Education

Expressing concern over attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt.

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

Acknowledges: (1) the importance of the U.S.-Egypt partnership in advancing common interests, and (2) Egypt's regional role as a partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Recognizes the necessity for Egypt's leaders to take steps toward education reform that prioritizes impartial instruction of all religions and political reform that prioritizes human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Urges the government of Egypt to: (1) enact reforms to ensure that Coptic Christians are given the same rights and opportunities as all other Egyptian citizens; (2) end the culture of impunity for attacks on Christians; and (3) arrest, prosecute, and convict individuals who carry out such attacks.

Truth in Tuition Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

Truth in Tuition Act of 2017 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand notification requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) to participate in federal student aid programs. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to provide to a student: (1) a multi-year tuition and fee schedule; or (2) a single-year tuition and fee schedule and a nonbinding, multi-year estimate of net costs after financial aid is awarded. The bill authorizes the Department of Education to waive this requirement under certain circumstances.

Museum and Library Services Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

Museum and Library Services Act of 2017 This bill amends and reauthorizes through FY2023 the Museum and Library Services Act and provides funding for library services and technology through FY2023. The bill expands the definition of "library" and "museum" to include a tribal library or museum and expands the services museums are authorized to provide. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the 21st Century Museum Professional Program established by this bill, may enter into arrangements with museum, museum consortia and associations, institutions of higher education, and other entities for projects to: increase the number of students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds enrolled in graduate and undergraduate museum-related programs; recruit future museum professionals from such backgrounds; develop new or enhance current professional development and retention programs for museum professionals and the museum workforce; and support and conduct research, needs assessments, pilot programs, and evaluation of education and professional development programs to recruit, prepare, educate, and retain the next generation of museum professionals.

HBCU Capital Financing Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

HBCU Capital Financing Improvement Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the HBCU Capital Financing Program, which guarantees low-cost private loans to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to finance infrastructure repairs, maintenance, and construction. It replaces statutory references to "escrow account" with "bond insurance fund." The bill authorizes the Department of Education to provide financial counseling that prepares an eligible HBCU to qualify for, apply for, and maintain a capital improvement loan. It revises and expands reporting requirements for the HBCU Capital Financing Advisory Board.

A resolution honoring the accomplishments of the 9 historically Black colleges and universities that celebrated their sesquicentennial anniversaries during the week of September 24 through September 30, 2017.

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

Celebrates the 150th anniversaries of nine historically black colleges and universities and honors the accomplishments of historically Black colleges and universities in general.

Department of Education Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2017

Department of Education Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act This bill authorizes the Department of Education to suspend, demote, or remove certain employees for poor performance or misconduct. It establishes requirements and procedures with respect to such adverse personnel actions, including the following: appeal rights, whistle-blower protections, grievances arising from an adverse personnel action, recoupment of relocation expenses, and recoupment of bonuses and awards.

Inclusive Campuses Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2017

Inclusive Campuses Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions of higher education to use federal aid provided under title III of the Act to establish resource centers on campus that provide support to and education about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students.

Domenic's Law

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2017

Domenic's Law The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to discharge the liability on loans that parents received on behalf of a student who: (1) has become permanently and totally disabled, or (2) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or has lasted or is expected to last continuously for at least 60 months. Under current law, ED is required to discharge the loans to parents if the student dies.

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2017

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the international education programs at the Department of Education.

Frank T. Brogan, of Pennsylvania, to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education, vice Deborah S. Delisle, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 19 December 2017

Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2017

Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to create and facilitate the Women in Aviation Advisory Board to promote organizations and programs that provide education, training, mentorship, outreach, and recruitment of women into the aviation industry.

EARNED Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2017

Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents Act of 2017 or the EARNED Act of 2017 This bill expands the category of individuals who may transfer Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 educational assistance to a spouse or dependent child to include any service member or veteran who, at the time of approval of a benefits transfer request, has completed at least 20 years of active-duty service, including at least 90 days of post-September 10, 2001, service.

Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2017

Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to create and facilitate the Women in Aviation Advisory Board to promote organizations and programs that provide education, training, mentorship, outreach, and recruitment of women into the aviation industry.

Student Aid Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2017

Student Aid Enhancement Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the calculation used to determine a dependent student's amount of need for financial assistance. Specifically, the bill excludes the income and assets of the dependent student in the calculation of the expected family contribution for the student.

Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017

Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act This bill makes a postsecondary program designed to prepare students for a recognized occupation or profession requiring licensing or other entry pre-conditions ineligible to participate in a federal financial assistance program, unless it meets specified student consumer protection requirements within one year. Each program must: (1) fully prepare students to satisfy those entry pre-conditions in the metropolitan statistical areas and states in which the students reside and in any state the program claims a successful program graduate will be prepared to work in the particular occupation or profession involved; and (2) provide timely placement of students in required pre-licensure positions, such as clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships.

Students VOTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017

Students Voicing Opinions in Today's Elections Act or the Students VOTE Act This bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to carry out a pilot program providing funds, during FY2017, to local educational agencies (LEAs) for initiatives that provide 12th graders with voter registration information. LEAs must consult with their state and local election officials in developing the initiatives.

Student Protection and Success Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017

Student Protection and Success Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make an institution of higher education (IHE) ineligible for federal student financial aid programs for two fiscal years if a certain percentage of its students are not able to start repaying the principal of their loans by specified deadlines. The Department of Education must award grants to IHEs that have a strong record of supporting low- and moderate-income students. The bill funds the grants by requiring IHEs with certain nonrepayment loan balances to make risk-sharing payments. Grants may be used to increase college access and success for the students using investments and practices such as: awarding additional need-based financial aid, enhancing academic and student support services, and accelerated learning opportunities.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of peer-to-peer counselors providing counseling for women veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2017

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that the veterans peer counseling program includes a sufficient number of peer counselors for women veterans. Such counselors may be VA employees and may have expertise in: (1) gender-specific issues and services, (2) VA services and benefits, and (3) employment mentoring. The VA shall: (1) emphasize facilitating peer-to-peer counseling for women veterans who suffered sexual trauma while in the Armed Forces, have post-traumatic stress disorder or suffer from another mental health condition, or are otherwise at risk of becoming homeless; (2) conduct program outreach; and (3) coordinate with community organizations, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, local business organizations, and legal assistance organizations.

National Centers of Excellence in Coastal Flood Research and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2017

National Centers of Excellence in Coastal Flood Research and Education Act This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to designate public colleges and universities as National Centers of Excellence in Coastal Flood Research and Education. The purposes of such designations are to: (1) recognize those institutions of higher education that have exhibited national leadership in research and education in coastal flooding, and (2) identify such centers as sources for expert advice and guidance for federal agencies engaged in coastal flooding research and education issues and projects. NOAA shall require the designated public colleges or universities to enter into an agreement with NOAA to: (1) collaborate on federal flood-related issues with federal agencies; and (2) collaborate and share with specified entities best practices on regional, state, and locally specific flooding and flood-related issues.

Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2017

Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2017 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make postsecondary education courses and programs, such as apprenticeship programs, that provide credits toward a postsecondary certification, credential, or degree eligible for federal student aid funding if the programs and courses are accredited by a state that has an alternative accreditation agreement with the Department of Education. The bill consolidates federal student loans into one student loan program and revises loan forgiveness for borrowers. An institution that receives federal student aid funding must pay a default rate fine that is based on the default rate of loans made to its students.

Empowering Student Borrowers Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2017

Empowering Student Borrowers Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education to establish best practices for institutions of higher education (IHEs) regarding methods to: (1) teach financial literacy skills, and (2) provide information to assist students when making financial decisions related to student borrowing. In addition, the bill requires an IHE that participates in federal student aid programs to provide an annual estimate of borrowing costs to each enrolled student who receives an education loan. The cost estimate must include the student's cumulative education loan balance, projected monthly payment amount, and interest rate on each loan.

Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include among the responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security research and development activities to combat emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks. The bill includes among criteria for the designation of colleges or universities as centers for homeland security, demonstrated expertise in combating emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall permit the recipient of a grant under the Urban Area Security Initiative or under the State Homeland Security Grant Program to use grant funds to address security vulnerabilities of public spaces, including through the installation of bollards and other target hardening activities.

FUTURE of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Fundamentally Understanding The Usability and Realistic Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017 or the FUTURE of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish the Federal Advisory Committee on the Development and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence to advise Commerce on matters relating to the development of artificial intelligence, including: U.S. competitiveness, including the promotion of investment into the development of artificial intelligence; the U.S. workforce, including the potential for using artificial intelligence for rapid retraining of workers, due to the possible effect of technological displacement; education, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to prepare workers as the needs of employers change; open sharing of data and research on artificial intelligence; and international cooperation and competitiveness, including the competitive international landscape for artificial intelligence-related industries.

CERTIFY Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Credentialing, Educating, and Relevant Training Initiative For Your Heroes Act or the CERTIFY Heroes Act This bill allows tuition assistance provided under the Department of Defense's educational assistance program to be used for licensing and certification programs offered by entities other than institutions of higher education.

Military and Veterans Education Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Military and Veterans Education Protection Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise a requirement, commonly known as the 90/10 rule, which directs proprietary (for profit) institutions of higher education to derive at least 10% of their revenue from nonfederal financial aid sources, or risk becoming ineligible for title IV funding. Currently the rule allows federal educational assistance for military personnel and veterans to count toward the 10%. This bill defines federal educational assistance to include federal educational assistance for military personnel and veterans. Thus, the bill prohibits proprietary institutions from counting federal educational assistance for military personnel and veterans as nonfederal funding sources.

Global Brain Health Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Global Brain Health Act of 2017 This bill directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Global Autism Assistance Program to: (1) support activities by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers focused on autism in developing countries, and (2) establish a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with such children. The President may provide assistance to support a network of trained medical practitioners to treat hydrocephalus in children at pediatric hospitals and hydrocephalus treatment centers in developing countries. Such assistance shall provide for surgeon training and establishment of at least 20 treatment centers. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall negotiate with the World Health Organization to develop the Global Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Action Plan and establish a related Global Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Fund. The President shall appoint a high-level official to lead federal efforts to develop the plan and the fund and facilitate partnerships to identify new treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. HHS shall investigate the foreign aid implications of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

National Jazz Preservation, Education, and Promulgation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

National Jazz Preservation, Education, and Promulgation Act of 2017 This bill establishes a National Jazz Preservation Program and a National Jazz Appreciation Program, to be carried out by the Smithsonian Institution through the National Museum of American History, to: (1) preserve knowledge and promote education about jazz, and (2) further the appreciation of jazz music throughout the nation. The Smithsonian Institution shall: (1) record interviews with leading jazz artists; (2) acquire, preserve, and interpret jazz artifacts; (3) continue to recognize Jazz Appreciation Month; (4) establish collaborative agreements for the sharing of such artifacts; and (5) encourage, consult with, and engage in capacity building with community-based and regional organizations with the potential to establish jazz archival collections. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow the use of certain funds for programs to promote jazz education, which may include: (1) a Jazz Artists in the Schools program, (2) a program for the development and distribution of educational materials about jazz and teacher training on jazz education, and (3) an Ambassadors of Jazz program. The Smithsonian Institution shall establish a series of jazz performances at Smithsonian affiliates that provides broad geographic access to jazz and supports public appreciation for the diversity of jazz music.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for distributions from 529 accounts for expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow distributions from qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) to be used for certain expenses associated with registered apprenticeship programs. The bill expands the definition of "qualified higher education expenses" for which tax-free distributions are allowed to include books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a designated beneficiary in an apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Department of Labor.

FUTURE of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Fundamentally Understanding The Usability and Realistic Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017 or the FUTURE of Artificial Intelligence Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish the Federal Advisory Committee on the Development and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence to advise Commerce on matters relating to the development of artificial intelligence, including: U.S. competitiveness, including the promotion of investment into the development of artificial intelligence; the U.S. workforce, including the potential for using artificial intelligence for rapid retraining of workers, due to the possible effect of technological displacement; education, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to prepare workers as the needs of employers change; open sharing of data and research on artificial intelligence; and international cooperation and competitiveness, including the competitive international landscape for artificial intelligence-related industries.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that international education and exchange programs further United States national security and foreign policy priorities, enhance United States economic competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Recognizes that international education and exchange programs enhance national security, further U.S. foreign policy goals and economic competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. Encourages such programs to ensure that the United States maintains a broad international knowledge base. Supports such programs as a means of strengthening foreign language skills and fostering a better understanding of the world by U.S. citizens. Commends American and international education and exchange participants, volunteers, educators, program alumni, host families, high schools, colleges, universities, and host communities for their involvement in such programs. Celebrates the integral role such programs play for the United States and its people.

Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017 This bill specifies that Community Oriented Policing Services program grants to hire school resource officers may also be used to train such officers to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking. It reauthorizes through FY2022 the Creating Hope Through Outreach, Options, Services, and Education for Children and Youth (i.e., CHOOSE Children & Youth) grant program. The Department of Justice (DOJ) may bring a civil action to stop or prevent criminal offenses, including trafficking, child sexual exploitation and abuse, or sexual abuse. The bill revises and expands the functions and duties of the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children. It broadens the authority of the U.S. Secret Service to provide forensic and investigative assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies. The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 several trafficking prevention and law enforcement programs, including for foreign victim assistance. The bill formally establishes the Office of Victim Assistance within Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It makes 1% of the Crime Victims Fund available for direct assistance services for crime victims. The bill directs certain federal agencies to periodically improve human trafficking training programs for employees. DOJ must establish a victim screening protocol for use during anti-trafficking law enforcement operations. It prioritizes, with respect to juvenile and family court grants, programs that improve the judicial response to children vulnerable to human trafficking. This bill establishes the Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council to End Human Trafficking.

Student Security Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Student Security Act of 2017 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education and the Social Security Administration to jointly carry out a student loan forgiveness program that will forgive Federal Direct loans in exchange for delayed eligibility for old-age insurance benefits under the Social Security Act. In addition, the bill authorizes the transfer of amounts from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund into the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund if borrowing is necessary to pay full benefit payments from the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the exclusion from gross income of income attributable to the discharge of student loan indebtedness to include indebtedness discharged under the program.

Defending Special Education Students and Families Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Defending Special Education Students and Families Act of 2017 This bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize appropriations for grants to assist states in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. For FY2018-FY2022, the bill authorizes specified amounts. For FY2023 and each subsequent fiscal year, the bill authorizes amounts using a specified formula. The bill also amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to modify the discretionary spending limits for FY2018-FY2021. For each fiscal year, the bill decreases the limit for security spending by a specified amount and increases the limit for nonsecurity spending by the same amount. The nonsecurity spending increases are the same amounts as are authorized in the bill for additional funding under the IDEA in those fiscal years. 

College Loan Deferment for Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

College Loan Deferment for Recovery Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow borrowers to defer student loans while they are enrolled in a drug treatment program and during the 30 days after completing the program.

Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include students with a parent who serves in the reserve component of the Armed Forces under the military student identifier program. Thus, schools must assign those students identification numbers that allow the schools to monitor their achievement on academic assessments.

Expressing support for the designation of January 23, 2018, as "National Handwriting Day" and recognizing the importance of handwriting for cognitive, artistic, and educational benefit.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Expresses support for the designation of National Handwriting Day, and recognizes the importance of handwriting in cognitive, artistic, and educational development.

Volunteer First Responder Loan Forgiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Volunteer First Responder Loan Forgiveness Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain volunteer first responders eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Tribal Connect Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Tribal Connect Act of 2017 This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support (E-rate) program to include support for Indian tribal libraries that are eligible for support under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), without regard to whether the libraries are eligible for assistance from state library administrative agencies under the LSTA. The E-rate program provides discounted telecommunications services to certain schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission must establish a pilot Tribal Anchor Institution Program to provide E-rate support to tribes for institutions that are not schools or libraries, such as community centers. E-rate support may be provided to institutions designated by tribes if: (1) the tribes do not have existing libraries that are eligible for E-rate support; (2) the institutions are exclusively owned by the tribes; and (3) the institutions intend to deliver publicly available Internet access to students, teachers, librarians, and community members for educational purposes.

Educational Freedom Accounts Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2017

Educational Freedom Accounts Act This bill (1) establishes an educational savings account program for District of Columbia children who are eligible to receive a free public education in the District, but whose parents choose not to enroll them in a public school or home schooling; and (2) specifies the use of such funds, including for private schools.

ASPIRE Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2017

Access, Success, and Persistence in Reshaping Education Act of 2017 or the ASPIRE Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 by requiring the Department of Education (ED) to rank institutions of higher education (IHEs) based on the percentage of first-time, full-time students who receive Pell Grants and are enrolled at the IHEs. The IHEs in the bottom 5% must improve the enrollment of those students by specific deadlines or pay a fee-per-student penalty. Additionally, ED must rank IHEs based on the percentage of first-time, full-time students who enroll at the school and graduate within 6 years. The bill gives IHEs in the bottom 5% the option of receiving funding to improve student graduation rates. Those IHEs must improve those rates by specific deadlines or pay a penalty. The bill establishes consumer warning requirements for IHEs with low enrollment or graduation rates. ED must establish: (1) grant programs for improving graduation rates, and (2) a bonus program for providing nonfinancial rewards to IHEs that make college more affordable and increase college access and success for low-income or working class students and moderate-income students. ED must collect the penalty fees and use them to fund the grant and award program.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

United States · United States Senate · 5 December 2017

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR NOMINATIONS

United States · United States Senate · 5 December 2017

Caring for our Veterans Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2017

Caring for our Veterans Act of 2017 This bill establishes a Veterans Community Care Program to furnish hospital care, medical services, and extended care services to covered veterans through non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care providers under specified circumstances. This program replaces the Veterans Choice Program. The VA shall develop: (1) an education program for veterans about their VA health care options, (2) processes to ensure safe opioid prescribing practices by non-VA health care providers; and (3) criteria to designate VA medical centers, ambulatory care facilities, and community based outpatient clinics as underserved facilities. The bill: (1) modifies the definitions of medical facility, major medical facility project, and major medical facility lease; and (2) establishes specified pilot programs. The VA family caregiver program is expanded. The VA shall implement a new information technology system.

Advancing Medical Resident Training in Community Hospitals Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2017

Advancing Medical Resident Training in Community Hospitals Act of 2017 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise payment rules for graduate medical education (GME) costs with respect to a hospital that establishes a new medical residency training program. With respect to a hospital that has not entered into a GME affiliation agreement, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall establish the hospital's full-time equivalent (FTE) resident amount only after determining that the hospital's medical residency training program trains more than 1.0 FTE resident in a cost reporting period. In the case of a hospital with an approved FTE resident amount based on the training of no more than 1.0 FTE resident in a cost reporting period before October 1, 1997, or 3.0 FTE residents in a cost reporting period after that date, the CMS shall provide the hospital an opportunity to have its FTE resident amount reestablished when the hospital begins training FTE residents in excess of the applicable threshold. Current law limits the number, subject to the application of certain adjustments, of FTE residents a hospital may have in allopathic and osteopathic medicine for purposes of Medicare payment. The bill specifies that the CMS shall determine a hospital's limitation adjustment only after determining that the hospital's medical residency training program trains more than 1.0 FTE residents in a cost reporting period. In the case of a hospital with a limitation adjustment based on the training of no more than 1.0 FTE resident in a cost reporting period before October 1, 1997, or 3.0 FTE residents in a cost reporting period after that date, the CMS shall provide the hospital an opportunity to have its adjustment re-determined when the hospital begins training FTE residents in excess of the applicable threshold.

Saudi Educational Transparency and Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2017

Saudi Educational Transparency and Reform Act This bill directs the Department of State to report to Congress annually on educational materials published by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education. The report shall detail whether such educational materials include content that could be seen as encouraging violence and intolerance toward religious groups, including Muslims who hold dissenting views. The report shall also discuss related subjects, including the extent to which such materials are exported and efforts by the Saudi government to remove the intolerant content. The State Department shall issue such reports for 10 years, unless the State Department determines that the intolerant content has been completely removed. If such content is still included in Saudi Arabia's educational materials after 10 years, the State Department shall continue reporting to Congress for another 5 years.

Distracted Driving Education Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2017

Distracted Driving Education Act of 2017  This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a distracted driving education grant program under which DOT may make a competitive grant to a nonprofit organization to provide education to the public regarding the risks of distracted driving.

To establish an Anti-Bullying Roundtable to study bullying in elementary and secondary schools in the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2017

This bill requires the President to establish a commission called the "Anti-Bullying Roundtable" to study bullying in elementary and secondary schools in the United States. The roundtable must submit a report about best practices concerning bullying, including recommendations for: (1) combating bullying, (2) educating school officials to recognize bullying, and (3) helping parents to address the early warning signs of bullying with their children.

A resolution reaffirming the strategic partnership between the United States of America and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and encouraging inclusive governance in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2017

Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to support the government of Ethiopia to: provide training and resources to counter terrorism and violent extremism and address security concerns in the Horn of Africa, bolster trade and investment in the private sector between the United States and Ethiopia, continue support to strengthen higher education and promote health through the exiting mechanisms, and continue humanitarian assistance with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the people affected by the drought. Calls on the Department of State to engage with the Ethiopian government in strengthening the bilateral Working Group on Democracy, Governance and Human Rights, and provide support in the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan. Condemns the violence that resulted in the death of over 500 Ethiopians. Calls on the government of Ethiopia to: hold accountable all personnel responsible for the death and destruction that took place as a result of violent protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions, respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and guarantee freedom of the press and mass media, and engage in open and transparent consultations relative to its development strategy. Calls on the USAID to: (1) continue to lead efforts to work with the Ethiopian government to improve democracy and governance, and (2) assist the government and people of Ethiopia in capacity building in all areas.

Mark Schneider, of the District of Columbia, to be Director of the Institute of Education Science, Department of Education for a term of six years, vice John Q. Easton, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 1 December 2017

PROSPER Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2017

Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform Act or the PROSPER Act This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the governance of federal financial aid provided to students pursuing a postsecondary education and institutions of higher education (IHEs), including by: removing restrictions on providing aid to for-profit institutions, correspondence courses, and certificate programs; modifying the eligibility requirements for IHEs and students to participate in federal student aid programs; revising accountability measures for IHEs, such as adding new measures for minority-serving institutions; requiring IHEs to implement programs to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees; prohibiting aid to IHEs that deny religious student organizations the rights, benefits, or privileges that are afforded to other organizations; limiting the Department of Education's authority to issue regulations; revising requirements concerning sexual assault on campuses; authorizing an industry-led apprenticeship grant program; reauthorizing through FY2024 and revising specified programs, including the Federal Pell Grant program, the Federal Work-Study programs, and an aid program for students whose families are seasonal farm workers; revising requirements governing the Federal TRIO programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; repealing specified grant programs (e.g., the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program) and loan forgiveness programs (e.g., Public Service Loan Forgiveness) for new borrowers; replacing the existing student loan programs (i.e., the Federal Direct Loan program and the Federal Family Education Loan program) with a single loan program (i.e., ONE loan program); revising student loan limits for undergraduate students and establishing loan limits for graduate students; and replacing existing student loan repayment plans with an income-based repayment plan.