SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Voting Act of 2012'' or the ``FAST Voting Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. INCENTIVES FOR STATES TO INVEST IN PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY THAT ARE DESIGNED TO EXPEDITE VOTING AT THE POLLS AND SIMPLIFY VOTER REGISTRATION. (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are to-- (1) provide incentives for States to invest in practices and technology that are designed to expedite voting at the polls; and (2) provide incentives for States to simplify voter registration. (b) Reservation of Funds.--From the amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Attorney General may reserve not more than 10 percent of such amount to carry out activities related to-- (1) technical assistance; and (2) outreach and dissemination. (c) Program Authorized.-- (1) In general.--From the amounts made available under subsection (h) for a fiscal year and not reserved under subsection (b), the Attorney General shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to States in accordance with subsection (d)(2), to enable the States to carry out the purposes of this section. (2) Number of grants.--A State may not receive more than 1 grant under this section per grant period. (3) Duration of grants.-- (A) In general.--A grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of not more than 4 years. (B) Continuation of grants.--A State that is awarded a grant under this section shall not receive grant funds under this section for the second or any subsequent year of the grant unless the State demonstrates to the Attorney General, at such time and in such manner as determined by the Attorney General, that the State is-- (i) making progress in implementing the plan under subsection (d)(1)(C) at a rate that the Attorney General determines will result in the State fully implementing such plan during the remainder of the grant period; or (ii) making progress against the performance measures set forth in subsection (e) at a rate that the Attorney General determines will result in the State reaching its targets and achieving the objectives of the grant during the remainder of the grant period. (d) Applications.-- (1) Applications.--Each State that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. At a minimum, each such application shall include-- (A) documentation of the applicant's record, as applicable-- (i) in providing various voter registration opportunities; (ii) in providing early voting; (iii) in providing absentee voting; (iv) in providing assistance to voters who do not speak English as a primary language; (v) in providing assistance to voters with disabilities; (vi) in providing effective access to voting for members of the armed services; (vii) in providing formal training of election officials; (viii) in auditing or otherwise documenting waiting times at polling stations; (ix) in allocating polling locations, equipment, and staff to match population distribution; (x) in responding to voting irregularities and concerns raised at polling stations; (xi) in creating and adhering to contingency voting plans in the event of a natural or other disaster; and (xii) with respect to any other performance measure described in subsection (e) that is not included in clauses (i) through (xi); (B) evidence of conditions of innovation and reform that the applicant has established and the applicant's proposed plan for implementing additional conditions for innovation and reform, including-- (i) a description of how the applicant has identified and eliminated ineffective practices in the past and the applicant's plan for doing so in the future; (ii) a description of how the applicant has identified and promoted effective practices in the past and the applicant's plan for doing so in the future; and (iii) steps the applicant has taken and will take to eliminate statutory, regulatory, procedural, or other barriers and to facilitate the full implementation of the proposed plan under this subparagraph; (C) a comprehensive and coherent plan for using funds under this section, and other Federal, State, and local funds, to improve the applicant's performance on the measures described in subsection (e), consistent with criteria set forth by the Attorney General, including how the applicant will, if applicable-- (i) provide flexible registration opportunities, including online and same-day registration and registration updating; (ii) provide early voting, at a minimum of 9 of the 10 calendar days preceding an election, at sufficient and flexible hours; (iii) provide absentee voting, including no-excuse absentee voting; (iv) provide assistance to voters who do not speak English as a primary language; (v) provide assistance to voters with disabilities, including visual impairment; (vi) provide effective access to voting for members of the armed services; (vii) provide formal training of election officials, including State and county administrators and volunteers; (viii) audit and reduce waiting times at polling stations; (ix) allocate polling locations, equipment, and staff to match population distribution; (x) respond to any reports of voting irregularities or concerns raised at the polling station; (xi) create contingency voting plans in the event of a natural or other disaster; and (xii) improve the wait times at the persistently poorest performing polling stations within the jurisdiction of the applicant; (D) evidence of collaboration between the State, local election officials, and other stakeholders, in developing the plan described in subparagraph (C), including evidence of the commitment and capacity to implement the plan; (E) the applicant's annual performance measures and targets, consistent with the requirements of subsection (e); and (F) a description of the applicant's plan to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of activities carried out with funds under this section. (2) Criteria for evaluating applications.-- (A) Award basis.--The Attorney General shall award grants under this section on a competitive basis, based on the quality of the applications submitted under paragraph (1), including-- (i) each applicant's record in the areas described in paragraph (1)(A); (ii) each applicant's record of, and commitment to, establishing conditions for innovation and reform, as described in paragraph (1)(B); (iii) the quality and likelihood of success of each applicant's plan described in paragraph (1)(C) in showing improvement in the areas described in paragraph (1)(A), including each applicant's capacity to implement the plan and evidence of collaboration as described in paragraph (1)(D); and (iv) each applicant's evaluation plan as described in paragraph (1)(F). (B) Explanation.--The Attorney General shall publish an explanation of how the application review process under this paragraph will ensure an equitable and objective evaluation based on the criteria described in subparagraph (A). (e) Performance Measures.--Each State receiving a grant under this section shall establish performance measures and targets, approved by the Attorney General, for the programs and activities carried out under this section. These measures shall, at a minimum, track the State's progress-- (1) in implementing its plan described in subsection (d)(1)(C); (2) in expediting voting at the polls or simplifying voter registration, as applicable; and (3) on any other measures identified by the Attorney General. (f) Uses of Funds.--Each State that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds for any purpose included in the State's plan under subsection (d)(1)(C). (g) Reporting.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Attorney General, at such time and in such manner as the Attorney General may require, an annual report including-- (1) data on the State's progress in achieving the targets for the performance measures established under subsection (e); (2) a description of the challenges the State has faced in implementing its program and how it has addressed or plans to address those challenges; and (3) findings from the evaluation plan as described in subsection (d)(1)(F). (h) State Defined.--In this section, the term ``State'' means each of the several States and the District of Columbia. (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Summary: Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Voting Act of 2012 or FAST Voting Act of 2012 - Directs the Attorney General to award grants, on a competitive basis, to enable states to: (1) invest in practices and technology designed to expedite voting at the polls, and (2) simplify voter registration. Requires the grant application to include a comprehensive and coherent plan for using funds to improve the applicant's performance on specified measures with respect to: (1) flexible registration opportunities, (2) early voting, (3) assistance to non-English speaking voters, and (4) other related matters. Requires each grantee to establish performance measures and targets, approved by the Attorney General, that track its progress in implementing its plan and expediting voting at the polls or simplifying voter registration, as applicable.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 2007 the average annual temperature in the United States and around the global is approximately 1.0 degree Fahrenheit warmer than at the start of the 20th century, and the rate of warming has accelerated during the past 30 years, increasing globally since the mid-1970s. The fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has predicted that the Earth will warm 0.72 degrees Fahrenheit during the next 2 decades with current emission trends. (2) The annual national security strategy report submitted pursuant to section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 404a) for 2006 states that the United States faces new security challenges, including ``environmental destruction, whether caused by human behavior or cataclysmic mega-disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunamis. Problems of this scope may overwhelm the capacity of local authorities to respond, and may even overtax national militaries, requiring a larger international response. These challenges are not traditional national security concerns, such as the conflict of arms or ideologies. But if left unaddressed they can threaten national security.''. (3) According to the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, average temperature increases of between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels are projected to cause the sea level to rise by between 2 and 4 meters by 2100 due to melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. (4) In 2007, more than 200,000,000 people live in coastal floodplains around the world and 2,000,000 square kilometers of land and an estimated $1,000,000,000,000 worth of assets are less than a 1-meter elevation above sea level. (5) An estimated 1,700,000,000 people in the world live in areas where water is scarce and in 25 years that population is projected to increase to 5,400,000,000. Climate change will impact the hydrological cycle and change the location, time of year, and intensity of water availability. (6) The report of the World Health Organization entitled ``The World Health Report 2002: Reducing Risks and Promoting Healthy Life'' states that ``Effects of climate change on human health can be expected to be mediated through complex interactions of physical, ecological, and social factors. These effects will undoubtedly have a greater impact on societies or individuals with scarce resources, where technologies are lacking, and where infrastructure and institutions (such as the health sector) are least able to adapt.''. (7) Environmental changes relating to global climate change represent a potentially significant threat multiplier for instability around the world as changing precipitation patterns may exacerbate competition and conflict over agricultural, vegetative, and water resources and displace people, thus increasing hunger and poverty and causing increased pressure on fragile countries. (8) The strategic, social, political, and economic consequences of global climate change are likely to have a greater adverse effect on less developed countries with fewer resources and infrastructures that are less able to adjust to new economic and social pressures, and where the margin for governance and survival is thin. (9) The consequences of global climate change represent a clear and present danger to the security and economy of the United States. (10) A failure to recognize, plan for, and mitigate the strategic, social, political, and economic effects of a changing climate will have an adverse impact on the national security interests of the United States. SEC. 3. NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE. (a) Requirement for National Intelligence Estimate.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence shall submit to Congress a National Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on the national security of the United States. (2) Notice regarding submittal.--If the Director of National Intelligence determines that the National Intelligence Estimate required by paragraph (1) cannot be submitted by the date set out in that paragraph, the Director shall notify Congress and provide-- (A) the reasons that the National Intelligence Estimate cannot be submitted by such date; and (B) an estimated date for the submittal of the National Intelligence Estimate. (b) Content.--The Director of National Intelligence shall prepare the National Intelligence Estimate required by this section using the mid-range projections of the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-- (1) to assess the political, social, agricultural, and economic risks during the 30-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act posed by global climate change for countries or regions that are-- (A) of strategic economic or military importance to the United States and at risk of significant impact due to global climate change; or (B) at significant risk of large-scale humanitarian suffering with cross-border implications as predicted on the basis of the assessments; (2) to assess other risks posed by global climate change, including increased conflict over resources or between ethnic groups, within countries or transnationally, increased displacement or forced migrations of vulnerable populations due to inundation or other causes, increased food insecurity, and increased risks to human health from infectious disease; (3) to assess the capabilities of the countries or regions described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) to respond to adverse impacts caused by global climate change; (4) to assess the strategic challenges and opportunities posed to the United States by the risks described in paragraph (1); (5) to assess the security implications and opportunities for the United States economy of engaging, or failing to engage successfully, with other leading and emerging major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions in efforts to reduce emissions and adopt mitigation and adaptation strategies, including transitioning from reliance upon finite fossil fuels such as imported petroleum and natural gas to clean domestic renewable energy sources; and (6) to make recommendations for further assessments of security consequences of global climate change that would improve national security planning. (c) Coordination.--In preparing the National Intelligence Estimate under this section, the Director of National Intelligence shall consult with representatives of the scientific community, including atmospheric and climate studies, security studies, conflict studies, economic assessments, and environmental security studies, the Secretaries of Defense, State, Treasury, Commerce, Energy, Agriculture, and Transportation, the Federal Reserve Board, and the United States Trade Representative, the Administrator of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and, if appropriate, multilateral institutions and allies of the United States that have conducted significant research on global climate change. (d) Form.--The National Intelligence Estimate required by this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, to the extent consistent with the protection of intelligence sources and methods, and include unclassified key judgments of the National Intelligence Estimate. Such National Intelligence Estimate may include a classified annex. SEC. 4. RESPONSE TO THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE. (a) Report by the Secretary of Defense.--Not later than 270 days after the date that the National Intelligence Estimate required by section 3 is submitted to Congress, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States House of Representatives and Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States Senate a report on-- (1) the projected impact on the military installations and capabilities of the United States of the effects of global climate change as assessed in the National Intelligence Estimate; (2) the projected impact on United States military operations of the effects of global climate change described in the National Intelligence Estimate; and (3) recommended research and analysis needed to further assess the impacts on the military of global climate change. (b) Sense of Congress on the Next Quadrennial Defense Review.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should address the findings of the National Intelligence Estimate required by section 3 regarding the impact of global climate change and potential implications of such impact on the Armed Forces and for the size, composition, and capabilities of Armed Forces in the next Quadrennial Defense Review. (c) Report by the Secretary of State.--Not later than 270 days after the date that the National Intelligence Estimate required by section 3 is submitted to Congress, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States Senate a report that addresses-- (1) the potential for large migration flows in countries of strategic interest or humanitarian concern as a response to changes in climate and the implications for United States security interests; and (2) the potential for diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing United States policy makers as a result of social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global changing climate. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF RESEARCH. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense is authorized to carry out research on the impacts of global climate change on military operations, doctrine, organization, training, material, logistics, personnel, and facilities and the actions needed to address those impacts. Such research may include-- (1) the use of war gaming and other analytical exercises; (2) analysis of the implications for United States defense capabilities of large-scale Arctic sea-ice melt and broader changes in Arctic climate; (3) analysis of the implications for United States defense capabilities of abrupt climate change; (4) analysis of the implications of the findings derived from the National Intelligence Estimate required in section 3 Act for United States defense capabilities; (5) analysis of the strategic implications for United States defense capabilities of direct physical threats to the United States posed by extreme weather events such as hurricanes; and (6) analysis of the existing policies of the Department of Defense to assess the adequacy of the Department's protections against climate risks to United States capabilities and military interests in foreign countries. (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date that the National Intelligence Estimate required by section 3 is submitted to Congress, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the research, war games, and other activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a). SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.

Summary: Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a National Intelligence Estimate on the anticipated geopolitical effects of global climate change and the implications of such effects on U.S. national security. Requires the Director to prepare the estimate using the mid-range projections of the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to make assessments and recommendation concerning the risks posed by global warming and the security implications, opportunities, and consequences of global warming. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the projected impact on the military installations, capabilities, and operations of the effects of global climate change as assessed in the estimate and to recommend research and analysis needed to further assess the impacts on the military of global climate change as assessed in the estimate. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should address the findings of the estimate regarding the impact of global climate change and potential implications of such impact on the Armed Forces and for the size, composition, and capabilities of Armed Forces in the next Quadrennial Defense Review. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the potential for: (1) large migration flows in countries of strategic interest or humanitarian concern as a response to changes in climate and the implications for U.S. security interests; and (2) diplomatic opportunities and challenges facing U.S. policy makers as a result of social, economic, or political responses of groups or nations to global changing climate. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to research the impacts of global climate change on military operations, doctrine, organization, training, material, logistics, personnel, and facilities, and the actions needed to address those impacts.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Debt Relief Reconciliation Act for Fiscal Year 2001''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that-- (1) fiscal discipline, resulting from the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and strong economic growth have ended decades of deficit spending and have produced budget surpluses without using the social security surplus; (2) fiscal pressures will mount in the future as the aging of the population increases budget obligations; (3) until Congress and the President agree to legislation that strengthens Social Security, the social security surplus should be used to reduce the debt held by the public; (4) strengthening the Government's fiscal position through public debt reduction increases national savings, promotes economic growth, reduces interest costs, and is a constructive way to prepare for the Government's future budget obligations; and (5) it is fiscally responsible and in the long-term national economic interest to use a portion of the nonsocial security surplus to reduce the debt held by the public. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to-- (1) reduce the debt held by the public with the goal of eliminating this debt by 2013; and (2) decrease the statutory limit on the public debt. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC DEBT REDUCTION PAYMENT ACCOUNT. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 3114. Public debt reduction payment account ``(a) There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account (hereinafter in this section referred to as the `account'). ``(b) The Secretary of the Treasury shall use amounts in the account to pay at maturity, or to redeem or buy before maturity, any obligation of the Government held by the public and included in the public debt. Any obligation which is paid, redeemed, or bought with amounts from the account shall be canceled and retired and may not be reissued. Amounts deposited in the account are appropriated and may only be expended to carry out this section. ``(c) There is hereby appropriated into the account on October 1, 2000, or the date of enactment of this Act, whichever is later, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $25,000,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001. The funds appropriated to this account shall remain available until expended. ``(d) The appropriation made under subsection (c) shall not be considered direct spending for purposes of section 252 of Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. ``(e) Establishment of and appropriations to the account shall not affect trust fund transfers that may be authorized under any other provision of law. ``(f) The Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall each take such actions as may be necessary to promptly carry out this section in accordance with sound debt management policies. ``(g) Reducing the debt pursuant to this section shall not interfere with the debt management policies or goals of the Secretary of the Treasury.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3113 the following: ``3114. Public debt reduction payment account.''. SEC. 4. REDUCTION OF STATUTORY LIMIT ON THE PUBLIC DEBT. Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``minus the amount appropriated into the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account pursuant to section 3114(c)'' after ``$5,950,000,000,000''. SEC. 5. OFF-BUDGET STATUS OF PUBLIC DEBT REDUCTION PAYMENT ACCOUNT. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the receipts and disbursements of the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account established by section 3114 of title 31, United States Code, shall not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of-- (1) the budget of the United States Government as submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. SEC. 6. REMOVING PUBLIC DEBT REDUCTION PAYMENT ACCOUNT FROM BUDGET PRONOUNCEMENTS. (a) In General.--Any official statement issued by the Office of Management and Budget, the Congressional Budget Office, or any other agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government of surplus or deficit totals of the budget of the United States Government as submitted by the President or of the surplus or deficit totals of the congressional budget, and any description of, or reference to, such totals in any official publication or material issued by either of such Offices or any other such agency or instrumentality, shall exclude the outlays and receipts of the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account established by section 3114 of title 31, United States Code. (b) Separate Public Debt Reduction Payment Account Budget Documents.--The excluded outlays and receipts of the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account established by section 3114 of title 31, United States Code, shall be submitted in separate budget documents. SEC. 7. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. (a) Reports of the Secretary of the Treasury.--(1) Within 30 days after the appropriation is deposited into the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account under section 3114 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit a report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate confirming that such account has been established and the amount and date of such deposit. Such report shall also include a description of the Secretary's plan for using such money to reduce debt held by the public. (2) Not later than October 31, 2002, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit a report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate setting forth the amount of money deposited into the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account, the amount of debt held by the public that was reduced, and a description of the actual debt instruments that were redeemed with such money. (b) Report of the Comptroller General of the United States.--Not later than November 15, 2002, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate verifying all of the information set forth in the reports submitted under subsection (a). Passed the House of Representatives July 18, 2000. Attest: JEFF TRANDAHL, Clerk.

Summary: Appropriates funds for the Account. Prohibits such appropriation from being considered as direct spending for purposes of pay-as-you-go provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).Reduces the public debt limit by the amount appropriated into the Account.Bars Account receipts and disbursements from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of : (1) the Federal Government budget as submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act.Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the Account.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. ELECTIVE TREATMENT OF LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD PROGRAMS AS ELIGIBLE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS. (a) In General.--Section 457(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to other definitions and special rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(19) Special rules applicable to length of service award plans.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible deferred compensation plan' shall include, at the election of its sponsor, any length of service award plan. Any such election shall be irrevocable. In the case of a length of service award plan whose sponsor has elected to have such plan treated as an eligible deferred compensation plan, such plan shall be administered in a manner consistent with the requirements of this section and such sponsor shall be treated as an eligible employer described in paragraph (1)(A). ``(B) Length of service award plan.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) In general.--The term `length of service award plan' means any plan paying solely length of service awards to bona fide volunteers (or their beneficiaries) on account of qualified services performed by such volunteers. ``(ii) Bona fide volunteer.--An individual shall be treated as a bona fide volunteer if the only compensation received by such individual for performing qualified services is in the form of-- ``(I) reimbursement for (or a reasonable allowance for) reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of such services, or ``(II) reasonable benefits (including length of service awards), and fees for such services, customarily paid by eligible employers in connection with the performance of such services by volunteers. ``(iii) Qualified services.--The term `qualified services' means fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services. ``(C) Maximum deferral amount.--In the case of a length of service award plan whose sponsor has elected to have such plan treated as an eligible deferred compensation plan, subsection (b)(2) shall be applied by striking `the lesser of--' and all that follows and inserting `the applicable dollar amount,'. ``(D) Distribution requirements.--In the case of a length of service award plan whose sponsor has elected to have such plan treated as an eligible deferred compensation plan, subsection (d)(1)(A)(ii) shall be applied by deeming a severance from employment to have occurred at the later of-- ``(i) the payment date under the terms of the plan, or ``(ii) the date on which the plan participant ceases to perform qualified services. ``(E) Limitation on accruals.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of a length of service award plan that is a defined benefit plan (as defined in section 414(j)) whose sponsor has not elected to have such plan treated as an eligible deferred compensation plan, such plan shall be treated as not providing for the deferral of compensation if the aggregate amount of length of service awards accruing with respect to any year of service for any bona fide volunteer does not exceed $5,000. In the case of a length of service award plan described in the preceding sentence that is a defined benefit plan (as defined in section 414(j)), the limitation on the annual deferral shall apply to the actuarial present value of the aggregate amount of length of service awards accruing with respect to any year of service. Such actuarial present value shall be calculated using reasonable actuarial assumptions and methods assuming payment shall be made under the most valuable form of payment of the length of service award under the program with payment commencing at the later of the earliest age at which unreduced benefits are payable under the program or the participant's current age. ``(ii) Cost-of-living adjustment.--In the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007, the Secretary shall adjust the $5,000 amount under clause (i) at the same time and in the same manner as under section 415(d), except that the base period shall be the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2006, and any increase under this paragraph that is not a multiple of $500 shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $500.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 457(e)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(11) Certain plans excluded.--Any bona fide vacation leave, sick leave, compensatory time, severance pay, disability pay, or death benefit plan shall be treated as not providing for the deferral of compensation.''. (2) Section 3121(a)(5)(I) is amended by striking ``section 457(e)(11)(A)(ii)'' and inserting ``section 457(e)(19)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006. SEC. 3. EXEMPTION OF LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD PROGRAMS FROM THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974. The Secretary of Labor shall issue guidance clarifying that a length of service award program described in section 457(e)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is not an employee pension benefit plan under section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(2)).

Summary: Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and emergency rescue services. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations exempting a length of service award program from treatment as an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Medicaid Reform and Personal Responsibility Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. REQUIRING STATES TO APPLY A WORK REQUIREMENT FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS UNDER MEDICAID. Section 1902 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (82); (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (83)(B)(ii) and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (83)(B)(ii) the following new paragraph: ``(84) comply with the requirements of subsection (nn) (relating to a work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents).''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(nn) Work Requirement for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.-- ``(1) In general.--Beginning October 1, 2017, a State shall elect through a State plan amendment (or waiver of such plan) to condition medical assistance under this title to an individual who is an able-bodied adult without dependents (as defined in paragraph (2)(A)) upon such an individual's satisfaction of a work requirement (as defined in paragraph (2)(B)) and the requirements of paragraph (3). ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Able-bodied adult without dependents.--The term `able-bodied adult without dependents' means an individual who is not-- ``(i) under 18 or over 55 years of age; ``(ii) medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment; ``(iii) a parent or other member of a household with responsibility for a dependent child; ``(iv) a pregnant woman; ``(v) a bona fide student enrolled at least half time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education; or ``(vi) a regular participant in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program. ``(B) Work requirement.-- ``(i) In general.--The term `work requirement' means participation in activity specified by the State as work for purposes of this subsection for 20 hours or more per week, averaged monthly. ``(ii) Job training and community service.--Such term includes-- ``(I) on-the-job training; ``(II) job skills training directly related to employment; and ``(III) community service programs. ``(3) Additional requirements.--An able-bodied adult without dependents shall not receive medical assistance under this title if the able-bodied adult without dependents-- ``(A) refuses, at the time of application and every 12 months thereafter, to register as employed or as unemployed and actively looking for employment for less than 12 consecutive months, in a manner prescribed by the State; ``(B) refuses without good cause to satisfy an applicable work requirement; ``(C) refuses without good cause to accept an offer of employment, at a site or plant not subject to a strike or lockout at the time of the refusal, at a wage not less than the higher of-- ``(i) the applicable Federal or State minimum wage; or ``(ii) 80 percent of the wage that would have governed had the minimum hourly rate under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) been applicable to the offer of employment; ``(D) refuses without good cause to provide the State with sufficient information to allow the State to determine the employment status or the job availability of the able-bodied adult without dependents; or ``(E) voluntarily and without good cause-- ``(i) quits a job; or ``(ii) reduces work effort and, after the reduction, the able-bodied adult without dependents is working less than 20 hours per week.''.

Summary: Medicaid Reform and Personal Responsibility Act of 2017 This bill requires state Medicaid programs to impose a work requirement upon enrollees who are able-bodied adults without dependents. Specifically, such enrollees must spend at least 20 hours per week working in a job, receiving on-the-job training, obtaining job skills, or doing community service. Such enrollees must also annually register with the state as employed or as unemployed and actively looking for employment.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Our Nation's Trade, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Efficiency Act of 2007'' or the ``ON TIME Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) The growth in international trade, particularly containerized trade, is placing pressure on the nation's transportation network and influences traffic congestion in the areas surrounding the major United States-international gateways. (2) From 2000 to 2005, the value of international trade rose from approximately $2,000,000,000,000 to $2,600,000,000,000, while the number of containerized trade shipments rose over the same period from approximately 59,000,000 20-foot equivalent units to 81,000,000 20-foot equivalent units. (3) Existing trade agreements, in addition to potential future agreements, foreshadow an even greater increase in international trade and further increases of freight shipments congestion. (4) In addition to being a member of the World Trade Organization, the United States has agreed to 11 free trade agreements and is in various stages of negotiation with 4 different countries and multi-lateral organizations with regards to other potential free trade agreements. (5) Traffic congestion continues to worsen in United States cities of all sizes, causing Americans to waste 4,200,000,000 hours in traffic and to purchase an extra 2,900,000,000 gallons of fuel for a congestion cost of $78,000,000,000 per year. (6) More than 200 freight bottlenecks are costing the goods movement industry $8,000,000,000 in economic losses annually and 243,000,000 hours of delay and lost productivity each year. (7) To simply maintain the current conditions and traffic levels of service of our transportation system, all levels of government must have invested $235,000,000,000 in 2006 and must invest $304,000,000,000 in 2015 and $472,000,000,000 in 2030. (8) To improve the current conditions and traffic levels of service of our transportation system to a level that benefits the Nation's economic productivity, all levels of government must have invested $288,000,000,000 in 2006 and must invest $368,000,000,000 in 2015 and $561,000,000,000 in 2030. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to-- (1) address major transportation investment needs in national trade gateway corridors; (2) reduce freight congestion along current and future trade corridors and provide congestion mitigation along surface transportation routes that are or will be congested as a result of current or future growth in international trade; and (3) develop corridors that will increase freight transportation system reliability and enhance the quality of life for United States citizens. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION OF NATIONAL TRADE GATEWAY CORRIDOR FEE. (a) Import Fee.-- (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations that establish a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article that is imported into the United States in commerce. (2) Amount.-- (A) In general.--The amount of the fee on each article that is imported into the United States in commerce shall be equal to .075 percent of the value of the article that is subject to the fee or $500, whichever is less. (B) Value defined.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term ``value'' has the meaning given the term in section 402 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1401a). (3) Collection.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall assess and collect the fee for carrying out eligible projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of unloading of the article that is imported into the United States in commerce. (4) Deposit.--Amounts received by the United States in the form of the fee shall be deposited in the account established by subsection (c). (5) Termination of fee.--The fee established under this subsection shall not apply after the expiration of fiscal year 2017. (b) Export Fee.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Commerce, shall issue regulations that establish a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article that exported from the United States in commerce. (2) Amount.-- (A) In general.--The amount of the fee on each article that is exported from the United States in commerce shall be equal to .075 percent of the value of the article that is subject to the fee or $500, whichever is less. (B) Value defined.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term ``value'' has the meaning given the term in section 30.7(q) of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations. (3) Collection.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Commerce, shall assess and collect the fee for carrying out eligible projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of loading of the article that is exported from the United States in commerce. (4) Deposit.--Amounts received by the United States in the form of the fee shall be deposited in the account established by subsection (c). (5) Termination of fee.--The fee established under this subsection shall not apply after the expiration of fiscal year 2017. (c) Account.-- (1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a separate account for the deposit of fees under this section, which shall be known as the ``National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund''. (2) Contents.--The account shall consist of amounts deposited into the account under subsections (a) and (b). (3) Use.--Amounts in the account shall be available to the Secretary of Transportation, as provided in appropriations Acts enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act, for making expenditures before October 1, 2018, to meet the obligations of the United States to carry out this Act. SEC. 4. APPORTIONMENT OF FUNDS. (a) Administrative Expenses.--The Secretary of Transportation shall set aside 2 percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated, from the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund established by section 3(c), to carry out this Act for each fiscal year to pay the cost of collecting fees on imports and exports under section 3. (b) Apportionment.-- (1) In general.--After the set-aside under subsection (a), the Secretary shall apportion amounts remaining available of the amount authorized to be appropriated, from the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund established by section 3, for a fiscal year to carry out this Act to State departments of transportation in the form of grants for carrying out eligible projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs ports of entry with respect to which fees were collected under section 3 in the preceding fiscal year in the ratio that-- (A) the amount the fees collected for each Customs port of entry under section 3 during the preceding fiscal year; bears to (B) the aggregate amount of fees collected for all Customs ports of entry under section 3 during the preceding fiscal year. (2) Corridor to more than one state.--If a transportation trade corridor is within the boundaries of more than one State, the Secretary shall apportion the funds apportioned under paragraph (1) for carrying out eligible projects in such corridor among such States as follows: (A) 50 percent of the apportionment in the ratio that-- (i) the total lane miles of Federal-aid highways in the transportation trade corridor in each of such States; bears to (ii) the total lane miles of Federal-aid highways in the transportation trade corridor in all of such States. (B) 50 percent of the apportionments in the ratio that-- (i) the total vehicle miles traveled on lanes on Federal-aid highways in the transportation trade corridor in each of such States; bears to (ii) the total vehicle miles traveled on lanes on Federal-aid highways in the transportation trade corridor in all of such States. (3) Period of availability.--Amounts granted to a State department of transportation for carrying out an eligible project in a transportation trade corridor from amounts apportioned under this subsection shall remain available for obligation for a period of 6 years after the last day of the fiscal year for which the funds are authorized to be appropriated. Any amounts so apportioned that remain unobligated at the end of that period shall be allocated to other States for the purpose of funding eligible projects located in transportation trade corridors at the discretion of the Secretary. SEC. 5. PROJECT SELECTION AND ELIGIBILITY. (a) Selection Process Guidelines.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue project selection guidelines for a State department of transportation to follow in selecting eligible projects for which grants may be made under this Act. (b) Minimum Requirements.--The selection guidelines issued by the Secretary under this section shall include a requirement that a State department of transportation-- (1) consult with local governments, port authorities, regional planning organizations, public and private freight shippers, and providers of freight transportation services during the project selection process; (2) adhere to applicable metropolitan and statewide planning processes, including sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code, in selecting projects for which grants may be made under this Act; (3) develop and implement a selection process that is in writing and available to the public; (4) develop and implement a process for rating proposed projects for which grants may be made under this Act in accordance with the purposes of this Act; and (5) clearly identify the basis for rating projects under the ratings process the State department of transportation developed under paragraph (4). SEC. 6. GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may make a grant under this Act to a State department of transportation having jurisdiction over an area located in a transportation trade corridor. (b) Secretarial Approval.--A grant may only be made under this Act for an eligible project. (c) Construction Standards.--A project to be carried out with assistance under this Act that is for a highway that is on a Federal- aid system (as defined in section 101 of title 23, United States Code) shall be constructed to the same standards that would apply if such project was being carried out with assistance under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. (d) Federal Share.-- (1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of an eligible project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 80 percent. (2) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of the cost of an eligible project for which a grant is made under this Act may not be provided from Federal funds made available under any other law (including funds from the Highway Trust Fund). (e) Prevailing Rate of Wage.--Section 113 of title 23, United States Code, shall apply to an eligible project being carried out with assistance provided under this section in the same manner and to the same extent as such would apply if such project was being carried out with assistance provided under chapter 1 of such title. SEC. 7. TRANSPORTATION TRADE CORRIDORS. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall establish-- (1) a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry, for which fees were collected under section 3 in the preceding fiscal year, in accordance with subsection (b); and (2) the boundaries of the transportation trade corridor for such port of entry. (b) Criteria for Establishment of Corridors.--A transportation trade corridor-- (1) may include areas in more than one State if the States are contiguous; (2) may not extend more than 300 miles from the Customs port of entry for which it is established; and (3) may only include areas that are used for motor vehicle and cargo movements related to international trade. (c) Multiple Ports of Entry.--The Secretary of Transportation may establish under this section a single transportation trade corridor for multiple ports of entry located in close proximity to one another. (d) Deadline for Establishment of Proposed Corridors.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall publish in the Federal Register the boundaries of the transportation trade corridors the Secretary proposes to establish under this section. (e) Comment Period.--The Secretary of Transportation shall provide a period of 45 days for comments to be made to the Secretary by the public, and for holding such hearings as the Secretary determines are appropriate to receive comments, concerning the boundaries of the transportation trade corridors proposed by the Secretary under subsection (c). (f) Deadline for Establishment of Final Corridors.--Not later than one year after date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall publish in the Federal Register the boundaries of the transportation trade corridors the Secretary is establishing under this section. (g) Periodic Reviews and Modifications.--During 60-day period ending on September 30 before each fiscal year after the first fiscal year for which funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, the Secretary of Transportation may conduct such reviews, hold such hearings, and take such other actions as may be necessary to ensure that-- (1) there is a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry for which fees were collected under section 3 in the preceding fiscal year; and (2) the boundaries of such corridor are appropriate to carry out the objectives of this Act. SEC. 8. REGULATIONS. Not later than one year after date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated from the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund established by section 3 to carry out this Act for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018 such sums as were deposited in the Fund during the preceding fiscal year under section 3. (b) Date Available for Obligation.--Authorizations from the separate account to carry out this Act shall be available for obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are authorized. (c) Grants as Contractual Obligations.--A grant for a highway project under this Act that is approved by the Secretary is a contractual obligation of the Government to pay the Federal share of the cost of the project. SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means-- (A) a project or activity eligible for assistance under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; and (B) a project for construction of or improvements to a publicly owned intermodal freight transfer facility, for providing access to such a facility, or for making operational improvements to such a facility (including capital investment for an intelligent transportation system); except that a project located within the boundaries of a port terminal shall only include the surface transportation infrastructure modifications necessary to facilitate direct intermodal interchange, transfer, and access into and out of the port. (2) Federal-aid highway.--The term ``Federal-aid highway'' has the meaning such term has under section 101 of title 23, United States Code. (3) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. (4) State department of transportation.--The term ``State department of transportation'' has the meaning such term has under section 101 of title 23, United States Code. (5) United states.--The term ``United States'' means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Summary: Our Nation's Trade, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Efficiency Act of 2007 or the ON TIME Act of 2007 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) address major transportation investment needs in national trade gateway corridors; (2) reduce freight congestion along current and future trade corridors along surface transportation routes that are or will be congested as a result of current or future growth in international trade; and (3) develop corridors that will increase freight transportation system reliability. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to assess and collect a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article imported into, and exported from, the United States. Requires collected fees to be deposited in the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund for projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of unloading of imported, or loading of exported, articles. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the allocation of Fund amounts in the form of grants to state departments of transportation to carry out eligible projects in the corridors for the Customs ports of entry; and (2) project selection and eligibility. Requires the Secretary to establish a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry where fees are collected.


SECTION 1. WATER DIVERSION PROTECTION AND FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--In cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive program for fish screens, fish passage devices, and other measures agreed to by local interests and relevant Federal agencies for water diversions by local governmental entities in the States of Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho that provide water supplies. (b) Goals.--The goals of the program under subsection (a) shall be-- (1) to decrease the incidence of juvenile and adult fish entering water supply systems; and (2) to decrease fish mortality associated with the withdrawal of water for irrigation and other purposes without impairing the continued withdrawal of water for that purpose. (c) Participation by Non-Federal Entities.--Non-Federal participation in the program under subsection (a) shall be voluntary. The Secretary shall take no action that would result in any non-Federal entity being held financially responsible for any action unless the entity applies to participate in the program. (d) Activities.-- (1) In general.--The program under subsection (a) shall consist of-- (A) inventory of screened and unscreened diversions and evaluation of the effectiveness of fish screens, fish passage devices, and other measures in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; (B) identification and prioritization of critical areas for improvement; and (C) development and execution of an implementation and construction program. (2) Basis of evaluation and prioritization.--Evaluation and prioritization shall be conducted on the basis of-- (A) the objectives of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and related environmental concerns; (B) the cost effectiveness; (C) the size of diversion; (D) the availability of other funding sources; and (E) the opportunity for biological benefit to be achieved with improved conditions. (3) Procedure.--In the development of the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- (A) consult with other Federal, State, and local agencies; and (B) make maximum use of data and studies in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. (e) Requirements.--A recommended fish screen, fish passage device, or other measure shall-- (1) meet the requirements of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service, as applicable, and any State requirements; and (2) be agreed to by all interested Federal and non-Federal entities. (f) Cost Sharing.-- (1) Studies.--The cost of studies conducted in connection with the program under subsection (a) shall be shared in accordance with section 105 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2215). (2) Implementation.-- (A) In general.--The non-Federal interests shall pay 35 percent of the implementation cost for any measures recommended under the program under subsection (a). (B) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal interests shall provide all land, easements, rights-of- way, dredged material disposal areas, and relocations necessary for projects carried out under the program under subsection (a). The value of such land, easements, rights of way, dredged material disposal areas, and relocations shall be credited toward the payment required under subparagraph (A). (3) OMRR&R.--The non-Federal interests shall be responsible for all costs associated with operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing all projects carried out under the program under subsection (a). (g) Agreements.-- (1) Payment of costs.--Construction of a project under this section shall be initiated only after the non-Federal interest has entered into a binding agreement with the Secretary to pay the non-Federal share of the costs of construction required by this section and to pay 100 percent of any operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or replacement cost with respect to the project in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary. (2) Access.-- (A) In general.--The owner of land on which a project under this section is constructed shall grant appropriate Federal personnel reasonable access to the project for the installation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of fish screens and passage devices. (B) Effect of grant.--A grant of access to land under subparagraph (A) shall not provide a basis for Federal use or regulation of the surrounding private land. (h) Reporting Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The non-Federal interests with respect to a project under this section shall provide reports on such matters and in such form as the Secretary may require. (2) Items to be addressed.--Items to be addressed shall include costs and actions taken to fulfill annual requirements for operating, maintaining, replacing, repairing, and rehabilitating projects. (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each fiscal year.

Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Army, in order to decrease the incidence of fish entering water supply systems and decrease fish mortality associated with withdrawal of water for irrigation and other purposes, to develop and implement a comprehensive program for fish screens, fish passage devices, and other measures agreed to by local interests and relevant Federal agencies for water diversions by local government entities in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho that provide water supplies. Sets forth program and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SIGNING AND MASTERY BONUSES FOR TEACHERS IN MATH AND SCIENCE. Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating part E as part G; (2) by redesignating sections 2401 and 2402 as sections 2601 and 2602, respectively; and (3) by inserting after part D the following new part: ``PART E--SIGNING AND MASTERY BONUSES FOR TEACHERS IN MATH AND SCIENCE ``SEC. 2401. SIGNING BONUSES FOR TEACHERS IN MATH AND SCIENCE. ``(a) Grants to State Educational Agencies.-- ``(1) Authority to award grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to State educational agencies to enable the agencies to assist local educational agencies to provide signing bonuses to middle or secondary school math or science teachers who agree to teach in a school in a high-need area during the 4-school year period that begins on the date on which the teacher is hired. ``(2) Criteria.--In order to receive a grant under this section, a State educational agency shall submit to the Secretary, for the Secretary's approval, a list of criteria for awarding the signing bonuses described in paragraph (1). Such criteria shall require that-- ``(A) an individual receiving such a signing bonus have obtained licensing or certification to teach other than temporary or emergency licensing or certification; and ``(B) an individual receiving such a bonus-- ``(i) have an academic major or minor in the academic subject in which the individual intends to teach; or ``(ii) a work-related concentration in the academic subject in which the individual intends to teach. ``(3) Peer review board.--In order to receive a grant under this section, a State educational agency shall establish a peer review board to review criteria for providing signing bonuses under the grant. ``(4) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this section, a State educational agency shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. ``(b) Grants to Local Educational Agencies.-- ``(1) Authority to award grants.--A State educational agency that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use the funds made available through the grant to award grants to local educational agencies to provide the bonuses described in subsection (a). ``(2) Use of Funds.--A local educational agency that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall use the funds made available through the grant to provide, during the 4-school year period described in subsection (a)(1), a signing bonus in the amount of $5,000 for each such year, for the hiring of a middle or secondary school math or science teacher who is eligible for an award based on the criteria in subsection (a)(2). ``(3) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this subsection, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the State educational agency at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the State educational agency may require. ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2006. ``(d) Definition of `High-Need Area'.--In this section, the term `high-need area' means an area, as determined by the local educational agency, in which-- ``(1) not less than 30 percent of the children served by the local educational agency are children eligible to be counted under section 1124(c)(2); and ``(2) the middle and secondary schools-- ``(A) have a higher percentage of uncertified or unlicensed math and science teachers than the corresponding percentage for the State; or ``(B) have a higher percentage of math and science teachers not trained in math and science than the corresponding percentage for the State. ``SEC. 2402. MASTERY BONUSES FOR TEACHERS IN MATH AND SCIENCE. ``(a) Grants to State Educational Agencies.-- ``(1) Authority to award grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to State educational agencies to enable the agencies to assist local educational agencies to provide mastery bonuses to supplement the salaries of middle or secondary school math or science teachers who pass an advanced competency exam in math and science that is approved by the National Academy of Sciences and agree to teach during the 5-school year period that begins during or after the date on which the State educational agency determines that the teacher has passed the advanced competency exam. ``(2) Criteria.--In order to receive a grant under this section, a State educational agency shall submit to the Secretary, for the Secretary's approval, a list of criteria for awarding the mastery bonuses described in paragraph (1). Such criteria shall require that-- ``(A) an individual receiving such a bonus have obtained licensing or certification to teach other than temporary or emergency licensing or certification; and ``(B) an individual receiving such a bonus have an academic or work-related concentration in the academic subject in which the individual intends to teach. ``(3) Peer review board.--In order to receive a grant under this section, a State educational agency shall establish a peer review board to review criteria for providing mastery bonuses under the grant. ``(4) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this section, a State educational agency shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. ``(b) Grants to Local Educational Agencies.-- ``(1) Authority to award grants.--A State educational agency that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use the funds made available through the grant to award grants to local educational agencies to provide the mastery bonuses described in subsection (a). ``(2) Use of funds.--A local educational agency that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall use the funds made available through the grant to provide-- ``(A) a middle or secondary school math or science teacher who passes an advanced competency exam and teaches during the 5-school year period described in subsection (a)(1) with an additional $4,000 each such year; and ``(B) a middle or secondary school math or science teacher who passes an advanced competency exam and agrees to teach in a high-need area (as defined in section 2401(d) during the 5-school year period described in subsection (a)(1) with an additional $5,000 each such year. ``(3) Application.--In order to receive a grant under this subsection, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the State educational agency at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the State educational agency may require. ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2006.''. SEC. 2. MENTOR TEACHER PROGRAMS FOR MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS. Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.), as amended in section 1, is further amended by inserting after part E the following: ``PART F--MENTOR TEACHER PROGRAM ``SEC. 2501. PURPOSES. ``The purposes of this part are to give local educational agencies the resources to establish mentor teacher programs to enable experienced teachers to train, support, and mentor novice teachers. ``SEC. 2502. DEFINITIONS. ``In this part: ``(1) Board certified.--The term `board certified' means successful completion of all requirements to be certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the academic subject in which a teacher is teaching. ``(2) Mentor teacher.--The term `mentor teacher' means a teacher who-- ``(A) is fully certified or licensed; ``(B) has demonstrated mastery of pedagogical and subject matter skills (such as by becoming board certified); and ``(C) has provided evidence of superior teaching abilities and interpersonal relationship characteristics. ``(3) Novice teacher.--The term `novice teacher' means a teacher who-- ``(A) has been teaching not more than 3 years at a public elementary school or secondary school; and ``(B) is a math or science teacher. ``SEC. 2503. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. ``(a) Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible local educational agencies to develop and implement mentor teacher programs as described in subsection (e). ``(2) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection for periods of not more than 5 years. ``(b) Eligible Local Educational Agencies.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, a local educational agency shall-- ``(1) be a local educational agency that has received a grant under section 2401 (relating to signing bonuses) for the fiscal year; and ``(2) agree to use the funds made available through the grant to develop and implement the mentor teacher programs in schools served by teachers who have received signing bonuses under section 2401 for the fiscal year. ``(c) Geographic Distribution.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall award the grants so that the grants are distributed among the local educational agencies with higher percentages of novice teachers, or lower percentages of certified or licensed teachers, than the corresponding percentages for the States in which the agencies are located. ``(d) Amount.--The amount of each grant shall be determined based on-- ``(1) the total amount appropriated for a fiscal year under section 2508 and made available to carry out this part; and ``(2) the extent of the concentration of novice teachers in the school district involved. ``(e) Authorized Activities.-- ``(1) Allocation by activity.--A local educational agency that receives a grant under subsection (a) for a mentor teacher program shall use-- ``(A) not less than 75 percent of the funds made available through the grant to pay for the Federal share of the cost of obtaining the services of the mentor teachers; and ``(B) not more than 25 percent of the funds to pay for other costs related to the development and implementation of the mentor teacher program. ``(2) Training.--The mentor teacher program shall provide training to novice teachers on effective teaching techniques (including techniques relating to class discipline and curriculum development) through observation, instruction, coaching, and mentoring by mentor teachers. ``(3) Federal share.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost described in paragraph (1)(A) is 75 percent. ``(B) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of the cost may be provided from State sources in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, and services. ``(f) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds appropriated pursuant to the authority of this part shall be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local public funds expended to provide services for eligible individuals. ``SEC. 2504. APPLICATIONS. ``A local educational agency desiring a grant under section 2503 shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. ``SEC. 2505. PAYMENTS. ``(a) In General.--Grant payments shall be made under this part on an annual basis. ``(b) Administrative Costs.--Each local educational agency that receives a grant under section 2503 shall use not more than 2 percent of the amount awarded under the grant for administrative costs. ``(c) Denial of Grant.--If the Secretary determines that a local educational agency has failed to make substantial progress in attaining such performance objectives and goals as the Secretary may require the agency to establish, such an agency shall not be eligible for a grant payment under this part in the next succeeding year. ``SEC. 2506. REPORTS. ``The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives a report of program activities funded under this part. ``SEC. 2507. MATCHING REQUIREMENT. ``The Secretary may not award a grant to a local educational agency under section 2503 unless the local educational agency agrees that, with respect to costs to be incurred by the agency in carrying out activities for which the grant was awarded, the agency shall provide (directly or through donations from public or private entities) in non- Federal contributions an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant awarded to the agency. ``SEC. 2508. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2006.''.

Summary: Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish grant programs to provide: (1) signing bonuses for middle or secondary school mathematics or science teachers who agree to teach in public schools in high-need areas for four years; and (2) mentor teachers to train, support, and mentor novice teachers of mathematics or science in public elementary or secondary schools.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds as follows: (1) Food allergy is an increasing food safety and public health concern in the United States, especially among students. (2) Peanut allergy doubled among children from 1997 to 2002. (3) In a 2004 survey of 400 elementary school nurses, 37 percent reported having at least 10 students with severe food allergies and 62 percent reported having at least 5. (4) Forty-four percent of the elementary school nurses surveyed reported that the number of students in their school with food allergy had increased over the past 5 years, while only 2 percent reported a decrease. (5) In a 2001 study of 32 fatal food-allergy induced anaphylactic reactions (the largest study of its kind to date), more than half (53 percent) of the individuals were aged 18 or younger. (6) Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. (7) Currently, there is no cure for food allergies; strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent a reaction. (8) Anaphylaxis is a systemic allergic reaction that can kill within minutes. (9) Food-allergic reactions are the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting, accounting for an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 150 to 200 deaths each year in the United States. (10) Fatalities from anaphylaxis are associated with a delay in the administration of epinephrine (adrenaline), or when epinephrine was not administered at all. In a study of 13 food allergy-induced anaphylactic reactions in school-age children (6 fatal and 7 near fatal), only 2 of the children who died received epinephrine within 1 hour of ingesting the allergen, and all but 1 of the children who survived received epinephrine within 30 minutes. (11) The importance of managing life-threatening food allergies in the school setting has been recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the National Association of School Nurses. (12) There are no Federal guidelines concerning the management of life-threatening food allergies in the school setting. (13) Three-quarters of the elementary school nurses surveyed reported developing their own training guidelines. (14) Relatively few schools actually employ a full-time school nurse. Many are forced to cover more than 1 school, and are often in charge of hundreds if not thousands of students. (15) Parents of students with severe food allergies often face entirely different food allergy management approaches when their students change schools or school districts. (16) In a study of food allergy reactions in schools and day-care settings, delays in treatment were attributed to a failure to follow emergency plans, calling parents instead of administering emergency medications, and an inability to administer epinephrine. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``local educational agency'', ``secondary school'', and ``elementary school'' have the meanings given the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (2) School.--The term ``school'' includes public-- (A) kindergartens; (B) elementary schools; and (C) secondary schools. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education. SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTARY FOOD ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT POLICY. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall-- (1) develop a policy to be used on a voluntary basis to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools; and (2) make such policy available to local educational agencies and other interested individuals and entities, including licensed child care providers, preschool programs, and Head Start, to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. (b) Contents.--The voluntary policy developed by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall contain guidelines that address each of the following: (1) Parental obligation to provide the school, prior to the start of every school year, with-- (A) documentation from the student's physician or nurse-- (i) supporting a diagnosis of food allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis; (ii) identifying any food to which the student is allergic; (iii) describing, if appropriate, any prior history of anaphylaxis; (iv) listing any medication prescribed for the student for the treatment of anaphylaxis; (v) detailing emergency treatment procedures in the event of a reaction; (vi) listing the signs and symptoms of a reaction; and (vii) assessing the student's readiness for self-administration of prescription medication; and (B) a list of substitute meals that may be offered to the student by school food service personnel. (2) The creation and maintenance of an individual health care plan tailored to the needs of each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis, including any procedures for the self-administration of medication by such students in instances where-- (A) the students are capable of self-administering medication; and (B) such administration is not prohibited by State law. (3) Communication strategies between individual schools and local providers of emergency medical services, including appropriate instructions for emergency medical response. (4) Strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common school areas such as cafeterias. (5) The dissemination of information on life-threatening food allergies to school staff, parents, and students, if appropriate by law. (6) Food allergy management training of school personnel who regularly come into contact with students with life- threatening food allergies. (7) The authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. (8) The timely accessibility of epinephrine by school personnel when the nurse is not immediately available. (9) Extracurricular programs such as non-academic outings and field trips, before- and after-school programs, and school- sponsored programs held on weekends that are addressed in the individual health care plan. (10) The collection and publication of data for each administration of epinephrine to a student at risk for anaphylaxis. (c) Relation to State Law.--Nothing in this Act or the policy developed by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall be construed to preempt State law, including any State law regarding whether students at risk for anaphylaxis may self-administer medication. SEC. 5. VOLUNTARY NATURE OF POLICY AND GUIDELINES. The policy developed by the Secretary under section 4(a) and the food allergy management guidelines contained in such policy are voluntary. Nothing in this Act or the policy developed by the Secretary under section 4(a) shall be construed to require a local educational agency or school to implement such policy or guidelines. Passed the House of Representatives April 8, 2008. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. Directs that such policy address: (1) the documentation of student allergies and the development of an individual health care plan for each such student; (2) communication with emergency medical services, school staff, parents, and students; (3) reduction of exposure to causative agents of food allergies; (4) food allergy management training; and (5) administration of epinephrine. Provides that the policy developed by the Secretary and the food allergy management guidelines contained in such policy are voluntary.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Community College Teacher Preparation Enhancement Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Well qualified teachers and paraprofessionals are critical to the success of the Nation's students. (2) In order to meet the changing demands of their jobs and the Federal requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), teachers and prospective teachers must have access to high-quality teacher training. (3) The 1,200 community colleges across the United States play an important role in training teachers, offering professional development, and continuing education. (4) Community colleges enroll more than 6,000,000 credit students or 44 percent of all undergraduates in the United States. (5) At least 25 percent of undergraduates receiving a teaching degree began their postsecondary education at a community college. (6) Due to teacher attrition, teacher retirement, and a growing student population, the Nation will require an additional 2,400,000 teachers over the next decade. (7) If left unchanged, the production rate of teachers is 200,000 short of meeting the expected future demand. (8) In subjects such as mathematics, science, special education, and bilingual education, the Nation risks a severe teacher shortfall. (9) Community colleges offer accessibility and a link to education opportunities present at 4-year institutions of higher education. (10) There is no systematic infrastructure or resources in place to advance more students from community colleges to 4- year institutions of higher education and into the teaching profession. (11) Many 4-year institutions of higher education and community colleges have engaged in collaborative agreements for teacher training. (12) To meet the Nation's needs for highly qualified teachers, it is appropriate that the community college role in teacher training be enhanced and that cooperation between community colleges and 4-year institutions of higher education be increased. SEC. 3. PURPOSES. The purposes of this Act are to-- (1) foster collaboration between 4-year institutions of higher education and community colleges to enhance teacher preparation as required under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110); (2) enhance the opportunity for community college students in teacher training programs to complete a baccalaureate degree in kindergarten through grade 12 education; (3) promote the development of best practices for coordinating teacher training between community colleges and 4- year institutions of higher education; and (4) expand community college teaching infrastructure to provide, among other things, professional development as called for under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107- 110) to existing teachers. SEC. 4. TEACHER TRAINING ENHANCEMENT. Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART C--TEACHER TRAINING ENHANCEMENT ``SEC. 231. DEFINITIONS. ``In this part: ``(1) 4-year institution of higher education.--The term `4- year institution of higher education' means an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a), whose highest undergraduate degree offered is predominantly the baccalaureate degree. ``(2) Community college.--The term `community college' has the meaning given the term `junior or community college' in section 312(f). ``(3) Eligible entity.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(i) a statewide governing or coordinating board with jurisdiction over community colleges and 4-year institutions of higher education; ``(ii) a partnership between a statewide governing or coordinating board with jurisdiction over community colleges and a statewide governing or coordinating board with jurisdiction over 4-year institutions of higher education; ``(iii) a partnership between 1 or more community colleges and 1 or more 4-year institutions of higher education; or ``(iv) a community college offering a teacher preparation program that provides all, or a significant portion of, teacher training, postbaccalaureate certification, and professional development. ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `eligible entity' under clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may include other institutions with responsibility for teacher preparation or teacher standards. ``(4) Highly qualified.--The term `highly qualified' has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ``(5) Professional development.--The term `professional development' has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ``SEC. 232. GRANT PROGRAM. ``The Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to pay the Federal share of the costs of carrying out teacher training or preparation programs. ``SEC. 233. APPLICATION. ``An eligible entity that desires to receive a grant under this part shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information or assurances as the Secretary may require. ``SEC. 234. AWARDING OF GRANTS. ``(a) Priority.--In awarding grants under this part, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that propose any of the following: ``(1) Grant funds will be used to provide for teacher preparation in geographic areas with shortages of highly qualified teachers. ``(2) Grant funds will be used to prepare teachers in kindergarten through grade 12 subject content areas that have a shortage of highly qualified teachers. ``(3) Grant funds will be used to carry out innovative programs to address teacher training or teacher preparation. ``(4) Grant funds will be used to conduct outreach into secondary schools. ``(5) Grant funds will be used to carry out a plan to disseminate information. ``(b) Geographic Diversity.--The Secretary shall ensure that grants are awarded in a geographically diverse manner. ``(c) Duration.--Grants awarded under this part shall be for 5 years in duration. ``SEC. 235. USES OF FUNDS. ``(a) Mandatory Use.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out not less than 1 of the following: ``(1) Enhancing the collaboration of teacher training between community colleges and 4-year institutions of higher education. ``(2) The development of programs that provide opportunities for community college students to complete a baccalaureate degree in kindergarten through grade 12 education. ``(3) The establishment of partnerships in teacher training between community colleges and 4-year institutions of higher education. ``(4) The establishment of programs at community colleges that prepare students to enter teacher preparation programs at 4-year institutions of higher education. ``(5) Developing programs to provide pathways for secondary school students to pursue careers in teaching. ``(6) Establishing postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs. ``(b) Permissive Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may use the grant funds to carry out any of the following: ``(1) The creation of kindergarten through grade 12 teacher education programs and teacher aid programs to meet requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ``(2) The coordination of teacher and paraprofessional curricula for use at community colleges and 4-year institutions of higher education. ``(3) The establishment of curricula and programs for professional development for teachers. ``SEC. 236. REPORT AND EVALUATION. ``(a) Annual Report.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit an annual report to the Secretary on-- ``(1) the progress made toward the goals of the grant; ``(2) the activities supported by the grant; ``(3) the number of students served; ``(4) when applicable, the ability to place students graduating from schools supported by a grant under this part; and ``(5) when applicable, the number of students graduating from schools supported by a grant under this part who meet the requirements for highly qualified teachers under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ``(b) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall review and evaluate the reports submitted under subsection (a). ``SEC. 237. MATCHING REQUIREMENT. ``(a) In General.--The Federal share of the costs of carrying out a teacher training or preparation program shall be-- ``(1) 65 percent for the first year of the grant; ``(2) 60 percent for the second year of the grant; ``(3) 55 percent for the third year of the grant; ``(4) 50 percent for the fourth year of the grant; and ``(5) 45 percent for the fifth year of the grant. ``(b) In Cash or In-Kind.--The non-Federal share of the costs of carrying out a teacher training or preparation program may be provided in cash or in the form of in-kind contributions. ``SEC. 238. REPORT BY THE SECRETARY. ``The Secretary shall review and submit an annual report to Congress on the activities supported under this part and the impact of this part with respect to-- ``(1) producing highly qualified teachers and teachers aids; ``(2) helping address teacher shortages, particularly in rural and urban areas; and ``(3) enhancing the diversity of the Nation's teaching force. ``SEC. 239. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2005 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.

Summary: Community College Teacher Preparation Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a teacher training enhancement program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to eligible entities for teacher training or preparation. Includes among eligible entities: (1) statewide boards with jurisdiction over community colleges and four-year institutions of higher education (IHEs); (2) partnerships between statewide boards with jurisdiction over community colleges and statewide boards with jurisdiction over four-year IHEs; (3) partnerships between community colleges and four-year IHEs; or (4) community colleges offering teacher preparation programs that provide all, or a significant portion of, teacher training, postbaccalaureate certification, and professional development. Gives priority to proposals for using grants for: (1) teacher preparation in geographic areas with shortages of highly qualified teachers; (2) preparing teachers in kindergarten through grade 12 subject content areas that have a shortage of highly qualified teachers; (3) innovative programs to address teacher training or teacher preparation; (4) outreach into secondary schools; or (5) plans to disseminate information. Requires grantees to use grant funds for at least one of specified mandatory uses. Sets forth permissive uses of grants.