Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3446-3447)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing April 28, 2008, as "National Healthy Schools Day".

4/28/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes April 28, 2008, as National Healthy Schools Day.

H.R.5647 Sponsored by Rahm Emanuel
Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commi

Bill Text
To provide public charter school options for those students that attend schools that are in need of improvement and have been identified for restructuring and those schools with a graduation rate of less than 60 percent, and for other purposes. 3/14/2008--Introduced. Pell Grants for Kids Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary, subject to advance appropriations, to award competitive grants to states, public chartering agencies, local educational agencies, or tax-exempt organizations to enhance the capacity of public charter schools to serve additional students, particularly those transferring from schools identified as needing restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for failing to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) pursuant to state academic performance standards for five consecutive school years. Limits grant use to providing subgrants to public charter schools, covering the administrative expenses of grantees and subgrantees, and enhancing [...]

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Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Expressing support for designation of April 28, 2008, as "National Healthy Schools Day".

3/14/2008--Introduced.

Supports the designation of a National Healthy Schools Day.

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - S.AMDT.4380 Amendment SA 4380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 79.

Bill Text
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 3/14/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013.[...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1627-1659, H1661-1684)

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--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.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the impact aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Fair Funding for Schools Act - Amends the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies (LEAs) for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensation. Alters the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for eligible federally-connected children. Includes not only children in average daily attendance, but also those enrolled pursuant to a state open enrollment policy. Continues an LEA's eligibility for such payments while activities associated with military base closures and realignments or force structure changes or relocations are ongoing. Allows the calculation of [...]

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H.R.4243 Sponsored by Earl Pomeroy
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide for the issuance of bonds to provide funding for the construction of schools of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funds for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of tribal schools, including advance planning and design.Permits a tribe to use amounts received through a bond issue to enter contracts: (1) for the design and engineering of the school; and (2) with financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals to provide assistance to the tribe in issuing bonds.Makes any tribal school modernization bond issued by a tribe subject to a trust agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to deposit not more than $50 million into a tribal school modernization escrow account and to [...]

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H.R.4216 Sponsored by Danny K. Davis
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize grant programs to enhance the access of low-income Black students to higher education. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to Predominantly Black Institutions to: (1) enhance their capacity to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students; (2) expand higher education opportunities for students eligible for student assistance under title IV of the Act by encouraging such students to prepare for college and persist in secondary and postsecondary education; and (3) strengthen their financial ability to serve the academic needs of such students. Defines such institutions as accredited institutions serving at least 1,000 undergraduate students at least: (1) 50% of whom are pursuing a bachelor's or associate's degree; (2) 40% of whom are Black Americans; and (3) 50% of whom are low-income or first-generation college [...]

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S.2367 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the issuance of bonds to provide funding for the construction of schools of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funds for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of tribal schools, including advance planning and design.Permits a tribe to use amounts received through a bond issue to enter contracts: (1) for the design and engineering of the school; and (2) with financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals to provide assistance to the tribe in issuing bonds.Makes any tribal school modernization bond issued by a tribe subject to a trust agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to deposit not more than $50 million into a tribal school modernization escrow account [...]

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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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H.R.3945 Sponsored by Steve Israel
Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To provide for the establishment by the Secretary of Energy of a program of Federal support for local governments and school districts to implement clean energy projects.

10/23/2007--Introduced.

Clean Energy Partnership Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to local educational agencies covering up to 50% of their costs in implementing clean energy projects that include measures to conserve energy and equip school buildings for renewable power sources.

H.R.3902 Sponsored by David Loebsack
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To amend part D of title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants for the renovation of schools. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Public School Repair and Renovation Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states for competitive school repair and renovation grants to local educational agencies (LEAs). Requires each state, in awarding such grants, to: (1) award high-need and rural LEAs, in the aggregate, at least the same proportion of this Act's LEA funds for the state that they received of total LEA school improvement funds for the state under part A of title I of the ESEA; and (2) consider the percentage of poor children LEAs serve, the condition of their public schools, and their fiscal capacity to cover repairs and renovations without such a grant. Directs each state to reserve a portion of their allocation for a state-level database of [...]

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Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13000)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for educational opportunities for all students in State public school systems, and for other purposes. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so by: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with [...]

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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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Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions relating to education.

9/20/2007--Introduced.

Enhancing Education through Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011: (1) the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (2) the expanded tax deduction for charitable contributions of book inventories to public schools; (3) the expanded tax deduction for charitable contributions of computer technology or equipment to schools, charities, and public libraries; (4) the tax credit for holders of qualified zone academy bonds; and (5) the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

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

Bill Text
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to create a capitation grant program to increase the number of nurses and graduate educated nurse faculty to meet the future need for qualified nurses, and for other purposes.

9/19/2007--Introduced.

Increasing Education Opportunities for Nurses and Nurse Faculty Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to nursing schools to enhance their capacity to accommodate additional students in: (1) Registered Nurse (RN) associate or baccalaureate degree programs; or (2) graduate programs for prospective teachers of nursing or RNs who seek advanced practice degrees.

Bases the amount of a school's grant on the extent to which the school increases its enrollment of nursing students for an academic year over its average nursing student enrollment for the four preceding academic years.

Prohibits the use of grants to construct new facilities.

Latest Action: 08/04/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Bill Text
To fund capital projects of State and local governments, and for other purposes.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Rebuilding America's Infrastructure - Establishes the Federal Bank for Infrastructure Modernization. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to any state, local government, Indian tribe, and regional or multistate organization for the development of certain transportation- and educational- and water and hazardous treatment-related capital infrastructure facility projects. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to: (1) loan and borrower eligibility; and (2) compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Buy American Act, and the Davis-Bacon Act (wages) as they relate to the development of such projects.

S.1942 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10792-10793)

Bill Text
A bill to amend part D of title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants for the renovation of schools. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Public School Repair and Renovation Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states for competitive school repair and renovation grants to local educational agencies (LEAs). Requires each state, in awarding such grants, to: (1) award high-need and rural LEAs, in the aggregate, at least the same proportion of this Act's LEA funds for the state that they received of total LEA school improvement funds for the state under part A of Title I of the ESEA; and (2) consider the percentage of poor children LEAs serve, the condition of their public schools, and their fiscal capacity to cover repairs and renovations without such a grant. Directs each state to reserve a portion of their allocation for a state-level database [...]

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H.R.3290 Sponsored by Rush D. Holt
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require local educational agencies and schools to implement integrated pest management systems to minimize the use of pesticides in schools and to provide parents, guardians, and employees with notice of the use of pesticides in schools, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. School Environment Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing integrated pest management systems in schools; (2) establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board; and (3) provide grants to local educational agencies to develop such systems. Prohibits: (1) the application of a pesticide when a school or school ground is occupied or in use; or [...]

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H.R.3257 Sponsored by Ron Kind
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 to improve standards for physical education. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act or the FIT Kids Act - Requires state accountability systems, required under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), to measure not only student academic progress, but their progress toward a national goal of 150 minutes of weekly physical education in elementary school and 225 minutes of weekly physical education in middle and high schools. Amends the ESEA to require annual state and local educational agency report cards to include specified information on school health and physical education programs. Includes the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles by students within ESEA grant programs that support school counseling, safe and drug-free schools and communities, smaller learning communities, community learning centers, parental involvement in their [...]

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H.R.3197 Sponsored by Rush D. Holt
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To provide for grants from the Secretary of Education to State and local educational agencies for EnergySmart schools and Energy Star programs.

7/26/2007--Introduced.

School Building Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to: (1) states and local educational agencies (LEAs) for providing intensive technical assistance for, and assisting the implementation of, the EnergySmart Schools Program of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Star for K-12 School Districts program of the Environmental Protection Agency; (2) LEAs that become partners through such Energy Star program; and (3) states for use in the development, in partnership with DOE, of state-level school energy efficiency quality plans.

Requires the Secretary to give priority to projects to provide assistance to school districts with a demonstrated need for energy efficiency improvement.

Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9616-9617)

Bill Text
A bill to set the United States on track to ensure children are ready to learn when they begin kindergarten. 7/19/2007--Introduced. Ready to Learn Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to states and, through them, subgrants to schools, child care entities, Head Start programs, or other community-based prekindergarten providers for full day voluntary prekindergarten programs that prepare four-year olds for school. Requires that such programs: (1) first serve children whose family income is no higher than 200% of the poverty level or who are limited English proficient; (2) ensure that, within two years of grant receipt, each classroom is taught by a teacher who has at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or such a degree and specialized training in early childhood development; (3) use curricula that are aligned with state early learning standards;[...]

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Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1567)

Bill Text
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to assess and reduce the levels of lead found in child-occupied facilities in the United States, and for other purposes. 7/18/2007--Introduced. Lead Poisoning Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to establish a Select Group on Lead Exposure. Requires the Group to: (1) conduct a study of state, tribal, and local programs to protect children from exposure to lead at child-occupied facilities constructed before January 1, 1978; (2) develop baseline standards such programs must meet to receive a grant under this Act; and (3) develop a model program to protect children from exposure to lead at such facilities that can be adopted by state, local, and tribal governments. Requires the model program to meet or exceed standards that require facilities to be notified as soon as practicable after a child is diagnosed with lead poisoning and to be tested for the presence of lead upon receiving such notification.[...]

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S.1797 Sponsored by Ken Salazar
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to reduce the risks to Colorado communities and water supplies from severe wildfires, especially in areas affected by insect infestations, to provide model legislation that may be applied to other States experiencing similar insect infestations or other forest-related problems, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Colorado Forest Management Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to make grants to at-risk communities in Colorado to assist them in preparing, revising, or implementing a community wildfire protection plan. Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the use of fire department grant funds for the development and implementation of community wildfire protection plans. Directs the Secretaries to establish collection points for the placement of vegetative material removed from federal or other land as part of a hazardous fuel reduction project under this Act.[...]

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S.1811 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 07/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to assess and reduce the levels of lead found in child-occupied facilities in the United States, and for other purposes. 7/18/2007--Introduced. Lead Poisoning Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to establish a Select Group on Lead Exposure. Requires the Group to: (1) conduct a study of state, tribal, and local programs to protect children from exposure to lead at child-occupied facilities constructed before January 1, 1978; (2) develop baseline standards such programs must meet to receive a grant under this Act; and (3) develop a model program to protect children from exposure to lead at such facilities that can be adopted by state, local, and tribal governments. Requires the model program to meet or exceed standards that require facilities to be notified as soon as practicable after a child is diagnosed with lead poisoning and to be tested for the presence of lead upon receiving such notification.[...]

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H.R.3072 Sponsored by Mark Udall
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

Bill Text
To reduce the risks to Colorado communities and water supplies from severe wildfires, especially in areas affected by insect infestations, to provide model legislation that may be applied to other States experiencing similar insect infestations or other forest-related problems, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Colorado Forest Management Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to make grants to at-risk communities in Colorado to assist them in preparing, revising, or implementing a community wildfire protection plan. Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the use of fire department grant funds for the development and implementation of community wildfire protection plans. Directs the Secretaries to establish collection points for the placement of vegetative material removed from federal or other land as part of a hazardous fuel reduction project under this Act. Rewrites [...]

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H.R.3043 Sponsored by David R. Obey
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the question of passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Senate receded and concurred with amendment.    (There are 4 other summaries) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY2008. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, including training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment [...]

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H.R.3021 Sponsored by Ben Chandler
Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 110-623.

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of Education to make grants and low-interest loans to local educational agencies for the construction, modernization, or repair of public kindergarten, elementary, and secondary educational facilities, and for other purposes. 7/12/2007--Introduced. 21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants in each fiscal year to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state for the construction, modernization, or repair of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Gives priority to LEAs serving a high number or percentage of disadvantaged children and those whose public schools are in relatively poor condition. Requires LEAs to contribute funds toward the costs of the program, but uses a sliding scale that factors in the relative poverty of an LEA's service area. Requires the Secretary to make low-interest loans [...]

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H.R.3031 Sponsored by Jay Inslee
Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To promote the construction of green buildings in the United States, and for other purposes. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Advanced Design in Energy for Living Efficiently Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) coordinate and provide information on green building design and practices; (2) establish a program to create and distribute information on green building design principles; and (3) establish criteria for education and training of architects, engineers, and developers in green building design and application.Requires the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) to establish a blue ribbon panel to: (1) provide independent counsel to the Administrator on policy issues associated with green building design and practices; (2) report on the results of a study to determine best practices for quantifying the information necessary to make informed property investment decisions; (3) report on funding necessary for research [...]

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H.R.2950 Sponsored by Heather Wilson
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.

Bill Text
To reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes. 6/28/2007--Introduced. Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 - Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act of 2007 - Directs the President to: (1) promulgate regulations establishing a renewable fuel standard; and (2) provide a credit to the owner of any facility that uses renewable energy to displace over 90% of the fossil fuel normally used in renewable fuel production. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a competitive infrastructure pilot grant program for renewable fuels; (2) at least 11 bioresearch centers for systems biology; (3) grants for renewable fuel production research and development in certain [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3761-3779)

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2008 through 2011, to improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Authorizations - Subtitle A: Funding of FAA Programs - (Sec. 101) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for: (1) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; (3) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; and (4) FAA research, engineering, and development. Authorizes additional authorizations of appropriations from the general fund of the Treasury for aviation programs through FY2011. Subtitle B: Passenger Facility Charges - (Sec. 111) Amends the airport improvement program (AIP) [...]

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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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S.1602 Sponsored by Chuck Hagel
Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the energy security of the United States by promoting diverse energy supplies and energy efficiency, and for other purposes. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Clean, Reliable, Efficient and Secure Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish the Appliance Efficiency Standards Commission.Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require an electric utility to demonstrate that alternative investments in advanced grid technologies have been considered before undertaking investments in nonadvanced grid technologies; and (2) prescribe a Clean Energy Portfolio Standard, including a credit program. Establishes the Clean Energy Technology Trust Fund.Transfers to the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) specified lands for use for high-level radioactive waste disposal and spent nuclear fuel. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to require the Secretary to apply to the Nuclear Regulatory [...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To establish State infrastructure banks for education. 6/5/2007--Introduced. Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into cooperative agreements with states for the establishment of state infrastructure banks and multistate infrastructure banks for making loans to local educational agencies and public libraries for building or repairing public elementary or secondary schools and public library facilities. Grants congressional consent to states for interstate compacts to establish multistate infrastructure banks. Directs the Secretary to make grants to such banks to provide initial capital for such loans. Requires states to contribute from nonfederal sources at least 25% of the amount of each federal capitalization grant made to the state and contributed to the bank. Lists types of projects eligible for such bank loans. Directs the Secretary to establish Healthy, High Performance [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7074-7075)

Bill Text
A bill to establish State infrastructure banks for education, and for other purposes. 6/5/2007--Introduced. Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into cooperative agreements with states under which: (1) they establish state and multistate infrastructure banks for education; and (2) the Secretary awards grants to states for initial capital to make loans through such banks to local educational agencies and public libraries for construction, reconstruction, or renovation of public elementary or secondary schools and public library facilities. Grants congressional consent to states for interstate compacts to establish multistate infrastructure banks. Requires states to contribute from nonfederal sources at least 25% of the amount of each federal grant for an infrastructure bank. Lists types of projects eligible for such bank loans. Directs the Secretary to establish Healthy, High Performance School [...]

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S.1547 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 06/29/2007 - Select Committee on Intelligence. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with amendments. With written report No. 110-125. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill 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. 6/5/2007--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.) 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, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations [...]

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S.1549 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Levin. Without written report.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military construction, and for other purposes. 6/5/2007--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.) Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Title XXI [sic]: Army - (Sec. 2101) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes such Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, carry out architectural planning and design activities, and improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after 2007 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions [...]

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S.1531 Sponsored by Harry Reid
Latest Action: 05/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6955-6960)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives and extend existing incentives for the production and use of renewable energy resources, and for other purposes. 5/25/2007--Introduced. Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Incentives Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the tax credits for producing electricity from renewable resources and for investment in clean renewable energy bonds.Allows new tax credits for: (1) holders of water conservation, reuse, and efficiency bonds; (2) expenditures for geothermal exploration; (3) holders of qualified renewable school energy bonds; and (4) investment in solar energy manufacturing facilities.Expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include expenditures for wind energy property that uses a qualifying wind turbine (with a rated capacity of 100 kilowatts or less) to generate electricity.Extends through 2013 the new energy [...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the incentives for the construction and renovation of public schools. 5/24/2007--Introduced. America's Better Classrooms Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified public school modernization bonds, defined to include: (1) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land for such facility (qualified school construction bonds); and (2) bonds to finance certain academic programs below the postsecondary level in empowerment zones or enterprise communities (qualified zone academy bonds). Establishes a national limitation on the issuance of such bonds and provides for the allocation of bond amounts among the states according to a specified formula. Terminates the authority for issuance of such bonds after 2009.Amends the General Education Provisions Act to apply certain labor standards to public school [...]

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S.1513 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6875)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize grant programs to enhance the access of low-income African-American students to higher education. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to Predominantly Black Institutions to: (1) enhance their capacity to serve more low and middle-income African-American students; (2) expand higher education opportunities for students eligible for student assistance under title IV of the Act by encouraging such students to prepare for college and persist in secondary and postsecondary education; and (3) strengthen their financial ability to serve the academic needs of such students. Defines such institutions as accredited institutions serving at least 1,000 undergraduate students at least: (1) 50% of whom are pursuing a bachelor's or associate's degree; (2) 40% of whom are African-Americans; and (3) 50% of whom are low-income or first-generation [...]

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H.R.2441 Sponsored by Jim Matheson
Latest Action: 05/22/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow public school districts to receive no interest loans for the purchase of renewable energy systems, and for other purposes.

5/22/2007--Introduced.

Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified renewable school energy bonds. Defines "qualified renewable school energy bond" as a bond with a 20-year term, 95% of the proceeds of which are used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy products for public school and school district administrative buildings in states with a specified percentage of population growth.

H.R.2446 Sponsored by Tom Lantos
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, and for other purposes. 6/6/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007 - Title I: Economic and Democratic Development Assistance for Afghanistan - (Sec. 103) Amends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to provide for assistance with respect to: (1) continuing humanitarian needs; (2) a pilot program of crop substitution for poppy production; (3) agriculture, health, and infrastructure reconstruction; (4) education and anti-corruption, including implementation of the Afghan action plan on transitional justice; (5) assistance to women and girls; (6) energy development and short-term energy supply; and (7) capacity building. Authorizes additional FY2008-FY2010 appropriations for: (1) contributions to the United Nations Drug Control Program; and (2) the crop substitution program. Directs the President [...]

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H.R.2373 Sponsored by Chaka Fattah
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To provide for adequate and equitable educational opportunities for students in State public school systems, and for other purposes. 5/17/2007--Introduced. Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so through: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are, taken as a whole, at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To enhance the safety of elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education. 5/16/2007--Introduced. School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) allow the placement and use of surveillance equipment in schools under the matching grant program for public elementary and secondary school security; (2) allow the use of grant funds to establish hotlines or tiplines for reporting potentially dangerous students and situations and for making capital improvements to make school facilities more secure; (3) set the federal matching share of program costs at 80%; and (4) revise application requirements for school security grants. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Secretary of Education to establish an interagency task force to develop and promulgate advisory school safety guidelines. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution [...]

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S.1296 Sponsored by Barbara Boxer
Latest Action: 05/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to provide enhanced Federal enforcement and assistance in preventing and prosecuting crimes of violence against children. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Violence Against Children Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for enhanced penalties for violent crimes against children (i.e., persons under 18 years of age).Requires the Attorney General to: (1) provide assistance to state, local, and Indian tribal governments in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any felony crime of violence against children; and (2) award grants to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution of crimes against children and to provide education, prevention, intervention, and victims' assistance services for such crimes.Requires states receiving grants under this Act or other federal assistance to: (1) use the National Incident-Based Reporting System; (2) enact a statute to allow a parent to leave a newborn baby at a hospital anonymously without [...]

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Latest Action: 05/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5596-5599)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to encourage and support parent, family, and community involvement in schools, to provide needed integrated services and comprehensive supports to children, and to ensure that schools are centers of communities, for the ultimate goal of assisting students to stay in school, become successful learners, and improve academic achievement. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Keeping Parents and Communities Engaged Act or the Keeping Pace Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to award grants to states for competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Act to enable such LEAs to assist public elementary and secondary schools hire and maintain Parent and Community Outreach Coordinators responsible for improving family and community involvement in such schools. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 04/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5313)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing April 30, 2007, as "National Healthy Schools Day".

4/30/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes April 30, 2007, as National Healthy Schools Day.

Latest Action: 04/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E891)

Bill Text
To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure that the District of Columbia and States are provided a safe, lead-free supply of drinking water. 4/30/2007--Introduced. Lead-Free Drinking Water Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and revise the national primary drinking water regulation for lead to provide the maximum feasible protection for individuals affected by lead contamination, particularly vulnerable populations (e.g., infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women). Requires the revised regulation to establish: (1) a maximum contaminant level for lead in drinking water as measured at the tap; or (2) a drinking water treatment technique that meets specified criteria. Directs community water systems or nontransient noncommunity water systems to: (1) annually replace a percentage of non-lead free service lines until all such lines are replaced; (2) provide [...]

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H.R.2054 Sponsored by Rick Boucher
Latest Action: 04/30/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, and for other purposes. 4/26/2007--Introduced. Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 concerning procedures for the review of universal service requirements to require the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to complete recommendations for changes to such requirements within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Requires the FCC to revise it's support mechanism for rural, insular, and high cost areas. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service [...]

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S.1217 Sponsored by Barbara Boxer
Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to enhance the safety of elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher learning. 4/25/2007--Introduced. School Safet