Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To clarify the authority of the Federal Financing Bank to purchase loans guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

4/29/2008--Introduced.

Student Loan Access Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Federal Financing Bank, until July 1, 2009, to: (1) purchase guaranteed loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program of the Higher Education Act of 1965, or participation interests in such loans; (2) advance funds to eligible lenders for the purpose of originating or purchasing FFELs; and (3) invest in securities collateralized with FFELs.

Prohibits such FFEL purchases from resulting in any net cost to the federal government.

Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the Bank's authority to take such actions beyond July 1, 2009, if economic conditions threaten timely, uninterrupted access to student loans.

Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

5/13/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on May 6, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through May 31, 2008.

Provides that this extension shall take effect as if enacted on April 30, 2008.

Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3208)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to maintain eligibility, for Federal PLUS loans, of borrowers who are 90 or more days delinquent on mortgage loan payments, or for whom foreclosure proceedings have been initiated, with respect to their primary residence.

4/21/2008--Introduced.

PLUS Loan Borrower Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to eligibility for a PLUS Federal Family Education Loan, to specify an extenuating circumstance for purposes of determining if a borrower has an adverse credit history on the basis of a mortgage loan delinquency or foreclosure.

Declares that an extenuating circumstance exists if, at any time from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2112, the borrower is 90 or more days delinquent on mortgage loan payments, or foreclosure proceedings have been initiated, with respect to the borrower's primary residence.

Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-327.

Bill Text
An original bill to establish requirements for private lenders to protect student borrowers receiving private educational loans, and for other purposes. 4/21/2008--Introduced. Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions. Prohibits such lender from marketing loans in any way that implies the institution endorses the lender's private educational loans (co-branding). Prohibits an employee in the financial aid office of an educational institution who has responsibilities regarding financial aid, and also serves on an advisory group established by a lender, from receiving anything of value from such lender.[...]

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S.2787 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 03/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2234)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) research, development, test, and evaluation; (6) operation and maintenance, including working capital funds, the Defense Health Program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and the Defense Inspector General; (6) active and reserve military personnel, including [...]

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Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title V of the Social Security Act to provide grants for school-based mentoring programs for at risk teenage girls to prevent and reduce teen pregnancy, and to provide student loan forgiveness for mentors participating in such programs. 4/15/2008--Introduced. Mentor-Mentee Teen Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to local educational agencies or community-based organizations for the creation of school-based programs that provide mentoring to at-risk teenage girls to prevent and reduce teen pregnancy. Requires program mentors to be women who: (1) have received at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; (2) are mentoring no more than two program mentees; and (3) are trained and screened to encourage mentees to engage in responsible, goal-orientated behavior, delay their sexual [...]

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Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3028-3029)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy issues associated with recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Introduced. Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retension, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work.Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, knowledge development, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements [...]

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S.2847 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2949-2950)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to allow Federal home loan banks to invest surplus funds in student loan securities and make advances for student loan financing, and for other purposes.

4/10/2008--Introduced.

Emergency Student Loan Market Liquidity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to allow federal home loan banks to: (1) invest surplus funds in student loan securities; (2) accept student loans and student loan-related securities as collateral; and (3) provide secured long-term advances to member banks so that they can finance the origination of student loans or purchase or finance student loan-related securities.

Limits the application of this Act to Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) made under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Makes the banks' authority effective for investments and advances made between February 1, 2008, and two years after this Act's enactment.

Latest Action: 04/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. 4/9/2008--Introduced. Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses;[...]

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Latest Action: 04/08/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to allow Federal home loan banks to invest surplus funds in student loan securities and make advances for student loan financing, and for other purposes.

4/8/2008--Introduced.

Emergency Student Loan Market Liquidity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to allow federal home loan banks to: (1) invest surplus funds in student loan securities; (2) accept student loans and student loan-related securities as collateral; and (3) provide secured long-term advances to member banks so that they can finance the origination of student loans or purchase or finance student loan-related securities.

Limits the application of this Act to Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) made under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Makes the banks' authority effective for investments and advances made between February 1, 2008, and two years after this Act's enactment.

H.R.5715 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To ensure continued availability of access to the Federal student loan program for students and families. 5/7/2008--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 30, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase, by $2,000, the maximum annual unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts that may be provided to undergraduate students under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. Sets the aggregate limit on such loans at $31,000 for dependent undergraduates and $57,500 for independent undergraduates. (Sec. 3) Gives parent borrowers of PLUS FFELs the option to defer loan principal repayment for up to six months after the students for whom such loans are borrowed cease to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload. [...]

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Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2440-2442)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to increase unsubsidized Stafford loan limits for undergraduate students, provide for a secondary market for FFEL loans, allow for the in-school deferment of PLUS loans, augment the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the lowest income students, and expand the number of students eligible to obtain loans under the lender-of-last-resort program, and for other purposes. 4/3/2008--Introduced. Strengthening Student Aid for All Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum annual and aggregate unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts that may be provided to undergraduate students under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. Allows parents of dependent students to defer PLUS FFEL principal repayment until such students cease to be enrolled as undergraduates on at least a half-time basis. Directs the Secretary of Education to act as the secondary market of last resort for FFELs, until July [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2149-2150)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for judicial discretion regarding suspensions of student eligibility under section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

3/13/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to suspend students' eligibility for assistance under title IV for being convicted of committing controlled substance offenses while in receipt of such assistance only if the convicting courts order such suspension. (Currently, a conviction suffices.)

Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1560-1561)

Bill Text
To reauthorize and reform the national service laws. 3/10/2008--Introduced. Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service (Learn and Serve programs); (2) National Service Trust programs (AmeriCorps); (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching grants to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and [...]

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S.2732 Sponsored by Claire McCaskill
Latest Action: 03/07/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to expand the definition of independent student under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include active members of the National Guard or Reserve forces of the United States and to prevent payments of educational assistance for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being offset in the calculation of financial aid under such Act.

3/7/2008--Introduced.

Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to treat current active National Guard and Reserve personnel who have completed their initial military training as independent students in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act.

Prohibits educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in such need analyses.

Latest Action: 03/24/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

3/24/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Higher Education Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through April 30, 2008.

Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding institution financial aid offer form requirements. 2/6/2008--Introduced. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to: (1) prepare a report for specified congressional committees on the adequacy of the financial aid offer forms issued by federally-assisted institutions of higher education (IHEs); and (2) develop model financial aid offer formats based on the report's findings. Requires such formats to include, in a consumer-friendly manner, specified information regarding: (1) the student's total and net cost of attending the IHE; (2) available scholarships, loans, and work assistance; and (3) where to obtain additional information on the financial aid offered. Directs each IHE to use one of the model formats as part of its financial aid offer form, and provide such form to current or prospective students and their parents in time for them to consider the [...]

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Latest Action: 02/19/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E212-213)

Bill Text
To prevent payments of educational assistance for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being offset in the calculation of financial aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

2/19/2008--Introduced.

Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act.

H.R.5447 Sponsored by Edolphus Towns
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retension, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work. Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, knowledge development, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure and reciprocity agreements for providing services across state lines. Authorizes the Secretary [...]

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H.R.5176 Sponsored by Gene Green
Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to mental health services. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for: (1) services to children, adults, and older adults with mental illnesses who have co-occurring primary care conditions and chronic diseases through the co-location of primary and specialty medical care in community-based mental and behavioral health settings; (2) programs to address behavioral and mental health workforce needs in professional shortage areas; (3) expanding behavioral and mental health education and training programs; (4) tele-mental health in medically-underserved areas; and (5) developing and implementing a plan to ensure that the National Health Information Infrastructure meets the needs of mental health and substance abuse providers.Provides for reports to Congress on: (1) the paperwork [...]

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H.R.4986 Sponsored by Ike Skelton
Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as previously enrolled, with certain modifications to address the foreign sovereign immunities provisions of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the attachment of property in certain judgements against Iraq, the lapse of statutory authorities for the payment of bonuses, special pays, and similar benefits for members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 1/28/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for [...]

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Latest Action: 12/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Introduced. Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without: (1) approval [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend section 435(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding the definition of economic hardship.

12/11/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the meaning of economic hardship under the Federal Family Education Loan or Perkins Loan and related loan insurance programs.

Considers borrowers under such programs to be suffering economic hardship if they are working full-time, have a federal educational debt burden equal to at least 20% of their adjusted gross income, and the difference between their adjusted gross income minus such debt burden is less than 220% of the greater of: (1) the annual earnings of an minimum wage earner; or (2) 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size.

S.2377 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14624-14625)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities, and for other purposes. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe standards for appointment and practice as a physician within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires: (1) applicants to provide certain information, including each lawsuit, civil action, or other claim against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence, and their results; (2) each appointee to disclose any judgments against the individual for medical malpractice or negligence and any payments made; and (3) physicians already employed within the VHA to disclose such information. Prohibits a new appointment without: [...]

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S.2385 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide Federal Perkins Loan cancellation to fire fighters.

11/16/2007--Introduced.

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

Latest Action: 12/21/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make technical corrections. 12/21/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on December 5, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Excludes from untaxed income and benefits considered part of total income in federal student need analyses the amount of additional child tax credit claimed for federal income tax purposes, as well as the following currently included amounts: (1) welfare benefits; (2) untaxed Social Security benefits; and (3) earned income credits, credits for the federal tax on special fuels, and foreign income excluded from gross income as claimed for federal income tax purposes. Provides that, for married borrowers who file separate [...]

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H.R.4153 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To make certain technical corrections and transition amendments to the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) College Cost Reduction and Access Act Technical Amendments of 2007 - Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (the Act) made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Ensures that mandatory Pell grant funding made available for any fiscal year by such Act remains available for the succeeding fiscal year (thus, for the full Pell grant award year). Specifies the untaxed income and benefits which the Act excluded from the list of untaxed income and benefits considered in federal student need analyses (thereby, specifically excluding them from such analyses). Clarifies that students who were orphans, wards of the court, or in foster care when they were 13 or older are independent for federal student aid purposes. [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide loan forgiveness under the Federal Perkins Loan program for Federal, State, and local firefighters.

11/9/2007--Introduced.

Fire Fighter Higher Education Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

H.R.4137 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. Title I: Title I Amendments - (Sec. 101) Revises the general definition of an institution of higher education (IHE) to include schools that: (1) admit students whose secondary education was conducted in a home school setting; (2) award degrees (not necessarily bachelor's degrees) that are acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program; and (3) enroll students who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in a secondary school. Revises the definition of an IHE for purposes of title IV student assistance programs. Requires graduate medical schools located outside the country, that qualified as IHEs owing to their having a state-approved [...]

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S.2303 Sponsored by Richard Burr
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend section 435(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding the definition of economic hardship.

11/2/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the meaning of economic hardship under the Federal Family Education Loan or Perkins Loan and related loan insurance programs.

Considers borrowers under such programs to be suffering economic hardship if they are working full-time, have a federal educational debt burden equal to at least 20% of their adjusted gross income, and the difference between their adjusted gross income minus such debt burden is less than 220% of the greater of: (1) the annual earnings of an minimum wage earner; or (2) 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size.

H.R.4046 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education to accept certifications of permanent and total disability by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of student loan discharge.

11/1/2007--Introduced.

Student Disability Fairness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to accept certifications by the Department of Veterans Affairs that student borrowers are permanently and totally disabled as sufficient documentation for the discharge of their loans under part B (Federal Family Education Loan Program) of title IV of the Act.

Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2292)

Bill Text
To study, pilot, and implement a comprehensive, structural, market-based reform to the Federal Family Education Loan Program to reduce costs to taxpayers and improve program efficiency. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Student Loan Auction Market Act - Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary) and the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a planning study of alternative market-based mechanisms for setting lenders' yields on Federal Family Education Loans under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Requires such study to be followed by a limited two-year pilot program testing the mechanisms which the study finds most promising in ensuring loan availability, minimizing administrative complexity, and reducing federal costs. Allows the Secretary to implement on a program-wide basis the auction-based system proven to satisfy such criteria, after an independent evaluation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of the pilot program, as well as the Competitive [...]

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Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to amend the definition of an eligible not-for-profit holder, and for other purposes.

10/31/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through March 31, 2008.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to consider trustees acting on behalf of certain governmental or tax-exempt entities as eligible nonprofit holders of Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs), regardless of whether or not such entities are eligible FFEL lenders.

Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to expand the nurse student loan program, to establish grant programs to address the nursing shortage, to amend title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for a nurse faculty pilot project, and for other purposes. 10/30/2007--Introduced. Nursing Education Opportunities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include accelerated degree nursing students who pursue a second baccalaureate degree or a master's degree as an entry level nursing degree as eligible for financial assistance through nursing programs in the Act, including the Nursing Student Loan Program. Raises the yearly loan amounts available to all nursing students through that Program. Modifies the definition of "collegiate school of nursing" to include accelerated nursing degree programs.Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more than 10% of traineeships [...]

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13440-13441)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to expand the nurse student loan program, to establish grant programs to address the nursing shortage, to amend title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for a nurse faculty pilot project, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Nursing Education Opportunities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include accelerated degree nursing students who pursue a second baccalaureate degree or a master's degree as an entry level nursing degree as eligible for financial assistance through nursing programs in the Act, including the Nursing Student Loan Program. Raises the yearly loan amounts available to all nursing students through that Program. Modifies the definition of "collegiate school of nursing" to include accelerated nursing degree programs.Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more than 10% of traineeships [...]

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H.R.3927 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 10/30/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

10/23/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through April 30, 2008.

S.2205 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S13300-13306)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2007 or DREAM Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma; (5) from the age of 16 and older, has never been under a final [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture.

Bill Text
To optimize the delivery of critical care medicine and expand the critical care workforce. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to conduct research to assess: (1) the standardization of critical care protocols, intensive care unit layout, equipment interoperability, and medical informatics; and (2) the impact of differences in staffing, organization, size, and structure of intensive care units on access, quality, and efficiency of care. Requires the Secretary to undertake demonstration projects to: (1) optimize the provision of critical care services to Medicare beneficiaries through innovations in such areas as staffing and utilization of technology; and (2) measure and evaluate outcomes derived from a "family-centered" approach to the provision of inpatient critical care services that includes direct [...]

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S.2182 Sponsored by Jack Reed
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12993-12994)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to mental health services. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for: (1) services to children, adults, and older adults with mental illnesses who have co-occurring primary care conditions and chronic diseases through the co-location of primary and specialty medical care in community-based mental and behavioral health settings; (2) programs to address behavioral and mental health workforce needs in professional shortage areas; (3) expanding behavioral and mental health education and training programs; (4) tele-mental health in medically-underserved areas; and (5) developing and implementing a plan to ensure that the National Health Information Infrastructure meets the needs of mental health and substance abuse providers.Provides for reports to Congress on: (1) the paperwork [...]

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Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965. 10/4/2007--Introduced. College Access and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize appropriations for HEA programs. Establishes a single definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs) for purposes of their participation in all HEA programs, including title IV student aid programs. Allows IHEs to enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary school. Revises higher education consumer information and public accountability requirements. Imposes educational loan disclosure requirements on lenders and IHEs. Replaces the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program under title II with a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program for partnerships of high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), high-need schools, IHEs, and public or private educational organizations. Repeals part B (Preparing Tomorrow's [...]

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H.R.3748 Sponsored by Susan A. Davis
Latest Action: 10/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 10/9/2007 E2078)

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Direct Loan Program to provide that interest shall not accrue on Federal Direct Loans for active duty service members.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months.

Requires the Secretary of Education to offer direct consolidation loans to eligible service members who want to avoid the accrual of interest on existing loans.

S.2105 Sponsored by Chuck Hagel
Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the establishment of the Federal Health Care Board. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Federal Health Care Board Act of 2007 - Establishes the Federal Health Care Board as an independent agency in the executive branch.Requires the Board to: (1) ensure that Americans have access to health insurance and are provided certain basic facts about health care services prior to receiving care; (2) ensure that providers are delivering safe, evidence-based, high quality care and are transparent about pricing through disclosure of actual costs; (3) demand transparency for disclosure of actual costs and pricing from providers and payers through an information clearinghouse; (4) establish a national standard for a basic health insurance plan (including a basic minimum policy and the regional cost for such policy), a national protocol and standard for secure, universal, and individual electronic medical records, a national standard for public health services (including safety [...]

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Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To establish and determine the eligibility of individuals for a loan forgiveness program for professional engineers in order to provide incentives for engineers currently employed and engineering students and other students pursuing or considering pursuing a degree in science, technology and engineering, and for the support of students pursing such secondary and postsecondary education. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Strategic Technology/Engineering Program Act of 2007 or the STEP Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award renewable one-year STEP scholarships to students who pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering, technology, applied sciences, mathematics, or similar fields. Authorizes the Secretary to provide student loan forgiveness to borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan and Direct Loan programs who agree to remain employed as engineers for at least eight years and obtain licensure as professional [...]

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H.R.3638 Sponsored by Dan Burton
Latest Action: 10/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To end the cycle of illegal immigration in the United States. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Border Security and Elimination of Sanctuary for Illegal Aliens Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the worsening crisis of illegal immigration must be solved. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) increase incentives to recruit Border Patrol agents through repayment of higher education loans; (2) establish a retention program; and (3) make construction of border fencing a priority. Authorizes the Secretary to deploy newly-developed technology along the land and maritime borders. Requires that a state or local law enforcement agency that arrests an alien unlawfully in the United States for any reason shall notify United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement respecting such arrest and provide the identity of the arrested person. Provides for: (1) such person's expedited removal from the United States, and (2) criminal penalties and expedited [...]

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H.R.3625 Sponsored by Joe Sestak
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To make permanent the waiver authority of the Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or other military operation or national emergency. 9/30/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 addresses the unique situations that active duty military personnel and other affected individuals may face in connection with their enrollment in postsecondary institutions and their federal student loans; and (2) the provisions authorized by such Act should be made permanent, thereby allowing the Secretary of Education to continue providing assistance to active duty service members and other affected individuals and their families. Amends the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students [...]

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H.R.3566 Sponsored by John Kline
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To permanently extend the waiver authority of the Secretary under the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003.

9/18/2007--Introduced.

Extends permanently the Secretary of Education's authority under the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 to waive or modify the application of requirements and regulations pertaining to student financial assistance, under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to certain individuals and entities affected by wars, other military operations, or national emergencies.

H.R.3378 Sponsored by Brian Baird
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To establish a demonstration loan program for nontraditional students. 8/3/2007--Introduced. College Affordability for Working Students Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to carry out a Demonstration Loan program providing guaranteed and direct loans to less than half-time students for not more than six terms, semesters, or substantially equivalent periods of enrollment over the duration of the students' studies. Limits program participation to up to 100 institutions of higher education or consortia of IHEs. Requires program loans to be: (1) subject to deferral of repayment while the borrower is enrolled as a student, even if less than half-time; and (2) repaid pursuant to a repayment plan selected by the borrower that commences six months after the borrower's enrollment ends. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, for IHE participants, certain requirements limiting what may be included in the cost of attendance [...]

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Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the ability of the United States to be competitive in a global economy, and for other purposes. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Strengthening America's Innovation and Competitiveness Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and public or private entities to recruit and train individuals outside of the elementary and secondary education system who have expertise in core academic subjects, particularly mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, to serve as adjunct secondary school teachers of such subjects. Revises the Advanced Placement Incentive grant program to: (1) require nonprofit grantees to partner with educational agencies; (2) give priority to applicants that increase mathematics, science, or critical foreign language programs [...]

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S.1882 Sponsored by Chuck Hagel
Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish various programs for the recruitment and retention of public health workers and to eliminate critical public health workforce shortages in Federal, State, local, and tribal public health agencies. 7/26/2007--Introduced. Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of public health professionals to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages in federal, state, local, and tribal public health agencies by offering four-year scholarships in return for employment at such agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans incurred by individuals in the pursuit of the relevant public health preparedness workforce educational [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

7/31/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through October 31, 2007.

H.R.3122 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

7/23/2007--Introduced.

Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through September 30, 2007.

S.1822 Sponsored by Evan Bayh
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Direct Loan Program to provide that interest shall not accrue on Federal Direct Loans for active duty service members and their spouses.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals and the spouses of individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months.

S.1830 Sponsored by Evan Bayh
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Direct Loan Program to provide that interest shall not accrue on Federal Direct Loans for active duty service members and their spouses.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals and the spouses of individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months.

Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act, to improve disclosures for private student loans, and for other purposes. 7/19/2007--Introduced. Private Student Loan Disclosure Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to subject private education loans to its consumer credit disclosure requirements. Sets forth the private student loan terms and conditions which lenders must clearly and conspicuously disclose to borrowers in any application or solicitation for such a loan and contemporaneously with the approval of a private student loan application. Gives private student loan borrowers 30 days after the loan is approved and the required loan disclosure information is received to accept and consummate the loan transaction. Subjects lenders to civil liability for violating such requirements. Requires civil actions to be brought within one year after the first monthly payment on the loan becomes due after the borrower leaves school, unless full repayment [...]

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S.1794 Sponsored by Evan Bayh