Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9212)

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A resolution recognizing the efforts and contributions of outstanding Hispanic scientists in the United States.

9/22/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for the Hispanic community, including efforts to: (1) honor outstanding Hispanic scientists in the United States at the annual National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Gala; and (2) motivate Hispanic youth to study science through "Meet the Hispanic Scientist Day," an opportunity for them to meet the honoree of the National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award.

Congratulates the 2008 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year (Dr. Lydia Villa-Komaroff), designated by the Museum of Science & Industry, for ongoing dedication to improving the quality of, and access to, science and engineering research and education.

Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

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To award grants to improve after-school interdisciplinary education programs, and for other purposes. 9/17/2008--Introduced. After School Partnerships Improve Results in Education Act or ASPIRE - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to partnerships, composed of a state or local educational agency and at least one college or nonprofit, community, tribal, business, labor, or career technical student organization, for the development of national model after-school interdisciplinary education programs for secondary school students. Directs the Secretary to allot grants to states for matching subgrants to other partnerships, composed of such entities, for the development of after-school interdisciplinary education programs for secondary school students. Gives grant and subgrant priority to programs targeting a high percentage of impoverished, struggling, or rural students and their families. Requires each partnership grantee [...]

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Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

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Honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Project SEED Program.

9/17/2008--Introduced.

Honors the 40th anniversary of the American Chemical Society's Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) program that links economically disadvantaged children with scientific mentors, giving them tools and encouragement to pursue their goals and make noteworthy contributions to society.

Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

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To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to award grants to prepare individuals for the 21st century workplace and to increase America's global competitiveness, and for other purposes. 9/10/2008--Introduced. Ready to Compete Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new Ready to Learn program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award a grant to a public broadcasting entity to provide a coordinated Ready to Learn television service by awarding subgrants and contracts to public television stations and producers or distributors of educational programming for the operation of Ready to Learn programs for preschool and elementary school children. Requires such service to include programming that: (1) is aligned with state academic and early learning standards; (2) addresses specific community and school needs, ascertained via ongoing community outreach programs; and (3) is [...]

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Latest Action: 08/22/2008 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Kerry under authority of the order of the Senate of 08/01/2008 without amendment. With written report No. 110-447.

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A bill to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes. 8/22/2008--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.) SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize through: (1) FY2022 the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR); and (2) FY2023 the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA). (Sec. 102) Directs the SBA to maintain an Office of Technology to carry out oversight, reporting, and public database responsibilities as assigned by the SBA Administrator. (Sec. 103) Increases by 0.1% per year, from FY2010-FY2019, the percentage of participating federal agencies' extramural [...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7287)

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A bill to provide leadership regarding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education programs, and for other purposes. 7/24/2008--Introduced. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Council for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM Council) as a federally chartered corporation composed of stakeholders in effective STEM education. Directs the STEM Council to: (1) identify critical deficiencies in STEM education systems and propose collaborative strategies that will allow Council members to address such deficiencies; (2) serve as an informational resource for the Department of Education (Department) and, through it, state and local educational agencies on effective STEM education practices; (3) promote STEM fields and the value of a STEM education to the public; and (4) maintain a public database on federal STEM scholarship and fellowship opportunities [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Inouye. With written report No. 110-422.

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An original bill to reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. 7/16/2008--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.)National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations to accelerate the initial operational capability of a U.S.-owned human spacecraft capability.(Sec. 4) Affirms congressional support for the broad goals of U.S. space exploration policy, utilization of lunar exploration, activity related to Mars exploration,[...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 885.

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To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 7/15/2008--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.) NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result [...]

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Latest Action: 07/09/2008 - Mr. Lampson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

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Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Space Foundation.

7/9/2008--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.)

Recognizes the contributions made by the Space Foundation and commemorates its 25 years of excellence and support to the nation.

Latest Action: 09/12/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-458.

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A bill to amend the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000. 9/12/2008--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.) Vietnam Education Foundation Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 to establish the Vietnam Education Foundation within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. (Current law establishes the Foundation as an independent establishment in the executive branch.) Transfers all functions and assets of the Foundation to the Bureau. Replaces the existing Board of Directors with a Vietnam Education Foundation Advisory Committee. Revises fellowship provisions to provide: (1) fellowships for post-secondary studies at U.S. institutions of higher education (current law provides fellowships for graduate [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize certain aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence and for other purposes.

6/5/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among those aliens not subject to worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons who have earned a master's or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and who have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree.

Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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Expressing the sense of Congress that increasing American capabilities in science, mathematics, and technology education should be a national priority.

6/4/2008--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.)

Declares that it is the sense of Congress that: (1) this nation should dedicate its resources to the development of a broad pool of citizens who are functionally literate in science, mathematics, and technology; (2) a national science education policy in the coming decade should address specified crucial need areas; and (3) this national challenge can be met through strong leadership from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, other federal, state, and local governments, and with long-term commitments from the civic, business, and engineering communities.

Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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A bill to provide for the coordination of the Nation's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education initiatives.

5/21/2008--Introduced.

Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008 - Requires the President to establish, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM education) within the National Science and Technology Council.

Establishes an Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in the Department of Education, to be administered by an Assistant Secretary. Requires the Assistant Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of the STEM education programs administered by the department.

Requires the Secretary of Education to award a grant to establish a voluntary State Consortium on STEM Education and a grant to the National Science Digital Library to establish a National STEM Education Research Repository.

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

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To establish a program for providing scholarships for nuclear science and nuclear engineering students, and for other purposes.

5/22/2008--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of Energy to award at least 65 four-year grants per year to undergraduate institutions to fund scholarships for students majoring in nuclear science or nuclear engineering.

Requires the Secretary to provide Congress with recommendations for developing a robust nuclear workforce in this country.

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.

Bill Text
To provide for the coordination of the Nation's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education initiatives.

5/21/2008--Introduced.

Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008 - Requires the President to establish, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, a Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM education) within the National Science and Technology Council.

Establishes an Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in the Department of Education, to be administered by an Assistant Secretary. Requires the Assistant Secretary to conduct an annual evaluation of the STEM education programs administered by the department.

Requires the Secretary of Education to award a grant to establish a voluntary State Consortium on STEM Education and a grant to the National Science Digital Library to establish a National STEM Education Research Repository.

Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 742.

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A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, for which certain facilities must report information regarding fossil fuels and GHGs produced and consumed; and (2) specified quantities of GHG emission allowances, which decline for each of 2012 to 2050. Requires the Administrator to establish a GHG emission allowance transfer system for the following: (1) facilities that use more than 5,000 tons of coal in a year; (2) facilities in the natural gas sector; (3) facilities that produce or entities that import petroleum- or coal-based fuel the combustion of which will emit group I GHGs; (4) facilities that produce or entities that import, in any year, more than [...]

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Latest Action: 10/15/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-422.

Bill Text
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Title II: Earth Science - (Sec. 201) Declares that the goal for NASA's Earth Science program shall be to pursue a program of Earth observations, research, and applications activities to better understand [...]

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Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize certain aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence.

5/13/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among those aliens not subject to worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons who have earned a master's or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and who have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree.

Latest Action: 09/27/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommittee on Research and Science Education Prior to Introduction and Referral (03/11/2008)..

Bill Text
To authorize activities for support of nanotechnology research and development, and for other purposes. 6/5/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Revises the 21st Century Nanotechology Research and Development Act with regard to strategic plans developed pursuant to the National Nanotechnology Program (the Program). Modifies annual reporting requirements with regard to the Program. Requires agencies participating in the Program to support the activities of committees involved in the setting of standards for nanotechnology. Allows such agencies to reimburse the travel costs of scientists and engineers who participate in the activities of such committees. Revises requirements with respect to the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. Requires the Office to be supported by funds from each agency participating in the Program. Sets forth annual [...]

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Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To provide for increased planning and funding for health promotion programs of the Department of Health and Human Services. 4/17/2008--Introduced. Health Promotion Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis, and Training Act or the Health Promotion FIRST Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for health promotion that includes coordinating the health promotion activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and addressing how best to: (1) develop the basic and applied science of health promotion; (2) synthesize and disseminate health promotion research; (3) support the health promotion community; and (4) modify or develop resources, policies, structure, and legislation to integrate health promotion into all health professions and sectors of society.Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research,[...]

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