Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
A bill to aid families and neighborhoods facing home foreclosure and address the subprime mortgage crisis. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Security Against Foreclosures and Education Act, or the SAFE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans. Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to continue to award expeditiously certain funds already provided for mortgage foreclosure counseling. Amends the Code to allow purchasers of certain single-family principal residences a one-time tax credit. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) revise creditor mortgage loan disclosure requirements; and (2) increase civil damages for noncompliance with such Act. Amends the Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for certain taxable years; and (2) suspend through taxable year 2009 the 90% of alternative minimum taxable income limit for certain [...]

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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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H.R.4898 Sponsored by Steny H. Hoyer
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other purposes. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Best Buddies Empowerment for People with Intellectual Disabilities Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, Best Buddies (a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities mesh with mainstream society) to promote the expansion of Best Buddies and the design and implementation of its education and outreach programs, including character education and volunteer programs, that can be integrated into classroom instruction. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to repeal authority for the Fund for the Improvement of Education: (1) educational, cultural, apprenticeship, and exchange programs for Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and their historical whaling and trading partners in Massachusetts; and (2) program [...]

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S.2502 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the establishment of a memorial within Kalaupapa National Historical Park located on the island of Molokai, in the State of Hawaii, to honor and perpetuate the memory of those individuals who were forcibly relocated to the Kalaupapa Peninsula from 1866 to 1969, and for other purposes.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Kalaupapa Memorial Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to authorize Ka `Ohana O Kalaupapa, a nonprofit organization consisting of patient residents at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, to establish a memorial at the location(s) approved by the Secretary at Kalawao or Kalaupapa within the boundaries of Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, to honor those individuals who were forcibly relocated to Kalaupapa Peninsula from 1866 to 1969.

Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15143)

Bill Text
A resolution to designate Friday, November 23, 2007, as "Native American Heritage Day" in honor of the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

12/11/2007--Introduced.

Designates November 23, 2007, as Native American Heritage Day.

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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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reinstate the current downpayment requirement in the event of increased defaults. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage.[...]

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S.2302 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Harkin. With written report No. 110-220. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

11/2/2007--Introduced.

Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 - Revises agricultural and related programs and provisions respecting: (1) producer income; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development and investment; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) livestock marketing; and (11) agricultural security.

H.R.4045 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To award competitive grants to minority serving institutions to establish centers of excellence for teacher education. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Improving Teacher Diversity Act - Amends title II (Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to certain minority-serving institutions of higher education (IHEs), or partnerships between such IHEs and other IHEs, to establish centers of excellence for teacher education. Requires the use of such grants to ensure that current and future teachers are highly qualified by: (1) reforming teacher preparation programs so that teachers are able to understand scientifically-based research and use advanced technology effectively in the classroom; (2) providing preservice clinical experience and mentoring to prospective teachers, and increased interaction between IHE faculty and new and experienced elementary and secondary [...]

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S.2232 Sponsored by Ted Stevens
Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a demonstration program to adapt the lessons of providing foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to certain similarly situated individuals, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Foreign Aid Lessons for Domestic Economic Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to consortia of Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination [...]

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S.2176 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
A bill to promote the development of Native American small business concerns, and for other purposes. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs, headed by an Assistant Administrator, to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians). Requires the Office to assist Native American entrepreneurs to: (1) start, operate, and grow small businesses; (2) develop management and technical skills; (3) seek federal procurement opportunities; (4) increase Native American employment opportunities; and (5) increase Native American access to capital markets. Requires the Administrator of the SBA to provide financial assistance to tribal governments, tribal colleges, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Alaska Native corporations [...]

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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.3585 Sponsored by Joe Baca
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To honor of the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes.

9/19/2007--Introduced.

Native American Heritage Day Act of 2007 - Makes specified findings, including that the Friday immediately succeeding Thanksgiving Day of each year would be an appropriate day to designate as Native American Heritage Day.

Encourages educational institutions to develop model educational curricula, in consultation with Native American governmental leaders, for purposes of recognizing a Native American Heritage Day, emphasizing the contributions of Native Americans to the United States and the world.

Encourages the people of the United States, as well as federal, state, and local governments and interested groups and organizations to observe a Native American Heritage Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Bill Text
To provide for the establishment of a memorial within Kalaupapa National Historical Park located on the island of Molokai, in the State of Hawaii, to honor and perpetuate the memory of those individuals who were forcibly relocated to the Kalaupapa Peninsula from 1866 to 1969, and for other purposes. 2/12/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Kalaupapa Memorial Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to authorize Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa, a nonprofit organization consisting of patient residents at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, to establish a memorial at the location(s) approved by the Secretary at Kalawao or Kalaupapa within the boundaries of Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, to honor those individuals who were forcibly relocated to Kalaupapa Peninsula from 1866 to 1969. Sets forth requirements concerning the design of the memorial. Requires that the location, size, design, and [...]

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H.R.3221 Sponsored by Nancy Pelosi
Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendments to Senate amendments.

Bill Text
A bill to provide needed housing reform and for other purposes. 4/10/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - Title I: FHA Modernization Act of 2008 - FHA Modernization Act of 2008 - Subtitle A: Building American Homeownership - Building American Homeownership Act of 2008 - (Sec. 112) Amends the National Housing Act (NHA) to revise mortgage insurance eligibility requirements. Alters the respective formulas to increase the percentages of the maximum principal loan obligations applicable to family residences located in: (1) the United States; and (2) Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands. Prohibits the maximum principal loan obligation from exceeding 100% of the appraised value of the property. (Sec. 113) Increases from 3% to 3.5% of the appraised value of a property the mortgagor's required cash (or equivalent) investment (downpayment). Prohibits any funds for such [...]

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S.1852 Sponsored by Daniel K. Inouye
Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9777-9778)

Bill Text
A bill to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving of each year as "Native American Heritage Day" in honor of the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

7/23/2007--Introduced.

Native American Heritage Day Act of 2007 - Designates the Friday immediately succeeding Thanksgiving Day of each year as "Native American Heritage Day."

S.1857 Sponsored by John Warner
Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 7/23/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institutions for Advanced Technology and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to eligible institutions for specified activities, including: (1) acquiring equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, digital network technology, wireless technology, and infrastructure; (2) developing and providing educational services, including faculty development, related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; (3) providing technology-related training for teachers, library and media specialists, early childhood educators, and teacher aides; and (4) forming technology-related consortia or collaborative projects. Defines "eligible institution" as a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic-serving institution, a Tribal College or University, an Alaska [...]

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Latest Action: 07/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to strengthen mentoring programs, and for other purposes. 7/18/2007--Introduced. Mentoring America's Children Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to make miscellaneous changes to the Mentoring grant program under title IV that include: (1) improvement of school connectedness and character education among mentoring's purposes; (2) corporations, universities, foster care group homes, and other entities among program providers; (3) a requirement that mentors help children become responsible and successful adults; (4) foster youth, children with an incarcerated parent, suburban children in high crime areas, and children living in high gang involvement, drug use, dropout, or youth suicide areas among those most in need of mentoring; (5) children's participation in internships as a program goal; (6) mandatory information on grant applicants about plans for monitoring mentor/mentee [...]

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S.1728 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman without amendment. With written report No. 110-161.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to reauthorize the Na Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau Advisory Commission.

9/17/2007--Reported to Senate 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.)

Noa Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau Advisory Commission Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to reauthorize the Noa Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau Advisory Commission until December 31, 2017.

S.1671 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Kerry with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-185.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize and improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 9/26/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Entrepreneurial Development Act of 2007 - Title I: Reauthorization - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize for FY2008-FY2010 the following small business assistance programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA): (1) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program; (2) the small business development center (SBDC) program; and (3) the Paul D. Coverdell drug-free workplace program. Title II: Women's Small Business Ownership Programs - (Sec. 201) Requires the SBA's Assistant Administrator for Women's Business Ownership to: (1) address issues for women-owned businesses concerning management, operations, manufacturing, technology, finance, retail and product sales, international trade, and other [...]

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H.R.2786 Sponsored by Dale E. Kildee
Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the programs for housing assistance for Native Americans. 9/6/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - (Sec.2) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for making of block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) on behalf of Indian tribes for carrying out affordable housing activities. Considers, for purposes of the procurement and supply of personal property and nonpersonal services for executive agencies, a tribe or tribally designated housing entity to be an executive agency when carrying out housing programs, services, functions, and activities under such tribe or entity and its employees to be eligible to have access to such supply sources as executive agency employees. Requires, with respect to any grant made under NAHASDA that is intended to benefit one [...]

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S.1650 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 01/08/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye under authority of the order of the Senate of 12/19/2007 with amendments. With written report No. 110-257.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/8/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include [...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - By Senator Kennedy from Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions filed written report. Report No. 110-231.

Bill Text
A bill to extend the authorization of programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 7/24/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Higher Education Amendments of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise HEA programs and to extend the authorization of appropriations for them through FY2013. Title I: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Adds definitions of a critical foreign language, distance education, and poverty line. Provides that critical foreign languages are those contained on the list designated by the Secretary of Education in the Federal Register on August 5, 1985, but allows the Secretary to set language priorities according to the purposes of a specific program and national security, economic competitiveness, and educational needs. States that poverty line refers to the poverty line applicable to a family of the size involved. (Sec. 102) Revises [...]

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H.R.2669 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 601 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008. 9/27/2007--Public Law.    (There are 5 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on September 6, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) College Cost Reduction and Access Act - Title I: Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education - (Sec. 101) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to repeal the formula for calculating an individual Pell grant which includes, in part, the sum of the student's tuition. (Thus eliminates the "tuition sensitivity provision" which currently prohibits maximum Pell grant awards to students attending low-tuition institutions of higher education (IHEs) even if their income is low enough otherwise to qualify for the maximum award.) Authorizes and appropriates $11 million for FY2008 [...]

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H.R.2611 Sponsored by Susan A. Davis
Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to strengthen mentoring programs, and for other purposes. 6/7/2007--Introduced. Mentoring America's Children Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to make miscellaneous changes to the Mentoring grant program under title IV that include: (1) improvement of school connectedness and character education among mentoring's purposes; (2) corporations, universities, and other entities among program providers; (3) a requirement that mentors help children become responsible and successful adults; (4) suburban children in high crime areas and children living in high gang involvement, drug use, or dropout areas among those most in need of mentoring; (5) limitation of each mentor to no more than three children; and (6) mandatory information on grant applicants about plans for monitoring mentor/mentee matches and the satisfaction of grant matching requirements that increase from 10% to 50% [...]

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H.R.2284 Sponsored by Tom Udall
Latest Action: 06/21/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve the assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers to Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. 6/20/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Amends the Small Business Act to authorize a Small Business Development Center in an eligible state to apply for an additional grant to be used solely to provide services to assist with outreach, development, and enhancement on Indian lands of small business startups and expansions owned by Indian tribe members, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Defines an "eligible state" as a state that has a combined population of Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians that comprises at least 1% of the state's total population. Prohibits any [...]

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S.1236 Sponsored by Lisa Murkowski
Latest Action: 04/26/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5215-5216)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding highly qualified teachers, growth models, adequate yearly progress, Native American language programs, and parental involvement, and for other purposes. 4/26/2007--Introduced. School Accountability Improvements Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to exempt teachers who teach multiple subjects in certain small middle or secondary schools from being required to be highly qualified in each of their subjects if they: (1) are highly qualified in at least one; and (2) demonstrate highly effective teaching skills on a state performance assessment. Allows states to use a growth model in calculating whether students are making adequately yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards if the state plan ensures their attainment of proficiency within certain periods of time. Gives schools which are identified as needing improvement an extra year to [...]

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H.R.3014 Sponsored by Hilda L. Solis
Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To improve the health of minority individuals, and for other purposes. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care.Provides for health care workforce diversity activities, including the establishment of: (1) a technical clearinghouse on health workforce diversity; and (2) Regional Minority Centers of Excellence Programs.Requires health-related programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect data on race, ethnicity, and primary language.Directs each federal health agency to implement a strategic plan to eliminate disparities and improve the health and health care of minority populations. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an Office of Health Disparities within the Office of Civil Rights; and (2) civil rights [...]

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H.R.1752 Sponsored by Judy Biggert
Latest Action: 04/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reinstate the current downpayment requirement in the event of increased defaults. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage. Sets [...]

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H.R.1852 Sponsored by Maxine Waters
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 9/18/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the National Housing Act (Act) to: (1) modify requirements governing the maximum principal loan obligation, changing it to 125% of the median one-family house price in the area; and (2) extend the mortgage term from 35 to 40 years. (Sec. 5) Revises eligibility criteria for cash down payment for mortgage insurance. Alters the formula for determining the principal obligation to set the loan-to-value (LTV) for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single family home at 97.75 % of the appraised value of the property (plus the amount of the mortgage insurance premium paid at the time the mortgage is insured, as under current law). [...]

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S.710 Sponsored by Daniel K. Inouye
Latest Action: 02/28/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2363)

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the programs for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians.

2/28/2007--Introduced.

Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.

Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.

S.639 Sponsored by Mark L. Pryor
Latest Action: 02/26/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2231)

Bill Text
A bill to establish digital and wireless networks to advance online higher education opportunities for minority students.

2/15/2007--Introduced.

ED 1.0 Act - Establishes a pilot program requiring the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to award six-year grants to four minority-serving educational institutions, enabling them to develop digital and wireless networks for online programs of study within the institutions.

Gives grant priority to institutions serving counties: (1) that meet specified criteria of economic depression; (2) less than 18% of whose residents have a higher education; and (3) at least half of whose residents are minorities.

S.583 Sponsored by Ken Salazar
Latest Action: 02/14/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1966)

Bill Text
A bill to create a competitive grant program for States to enable the States to award salary bonuses to highly qualified elementary school or secondary school teachers who teach, or commit to teach, for at least 3 academic years in a school served by a rural local educational agency. 2/14/2007--Introduced. Rural Teacher Retention Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a five-year pilot program awarding competitive grants to no more than 10 states to enable them to award salary bonuses to highly qualified teachers or highly qualified special education teachers who teach, or commit to teach, for at least three academic years, in an elementary or secondary school served by the same rural local educational agency (LEA), including one that serves a high number or percentage of children who are Native Hawaiian. Awards such grants on the basis of the needs of a state's rural LEAs for recruiting and retaining such teachers. Requires that, in determining [...]

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Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Reported by Senator Dodd without amendment. Without written report.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians. 9/26/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment, 2nd committee reporting.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy [...]

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H.R.789 Sponsored by Edolphus Towns
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of Men's Health, and for other purposes. 1/31/2007--Introduced. Office of Men's Health Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Office of Men's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to collaborate with relevant federal agencies and offices to identify and report on men's health data, including health disparities for chronic diseases and health conditions related to men of color. Requires the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to: (1) conduct conferences on men's health; (2) conduct public education campaigns to reduce health disparities relating to men's health; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of resources that focus on men's health; and (4) report on the gaps and problems that men of color have in utilizing [...]

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S.429 Sponsored by Daniel K. Inouye
Latest Action: 01/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1332)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act to revise and extend that Act. 1/30/2007--Introduced. Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Reauthorizes for for FY2007-FY2012 and revises the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act. Requires any Department of Health and Human Services grant to or contract with Papa Ola Lokahi (an organization of public agencies and private organizations focused on improving the health status of Native Hawaiians) to support community-based initiatives that reflect holistic approaches to health. Requires Papa Ola Lokahi to report to Congress on the impact of federal and state health care financing mechanisms and policies on the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians. Makes Papa Ola Lokahi eligible to receive research endowments under the Public Health Service Act. Adds to authorized services the support of culturally appropriate activities enhancing health and wellness, including [...]

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H.R.694 Sponsored by Edolphus Towns
Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Program to assist eligible educational institutions in acquiring, and augmenting use of, digital and wireless networking technologies to improve the quality and delivery of educational services at such institutions. Defines as eligible institutions: (1) historically Black colleges or universities, (2) a Hispanic-, Alaskan Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution with a sufficient enrollment of needy students as defined under the Higher Education Act of [...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To grant a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Incorporated.

1/23/2007--Introduced.

Grants a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Incorporated (a nonprofit corporation organized in the United States).

S.315 Sponsored by John Warner
Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S678-679)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following institutions [...]

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Latest Action: 10/26/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 449.

Bill Text
To express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity. 10/24/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Reaffirms that: (1) the United States has a special political and legal relationship with Native Hawaiians; and (2) Native Hawaiians have the right to autonomy in their internal affairs, to self-determination and self-governance, to reorganize a Native Hawaiian governing entity, and to become economically self-sufficient.(Sec. 5) Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.(Sec. 6) Establishes [...]

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S.310 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Dorgan without amendment. With written report No. 110-260.

Bill Text
A bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity. 2/5/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Reaffirms that: (1) the United States has a special political and legal relationship with Native Hawaiians; and (2) Native Hawaiians have the right to autonomy in their internal affairs, to self-determination and self-governance, to reorganize a Native Hawaiian governing entity, and to become economically self-sufficient.(Sec. 5) Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.(Sec.[...]

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S.291 Sponsored by Gordon H. Smith
Latest Action: 01/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/12/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following [...]

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S.259 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 01/11/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S448-449)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the establishment of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii. 1/11/2007--Introduced. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii. Requires the Archives to use grant funds for: (1) facilities and equipment to house and provide computer and web access to a repository of Native Hawaiian historical data; (2) scholarships to assist disadvantaged students in attending college; (3) the creation of educational materials from the archives that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students; (4) outreach to elementary and secondary school students; (5) teacher training, so that the teaching of kindergarten through grade 12 students is culturally congruent with the learning modalities of such students, [...]

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S.112 Sponsored by Daniel K. Inouye
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S115)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide 100 percent reimbursement for medical assistance provided to a Native Hawaiian through a federally-qualified health center or a Native Hawaiian health care system.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide full reimbursement for medical assistance given to a Native Hawaiian through a federally-qualified health center or a Native Hawaiian health care system.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
Entitled the "English Plus Resolution". 1/4/2007--Introduced. Declares that the U.S. Government should pursue English-plus policies that: (1) encourage all residents of this country to become fully proficient in English by expanding educational opportunities and access to information technologies; (2) conserve and develop the Nation's linguistic resources by encouraging all residents of this country to learn or maintain skills in languages other than English; (3) assist Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and other peoples indigenous to the United States in their efforts to prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures; (4) continue to provide services in languages other than English as needed to facilitate access to essential functions of government, promote public health and safety, ensure due process, promote equal educational opportunity, and protect fundamental rights; and (5) recognize the importance of multilingualism to vital American interests [...]

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H.R.1585 Sponsored by Ike Skelton
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - The Chair laid before the House the veto message from the President.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 12/6/2007--Conference report filed in House.    (There are 4 other summaries) 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 aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; and (2) National Guard and reserve equipment. Subtitle [...]

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