Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3980-3981; text as passed Senate: CR S3980-3981; text of measure as introduced: CR S3846)

Bill Text
A resolution designating April 2007 as "Financial Literacy Month".

3/27/2007--Passed 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.)

Designates April 2007 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.

Latest Action: 05/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To establish a grant program to enhance the financial and retirement literacy of mid-life and older Americans and to reduce financial abuse and fraud among such Americans, and for other purposes. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Retirement Security Education Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to provide financial education programs to mid-life and older individuals who reside in local communities in order to: (1) enhance their financial and retirement knowledge; and (2) reduce financial abuse and fraud, including telemarketing, mortgage, and pension fraud, among them.Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to one or more eligible entities to: (1) create and make available instructional materials and information that promote financial education; and (2) provide training and other related assistance regarding the establishment of financial education programs. Expresses the sense of Congress that organizations [...]

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Latest Action: 02/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5633-5634)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to provide supportive services in permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals, and for other purposes. 2/14/2007--Introduced. Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to design national strategies for providing services in supportive housing that will assist in ending chronic homelessness and to implement programs that address chronic homelessness. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to eligible entities to provide services that promote recovery and self-sufficiency and that address barriers to housing stability to chronically homeless individuals in, or who are scheduled to become residents of, permanent supportive housing and to other individuals and families who have [...]

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Latest Action: 07/25/2007 - Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Narcotics Affairs. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-419. 9:30 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to empower Peace Corps volunteers, and for other purposes. 3/1/2007--Introduced. Peace Corps Volunteer Empowerment Act - Authorizes appropriations for seed funding for Peace Corps volunteers to carry out approved demonstration projects. Authorizes charitable fundraising by Peace Corps volunteers. Requires the Director of the Peace Corps to: (1) award grants to private nonprofit corporations and returned Peace Corps volunteers to enable such volunteers to to develop programs and projects in the United States to promote Peace Corps goals; (2) increase the number of Peace Corps volunteers with at least five years of relevant work experience, and establish FY2008-FY2010 experienced volunteer demonstration programs in at least 20 countries; (3) establish a electronic system for promoting improved communication among Peace Corps volunteers and staff; (4) provide for volunteer input in senior staff and program reviews; (5) review the Peace Corps medical screening [...]

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Latest Action: 02/07/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To establish and provide for the treatment of Individual Development Accounts, and for other purposes. 2/7/2007--Introduced. Savings for Working Families Act of 2007 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal.Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs in parallel [...]

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Latest Action: 03/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to establish and provide for the treatment of Individual Development Accounts, and for other purposes. 3/14/2007--Introduced. Savings for Working Families Act of 2007 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal.Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs [...]

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Latest Action: 03/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3625)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the reduction of adolescent pregnancy, HIV rates, and other sexually transmitted diseases, and for other purposes.

3/22/2007--Introduced.

Responsible Education About Life Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states for family life education, including education on abstinence and contraception, to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Expresses the sense of Congress that states are encouraged but not required to provide matching funds.

Requires the Secretary to provide for a national evaluation of a representative sample of such programs for effectiveness in changing adolescent sexual behavior, including delaying sexual and high-risk activity, preventing pregnancy and disease (including HIV/AIDS), and increasing contraceptive knowledge. Requires states receiving such grants to provide for an individual evaluation of the state's program by an external, independent entity.

Latest Action: 04/26/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5200-5201)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a refundable credit for contributions to qualified tuition programs.

4/26/2007--Introduced.

College Saver's Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow certain middle-income individual taxpayers age 18 or older a refundable tax credit for 50% of their contributions to a qualified tuition program (tax-exempt college savings plan), up to an annual limit of $2,000; and (2) require the distribution of financial education materials to participants in a qualified tuition program.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the participation of individuals in qualified tuition programs.

Latest Action: 03/09/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E501-502)

Bill Text
To amend the Consumer Credit Protection Act to ban abusive credit practices, enhance consumer disclosures, protect underage consumers, and for other purposes. 3/9/2007--Introduced. Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2007, or the Credit CARD Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require advance notice of any increase in the annual percentage rate (APR) of interest pertaining to a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan. Imposes a freeze on interest rate terms and fees on canceled cards. Prohibits: (1) penalties for on-time payments; (2) fees for non-use of credit card; (3) over-the-limit fees for creditor-approved transactions; and (4) use by a credit card issuer of adverse information unrelated to a cardholder's account with that issuer in order to increase the APR under an open-end consumer credit plan. Requires disclosure of: (1) repayment information applicable to the outstanding balance; and [...]

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Latest Action: 03/14/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E550)

Bill Text
To establish and provide for the treatment of Individual Development Accounts, and for other purposes. 3/14/2007--Introduced. Savings for Working Families Act of 2007 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal.Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs in [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4796)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to provide grants for eligible entities to provide services to improve financial literacy among older individuals.

5/22/2008--Introduced.

Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to enable eligible entities to provide services to improve financial literacy among older individuals, including family members and legal representatives of such individuals.

Authorizes the Secretary to make such a grant to a national support center to: (1) coordinate services provided through the grant program; and (2) support grant recipients.

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

Bill Text
An original bill to establish requirements for private lenders to protect student borrowers receiving private educational loans, and for other purposes. 4/21/2008--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.)Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Preventing Unfair and Deceptive Private Educational Lending Practices and Eliminating Conflicts of Interest - (Sec. 101) Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions.Prohibits such lender from marketing loans [...]

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Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Mr. Hinojosa moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month 2008, and for other purposes.

4/29/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

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

Supports the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month (April 2008), including raising public awareness about financial education.

Recognizes the importance of managing personal finances, increasing personal savings, and reducing indebtedness in the United States.

Latest Action: 04/01/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2306-2307; text as passed Senate: CR S2306-2307; text of measure as introduced: CR S2300)

Bill Text
A resolution designating April 2008 as "Financial Literacy Month".

4/1/2008--Passed 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.)

Designates April 2008 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.

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

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

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Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide grants to promote financial literacy. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Financial Literacy Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award formula matching grants to states or partnerships between states and experienced nonprofit providers of financial literacy or personal finance education programs. Requires grantees to use 25% of the grant funds to: (1) develop financial literacy standards and assessments for at least three grade levels; (2) create teacher training programs to embed financial literacy or personal finance education into core academic subjects; and (3) evaluate the impact such education has on students' financial literacy. Requires the remaining grant funds to be used for subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community organizations, local businesses, or other educational entities to implement such financial literacy [...]

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

Bill Text
To promote youth financial education. 12/6/2007--Introduced. Amends title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to create a new Part D: Promoting Youth Financial Literacy. Allows the Secretary of Education to provide grants to states to: (1) assist local educational agencies and public schools provide financial education programs to students in kindergarten through grade 12; and (2) implement financial education professional development programs for teachers and administrators. Requires a specified amount of the grant funds to be awarded competitively each fiscal year, with the remainder provided to each state on the basis of its share of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to or contract with an institution of higher education or nonprofit organization that has substantial financial education experience to establish and operate a national clearinghouse of [...]

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Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to expand and improve housing counseling services by increasing financial education and counseling services available to homeowners and prospective homebuyers in financial turmoil or who seek credit or other personal financial assistance, and for other purposes.

11/16/2007--Introduced.

Financial Education and Counseling Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a grant program to assist eligible organizations to provide financial education and counseling services to homeowners and prospective homebuyers.

Requires the Secretary to give preference to established community-based financial education and counseling organizations capable of providing in-person services.

Prohibits an organization from receiving such financial assistance unless its financial counselors are HUD-certified.

Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14298)

Bill Text
A bill to provide Individual Development Accounts to support foster youths who are transitioning from the foster care system.

11/13/2007--Introduced.

Focusing Investments and Resources for a Safe Transition Act, or FIRST Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make competitive grants to and enter into contracts with states (or state partners) to enable them to establish Individual Development Accounts for qualified foster youth to assist them in achieving self-support for housing, education, vocational training, and specified other purposes after leaving foster care.

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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