act.. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish permanent reductions in income tax rates for individual taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $200,000 or less ($250,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns); (2) allow a permanent exemption from limitations on itemized tax deductions and personal exemptions for individual taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $200,000 or less ($250,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns); (3) allow a 15% tax rate on capital gains and dividend income for individual taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $200,000 or less ($250,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns); (4) allow a permanent increase in the refundable portion of the child tax credit; (5) make permanent the increased earned income tax credit and the modifications to such credit enacted by EGTRRA; (6) make permanent the increased ($125,000) expensing allowance for depreciable business and investment property; and (7) extend through 2011 the increased alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts and the offset against the AMT for certain nonrefundable personal tax credits. Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-184]CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RESPONSES TO THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE APRIL 2010 REPORT ON PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 30 November 2010

DREAM Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2010

Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional nonimmigrant status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; (5) has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; (6) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; (7) has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal unless the alien has remained in the United States under color of law after such order's issuance, or received the order before attaining the age of 16; and (8) was under age 30 on the date of this Act's enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified grounds of inadmissibility or deportability for humanitarian, family unity, or public interest purposes. Requires an alien to apply for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status within one year after the later of: (1) being admitted to an IHE; (2) earning a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; or (3) enactment of this Act. Requires prior to cancellation of removal or granting of conditional nonimmigrant status: (1) an alien to submit biometric and biographic data; and (2) completion of security and law enforcement background checks. Requires an alien applying for relief to: (1) register under the Military Selective Service Act if so required; and (2) undergo a medical examination. Prohibits the Secretary from removing an alien with a pending application who establishes prima facie eligibility for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status. Establishes a 10-year period of conditional nonimmigrant status which shall include employment authorization. Terminates such status if the alien: (1) becomes a public charge; (2) receives a dishonorable or other than honorable military discharge; or (3) ceases to be a person of good moral character, becomes inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, or has been convicted of certain federal or state offenses. Authorizes a conditional nonimmigrant to file an application to adjust his or her status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Requires such application to be filed during the period beginning 1 year before and ending on either the date that is 10 years after the date of the granting of conditional nonimmigrant status or any other expiration date as extended by the Secretary. Requires such application to show that the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; (4) has earned an IHE degree (or has completed at least two years in a bachelor's or higher degree program) in the United States, or has served in the Armed Forces for at least two years (or if discharged, was honorably discharged); and (5) has provided a list of each secondary school attended in the United States. Authorizes, and sets forth the criteria for, a hardship exception to such adjustment of status requirements. Requires an alien, prior to adjusting from conditional to permanent resident status, to: (1) satisfy citizenship and federal tax requirements; (2) submit biometric and biographic data; and (3) have had security and law enforcement background checks completed. Authorizes an alien who adjusts to permanent resident status (and meets other specified requirements) to apply after three years in such status for naturalization. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to cancel removal and grant conditional nonimmigrant status to an alien who has satisfied all the conditional status and certain permanent resident status requirements prior to enactment of this Act; and (2) an alien who has met the appropriate requirements during the entire period of conditional nonimmigrant status to apply for permanent resident status. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Attorney General; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality of information; (4) higher education assistance; (5) military enlistment; and (6) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Campus SaVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2010

Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act or Campus SaVE Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV program (except foreign schools) to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding its sexual assault and other intimate partner violence programs and the procedures it follows when such an offense occurs. Requires such procedures to include the provision, in writing, to students or employees that report to the IHE that they have been the victim of such an offense: (1) an explanation of their right to notify proper law enforcement authorities and their option to be assisted by campus authorities in doing so; (2) an explanation of their right to obtain protective orders or enforce protective orders that are already in existence, which the IHE must honor; and (3) contact information for victim services on-campus and in the locality. Requires an IHE's policy regarding sexual assault and other intimate partner violence to include: (1) education that promotes awareness of the offenses; (2) possible sanctions imposed following disciplinary action; (3) procedures victims should follow after such an offense occurs; (4) on-campus disciplinary procedures; and (5) the notification of victims regarding their options for, and assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations. Directs the Secretary of Education to seek the Attorney General's counsel regarding the development, and dissemination to IHEs, of best practices for preventing and responding to sex offenses and other intimate partner violence.

Museum and Library Services Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

Museum and Library Services Act of 2010 - Amends the Museum and Library Services Act to give the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services primary responsibility to develop and implement a policy for ensuring the availability of museum, library, and information services that are adequate in meeting the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the people of the United States. Authorizes the Director to enter into interagency agreements to promote or assist with the museum, library, and information services-related activities of other federal agencies. Requires the Director to collaborate with the heads of relevant federal departments and agencies with respect to certain activities of libraries and museums. Requires the Director to annually conduct policy research, analysis, and data collection in order to extend and improve the nation's museum, library, and information services. Expands the purposes under the Act relating to library services and technology and museum services. Establishes the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. Transfers the functions and personnel of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science to the Institute.

American Opportunity Tax Credit Extension Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010

American Opportunity Tax Credit Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Hope Scholarship tax credit, to: (1) make permanent increases in the amount of such tax credit; (2) allow such credit for the first four years of post-secondary education (currently, first two years); (3) include course materials in the definition of qualified tuition and related expenses for purposes of such credit; (4) increase adjusted gross income levels for purposes of determining eligibility for such credit and the lifetime learning tax credit; and (5) allow such credit as an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT).

H.R. 4347, TO AMEND THE INDIAN SELF- DETERMINATION AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT TO PROVIDE FURTHER SELF- GOVERNANCE BY INDIAN TRIBES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

United States · United States Senate · 18 November 2010

Sustainable States Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Sustainable States Act of 2010 - Establishes a program under which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall provide grants to sustainable state consortia (partnerships consisting of local governments, states, public universities, and other municipal organizations, businesses, or nonprofit organizations) to establish and carry out municipal sustainability certification programs. Defines "municipal sustainability certification program" as a program that: (1) determines a set of state-specific benchmarks for use in evaluating sustainability; and (2) certifies a municipality as sustainable based on achievement of those benchmarks. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish flexible guidelines that reflect regional differences for use by such consortia in establishing such programs; (2) annually compile data from such consortia and report to Congress on municipal actions undertaken to obtain municipal sustainability certification; (3) encourage such consortia to establish certification standards beyond the guidelines established by the Administrator, adapt the administration of the program to meet regional or local needs, and plan for public-private partnership agreements that will sustain the operation of the certification program of a state beyond the term of the grant; (4) establish a national leaders program under which certified municipalities may seek additional recognition for demonstrated performance in meeting sustainability challenges; and (5) establish a website that permits interactive dialogue and collaboration among community leaders and citizens engaged in municipal sustainability certification.

A resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Recognizes the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. Acknowledges the many and varied contributions of disabled children and their parents, teachers, related services personnel, and administrators. Reaffirms the support of Congress for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Global Learning Early Education Challenge Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Global Learning Early Education Challenge Fund Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), Head Start agencies, and preschools for planning or implementing Global Learning Early Education programs (preschool through grade eight dual-language, developmental bilingual, or second language immersion programs). Gives grant priority to LEAs, Head Start agencies, and preschools in which at least 40% of the students enrolled are limited English proficient. Requires each grantee to partner with one or more of the following entities: (1) a community-based organization; (2) an early childhood organization; (3) an elementary, secondary, or postsecondary school; or (4) an LEA. Requires implementation grant recipients to: (1) provide incentives for the recruitment and retention of bilingual and culturally and linguistically relevant staff for their Global Learning Early Education programs, including high-quality professional development; and (2) involve students' families in the programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a Research Council, composed of individuals with specified educational expertise, to guide research into Global Learning Early Education programs that identifies best practices and evaluates student progress.

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2010 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV program (except foreign schools) to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment that includes: (1) a prohibition of harassment of students by other students, faculty, and staff; (2) a description of its programs to prevent harassment; (3) a description of the procedures that students should follow if harassment occurs; and (4) a description of the procedures it will follow once an incident of harassment has been reported. Defines "harassment" to include certain conduct undertaken through technological means that limits a student's ability to benefit from the IHE's programs, or creates a hostile or abusive educational environment at the school. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to: (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; and (3) train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs. Directs the Secretary to publish a report of best practices for combating harassment at IHEs.

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010 - Revises provisions concerning the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to, among other things: (1) revise definitions concerning eligibility, and include certain National Guard service as service qualifying for such assistance; (2) revise assistance amounts (including monthly stipends), and types of approved programs of education; (3) allow the pursuit of educational programs at institutions other than institutions of higher learning, including on-job training and apprenticeships, flight training, and correspondence courses; (4) provide an assistance amount for programs of education pursued while on active duty; (5) provide an annual effective date for stipend rates; (6) repeal the limit on the use of such assistance for the payment of only one licensing or certification test; (7) allow the use of educational assistance for the payment of national admission tests and tests for determining course credit; (8) bar the duplication of benefits under certain VA educational assistance programs; (9) bar the concurrent receipt of educational assistance benefits transferred to children; (10) allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain subsistence allowance payments to enrolled veterans when an institution is temporarily closed; (11) increase the amount of the reporting fee paid by the Secretary to an institution for providing information concerning an individual's enrollment in a program of education; (12) limit assistance benefits to individuals who enlisted or reenlisted before October 1, 2012; and (13) revise cost-of-living adjustments under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program.

DREAM Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; and (6) was under age 30 on the date of this Act's enactment. Requires aliens to apply for such adjustment of status within one year of being admitted to an IHE or earning a high school or equivalent diploma. Sets forth conditions for maintaining such status and having its conditional basis removed. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to adjust the status of an alien who has met such conditions prior to enactment of this Act to conditional permanent resident status; and (2) such alien to petition the Secretary for permanent resident status at the end of the conditional residence period. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Graduate Medical Education Reform Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Graduate Medical Education Reform Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement procedures under which the amount of payments that a hospital would otherwise receive for indirect medical education (IME) costs for discharges occurring during an applicable period is adjusted based on the performance of the hospital on specified measures of health care work force priorities. Requires bonus payments to a hospital if at least 33% of its full-time equivalent residents were enrolled in medical residency programs in primary care during the applicable period. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of payments to eligible hospitals for direct and indirect expenses associated with operating graduate medical residency training programs. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress and the National Health Care Workforce Commission on the graduate medical education (GME) payments that hospitals receive under the Medicare program. Establishes in the Treasury the Medical Education Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the fees on insured and self-insured health plans to provide partial financing for the Trust Fund.

DREAM Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 or DREAM Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has been admitted to an institution of higher education (IHE) or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; and (6) was under age 35 on the date of this Act's enactment. Requires aliens to apply for such adjustment of status within one year of being admitted to an IHE or earning a high school or equivalent diploma. Sets forth conditions for maintaining such status and having its conditional basis removed. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to adjust the status of an alien who has met such conditions prior to enactment of this Act to conditional permanent resident status; and (2) such alien to petition the Secretary for permanent resident status at the end of the conditional residence period. Provides for: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) penalties for false application statements; (3) confidentiality; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2010 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in a title IV program (except foreign schools) to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment that includes: (1) a prohibition of harassment of students by other students, faculty, and staff; (2) a description of its programs to prevent harassment; (3) a description of the procedures that students should follow if harassment occurs; and (4) a description of the procedures it will follow once an incident of harassment has been reported. Defines "harassment" to include certain conduct undertaken through technological means that limits a student's ability to benefit from the IHE's programs, or creates a hostile or abusive educational environment at the school. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to: (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; and (3) train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs. Directs the Secretary to publish a report of best practices for combating harassment at IHEs.

Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010

Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, which shall be headed by the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications and which shall include: (1) the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team; (2) a Cybersecurity Compliance Division (established by this Act); and (3) other DHS components with primary responsibility for emergency or national communications or cybersecurity. Directs the Secretary of DHS, acting through the Assistant Secretary or the Director of such Division, to establish and enforce cybersecurity requirements for civilian nonmilitary and non-intelligence community federal systems to prevent, deter, respond to, and recover from cyber attacks and incidents. Requires the Assistant Secretary to chair an interagency working group, which shall: (1) develop risk- and performance-based cybersecurity requirements for civilian federal agency computer networks and federally owned critical infrastructure, to be enforced by the Assistant Secretary through the Director; (2) develop remedies for noncompliance with such requirements, to be executed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); (3) recommend budgets for security of such networks; and (4) propose updates for the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation. Requires all federal entities to report any cyber incidents on their networks to the Director and to the Team, which shall research each incident and report on the extent of any compromise, the attackers, the method of penetration, the ramifications, and recommended mitigation activities. Requires: (1) the Secretary, through the Director, to establish and enforce risk-based cybersecurity requirements for private sector computer networks within covered critical infrastructures; and (2) the Director to require entities determined to be covered critical infrastructures to comply with such requirements and to submit a proposed cybersecurity plan to satisfy such requirements to the first-party regulatory agency or sector-specific agency for approval and enforcement. Prescribes penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Assistant Secretary to: (1) share information regarding cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities and proposed actions to mitigate them with all federal agencies, appropriate state, local, or tribal authority representatives, and all covered critical infrastructure owners and operators; and (2) designate information received from and provided to federal agencies and critical infrastructure owners and operators under this Act as sensitive security information and enforce requirements for handling, storage, and dissemination of such information. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to support research, development, testing, evaluation, and transition of cybersecurity technology, with an emphasis on research and development relevant to large-scale, high-impact attacks. Requires the Assistant Secretary to: (1) develop a strategic cybersecurity workforce plan as part of the federal agency performance plan; (2) establish a cybersecurity awareness and education curriculum that shall be required for all federal employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, or operation of civilian federal agency computer networks; and (3) implement a strategy to provide federal employees who work in cybersecurity-related areas with the opportunity to obtain additional education. Authorizes: (1) the appointment of up to 500 employees to carry out this Act's requirements without regard to the civil service laws upon certification to Congress that standard federal hiring processes have not resulted in the required number of critical cybersecurity positions being filled; and (2) payment of bonuses necessary to retain such an employee.

School Food Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2010

School Food Recovery Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools and local educational agencies participating in the school lunch program to donate any excess food under such program to tax-exempt food banks or charitable organizations in their localities.