Latest Action: 11/19/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10607)

Bill Text
A bill making supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 11/17/2008--Introduced. Economic Recovery Act of 2008 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for infrastructure, energy, and economic recovery for: (1) the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Department of Commerce; (3) the Department of Justice (DOJ); (4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); (5) the Legal Services Corporation; (6) the Department of Defense (DOD) - Civil for the Department of the Army Corps of Engineer; (7) the Department of Energy (DOE); (8) the Department of the Treasury, including the Office of Inspector General; (9) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); (10) the General Services Administration (GSA); (11) the Small Business Administration (SBA); (12) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (13) the Department [...]

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Latest Action: 09/26/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9717)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize a loan forgiveness program for students of institutions of higher education who volunteer to serve as mentors.

9/26/2008--Introduced.

Supporting Mentors, Supporting Our Youth Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan forgiveness or cancellation under the Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan programs to student borrowers at institutions of higher education who volunteer to mentor an at-risk child for a period of at least one year.

Provides $10 of loan forgiveness or cancellation for each hour of mentoring, but limits such forgiveness or cancellation to no more than $10,000 and no more than five years of mentoring for each borrower.

Latest Action: 09/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2164)

Bill Text
To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities and to clarify that leave may be taken for routine family medical needs and to assist elderly relatives, and for other purposes. 9/29/2008--Introduced. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to cover employees at worksites that employ fewer than 50 employees, but not fewer than 25 employees. Continues to exempt from FMLA coverage employees at worksites that employ fewer than 25 employees (currently 50), if the total number of employees employed by that employer within 75 miles of that worksite is fewer than 25 (currently 50).Allows an employee covered by FMLA to take up to 4 hours during any 30-day period, and up to 24 hours during any 12-month period, of parental involvement [...]

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Latest Action: 09/26/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To authorize a loan forgiveness program for students of institutions of higher education who volunteer to serve as mentors.

9/26/2008--Introduced.

Supporting Mentors, Supporting Our Youth Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan forgiveness or cancellation under the Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan programs to student borrowers at institutions of higher education who volunteer to mentor an at-risk child for a period of at least one year.

Provides $10 of loan forgiveness or cancellation for each hour of mentoring, but limits such forgiveness or cancellation to no more than $10,000 and no more than five years of mentoring for each borrower.

Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to enhance after-school programs in rural areas of the United States by establishing a pilot program to help communities establish and improve rural after-school programs.

9/23/2008--Introduced.

Investment in After-School Programs Act of 2008 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to local educational agencies, community-based organizations, or other entities to improve, expand, or establish rural after-school programs that provide students with a broad array of activities when school is not in session that improve their academic performance and promote their positive development.

Requires eligible programs to be implemented in active collaboration with the schools the students attend and take place in safe and easily accessible facilities.

Gives grant priority to partnerships between two or more entities eligible for such grants.

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

Bill Text
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: 09/26/2008 - Received in the Senate.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a drug-free workplace information clearinghouse, to support residential methamphetamine treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women, to improve the prevention and treatment of methamphetamine addiction, and for other purposes. 9/25/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Meth Free Families and Communities Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to collaborate with professionals in the addiction field and primary health care providers to raise awareness about how to: (1) recognize the signs of a substance abuse disorder; and (2) apply evidence-based practices for screening and treating individuals with, or at-risk for developing,[...]

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Latest Action: 07/29/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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 c

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reform various programs and activities carried out under that Act. 7/29/2008--Introduced. Improving No Child Left Behind for All Students Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to revise programs created or amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Allows states to revise their academic content and achievement standards so they are vertically aligned from grade to grade and with what students should know to be successful in postsecondary education and the workplace. Permits states to: (1) incorporate student academic growth into calculations of adequate yearly progress (AYP); (2) determine AYP for limited English proficient (LEP) students by excluding new arrivals and including former LEP students; and (3) use alternate academic achievement standards for disabled students. Requires local educational agencies' (LEAs) student achievement improvement plans [...]

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Latest Action: 07/15/2008 - Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Congratulating East High School in Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2008 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" national competition.

7/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Congratulates those who participated in the 2008 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" national competition and East High School of Denver, Colorado, on winning the competition.

Recognizes the importance of civics education and the role such competition plays in promoting the principles of democracy.

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

Bill Text
Authorizing Members of the House of Representatives to use funds provided for official and representational duties to sponsor and conduct academic and community service competitions among elementary and secondary school students in their Congressional districts and to permit the use of the facilities of their offices in support of the activities of charitable organizations. 4/29/2008--Introduced. Congressional Leadership in Communities Resolution of 2008 - Permits Members of the House of Representatives to: (1) sponsor or conduct academic and community service competitions among elementary and secondary school students in their Congressional districts; and (2) allow charitable organizations to use their office facilities in support of charitable or educational purposes, so long as such use does not interfere with regular office operations. Considers amounts Members spend for the academic and community service competitions to be amounts spent in support of their official [...]

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Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence with respect to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender name-calling, bullying, and harassment faced by individuals in schools.

4/15/2008--Introduced.

Supports the goals and ideals of the Day of Silence (during which students vow to remain silent to bring attention to the harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in schools). Encourages each state, city, and local education authority to adopt laws and policies to prohibit name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against students, teachers, and other school staff regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression.

Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
Honoring and commending The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., for hosting the 2008 Science Olympiad National Tournament.

4/10/2008--Introduced.

Commends The George Washington University for hosting the 2008 Science Olympiad National Tournament for teams of students from middle schools and high schools across the nation.

Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs for the provision of services and support to veterans who are students at such institutions, and for other purposes. 2/28/2008--Introduced. Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs that support veterans who are students by providing and coordinating services that address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Requires each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring [...]

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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: 01/28/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To encourage model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veteran students.

1/28/2008--Introduced.

Securing Success for Veterans on Campus Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to develop model programs that require each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans.

Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.

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

Bill Text
To help keep students safe on school-run, overnight, off-premises field trips.

12/4/2007--Introduced.

Phylicia's Law - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require local educational agencies applying for funds under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program to require schools sponsoring off-premises overnight field trips to develop, and provide to parents whose children are to be taken on such trips, written safety plans that include: (1) policies on curfews, room checks, and chaperone qualifications; and (2) emergency procedures to be followed when a serious injury or death occurs.

Latest Action: 11/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Bill Text
Recognizing and celebrating the commitment of the Student Conservation Association to the United States national parks and public lands.

11/13/2007--Introduced.

Applauds the Student Conservation Association for its decades of dedicated service to conserving U.S. national parks and public lands. Expresses best wishes to the Association for its continued success and growth.

Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require certain schools having computers with Internet access that receive services at discounted rates to certify that, as part of the required Internet safety policy, the schools are educating minors about appropriate online behavior.

10/17/2007--Introduced.

e-Keep the Internet Decent and Safe Act of 2007 or the e-KIDS Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit schools with computers having Internet access from receiving discount access rates for services unless it certifies to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that, as part of its policy of Internet safety for minors, it is educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.

Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish pilot programs in expanded school attendance. 10/4/2007--Introduced. Expanded Education Act - Amends title I of the the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new part I (Expanded Education) program awarding grants to states for the conduct of separate expanded day, week, or year pilot programs. Requires that for each of the expanded day and week programs at least: (1) 20 schools in each small state and 50 schools in each large state participate; (2) 50% of each participating school's student population consist of low-income students; (3) one entire grade in each participating school be involved in the program. Requires each expanded day and week program to: (1) increase student proficiency in reading and language arts, and mathematics; (2) provide education in new areas or directions, so that it is not wholly remedial; and (3) include sufficient recreational,[...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit certain Mexican children, and accompanying adults, to obtain a waiver of the documentation requirements otherwise required to enter the United States as a temporary visitor.

8/1/2007--Introduced.

Visitors Interested in Strengthening America (VISA) Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize a Department of Homeland Security official to waive certain entry documentary requirements for a nonimmigrant child (unmarried and under the age of 16) who is a citizen or national of Mexico and accompanying parent or adult chaperone in instances of: (1) medical visits; (2) student groups; or (3) special community events.

Sets forth additional requirements for such entries.

Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1669)

Bill Text
Directing the Committee on the Judiciary to investigate whether Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.

7/31/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives to investigate whether Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Latest Action: 07/30/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
Congratulating East High School of Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2007 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" national competition.

7/30/2007--Introduced.

Congratulates East High School of Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2007 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" competition.

Latest Action: 10/29/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 573.

Bill Text
Recognizing and commending the efforts of the United States public and advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and for other purposes. 10/29/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Commends the efforts of the U.S. public and advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Supports the efforts of the various local schools, communities, and faith-based, human rights, humanitarian, and youth-led advocacy organizations that have dedicated their time and energy to help end the Darfur genocide and to promote peace, defend human rights, and improve the lives of those affected in Sudan and Chad. Urges the United States to work with its partners in the international community to support a negotiated settlement to the Darfur conflict while implementing a more robust set of multilateral [...]

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