" ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 110TH CONGRESS

1st Session 

REPORT

110–231 

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 

RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

BILL, 2008 

R E P O R T 

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS 

TOGETHER WITH

MINORITY AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS 

[TO ACCOMPANY H.R. 3043]

JULY 13, 2007.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 

the State of the Union and ordered to be printed 


E:\Seals\Congress.#13
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, 

AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008 

36–627 

110TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session 110–231 

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN 

SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES 

APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2008 

JULY 13, 2007.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. OBEY, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

MINORITY AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 3043] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (except the 

Food and Drug Administration, the Agency for Toxic Substances 

and Disease Registry and the Indian Health Service), and Education, Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, Corporation for National and Community Service, 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Medicare Payment 

Advisory Commission, National Council on Disability, National 

Labor Relations Board, National Mediation Board, Occupational 

Safety and Health Review Commission, Railroad Retirement 

Board, and the Social Security Administration for the fiscal year 

ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 

INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Summary of Estimates and Appropriations ............................................. ........ 3 

General Summary of the Bill .................................................................... ........ 3 

Administration-Directed Spending ........................................................... ........ 4 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
2 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Crosscutting Initiatives ............................................................................. ........ 6 

Title I—Department of Labor: 

Employment and Training Administration ....................................... 2 34 

Employee Benefits Security Administration ..................................... 12 45 

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ............................................. 12 46 

Employment Standards Administration ........................................... 13 47 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration ............................. 19 51 

Mine Safety and Health Administration ........................................... 23 54 

Bureau of Labor Statistics ................................................................. 24 55 

Office of Disability Employment Policy ............................................. 25 56 

Departmental Management ............................................................... 25 56 

Veterans Employment and Training .......................................... 27 61 

Office of the Inspector General ................................................... 28 61 

General provisions .............................................................................. 28 62 

Title II—Department of Health and Human Services: 

Health Resources and Services Administration ............................... 33 63 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .................................... 38 96 

National Institutes of Health ............................................................. 41 125 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ...... 48 174 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ................................... 50 183 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .................................... 50 185 

Administration for Children and Families ........................................ 54 189 

Administration on Aging .................................................................... 62 204 

Office of the Secretary ........................................................................ 62 208 

Office of the Inspector General ................................................... 64 214 

Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund ....................... 65 215 

General provisions .............................................................................. 67 219 

Title III—Department of Education: 

Education for the Disadvantaged ...................................................... 77 221 

Impact Aid ........................................................................................... 78 228 

School Improvement Programs .......................................................... 79 229 

Indian Education ................................................................................. 81 234 

Innovation and Improvement ............................................................. 81 235 

Safe Schools and Citizenship Education ........................................... 83 244 

English Language Acquisition ........................................................... 84 247 

Special Education ................................................................................ 84 248 

Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research .............................. 85 250 

Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities ........................... 86 253 

Career and Technical Education and Adult Education ................... 86 254 

Student Financial Assistance ............................................................. 89 257 

Student Aid Administration ............................................................... 89 259 

Higher Education ................................................................................ 90 259 

Howard University .............................................................................. 91 270 

College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans .............................. 91 270 

Historically Black College and University Capital Financing ........ 91 270 

Institute of Education Sciences .......................................................... 92 271 

Departmental Management ............................................................... 92 274 

Office for Civil Rights ......................................................................... 92 275 

Office of the Inspector General .......................................................... 93 275 

General provisions .............................................................................. 93 275 

Title IV—Related agencies: 

Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely 

Disabled ............................................................................................ 97 276 

Corporation for National and Community Service ........................... 97 276 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting ................................................. 103 279 

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service ..................................... 104 280 

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission ..................... 106 280 

Institute of Museum and Library Services ....................................... 106 280 

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission ......................................... 106 282 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
3 

Page number 

Bill Report 

National Commission on Libraries and Information Science .......... ........ 283 

National Council on Disability ........................................................... 107 283 

National Labor Relations Board ........................................................ 107 283 

National Mediation Board .................................................................. 108 284 

Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission ..................... 108 284 

Railroad Retirement Board ................................................................ 108 284 

Social Security Administration .......................................................... 110 285 

Title V—General Provisions: 

House of Representatives Report Requirements .............................. ........ 289 

SUMMARY OF ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS

The following table compares on a summary basis the appropriations including trust funds for fiscal year 2007, the budget request 

for fiscal year 2008 and the Committee recommendation for fiscal 

year 2008 in the accompanying bill. 

2008 LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS BILL 

[In millions of dollars] 

Fiscal year— 2008 committee compared 

to— 

2007 

comparable 2008 budget 2008 committee 2007 

comparable 2008 budget 

Department of Labor ............................................. $14,691 $13,942 $14,891 +$200 +$949 

Advances ...................................................... 2,531 2,525 2,525 ¥6 0 

Department of Health and Human Services ........ 422,185 472,056 477,406 +55,221 +5,350 

Advances ...................................................... 69,456 71,457 71,457 +2,001 0 

Department of Education ...................................... 60,310 59,099 62,971 +2,661 +3,872 

Advances ...................................................... 15,034 15,034 17,004 +1,970 +1,970 

Related Agencies .................................................. 48,774 52,492 52,659 +3,885 +167 

Advances ...................................................... 17,210 14,800 15,220 ¥1,990 +420 

Grand Total, current year ..................................... 545,960 597,589 607,927 +61,967 +10,338 

Advances ...................................................... 104,231 103,816 106,206 +1,975 +2,390 

Current year total using 302(b) scorekeeping ..... 545,834 596,394 607,428 +61,594 +11,034 

Mandatory .................................................... 401,224 455,478 455,680 +54,456 +202 

Discretionary ................................................ 144,610 140,916 151,748 +7,138 +10,832 

PROGRAM LEVEL DISCRETIONARY 

[In millions of dollars] 

Fiscal year— 2008 committee compared to— 

2007 comparable 2008 budget 2008 

committee 2007 comparable 2008 budget 

Department of Labor ............................................. $11,686 $10,964 $11,913 +$227 +$949 

Department of Health and Human Services ........ 64,054 63,195 68,344 +4,290 +5,149 

Department of Education ...................................... 57,473 56,225 62,068 +4,595 +5,843 

Related Agencies .................................................. 11,522 11,326 11,913 +391 +587 

Subtotal Program Level ............................... $144,735 $141,710 $154,238 +$9,503 +$12,528 

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE BILL

Funding levels in the fiscal year 2008 appropriation bill for the 

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and 

Related Agencies reflect the Committee’s efforts to understand the 

challenges that the nation faces over the next ten years and what 

the nation must do to address them. While reducing the Federal 

deficit is a worthy goal, the nation has a number of other deficits 

that are equally important—deficits in worker development, safety 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
4 

and protection; deficits in health access, affordability and quality; 

and deficits in educational access and opportunity. In this bill, the 

Committee makes crucial investments in priority programs that 

will help to begin the process of erasing these deficits over the next 

several years. 

Bill total.—Total funding, including offsets, for the Departments 

of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related 

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 is $607,428,474,000. 

Discretionary programs.—For Discretionary accounts for fiscal year 2008 the bill provides $151,748,000,000, including offsets. This 

is $7,137,515,000 and 4.9 percent above the fiscal year 2007 comparable level. 

Mandatory programs.—The bill provides $455,680,474,000 for en- titlement programs in fiscal year 2008. This is $54,456,359,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 comparable level. Funding requirements 

for entitlement programs are determined by the basic authorizing 

statutes. Mandatory programs include general fund support for the 

Medicare and Medicaid programs, Supplemental Security Income, 

Trade Adjustment Assistance and Black Lung payments. The following chart indicates the funding levels for the major mandatory 

programs in fiscal years 2007 and 2008. 

MANDATORY 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Program Fiscal year 2007 Fiscal year 2008 Change 

Department of Labor: 

Federal Unemployment Benefits and Allowances ........... $837,600 $888,700 +$51,100 

Advances to the UI and other trust funds ..................... 465,000 437,000 ¥28,000 

Special Benefits .............................................................. 227,000 203,000 ¥24,000 

Special Benefits for Disabled Coal Miners .................... 229,373 208,221 ¥21,152 

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation 

Fund ............................................................................ 102,307 104,745 +2,438 

Black Lung Disability Trust Fund ................................... 1,069,546 1,068,000 ¥1,546 

Department of Health and Human Services: 

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund ....................... 55,871 57,547 +1,676 

Medicaid current law benefits ........................................ 155,467,869 194,109,000 +38,641,131 

Medicaid State and local administration ....................... 9,881,583 10,014,716 +133,133 

CMS Vaccines for Children ............................................. 2,905,330 2,763,957 ¥141,373 

Medicare Payments to Healthcare Trust Funds ............. 176,298,480 188,828,000 +12,529,520 

Welfare Payments ........................................................... 39,000 39,000 0 

Child Support Enforcement ............................................. 4,424,678 3,910,713 ¥513,965 

Social Services Block Grant ............................................ 1,700,000 1,700,000 0 

Promoting Safe and Stable Families .............................. 345,000 345,000 0 

Payments to States for Foster Care and Adoption ........ 4,912,000 5,082,000 +170,000 

Medical Benefits for Commissioned Officers ................. 370,698 402,542 +31,844 

Department of Education: 

Vocational Rehabilitation ................................................ 2,837,160 2,837,160 0 

Related Agencies: 

Federal Payments to the Railroad Retirement Account 150 150 0 

Payments to Social Security Trust Funds ....................... 20,470 28,140 +7,670 

Supplemental Security Income ....................................... 37,231,000 40,738,000 +3,507,000 

ADMINISTRATION-DIRECTED SPENDING

Directed spending.—The Committee notes that Congress has 

made significant reforms in the way it reviews funding for the Federal government; reforms which the Committee takes very seriously as it executes its constitutional authority. For example, the 

Committee has committed to reducing the number of earmarks in 

order to ensure that these projects are adequately vetted and evalVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
5 

uated. Nonetheless, earmarking or directed spending of Federal 

dollars does not begin with Congress. It begins with the Executive 

Branch. 

For example, the Administration’s own fiscal year 2008 request 

for this bill includes a number of requests to earmark funds to certain organizations. These earmark requests include: $10,000,000 

for Reach Out and Read; $10,000,000 for Teach for America; 

$8,900,000 for the Points of Light Foundation; $4,450,000 for 

America’s Promise; $1,774,000 for the Mind-Body Institute; and, $1,429,000 for the YMCA of America. 

The Executive Branch also engages in another practice which 

steers or directs money to specific entities or purposes through a 

process of providing grants or contracts to support various activities and services. The practice of contracting has increased significantly in the past five years. For example, Department of Health 

and Human Services contract obligations have more than doubled 

from $4,970,200,000 in fiscal year 2001 to $13,199,400,000 in fiscal 

year 2006. The number of contract employees at HHS exceeds 

32,000, about half the number of civil service employees. A significant share of these contracts was awarded on a non-competitive 

basis. In fiscal year 2006 alone, HHS awarded nearly 21,000 contracts worth $1,954,600,000 with less than full and open competition. In contrast, this bill is expected to limit Congressionally-directed earmarks by Members of the House of Representatives to 

approximately one quarter of that amount. 

The Committee also notes recent audits and reports that have revealed egregious, potentially extralegal activities, which were 

aimed at steering funding to specific individuals and entities 

through non-competitive grants and contracts. 

For example, between September 2006 and March 2007, the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG) completed 

one of its most exhaustive investigations, which resulted in six separate audits of the reading first program. These audits documented 

efforts by the Department of Education to steer billions in reading 

first funds for the purchase of certain reading textbooks and assessments in order to benefit favored publishers and individuals. 

In September 2006, the Department of Education OIG found that 

the Department’s program officials strongarmed States and school 

districts until they selected the reading textbooks and assessments 

favored by Administration officials. (Office of Inspector General, 

U.S. Department of Education, Final Inspection Report, The Reading First Program’s Grant Application Process (2006)). After further investigation of reading first, the OIG found that Department 

of Education administrators improperly promoted commercial reading programs in potential violation of Federal law (Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Final Inspection Report, The Department’s Administration of Selected Aspects of the 

Reading First Program (2007)). For example, the Madison School 

District in Wisconsin had substantial data demonstrating that its 

students were learning at the rate that reading first was aiming 

for. Nonetheless, the district lost its $2,000,000 reading first grant 

when the district would not purchase the unproven commercial 

reading program promoted by the Department of Education’s contractors. Across the country, including in Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine and New Jersey, States and districts with proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
6 

grams that were not on the Department’s preferential list were either rejected for grants or pressured to change their methods even 

though some argued, as did Wisconsin, that their programs met the 

law’s standard. This is the type of pressure that the OIG found to 

be in potential violation of Federal law. 

Finally, the OIG found significant bias and conflicts of interest 

on the part of contractors and their subcontractors who were hired 

to provide unbiased technical assistance to States and school districts, potentially in violation of Federal law (Office of Inspector 

General, U.S. Department of Education, Final Inspection Report, 

RMC Research Corporation’s Administration of Reading First Program Contracts (2007)). 

Recently, ABC News reported that, after receiving millions of 

dollars in reading first contracts, one publisher with political connections to the Administration sold his company—once valued at 

$5,000,000—for $360,000,000. (ABC World News With Charles Gibson (May 2007)). Some of these same publishers and individuals 

continue to reap financial gains under reading first because the Administration has failed to address ongoing conflicts of interest. 

The seriousness of the OIG’s findings is underscored by reports 

that the OIG has made criminal referrals to the Justice Department as a result of these investigations. 

At the same time that the Department of Education was promoting certain reading products that lacked evidence of their validity, reading programs such as Reading Recovery and Success for 

All with strong evidence of effectiveness, according to the Department’s own what works clearinghouse, were virtually shut out of 

reading first. In fact, Department of Education data show that 

schools without Reading first funds were more likely to use Reading Recovery and Success for All—proven approaches—than were 

schools receiving reading first grants. 

The Committee finds, however, that efforts to steer funding to favored entities are not limited to the Department of Education. Recently, the Congressional Research Service documented an unusually large number of sole source grants issued by the Employment 

and Training Administration within the Department of Labor, 

which resulted in 90 percent of discretionary funds for the High 

Growth Job Training Initiative being awarded on a non-competitive 

basis over a five-year period. 

Finally, the Committee notes that this bill contains more than $68,000,000,000 for discretionary grant programs under which all 

or a portion of the funds are allocated on a discretionary basis to 

grantees selected by the Administration. Altogether, the Administration steers or directs far greater spending to specific projects, individuals, and companies than is directed or earmarked by Congress. 

CROSSCUTTING INITIATIVES

The following section of the report highlights nine initiatives 

within the bill that target various needs of the American people—

access to different types of health care and public health preparedness, biomedical research to inform and improve that health care, 

education for kindergarteners through twelfth graders and postsecondary students, and training and protecting adult workers. A 

number of programs supported by the bill appear more than once 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
7 

in the initiatives, appropriately so because some of the programs 

have broad, multi-layered missions. For example, community 

health centers are an important source of primary care for the uninsured. They also provide dental care in many communities, as 

well as pre-natal care to mothers considering how to manage their 

pregnancy. All these programs stand on their own, but also participate in individual or multiple cross-cutting initiatives that serve 

those most in need. 

INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNINSURED

The Committee includes a $622,875,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 and $645,302,000 over the request for critical safety net 

health programs in order to respond to the nation’s healthcare crisis. 

Twenty years ago, fewer than 30 million Americans lacked 

health care insurance. Today, Census Bureau data show that there 

are approximately 46.6 million uninsured Americans. This means 

life-saving care is out of reach for almost 16 percent or one in six 

Americans. If current trends continue, the ranks of the uninsured 

will balloon to 56 million by 2013. 

To date, the Federal government has responded to the health insurance crisis by patching the frayed safety net of health programs, 

chiefly through Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). 

Nationally, 50 million Americans, including 24 million children, 

will be enrolled in Medicaid during fiscal year 2008. An average of 

4.4 million children were enrolled in the SCHIP program at a particular point in time last year. However, these programs do not 

generally cover adults without children or those with incomes 

above $20,420, which is 200 percent of the Federal poverty level for 

one person. In addition, 1.8 million eligible children are not yet enrolled in either Medicaid or SCHIP. 

The Committee first addressed the problem of the uninsured by 

funding State planning grants during fiscal years 2000 to 2005. 

States used these grants to collect data about the characteristics of 

the uninsured within their State and to develop proposals to offer 

affordable health insurance coverage. 

Planning grants were the genesis of some of the comprehensive 

programs States like Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and California are now putting in place. These programs rely on a mix of 

State, Federal, participant, and provider/insurer contributions. 

Other States were not able, for fiscal or political reasons, to move 

beyond initial planning activities but are now ready to undertake 

more serious health system reform efforts. 

The Committee believes that now is the time to build on the earlier State planning grants program to help States make further advances in covering uninsured Americans. Due to the considerable 

differences in the share of the population that has access to employer-based health insurance, the share covered by government 

benefit programs, and the geographic distribution of health care 

providers, these new State grants will be able to target programs 

in a way that is specific to their particular needs. 

State health access grants.—The Committee bill provides 

$75,000,000 for a State health access initiative to be administered 

by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Grants 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
8 

would be awarded competitively to States that demonstrate they 

have a program design ready to implement and that they have 

achieved the necessary State and local statutory or regulatory 

changes to permit their project to move forward. The types of activities that could be supported through the Federal grant include 

‘‘three share’’ community coverage (State/Federal, employer and 

beneficiary), reinsurance plans, subsidized high risk insurance 

pools, health insurance premium assistance, creation of a state insurance ‘‘connector’’ authority to develop benefit packages for small 

employers, development of statewide or automated enrollment systems for public assistance programs and innovative strategies to insure low-income childless adults. 

State high risk insurance pools.—The Committee provides funding for a second important health care access program—

$50,000,000 to support State high risk insurance pools. This program was not funded in fiscal year 2007. The Administration did 

not request funding for fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee feels it is important to provide a Federal contribution to this health care safety net program. 33 States currently operate high-risk pools that act as the health insurers of last 

resort for almost 200,000 individuals who have lost or are ineligible 

for group insurance coverage, and who are medically high-risk and 

unable to purchase individual health insurance in the commercial 

market. The program also produces the side benefit of reducing 

costs for insured people by providing coverage to individuals who 

would otherwise be uninsured and very costly to care for—thus reducing the cost-shifting that results in higher premiums to those 

with coverage. High-risk pools are a successful public/private partnership. All risk pool participants pay a monthly premium, capped 

at 125 to 200 percent of the average market premium. Insurers and 

health care providers support the program through assessments, 

and some States contribute to their pools. Federal funding allows 

States with high risk pools to reduce premiums charged to participants and to improve benefits. 

The Committee has also tried to deal with the problem of the uninsured by expanding existing safety net programs that provide 

health care to uninsured and disadvantaged populations: 

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNINSURED INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/Program Fiscal Year 2008 

Committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal Year 2007 2008 Budget 

Department of Health and Human Services ............................ 6,423,769 +602,875 +625,302 

Health Resources and Services Administration: 

State Health Access Grants .................................... 75,000 +75,000 +75,000 

State High Risk Insurance Pools ............................ 50,000 +50,000 +50,000 

Community Health Centers ..................................... 2,188,000 +199,961 +199,533 

Ryan White AIDS Programs ..................................... 2,237,086 +99,291 +79,174 

Maternal & Child Health Block Grant .................... 750,000 +57,000 +57,000 

Healthy Start ........................................................... 120,000 +18,482 +19,497 

Family Planning ...................................................... 310,910 +27,764 +27,807 

National Health Service Corps ................................ 131,500 +5,827 +15,541 

CDC Childhood Immunization ................................. 516,273 +58,750 +91,150 

Medicare SHIP Programs ........................................ 45,000 +10,800 +10,600 

Department of Labor ................................................................. 20,000 +20,000 +20,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
9 

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNINSURED INITIATIVE—Continued 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/Program Fiscal Year 2008 

Committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal Year 2007 2008 Budget 

Gap Filler Grants for TAA Health Coverage Tax Credit 1 20,000 +20,000 +20,000 

Total .......................................................................................... 6,443,769 +622,875 +645,302 

1 Funding for these grants comes from H1B fee revenues under the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act. 

Community health centers.—A $199,961,000 or 10.1 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for community health centers (CHCs). CHCs now provide primary and dental care for over 

16 million patients, 75 percent of whom are either uninsured or on 

Medicaid. This increase will expand services to an additional one 

million patients in the neediest and most underserved areas, providing a critical point of primary care for many uninsured Americans. 

Ryan White AIDS Act.—A $99,291,000 or 4.7 percent increase 

over the fiscal year 2007 level is provided for the Ryan White AIDS 

programs. The Committee provides the maximum authorized level 

for the Ryan White Act. These programs provide vital health services to over 500,000 people with HIV or AIDS, including medications, primary care, dental services, mental health care, home 

health care and health insurance continuation grants. 

Maternal and child health (MCH) block grant.—A $57,000,000 or 

8.2 percent increase over the fiscal year 2007 level is provided for 

the maternal and child health block grant. States use the block 

grant to improve access to care for mothers, children, and their 

families; reduce infant mortality; provide pre- and post-natal care; 

support screening and health assessments for children; and provide 

systems of care for children with special health care needs. Approximately 28 million children are served by MCH block grant 

funding. 

Healthy start.—A $18,482,000 or 18.2 percent increase over the 

fiscal year 2007 level is provided for the Healthy Start program. 

Healthy Start provides discretionary grants to communities with 

high rates of infant mortality to provide ongoing sources of primary 

and preventive health care to mothers and their infants. The increase provided will support almost 20 new grants to communities. 

Healthy Start is a significant source of health care for uninsured 

mothers who have extensive need for the costly medical care associated with their pregnancies. 

Family planning.—A $27,764,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 

is recommended for the family planning program. The program 

provides grants to public and private non-profit agencies to support 

a range of family planning and reproductive services, as well as related preventive health services such as patient education and 

counseling, breast and cervical cancer examinations, STD and HIV 

prevention education, counseling and testing and referral, and 

pregnancy diagnosis and counseling. More than five million people 

receive services from Title X each year. 

National health service corps.—A $5,827,000 or 4.6 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the national health 

service corps (NHSC). The NHSC supports 4,600 clinicians across 

the country who provide medical and dental services to four million 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
10 

people in low-income and underserved communities. NHSC clinicians provide services in underserved areas as repayment for loan 

repayments or scholarships. 

CDC childhood immunization.—A $58,750,000 or 13 percent increase above the fiscal year 2007 level is provided for the discretionary CDC immunization program, which provides vaccines to 

children, adolescents, and adults who are not eligible for the vaccines for children mandatory program and cannot otherwise afford 

the cost of immunization. In 1999, 747,000 children were fully vaccinated through this program. However, by 2006, only an estimated 

279,000 children were served—a 63 percent reduction. The resources provided in the bill will enable an additional 42,000 children and adults to receive recommended vaccinations. The Committee intends this to be an initial step toward restoring services 

under this important safety net program. 

Medicare SHIP program.—An $10,800,000 or 32 percent increase 

above the fiscal year 2007 funding level is provided for the State 

Health Insurance program (SHIP). The program operates in every 

State to provide health insurance counseling to help the 45 million 

Medicare beneficiaries understand and utilize their Medicare benefits, including Medicare preventive benefits. 

TAA health coverage tax credit.—The bill provides that 

$20,000,000 of funds available to the Department of Labor under 

the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 

1998 may be used for ‘‘gap filler’’ grants to help more trade-impacted workers take advantage of the Health Coverage Tax Credit. 

Various studies show that as few as 10–12 percent of Trade Assistance Act participants currently take advantage of the Health Coverage Tax Credit that was authorized by the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002. 

IMPROVING ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE

The Committee bill includes a $264,288,000 or 9.0 percent increase over the fiscal year 2007 level for several programs and new 

initiatives to expand urgently needed dental health services. The 

increase over the Administration’s request is $367,280,000. 

Oral disease is a ‘‘silent epidemic’’ impacting the most vulnerable 

Americans—poor children, the elderly, and many members of racial 

and ethnic minorities. Lack of dental care is not a minor problem. 

Children have died because of infections brought on by the absence 

of dental services. 

More Americans are without dental insurance than health insurance. For every child without health insurance there are at least 

2.6 children without dental insurance. For adults, there are at least 

three lacking dental insurance for every one without medical coverage. 

Since oral health is progressive and becomes more complex over 

time, a prolonged lack of dental care can threaten an individual’s 

overall health status. 

This bill expands critical dental services to these underserved 

populations and takes a first step toward alleviating the crisis in 

dental health. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
11 

DENTAL CARE INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/Program Fiscal Year 2008 

Committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal Year 2007 2008 Budget 

Health Resources and Services Administration: 

Community Health Centers .............................................. 2,188,000 +199,961 +199,533 

Maternal and Child Health Block Grant .......................... 750,000 +57,000 +57,000 

Pediatric Dentistry Leadership Training Programs 

[nonadd] ............................................................. 610 0 0 

Oral Health Service Grants [nonadd] ..................... 12,000 +7,000 +7000 

National Health Service Corps ......................................... 131,500 +5,827 +15,541 

Ryan White AIDS Programs AIDS Dental Services ........... 13,086 0 0 

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students ...................... 46,657 0 +36,924 

Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry ........... 48,851 0 +48,851 

Public health, preventive med. & dental pgms .............. 7,920 0 +7,920 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

Oral Health ....................................................................... 13,140 +1,500 +1,511 

Total ................................................................................. 3,199,154 +264,288 +367,280 

Community health centers.—A $199,961,000 or 10.1 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for community health centers (CHCs), which provide access to high quality, family oriented 

care for at-risk, low-income Americans. In calendar year 2005, 17 

percent of all CHC patients were receiving dental services and 73 

percent of all CHCs offered on-site dental services. All new CHCs 

are required to provide primary oral health care services in order 

to expand access to low-income individuals. The funding increase 

for the program will also permit existing centers to initiate or expand dental services. 

Maternal and child health block grant.—A $57,000,000 or 8.2 

percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the maternal 

and child health (MCH) block grant. Within the MCH special 

projects demonstration authority, $12,000,000 is provided for up to 

25 competitive State grants to help expand access to oral health 

services. These grants can be used to: encourage more dentists to 

practice in shortage areas through existing mechanisms or new 

demonstrations of loan forgiveness and repayment; provide grants 

to establish or expand oral health services in community-based facilities; expand dental residency programs; integrate oral health 

services into the medical home concept for children with special 

health care needs; and provide grants to ensure low-income pregnant women and women of child-bearing age have access to appropriate oral health services. The block grant also provides approximately $1,000,000 for pediatric dentistry leadership training programs. These programs fund a variety of oral health grants that 

support the infrastructure of State and local oral health programs 

and facilitate training in general pediatric dentistry to serve the 

population served by the maternal and child health block grant. 

National health service corps.—A $5,827,000 or 4.6 percent increase is provided for the national health service corps (NHSC). 

The Corps provides physicians, dentists, nurses and other clinicians who serve in health professional shortage areas in every 

State. The NHSC provides access to primary care and dental services for underserved populations who are not able to get care because of the costs of services, the small share of clinicians who pursue primary care or dentistry, and the geographic misdistribution 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
12 

of health professionals. More than 10 percent of the current 4,600 

NHSC assignees are dentists. 

AIDS dental services.—$13,086,000 is provided for AIDS dental 

services. The program includes two components: the dental reimbursement program, which reimburses dental education programs 

for non-reimbursed costs incurred in providing care to AIDS patients; and the community-based dental partnership, which increases access for AIDS patients to oral health services and provider training in community settings. This program provides dental 

services to 31,000 HIV positive patients. 

Scholarships for disadvantaged students.—$46,657,000 is provided for the scholarships for disadvantaged students program, the 

same as fiscal year 2007 and a $36,924,000 increase over the President’s request. This program includes scholarships to disadvantaged dental and dental hygiene students. In 2006, 653 dental students and 110 dental hygiene students received scholarships. 

Training in primary care medicine and dentistry.—$48,851,000 is 

provided for training in primary care medicine and dentistry, 

which includes both general dentistry programs and pediatric dentistry programs. The Administration’s request did not include funding for this program. 

Public health, preventive medicine and dental programs.—

$7,920,000 is provided for the public health, preventive medicine 

and dental programs. The President did not request funding for 

this program. The dental public health programs support the education and training of the public health workforce, with an emphasis on placing public health dentists in medically underserved 

areas. These programs support students with traineeships and fellowships in programs that have demonstrated they serve underrepresented minorities and those entering practice in underserved 

areas. 

Oral health.—A $1,500,000 or 13 percent increase over the fiscal 

year 2007 level is provided for the oral health program within the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The oral health program supports leadership and staff of State oral health programs 

in monitoring, improving, and evaluating oral health programs. 

The CDC works with all States to develop programs to reach children at high risk for oral disease, to expand the fluoridation of 

community water systems, and to track oral diseases. In addition 

to these activities, the CDC also provides funds to States to support 

their oral health programs. 

ADVANCING BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

The knowledge foundation that underlies the treatments provided by virtually every doctor in the nation is the result of advances in biomedical research conducted in large part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In fiscal year 1999, Congress 

made a commitment to double the NIH budget over five years in 

order to capitalize on scientific advances so that they could be 

translated into treatment and cures for debilitating diseases like 

Parkinson’s, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. This investment has 

helped NIH to lead the way toward important medical discoveries 

that improve people’s health and save lives. For example, the first 

map of the human genome has been completed, much more is 

known about the links between genetics, molecular processes and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
13 

diseases, and new techniques have been developed in biomedical 

imaging. 

Since the completion of the doubling period, however, Congress 

has reversed direction. The NIH enterprise has languished with inadequate budget increases since fiscal year 2003, and even received 

a funding cut in fiscal year 2006, the first cut in 36 years. As a 

result of shrinking resources in real terms, young researchers 

drawn to the field during the expansion and even their senior mentors are now seeing their research applications being rejected. Universities who have made investments in their research enterprise 

now wonder if they took on a bad risk. 

The Committee has made the difficult choices necessary to pro- vide a $750,000,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 for NIH. This 

level is $1,028,646,000, over the President’s request and the largest 

increase in four years. The Committee hopes to put NIH on a path 

of stable, sustainable funding rather than the feast or famine approach of the last decade. 

The sizeable investment the Committee makes in biomedical research for fiscal year 2008 will accomplish a number of important 

goals. First, it will increase the number of new and competing research grants by approximately 545 new grants over last year for 

a total of 10,666. Total new and continuing grants will rise to 

39,003. The Committee also funds a two percent increase in the average cost of new research grants, which has been frozen for two 

years. 

In addition, the Committee reaffirms its strong support for the 

National Children’s Study by providing $110,900,000 for this critical investment for which the Administration proposed no funds. 

The study will examine important health issues, including: birth 

defects and pregnancy-related problems, injuries, asthma, obesity 

and diabetes, and behavior, learning, and mental health disorders. 

By establishing links between children’s environments and their 

health, and charting their development through infancy, childhood, 

and early adulthood, the study hopes to determine the root causes 

of many childhood and adult diseases. The Committee also provides 

$300,000,000 for the global fund for AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Consistent with the new NIH authorization, the bill provides $495,153,000 for the Common Fund, which will be the incubator for the promising cross-disciplinary research of the future. 

The Committee believes the next generation of medical advances 

will depend, in part, on the next generation of new researchers. 

The bill continues funding for several initiatives—Bridge awards, 

New Innovator awards, and Pathways to Independence—to ensure 

that new, talented researchers in the pipeline are sustained and 

supported. The Committee also provides an average two percent increase for research training stipends, which have been frozen since 

2004. Support for high-risk, high reward research will be maintained through Pioneer awards. In addition, the bill increases funding for NIH’s research infrastructure to ensure adequate facilities 

for NIH-supported scientists. 

REDUCING THE NEED FOR ABORTIONS

The Committee bill includes a $647,021,000, increase over the 

fiscal year 2007 level, and $1,374,882,000 over the request, for several programs and new initiatives that are intended to help reduce 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
14 

the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic 

pressures and other real life conditions that can sometimes cause 

women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. 

Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and of these four in ten end in abortion. Women living 

below the federal poverty level are more than four times more likely to have an abortion than those with incomes above 300 percent 

of the federal poverty level. 

Over the last several years, Federal investments aimed at preventing unintended pregnancies and providing critical health and 

social support services that can help vulnerable women and families overcome economic pressures and other life challenges have 

been significantly curtailed. This bill provides a first installment 

toward restoring and expanding prevention and support services to 

address this important issue. 

REDUCING THE NEED FOR ABORTIONS INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/Program Fiscal Year 2008 

Committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal Year 2007 2008 Budget 

Department of Labor ................................................................. 15,000 +15,000 +15,000 

Job Corps 1 ....................................................................... 5,000 +5,000 +5,000 

Young Parents Training Pilot Projects ............................. 10,000 +10,000 +10,000 

Department of Health and Human Services ............................ 13,569,700 +553,171 +1,246,382 

Community Health Centers .............................................. 2,188,000 +199,961 +199,533 

Maternal and Child Health Block Grant .......................... 750,000 +57,000 +57,000 

Increasing Public Awareness and Resources for 

Women Preparing for Birth [nonadd] ................. 15,000 +15,000 +15,000 

Healthy Start .................................................................... 120,000 +18,482 +19,497 

Family Planning ............................................................... 310,910 +27,764 +27,807 

CDC Teen Pregnancy Prevention Demos .......................... 10,000 +10,000 +10,000 

CDC National Survey of Family Growth ........................... 1,000 +200 +120 

Child Care Development Block Grant .............................. 2,137,081 +75,000 +75,000 

Head Start ........................................................................ 6,963,571 +75,000 +175,000 

Runaway and Homeless Youth ........................................ 97,837 +10,000 +10,000 

ACF Home Visits for Mothers ........................................... 10,000 +10,000 0 

ACF Infant Adoption Awareness ...................................... 14,674 +2,000 +2,000 

Community Services Block Grant .................................... 660,425 +30,000 +660,425 

Domestic Violence Program ............................................. 134,731 +10,000 +10,000 

Abstinence Education ...................................................... 141,164 +27,764 0 

Adolescent Family Life (Title XX) ..................................... 30,307 0 0 

Department of Education .......................................................... 129,310 +78,850 +113,500 

21st Century After-School Centers 2 ................................ 50,000 +50,000 +50,000 

Elementary and Secondary School Counselors ................ 61,500 +26,850 +61,500 

Child Care Access for Student Parents ........................... 17,810 +2,000 +2,000 

Total ........................................................................ 13,714,010 +647,021 +1,374,882 

1 This $5,000,000 is part of a larger $42.6 million increase provided by the Committee for the Job Corps. 

2 This $50,000,000 is part of a larger $125 million increase provided by the Committee for 21st Century After-School Centers. 

Job Corps child centers.—$5,000,000 is recommended for the development of new child care centers at Job Corps centers within 

the $42,621,000 or 2.7 percent increase over the comparable fiscal 

2007 level provided for Job Corps. The new child care centers will 

support single parent families and help recruit women into the program. The Job Corps program provides intensive occupational 

skills training, academic tutoring, and mentoring that can help 

young women achieve economic self-sufficiency, addressing the 

most often cited reason for women having abortions—the inability 

to financially support a child. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
15 

Young parents demonstration program.—A new $10,000,000 initiative is recommended for a young parents demonstration program 

in order to target educational and occupational skills training that 

fosters family economic self-sufficiency to young parents (both 

mothers and fathers) and expectant mothers ages 16 to 24. Projects 

funded under this new initiative will be encouraged to serve young 

parents in high-risk categories, including those under the jurisdiction of the justice system, in the child welfare or foster care system, 

homeless individuals, or victims of child abuse. 

Community health centers.—A $199,961,000 or 10.1 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for community health centers (CHCs), which are important sources of access to high quality, 

family oriented, and comprehensive primary and preventive health 

care for at risk, low-income patients. In fiscal year 2005, 59 percent 

of the patients served by CHCs were female and 25 percent were 

children under 12 years of age. These additional resources will help 

centers serve additional pregnant women and mothers and expand 

the types of services for that population, such as ultrasound scans. 

Increasing public awareness of resources available to women preparing for birth.—A $57,000,000 or 8.2 percent increase over fiscal 

year 2007 is provided for the maternal and child health (MCH) 

block grant, of which $15,000,000 is provided for new competitive 

grants to States to increase public awareness of resources available 

to women and new parents preparing for childbirth through advertising campaigns and toll-free hotlines. The remainder of MCH 

block grant resources will provide assistance to States to: assure 

access to care, especially for those with low incomes or limited 

availability of care; reduce infant mortality; provide and ensure access to comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care to women; and, 

provide preventive and treatment services for children, especially 

children with special health care needs. 

Healthy start.—A $18,482,000 or 18.2 percent increase over fiscal 

year 2007 is provided for Healthy Start, which provides discretionary grants to communities with high rates of infant mortality 

to provide ongoing sources of primary and preventive health care 

to mothers and their infants. The increase provided will support 

approximately 20 new grants to communities. The availability of 

services through the Healthy Start program, including the counseling and home visits, encourages young women to follow through 

with their pregnancies and avoid the choices sometimes made in 

the absence of supportive services. 

Family planning.—A $27,764,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 

is recommended for the family planning program. This increase 

will allow clinics to serve an additional 98,000 clients, expand access to contraceptive services that prevent pregnancy, and offer related preventive health services. The $27,764,000 increase for family planning is identical to that recommended for the communitybased abstinence education program. The funds provided are expected to prevent more than one million unintended pregnancies. 

Teen pregnancy prevention demonstration grants.—A new 

$10,000,000 initiative is recommended within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for grants to support factually and 

medically accurate, complete, and age-appropriate approaches to 

preventing teen pregnancies, including information about both abstinence and contraception, and dissemination of science-based 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
16 

tools and strategies to prevent HIV, STD, and teen pregnancy. The 

Secretary of Health and Human Services shall require each applicant for financial assistance under this program to certify that all 

materials proposed in the application and funded during the project 

period of the grant are medically accurate. The Secretary of Health 

and Human Services shall require a panel of medical experts to review all grant applications and assess whether the materials proposed are medically accurate. These demonstration projects shall 

be evaluated based on their success in reducing the rate of teen 

pregnancies in their respective communities. 

National survey of family growth.—$1,000,000 is provided for the National Survey of Family Growth, within the $10,979,000 or 10.1 

percent increase over fiscal year 2007 that is provided for national 

health statistics within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects statistical data that informs public health 

interventions and policies. These funds will improve the timeliness 

and reliability of the National Survey of Family Growth, which collects national data on pregnancy and birth rates and information 

on the characteristics of women who choose to end their pregnancies and their reasons for choosing abortion. 

Child care development block grant.—A $75,000,000 or 3.6 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is included for the child care development block grant, which provides support to States to assist 

low-income families who are working or receiving education or 

training. This increase will expand Federally funded quality child 

care to vulnerable families, making it easier for them to raise their 

children. Approximately 13,000 additional children and their families will be served in fiscal year 2008. 

Head start.—A $75,000,000 or 1.1 percent increase over fiscal year 2007, and a $175,000,000 or 2.6 percent increase over the 

President’s request, is provided for Head Start, which supports 

comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, social, and other 

child development services to low-income children and families. 

This increase will ensure that vulnerable parents gain access to 

high quality preschool services for their children. 

Runaway and homeless youth.—A $10,000,000 or 11.4 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the runaway and homeless youth activities. These funds will support programs that provide homeless youth a safe environment while teaching them essential life-skills and connecting them to education and workforce 

assistance, as well as other support. The increased funding will 

also allow the program to provide expanded services to pregnant 

women and young parents. 

Home visitation initiative.—A new $10,000,000 home visitation 

initiative for mothers is included under the child abuse discretionary program. These funds will be used for evidence-based home 

visitation projects designed to help mothers improve prenatal 

health, teach them to become better parents, and improve their 

quality of life by assisting them with education services and employment opportunities. Research has shown that home visitation 

can reduce incidents of child abuse and neglect and improve other 

important outcomes for mothers and their children. 

Infant adoption awareness.—A $2,000,000 or 15.8 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the infant adoption 

awareness program. This increase will expand training activities 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
17 

for adoption agency staff, resulting in enhanced information to, and 

counseling of, young pregnant women about adoption, as well as 

expanded referrals to adoption agencies. Funds will also be used to 

develop best practice guidelines in adoption counseling. 

Community services block grant.—A $30,000,000 or 4.8 percent 

increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the community services block grant, which provides housing, child care, job training 

and job placement, home weatherization, parenting education, 

adult literacy classes, domestic violence prevention, and emergency 

food assistance in over 1,000 counties across the country. The increase will enable States to expand these critical services that help 

struggling, low-income families raise their children. 

Domestic violence prevention services program.—A $10,000,000 or 

8.0 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is included for the domestic violence program, which provides immediate shelter and related 

assistance for victims of family violence and their children. It also 

supports prevention and intervention services for families in abusive situations that include shelter, counseling, self-help, and substance-abuse referral. Four million women experience a serious violent assault by their partner in an average year and for 30 percent 

of these women that abuse begins during pregnancy. The recommended $10,000,000 increase will permit States to expand domestic violence prevention services to more at-risk women. 

Community-based abstinence education.—A $27,764,000 increase 

over fiscal year 2007 is included for the community-based abstinence education program, which provides support for the development and implementation of community-based abstinence-untilmarriage education programs. The $27,764,000 increase for the 

community-based abstinence education program is identical to that 

recommended for the family planning program. 

Adolescent family life.—$30,307,000 is included for the adolescent 

family life program, the same amount as fiscal year 2007. This program supports projects that provide integrated health, education, 

family, and social services (including life and career planning, education, job training, safe housing, and home visitation services) to 

pregnant women and mothers. It also supports demonstration 

projects that encourage students between the ages of 9 and 14 to 

postpone sexual activity until marriage. These funds will serve approximately 92,000 teenagers and their families in fiscal year 2008. 

After-school centers.—A $50,000,000 increase over fiscal year 

2007 is provided for the 21st century after-school centers program 

to serve middle and high school students, as part of a total 

$125,000,000 increase in the bill for after-school centers. The afterschool program offers extended learning opportunities before and 

after school for children, particularly in communities with a high 

percentage of low-income families. The additional resources will 

help serve an additional 65,000 teenagers who are unsupervised in 

the after school hours. A recent study found that youth who do not 

spend time in structured activities are 37 percent more likely to become teen parents than those enrolled in after-school programs. 

The recommended increase will expand after-school services to middle and high school girls who are at risk of unintended pregnancies 

and help working families obtain affordable after school child care. 

School counseling services.—A $26,850,000 or 77.5 percent increase above the fiscal year 2007 level is provided for the elemenVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
18 

tary and secondary education school counseling program. These 

funds enable school districts to hire academic counselors, psychologists, and social workers. The additional resources will be targeted 

to improving and expanding academic and mental health counseling to middle- and high-school adolescents. These counselors are 

trained to provide critical prevention and early identification and 

intervention services. They also work in close collaboration with 

mental health providers in the community to ensure students and 

their families receive appropriate care. 

Child care for college parents.—A $2,000,000 or 12.7 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is included for the child care access 

means parents in school program, which helps low-income parents 

who qualify for Pell grants attend college by supporting campusbased child care services. This increase will expand the number of 

low-income parents receiving convenient and high quality child 

care services, enhancing their ability to earn a college degree and, 

ultimately, achieve economic self-sufficiency for themselves and 

their children. 

PREPARING FOR A PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

The Committee includes $1,146,172,000 for activities to prepare 

for and respond to an influenza pandemic. This amount is an increase of $1,041,336,000 over fiscal year 2007 and $5,000,000 over 

the request. In fiscal year 2006, the Committee included 

$5,637,000,000 in supplemental appropriations for pandemic influenza activities throughout the Department of Health and Human 

Services. The funding included in this bill fulfills the Administration’s original emergency request to begin protecting the United 

States against a potential pandemic. 

The Committee believes that the avian flu is a ticking time bomb 

with potentially devastating consequences for the country and the 

world. Leading scientists and public health researchers estimate 

that 90 million people in the United States could become ill, nearly 

10 million people could require hospitalization, and 1.9 million 

Americans could die if a pandemic flu similar to the 1918 pandemic 

occurs. Some scientists have estimated that the global death toll 

from a flu pandemic could reach 62 million people. 

In order to ensure sufficient and sustained resources to prepare 

and protect the United States and other countries in the event of 

an influenza pandemic, the Committee has included the following 

amounts: 

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/program Fiscal year 2008 

committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal year 2007 2008 Budget 

Department of Health and Human Services: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ................... 158,245 +88,245 0 

National Institutes of Health ........................................... 34,836 0 0 

Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund ....... 948,091 +948,091 0 

Covered Countermeasure Process Fund .......................... 5,000 +5,000 +5,000 

Total ........................................................................ 1,146,172 +1,041,336 +5,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
19 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).—An 

$88,245,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided so that CDC 

can take significant steps to help the nation prepare for a pandemic influenza. 

The pandemic influenza activities within CDC’s coordinating center for infectious diseases will be used to prepare the U.S. health 

and public health systems, including laboratories. Funds will be 

used to increase demand for influenza vaccine with the intention 

that by doing so, U.S. vaccine production capacity also will be stimulated; develop a repository of pandemic virus reference strains, 

which will improve laboratory capacity to analyze large quantities 

of viral samples to identify suitable vaccine candidates; and increase the stock of diagnostic reagents for influenza to improve 

rapid testing capacity. 

Within CDC’s coordinating center for health information and 

service, funds will be used to develop a vaccine registry to monitor 

vaccine use and distribution to ensure that vaccines and other 

countermeasures are administered appropriately and for real-time 

assessment and evaluation of influenza interventions to improve 

decision makers’ situational capabilities. 

To protect the U.S. population, it is imperative that CDC continue to improve its global outreach. Within the coordinating office 

for global health, funds will be used for rapid outbreak response for 

high-priority countries, which will allow CDC in-country teams to 

take swift and decisive action once a pandemic influenza strain is 

identified; enhance human-animal interface studies to analyze epidemiological studies of risk factors in high risk populations; and for 

international surveillance, diagnosis, and epidemic investigations. 

Additionally, funds are provided within CDC’s coordinating office 

of terrorism preparedness and emergency response to increase border security through the establishment of additional quarantine 

stations at airports and other major sites of entry into the U.S. 

These funds will support up to 25 quarantine stations by the end 

of fiscal year 2008, up from only eight stations in fiscal year 2004. 

National Institutes of Health (NIH).—Included in this bill is 

$34,836,000 to continue NIH’s pandemic influenza research activities. These funds will support clinical trials in Southeast Asia, research studies on antibody prevalence, and studies on the rapid 

characterization of influenza viruses. NIH is also supporting research leading to the development of new vaccines and therapeutics. This pandemic influenza funding is in addition to more 

than $200,000,000 NIH supports in general influenza research. 

Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.—A 

$948,091,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for pandemic influenza preparedness and response activities that are coordinated by the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human 

Services. 

Of the funds provided, $870,000,000 is for critical activities to 

implement the national strategy for pandemic flu. These activities 

include the development and purchase of the H5N1 influenza vaccine, antivirals, necessary medical supplies, diagnostics, and other 

surveillance tools. The majority of the funding will be used to procure egg-based vaccines and accelerate development of next-generation vaccines to address the goal that the entire U.S. population 

has access to vaccines within six months of the start of a pandemic. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
20 

Additionally, a significant portion of funds will be allocated to increasing the U.S. supply of antivirals in order to protect no less 

than 25 percent of the U.S. population. The remaining $78,091,000 within the Office of the Secretary 

will help ensure effective communications to educate the public, including the maintenance of the U.S. government’s pandemic flu 

website and the release of public service announcements; support 

international in-country advanced development and industrialization of human pandemic influenza vaccines; and spur the advanced 

development of rapid tests and detection techniques. 

Covered Countermeasure Process Fund.—A total of $5,000,000 is 

provided for a new fund to compensate individuals that may be 

harmed by the administration or use of the H5N1 influenza vaccine. 

Department of Labor.—The Committee is dissatisfied with the 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) lack of 

action to ensure that health care workers and emergency responders will be adequately protected in the event of a flu pandemic. The 

Committee asks that the Department reconsider its denial of a petition requesting the issuance of an emergency standard, and directs the Department to, at a minimum, develop a permanent 

standard on an expedited basis to ensure that measures to protect 

health care workers and responders from an outbreak of pandemic 

influenza are in place as soon as possible, and requires a timeline 

and quarterly progress report on developing this standard. The 

Committee also requests that the Secretary of Labor submit a report addressing the full range of policy and regulatory issues under 

the Department’s jurisdiction, including those that relate to the 

economic impacts identified in the national strategy for pandemic 

influenza implementation plan, such as the application of workplace regulations for family and medical leave. 

FULFILLING PROMISES TO AMERICA’S CHILDREN

The Committee recommends a $2,544,855,000 increase over fiscal 

year 2007 for education programs authorized under the No Child 

Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education 

Act, which is a $1,845,797,000 increase over the Administration’s 

request. 

The Committee believes that the nation faces immense challenges in raising the academic performance of America’s students 

in an increasingly competitive global economy. America’s students 

are not achieving at the levels needed to be competitive with our 

international competitors, particularly in math, science, and technology. 

In 2005, only 48 percent of low-income 4th graders and 37 percent of low-income 8th graders performed at a basic level in 

science. Among 17-year olds, math scores have been flat over the 

past 15 years, while reading scores have actually gone down. The 

rest of the world is implementing aggressive education improvements, while the United States, at best, is making only modest 

gains. 

These challenges also extend to providing meaningful educational 

opportunities for low-income and minority children. The Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education-Related Agencies heard testimony concerning the unconscionably large achievement gaps that 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
21 

exist between white students and racial and ethnic minorities. By 

the end of 12th grade, African American and Latino students perform at about the same level as white 8th graders in both reading 

and math. The picture is even worse for students with disabilities. 

Only 6 percent of 8th graders with disabilities are proficient in 

reading, compared with 33 percent of students without disabilities. 

The country and our schools face fast-changing demographics 

that will make the job of erasing the nation’s education deficits 

even more difficult. Over the next decade, public school enrollments 

will continue to swell to new record levels—more than 58 million 

students by 2015. That means 2.6 million new students will be in 

the nation’s classrooms. By 2020, nearly half of these school children will be minorities. 

During the Subcommittee’s Overview Hearing: America’s Workers and Education for the 21st Century, the Subcommittee heard 

testimony that the nation’s education and achievement gaps can 

only be surmounted by a full scale assault starting with broadbased access to early childhood education and continuing with expanded higher education opportunity. 

In this bill, the Committee begins to chart a path to a better future for millions of America’s children by investing significant new 

resources in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). These laws are the cornerstone 

of the Federal commitment to America’s children. The additional 

resources in the bill will help to pay for the extra instructional 

time, high quality teachers, technology, and enrichment programs 

that special needs children require in order to succeed. By providing this assistance, the Committee takes another step toward 

fulfilling our promises to America’s children. This action will help 

to ensure that they are adequately prepared to compete with students around the world for college and careers of the 21st century. 

K–12 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/program Fiscal year 2008 committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal year 2007 2008 Budget 

Department of Education: 

No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Total ................................ 25,686,557 +2,036,891 +1,020,113 

Key NCLB Programs: 

Title I Grants to School Districts [nonadd] ............ 14,362,824 +1,524,699 +452,924 

Title I School Improvement Fund [nonadd] ............ 500,000 +375,000 0 

Improving Teacher Quality [nonadd] ...................... 3,187,439 +300,000 +399,951 

Educational Technology [nonadd] ........................... 272,250 0 +272,250 

21st Century After-School Centers [nonadd] ......... 1,106,166 +125,000 +124,986 

English Language Acquisition [nonadd] ................ 774,614 +105,607 +103,795 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Total 12,310,831 +507,964 +825,684 

Key IDEA Program: 

IDEA (Part B) State Grants [nonadd] ..................... 11,292,425 +509,464 +800,484 

NCLB and IDEA, Total ............................................. 37,997,388 +2,544,855 +1,845,797 

No Child Left Behind.—A $2,036,891,000 or 8.6 percent increase 

over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the No Child Left Behind Act 

(NCLB). This amount is $1,020,113,000 more than the Administration’s request. The bill’s significant increase for NCLB reflects the 

Committee’s recognition that States and school districts will need 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
22 

substantially greater assistance to achieve the law’s goal that every 

child reaches high academic standards by 2014. 

Funding levels in the bill for key NCLB programs are listed 

below. 

Title I assistance.—A $1,899,699,000 or 14.7 percent increase 

over fiscal year 2007 is provided for title I assistance for low-income children—the largest increase in the history of the title I pro- gram. This increase will provide a total of $14,362,824,000 for title 

I grants to school districts and $500,000,000 for the title I school 

improvement fund in fiscal year 2008. 

Title I grants, which help support schools in high-poverty areas, 

are the engine behind NCLB reforms. Nonetheless, in the last two 

school years, two-thirds of the nation’s school districts have received flat or reduced title I grants, hampering their ability to assist low-performing students. The 2007 Continuing Appropriations 

Resolution provided a $250,000,000 increase for title I grants to 

school districts and the title I school improvement fund to begin to 

reverse title I funding shortfalls. The Committee’s recommendation 

is another step toward reversing these funding shortfalls. The $1,899,699,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 will benefit 

nearly 55,000 title I schools and fully fund an additional 161,000 

low-income students who must make the greatest educational 

progress in order to meet NCLB’s rigorous academic achievement standards. Within this total increase, the additional $375,000,000 

recommended for the title I school improvement fund will direct 

targeted assistance to a rising number of schools identified for improvement. These additional resources demonstrate the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that low-performing schools—which 

tend to have the greatest academic challenges but less experienced 

teachers, lower teacher salaries, and higher teacher turnover— have the financial means to pay for high quality instruction, teacher professional development, and extended learning opportunities 

that can boost student academic performance. 

Improving teacher quality.—A $300,000,000 or 10.4 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for teacher quality grants, 

which provide States and school districts with flexible funding to 

ensure that teachers receive the support and training they need to 

be effective in the classroom. Under the Committee recommendation, an additional 51,000 teachers will receive high quality professional development than in fiscal year 2007. The Committee provides $399,951,000 more than the Administration’s request for 

these teacher quality grants because research shows that teacher 

quality is the most important school-related factor in determining 

student achievement growth. 

Education technology.—The bill includes $272,250,000 for education technology grants to States and school districts, which support teacher professional development, well-equipped classrooms, 

technology-based communication, effective software, and a curriculum that recognizes the role technology plays in all disciplines. 

The Committee provides the same level as in fiscal year 2007, and 

rejects the Administration’s proposal to terminate this program. 

21st century after-school centers.—A $125,000,000 or 12.7 percent 

increase over the fiscal year 2007 level is provided for the 21st century after-school program, with a particular focus on expanding 

after school opportunities for students in middle and high schools. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
23 

The Committee’s recommendation reflects its concern that, between 

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the rate of juvenile crime triples, as well as the 

likelihood that teenagers will become victims of crime. Self-care 

and boredom can increase the likelihood that a young person will 

experiment with drugs and alcohol. Under the bill, an additional 

163,000 students (including 65,000 teenagers) will benefit from supervised after school activities, including academic assistance, athletic programs, career exploration, skills development and internships, and cultural enrichment. 

English language acquisition.—A $105,607,000 or 15.5 percent 

increase over the fiscal year 2007 level is included for assistance 

to States and school districts to address dramatic increases in the 

number of children who need assistance to learn to read and speak 

English. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of limited English proficient students has risen from less than 1 million 

in 1980 to more than 4.6 million in 2004. These funds will also help 

to increase the pool of teachers prepared to serve limited English 

proficient students through professional development activities. 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B 

grants.—A $509,464,000 or 4.72 percent increase over the fiscal 

year 2007 level, and a $800,484,000 increase over the Administration’s request, is provided for IDEA Part B State grants. These 

grants help States and localities pay for the rising costs of special 

education for 6.9 million children with disabilities. Almost 14 percent of public school students receive special education because 

they have a disability. Nearly every general education classroom 

across the country includes students with disabilities. Over the 

past 10 years, the number of students enrolled in special education 

programs has risen 18 percent. The Committee’s recommendation 

rejects the deep cut in IDEA proposed by the Administration, and 

stops the decline in the Federal percentage share of special education costs, in order to sustain educational and related services for 

these special needs children who are most at risk of being left behind. 

EXPANDING COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

The Committee recommends a $2,029,752,000 increase over fiscal 

year 2007 and a $3,250,322,000 increase over the President’s request for Federal student financial assistance programs. 

On February 15, 2007, the Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education-Related Agencies held an Overview Hearing on America’s 

Workers and Education for the 21st Century, during which the 

Subcommittee heard from a panel of national experts on the critical 

importance of postsecondary education to the nation’s economic 

well being. 

Today, the economic, social, and civic value of a college education 

has never been higher. Over a lifetime, a person who completes a 

college degree will earn one million dollars more than someone 

with just a high school diploma. A college degree is associated with 

greater earnings, less unemployment, lower poverty, better health 

benefits and better health, and larger pensions. 

Despite the obvious benefits for Americans as individuals and to 

the country as a whole, financial barriers continue to prevent many 

talented students from achieving their college dreams. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
24 

According to one witness who testified before the Subcommittee, 

each year approximately 400,000 students are priced out of attending a four-year college and 170,000 students are unable to afford 

community college. This will cause the nation to lose between 1.4 

and 2.4 million bachelor’s degrees, a blow that will undermine 

America’s competitiveness in the increasingly global economy. 

Another witness pointed out the disturbing fact that students 

from high-income families who have low test scores are more likely 

to complete college than high-testing students from lower-income 

families. 

By 2015, college enrollments are expected to rise by an additional 

2.2 million students or 12.6 percent. Most of this growth will be 

among students—minority, low-income, and first-generation—who 

most need Federal financial assistance in order to enter and complete college. 

In the 21st century, a nation that fails to fully develop its intellectual capital consigns itself to a future of economic decline. Therefore, the Committee aims to invest robustly in college access and 

opportunity by providing significant increases across a wide range 

of financial aid programs. In total, the Committee recommendations will benefit more than 8.5 million students who deserve the 

chance at a college education. 

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/program Fiscal Year 2008 

committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal year 2007 2008 Budget 

Department of Education .......................................................... 18,856,407 +1,992,327 +3,184,702 

Pell Grants—Maximum Grant ......................................... (4,700) +390 +650 

Pell Grants ....................................................................... 15,583,000 +1,922,289 +2,169,000 

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants ............... 770,933 0 +770,933 

Work Study ....................................................................... 980,492 +138 0 

Perkins Loan Cancellations ............................................. 65,471 0 +65,471 

Leveraging Education Assistance Partnerships .............. 64,987 0 +64,987 

TRIO .................................................................................. 868,178 +40,000 +40,000 

GEAR UP ........................................................................... 323,423 +20,000 +20,000 

Title VI Foreign Languages .............................................. 115,651 +9,900 +9,900 

Byrd Honors Scholarships ................................................ 40,590 0 +40,590 

Javits Fellowships ............................................................ 9,699 0 ¥98 

Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need ............. 30,067 0 +3 

Olympic Scholarships ....................................................... 970 0 +970 

Legal education opportunity program ............................. 2,946 0 +2,946 

Department of Health and Human Services ............................ 119,097 +37,425 +65,620 

Health Careers Opportunity Program ............................... 28,440 +24,480 +28,440 

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students ...................... 46,657 0 +36,924 

Nurse Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program .......... 44,000 +12,945 +256 

Total .......................................................................................... 18,975,504 +2,029,752 +3,250,322

Pell grants.—A $1,922,289,000 or 14.1 percent increase above the 

fiscal year 2007 level, and $2,169,000,000 above the Administration’s discretionary request, is included to increase the maximum 

Pell grant to $4,700. The Committee recommendation will help 

nearly 5.5 million low- and middle-income students obtain a college 

degree. Approximately 79 percent of all Pell grant recipients have 

annual family incomes of $30,000 or less. 

Between 2001 and 2006, the cost of attending a four-year public 

college increased by $3,764 or 42 percent; however, the maximum 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
25 

Pell grant increased by just $300—only 8 percent of the college cost 

increase. 

The 2007 Continuing Appropriations Resolution raised the Pell 

maximum grant by $260, from $4,050 to $4,310, providing the first 

increase in four years to help disadvantaged students pay for rising 

college costs. This bill will raise the maximum Pell award by another $390 to $4,700. Over two years, the maximum Pell Grant will 

have increased by $650—one of the largest expansions of the Pell 

grant program in its history. The Committee recommendation is 

another step forward in expanding college access and opportunity 

for more Americans. 

Federal supplemental educational opportunity grants.—

$770,933,000 is provided for the supplemental educational opportunity grants program (SEOG), the same as fiscal year 2007 level. 

The Committee strongly disagrees with the Administration’s proposal to terminate SEOGs, which are need-based grants of up to 

$4,000 to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial 

need. Approximately 65 percent of dependent SEOG recipients 

have annual family incomes under $30,000 and nearly 80 percent 

of independent SEOG recipients have annual family incomes under 

$20,000. Institutions must contribute a 25 percent match toward 

their Federal SEOG allocations. Thus, the amount recommended 

will result in nearly $1,000,000,000 in need-based student financial 

aid, benefiting more than one million students. 

Federal work study.—$980,492,000 is provided for the workstudy program, which supports part-time employment for students 

who qualify based on financial need. This amount is $138,000 more 

than the fiscal year level and the same as the request. Work-study 

jobs must pay at least the Federal minimum wage and institutions 

must provide 25 percent of student earnings. Thus, the 

$980,492,000 provided in the bill will result in more than 

$1,100,000,000 in need-based student aid for approximately 

880,000 undergraduate and graduate students. 

Federal Perkins loan cancellations.—$65,471,000 is provided for 

Federal Perkins loans cancellations, the same as the fiscal year 

2007 level. The Committee disagrees with the Administration’s proposal to terminate funding for this program, which reimburses college revolving loan funds for loans that are forgiven under Federal 

law. Perkins Loans may be forgiven when a student borrower pursues a public service career in 1 of 12 statutorily-designated areas, 

including teaching in low-income communities and in shortage subjects, Head Start programs, military service in areas of imminent 

danger, Peace Corps and ACTION service, nurses and medical 

technicians providing health care services, and law enforcement/ 

corrections. 

LEAP program.—$64,987,000 is provided for the LEAP program, 

the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The Committee disagrees 

with the Administration’s proposal to terminate funding for this 

program, which provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds to states 

for grant and work study assistance to eligible postsecondary students who demonstrate financial need. Over half of LEAP grants 

go to students with annual family incomes under $20,000. The 

amount provided in the bill will leverage nearly $165,000,000 in 

need-based aid to nearly 165,000 students. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
26 

Federal TRIO programs.—A $40,000,000 or 4.8 percent increase 

is provided for the TRIO programs above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and the budget request, of which $10,000,000 is dedicated to college 

completion grant aid for students served under the Student Services Support Program. The TRIO programs provide a variety of outreach and support services to encourage low-income, potential firstgeneration college students to enter and complete college. Under 

the Committee recommendation, over 850,000 students will receive 

TRIO services, including approximately, 14,000 students who will 

receive new college completion grants. 

GEAR UP.—A $20,000,000 or 6.6 percent increase above the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request is provided for the 

GEAR UP program. GEAR UP provides grants to states and partnerships of low-income middle and high schools, institutions of 

higher education and community organizations to target entire 

grades of students and give them the skills and encouragement to 

successfully pursue postsecondary education. Under the Committee 

recommendation, approximately 785,000 students—nearly 46,000 

more than last year—will benefit from early invention services and 

financial assistance for college in fiscal year 2008. 

Title VI foreign languages.—A $9,900,000 or 9.4 percent increase 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request is provided 

for the title VI international education and foreign languages studies program, which addresses the national need for international 

experts, particularly in critical world areas and languages. A portion of these funds will support 1,026 graduate academic fellowships and 700 graduate summer fellowships in foreign language 

training—about 10 percent more than last year. 

Byrd honors scholarships.—$40,590,000 is provided for Byrd 

scholarships, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The President 

did not propose funding for this program. The Byrd scholarship 

program provides formula grants to States to award $1,500 scholarships for up to four years of higher education to students who demonstrate academic excellence in high school. Under the Committee 

bill, approximately 27,000 students will receive merit scholarships 

in fiscal year 2008. 

Javits fellowships.—$9,699,000 is provided for Javits fellowships 

for students pursuing doctoral study in the arts, humanities, and 

social sciences. The Committee recommendation will support fellowships for approximately 226 students in fiscal year 2008. 

Graduate assistance in areas of national need.—$30,067,000 is 

provided for the graduate assistance in areas of national need 

(GAANN) program, which is $3,000 more than the budget request 

and the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The GAANN program 

supports fellowships to economically disadvantaged students who 

have demonstrated academic excellence and who are pursuing 

graduate education in designated areas of national need, such as 

the sciences, mathematics, engineering, and nursing. The Committee recommendation will support fellowships for approximately 

700 students. 

B.J. Stupak Olympic scholarships.—$970,000 is provided for B.J. 

Stupak Olympic scholarships, the same as the fiscal year 2007 

level. The Administration proposed to terminate this activity, 

which provides financial assistance to Olympic athletes who are 

pursuing a postsecondary education. The Committee recommendaVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
27 

tion will provide scholarships to approximately 149 student athletes. 

Thurgood Marshall legal education opportunity program.— $2,946,000 is provided for the Thurgood Marshall legal education 

opportunity program, the same as in fiscal year 2007. The Administration proposed to terminate this activity, which provides low-income, minority and disadvantaged college students with the information, preparation and financial assistance needed to gain access 

to and complete law school study. The Committee recommendation 

will provide financial assistance of up to $10,000 for 150 fellows 

and support educational activities for more 1,000 students to improve retention, graduation, and bar passage rates. 

Health careers opportunity program.—A $24,480,000 increase or 

six-fold increase of the program from the fiscal year 2007 level is 

provided for the health careers opportunity program (HCOP), 

which seeks to increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds entering and graduating from health professions programs. HCOP focuses on early intervention to develop a 

pool of academically prepared students. 

Scholarships for disadvantaged students.—$46,657,000 is provided for the scholarships for disadvantaged students program, the 

same as in fiscal year 2007 and a $36,924,000 increase over the 

President’s request. This program awards scholarships to students 

from disadvantaged backgrounds who train in the health professions and in nursing. The bill will support scholarships for nearly 

16,000 disadvantaged students. 

Nurse loan repayment and scholarship program.—An 

$12,945,000 or 41.7 percent increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the nurse loan repayment and scholarship program, 

which provides loan forgiveness and scholarships to nurses who 

agree to work in health care facilities with a critical shortage of 

nurses. This funding will support almost 1,300 students with loan 

repayment and scholarships. 

INVESTING IN THE SKILLS AND EARNING CAPACITY OF AMERICA’S

WORKERS

The Committee recommends a $148,168,000 increase over fiscal 

year 2007, which is $1,530,280,000 over the President’s request, for 

important Federal workforce development programs. In making 

this investment, the Committee rejects Administration-proposed 

cuts in employment and training programs that would have left the 

Departments of Labor and Education unprepared to deal with the 

important challenges faced by Americans who want to succeed in 

the 21st century workforce. 

Education and training programs serve to strengthen the American workforce and enhance American economic competitiveness. 

Department of Labor projections show that 90 percent of the fastest growing job fields will require education and training beyond 

high school. These jobs may be out of reach for nearly half of workers who have no education beyond high school. 

Despite recent improvements in some economic indicators, 6.8 

million Americans remain unemployed—14 percent more than in 

January 2001. This year, the number of Americans who have been 

out of work for 27 weeks or longer rose to 1.1 million—67 percent 

more than in January 2001. Unemployment rates for African 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
28 

American and Hispanic workers remain significantly higher than 

the national average. 

Wages remain stagnant. Over the past six years, both inflationadjusted hourly and weekly pay rose by less than one half of one 

percent. At the same time, the threat of outsourcing has the effect 

of further depressing pay and benefits for American workers—both 

blue and white collar. Economists estimate that half of all U.S. jobs 

today are in industries or occupations that could be outsourced 

overseas. 

Americans simply are not receiving the benefits of their hard 

work. American workers raised their productivity 17.4 percent over 

the last six years but those gains have not flowed to workers in the 

form of wages. Instead, wages have remained largely flat while corporate profits have soared by 108 percent over this period. 

In a January 31, 2007 ‘‘State of the Economy’’ address, President 

Bush noted that ‘‘The fact is that income inequality is real; it’s 

been rising for more than 25 years. . . . The earnings gap is now 

twice as wide as it was in 1980—and it continues to grow.’’ He then 

proposed a budget that would cut employment, training and vocational education programs by $1.5 billion. 

The Committee rejects the proposed cuts and instead chooses to 

make strategic investments in these areas to help middle and lowincome Americans acquire the job skills they need to compete in 

the global economy. 

WORKER TRAINING INITIATIVE 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Agency/program Fiscal year 2008 committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal year 2007 2008 Budget 

Department of Labor ................................................................. 6,485,789 +123,168 +923,727 

Training and Employment Services 1, 2 ........................... 3,579,530 +23,258 +607,491 

Migrant Workers [nonadd] ...................................... 83,740 +3,988 +83,740 

Native Americans [nonadd] .................................... 56,381 +2,685 +11,381 

Reintegration of Ex-Offender 2 [nonadd] ................ 68,746 0 +29,146 

Young Parents Training [nonadd] .......................... 10,000 +10,000 +10,000 

YouthBuild [nonadd] ............................................... 60,000 +10,500 +10,000 

Employment Service State Grants ................................... 725,883 +10,000 +37,104 

Community Service Employment for Older Americans .... 530,900 +47,289 +180,900 

Job Corps 1 ....................................................................... 1,649,476 +42,621 +98,232 

Department of Education .......................................................... 1,206,553 25,000 +606,553 

Career & Technical Education State Grants ................... 1,206,553 +25,000 +606,553 

Total .......................................................................................... 7,692,342 +148,168 +1,530,280 

1 Adjusted for transfer of Job Corps to Departmental Management. 

2 Program consolidation. 

Training and employment services.—$3,579,530,000 is provided 

for training and employment services under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which is $23,258,000 above the comparable fiscal 

year 2007 level and $607,491,000 above the request. Within this 

amount $3,276,602,000 is to provide services for an estimated 10.5 

million participants in the WIA adult, dislocated and youth programs. In making these resources available, the Committee has rejected the Administration’s proposed cut of $584,233,000 in training and employment services for fiscal year 2008. WIA provides for 

a decentralized system of services, delivered primarily through onestop career centers in local communities that serve to increase the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
29 

employment, occupational skills attainment, and retention in employment of participants. While further investment is deferred as 

the Workforce Investment Act is awaiting reauthorization, the reduction proposed in the President’s budget in programs that have seen a loss of over $300 million in real dollars since fiscal year 

2005 is unwarranted. 

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers program.—Within training and employment services, a $3,988,000 increase over fiscal year 

2007 is provided for this program, which is designed to serve members of economically disadvantaged families whose principal livelihood is derived from migratory and other forms of seasonal farm 

work. For the fifth year in a row the budget request did not include 

funds for this program. The fiscal year 2008 funding level of 

$83,740,000 will allow for services to an estimated 22,800 participants. 

Native Americans.—$56,381,000 is provided for training and employment services to Native Americans. The Committee does not 

agree with the budget request that would have cut over 3,000 participants in this program and has provided a $2,685,000 increase 

over the fiscal year 2007 level. This will allow for services to an estimated 23,790 participants in fiscal year 2008. 

Re-integration of ex-offenders.—Within training and employment services, $68,746,000 is provided for fiscal year 2008, which is 

$29,146,000 above the budget request. While the Committee sees 

merit in a program consolidation of the existing adult and youth 

ex-offender programs, the proposed cut was not in line with the 

need for services to this population. This program benefits ex-offenders and their communities by providing employment, mentoring, and transitional services designed to reduce recidivism. Of 

the amount provided, not less than $48,000,000 is dedicated for activities for youthful offenders. 

Young parents demonstration program.—Within training and em- ployment services, $10,000,000 is provided under the WIA pilots 

and demonstrations authority for a young parents demonstration 

program, providing competitive grants to organizations to provide 

educational and occupational skills training leading to family economic self-sufficiency for young parents and expectant mothers 

ages 16 to 24. This recommendation is part of the Committee’s initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other real life conditions that 

can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. 

YouthBuild.—Within training and employment services, 

$60,000,000 is provided for the YouthBuild program which was 

transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal year 2006. YouthBuild is an approach to workforce 

development that supports at-risk youth aged 16–24 in gaining 

high school credentials and receiving skills training by engaging in 

the construction or rehabilitation of low-income housing. The 

$10,500,000 increase for fiscal year 2008 will allow the program to 

increase participation by 20 percent above fiscal year 2007 to over 

3,900 youth. 

Employment Service.—A $10,000,000 increase over the fiscal year 

2007 level for employment service grants to States is provided. The 

budget request would have decreased State grants by $27,104,000, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
30 

and the Administration’s legislative proposal would have eliminated the Employment Service, which serves approximately 13 million people annually who are seeking employment, linking them to 

potential employers. The Committee believes that the labor exchange activities provided by State employment service agencies 

should be the primary source of core services for local one-stop systems, thus freeing up Workforce Investment Act funds to focus on 

intensive services and training, and begins a process of restoring 

the capacity of the Employment Service to provide this key labor 

exchange role through this increase in State grants. 

Community service employment for older Americans.—A 

$47,289,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for this program, which provides subsidies that allow low-income seniors to 

work in community service activities. This amount is $180,900,000 

above the budget request, which would have reduced the number 

of seniors served by 43 percent below the fiscal year 2007 level. 

The increased funding will allow 103,000 low income seniors to 

participate in the program and to receive an anticipated Federal 

minimum wage increase to $6.55 an hour during program year 

2008. 

Job Corps.—A $42,621,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 is provided for the Job Corps program. Job Corps is a nationwide network of residential facilities that provide a comprehensive and intensive array of training, job placement and support services to atrisk young adults, aged 16 to 24. The recommended funding level 

is $98,232,000 over the budget request, which would have decreased the number of student training slots by 4,310. The increase 

in funding will allow the program to add an additional 300 student 

training slots for a new center opening during program year 2008. 

Career and technical education State grants.—$1,181,553,000 is 

provided for basic grants to States under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, which is the same as the 

fiscal year 2007 level. This level is $581,553,000 above the budget 

request, which would have reduced funding for State grants nearly 

in half. State grants support a variety of vocational education programs developed in accordance with the State plan. In addition to 

resources to institutions serving high concentrations of low-income 

students, this program supports vocational education for adults 

who need retraining to adapt to changing technologies and labor 

markets. 

PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS

The Committee recommends $45,488,000 over fiscal year 2007, 

and $56,007,000 over the President’s budget request, for Department of Labor agencies responsible for worker protection and worker rights. 

Since the 1970s when the Occupational Safety and Health Act 

(OSHA) and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA) were 

passed, workplace safety and health conditions have improved significantly. Yet, as demonstrated by events such as the Sago, West 

Virginia mine disaster and the Texas City, Texas BP explosion, too 

many workers still remain at risk, and face death, injury or disease 

as a result of their jobs. 

Recent progress in protecting workers’ safety and health is slowing, and for some groups of workers, jobs are becoming more danVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
31 

gerous. The most recent job fatality data show 5,734 fatal workplace injuries reported in 2005, with significant increases in fatalities among Hispanic, African-American, foreign-born and young 

workers. With regulatory action virtually halted at the Department 

of Labor, health and safety rules are not keeping up with changes 

in the economy and the workplace. The Committee is deeply concerned that we are failing to protect workers from both new and 

existing workplace hazards. 

Similar concerns extend to the enforcement of employment standards. Since 2001, the Wage and Hour Division’s investigations of 

low-wage industries have fallen dramatically: agriculture industry 

(including poultry processing) investigations are down by 39 percent; health care industry (including nursing homes) investigations 

are down by 32 percent; and garment manufacturing industry investigations are down by 68 percent. 

In these and additional industries, wage theft and overtime 

abuses are prevalent. Uninvestigated overtime violations, the 

misclassification of employees as independent contractors, and efforts to undermine family and medical leave all result in workers 

being exploited in ways prohibited under the law. Workers are increasingly forced to resort to the courts for remedies because the 

Federal institutions that should be protecting them are not. 

Pension and health protections are also a critical component of 

the worker protection agenda. Today, 45 percent of workers in the 

private sector lack health insurance from their employer, up from 

41 percent in 2000. The share of jobs without a pension also rose—

from 50 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in the most recent year of 

data (2005). 

Throughout the Department of Labor, worker protection staffing 

levels have declined over the past six years. OSHA staffing declined 8.6 percent from fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2007. Staffing 

at the Employment Standards Administration declined 9.4 percent 

during the same period. Even after the addition of 170 coal inspectors as part of a 2006 emergency supplemental appropriation, 

MSHA staffing declined 2.2 percent during that period. 

Creating a level playing field for American workers also involves 

addressing workers’ rights abroad, especially among our trading 

partners. The Committee believes that the Administration’s repeated requests to reduce funding for international labor activities, 

which for fiscal year 2008 amounts to more than 80 percent, is not 

in keeping with the need for the U.S. to be a leader in promoting 

international worker rights, both because of our leadership role in 

the world and the impact that labor practices in other countries 

have on our own workers due to the global nature of our economy. 

The Department of Labor has established a number of strategic 

goals, and the Committee is pleased that these goals include promoting workplaces that are safe, healthful and fair. In the past six 

years, however, the Department’s budget has not adequately supported the resources necessary to ensure that safety, health and 

fairness are the hallmarks of the American workplace. With this 

budget, the Committee is beginning to address the decline in federal enforcement staff, with a goal of rebuilding the capacity of the 

Department of Labor to fulfill its mission to protect Americans in 

the workplace. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
32 

The decline in enforcement is not an issue of staffing alone. The 

Committee is also concerned by the fact that constant delays in the 

issuance of worker protection standards have resulted in workplaces that are less safe and less fair. Bill language is included to 

expedite the regulatory process and send the clear signal that inaction is not acceptable when it jeopardizes the safety and health of 

American workers. But even while the Committee is pursuing improved standards for workplace safety and fairness, the Committee 

can at least take action to ensure that current laws and standards 

are enforced. 

The Committee cannot reverse the damage done over the past six 

years in one year alone, but the Committee can begin the job. 

Within the amounts appropriated for worker protection and worker 

rights for fiscal year 2008, some highlighted investments include: 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).—A 

$16,591,000 increase above the fiscal year 2007 level is provided to 

the agency responsible for ensuring that 113 million Americans 

benefit from safe and healthy workplaces. Within the $13,155,000 

increase provided for Federal enforcement, $7,082,000 is dedicated 

to adding 47 positions to begin to rebuild the enforcement capacity 

of OSHA, with a special emphasis on process safety management 

inspections and the hiring of bilingual inspectors. These additional 

positions are a downpayment toward a goal of restoring the enforcement capabilities of OSHA within the next several years. In 

providing these enforcement positions, the Committee moves resources from voluntary compliance programs until the Department 

collects the data necessary for a full evaluation of the effectiveness 

of these programs. Also included in the recommendation is 

$10,116,000 for the Susan Harwood training grant program that 

supports worker safety and health training and education programs that the Committee believes are an important component of 

a comprehensive approach to worker protection. An additional investment of $1,225,000 is also provided to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to allow for focused research studies on work-related 

injuries and illnesses. These studies were conducted previously by 

BLS through its work injury reports, but were suspended due to 

lack of resources. The studies provided detailed information on the 

causes and means of preventing injuries and illnesses and the new 

funding is designed to help re-establish this series of reports, so as 

to provide important information to employers, researchers and 

policy makers. 

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).—An 

$11,908,000 increase above the fiscal year 2007 level is provided to 

continue a revitalization of enforcement activities to ensure the 

safety and health of more than 300,000 people who work in the 

mining industry. These resources support the retention of 170 coal 

inspectors that MSHA reports it is on target to hire by the end of 

fiscal year 2007. The initial funding for these positions was provided in emergency supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 

2006 following the coal mine tragedies in West Virginia and Kentucky. Because the hiring and retention of coal inspectors is of importance to the mission of MSHA, quarterly reports on the agency’s 

progress in filling all allocated inspector positions and completing 

the training of new inspectors, is required. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
33 

Wage and Hour Division (WHD).—A $12,145,000 increase above 

the fiscal year 2007 level is provided. Included in this amount is 

$5,000,000 to support an additional 36 enforcement positions to increase activities in low-wage industries. The new resources will 

allow WHD to increase inspections and investigations of industries 

with high concentrations of low-wage and other vulnerable workers, and industries with high levels of wage and hour violations. 

The Committee also believes it is important to increase the number 

of front-line investigators that are fluent in the languages of the 

workforces in which non-English-speaking workers predominate. 

International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB).—In addition to enforcing our worker protection laws at home, the Committee believes 

that America must be a leader abroad. For this reason, the Committee does not agree with the Administration’s budget request to 

eliminate international cooperative agreements and grants aimed 

at eliminating child labor, promoting worker rights, and improving 

labor standards around the world. The Committee provides 

$58,419,000 above the budget request for ILAB for a total of 

$72,516,000. These funds include resources to continue the successful program of international grants to reduce child labor and 

$5,000,000 to implement model programs to address worker rights 

issues through technical assistance in countries with which the 

United States has trade preference programs. 

COMPARISONS

The program descriptions that follow, and the detailed table at 

the back of the report, compare the Committee recommendations to 

comparable fiscal year 2007 levels and the Administration’s budget 

requests. One-time and emergency supplementals are not included 

for purposes of these comparisons. 

OPERATING PLANS

The Committee considers the numbers identified in this bill, this 

report and the detailed table accompanying this report to be determinative of agency budgets funded in this bill. Unless specified otherwise in the bill, the report, or the detailed table, the amounts 

provided for fiscal year 2008 shall be the amounts included in 

agency budget requests. Funds should be apportioned and allocated 

accordingly, and any changes in funding are subject to reprogramming and notification procedures. Within 45 days of enactment 

each Department and related Agency funded by this Act shall submit an operating plan to the Committees on Appropriations in the 

House and the Senate for approval. The operating plan should detail any reprogramming requests which are based on information 

obtained since the submission of the budget in February 2007 or 

based on the effects of the amounts provided in this Act. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
(34) 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

The Committee recommends $3,579,530,000 for this account, 

which provides funding authorized primarily by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). This amount is $23,258,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level and $607,491,000 above the budget request, 

after adjusting for the transfer of the Office of Job Corps. 

The Training and Employment Services account is comprised of 

programs that enhance the employment and earnings of those in 

need of such services, operated through a decentralized system of 

skill training activities and related services. The account is mostly 

forward-funded on a July to June cycle, with funds provided for fiscal year 2008 supporting these activities from July 1, 2008 through 

June 30, 2009. 

The Committee repeats a provision allowing for local boards to 

transfer of up to 30 percent of funds made available for dislocated 

workers and adult activities between these funding streams, upon 

approval by the Governor. The Administration’s request was to increase transfer authority to 40 percent, which the Committee believes is unnecessary based on current use of transfer authority 

under this language, and the fact that waivers of the funds transfer limit have already been granted to 35 States who requested 

such flexibility. 

Adult employment and training activities 

For adult employment and training activities, the Committee rec- ommends $864,199,000, which is the same amount as the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $152,199,000 above the budget request. Of the 

amount recommended, $712,000,000 will become available on October 1, 2008. This program is authorized by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The funds are allocated by formula to States and 

further distributed to local workforce investment boards. Services 

for adults will be provided through the one-stop career center system and most customers receiving training use their individual 

training accounts to determine which programs and providers fit 

their needs. The Act authorizes core services available to all adults 

with no eligibility requirements, and intensive services for unemployed individuals who are not able to find jobs through core services alone. 

There is evidence that the core services of the adult, dislocated 

and youth programs at local one-stop career centers sometimes 

overlap with the statewide labor exchange services provided with 

funds in the state unemployment insurance and employment servVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6604 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
35 

ices operations account. This diminishes the overall effectiveness of 

the two programs by creating unnecessary duplication. Assuring 

that labor exchange and other services provided by State agencies 

under the Wagner-Peyser Act serve as the primary source of those 

core services within local one-stop systems would free up WIA 

funds to focus on intensive services and training. To address this 

overlap, the Committee instructs the Department to establish guidance to require that local one-stop career centers have coordination 

agreements with the Employment Service and to ensure that personnel funded out employment service allotments to States are the 

primary providers of labor exchange services within one-stop career 

centers. To the maximum extent possible, the Department should 

ensure that adult, dislocated and youth funds primarily support 

the provision of training and more intensive services required by 

individuals who are not able to secure employment through core 

services. The Department should request that State and local plans 

include the establishment of coordination agreements and should 

establish measures to ensure that local entities comply with this 

guidance. 

Dislocated worker employment and training activities 

For dislocated worker employment and training activities, the Committee recommends $1,471,903,000, which is the same amount 

as the fiscal year 2007 level and $356,964,000 above the budget request. Of the amount recommended, $1,060,000,000 will become 

available on October 1, 2008. Of the total, $1,189,811,000 is designated for State formula grants that support core services, intensive services, training, and supportive services. In addition, States 

use these funds for rapid response assistance to help workers affected by mass layoffs and plant closures. The Committee recommendation includes $282,092,000 for the 

national reserve, which supports national emergency grants to respond to mass layoffs, plant and/or military base closings, and natural disasters across the country, which cannot otherwise be anticipated, and for statewide and multiple sector activities, as well as 

technical assistance and training and demonstration projects. The 

Committee recommends that these activities be coordinated with 

area economic development needs. As in prior years, the bill provides that dislocated worker funds available under section 171(d) 

may used for demonstration projects that provide assistance to new 

entrants in the workforce and incumbent workers. The bill provides 

$2,600,000 of the funds available for national reserve activities 

shall be available on October 1, 2007 for the purpose of a grant to 

continue the work of the National Center on Education and the 

Economy. The Committee is concerned that the Department has 

used dislocated worker assistance national reserve funds, and other 

pilot and demonstration resources, to advance the Administration’s 

career advancement account proposal, and its predecessor proposal 

for personal reemployment accounts, and directs that no additional 

grants be made for these activities prior to a specific authorization 

of this approach. 

The Committee supports the efforts of the Department in making 

dislocated worker assistance national reserve funds available for 

grants to the States to provide ‘‘gap filler’’ services to Trade AdjustVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6604 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
36 

ment Act (TAA) participants to maximize the number of trade-certified workers who will qualify for the health coverage tax credit. 

Nevertheless, the Committee believes that increased outreach and 

support is needed to States to provide these ‘‘gap filler’’ services, 

and that health care coverage assistance should be extended to dislocated workers awaiting TAA certification. A general provision in 

the bill addresses this need by permitting a portion of funds under 

the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act to 

be used for this purpose. 

Community-based job training grants.—The Committee does not 

include separate funds for this initiative but provides that up to 

$125,000,000 of the amount made available for the dislocated worker assistance national reserve shall be available for communitybased job training grants. This amount is the same as provided in 

fiscal year 2007, and $25,000,000 less than the budget request. 

These funds are for competitive grants to community colleges and 

one-stop career centers, and the amount provided will fund over 70 

new grantees. The Committee repeats a request that all applicants 

describe the role area one-stop centers will play in the proposed 

project in their applications. The Committee is interested in programs that result in training outcomes and instructs the Department to give priority to grant applications that will result in participants obtaining industry-recognized credentials. The Committee 

requests that the Secretary provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 1, 2008 on training 

outcomes achieved thus far by community college grantees. 

Youth employment and training activities 

For youth activities, the Committee recommends $940,500,000, 

which is the same amount as the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$100,000,000 above the budget request. 

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 consolidated the summer 

youth employment and training program and youth training grants 

under the Job Training Partnership Act into a single youth training activity. The funds are allocated by formula to States and further distributed to local workforce investment boards in accordance 

with the Workforce Investment Act of 1988. These funds are made 

available one quarter earlier than the adult and dislocated worker 

funds to allow for summer jobs programming. 

Native Americans 

For Native Americans, the Committee recommends $56,381,000, 

which is $2,685,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$11,381,000 above the budget request. This program, authorized by 

the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to improve the 

economic well being of Native Americans (Indians, Eskimos, 

Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians) through the provision of training, 

work experience, and other employment-related services and opportunities that are intended to aid the participants in securing permanent, unsubsidized jobs. The Department of Labor allocates formula grants to Indian tribes and other Native American groups 

whose eligibility for such grants is established in accordance with 

Department regulations. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
37 

Census data indicates that American Indians and Alaska Natives 

are by far the most impoverished groups in the nation. The Committee does not agree with the budget request that would have resulted in cutting participation by over 3,000 individuals. 

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers 

The migrant and seasonal farmworkers program, authorized by 

the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to serve members of economically disadvantaged families whose principal livelihood is derived from migratory and other forms of seasonal farm 

work, fishing, or logging activities. Enrollees and their families are 

provided with training and related services intended to prepare 

them for stable, year-round employment within and outside of the 

agriculture industry. 

For migrant and seasonal farmworkers, the Committee rec- ommends $83,740,000, which is $3,988,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level. For the fifth year in a row the budget request did not 

include funds for this program. The Committee is unwilling to terminate the program, as requested, until the Department has demonstrated that mainstream job training programs, as well as related health, welfare and housing programs, are in place to provide 

the combination of services needed to help secure permanent employment for farm and forestry workers. The Committee is concerned that the Department believes that the program is not sufficiently focused on job training and includes language requiring 

that not less than 70 percent of the funds for the program be spent 

on employment and training services. 

As in prior years, the bill directs that of the amounts made avail- able, $5,000,000 is targeted for migrant and seasonal farmworker 

housing grants. The bill further directs that not less than 70 percent of this amount be used for permanent housing grants. The 

Committee is concerned about the use of funds for temporary housing and the conditions under which these funds are used. The Committee directs the Department of Labor to report by March 1, 2008 

on the use of farmworker housing funds. In particular the Department should provide information on the amount of funds used for 

permanent and temporary housing activities, respectively, a list of 

the communities served, a list of the grantees and the States in 

which they are located, the total number of individuals or families 

served, and a list of allowable temporary housing activities. 

YouthBuild 

For the YouthBuild program, the Committee recommends 

$60,000,000, which is $10,500,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $10,000,000 above the request. 

The YouthBuild program was transferred from the Department 

of Housing and Urban Development in fiscal year 2007. YouthBuild 

is an approach to workforce development that supports at-risk 

youth aged 16–24 in gaining high school credentials and receiving 

skills training that leads to employment. Training and educational 

opportunities are provided while participants are engaged in constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or 

homeless families in their communities, with time split between 

the construction site and the classroom. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
38 

The Committee recognizes the importance of skilled trades training and education in construction to helping troubled youth become 

members of this high growth industry’s workforce. The Committee 

encourages the Department to seek out the experience of employerbased groups and labor-management partnerships to help students 

enrolled in the YouthBuild program reap the benefits of skilled 

trades training and career opportunities in the building industry. 

YouthBuild grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The increase for fiscal year 2008 will allow for the selection of YouthBuild 

projects in approximately 20 additional communities. 

Women in apprenticeship 

For the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations Act of 1992, the Committee recommends $1,000,000 for 

grants to employers, unions, and community-based organizations 

for support of activities to train, retrain, and place women in nontraditional jobs and occupations so as to provide expanded access 

to careers with family-sustaining wages. The Committee is not in 

agreement with the budget request to terminate this program and 

continues the program at the fiscal year 2007 level. 

National competitive grant programs 

This activity includes Workforce Investment Act authorized programs in support of the workforce system, including technical assistance and incentive grants, evaluations, pilots, demonstrations, 

and research. 

Reintegration of ex-offenders.—The Committee recommends 

$68,746,000 for this program, which consolidates two prior programs—responsible reintegration of youthful offenders and the 

prisoner re-entry initiative—into a single program. This is 

$29,146,000 above the budget request and the same as the combined, comparable fiscal year 2007 level for ex-offender reintegration activities. While the Committee sees merit in a program consolidation, the budget request does not meet the need for reintegration assistance for ex-offenders. The Committee notes that nearly 

650,000 people are released from State and Federal prison yearly. 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) over 50 percent 

of those released from incarceration will be in some form of legal 

trouble within 3 years. Providing job training programs and career 

counseling targeted toward prisoner re-entry is critical to preventing recidivism and to promoting the effective reintegration of 

offenders back into communities. The Committee urges the Department to include the approach piloted under the incarcerated veterans transition program in competitions for funding under this 

program to ensure that the employment needs of this population 

are addressed. Within the combined reintegration of ex-offenders 

program, the bill provides that no less than $48,000,000 be utilized 

for youthful offender activities. 

Pilots, demonstrations and research.—The Committee recommends $28,140,000 for grants or contracts to conduct research, 

pilots or demonstrations that improve techniques or demonstrate 

the effectiveness of programs. This is $13,440,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $15,140,000 above the budget request. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
39 

The bill provides that $10,000,000 be used for a new young parents demonstration program in order to provide educational and occupational skills training leading to family economic self-sufficiency 

to young parents (both mothers and fathers) and expectant mothers 

ages 16 to 24. The Committee intends that competitive awards be 

made to local workforce investment boards, one-stop career centers, 

community-based organizations (CBOs), community colleges, and 

other applicants that demonstrate linkages to the local workforce 

investment system. Eligible projects should provide a range of activities including education and training leading to skills and credentials valued in the local labor market, career ladder programs, 

paid work experience, supportive services, and counseling on selfsufficiency measures particular to the local community, as well as 

post-employment retention and advancement supportive services. 

Projects are to be encouraged to serve young parents in high-risk 

categories, including those under the jurisdiction of the justice system, in the child welfare or foster care system, homeless individuals, or victims of child abuse. The Department should assure that 

pilot projects adhere to common performance measures and be subject to evaluation. The Committee directs that the Employment and 

Training Administration administer the pilot program in partnership with the Women’s Bureau. The Committee’s recommendation 

includes this $10,000,000 grant program as part of its initiative to 

help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the 

economic pressures and other real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to 

term. 

For the funds in this account not designated for the young parents initiative, the Committee includes the following projects in the 

following amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Adelante Development Center, Albuquerque, NM for employment and training services ............................ $200,000 

Agudath Israel of America Community Services, Inc., Brooklyn, NY for its Fresh Start job training and 

counseling program ................................................................................................................................... 300,000 

Arc of Blackstone Valley, Pawtucket, RI for a workforce development initiative ......................................... 150,000 

Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham, WA for a Process Technology Workforce Development Project 125,000 

Bismarck State College, Bismarck, ND for an instrumentation and control training program for the energy industry .............................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ for workforce training programs through its Center for Excellence in Technology, Telecommunications and Economic Development ................................................... 150,000 

Capital IDEA, Austin, TX for workforce development services for disadvantaged adults ............................ 50,000 

Center for Employment Training, San Jose, CA for its building trades program for out-of-school youth ... 250,000 

Central Carolina Tech College, Sumter, SC for training in healthcare professions ..................................... 350,000 

Central Maine Community College, Auburn, ME for a training program in precision metalworking and 

machine tool technology ............................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Chinese-American Planning Council, New York, NY for counseling, vocational training, job placement, 

and ESL services ....................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA for a health care workforce training initiative through 

the Welcome Back Center .......................................................................................................................... 300,000 

City of Alexandria, VA for an automotive industry workforce development and training initiative ............. 275,000 

City of Baltimore, MD for the Park Heights Partnership for Jobs ................................................................. 250,000 

City of Milwaukee, WI for a project to train youth in construction trades ................................................... 205,000 

City of Palmdale, Palmdale, CA for a business resource network to enhance worker skills development 150,000 

City of Suffolk, VA for training programs at the Suffolk Workforce Development Center ............................ 250,000 

City of West Palm Beach, FL for training programs for at-risk youth ......................................................... 300,000 

Clarian Health Partners, Indianapolis, IN for workforce development in the health care industry ............. 125,000 

College of Southern Maryland, La Plata, MD, for its Partnership for the Advancement of Construction 

and Transportation Training Project .......................................................................................................... 300,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
40 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Community Learning Center, Fort Worth, TX for expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Partnership Program ........................................................................................................................................ 350,000 

Des Moines Area Community College, Arkeny, IA for workforce recruitment and training to address area 

skill shortages ........................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Dillard University, New Orleans, LA for recruitment and training of nursing assistants ............................ 200,000 

East Los Angeles Community Union, Los Angeles, CA for a workforce training initiative ........................... 300,000 

Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana, Inc., Fort Wayne, IN for the Production and Worker Training Services program .............................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Edgar Campbell Foundation, Philadelphia, PA for counseling, job placement and work readiness programs ......................................................................................................................................................... 300,000 

Employment & Economic Development Department of San Joaquin County, Stockton, CA for a work experience program for at-risk youth ........................................................................................................... 175,000 

Essex County Community Organization, Lynn, MA for its E-Team Machinist Training Program .................. 250,000 

Foundation of the Delaware County Chamber, Media, PA for workforce development and job readiness 

services ...................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Goodwill of Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas, NV for workforce development programs ......................... 300,000 

Greater Akron Chamber, Akron, OH for a summer apprenticeship program for youth ................................. 300,000 

Groden Center, Providence, RI for job readiness training for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome ................ 150,000 

Guam Community College, Mangilao, Guam for skilled craft training ......................................................... 250,000 

Hamilton County Government, Chattanooga, TN for training activities related to manufacturing processes .......................................................................................................................................................... 440,000 

Home of Life Community Development Corp., Chicago, IL for a financial services training and placement program ............................................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Homecare Workers Training Center, Los Angeles, CA for nurse assistant training ..................................... 100,000 

International Fellowship of Chaplains, Inc., Saginaw, MI for the Road to Hope training program in Seneca County, OH .......................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Iowa Valley Community College, Marshalltown, IA for job training activities .............................................. 100,000 

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana—Columbus Region, Indianapolis, IN for the Center for 

Cybersecurity for workforce development .................................................................................................. 150,000 

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Lafayette, Indianapolis, IN for job training programs at the 

Center for Health Information Technology ................................................................................................. 140,000 

Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, KS for workforce training and placement for the 

retail and hospitality industries ................................................................................................................ 200,000 

Kent State University/Trumbull County, Warren, OH for regional training through the Northeast Ohio Advanced Manufacturing Institute ................................................................................................................ 250,000 

Louisiana Delta Community College, Monroe, LA for a job training initiative ............................................. 200,000

Louisiana National Guard, Carville, LA for the Job Challenge Program ....................................................... 150,000 

Manufacturing Association of Central New York, Syracuse, NY for a workforce training project ................ 250,000 

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Manchester, NH for training of nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists ............................................................................................................ 150,000 

McHenry County Community College, Woodstock, IL for employer-identified occupational training ............ 375,000 

Minot State University, Minot, ND for the Job Corps Executive Management Program ............................... 100,000 

Mission Language and Vocational School, San Francisco, CA for a training program in health-related 

occupations ................................................................................................................................................ 250,000 

Neighborhood First Program, Inc., Bristol, PA for services for at-risk youth ............................................... 125,000 

NewLife Academy of Information Technology, East Liverpool, OH for training for information technology 

careers ....................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

North West Pasadena Development Corp., Pasedena, CA for job training for low-income individuals ....... 100,000 

Northcott Neighborhood House, Milwaukee, WI for construction industry training for youth ....................... 70,000 

Oakland Community College, Bloomfield Hills, MI to lead a consortium on workforce development for 

emerging business sectors ........................................................................................................................ 450,000 

Opportunity, Inc., Highland Park, IL for workforce development activities ................................................... 250,000 

Our Piece of the Pie, Hartford, CT for education and employment services for out-of-school youth .......... 500,000 

Parish of Rapides Career Solutions Center, Alexandria, LA for a job training initiative ............................. 200,000 

Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corporation, Philadelphia, PA for on-the-job training in shipbuilding 

technology .................................................................................................................................................. 350,000 

Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA for the Residential Construction Academy ...... 100,000 

Poder Learning Center, Chicago, IL for immigrant neighborhood education and job development services 200,000 

Precision Manufacturing Institute, Meadville, PA for high-technology training programs ........................... 100,000 

Project One Inc., Louisville, KY for summer job activities for disadvantaged youth ................................... 150,000 

Project QUEST, Inc., San Antonio, TX for workforce development services to low-income residents ........... 75,000 

PRONTO of Long Island, Inc., Bayshore, NY for a vocational training initiative .......................................... 100,000

Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center, Charleston, WV for its Enterprise Development Initiative ........... 250,000 

Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Marlin, PA for a workforce training program ............................................ 150,000

South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Hawthorne, CA for its Bridge-to-Work program ........................... 260,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
41 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO for equipment and training .............................. 300,000 

Southern University at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA for healthcare worker training activities ...................... 100,000 

Southside Virginia Community College, Alberta, VA for the Heavy Equipment Training Program ............... 200,000 

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK for workforce development in the manufacturing sector .............................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment, St. Louis, MO for a summer jobs program for youth ....... 350,000 

Towson University, Towson, MD for education and training services for careers in homeland security ..... 250,000 

United Mine Workers of America, Washington, PA for the UMWA Career Center’s mine worker training 

and reemployment programs ..................................................................................................................... 750,000 

University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL to provide teacher training to veterans ..................................... 200,000 

Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc., Johnstown, PA for employment services and support programs for 

veterans ..................................................................................................................................................... 500,000 

Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN for heavy equipment operator training for the mining industry ........ 350,000 

Wayne County, NY Planning Department, Lyons, NY for workforce development programs in Central New 

York ............................................................................................................................................................ 250,000 

West Los Angeles College, Culver City, CA for a craft and technican training program ............................ 300,000 

Women Work and Community, Augusta, ME for a women’s workforce training and development program 300,000 

Evaluation.—The Committee recommends $4,921,000 to provide 

for the continuing evaluation of programs conducted under the 

Workforce Investment Act of 1998, as well as of Federally funded 

employment-related activities under other provisions of law. This is 

the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and $2,079,000 below the 

budget request. 

The Committee directs the Department of Labor to continue to 

submit quarterly reports to the House and Senate Appropriations 

Committees on the status of grants made from H–1B fees, national 

emergency grants (including grants made under the up to 10 percent authority for dislocated worker demonstration and pilot 

projects), high-growth job training initiative awards from all 

sources, and awards made for pilot, demonstration, multi-service, 

research, and multi-State projects. These reports shall be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no 

later than 15 days after the end of each quarter and shall summarize by funding source all grants awarded. This report shall also include a list of all awards made during the quarter and for each 

award shall include the grantee; the amount of the award; the 

funding source of the award; whether the award was made competitively or by sole source and, if sole source, the justification; the 

purpose of the award, the number of workers to be trained, and 

other expected outcomes. This will allow for continued evaluation 

of the use of sole-source contracting for those remaining grants 

where the bill does not require competitive procurement. 

The bill repeats a provision in the 2007 Continuing Appropriations Resolution that requires the Secretary of Labor to award 

grants for training for employment in high growth industries on a 

competitive basis. The bill also includes language that requires 

that funds available to the Department under the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act be available only for 

grants for training in the occupations and industries for which employers use the visas that generate these funds, and that related 

activities be limited to those necessary to support such training. 

The Committee does not apply this restriction to competitive grant 

awards made in response to solicitations issued prior to April 15, 

2007, or to the grants authorized to assist States in addressing the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
42 

gap in health coverage for trade-impacted workers. This permits 

the Department to fund the obligations made in three rounds of 

Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) 

grants to States. To the extent possible, however, the Committee 

urges that WIRED grantees be asked to address the training needs 

in their regions for the same target industries and occupations 

identified in this section. The Committee urges that preference for 

these grants be given to sector-based approaches that involve multiple employers, including those that involve labor-management 

partnerships, to address skill shortages. The Committee is also interested in career ladder approaches in targeted industries, including information technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing, and health care. The Committee includes a provision rescinding $335,000,000 in 

prior year unexpended balances from Workforce Investment Act 

programs. The Committee also rescinds $44,000 in unexpended 

funds originally provided for the activities of the National Skill 

Standards Board, as requested. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS

The Committee recommends $530,900,000 for community service employment for older Americans, which is $47,289,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level and $180,900,000 above the budget request. 

The community service employment for older Americans program 

provides grants to public and private nonprofit organizations that 

subsidize part-time work in community service activities for unemployed persons aged 55 and older, whose family’s annual income 

does not exceed 125 percent of the poverty level. 

The Committee does not agree with the budget request, which 

would cut the number of seniors served by 44,000 or 43 percent 

below the fiscal year 2007 level, from 103,000 to 59,000 in fiscal 

year 2008. The Committee recommendation will continue the current slot level of 103,000 low-income seniors, and provides funds for 

the second anticipated increment of a Federal minimum wage increase, from $5.85 to $6.55 an hour, for program participants. 

FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

The Committee recommends $888,700,000 for this account, which 

is $51,100,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the 

budget request. 

The trade adjustment assistance program (TAA) provides assistance to certified workers adversely affected by imports or from 

trade with countries covered by the North America Free Trade 

Agreement, the Andean Trade Preference Act, African Growth and 

Opportunity Act, or the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. 

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002 expanded eligibility to include secondary workers whose layoffs were caused by 

the loss of business by a supplier of component parts, a final assembler, or a finisher, for a firm employing a worker group that 

has received TAA certification. Funding will provide for the payment of trade adjustment benefit payments; training, job search allowances, relocation allowances and associated administrative 

costs; and alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA) wage 

supplements. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
43 

For fiscal year 2006, approximately 120,000 workers were potentially eligible to apply for TAA benefits and service. However, of 

these potentially eligible workers, roughly 40,000 individuals begin 

receiving TAA-funded benefits or services each year, together with 

another 40,000 individuals who entered the program in previous 

years and continue to receive benefits or services. The Committee 

believes that the Department can do more to conduct outreach to 

trade affected workers to ensure that eligible workers learn about 

the program. The lack of outreach is particularly acute in regard 

to the secondary worker populations where take up rates are far 

below what was expected when the new eligibility was established. 

The Committee also is concerned by the fact that only a small 

percentage of TAA participants take advantage of the health coverage tax credit (HCTC) that was authorized by the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002. The low take-up rate may 

largely be a function of the high costs of health insurance coverage 

overall, but there is also evidence that some eligible workers are 

affected by the gap in time between their application for TAA benefits, their certification for those benefits, and the certification by 

the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the HCTC itself. The Committee is in agreement with the Department’s use of dislocated 

worker assistance national reserve funds to help States address 

this issue, but believes that additional outreach and assistance is 

necessary to ensure that workers who can benefit from the HCTC 

do not lose their health care coverage while awaiting certification 

for either TAA by the Department, or the tax credit by IRS. To ensure that there are sufficient funds for this purpose, the bill includes a general provision providing that up to $20,000,000 from 

funds available to the Department under the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 may be used for 

this purpose. 

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

OPERATIONS

The Committee recommends $3,382,614,000 for this account, 

which is $42,264,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$43,861,000 above the budget request. Included in the total available is $3,296,669,000 authorized to be drawn from the employment security administration account of the Unemployment Trust 

Fund and $85,945,000 to be provided from the general fund of the 

Treasury. The funds in this account are used to provide administrative grants and assistance to State agencies that administer 

Federal and State unemployment compensation laws and operate 

the public Employment Service. 

For unemployment insurance services, the Committee recommends $2,561,223,000. This is $53,553,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level and the same as the budget request. The total includes 

$2,550,723,000 for State operations and $10,500,000 for national 

activities. Included in the amount provided for State operations is 

an additional $40,000,000, for a total of $50,000,000 for in-person 

reemployment and eligibility assessments in one-stop centers. 

These reviews are conducted by State employment security agency 

staff. The Committee concurs with the budget request, which cites 

that a number of studies have found that attention to eligibility 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
44 

and reemployment needs assessments result in relatively shorter 

claims duration for beneficiaries. The Committee also concurs with 

the recommendation in the House report accompanying the fiscal 

year 2008 budget resolution, which states that these program integrity funds are not intended to finance activities that would adversely affect workers who receive unemployment benefits. The bill 

requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress no later 

than 180 days following the end of the fiscal year containing comprehensive information on the savings that result from the assessments of unemployment insurance claimants and identifying best 

practices in program integrity and reemployment reviews. The bill 

provides for contingency funding for increased workloads that 

States may face in the administration of unemployment insurance 

by specifying that an additional $28,600,000 be available from the 

Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund for every 100,000 increase in 

average weekly insured claims above 2,786,000. 

For grants to the States for employment service (ES) activities, the Committee recommends $725,883,000, which includes 

$23,203,000 in general funds together with an authorization to 

spend $702,680,000 from the employment security administration 

account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. This is $10,000,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and $37,104,000 above the budget 

request. This increase represents the first enhancement for ES 

grants to the States in six years. The Committee believes that the 

labor exchange activities provided by State employment service 

agencies should be primary source of labor exchange services for 

the local one-stop system, thus freeing up Workforce Investment 

Act funds to focus on intensive services and training. The Committee recommends $32,766,000 for ES national activities, which is $662,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and the 

same as the budget request. The Committee recommends $52,985,000 for one-stop career cen- ters and labor market information, which is $10,870,000 below the 

fiscal year 2007 level and $3,000,000 below the budget request. 

This funding supports access for customers in labor market transactions and career information, as well as supporting performance 

management systems. The Committee believes that the emphasis 

for these funds should be on the workforce information grants to 

States and directs that these grants be funded at not less than 

$32,430,000, which is the average of the prior two fiscal years. The 

Committee believes that funds above this amount should be dedicated to the investments needed to sustain the tools and activities 

that provide self-service career information and guidance to youth 

and adults and workforce information and analysis to policy-makers and counselors, through America’s career information network, 

America’s service locator, the career voyages system, and the occupational information network (O*NET), and recommends that these 

activities be maintained at the fiscal year 2007 level. Remaining 

funds may be applied to other elements of the infrastructure of the 

labor market information system, including the wage record interchange system (WRIS) and the workforce investment streamlined 

performance reporting system (WISPR). The Committee believes it 

is inappropriate to use these funds for further capacity building 

grants to parties outside the public workforce investment system. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
45 

The Committee recommends $9,757,000 for the work incentive 

grants program, which is $9,757,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

level. The budget request recommended elimination of this program. The program has funded grants to the States to demonstrate 

approaches to improving accessibility to one-stop career center 

services for new job seekers with disabilities. All States have now 

had an opportunity to receive grants for this purpose. However, 

due to the fact that workforce investment system funding has not 

been increased during the period of these grants, it will be difficult 

for the one-stop system to sustain these activities without continuation funding. The Committee provides 50 percent of the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and recommends that the Department use these 

funds to provide matching grants to the States that have hired disability navigators to assure that the navigator positions and practices are incorporated in the regular operations of their workforce 

system. 

ADVANCES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND AND OTHER FUNDS

The Committee recommends $437,000,000 for this account, which 

is $28,000,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the 

budget request. The appropriation is available to provide advances 

to several accounts for purposes authorized under various Federal 

and State unemployment insurance laws and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, whenever balances in such accounts prove insufficient. 

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

General funds in this account provide the Federal staff to administer employment and training programs under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the Older Americans Act, the Trade Act, and 

the National Apprenticeship Act. Trust funds provide for the Federal administration of employment security functions under title III 

of the Social Security Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

The Committee recommends $170,500,000 for fiscal year 2008, 

which is $45,662,000 below the budget request. The total amount 

includes $88,451,000 in general funds and authority to expend 

$82,049,000 from the employment security administration account 

of the Unemployment Trust Fund. The Committee recommendation 

provides $28,872,000 of the amount recommended by the President 

for this account under the Office of Job Corps for its administrative 

expenses. After this transfer is taken into account, the Committee 

recommendation for program administration is $630,000 below the 

comparable fiscal year 2007 level. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The bill provides $142,925,000 for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which is $1,352,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $4,500,000 below the budget request. This reduction reflects the funding of the EFAST2 electronic filing system 

in fiscal year 2007, rather than in fiscal year 2008. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
46 

EBSA is responsible for the enforcement of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) in both 

civil and criminal areas. This involves ERISA fiduciary and reporting/disclosure requirements. EBSA is also responsible for enforcement of sections 8477 and 8478 of the Federal Employees’ Retirement Security Act of 1986. The agency was also given responsibilities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 

of 1996. 

Funds were provided in fiscal year 2007 for the Department of 

Labor’s EFAST2 electronic Form 5500 filing system and an addi- tional $500,000 is included in the Committee recommendation for 

changes in reporting requirements mandated by the Pension Protection Act. The Committee expects that EBSA will contribute an 

additional amount of $2,500,000 from its fiscal years 2007 and 

2008 appropriations for this system, generated by one-time cost 

savings proposed in the last two years’ budget requests. The Committee expects EBSA to minimize any potential negative impact of 

the project’s financing on enforcement, compliance outreach, and 

education programs. The Department is directed to provide a 

schedule for completion of the EFAST2 system within 30 days of 

enactment and to report monthly on progress relative to that 

schedule to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. 

The Committee recommends that EBSA devote resources to the 

issuance of regulations that provide understandable and uniform 

reporting of all fees charged to 401(k) plans and participants with 

all fees required to be broken down by identifiable and meaningful 

categories and by source of payment. EBSA should also create a 

national education program to educate pension plan administrators 

and participants of 401(k) investment options, fees charged, and 

prohibitions on conflicts of interest. In addition, the Committee is 

concerned with the Department of Labor’s lack of statistics on the 

continuation of health care coverage program known as COBRA. 

The Committee requests that the Department of Labor upgrade its 

data collection on participants in the COBRA program with specific 

emphasis on those who utilize COBRA benefits for the full extent 

of the authorized timeframe and subsequently lose health insurance coverage. 

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

The Corporation’s budget for fiscal year 2007 is $411,151,000, which is $5,761,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same 

as the budget request. 

The Corporation is a wholly owned government corporation established by ERISA. The law places it within the Department of 

Labor and makes the Secretary of Labor the chairperson of its 

board of directors. The Corporation receives its income from insurance premiums collected from covered pension plans, collection of 

employer liabilities imposed by ERISA, and investment earnings. It 

is also authorized to borrow up to $100,000,000 from the United 

States Treasury. The primary purpose of the Corporation is to 

guarantee the payment of pension plan benefits to participants if 

covered plans fail or go out of existence. 

The bill repeats language that permits workload driven increases 

in obligational authority based on the number of new plan particiVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
47 

pants in plans terminated by the Corporation. In addition, the bill 

includes new language that permits similar workload driven increases to cover the investment management fees based on increases in assets received by the Corporation as a result of new 

plan terminations, after approval by the Office of Management and 

Budget and notification of the House and Senate Committees on 

Appropriations. 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING RESCISSION)

The Committee recommends $436,508,000 for this account, which 

is $15,637,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $11,151,000 

below the budget request. The bill includes $434,397,000 in general 

funds for this account and contains authority to expend $2,111,000 

from the Special Fund established by the Longshore and Harbor 

Workers’ Compensation Act. 

The Employment Standards Administration (ESA) is involved in 

the administration of numerous laws, including the Fair Labor 

Standards Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Migrant 

and Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Protection Act, the DavisBacon Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (black 

lung provisions). The agency also administers Executive Order 

11246 related to affirmative action by Federal contractors and the 

Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. 

The Committee recommends a $5,000,000 increase for the wage 

and hour division (WHD) to support an additional 36 full time 

equivalents (FTE) for stronger enforcement activities in low-wage 

industries and the Gulf Coast region, as requested. Even with 

these new positions, the number of enforcement staff in the division will have declined by 12.6 percent from 1,528 in fiscal year 

2001 to 1,336 in fiscal year 2008. The Committee sees this recommendation as a downpayment on a longer-term investment in 

rebuilding enforcement capacity. 

The Committee is particularly concerned that WHD’s investigations of low-wage industries have fallen precipitously, with dramatic declines in industries such as garment manufacturing, 

health care (especially nursing homes), and agriculture (especially 

poultry processing). The Committee directs the Department to target the additional resources provided to increase inspections and 

investigations of industries with high concentrations of low-wage 

and other vulnerable workers, and industries with high levels of 

wage and hour violations, including overtime violations. In hiring 

new investigators, WHD should frame position qualifications so as 

to increase the number of front-line investigators that are fluent in 

the languages of the workforces in which non-English-speaking 

workers predominate. 

Within the agriculture industry, the Committee is concerned 

about the lack of WHD inspections of potential child labor violations. Current law permits children as young as 12 to work in the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
48 

fields under very specific limitations, such as non-hazardous work 

that occurs beyond school hours. However, WHD inspections to ensure that employers adhere to these restrictions are inconsistent at 

best. The Committee therefore encourages WHD to use its allocation within the bill to assign additional inspectors to monitor child 

labor law violations that occur in the fields. The Committee recommends that the Secretary of Labor, in collaboration with the 

Secretary of Agriculture, develop a plan to address child labor violations within the agriculture industry in order to increase compliance with child labor laws and requests that the plan be submitted 

to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 

1, 2008. 

The misclassification of employees as independent contractors 

undermines enforcement of the nation’s worker protection laws and has cost the U.S. Treasury an estimated $35 billion between 1996 

and 2004. Misclassification also deprives workers of critical benefits such as unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, Social Security, and Medicare, and important rights such as rights to 

family and medical leave, employee benefits, and a safe and nondiscriminatory workplace. The Committee requests that WHD compile a detailed report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 1, 2008, on the Department’s enforcement 

strategy on misclassification and the investigation activity to date 

in this area, including recovery of back pay and other compensatory measures, assessment of penalties, and policies for cross-referral of complaints to the Internal Revenue Service. 

The Committee directs WHD to work with the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of 

State on the issue of fair wages and compliance with safety regulations for Federal contractors that employ H–2B forestry workers, or ‘‘pineros.’’ Of the estimated 66,000 guest workers in this country, 

forest workers are the second-largest group, after landscape laborers. Yet Federal forestry contractors often are in violation of basic 

wage and safety standards. The Forest Service is taking steps to 

compile a comprehensive database of forestry contractors, current 

and past violators, and registered H–2B forestry workers. As the 

Forest Service develops its database, the Committee directs WHD 

to populate the database with violations of wage disbursements, 

and to coordinate with the Department’s Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA), so as to include additional safety 

and health enforcement information pertaining to this population 

in the database. The Committee requests that the Department of 

Labor provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than March 1, 2008 on its enforcement activities regarding those contractors that employ pineros and have violated Federal employment and/or safety standards. 

The Committee does not agree with the budget request to add 

additional positions for the office of labor-management standards 

(OLMS). Since 2001, OLMS staffing has increased by over 25 percent while staffing in other Employment Standards Administration 

divisions and other DOL enforcement agencies has dramatically declined. For example, the wage and hour division, which enforces 

minimum wage, overtime, and child labor laws, will have experienced a drop in staff of 12.6 percent since fiscal year 2001, even 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
49 

with the additional resources provided for fiscal year 2008. The 

staff level at the office of federal contract compliance programs 

(OFCCP), which protects workers from unfair employment practices by Federal contractors, will have dropped by 23 percent from 

fiscal year 2001 to fiscal 2008. The Committee is concerned that 

Department’s continued budget requests for additional staffing and 

funding for OLMS are at the expense of other priorities to protect 

workers’ wages, hours, and working conditions. The Department’s 

budget justification states that the acceptability rate for unions in 

meeting Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act 

(LMRDA) reporting requirements is 96 percent. The Committee believes that adding resources for LMRDA enforcement is the wrong 

priority when enforcement activities in other areas of the Department of Labor have been neglected. 

The Committee rescinds $70,000,000 of the unobligated funds 

collected pursuant to section 286(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This amount is $20,000,000 more than the amount in the 

budget request, and reflects the Department’s estimates of the unobligated balance at the end of fiscal year 2006. This action does 

not affect anticipated obligations for fiscal year 2007, nor does it 

affect fees to be collected in fiscal year 2008. The Department has 

recommended language to expand the authorized use of these funds 

for wage and hour investigations that is more appropriately addressed by the authorizing committees. 

SPECIAL BENEFITS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The bill includes $203,000,000 for special benefits, which is 

$24,000,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same 

as the budget request. This appropriation primarily provides benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The 

payments are required by law. In fiscal year 2008, an estimated 

140,000 injured Federal workers or their survivors will file claims; 

55,000 will receive long-term wage replacement benefits for job-related injuries, diseases, or death. 

SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR DISABLED COAL MINERS

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $208,221,000 for 

special benefits for disabled coal miners, as requested. This amount 

is in addition to the $68,000,000 appropriated last year as an advance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. These funds are used 

to provide monthly benefits to coal miners disabled by black lung 

disease and to their widows and certain other dependents, as well 

as to pay related administrative costs. 

The Committee recommends an advance appropriation of 

$62,000,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, which is the 

same as the budget request. These funds will ensure uninterrupted 

benefit payments to coal miners, their widows, and dependents. 

The Black Lung Consolidation of Administrative Responsibility 

Act of 2002 amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to transfer part 

B black lung benefits responsibility from the Commissioner of Social Security to the Secretary of Labor. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
50 

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL

ILLNESS COMPENSATION FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $104,745,000 for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act 

(EEOICPA) authorized by Title XXXVI of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2001. This amount is $2,438,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and the same as the budget request. Funds will be 

used to administer the program that provides compensation to employees or survivors of employees of the Department of Energy 

(DOE), its contractors and subcontractors, companies that provided 

beryllium to DOE, and atomic weapons employees who suffer from 

a radiation-related cancer, beryllium-related disease, or chronic silicosis as a result of their work in producing or testing nuclear 

weapons, and uranium workers covered under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. 

In addition to the $55,358,000 that the budget request indicates 

will be transferred for the National Institute of Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH) within the Department of Health and Human 

Services for its activities, the bill directs that the Secretary provide, within 30 days of enactment, $4,500,000 to NIOSH for use by 

or in support of the advisory board on radiation and worker health 

to carry out its statutory responsibilities under EEOICPA, including obtaining audits, technical assistance and other support from 

the Board’s audit contractor with regard to radiation dose estimation and reconstruction efforts, site profiles, procedures, and review of special exposure cohort petitions and evaluation reports. 

BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends such sums as necessary for payment 

of benefits and interest on advances. The Committee estimates that 

$1,068,000,000 will be required for this account, which is 

$1,546,000 below the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the Administration estimate. 

The trust fund pays all black lung compensation/medical and 

survivor benefit expenses when no responsible mine operator can 

be assigned liability for such benefits, or when coal mine employment ceased prior to 1970, as well as administrative costs which 

are incurred in administering the benefits program and operating 

the trust fund. 

The basic financing for the trust fund comes from a coal excise 

tax for underground and surface-mined coal. Additional funds come 

from reimbursement payments from mine operators for benefit payments made by the trust fund before the mine operator is found 

liable. The advances to the fund assure availability of necessary 

funds when liabilities may exceed other income. The Omnibus 

Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 continues the current tax structure until 2014. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
51 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $503,516,000 for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is $16,591,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and $13,239,000 above the budget 

request. This agency is responsible for enforcing the Occupational 

Safety and Health Act of 1970 in the nation’s workplaces. For Federal enforcement, the bill provides $190,128,000, an in- crease of $13,155,000 over fiscal year 2007. The Committee is concerned that the number of full time equivalents (FTE) dedicated to 

Federal enforcement has declined by 141, or 8.4 percent, from 

1,683 in fiscal year 2001 to 1,542 in fiscal year 2007. No additional 

enforcement positions were proposed in the budget request. While 

it is not possible under funding constraints to totally erase the deficit of enforcement positions in one year, the Committee recommends $7,082,000 above the budget request to begin to restore 

the enforcement capacity of OSHA over the next several years. 

These funds will support an additional 47 positions in federal enforcement. The Committee intends that a portion of these positions 

be used to reestablish the capacity to conduct comprehensive process safety management (PSM) inspections. The Committee takes 

note of the Chemical Safety Board recommendations following the 

BP Texas City disaster and believes that OSHA needs to pursue 

comprehensive enforcement of its process safety management 

standard. The additional enforcement positions not dedicated to 

PSM should be used to begin to rebuild and enhance OSHA’s overall enforcement capacity. The Committee urges OSHA to give special emphasis in its hiring and promotion activities to the number 

of bilingual inspectors. This action would allow OSHA to better address the disproportionately high number of injury and fatalities 

among immigrant workers. The Committee directs that OSHA provide reports to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than 90 days after enactment, and quarterly thereafter on OSHA’s progress in filling these additional enforcement 

positions. 

The Committee bill provides $75,566,000 for Federal compliance 

assistance, an increase of $2,907,000 over fiscal year 2007 and a 

decrease of $4,041,000 below the request, which targeted increased 

funds for the voluntary protection program. The Committee agrees 

with a March 2004 GAO report that recommended that OSHA’s 

voluntary compliance strategies should not be expanded until they 

are fully evaluated. This evaluation is not possible until OSHA collects complete, comparable data that would enable a comparison of 

the relative effectiveness of these approaches. Therefore, the Committee directs OSHA to utilize a portion of the increased funds for 

federal compliance assistance to develop methodologies and to collect the data necessary for a full evaluation of the effectiveness of 

voluntary compliance programs. 

The Committee is concerned about OSHA’s lack of progress in 

developing and issuing important safety and health standards and 

the repeated failures to meet the agency’s timetables for action announced in the semi-annual regulatory agendas. Thus, the Committee directs the Secretary to provide to the House and Senate 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
52 

Appropriations Committees detailed timetables for the development 

and issuance of occupational safety and health standards on beryllium, silica, cranes and derricks, confined space entry in construction, and hazard communication global harmonization. Each of 

these standards has appeared on the Department’s regulatory 

agenda over a period of years, yet deadlines have consistently 

slipped. In order to better understand the reasons for these delays, 

the reports, which shall be provided within 90 days of the enactment of this Act with updates provided every 90 days thereafter, 

shall include an explanation of the reasons for any delays in meeting the projected timetables for action. 

The Committee is dissatisfied with OSHA’s activities on 

ergonomics and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, which 

continue to be the leading cause of workplace injuries. The agency’s 

comprehensive plan on ergonomics announced in 2002 has resulted 

in the issuance of only three industry guidelines, the last one 

issued in 2004, and only 17 general duty citations, the last one 

issued in 2005. The Committee directs the agency to enhance its 

activities by developing guidelines for the 13 other industries recommended by the national advisory committee on ergonomics in 

2004, and to submit a timetable to the Committee specifying when 

these additional guidelines will be completed. The Committee expects the agency to step up enforcement on ergonomic hazards 

through the use of the general duty clause, as outlined in the Secretary of Labor’s 2002 ergonomics plan, and to conduct follow-up 

inspections to determine if ergonomic hazards have been abated. 

For the past four years, the Committee has included language in 

its report expressing disappointment and concern about the Department’s lack of progress in completing rulemaking on the issue 

of payment for personal protective equipment (PPE), and urging 

OSHA to act expeditiously to issue the final rule. The Committee 

pointed out that the rule is particularly important for Hispanic 

workers who disproportionately work in low-wage hazardous jobs, 

and have a much higher fatality rate than other groups of workers. 

However, no action was taken and OSHA repeatedly missed the 

timetable for action set in its regulatory agenda. In response to a 

lawsuit filed in early 2007, OSHA has now announced that it will 

issue a final payment for PPE rule by the end of November 2007. 

However, OSHA has not committed to issue a final rule that maintains its longstanding policy that employers have the responsibility 

to pay for all safety equipment, with few exceptions. Given the Department of Labor’s repeated failure to meet its announced deadlines, the bill includes a provision to ensure that these protections 

will finally be put in place. 

The Committee is dissatisfied with OSHA’s lack of action to ensure that health care workers and emergency responders will be 

adequately protected in the event of an influenza pandemic. The 

Department of Labor has denied a petition for an OSHA emergency 

standard on grounds that a pandemic has not yet occurred. Moreover, the guidelines issued by the Department in May fail to recognize the urgency of the problem or the responsibility of employers 

to provide adequate protections for health care workers. In addition, reliance on guidelines instead of standards eliminates the opportunity for public review and comment. The Committee believes 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
53 

that it is important to plan and put protections in place before a 

pandemic occurs. The Committee asks that the Department reconsider the issuance of an emergency standard. The Committee directs the Department to, at a minimum, develop a permanent 

standard on an expedited basis to ensure that plans and measures 

to protect health care workers and responders from an outbreak of 

pandemic influenza are in place as soon as possible. The Committee directs that OSHA submit a report to the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment, and 

quarterly thereafter, detailing its anticipated timeline for issuing a 

standard on an emergency or expedited basis, and its progress in 

meeting that timeline. 

The Committee also believes that the OSHA response to serious 

health hazards posed by exposure to the chemical diacetyl, a butter 

flavoring agent used in microwave popcorn and other foods is inadequate. Despite urgent warnings from NIOSH that exposure to diacetyl poses a risk of a rare and fatal lung disease (bronchiolitis 

obliterans) and should be controlled, and a growing number of documented cases of the disease, OSHA has failed to act. There has 

been no response to a petition for an emergency standard filed last 

year by unions and health scientists. The Committee believes this 

matter warrants an emergency standard, but at a minimum, OSHA 

should develop a permanent standard on an expedited basis. Only 

recently has OSHA announced it will initiate a special emphasis 

program, but only for those establishments that manufacture butter-flavored microwave popcorn. The Committee understands that 

OSHA is also in the process of finalizing a national emphasis program that will expand enforcement activities beyond microwave 

popcorn plants to other food manufacturing and flavoring plants 

where diacetyl is used or produced, and that both emphasis programs will apply existing standards (including personal protective 

equipment, respiratory protection, and hazard communication), as 

well as OSHA’s general duty authority, to require that exposures 

to this very toxic agent be controlled. The Committee directs that 

OSHA submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment, and quarterly thereafter, 

detailing its anticipated timeline for issuing a diacetyl standard on 

an emergency or expedited basis, and its progress in meeting that 

timeline. The Committee also requests that a separate report be 

provided no later than March 1, 2008, on the special and national 

emphasis programs, detailing the number of establishments inspected, citations issued, and follow-up activities taken to ensure 

that hazardous conditions are abated. 

The bill includes $10,116,000 for the Susan Harwood training 

grant program, which is the same as the fiscal 2007 level. This program was not included in the budget request. The Committee is 

concerned that OSHA has again proposed elimination of this program, which supports worker safety and health training and education programs that are an important component of a comprehensive approach to worker protection. Within these funds, the bill 

provides $3,200,000 to extend funding for the institutional competency building training grants which commenced in September 

2000 for program activities for the October 1, 2007, to September 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
54 

30, 2008, period, provided that the grantees demonstrate satisfactory performance. 

The May 12, 2007 incident involving a U.S. citizen with drug-resistant tuberculosis traveling via commercial airline demonstrates 

how serious this disease can be. Therefore, the bill does not include 

prior language prohibiting OSHA from enforcing the general industry respiratory protection standard for the annual fit testing of respirators for occupational exposure to tuberculosis (TB). OSHA’s respiratory protection standard requires that respirators be provided 

to protect workers exposed to chemical and biological hazards. The 

Committee sees no reason to treat exposure to TB differently than 

exposure to all other hazards subject to OSHA’s respirator standard. Annual fit testing of respirators for health care workers exposed to tuberculosis will also help protect these workers from 

other airborne infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines for preventing the transmission of tuberculosis in health care settings in December 2005. 

Those guidelines recommend that after a risk assessment is conducted to validate the need for respiratory protection, that fit testing should be performed during the initial respiratory protection 

program training, and that the period for testing thereafter be in 

accordance with the relevant Federal, State and local regulations. 

The Committee believes that it is appropriate that OSHA’s respiratory protection standard apply to occupational exposure to tuberculosis and that the agency should not be further prevented 

from enforcing the annual fit testing requirements to address occupational exposure to tuberculosis in health care settings. 

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $313,478,000 for this agency, which 

is $11,908,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the 

budget request. This agency enforces the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Act in underground and surface coal and metal and nonmetal mines. 

The Committee recommendation supports the retention of 170 inspector positions that MSHA reports it is on target to hire by the 

end of fiscal year 2007. The initial funding for these positions was 

provided in emergency supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 

2006 following the coal mine tragedies in West Virginia and Kentucky. It is critical that MSHA maintain an adequate number of 

compliance inspectors, and the Committee is concerned by reports 

that the agency may be losing senior coal inspectors to retirement 

so swiftly that the plan to increase the inspector ranks could be 

jeopardized. 

The Committee recognizes that passage of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act in June 2006 is 

the first revision to Federal mine safety law since the Federal Mine 

Safety and Health Act became law in 1977. The Committee is concerned that progress on implementation of these provisions, which 

are critical to improving the safety of the nation’s mines, has been 

slower than anticipated. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
55 

Thus, the Committee directs that the Secretary provide reports 

to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later 

than 90 days after enactment, and quarterly thereafter on: (1) 

MSHA’s progress in filling all allocated inspector positions, and 

completing the training of new inspectors, by district office; (2) 

MSHA’s strategic plan for dealing with anticipated retirements 

from all positions during fiscal years 2008 through fiscal year 2012; 

(3) changes in the rate of employer contests, with particular regard 

to whether the formula used to determine the ratio of legal counsel 

to inspectors needs to be adjusted to ensure the office of the solicitor has resources consistent to ensure effective enforcement; (4) 

MSHA’s progress in implementing the MINER Act, including the 

finalization of emergency response plans; and (5) information on resources devoted to emergency, ventilation and roof control plan reviews and approvals. 

The Committee directs MSHA to provide annual reports on the 

random audits performed each year on mining machines and their 

certified components, starting with a report on fiscal year 2007 audits that shall be provided to the House and Senate Committees on 

Appropriations not later than 90 days after enactment. This report 

should also address agency recommendations to increase surveillance and enforcement of the misuse of ‘‘2G’’ tags, including the activities of repair and rebuilding shops. 

The Committee concurs with the Department’s plans to implement the Brookwood-Sago mine safety training grants and directs 

that no less than $500,000 be provided for the first round of these 

grants, which were authorized by the MINER Act. 

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee bill includes $576,118,000 for the Bureau of 

Labor Statistics (BLS), which is $27,995,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level and $1,675,000 above the budget request. The bill includes $497,854,000 in general funds for this account and authority 

to spend $78,264,000 from the employment security administration 

account of the Unemployment Trust Fund. The BLS is the principal fact-finding agency in the Federal government in the broad 

field of labor economics. Its principal surveys include the Consumer 

Price Index and the monthly unemployment series. 

The bill provides that $5,000,000 may be used for the mass layoff 

statistics program under section 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act. This 

program provides information on mass layoff actions that result in 

workers being separated from their jobs. This information is of assistance in identifying the causes and scope of worker dislocation 

and the characteristics of dislocated workers and can be used by 

the workforce investment and economic development systems in assisting employers and/or workers at the local level. The bill also 

continues language providing that the Current Employment Survey 

shall maintain content with respect to the collection of data for the 

women worker series. 

The Committee recommends $192,599,000 for prices and cost of 

living, which is $450,000 above the budget request. While data are 

currently collected to measure changes in the cost of living by metVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
56 

ropolitan area, the Committee sees benefit in measuring the differences in the level of the cost of living for those areas and for 

States. The Committee includes $450,000 to develop a methodology 

for determining the cost of living by State that accounts for the different costs of housing, goods and services in each State. The Committee understands that BLS requires two years before it is able 

to transmit this methodology to the Congress, and requests that 

BLS provide an interim progress report as part of its fiscal year 

2009 budget request. In addition, the Committee requests that the 

final report on a State-specific cost of living methodology include an 

estimate of what it would cost to implement the recommended 

methodology. That final report shall be provided to the House and 

Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than September 30, 

2009. 

Within the $86,084,000 provided for compensation and working conditions, the additional $1,225,000 above the request is to be 

used to conduct focused research studies on work-related injuries 

and illnesses. Such studies provide detailed information on the 

causes and means of preventing injuries and illnesses of particular 

concern, such as amputations, injuries and illnesses among truck 

drivers, and injuries and illnesses in high-risk industries. These 

types of studies were conducted previously by BLS through its 

work injury reports, but were largely suspended due to lack of resources. The additional funding over the request will help reestablish this useful series of reports, and provide important information 

to employers, researchers, and policymakers for their prevention 

activities. 

OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $27,712,000 for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $9,110,000 above the budget request. The Office provides policy guidance and leadership to eliminate employment barriers to people with disabilities. 

The Administration only requested the funds necessary for the 

office to focus on its core mission of policy analysis, technical assistance, and the dissemination of effective practices that increase the 

employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Committee believes that continuing the grant program will enhance the 

knowledge that will allow ODEP to provide optimal policy and 

technical assistance to the workforce investment system and its 

Federal partner agencies to ensure access and improve results for 

disabled customers. 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $293,261,000 for departmental management activities, which is $5,659,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

level and $39,025,000 above the budget request. This includes 

$292,943,000 in general funds, along with authority to transfer 

$318,000 from the employment security administration account of 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
57 

the Unemployment Trust Fund. The departmental management 

appropriation finances staff responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation of Departmental policy and management activities. In addition, this appropriation includes a variety of 

operating programs and activities that are not involved in departmental management functions, but for which other salaries and expenses appropriations are not suitable. 

Departmental management crosscut.—The Committee recommends a reduction of $250,000 below the request to eliminate 

the funds requested for competitive sourcing. This account is clearly not the only source of funds for this initiative. Significant resources have been spent by the Department over the last several 

years on contracting out government jobs. While the goal of this 

government-wide effort has been to make the government more efficient, OMB reports that in fiscal year 2006 government employees 

won competitions in more than 85 percent of the cases where competitive sourcing was used. The Committee has not seen compelling 

evidence of cost savings or increased efficiency achieved by competitive sourcing and is concerned that in some cases the competitions appear to encompass functions that could be considered inherently governmental or inappropriate for contractor performance. 

Therefore, the bill includes language providing that no funds appropriated in this title shall be used to carry out competitions 

under OMB Circular A–76 or any administrative directives on competitive sourcing until the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 

conducts a study of the Department’s practices and the Committee 

has had 60 days to review GAO’s recommendations. This moratorium does not affect the Department’s ability to contract with the 

private sector for services not available in-house. 

The Committee requests that GAO review the extent to which 

the Department has established a reliable and comprehensive system to track costs, savings, and the quality of work performed by 

contractors, as well as conducting an assessment of the Department’s adherence to principles adopted in 2002 by the commercial 

activities panel chaired by the Comptroller General. Those principles include pursuing other methods to achieve a high performing 

workforce, establishing a fair process that would include allowing 

government employees to compete for new work, and the recognition that inherently governmental functions should be performed 

by Federal workers. 

International Labor Affairs Bureau.—The Committee recommendation includes $72,516,000 for the international labor affairs bureau (ILAB), which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $58,419,000 above the budget request. The Committee rejects 

the Administration’s proposal to slash funding for ILAB by over 80 

percent. In May 2006, the International Labor Organization (ILO) 

issued a report entitled ‘‘The End of Child Labor: Within Reach’’. 

The report states that child labor is in decline worldwide and that 

if the current pace of decline were to be sustained, the global commitment to stop child labor could feasibly eliminate most of the 

worst forms of this practice within 10 years. The Committee is 

therefore particularly concerned that the Department’s budget request eliminates funding for child labor grants, including the U.S. 

contribution to sustain the successful efforts of the ILO’s interVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
58 

national program for the elimination of child labor. Withdrawing 

from these efforts would damage the credibility and reputation of 

the United States in the countries whose governments are real 

partners to the United States in this effort. 

The Committee is aware of the ILO garment sector working conditions improvement project in Cambodia, and its success in improving worker conditions in garment factories, increasing worker 

and employer awareness of, and adherence to, core international 

labor standards and the rights of workers under Cambodian labor 

law. Another model which has not been linked directly to trade, but 

which has helped to address human rights issues in Central America, is the ombudsperson model. The Committee believes that some 

combination of these approaches could be helpful in other countries. Accordingly, the bill designates $5,000,000 within ILAB for 

activities to adapt these model programs to address worker rights 

in countries with trade preference programs with the United 

States. The Committee believes that implementation of this activity 

should be done in consultation with the Department of State. 

Women’s Bureau.—The Committee recommends $10,500,000 for 

the women’s bureau, which is $834,000 over fiscal year 2007 and $668,000 over the request. The Committee encourages the women’s 

bureau to continue to support national networks for women’s employment that advance women in the workplace through education 

and advocacy. The Committee believes that organizations that continue to exceed annual performance goals and that are strategically 

aligned with the goals of the women’s bureau deserve increased 

support. 

Pandemic influenza preparedness.—The Secretary of Labor’s role 

in pandemic influenza preparedness goes beyond the health and 

safety standards for health care workers and emergency responders 

discussed earlier in this report. The national strategy for pandemic 

influenza implementation plan recognizes that an influenze pandemic would have a government- and society-wide impact. The 

health and economic impact of a pandemic on the U.S. workforce 

would be profound. The American workforce would face illness, 

death, and significant health care expenses, as well as potential job 

loss due to business closures due to breakdowns in the supply 

chain or due to public health measures (such as banning of large 

public gatherings or quarantine orders). In addition, with shortages 

of workers due to absence for illness or to care for family members, 

or to comply with public health orders, some businesses or critical 

industries may face challenges complying with existing workplace 

regulations (e.g., wage and hour rules or staffing requirements). 

The national strategy plan states that ‘‘the Secretary of Labor will 

be responsible for promoting the health, safety, and welfare of employees and tracking changes in employment, prices, and other economic measurements.’’ The Committee therefore requests that the 

Secretary submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on 

Appropriations by March 1, 2008 addressing the policy and regulatory issues under the Department’s jurisdiction that would require review and adaptation in response to a pandemic, including, 

but not limited to, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the 

Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and 

disaster unemployment assistance. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
59 

Disparity in rates of unemployment.—The Committee notes with 

concern the continuing disparity in rates of unemployment for certain minority groups (including African Americans, Latinos, and 

Native Americans) and directs the Secretary to report to the House 

and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 1, 2008 with 

a specific plan for addressing this problem. 

OFFICE OF JOB CORPS

The Committee recommends $1,649,476,000 for Job Corps, which is $42,621,000 over fiscal year 2007 and $98,232,000 above the request on a comparable basis. The Job Corps, authorized by the 

Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is a nationwide network of residential facilities chartered by Federal law to provide a comprehensive and intensive array of training, job placement, and support 

services to at-risk young adults. The mission of Job Corps is to attract eligible young adults, teach them the skills they need to become employable and independent, and place them in meaningful 

jobs or further education. Participation in the program is open to 

people in the 16 to 24 age range who are unemployed, have 

dropped out of school, or who are at risk of being involved in the 

criminal corrections system. 

The bill includes provisions transferring Job Corps operations, 

construction and renovation funding from the training and employment services account to the Office of the Secretary to reflect the 

current organizational status of the program. The Committee does 

not agree with the budget request to return Job Corps to the Employment and Training Administration. The bill therefore transfers 

$28,872,000 for Job Corps administration from Employment and 

Training Administration program administration to the Office of 

the Secretary. The bill also includes language that provides contracting authority to the Office of Job Corps. 

For Job Corps operations the Committee recommends $1,507,684,000, which is $37,327,000 above the level for fiscal year 

2007 and $85,312,000 above the budget request. Of the amount recommended, $916,684,000 is available for the period July 1, 2008 

through June 30, 2009, and $591,000,000 is available for the period 

October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The Committee does not 

agree with the budget request to reduce Job Corps slots by 4,310, 

reducing opportunities for disadvantaged youth who are left behind 

by traditional education programs to benefit from participation in 

Job Corps. Rather, the Committee’s recommended increase in operations funding is designed to support 44,791 student training slots, 

reflecting an increase of 300 slots above the fiscal year 2007 level 

to accommodate the opening of a new center during fiscal year 

2008. The bill includes a provision that this new student training 

slot level be achieved by the end of program year 2008. 

The Committee is concerned that enrollment levels be maintained, and believes that an appropriate mix of national, regional 

and facility-specific outreach and recruitment strategies is needed 

to address this issue. Given the fact that the Job Corps only has 

the capacity to serve one percent of the over six million youth in 

our country that have been left behind by traditional education 

programs, the Committee is concerned that all available slots be 

filled. The Committee understands that there has been an ongoing 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
60 

assessment of outreach and recruitment strategies and directs the 

Department to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment outlining the 

strategies that the Office of Job Corps believes are necessary to address the issue of maintaining enrollment levels. The Committee 

requests that the report address concerns that the failure to transfer public affairs and public information staff from the Employment 

and Training Administration to the Office of Job Corps may be impeding critical outreach and recruitment activities. 

The Committee understands that there is an ongoing need within 

Job Corps to make the salaries of academic and vocational instructors competitive with those of comparable institutions. The Committee agrees with the Department’s plan to use $5,000,000 to provide a 5 percent increase in teacher salaries, in addition to the 2.5 

percent increase in teacher salaries provided in fiscal year 2006 

and the 2.5 percent increase scheduled for fiscal year 2007. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of training and education for the construction industry and urges the Department to 

continue its partnerships to train Job Corps youth for careers in 

construction, including the high growth residential construction industry. The Committee encourages the Department to identify sites 

for potential expansion of construction trades training by employerbased industry groups and labor-management partnerships, so as 

to increase its capacity to address the workforce needs of this high 

growth industry. Increasing the number of students benefiting from 

industry-recognized training can help alleviate the shortage of 

skilled workers in this industry and further the goal of American 

homeownership. 

The bill provides $112,920,000 for construction and renovation, 

which is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$12,920,000 above the budget request. Of the amount recommended, $12,920,000 is available from July 1, 2008 through 

June 30, 2011, and $100,000,000 is available for the period October 

1, 2008 through June 30, 2011. 

Included in the amount for construction and renovation is 

$5,000,000 for a competitive program for existing Job Corp Centers 

to establish child care development centers. Historically, low-income young people with children have been the most difficult to 

serve population in Job Corps. Further expanding child care services on Job Corps campuses will enable more economically disadvantaged single parents to obtain the education, training, and 

parenting skills needed to make a better life for their children and 

for themselves. The Committee’s recommendation includes this 

$5,000,000 as part of its initiative to help reduce the number of 

abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and 

other real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. 

The bill continues a provision to prohibit the use of Job Corps 

funding for compensation of an individual that is not a Federal employee at a rate in excess of Executive Level I. The Committee bill 

continues a provision providing that no funds from any other appropriation shall be used to provide meal services at or for Job 

Corps centers. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
61 

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

The Committee recommends $228,198,000 for veteran employment and training activities, which is $5,009,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 level and $102,000 above the budget request. Within this 

amount, $197,143,000 is to be expended from the employment security administration account of the Unemployment Trust Fund for 

the State and Federal administration of veterans’ employment and 

training activities, which includes the funding of local veterans’

employment representatives and disabled veteran’s outreach specialists who provide services to meet the employment needs of eligible veterans. 

Funding for the veterans workforce investment program is provided at the fiscal year 2007 level, which is $84,000 more than the 

budget request. For the homeless veteran’s reintegration program 

that has shown success in getting veterans who are homeless back 

into the economic mainstream, $23,620,000 is provided, which is an 

increase of $1,181,000 over fiscal year 2007 and the same as the 

budget request. The Committee supports the efforts within both the 

homeless veterans program and the State grant program to address 

the employment needs of incarcerated veterans to assure their successful reintegration into the community. 

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $78,658,000 for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which is $5,892,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level and the same as the budget request. This includes 

$72,929,000 in general funds along with the authority to transfer 

$5,729,000 from the employment security administration account of 

the Unemployment Trust Fund. 

The OIG was created by law to protect the integrity of Departmental programs as well as the welfare of beneficiaries served by 

those programs. Through a program of audits, investigations, and 

program evaluations, the OIG attempts to reduce the incidence of 

fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, and to promote economy, 

efficiency, and effectiveness throughout the Department. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

The Committee includes no direct appropriation for the working 

capital fund (WCF) for fiscal year 2008. For fiscal year 2007, 

$6,168,000 was provided. The Administration requested 

$12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee understands that the Department has completed 

a cost benefit analysis of options for the new core accounting system. The Committee requests that when a decision is made on the 

most viable alternative for implementing a new financial management solution for the Department, information on this solution be 

provided to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 

together with a revised implementation schedule. 

In previous years, the Committee has provided direct appropriations for the Department of Labor working capital fund. However, 

other Federal departments have self-sustaining working capital 

funds, and providing direct appropriations is inconsistent with the 

treatment of these entities. The purpose of a working capital fund 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
62 

is to generate sufficient revenue to cover the full cost of operations, 

and to finance its continuing operations without direct appropriations. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 101. The Committee modifies a prior provision to permit 

transfers of up to one percent between programs, projects or activities. 

Sec. 102. The Committee repeats a prohibition on the purchase 

of goods that were in any part produced by indentured children. 

Sec. 103. The Committee repeats a provision requiring the Sec- retary to issue a monthly transit subsidy (of not less than $110) to 

each of the Department’s eligible employees in the National Capital 

region. 

Sec. 104. The Committee requires the Department to report to 

the Committees on Appropriations on its plan for the use of demonstration, pilot, multiservice, research and multi-State projects 

under the Workforce Investment Act, including the up to 10 percent set-aside within the dislocated workers assistance national reserve, prior to the obligation of funds for these activities. 

Sec. 105. The Committee repeats a provision in the 2007 Continuing Appropriations Resolution that requires the Secretary of 

Labor to award community-based job training initiative grants and 

grants for training and employment in high growth industries on 

a competitive basis. 

Sec. 106. The Committee directs that grants made from funds 

available to the Department under the American Competitiveness 

and Workforce Improvement Act be used only for training activities 

in the occupations and industries for which employers use the visas 

that generate these funds, and that related activities be limited to 

those necessary to support such training. The bill does not apply 

this restriction to competitive grant awards made in response to solicitations issued prior to April 15, 2007, or to the grants that may 

be made under the provisions of section 107 of this title. 

Sec. 107. The Committee provides that up to $20,000,000 of the 

funds available to the Department under section 414(c) the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 may 

be used for grants to States for activities that enable trade adjustment assistance (TAA) participants and dislocated workers awaiting TAA certification to benefit from the health coverage tax credit 

authorized by the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 

2002. 

Sec. 108. The Committee modifies a prior provision directing that 

the Department take no action to amend or to modify the definition 

of administrative costs, or the procedure for redesignation of local 

workforce investment areas until such time as legislation reauthorizing the Act is enacted. This provision is not intended to permit 

or require the Secretary of Labor to withdraw approval for such redesignation for a State that received approval not later than January 2, 2006. 

Sec. 109. The Committee retains language included in the 2007 

Continuing Appropriations Resolution that prohibits use of funds to 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
63 

finalize or implement regulations under the Workforce Investment 

Act of 1998, the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, or the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002, until such time as legislation 

reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act or the Trade Adjustment Act is enacted. The Committee expects that while the Congress considers the reauthorization of these Acts, the Administration will refrain from unilateral changes to the administration, operation, and financing of employment and training programs. 

Sec. 110. The Committee has included language requiring the 

Secretary of Labor to issue a final standard on employer payment 

for personal protective equipment (PPE) under the Occupational 

Safety and Health Act by November 30, 2007 that is to be no less 

protective than the proposed rule published on March 31, 1999. 

The bill provides that, in the event this final standard is not issued 

by November 30, 2007, the proposed rule shall become effective. 

Sec. 111. The Committee has included language that prohibits 

the use of funds in this title to carry out competitive sourcing activities at the Department of Labor under OMB Circular A–76 

until 60 days after the Committee receives a report by the Government Accountability Office. 

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 

SERVICES 

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES

The Committee includes a program level total of $7,080,709,000 

for health resources and services programs, which is $665,007,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 funding level for these activities and 

$1,259,904,000 above the budget request. The Health Resources 

and Services Administration (HRSA) supports programs which provide health services to disadvantaged, medically underserved, and 

special populations; decrease infant mortality rates; assist in the 

education of health professionals; and provide technical assistance 

regarding the utilization of health resources and facilities. 

Community health centers 

As described in the ‘‘Increasing Access to Health Care for the Uninsured’’ initiative in the front of the report, the Committee provides $2,188,000,000 for community health centers (CHC), which is 

$199,961,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$199,533,000 above the budget request. These funds support programs which include community health centers, migrant health 

centers, health care for the homeless, and public housing health 

service grants. The increase provided in the bill will support the 

care of approximately one million additional patients, a 5.7 percent 

increase over the 16 million patients currently served in over 4,000 

sites nationwide. 

The Committee supports continued efforts to expand the health 

centers program into those areas of the country without current access to a health center. The Committee urges HRSA to implement 

such an expansion to address the lack of access in the neediest 

communities of the country, and not to limit new funding to certain 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
64 

geographic areas, such as counties. The Committee has rejected bill 

language requested by the Administration setting aside 

$26,000,000 for high-poverty counties. Further, the Committee 

urges HRSA to make funding available to increase capacity at existing centers, and for service expansion awards adding or expanding mental health services, dental services, and pharmacy services 

at community health centers. HRSA should also use a portion of 

the increased funding to provide planning grants to help communities develop their plans for future applications. The Committee 

expects HRSA to implement any new expansion initiative using the 

existing, and statutorily-required, proportionality for urban and 

rural communities, as well as migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers. Within the amount provided, $35,000,000 is included in bill language for base grant adjustments. These funds are intended to 

graphic the rising cost of health care at existing centers and to resolve specific financial situations beyond the control of the local 

health center, such as unusual increases in the number of uninsured patients seeking care. While the Committee fully supports 

the expansion of the CHC program, it recognizes the narrow operating margins of most health centers. 

The Committee rejects the Administration’s budget proposal to 

cancel the funding in the health centers loan guarantee program. 

This loan authority is important to give centers access to capital 

for infrastructure improvements. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of increasing the use 

of health information technology (IT) at health centers. Health centers have demonstrated improved access to services, improved quality of care and improved patient outcomes by utilizing electronic 

health records and other health information technology (HIT) tools 

through their participation in health center controlled network initiatives, and other quality improvement initiatives such as the 

health disparities collaboratives. Given this success, the Committee 

urges HRSA to ensure that health centers have adequate resources 

to establish and expand health IT systems in order to further enhance the delivery of cost-effective, quality health care services. 

The Committee recognizes the important role of CHCs in caring 

for people living with or at risk for hepatitis C (HCV). The Committee encourages the Bureau of Primary Care to increase health 

centers’ capacity for delivery of medical management and treatment of HCV by implementing training and technical assistance 

initiatives, so that health centers are able to increase hepatitis C 

counseling, testing, medical management, and treatment services 

to meet the healthcare priorities of their respective communities. 

The Committee encourages HRSA to continue its support of the 

National Center for Frontier Communities. 

State health access grants 

As described in the ‘‘Increasing Access to Health Care for the Uninsured’’ initiative section in the front of the report, the Committee 

bill provides $75,000,000 for State health access grants to begin to 

address the problems faced by the 46.6 million uninsured in our 

country. Grants would be awarded competitively to States that 

demonstrate they have a program design ready to implement and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
65 

that they have achieved the necessary State and local statutory or 

regulatory changes. States that have already developed a comprehensive health insurance access program would not be eligible 

to apply. The types of activities that could be supported through 

this grant include: • ‘‘three share’’ community coverage (employer, State or local 

government, and the individual); • reinsurance plans that subsidize a certain share of carrier 

losses within a certain risk corridor; • subsidized high risk insurance pools; • health insurance premium assistance; • creation of a state insurance ‘‘connector’’ authority to develop new, less expensive, portable benefit packages for small 

employers and part-time and seasonal workers; • development of statewide or automated enrollment systems for public assistance programs; and • innovative strategies to insure low-income childless adults 

Two types of State grants would be available: target grants ($2,000,000–4,000,000 annually per State) for States that choose to 

target particular populations such as uninsured children, small 

business employees, or uninsured seniors; or comprehensive grants 

($7,000,000–10,000,000 annually per State) for large States or 

those that are planning more extensive coverage initiatives. The 

Committee intends that each grant be awarded based on a threeyear grant period, subject to the availability of funds, with funding 

distributed each year based on attaining benchmarks that would be 

designated in the grant award. States shall be required to demonstrate their seriousness of intent by matching twenty percent of 

the Federal grant through non-Federal resources, which could be a 

combination of State, local, and private dollars from insurers and 

providers. Waiver of the matching requirement shall be possible if 

financial hardship is demonstrated. States shall also be required to 

demonstrate their ability to sustain the program without Federal 

funding after the end of the three-year grant period. HRSA should 

consider geographic diversity in the allocation of these awards. 

States shall be required to report to HRSA the impact and results of their demonstration project at the conclusion of the threeyear grant period. HRSA is encouraged to convene grantees periodically throughout the period of their award to share information 

with each other about their program experiences and gain ideas for 

refinement of their programs. The Committee directs that HRSA 

submit a comprehensive report to the Appropriations Committees 

of the House and Senate about the outcomes and lessons learned 

from each of the State demonstrations eighteen months after the 

three-year grant period ends. 

Free clinics medical malpractice 

The Committee provides $40,000 for payments of claims under 

the Federal Tort Claims Act to be made available for volunteer free 

clinic health care professionals, which is $1,000 below the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $60,000 below the budget request. The 

program extends Federal Tort Claims Act coverage to health care 

professional volunteers in free clinics in order to expand access to 

health care services to low-income individuals in medically underVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
66 

served areas. A free clinic must apply, consistent with the provisions applicable to community health centers, to have each health 

care professional ‘‘deemed’’ an employee of the Public Health Service, and therefore eligible for coverage under the Federal Tort 

Claims Act. To date, 65 applications from free clinics have been approved and almost 1,700 volunteer practitioners have been deemed. 

National Hansen’s disease program 

The Committee provides $16,109,000 for the National Hansen’s 

disease program, which is $137,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the same as the budget request. This program offers Hansen’s disease treatment to 11 long-term residents who continue to receive care from the National Hansen’s Disease Center 

and to others who receive care from grant-supported outpatient regional clinics. Other former long-term residents have been offered 

and elected to receive a living allowance from the program and now 

live independently. These programs provide treatment to about 

3,000 of the 6,000 Hansen’s disease sufferers in the continental 

United States. 

National Hansen’s disease program—buildings and facilities 

The Committee provides $100,000 for National Hansen’s disease 

buildings and facilities, which is $120,000 below the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. These 

funds are used to finance the repair and upkeep of buildings at the 

Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center at Carville, Louisiana. 

Payment to Hawaii for treatment of Hansen’s disease 

The Committee provides $1,996,000 for the treatment of persons 

with Hansen’s disease in the State of Hawaii, which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $20,000 more than the 

budget request. The program, which provides a partial matching 

payment to the State of Hawaii, dates to the period of Father 

Damien’s facility for sufferers of Hansen’s disease. That facility 

now has less than 40 residents who live there by choice, and the 

grounds have been converted to a historical site. Most patients diagnosed with Hansen’s disease in Hawaii are now treated in the 

same manner as new patients on the mainland; their care is handled on an out-patient basis, with the program paying for 256 active ambulatory Hansen’s disease cases. 

National Health Service Corps: Field placements 

The Committee provides $40,443,000 for field placements, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $9,714,000 

above the budget request. These funds are used to support the activities of National Health Service Corps (NHSC) obligors and volunteers in the field, including travel and transportation costs of assignees, training and education, recruitment of students, residents 

and clinicians, and retention activities. Salary costs of most new 

assignees are paid by the employing entity. The Committee feels it 

is important to maintain NHSC field placement strength to support 

the recruitment and mentoring of clinicians and to encourage their 

retention. Thus, the Committee rejects the Administration’s proposal to cut the program. The NHSC supports 4,600 clinicians 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
67 

across the country who provide medical and dental services to four 

million people in low-income and underserved communities. 

The Committee is pleased by the increasing proportion of NHSC 

assignees being placed at community, migrant, homeless, and public housing health centers. The Committee encourages HRSA to 

further expand this effort to ensure that health centers have access 

to a sufficient level of health professionals through the NHSC, especially given recent efforts to expand the health centers program. 

National Health Service Corps: Recruitment 

The Committee provides $91,057,000 for recruitment activities, which is $5,827,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the budget request. The program awards scholarships to health 

professions students and assists graduates in repaying their student loans. In return for every year of support, these individuals 

are obligated to provide a year of service in health professional 

shortage areas of greatest need. The minimum obligation is two 

years. This funding will support the recruitment of more than 

1,700 practitioners through the loan repayment and scholarship 

programs. 

Health professions 

The Committee provides $393,920,000 for all health professions training programs, which is $59,495,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $278,880,000 above the budget request. The 

Committee rejects the rescission proposals included in the budget 

request that would cancel unobligated balances available at institutions of higher education with a student loan revolving fund. 

Training for diversity 

As the first step in a continuing restoration and expansion of the diversity programs, the Committee provides $104,817,000, which is 

$41,031,000 or 64.3 percent above the fiscal year 2007 level and 

$95,084,000 above the budget request. The Committee is acutely 

aware of the needs identified in the landmark Institute of Medicine 

report, ‘‘Unequal Treatment,’’ which issued recommendations to 

begin closing the profound gaps that exist in health care delivery 

and treatment. The report recommended increases in these diversity programs because they are the pipeline for training minority 

students in the health professions to serve in medically underserved communities. 

Centers of excellence 

The Committee provides $28,431,000 for centers of excellence, 

which is $16,551,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The 

budget request does not include funding for this program. The program is designed to strengthen the national capacity to educate 

underrepresented minority (URM) students in the health professions by offering special support to those institutions which train 

a significant number of URM individuals. Funds are used for the 

recruitment and retention of students and faculty, information resources and curricula, faculty and student research, and the development of plans to achieve institutional improvements. This increase will permit HRSA to fund the four centers of excellence at 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
68 

historically black colleges and universities as well as approximately 

six Hispanic, Native American, and other centers of excellence. The 

Committee is pleased that HRSA has re-focused the centers of excellence program on providing support to historically minority 

health professions institutions. The Committee recognizes the important role of this program in supporting faculty and other academic programs at minority institutions. 

Health careers opportunity program 

The Committee provides $28,440,000 for the health careers opportunity program, which is $24,480,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level. The budget request does not include funding for this 

program. The program provides grants to eligible schools and 

health educational entities with the goal of increasing the number 

of disadvantaged students entering health and allied health professions programs. The additional funds provided will increase the 

size of the program six-fold, permitting the award of as many as 

24 additional grants to operate programs that prepare disadvantaged students at the earliest levels of the educational pipeline for 

careers in health and allied health professions. The Committee 

urges HRSA to give priority consideration to awarding grants to 

those institutions with an historic mission of training minorities in 

the health professions. 

Faculty loan repayment 

The Committee provides $1,289,000 for the faculty loan repayment program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The budget request does not include funding for this program. The program provides loan repayment for disadvantaged 

health professions students who serve as faculty for a minimum of 

two years. Their institutions are also required to make matching 

payments. The funding provided will support approximately thirty 

faculty with loan repayments of up to $20,000 per year. 

Scholarships for disadvantaged students 

The Committee provides $46,657,000 for scholarships for disadvantaged students, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $36,924,000 above the budget request. The program provides grants to eligible health professions and nursing 

schools to provide scholarships to eligible individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including students who are members of 

racial and ethnic minority groups. By statute, not less than 16 percent of the funds must go to schools of nursing. This funding level 

will permit over 15,000 students to receive scholarships. 

Training in primary care and dentistry 

The Committee provides $48,851,000 for training in primary care 

and dentistry, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The budget request does not include funding for this program. The training program is comprised of four elements: (1) family medicine; (2) general internal medicine and general pediatrics; 

(3) physician assistants; and (4) general and pediatric dentistry. 

The Committee intends that the general and pediatric dentistry 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
69 

programs receive the same amount as was provided under the 2007 

joint continuing funding resolution. 

Area health education centers 

The Committee provides $31,200,000 for area health education 

centers (AHEC) program, which is $2,519,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 funding level. The budget request does not include funding for 

this program. The program provides cooperative agreements to 

medical and nursing schools to encourage the establishment and 

maintenance of community-based training programs in off-campus 

rural and underserved areas. Emphasis is also placed on enhancing 

the diversity of the health personnel workforce and improving the 

practice environment and the quality of care available in underserved areas. This funding increase will permit the AHECs, which 

operate in 46 States, to expand their networks of community-based 

training programs. 

Allied health and other disciplines 

The Committee provides $3,960,000 for allied health and other 

disciplines, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

The budget request does not include funding for this program. The 

program assists eligible entities in meeting the costs associated 

with graduate psychology and chiropractic programs. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of the graduate psychology education program, which provides interdisciplinary training for health service psychologists to provide mental and behavioral health care services to underserved populations, such as older 

adults, children, chronically ill persons, and victims of abuse or 

trauma, including returning military personnel. The need for behavioral and mental health services in an integrated health care 

system is significant and well documented. While being trained in 

both rural and urban communities, trainees also provide direct 

services to those who would otherwise not receive them. Since its 

establishment six years ago, trainees have worked with over thirty 

health professions and medical specialties. In addition, the program has increased the rate of students entering into and staying 

to practice in underserved areas following completion. Therefore, 

the Committee encourages HRSA to strengthen funding for the existing twenty grantees. 

Geriatric programs 

The Committee provides $31,548,000 for geriatric programs, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. Funding 

for these programs is not included in the fiscal year 2008 budget 

request. The geriatric programs are comprised of three activities: 

(1) geriatric education centers; (2) the geriatric training program 

for physicians, dentists, and behavioral and mental health professionals; and (3) geriatric academic career awards. This funding 

supports about fifty geriatric education centers and training of 

50,000 health care providers. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
70 

Public health, preventive medicine, and dental public health programs 

The Committee provides $7,920,000 for public health, preventive 

medicine, and dental public health programs, which is the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level. Funding for these programs is 

not included in the budget request. The program awards grants to 

support the education and training of the public health workforce 

to deal with new and unanticipated problems and to place these 

specialists in underserved areas. This funding will support approximately 8,000 students with traineeships and medical residents. 

Nurse training programs 

The bill provides $165,624,000, which is an increase of 

$15,945,000 or 10.7 percent over fiscal year 2007 and $60,317,000 

over the budget request for nursing education programs. The Committee strongly disagrees with the President’s request to cut these 

programs despite America’s nursing shortage, which is projected to 

deepen—to over 1 million nurses—in the next decade without significant investment to train new nurses. This growing nursing 

shortage is having a detrimental impact on the entire health care 

system. Numerous studies have shown that nursing shortages contribute to medical errors, poor patient outcomes, and increased 

mortality rates. The aging of the baby boom generation increases 

the urgency of addressing the nursing shortage, since the boomers 

will require more nursing services as they age at the same time as 

many nurses—who are themselves members of the baby boom—retire. The increase provided in the bill provides a first step towards 

alleviating the long-term nursing shortage. 

Advanced education nursing 

The Committee provides $57,061,000 for advanced education 

nursing, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

The President’s budget does not include funds for this program. 

The program provides grant support to eligible entities to meet the 

costs of: (1) projects that support the enhancement of advanced 

nursing education and practice; and (2) traineeships for individuals 

in advanced nursing education programs. The program prepares 

registered nurses as nurse faculty, nurse practitioners, clinical 

nurse specialists, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse administrators, public health nurses, and other nurse specialists for advanced practice roles. In fiscal year 2008, almost 3,000 students 

and 9,000 trainees will be supported. 

Nurse education, practice and retention 

The Committee provides $37,291,000 for nurse education, practice, and retention, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. The nurse education, practice and 

retention program is a broad authority with targeted purposes 

under three priority areas—education, practice and retention—in 

response to the growing nursing shortage. Fiscal year 2008 funding 

will support approximately 20 baccalaureate projects targeting expanded enrollment, 40 career ladder mobility projects, and almost 

30 enhanced patient care delivery system projects. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
71 

Nursing workforce diversity 

The Committee provides $16,107,000 for nursing workforce diversity, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the budget request. The program provides grants and contracts to 

schools of nursing and other eligible entities to meet the costs of 

special projects to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, by providing student scholarships or stipends, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities. The program 

also contributes to the basic preparation of disadvantaged and minority nurses for leadership positions within the nursing and 

health care community. In fiscal year 2008, almost 21,000 minority 

students, 3,000 nursing program students, and 3,000 college preentry nursing students are expected to participate in the program. 

Almost 500 will receive scholarships. 

Loan repayment and scholarship program 

The Committee provides $44,000,000 for the nurse loan repay- ment and scholarship program, which is $12,945,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $256,000 above the budget request. 

This program offers student loan repayment to nurses or scholarships to nursing students in exchange for an agreement to serve 

not less than two years at a health care facility with a critical 

shortage of nurses. This funding will provide more than 1,000 loan 

repayment agreements and almost 300 scholarships. 

Comprehensive geriatric nurse education 

The Committee provides $3,392,000 for comprehensive geriatric 

nurse education, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and the budget request. The comprehensive geriatric education program supports grants for (1) providing training to individuals who will provide geriatric care for the elderly; (2) develop 

and disseminate curricula relating to the treatment of the health 

care problems of elderly individuals; (3) train faculty members in 

geriatrics; or (4) provide continuing education to individuals who 

provide geriatric care. Nineteen training projects are expected to be 

funded in fiscal year 2008. 

Nursing faculty loan program 

The Committee provides $7,773,000 for the nursing faculty loan program, which is $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and the budget request. The nursing faculty loan program 

supports the development of a student loan fund in schools of nursing to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty. Students 

may receive loans up to $30,000 per year for a maximum of 5 

years. The program has a cancellation provision for up to 85 percent of the loan for recipients working full-time as nursing faculty 

for a period of 4 years. Fiscal year 2008 funding is expected to support grants to 67 institutions which operate loan funds. 

The Committee recognizes that the growing nurse faculty shortage is directly linked to the nationwide shortage of registered 

nurses. According to the American Association of Colleges of 

Nursing’s 2006–2007 survey, almost three quarters of the nursing 

schools offering baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
72 

pointed to faculty shortages as a major reason for turning away 

nearly 43,000 qualified applicants. In addition, the average ages of 

doctoral-prepared nurse faculty holding the ranks of professor, associate professor, and assistant professors are 59, 56, and 52 years, 

respectively. A wave of nurse faculty retirements is projected for 

the next ten years that will only worsen the crisis. The Committee 

urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services to continue efforts to address the nurse faculty shortage as well as the impending retirements of nurse faculty. 

Children’s hospitals graduate medical education payment program 

The Committee provides $307,009,000 for the children’s hospitals 

graduate medical education payment program, which is 

$10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$196,991,000 above the budget request. The program provides support for graduate medical education training in children’s teaching 

hospitals that have a separate Medicare provider number (‘‘freestanding’’ children’s hospitals). The funding in this program is intended to make the level of Federal graduate medical education 

support more consistent with other teaching hospitals, including 

children’s hospitals which share provider numbers with other 

teaching hospitals. Payments are determined by formula, based on 

a national per-resident amount. Payments support training of resident physicians as defined by Medicare in both ambulatory and inpatient settings. The Committee believes this program is important 

to restoring the reimbursement inequity faced by pediatric hospitals, which provide high quality care to children with difficult 

and expensive conditions. This program supports 61 free-standing 

children’s hospitals and the training of more than 5,100 medical 

residents on and off-site. 

National practitioner data bank 

The Committee does not provide funding for the national practitioner data bank for fiscal year 2008, which is the same as both 

the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request. The 

Committee recommendation and the budget request assume that 

the data bank will be self-supporting, with collections of 

$18,900,000 in user fees. Traditional bill language is included to 

ensure that user fees are collected to cover the full costs of the data 

bank operations. The national data bank receives, stores, and disseminates information on paid medical malpractice judgments and 

settlements, sanctions taken by Boards of Medical Examiners, 

losses of membership in professional societies, and certain professional review actions taken by health care entities. Insurance companies, State licensure boards and authorities, and other health 

care entities and professional societies are required to report information to the data bank within 30 days of each action. The coverage of the data bank includes dentists and physicians, and, with 

respect to malpractice settlements and judgments, other categories 

of licensed health professionals. Hospitals are required to search 

the data bank when a health care provider applies for employment 

and once every two years thereafter. State licensing boards, other 

health care entities, licensing authorities, and professional societies 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
73 

also have access to the data bank. In fiscal year 2006, the board 

processed more than 3,600,000 queries. 

Health care integrity and protection data bank 

The Committee does not provide funding for the health care integrity and protection data bank (HIPDB) for fiscal year 2008. The 

Committee recommendation and the budget request assume that 

the data bank will be self-supporting, with collections of $4,000,000 

in user fees. Traditional bill language is included to ensure that 

user fees are collected to cover the full costs of the data bank operations. HIPDB receives, stores, and disseminates information on 

final adverse actions taken against health care providers, suppliers, 

and practitioners, health care related civil judgments and criminal 

convictions. This information is collected from and made available 

to Government agencies and health plans. In fiscal year 2006, the 

bank processed more than 900,000 requests for information. 

The Committee supports the consolidation of these two similar 

data banks into one program, the National Practitioner Data Bank, 

as proposed by the Administration, to maximize efficiencies. 

Maternal and child health block grant 

The Committee provides $750,000,000 for the maternal and child health (MCH) block grant, which is $57,000,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and the budget request. States use the 

block grant to improve access to care for mothers, children, and 

their families; reduce infant mortality; provide pre- and post-natal 

care; support screening and health assessments for children; and 

provide systems of care for children with special health care needs. 

By statute, 85 percent of the first $600 million is allocated to 

States and 15 percent is allocated to Special Projects of Regional 

and National Significance (SPRANS). Amounts in excess of $600 

million are allocated to Community Integrated Service Systems as 

well as State grants and SPRANS. The Committee includes bill language identifying $170,991,000 

for SPRANS activities and intends that the following amounts be 

provided within SPRANS for the listed activities: 

$15,000,000 for an initiative increasing public awareness and 

resources for women preparing for birth; 

$12,000,000 for a dental health initiative; 

$5,800,000 for epilepsy services demonstrations; 

$4,000,000 for sickle cell community demonstrations; 

$3,800,000 for heritable disorders screening; and 

$30,000,000 for autism early detection and intervention. 

Public awareness for first time parents.—$15,000,000 is provided 

for new competitive grants to States to increase public awareness 

of resources available to women preparing for childbirth and new 

parents through advertising campaigns and toll-free hotlines. The 

Committee recommends this funding as part of its initiative to help 

reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other real life conditions that can sometimes 

cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. 

Dental health.—As described in the ‘‘Improving Access to Dental 

Care’’ initiative in the front of the report, $12,000,000 is provided 

for up to 25 competitive State grants to help expand access to oral 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
74 

health services. $2,000,000 of this total is transferred from HRSA 

program management, the former placement of the oral health 

workforce activities program. States may use these grants for the 

purposes outlined in the Dental Health Improvement Act, such as 

encouraging more dentists to practice in shortage areas through 

such mechanisms as loan forgiveness and repayment for dentists; 

providing grants to establish or expand oral health services in community-based facilities; and expanding dental residency programs. 

States may also use these funds to integrate oral health services 

into the medical home concept for children with special health care 

needs, and for grants to ensure low-income pregnant women and 

women of child-bearing age have access to appropriate oral health 

services. States should develop proposals that address the shortage 

of dentists and dentists’ reluctance for financial reasons to work in 

certain geographic areas and to serve low-income and Medicaid patients. 

In addition, as indicated in the HRSA Program Management section, the Committee directs HRSA to strengthen its support of the 

oral health infrastructure within the agency and to appoint a chief 

dental officer. 

The Committee is aware that dental disease disproportionately 

affects our nation’s most vulnerable populations. New ways of 

bringing oral health care to underserved populations are needed to 

address geographic and other challenges that exist. The Committee 

encourages HRSA to explore innovative programs for delivering 

preventive and restorative oral health services, including State and 

community proposals and programs that seek to improve access to 

care in accordance with state licensing laws. 

Epilepsy.—The Committee provides $5,800,000 for epilepsy service demonstrations, which doubles the funding for this program 

compared to fiscal year 2007. The epilepsy service programs improve access to comprehensive, coordinated health care and related 

services for children and youth with epilepsy in medically underserved areas. Funds are used to support the development and testing of a national public health awareness campaign to increase seizure recognition and improve access to care among minorities and 

underserved populations. Funds are also used to support a national 

technical assistance support center to reach additional States in 

need of technical support and model program development. 

Sickle cell disease.—The Committee provides $4,000,000 to support the continuation of the seventeen community-based sickle cell 

disease outreach and supportive service centers. These centers coordinate followup on needs identified in sickle cell screening, provide referrals to networks of services, and support community education. The Committee also provides $2,184,000 for sickle cell anemia demonstrations, as discussed below, which are comprehensive 

university-based screening and treatment centers. 

Heritable disorders.—The Committee provides $3,800,000 for 

heritable disorders screening, which doubles the funding for this 

program compared to fiscal year 2007. This screening program is 

designed to strengthen States’ newborn screening programs and 

improve States’ ability to develop, evaluate, and acquire innovative 

testing technologies, and establish and improve programs to proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
75 

vide screening, counseling, testing and special service for newborns 

and children at risk for heritable disorders. 

The Committee urges HRSA to prioritize Fragile X as a key prototype in the development of cost-effective public health screening 

and genetic counseling programs. The Committee requests a report 

by July 1, 2008 on progress made in the development of a screening tool for Fragile X and in working with the National Institute 

of Child Health and Human Development to create the tests necessary for the inclusion of Fragile X in newborn screening programs. 

The Committee commends HRSA for convening the Secretary’s 

Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases 

in Newborns and Children to develop national recommendations for 

standardizing newborn screening programs in the U.S. and for 

funding the Regional Genetic Service and Newborn Screening Collaborative to address the maldistribution of genetic services and resources to bring services closer to local communities. However, the 

Committee is aware that wide disparities continue to exist among 

States in the number of conditions for which newborns are 

screened and in the service infrastructure for infants who test positive. The Committee encourages HRSA and the Secretary’s Advisory Committee to consider developing written guidance for parents 

on the availability of additional screens that may not be required 

under State law. 

Autism.—The Committee provides $30,000,000 for activities authorized in the Combating Autism Act, including the promotion of 

screening tools and the expansion of Leadership Education in 

Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training sites 

to diagnose autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. The 

Committee believes it is critical to strengthen HRSA’s activities 

targeting autism spectrum disorders to respond to this emerging 

national epidemic. 

Vision screening.—The Committee understands that States currently conduct childhood screening programs through their MCH 

block grant. The Committee recognizes that vision disorders are 

the leading cause of impaired health in childhood, and that one in 

four school-age children has a vision problem significant enough to 

affect their learning. The Committee urges the States to strengthen 

their vision screening programs and to broaden the programs’ geographic reach. In this effort, States are encouraged to take maximum advantage of the ongoing vision screening program conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which 

is increased by 40.6 percent to $3,466,000 in the bill. 

Thalassemia.—The Committee reiterates its long-standing support for the continuation of funding for comprehensive thalassemia 

treatment centers under the SPRANS program. The Committee 

strongly encourages HRSA to continue this program and to coordinate closely its activities with the thalassemia clinical research network and the related voluntary organizations. 

Hemophilia.—The Committee urges HRSA to maintain its funding support of the network of hemophilia treatment centers, which 

provide comprehensive disease management services to men and 

women with bleeding and clotting disorders. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
76 

Fetal Infant Mortality Review.—HRSA has operated the National 

Fetal Infant Mortality Review (NFIMR) program since 1990. 

NFIMR provides training and assistance to enhance cooperative 

partnerships among local community health professionals, public 

health officers, community advocates and consumers to reduce infant mortality. The goal is to improve local services and resources 

for women, infants and families, to remove barriers to care, and to 

ensure culturally appropriate, family friendly services. Such efforts 

are crucial to understanding and addressing infant health disparities in communities at highest risk and are a component of many 

existing Healthy Start Initiatives. 

Sickle cell anemia demonstration program 

The Committee provides $2,184,000 for the sickle cell anemia 

demonstration program, which is the same as the budget request 

and $4,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level. This program 

was created to develop systemic mechanisms for the prevention and 

treatment of sickle cell disease. It supports four university-based 

networks linked to local community health centers that provide 

treatment, education, continuity of care, and provider training for 

sickle cell anemia patients. 

Traumatic brain injury 

The Committee provides $8,910,000 for the traumatic brain injury (TBI) program. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The budget request does not include funding for this program. The TBI program funds the development and implementation of statewide systems to ensure access to care including prehospital care, emergency department care, hospital care, rehabilitation, transitional services, rehabilitation, education and employment, and long-term community support. Grants also go to State 

protection and advocacy systems. In fiscal year 2006, 45 States received TBI awards, and 57 State protection and advocacy systems 

were funded. 

Healthy Start 

The Committee provides $120,000,000 for Healthy Start, which 

is $18,482,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$19,497,000 above the budget request. The Committee recommends 

the $18,482,000 increase as part of its initiative to help reduce the 

number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other real life conditions that can sometimes cause 

women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. Healthy 

Start provides discretionary grants to communities with high rates 

of infant mortality to provide ongoing sources of primary and preventive health care to mothers and their infants. Currently, 99 

communities have Healthy Start grants. The increase provided in 

the bill will support approximately twenty new grants to communities. 

Universal newborn hearing screening 

The Committee recommendation includes $11,000,000 for the 

universal newborn hearing screening program, an increase of 

$1,196,000 over the fiscal year 2007 enacted level and $11,000,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
77 

over the request. This program provides competitive grants to 

States for universal newborn hearing screening by means of physiologic testing prior to hospital discharge, audiologic evaluation by 

three months of age, and entry into a program of early intervention 

by six months of age. 

Currently, 52 States and territories have received competitive 

grants for the purpose of implementing statewide early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs. Since these grants have 

only been operational for a few years, the Committee believes that 

a small amount of continued Federal funding is critical at this time 

to ensure that State EHDI programs become fully operational and 

that screening programs are properly linked with diagnosis, early 

intervention, and the child’s routine medical care. The Committee 

is concerned that even though approximately 90 percent of babies 

are now screened for hearing loss before one month of age, about 

one-third of those who are referred for screening do not receive diagnostic evaluations by three months of age. Moreover, only about 

half of the infants and toddlers diagnosed with permanent hearing 

loss are enrolled in appropriate early intervention programs by six 

months of age. 

To avoid duplication, the Committee encourages HRSA to coordinate projects funded with this appropriation with projects related 

to early hearing detection and intervention by the National Center 

on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the 

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. 

Emergency medical services for children 

The Committee provides $19,800,000 for the emergency medical 

services for children (EMSC) program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The budget request does not include 

funding for this program. Grants are provided to States and territories to incorporate pediatric components into existing emergency 

medical services systems and to schools of medicine to develop and 

evaluate improved procedures and protocols for treating children. 

In fiscal year 2006, 56 grants were awarded to States and territories. 

Ryan White HIV/AIDS programs 

The Committee provides a program level of $2,237,086,000 for 

Ryan White HIV/AIDS programs, which is $99,291,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and $79,174,000 above the budget request. The bill also makes available $25,000,000 in program evaluation funding under section 241 of the Public Health Service for 

special projects of national significance. The Committee provides 

the maximum authorized level for the Ryan White Act. The bill includes language proposed by the Administration to make funds appropriated for Parts A and B available for three years to be consistent with the recent reauthorization. These programs provide 

medical and related support services to more than 500,000 people. 

The Committee is pleased that HRSA intends to fund the minority HIV/AIDS initiative at the full authorized level established in 

the recent Ryan White CARE Act authorization of $135,100,000. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
78 

These programs are targeted to address the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic and its disproportionate impact upon communities of color, 

including African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian 

Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. 

The recent Ryan White CARE Act reauthorization provides up to 

25 percent of available funds under Parts A, B, and C for ‘‘support 

services,’’ necessary for individuals with HIV/AIDS to achieve their 

medical outcomes. The Committee is aware that food and nutrition 

services—which have been provided under the Act since 1990—are 

essential to the comprehensive treatment of HIV/AIDS. Among 

other contributions, such services facilitate the absorption of medicine, mitigate pharmaceutical side effects, maintain immune system function, and stem muscle and weight loss. Accordingly, the 

Committee expects HRSA to make no change in the status of such 

services as eligible support services under Ryan White and work to 

promote access to food and nutrition services for Ryan White-eligible individuals. 

The Committee is aware that over 30 percent of HIV-infected 

persons in the United States are also chronically infected with the 

hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic hepatitis C infection may lead to 

cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, and is the leading cause of 

liver transplantation in the U.S. In addition, chronic hepatitis C 

disease progresses more rapidly in HIV-infected persons, and end 

stage liver disease resulting from chronic hepatitis C infection is 

now a leading cause of death for people with HIV/AIDS. The Committee encourages HRSA to provide guidance to grantees to encourage them to proactively address HCV care and treatment among 

their HIV/HCV co-infected patient populations and provide more 

education and training to medical providers treating HIV/HCV coinfected persons. The Committee also encourages State AIDS drug 

assistance programs (ADAP) to provide coverage of therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of 

HCV in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. 

Emergency assistance 

The Committee provides $636,300,000 for the Part A, emergency 

assistance program, which is $32,307,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. These funds provide 

grants to metropolitan areas with very high numbers of HIV/AIDS 

cases for outpatient and ambulatory health and social support services. Half of the amount appropriated is allocated by formula and 

half is allocated to eligible areas demonstrating additional need 

through a competitive grant process. The program will provide 

awards to 56 eligible metropolitan areas and transitional areas in 

fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee has provided funds within the part A program to 

prevent substantial funding losses in both eligible metropolitan 

areas and transitional grant areas. Changes in the recent reauthorization significantly altered the method for allocating part A funds, 

and additional funds are required to create a stop loss against unanticipated cuts that threaten to disrupt access to needed medical 

care and support services for people living with HIV and AIDS. The 

Committee includes bill language to cap maximum fiscal year 2007 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
79 

losses at 8.4 percent for eligible metropolitan areas and 13.4 percent for transitional grant areas. 

When allocating fiscal year 2008 supplemental funds under part 

A of the Ryan White CARE Act, the Committee urges HRSA to provide additional increases to jurisdictions that have experienced cuts 

in their total awards relative to the amount awarded in fiscal year 

2006. 

Comprehensive care programs 

The Committee provides $1,239,500,000 for Part B, comprehen- sive care programs, which is $44,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $23,982,000 above the budget request. The funds 

provide formula grants to States for the operation of HIV service 

delivery consortia in the localities most heavily affected, the provision of home and community-based care, continuation of health insurance coverage for infected persons, and purchase of therapeutic 

drugs. The Committee includes bill language identifying 

$830,593,000 of this total specifically to support State AIDS Drug 

Assistance Programs (ADAP), which is $41,047,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $16,047,000 above the budget request. 

The Part B program provides 59 grants to States and territories, 

57 of which receive ADAP funding. In fiscal year 2005, 132,000 clients were served by ADAP. The Part B program also awards States 

supplemental grants for emerging communities, 19 of which are eligible for grants this year. 

The Committee is concerned about the increasing incidence of 

HIV drug resistance among Americans living with HIV/AIDS. New, 

active HIV therapies are being developed that treat patients with 

HIV resistance. Current, national HIV treatment guidelines require that each patient’s treatment regimen be individualized and 

include two or more active agents. CMS, in developing regulations 

for Medicare Part D plans, recognized the importance of making 

new HIV antiretrovirals available to providers and patients as soon 

as possible by requiring Part D plan pharmacy and therapeutics review committees to conduct expedited reviews of new HIV treatments within 90 days of FDA approval. Therefore, the Committee 

urges HRSA to ensure that State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs 

provide immediate access to all new antiretroviral therapies for 

their eligible clients. 

Early intervention program 

The Committee provides $216,700,000 for Part C, the early intervention services program, which is $22,979,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $16,879,000 above the budget request. 

Funds are used for discretionary grants to community health centers, family planning agencies, comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers, Federally-qualified health centers, 

county and municipal health departments and other non-profit 

community-based programs that provide comprehensive primary 

care services to populations with or at risk for HIV disease. The 

grantees provide testing, risk reduction counseling, transmission 

prevention, oral health, nutritional and mental health services, and 

clinical care. Optional services include case management, outreach, 

and eligibility assistance. Currently, 363 grantees provide comVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
80 

prehensive, primary care services to approximately 212,000 people 

in 49 States and territories. 

The Committee urges HRSA to direct funding increases above 

the fiscal year 2007 level to existing Part C service areas rather 

than to expand the overall number of Part C programs. The number of Part C sites has continued to expand even in the absence of 

funding increases; existing programs are experiencing significant 

strains. There is already strong geographic diversity in the Part C 

program. 

Children, youth, women, and families 

The Committee provides $71,800,000 for Part D, children, youth, 

women, and families programs, which is $6,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and the budget request. HIV-infected children, youth, women, and affected family members have multiple, 

complex medical, economic, and social service needs which often require more intensive care coordination, intensive case management, child and respite care, and direct service delivery to engage 

and maintain adolescents and mothers in care. Funds support innovative and unique strategies and models to organize, arrange for, 

and deliver comprehensive services through integration into ongoing systems of care. Currently, 89 grants support health care and 

support services for over 53,000 women, infants, children and 

youth living in 31 States, D.C. and Puerto Rico. 

The Committee intends that at least 90 percent of part D funding be provided to existing service areas. Technical assistance may 

be provided to Part D grantees using up to 2 percent of the funds 

appropriated under this section. The Committee is aware of the efforts of Part D grantees to care for youth infected with HIV and 

urges HRSA to disseminate the effective practices and models of 

care developed by Part D grantees across all Ryan White CARE Act 

providers. 

AIDS dental services 

The Committee provides $13,086,000 for AIDS dental services, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. The program includes two components: the dental 

reimbursement program, which reimburses dental education programs for non-reimbursed costs incurred in providing care to AIDS 

patients, and the community-based dental partnership, which increases access to oral health services and provider training in community settings. In fiscal year 2005, 66 dental schools and post-doctoral dental education programs received partial reimbursement for 

the costs of serving 31,000 patients. In addition, 12 communitybased dental partnership grants provided training to students and 

residents enrolled in dental education programs that provide care 

for people with HIV under direction of dentists in the community. 

Education and training centers 

The Committee provides $34,700,000 for AIDS education and 

training centers (AETCs), which is $1,000 less than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $6,000,000 above the budget request. The 

program supports a network of 11 regional centers with more than 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
81 

130 associated sites that conduct targeted, multi-disciplinary HIV 

education and training for health care providers. 

Organ transplantation 

The Committee provides $23,049,000 for organ donation and 

transplantation activities, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level 

and the budget request. These funds support a scientific registry of 

organ transplant recipients and the National Organ Procurement 

and Transplantation Network to match donors and potential recipients of organs, through a contract with the United Network for 

Organ Sharing (UNOS). In fiscal year 2005, more than 23,200 deceased donor organs were transplanted. 

The Committee applauds the efforts of the Division of Transplantation to implement the new provision of Public Law 208–116, the 

Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act, which provides for 

reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses of living organ 

donors. The Committee notes that the first awards under this new 

program are expected this spring and are anticipated to have a direct impact on increasing the rate of successful transplantations. 

The Committee further notes the successful implementation of the 

Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative, which has helped to 

increase the rate of organ donation. 

The Committee commends HRSA for its leadership in promoting 

increased organ and tissue donations across the nation and encourages the Division of Transplantation to expand its partnership with 

the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community in this important 

area. In addition, the Committee commends UNOS for working 

with the pulmonary hypertension community to address concerns 

regarding the allocation of lungs for transplantation in PH patients. The Committee encourages UNOS to continue its dialogue 

to monitor any concerns regarding the methodology used to determine transplant eligibility for PH patients. 

National cord blood inventory program 

The Committee provides $3,963,000 for the national cord blood 

inventory program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $1,997,000 above the Administration request. The 

Committee strongly supports this program and has appropriated 

$27,720,000 for this purpose since 2004. The purpose of this program is to provide funds to cord blood banks to build an inventory 

of the highest quality cord blood units for transplantation. As of 

this date, approximately 300 cord blood units have been collected. 

Cell transplantation program 

The Committee provides $25,168,000 for the cell transplantation 

program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $2,467,000 above the budget request. The C.W. Bill Young Cell 

Transplantation Program is the successor to the National Bone 

Marrow Donor Registry. Its purpose is to increase the number of 

transplants for recipients suitably matched to biologically unrelated donors of bone marrow and cord blood. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
82 

Office of pharmacy affairs 

The Committee provides $2,940,000 for the office of pharmacy affairs, which is the same as the budget request. No funding was provided in fiscal year 2007 funding level. The 340B program requires 

drug manufacturers to provide discounts or rebates to certain entities that serve low-income patients. HRSA administers the program, calculates the 340B prices, and works with manufacturers to 

verify the pricing. Financial support for the office will help resolve 

identified deficiencies in the 340B drug pricing program and is intended to make major improvements in program operations. 

In January, 2007, HRSA issued proposed guidelines that would 

make significant changes to the traditional definition of the term 

‘‘patient’’ under the drug discount program authorized by Section 

340B of the Public Health Service Act. The Committee has heard 

concerns about numerous aspects of the proposed guidelines, including the limitations to prescriptions resulting from outpatient 

services and requirements regarding patient health record information. The Committee urges HRSA to consider the concerns raised 

by the external community as it reviews the guidelines before publication in final form. 

Poison control centers 

The Committee provides $30,100,000 for poison control centers, which is $7,100,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$20,100,000 above the budget request. These funds support a grant 

program for 61 poison control centers, which fielded five million 

calls in 2006. In addition, funds are used to maintain a national 

toll-free number and to implement a media campaign to advertise 

that number, as well as to support the development of uniform patient management guidelines and the improvement of data collection. 

Rural outreach grants 

The Committee provides $52,962,000 for rural outreach grants, which is $14,077,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The 

Administration does not request funding for this program. The program administers more than 200 grants to deliver and improve 

rural health care services to more than 775,000 rural residents annually. 

Rural health research 

The Committee provides $9,500,000 for rural health research, which is $763,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. This activity supports eight rural health research 

centers and the Secretary’s rural health advisory committee. 

Rural hospital flexibility grants 

The Committee provides $63,538,000 for rural hospital flexibility 

grants, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The 

budget request does not include funding for this program. The program is comprised of two components: (1) flexibility grants to 

States to assist small, at-risk rural hospitals that wish to convert 

to critical access hospitals and receive cost-based payments from 

Medicare and (2) small rural hospital improvement grants that proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
83 

vide modest amounts to hospitals to assist them in automation and 

compliance with confidentiality requirements. In fiscal year 2007, 

92 grants are expected to be awarded to States for these activities. 

Rural and community access to emergency devices 

The Committee provides $2,000,000 for the rural access to emergency devices and the public access defibrillation demonstration 

program, which is $513,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The Administration does not request funding for this program. The amount above the fiscal year 2007 level may be used for 

rural EMS training and equipment assistance. The program assists 

both urban and rural communities in increasing survivability from 

sudden cardiac arrest by providing funding for the purchase, placement, and training in the use of automated external defibrillators 

(AEDs). 

An estimated 94 percent of all cardiac arrests that take place 

outside a hospital are deadly. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation using an AED can more than 

double a victim’s chance of survival. Communities with comprehensive AED programs, including training of anticipated rescuers, 

have achieved cardiac arrest survival rates of 40 percent or higher. 

State offices of rural health 

The Committee provides $9,000,000 for State offices of rural 

health, which is $859,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and the budget request. The State office of rural health program 

creates a focal point for rural health within each of the fifty States. 

In each State, the office collects and disseminates information on 

rural health, coordinates rural health resources and activities, provides technical assistance to rural providers and communities, and 

helps communities recruit and retain health professionals. 

Black lung clinics 

The Committee provides $5,891,000 for black lung clinics, which 

is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $5,000 above 

the budget request. The program supports 15 grantees that treat 

about 11,000 patients who are active and retired coal miners and 

others with occupation-related respiratory and pulmonary impairments. Of the 15 grantees, six receive health center funding as well 

as black lung grants. 

Radiation exposure screening and education program 

The Committee provides $1,917,000 for the radiation exposure 

screening and education program, which is $2,000 below the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $13,000 above the budget request. This 

program provides seven grants to States, local governments, and 

healthcare organizations for the education, prevention, and early 

detection of radiogenic cancers and diseases resulting from exposure to uranium during mining and milling at nuclear test sites. 

1,400 patients are served by the program. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
84 

Denali commission 

The Committee concurs with the budget request and does not include funding for the Denali Commission. The fiscal year 2007 

funding level is $39,283,000. 

Family planning 

The Committee provides $310,910,000 for the family planning 

program, which is $27,764,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $27,807,000 above the budget request. The Committee 

recommends the $27,764,000 increase as part of its initiative to 

help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the 

economic pressures and other real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to 

term. The program currently serves over five million low-income 

women and men at 4,400 clinics nationwide. This funding increase 

will allow the program to serve 98,000 new clients. Family planning funds in the bill are expected to prevent more than one million unintended pregnancies. 

The program provides grants to public and private non-profit 

agencies to support a range of family planning and reproductive 

services, as well as related preventive health services such as patient education and counseling, breast and cervical cancer examinations, STD and HIV prevention education, counseling and testing 

and referral, and pregnancy diagnosis and counseling. The program 

is the only source of health care for many of its clients. 

Healthcare-related facilities and other programs 

The Committee includes funding for construction and renovation 

(including equipment) of health care and other facilities and other 

health-related activities. The Committee includes the following 

projects in the following amounts: 

Project Committee recommendation 

A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta, NY for facilities and equipment ....................................................... $250,000 

Access Community Health Network, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment for Chicago sites ............... 225,000 

Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake, NY for facilities and equipment ............................................... 250,000 

Adrian College, Adrian, MI for nurse training programs, including facilities and equipment .................... 250,000 

Adventist Glen Oaks Hospital, Glendale Heights, IL for facilities and equipment ....................................... 200,000 

Adventist Health, Roseville, CA for expansions to the clinical information system, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Alamo Community College System, San Antonio, TX for facilities and equipment ...................................... 300,000 

Alaska Addictions Rehabilitation Services, Inc., Wasilla, AK for facilities and equipment ......................... 150,000 

Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, WV for facilities and equipment for the nursing program ............... 100,000 

Alice Hyde Medical Center, Malone, NY for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 100,000 

Alleghany Memorial Hospital, Sparta, NC for an electronic health records initiative, including equipment 150,000 

Alle-Kiski Medical Center, Natrona Heights, PA for facilities and equipment ............................................. 350,000

Alliance for NanoHealth, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 450,000 

AltaMed Health Services Corp., Los Angeles, CA for facilities and equipment ............................................ 275,000 

American Oncologic Hospital; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA for facilities and equipment ... 500,000 

American Samoa, Pago Pago, AQ for facilities and equipment for the LBJ Medical Center ....................... 400,000 

Armite County Medical Services, Liberty, MS for facilities and equipment .................................................. 135,000 

Arnold Palmer Hospital, Orlando, FL for facilities and equipment ............................................................... 200,000 

Ashland County Oral Health Services, Ashland, OH for facilities and equipment ....................................... 100,000 

Asian Americans for Community Involvement, San Jose, CA for facilities and equipment for a community health clinic ........................................................................................................................................ 378,000 

Association for Utah Community Health, Salt Lake City, UT for health information technology for community health centers represented by the Association throughout the State .......................................... 300,000 

Atlantic Health Systems, Florham Park, NJ for an electronic disease tracking system ............................... 500,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
85 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Avis Goodwin Community Health Center, Dover, NH for facilities and equipment in Somerworth, NH ....... 375,000 

Avilsta Adventist Hospital, Louisville, CO for health information systems .................................................. 200,000 

Bad River Tribe of Lake Superior Chippewa, Odanah, WI for facilities and equipment for a health clinic 500,000 

Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN, for facilities and equipment ............................................................... 100,000 

Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD for facilities and equipment for mobile units .............. 200,000 

Baltimore Medical System, Baltimore, MD for facilities and equipment for a community health care facility ........................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Baptist Health Medical Center—Heber Springs, Heber Springs, AR for facilities and equipment ............. 75,000 

Banert Hospital, Paterson, NJ for facilities and equipment ......................................................................... 200,000 

Banes-Kasson County Hospital, Susquehanna, PA for obstetrical care ....................................................... 150,000 

Bare Family Health Center, Barre, MA for facilities and equipment ............................................................ 150,000 

Bay Area Medical Clinic, Marinette, WI for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 200,000 

BayCare Health System, Clearwater, FL for upgrades to medical information systems .............................. 200,000 

Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, TX for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 100,000 

Bayonne Medical Center, Bayonne, NJ for health information technology .................................................... 300,000 

Baystate Health Systems, Springfield, MA for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 200,000 

Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI for a Core Molecular Laboratory, including facilities and equipment 500,000 

Belmont University, Nashville, TN for facilities and equipment for the Health Science Center. ................. 100,000 

Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN for a nurse training program .......................................................... 200,000 

Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY for health information systems. ........................................................... 175,000 

Benefis Healthcare, Great Falls, MT for facilities and equipment ............................................................... 300,000 

Berea Health Ministry Rural Health Clinic, Inc., Berea, KY for facilities and equipment for a rural diabetes clinic ................................................................................................................................................ 50,000 

Bloomington Hospital Foundation, Bloomington, IN for for health information systems ............................. 200,000 

Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomburg, PA for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 200,000 

Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville, TN for purchase of equipment ........................................................... 100,000 

Boone Hospital Center, Columbia, MO for facilities and equipment ............................................................ 200,000 

Boriken Neighborhood Health Center, New York, NY for facilities and equipment ...................................... 150,000 

Boscobel Area Health Care, Boscobel, WI for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 300,000 

Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA for facilities and equipment ................................................................ 500,000 

Boston University Medical School, Boston, MA for facilities and equipment for biomedical research ....... 250,000 

Bridge Community Health Clinic, Wausau, WI for facilities and equipment ................................................ 500,000 

Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT for facilities and equipment ................................................................ 100,000 

Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brockton, MA for facilities and equipment ..................................... 200,000 

Brookside Community Health Center, San Pablo, CA for facilities and equipment ..................................... 350,000 

Brunswick County, Bolivia, NC for facilities and equipment for a senior center ........................................ 150,000 

Bryan W. Whitfield Hospital, Demopolis, AL for facilities and equipment ................................................... 100,000 

Bureau County Health Clinic, Princeton, IL to expand rural health services, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 150,000 

Cactus Health Services, Inc., Sanderson, TX for primary health care services in rural communities in 

Terrell and Pecos Counties ........................................................................................................................ 175,000 

California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA for facilities and equipment ..................................... 400,000 

California State University, Bakersfield, CA for nurse training programs, including purchase of equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Camillus House, Inc., Miami, FL for facilities and equipment ..................................................................... 60,000 

Canonsburg General Hospital, Canonsburg, PA for purchase of equipment ................................................ 150,000 

Cape Cod Free Clinic and Community Health Center, Mashpee, MA for facilities and equipment ............. 150,000 

Capital Park Family Health Center, Columbus, OH for facilities and equipment ........................................ 200,000 

Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI for a nursing training program ................................................ 100,000 

Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC for facilities and equipment .................................................. 100,000 

Carroll County Regional Medical Center, Carrollton, KY for facilities and equipment ................................. 200,000 

Carroll County Youth Service Bureau, Westminster, MD for facilities and equipment for the Outpatient 

Mental Health Clinic .................................................................................................................................. 350,000 

Center for Health Equity, Louisville, KY for a mobile health unit ................................................................ 225,000 

Central Wyoming College, Riverton, WY for facilities and equipment at the Virtual Medical Skills ........... 200,000 

Center for Training Nurses in Rural Health Care ..........................................................................................

CentroMed, San Antonio, TX for facilities and equipment ............................................................................ 300,000 

Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital, Plattsburgh, NY for facilities and equipment ............................... 250,000 

Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, Greenville, ME for facilities and equipment ....................................... 200,000 

Chatham County Safety Net Collaborative, Savannah, GA for purchase of equipment ............................... 200,000 

Cherry Street Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI for an electronic health records initiative, including 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Children’s Friend and Family Services, Salem, MA for facilities and equipment ........................................ 200,000 

Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA for facilities and equipment .............................................. 200,000 

Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN for facilities and equipment ................... 15,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
86 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Children’s Hospital and Health System, Milwaukee, WI for purchase of equipment ................................... 350,000 

Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY for facilities and equipment ............................ 200,000 

Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, Akron, OH for facilities and equipment ................................ 300,000 

Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Mission Viejo, CA for purchase of equipment ................................. 150,000 

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk, VA for pediatric facilities and equipment .............. 550,000 

Children’s Hospital, Denver, CO for facilities and equipment ...................................................................... 200,000 

Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN for facilities and equipment for the 

Mobile Pediatric Health Simulation Center ............................................................................................... 100,000 

Children’s Medical Center, Dayton, OH for CARE House, including facilities and equipment ..................... 100,000 

Children’s Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 525,000 

Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC for facilities and equipment for emergency preparedness ................................................................................................................................................... 500,000 

Children’s Specialized Hospital, Mountainside, NJ for facilities and equipment ......................................... 300,000 

Chippewa Valley Hospital, Durand, WI for facilities and equipment ............................................................ 125,000 

Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., Elfrida, AZ for facilities and equipment for the Bisbee/Naco 

Chiricahua community health center in Bisbee, AZ and the Douglas/El Frida Medical and Dental Border Healthcare Clinic in Douglas, AZ ........................................................................................................ 400,000 

Christian Health Care Center of New Jersey, Wyckoff, NJ for facilities and equipment .............................. 200,000 

Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center, Indianapolis, IN for facilities and equipment ....................... 200,000 

Christus Santa Rosa’s Children’s Hospital, San Antonio, TX for facilities and equipment ......................... 200,000 

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH for purchase of equipment ....................... 300,000 

Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Inverness, FL for facilities and equipment ...................... 150,000 

City of Austin, TX for facilities and equipment for the Travis County Hospital District ............................. 250,000 

City of Chesapeake, VA for infant mortality and chronic disease prevention program, including equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

City of Hueytown, AL for the Senior Citizens’ Center, including facilities and equipment .......................... 200,000 

City of Oakland, CA for facilities and equipment for a new youth center to house health services programs ......................................................................................................................................................... 500,000 

City of Stockton, CA for facilities and equipment for a health care facility ............................................... 300,000 

City of Stonewall, OK for facilities and equipment ....................................................................................... 260,000 

Clarion Health Center, Clarion, PA for purchase of equipment .................................................................... 100,000 

Cleveland Clinic Huron Hospital, East Cleveland, OH for facilities and equipment .................................... 250,000 

Cobb County Government, Marietta, GA for a senior health center, including facilities and equipment ... 325,000 

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, Coffeyville, KS for facilities and equipment ...................................... 250,000 

Coles County Council on Aging, Mattoon, IL for facilities and equipment .................................................. 200,000 

College Misericordia, Dallas, PA for facilities and equipment for the NEPA Assistive Technology Research Institute .......................................................................................................................................... 275,000 

Collier County, Naples, FL to develop a health care access network for the under- and uninsured, including information technology upgrades ................................................................................................. 342,000 

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO for purchase of equipment ....................................................... 300,000 

Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY for health information systems .................................................. 150,000 

Columbus Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH for a telehealth project ........................................................ 100,000 

Columbus Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH for purchase of equipment .................................................. 300,000 

Communi Care, Inc., Columbia, SC for health information systems, facilities, and equipment ................. 285,000 

Community College of Aurora, Aurora, CO for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 350,000 

Community Dental Services, Albuquerque, NM for facilities and equipment ............................................... 300,000 

Community Health Care, Tacoma, WA for facilities and equipment ............................................................ 400,000 

Community Health Center of Franklin County, Turners Falls, MA for health information systems ............. 150,000 

Community Health Works, Forsyth, GA for rural health care outreach ......................................................... 50,000 

Community Hospital of Bremen, Bremen, IN for facilities and equipment .................................................. 125,000 

Community Hospital TeleHealth Consortium, Lake Charles, LA for a telehealth initiative .......................... 200,000 

Community Medical Centers, Stockton, CA for facilities and equipment for Gleason House ...................... 200,000 

Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), Cranston, RI for facilities and equipment for dental 

care ............................................................................................................................................................ 100,000 

Connecticut Hospice, Inc., Branford, CT for health information systems ..................................................... 300,000 

Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX for facilities and equipment ............................................. 600,000 

Cooperative Education Service Agency 11 Rural Health Dental Clinic, Turtle Lake, WI for dental services 225,000 

County of Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA for purchase of equipment .................................................. 150,000 

County of Peoria, Peoria, IL or facilities and equipment .............................................................................. 200,000 

County of San Diego, CA for Public Health Services for the purchase of equipment ................................. 286,000 

Crousee Hospital, Syracuse, NY for purchase of equipment and improvement of electronic medical information .................................................................................................................................................... 300,000 

Crowder College-Nevada Campus, Nevada, MO for facilities and equipment for the Moss Higher Education Center ............................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA for facilities and equipment .................................................... 300,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
87 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville, TN for facilities and equipment .................................................... 150,000 

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH for facilities and equipment ....................................... 275,000 

Delaware Technical and Community College, Dover, DE for purchase of equipment .................................. 150,000 

Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO for facilities and equipment ........................................ 300,000 

Des Moines University and Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines, IA for a mobile clinic ...................... 200,000 

Detroit Primary Care Access, Detroit, MI for health care information technology ........................................ 300,000 

Dixie County, Cross City, FL for facilities and equipment for the primary care facility .............................. 75,000 

Dodge County Hospital, Eastman, GA for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 100,000 

Drew County Memorial Hospital, Monticello, AR for facilities and equipment ............................................. 200,000 

DuBois Regional Medical Center, DuBois, PA for purchase of equipment and electronic medical records 

upgrades .................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

East Carolina University, Greenville, NC for the Metabolic Institute, including facilities and equipment .. 350,000 

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville, TN for facilities and equipment ......................................... 180,000 

East Tennessee State University College of Pharmacy, Johnson City, TN for facilities and equipment ...... 250,000 

Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana Counties, Youngstown, OH for facilities and 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Eddy County, NM, for a regional substance abuse rehabilitation center, including facilities and equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Edgemoor Hospital, Santee, A for purchase of equipment ........................................................................... 150,000 

Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA for facilities and equipment ............................................ 150,000 

El Proyecto del Barrio, Arleta, ICA for facilities and equipment at the Azusa Health Center, Azusa, CA .. 250,000 

El Proyecto del Barrio, Winnetka, CA for health information systems .......................................................... 150,000 

Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC for facilities and equipment for a science education 

building ...................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA for facilities and equipment ...................................................................... 200,000 

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood, NJ for facilities and equipment ............................... 150,000 

Excela Health, Mt. Pleasant, MA for facilities and equipment ..................................................................... 350,000 

Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, OH for facilities and equipment ......................................................... 200,000 

Fairview Southdale Hospital, Edina, MN for purchase of equipment ........................................................... 150,000 

Family and Children’s Aid, Danbury, CT for facilities and equipment for the Harmony Center .................. 250,000 

Family Behavioral Resource, Greensburg, PA for community health outreach activities ............................. 100,000 

Family Center of the Northern, Neck, Inc., White Stone, VA for obstetric care services, including facilities and equipment ................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Family Health Center of Southern Oklahoma, Tishomingo, OK for facilities and equipment ...................... 100,000 

Family HealthCare Network, Visalia, CA for electronic medical records upgrades ...................................... 200,000 

Family Medicine Spokane, Spokane, WA for rural training assistance ......................................................... 150,000 

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Orlando, FL for facilities and equipment .............................. 150,000 

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL for facilities and equipment for the Autism Research and 

Treatment Center ....................................................................................................................................... 2,000,000 

Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL for purchase of equipment to support nursing programs ............. 300,000 

Floyd Valley Hospital, Le Mars, IA for facilities and equipment ................................................................... 100,000 

Freeman Health System, Joplin, MO for purchase of equipment .................................................................. 255,000 

Fulton County Medical Center, McConnelsburg, PA for facilities and equipment ........................................ 250,000 

Gardner Family Health Network, Inc., San Jose, CA for facilities and equipment ....................................... 300,000 

Gaston College, Health Education Institute, Dallas, NC for nurse training programs, including facilities 

and equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Gateway to Care, Houston, TX for health information technology ................................................................ 200,000 

Gertrude A. Barber Center, Erie, PA for the Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center, 

including purchase of equipment ............................................................................................................. 150,000 

Glen Rose Medical Center, Glen Rose, TX for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 330,000 

Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Glendale, CA for facilities and equipment .......................................... 350,000 

Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 375,000 

Grady Health Systems, Atlanta, GA for electronic medical records upgrades .............................................. 150,000 

Grandview Hospital, Dayton, OH for facilities and equipment ..................................................................... 150,000 

Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center,Inc., Newburgh, NY for facilities and equipment .................. 75,000 

Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, New Bedford, MA for health information systems .......... 300,000 

Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT for facilities and equipment .............................................................................. 400,000 

Gritman Medical Center, Moscow, ID for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 100,000 

Gundersen Lutheran Health System, West Union, IA for a mobile health unit ............................................ 250,000 

Gunderson Lutheran, Decorah, IA for a Remote Fetal Monitoring Program, including purchase, of equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Halifax Regional Health System, South Boston, VA for an electronic health records initiative, including 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 300,000 

Hamilton Community Health Network, Flint, MI for health care information technology ............................. 200,000 

Hampton University, Hampton, VA for health professions training .............................................................. 250,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
88 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment .................................................. 300,000 

Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment .................................................. 200,000 

Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment for an outpatient physical and 

occupational therapy center ...................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment for the diabetes program ........ 200,000 

Harris Methodist Erath County Hospital, Stephenville, TX for facilities and equipment ............................. 140,000 

Hatzoloh EMS, Inc., Monsey, INY for purchase of ambulances ..................................................................... 125,000 

Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, IA for facilities and equipment for a health center ..................... 350,000 

Healing Tree Addiction Treatment Solutions, Inc., Sterling, CO for facilities and equipment ..................... 150,000 

HEALS Dental Clinic, Huntsville, AL for facilities and equipment. ............................................................... 75,000 

HealthCare Connection, Cincinnati, OH for an electronic health records initiative, including equipment .. 150,000 

HealthEast Care System, St. Paul, MN for health information systems ....................................................... 500,000 

Heartland Community HealthlClinic, Peoria, IL for facilities and equipment ............................................... 300,000 

Hektoen Institute for Medical Research Beloved Community Wellness Program, Chicago, IL for facilities 

and equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI for facilities and equipment ...................................... 100,000 

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Valencia, CA for facilities and equipment ................................... 200,000 

Highland Community Hospital, Picayune, MS for health information systems ............................................ 200,000 

Highlands County, Sebring, FL for facilities and equipment for the veterans service office ...................... 400,000 

Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, NJ for facilities and equipment .................................................................... 150,000 

Home Nursing Agency, Altoona, PA, for telehealth services, including purchase of equipment ................. 100,000 

I Hormel Foundation, Austin, MN for facilities and equipment for the cancer research center .................. 400,000 

Hospice of Northwest Ohio Toledo Center, Toledo, OH for health information systems ............................... 100,000 

Hospice of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH for a pediatric care program ............................................ 150,000 

Houston County Hospital District, Crockett, TX for facilities and equipment .............................................. 200,000 

Howard Community College,Columbia, MD for facilities and equipment for radiologic technology ............ 150,000 

Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL for facilities and equipment .............................. 275,000 

Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Inc., Glens Falls, NY for health information systems ....................... 100,000 

Humility of Mary Health Partners, Youngstown, OH for health information technology ............................... 200,000 

Humphreys County Memorial Hospital, Belzoni, MS for facilities and equipment ....................................... 175,000 

Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, NJ for facilities and equipment ..................................................... 500,000 

Hunter’s Hope Foundation, Orchard Park, NY, including purchase of equipment ........................................ 200,000 

Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, AL for facilities and equipment .................................................................. 175,000 

Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI for health information systems ................................................................. 200,000 

Idaho Caring Foundation, Inc., Boise, ID for oral health services for low-income children ........................ 300,000 

Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID for the Advanced Clinical Simulation Laboratory, including facilities 

and equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment .................................................. 250,000 

Illinois Primary Health Care Association, Springfield, IL for health information systems for clinic sites 

across the State ........................................................................................................................................ 225,000 

India Community Center, Militias, CA for facilities and equipment for the medical clinic ........................ 300,000 

Indiana University Bloomington, IN for facilities and equipment for the School of Nursing ...................... 75,000 

Indiana University School of Medicine, Gary, IN for facilities and equipment for the Northwest Indiana 

Health Research Institute .......................................................................................................................... 400,000 

Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN for facilities and equipment ................................ 150,000 

Indiana University Southeast New Albany, IN for facilities and equipment for the School of Nursing ...... 75,000 

Inland Behavioral Health Services, Inc., San Bernardino, CA for facilities and equipment ........................ 500,000 

Institute for Family Health, New Paltz, NY for health information systems across all eight academic 

health centers ............................................................................................................................................ 100,000 

Institute for Research and Rehabilitation, Houston, TX for purchase of equipment ................................... 200,000 

INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma City, OK for a telemedicine demonstration ...................................................... 200,000 

Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT for an electronic health records initiative, including equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 170,000 

Jameson Hospital, New Castle, PA for facilities and equipment .................................................................. 250,000 

Jasper Memorial Hospital, Monticello, GA for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 40,000 

Jefferson Regional Medical Center Nursing School, Pine Bluff, AR for facilities and equipment ............... 200,000 

Jenkins County GA Hospital, Millen, GA for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 250,000 

John Wesley Community Health Institute, Bell Gardens, CA for facilities and equipment for the Bell Gardens Health Center .................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs, CT for facilities and equipment .......................................... 250,000 

Johnston Memorial Hospital, Smithfield, NC for facilities and equipment ................................................... 200,000 

Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, MI for purchase of equipment ..................................... 350,000 

Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD for facilities and equipment for the International Center for 

Spinal Cord Injury facility .......................................................................................................................... 450,000 

Kent State University Stark Campus, North Canton, OH for facilities and equipment ................................ 500,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
89 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Kent State University, Ashtabula, OH for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 200,000 

Kilmichael Hospital, Kilmichael, MS for facilities and equipment ............................................................... 175,000 

Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA for facilities, equipment and curriculum for an advanced medical simulation instruction center .......................................................................................... 200,000 

Knox Community Hospital, Mount Vernon, OH for facilities and equipment ................................................ 275,000 

La Clinica de la Raza, Oakland, CA for facilities and equipment for the San Antonio Neighborhood 

Health Center ............................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment .................................................... 225,000 

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA for the Drug Information Center ................................ 200,000 

Lakeland Community College, Kirtland, OH for a health information training program, including facilities and equipment ................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Lamar University, Beaumont, TX for the Community and University Partnership Service, including facilities and equipment ................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Lanai Women’s Center, Lani City, HI for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 100,000 

Laurens County Health Care System, Clinton, SC for an electronic health records initiative, including 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Lawrence Hospital Center, Bronxville, NY for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 225,000 

League Against Cancer, Miami, FL for purchase of equipment ................................................................... 200,000 

Liberty County, FL, Bristol, FL for facilities and equipment for a medical facility ...................................... 300,000 

Liberty Regional Medical Center, Hinesville, GA for facilities and equipment ............................................. 100,000 

Limestone Community Care, Inc. Medical Clinic, Elkmont, AL for facilities and equipment ....................... 75,000 

Lincoln Community Health Center, Durham, NC for facilities and equipment ............................................. 200,000 

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY for facilities and equipment .................................. 200,000 

Lodi Memorial Hospital, Lodi, CA for a telehealth project ............................................................................ 175,000 

Loretto, Syracuse, NY for facilities and equipment for elderly health care and skilled nursing programs 250,000 

Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, Los Angeles, CA for facilities and equipment in the Lowman Center 275,000 

Louisville Metro Department of Public Works, Louisville, KY for facilities and equipment for a mobile 

health unit ................................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, Willingboro, NJ for purchase of equipment ........................ 150,000 

Loyola University Health System, Maywood, IL for facilities and equipment ............................................... 250,000

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA for facilities and equipment .......................................... 200,000 

Madison Center, South Bend, IN for facilities and equipment for a clinic for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ......................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Madison County Memorial Hospital, Rexburg, ID for facilities and equipment ............................................ 200,000 

Madison County, Virginia City, MT for facilities and equipment .................................................................. 200,000 

Madison St. Joseph Health Center, Madisonville, TX for facilities and equipment ...................................... 120,000 

Maine Center for Marine Biotechnology, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME for facilities and 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Maine Primary Care Association, Augusta, ME for health information systems in community health centers across the State ................................................................................................................................. 50,000 

Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester, CT for facilities and equipment ............................................. 300,000 

Marana Health Center, Marana, AZ for facilities and equipment ................................................................ 125,000 

Marias Medical Center, Shelby, MT for purchase of equipment ................................................................... 200,000 

Marquette General Hospital, Marquette, MI for facilities and equipment .................................................... 300,000 

Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center, Marshalltown, IA for high resolution medical imaging, including purchase of equipment ................................................................................................................ 300,000 

Mary Scott Nursing Center, Dayton, OH for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 200,000 

Maryland State Dental Association, Columbia, MD for facilities and equipment for mobile dental care 

units ........................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Maryville University, St. Louis, MO for facilities and equipment at the Center for Science and Health 

Professions ................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Mason County Board of Health, Maysville, KY for facilities and equipment ................................................ 300,000

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester, MA for health information technology systems ........................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Maury Regional Hospital, Columbia, TN for facilities and equipment ......................................................... 250,000 

Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 300,000 

Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, TX for facilities and equipment ..................... 200,000 

Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment ...................................... 200,000 

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Houston, TX for facilities and equipment ..................................... 100,000 

Mendocino Coast District Hospital, Fort Bragg, CA for facilities and equipment ........................................ 300,000 

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Keshena, WI for facilities and equipment for the Family Wellness 

Center ......................................................................................................................................................... 375,000 

Mercy College of Northwest Ohio, Toledo, OH for facilities and equipment for the continuing professional education division ........................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Mercy Health Foundation, Durango, CO for facilities and equipment for a community health clinic ......... 200,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
90 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Mercy Hospital Grayling, Grayling, MI for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 125,000 

Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, NY for facilities and equipment ............................................................................ 100,000 

Mercy Medical Center, Redding, CA for facilities and equipment ................................................................ 200,000 

Mercy Medical Center-House of Mercy, Des Moines, IA for facilities and equipment related to substance 

abuse ......................................................................................................................................................... 275,000 

Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe, MI for facilities and equipment ............................................................. 200,000 

Mercy Ministries Health Center, Laredo, TX for a mobile health unit .......................................................... 100,000 

Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, PA for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 300,000 

Methodist Hospital of Southern California, Arcadia, CA for facilities and equipment ................................ 550,000 

Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX for purchase of equipment ....................................................................... 200,000 

Metropolitan Hospital, New York, NY for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 100,000 

MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham, MA for facilities and equipment 

for interpreting services ............................................................................................................................ 75,000 

Miami Beach Community Health Center, Miami Beach, FL for facilities and equipment ........................... 150,000 

Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN for facilities and equipment for the school of nursing .............................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Middlesex Community College, Lowell, MA for facilities and equipment for the health education programs ......................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Middletown Regional Hospital, Middletown, OH for facilities and equipment for the Greentree Science 

Academy in Franklin, OH ........................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Mid-Ohio FoodBank, Columbus, OH for facilities and equipment ................................................................ 200,000 

Miles Community College, Miles City, MT for the Pathways to Careers in Healthcare initiative ................ 200,000 

Mission Hospitals, Asheville, NC for facilities and equipment ..................................................................... 200,000 

Missouri Delta Medical Center, Sikeston, MO for purchase of equipment ................................................... 200,000

Monroe Clinic, Monroe, WI for health care information technology .............................................................. 250,000 

Monroe County Hospital, Forsyth, GA for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 45,000 

Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY for health information systems ........................................................ 75,000 

Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians, Pike Road, AL for facilities and equipment to serve the 

disabled ..................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Morehead State University, Morehead, KY to improve rural health .............................................................. 300,000 

Morris Heights Health Center, Inc., Bronx, NY for facilities and equipment ................................................ 100,000 

Morton Hospital and Medical Center, Taunton, MA for facilities and equipment ........................................ 300,000 

Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College, PA for facilities and equipment .......................................... 200,000 

Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon, NY for facilities and equipment ..................................................... 200,000 

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA for facilities and equipment ...................................... 325,000 

Muhlenberg Community Hospital, Greenville, KY for facilities and equipment ............................................ 150,000 

Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT for facilities and equipment for the nursing program ........................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Nebraska Hospital Association Research and Education Foundation, Lincoln, NE for a telehealth demonstration, including purchase of equipment ........................................................................................... 250,000 

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY for disease management and patient advocacy programs, including purchase of equipment ................................................................................ 300,000 

New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY for facilities and equipment .............................................. 500,000 

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ for facilities and equipment ............................................. 200,000 

Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, Newark, NY for facilities improvements and digital health care 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 500,000 

Newport Hospital, Newport, RI for facilities and equipment ........................................................................ 300,000 

Newton Memorial Hospital, Newton, NJ for purchase of equipment ............................................................. 150,000 

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Falls, NY for facilities and equipment ........................... 400,000 

Norman Regional Health System, Norman, OK for telehealth and electronic medical records initiatives .. 200,000 

NorthEast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc., Cleveland, OH for facilities and equipment .............. 250,000 

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI for a mobile health clinic ...................................... 175,000 

Northern Dutchess Hospital, Rhinebeck, NY for health information technology systems. ........................... 200,000 

Northern Westchester Hospital, Mount Kisco, NY for facilities and equipment ........................................... 100,000 

Northland Medical Center, Princeton, MN for purchase of equipment ......................................................... 250,000 

Northwest Community Health Care, Pascoag, RI for facilities and equipment ............................................ 300,000 

Northwest Hospital Intermediate Care Unit, Randallstown, MD for facilities and equipment ..................... 100,000 

Northwest Kidney Centers, Seattle, WA for facilities and equipment ........................................................... 100,000 

Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID for facilities and equipment .................................................... 100,000 

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment for Prentice Women’s Hospital 375,000 

Oakland University School of Nursing, Rochester, MI for facilities and equipment .................................... 250,000 

Oaklawn Adult Group Home, Goshen, IN for facilities and equipment ......................................................... 150,000 

Oakwood Healthcare System Foundation, Dearborn, MI for facilities and equipment for the Western 

Wayne Family Health Center ...................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Ocean Beach Hospital, Ilwaco, WA for a telepharmacy program ................................................................. 350,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
91 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH for James Cancer Survivorship Center for construction of facilities ................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH for facilities and equipment .................................... 200,000 

Oklahoma University College of Medicine—Tulsa, Tulsa, OK for facilities and equipment ........................ 150,000 

Olympic Community Action Program, Port Angeles, WA for facilities and equipment for the OlyCAP Oral 

Health Center ............................................................................................................................................. 50,000 

Oregon Coast Community College, Newport, OR for facilities and equipment for health professions education ......................................................................................................................................................... 75,000 

Osceola County Health Department, Poinciana, FL for facilities and equipment ........................................ 150,000 

Osceola Medical Center, Osceola, WI for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 150,000 

Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, NY for facilities and equipment ............................. 325,000 

Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ for facilities and equipment .................................................. 250,000 

Palmetto Health Foundation, Columbia, SC for facilities and equipment .................................................... 1,000,000 

Parkland Health Center, Farmington, MO for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 200,000 

Passavant Area Hospital, Jacksonville, IL for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 200,000 

Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center, Richmond, KY for facilities and equipment ................................. 225,000 

Pee Dee Healthy Start, Florence, SC for programs to improve maternal and child health ......................... 88,000 

Peninsula Hospital Center, New York, NY for health information systems .................................................. 200,000

People, Inc., Williamsville, NY for electronic health records upgrades ........................................................ 200,000 

Peralta Community College, 0akland, CA for facilities and equipment for the nursing program at Highland Hospital ............................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Person Memorial Hospital, Roxboro, NC for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 200,000 

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ for health information systems ................................................... 250,000 

Placer County, Auburn, CA for construction of the Children’s Health Center/Emergency Shelter ............... 250,000 

Pointe Coupee Better Access Community Health, New Roads, LA for facilities and equipment ................. 100,000 

Ponce Center of Autism, Municipality of Ponce, PR for facilities and equipment at the Autism Center ... 225,000 

Powell County Medical Center, Deer Lodge, MT for facilities and equipment .............................................. 100,000 

Powell Valley Health Care, Powell, WY for electronic information technology .............................................. 300,000 

Prairie Star Health Center, Hutchinson, KS for facilities and equipment .................................................... 200,000 

Preston Memorial Hospital, Kingwood, WV for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 275,000 

Project Access Spokane, Spokane, WA for healthcare delivery to low income residents ............................. 200,000 

ProMedica Continuing Care Service Corporation, Adrian, MI for a telemedicine initiative .......................... 150,000 

Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, Elgin, IL for facilities and equipment ........................................................ 300,000 

Providence Health System, Anchorage, AK to improve services in underserved regions ............................. 200,000 

Putnam Hospital Center, Carmel, NY for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 200,000 

Quebrada Health Center, Municipality of Camuy, PR for purchase of equipment ....................................... 125,000 

Quincy Valley Medical Center, Quincy, WA for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 150,000 

Rancho Santiago Community College District, Santa Ana, CA for facilities and equipment for a medical 

education complex ..................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Reading Hospital School of Nursing, West Reading, PA for nurse training programs including facilities 

and equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association, Pittsburgh, PA for facilities and equipment for a skilled 

nursing facility ........................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Regional Children’s Hospital, Johnson City, TN for facilities and equipment .............................................. 100,000 

Rhode Island Quality Institute, Providence, RI for health information technology in conjunction with 

Rhode Island mental health organizations ............................................................................................... 250,000 

Rio Arriba County, Espanola, NM for facilities and equipment for the Health Commons ........................... 750,000 

Riverside County Regional Medical Center, Moreno Valley, CA for facilities and equipment ...................... 225,000 

Riverside County Regional Medical Center, Moreno Valley, CA for facilities and equipment ...................... 140,000 

Riverside Health System, Newport News, VA for the Patient Navigator Program ........................................ 150,000 

Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY for facilities and equipment ................................................................... 200,000 

Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, SD for facilities and equipment ................................................................. 100,000 

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY for facilities and equipment .................................................... 300,000 

Rural Health Technology Consortium for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 200,000 

Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment for the Center for Advanced 

Medical Response ...................................................................................................................................... 225,000 

Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI for purchase of equipment .................................... 350,000 

Saint Mary’s Health Care, Grand Rapids, MI for an electronic health records initiative, including equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Sam Rogers Health Clinic, Kansas City, MO for facilities and equipment .................................................. 200,000

San Antonio Hospital Foundation, Upland, CA for facilities and equipment ............................................... 450,000 

San Francisco Medical Center Outpatient Improvement Programs, Inc., San Francisco, CA for facilities 

and equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 450,000 

San Mateo County, Redwood City, CA for facilities and equipment for the San Mateo Medical Center 

Emergency Department .............................................................................................................................. 400,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
92 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

San Ysidro Health Center, San Ysidro, CA for facilities and equipment ..................................................... 100,000 

Sandoval County, Bernalillo, NM for a telemedicine initiative, including purchase of equipment ............. 200,000 

Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Orange, CA for facilities and equipment ................................................... 150,000

Schneck Medical Center, Semour, IN for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 375,000 

Scotland Memorial Hospital, Laurinberg, NC for facilities and equipment .................................................. 200,000 

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Seattle, WA for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 100,000 

Sharp Rehabilitation Services, San Diego, CA for facilities and equipment ................................................ 150,000 

Shasta Community Health Center, Redding, CA for facilities and equipment ............................................. 150,000 

Shawano County Rural Health Initiative, Shawano, WI for rural health care .............................................. 75,000 

Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT for purchase of equipment ..................................................................... 200,000 

Sierra Nevada Memorial Foundation, Grass Valley, CA for an electronic health records initiative ............. 250,000 

Sistersville General Hospital, Sisterville, WV for facilities and equipment .................................................. 225,000 

Skagit Valley Hospital Cancer Care Center, Mount Vernon, WA for facilities and equipment ..................... 275,000 

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro, PA for purchase of equipment .................................... 200,000 

Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, NJ for electronic health records upgrades ....................................... 350,000 

South Broward Hospital District, Hollywood, FL for facilities and equipment .............................................. 250,000 

South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council, Columbia, SC for health outreach .......................................................... 185,000 

South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, NY for facilities and equipment .................................... 200,000 

South Shore Hospital, South Weymouth, MA for facilities and equipment ................................................... 300,000

Southampton Hospital, Southampton, NY for facilities and equipment ....................................................... 300,000 

Southeast Alabama Medical Center, Dothan, AL for facilities and equipment for the Southeast Regional 

Cancer Screening Program ........................................................................................................................ 350,000 

Southeast Community College, Cumberland, KY for facilities and equipment for an allied health training center ................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO for facilities and equipment ............................ 0 

Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX for purchase of equipment ........................................................ 150,000 

Southern Vermont Recreation Center Foundation, Springfield, VT for facilities and equipment for a medical rehabilitation unit ............................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis, TN for facilities and equipment ............................... 200,000 

St. James Hospital and Health Centers, Chicago Heights, IL for facilities and equipment for the Olympia Fields campus ..................................................................................................................................... 225,000 

St. Agnes Hospital, Fresno, CA for purchase of equipment .......................................................................... 160,000 

St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA for facilities and equipment ............................................................ 150,000 

St. Anthony Community Hospital, Warwick, NY for facilities and equipment .............................................. 100,000 

St. Anthony Hospital, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment ................................................................... 200,000 

St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers, Hammond, IN for facilities and equipment ..................................... 275,000 

St. Bernard Health Center, Inc., Chalmette, LA for facilities and equipment .............................................. 200,000 

St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino, CA for facilities and equipment ...................................... 200,000 

St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, Syracuse, NY for the brain injury program, including facilities and equipment ............................................................................................................................... 300,000 

St. Catharine College, St. Catharine, KY for the allied health science program, including facilities and 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 175,000 

St. Charles Parish, LaPlace, LA for purchase of equipment ......................................................................... 150,000 

St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA for facilities and equipment ................................................................... 200,000 

St. Claire Regional Medical Center, Morehead, KY for facilities construction ............................................. 200,000 

St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY for facilities and equipment ......................................................... 400,000 

St. Francis Hospital, Escanaba, MI for facilities and equipment ................................................................. 125,000 

St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, NJ for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 250,000 

St. James Parish Hospital, Lutcher, LA for facilities and equipment ........................................................... 200,000 

St. John’s North Shore Hospital, Harrison Township, MI for facilities and equipment ................................ 200,000 

St. Joseph of the Pines, Southern Pines, NC for an electronic health records system ................................ 100,000 

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, IN for health care information technology .................... 275,000 

St. Joseph’s Hospital Mercy Care Services, Atlanta, GA for health information technology ........................ 300,000 

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Buckhannon, WV for facilities and equipment .......................................................... 100,000 

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Savannah GA for facilities and equipment ............................................................... 275,000 

St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Paterson, NJ for health information technology .............................. 200,000 

St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, Savannah, GA for purchase of equipment ......................................... 200,000 

St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital, Quakertown, PA for facilities and equipment ........................................... 400,000 

St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Ltd., Boise, ID for purchase of equipment ......................................... 200,000 

St. Mary Medical Center Foundation, Langhorne, PA for facilities and equipment ..................................... 100,000 

St. Mary Medical Center, Apple Valley, CA for the electronic intensive care unit ....................................... 500,000 

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Grand Junction, CO for facilities and equipment for the Saccomanno 

Education Center ....................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, WI for facilities and equipment .................................................................... 150,000

St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, WV for facilities and equipment for the Center for Education ..... 400,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
93 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Reno, NV for facilities and equipment ............................................... 250,000 

St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Missoula, MT for an electronic medical records system 300,000 

St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, Albany, NY for facilities and equipment for the St. Peter’s Breast Center ............................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 250,000 

St. Vincent Hospital, Billings, MT for facilities and equipment ................................................................... 300,000 

St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital, Cleveland, OH for facilities and equipment ................................................ 450,000 

St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT for facilities and equipment ................................................. 200,000 

St. Xavier University, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment .................................................................... 200,000 

Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT for facilities and equipment .................................................................... 200,000 

Stark Prescription Assistance Network, Canton, OH for facilities and equipment ....................................... 150,000 

State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO for facilities and equipment ................................................... 300,000 

Stewart-Marchman Center, Inc., Daytona Beach, FL for facilities and equipment ...................................... 150,000 

Stony Point Ambulance Corps, Stony Point, NY for facilities and equipment .............................................. 375,000 

Summers County Commission, Hinton, WV for facilities and equipment for the Appalachian Regional 

Healthcare Hospital ................................................................................................................................... 230,000 

Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment ........................................................ 250,000 

Sylvan Grove Hospital, Jackson, MS for facilities and equipment ................................................................ 50,000 

Tangipahoa Parish, Loranger, LA for facilities and equipment .................................................................... 100,000 

Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX for the Rural Nursing Education Program, including purchase 

of equipment .............................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Tarrant County Infant Mortality Task Force, Ft. Worth, TX for education and outreach programs .............. 100,000 

Taylor Regional Hospital, Hawkinsville, GA for facilities and equipment ..................................................... 55,000 

Temple Health and Bioscience Economic Development District, Temple, TX for facilities and equipment 250,000 

Teton Valley Hospital and Surgicenter, Driggs, ID for purchase of equipment ............................................ 200,000 

Texas A&M University—Kingsville, Kingsville, TX for facilities and equipment for a research facility ...... 150,000 

Texas Institute for Genomic Medicine, College Station, TX for facilities and equipment ............................ 125,000 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso and Lubbock, TX for facilities and equipment for 

the West Texas Center for Influenza Research, Education and Treatment .............................................. 550,000 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX for health professionals training, including 

facilities and equipment ........................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Thomas Jefferson University Breast Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA for facilities and equipment ........... 400,000 

Thomason General Hospital, EI Paso, TX for facilities and equipment ........................................................ 350,000 

Thundermist Health Center, Woonsocket, RI for health information technology .......................................... 500,000 

Tohono O’odham Nation, sells, AZ for facilities and equipment for its diabetes and dialysis program .... 100,000 

Toledo Children’s Hospital, Toledo, OH for facilities and equipment for a palliative care program ........... 75,000 

Tomorrow’s Child/Michigan SIDS, Lansing, MI for facilities and equipment ............................................... 200,000 

Town of Argo, AL for facilities and equipment for the Senior Citizens’ Center for Health and Wellness ... 100,000 

Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ for facilities and equipment ............................... 500,000 

Transylvania Community Hospital, Inc., Brevard, NC for facilities and equipment ..................................... 275,000 

Tulare District Hospital, Tulare, CA for an electronic medical record system ............................................. 150,000 

Tuomey Healthcare System, Sumter, SC for health information systems ..................................................... 200,000

Twin City Hospital, Dennison, OH for facilities and equipment ................................................................... 300,000 

Union Hospital, Terre Haute, IIN for health information technology ............................................................. 200,000 

Uniontown Hospital, Uniontown, PA for facilities and equipment for the chest pain center ...................... 300,000 

Unity Health Care, Washington, DC for health information systems ............................................................ 200,000 

University Community Hospital/Pepin Heart Hospital, Tampa, FL for purchase of equipment .................... 200,000 

University Health System, San Antonio, TX for facilities and equipment ..................................................... 175,000 

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL for a telehealth initiative ................................................................ 100,000 

University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, AZ for facilities and equipment .......................................... 400,000 

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR for facilities and equipment ........................ 200,000 

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR for facilities and equipment at the 

Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education, and Learning System (ANGELS) .................................... 180,000 

University of Arkansas Medical School Cancer Research Center, Little Rock, AR for facilities and equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 325,000 

University of California, Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA for facilities and equipment for the Center for Education ........................................................................................................................................ 420,000 

University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, IL for facilities and equipment .................................................. 225,000 

University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL for facilities and equipment ...................................... 200,000 

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA for facilities and equipment for a public health research and education building ........................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA for facilities and equipment for an advanced biomedical research institute ......................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

University of Kansas Research Center, Lawrence, KS for facilities and equipment .................................... 425,000 

University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA for health information technology 350,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
94 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

University of Memphis, Memphis, TN for facilities and equipment for the community health building ..... 200,000 

University of Miami, Miami, FL for equipment at the Center for Research in Medical Education .............. 150,000 

I University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI for facilities and equipment for the C.S. Mott 

Children’s and Women’s Hospitals ............................................................................................................ 350,000 

University of North Alabama, Florence, AL for facilities and equipment for a science building ................ 225,000 

University of North Texas, Denton, TX for the center for Computational Epidemiology, including facilities 

and equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 350,000 

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO to develop the National Center for Nursing Education, including facilities and equipment .............................................................................................................. 350,000 

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL for the Florida Cancer Clinical Trials Project ................................ 400,000 

University of Tennessee of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN for a low birth weight study ........................... 400,000 

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX for facilities and equipment for the sickle 

cell program ............................................................................................................................................... 300,000 

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX for purchase of equipment .......................... 200,000 

University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA for a telehealth project for southwest VA .......... 150,000 

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI for facilities and equipment ............................................... 165,000

Utah Navajo Health System, Inc., Montezuma Creek, UT for telehealth systems ........................................ 100,000 

Valley Cooperative Health Care, Hudson, WI for health information systems .............................................. 75,000 

Vanguard University Nursing Center, Costa Mesa, CA for facilities and equipment ................................... 200,000 

Village Network Boys’ Village Campus, Wooster, OH for facilities and equipment ...................................... 250,000 

Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County, Mount Holly, NJ for purchase of equipment ......................... 200,000 

Visiting Nurse Association Healthcare Partners of Ohio, Cleveland, OH for telehealth ............................... 400,000 

Wadsworth Rittman Hospital Foundation, Wadsworth, OH for facilities and equipment ............................. 400,000 

Wake County, Raleigh, NC for facilities and equipment for Holly Hill Hospital ........................................... 300,000

Washington County, GA Regional Medical Center, Sandersville, GA for facilities and equipment .............. 250,000 

Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC for facilities and equipment ................................................ 200,000 

Washington Parish, Bogalusa, LA for health care centers, including facilities and equipment ................. 100,000 

Wayne Memorial Hospital, Jesup, GA for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 300,000 

West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA for facilities and equipment ................................................... 200,000 

West Shore Medical Center, Manistee, MI for facilities and equipment ...................................................... 150,000 

West Side Community Health Services, St. Paul, MN for facilities and equipment ..................................... 150,000 

West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, WV for facilities and equipment ....................................... 175,000 

Western North Carolina Health System, Asheville, NC for health information technology ........................... 300,000 

Whidden Memorial Hospital, Everett, MA for facilities and equipment ........................................................ 275,000 

White County Memorial Hospital, Monticello, IN for facilities and equipment ............................................. 210,000

White Memorial Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA for facilities and equipment .......................................... 400,000 

White Plains Hospital Center, White Plains, NY for facilities and equipment ............................................. 225,000

Whiteside County Department of Health, Rock Falls, IL for facilities and equipment ................................. 200,000 

Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease, Sparks, NV for facilities and equipment ......... 200,000 

Wind River Community Health Center, Riverton, WY for facilities and equipment ...................................... 250,000 

Wing Memorial Hospital, Palmer, MA for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 200,000 

Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah, IA for purchase of medical equipment ............................................. 230,000 

Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, FL for purchase of equipment ................................................... 300,000 

Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, NY for equipment for a hospital-based radiologic 

technology school ....................................................................................................................................... 230,000 

Woodruff County Nursing Home, McCrory, AR for facilities and equipment ................................................. 200,000 

Wyoming County Community Hospital, Warsaw, NY for facilities and equipment ....................................... 100,000 

YMCA of Central Stark County, Canton, OH for facilities and equipment ................................................... 500,000

York Memorial Hospital, York, PA for facilities and equipment .................................................................... 92,000 

Youth Crisis Center, Jacksonville, FL for facilities and equipment .............................................................. 200,000 

Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY for facilities and equipment ......................................................... 250,000 

Bioterrorism hospital grants to states 

The Committee provides funding for this activity in the Office of 

the Secretary, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, 

as requested in the President’s request and provided in the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007. 

Telehealth 

The Committee provides $7,000,000 for telehealth, which is 

$181,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget 

request. The telehealth program works with and supports commuVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
95 

nities in their efforts to develop cost-effective uses of telehealth 

technologies. These technologies bring health services to isolated 

populations and health-related education to the practitioners who 

serve them. The program supports 16 grants for networks along 

with five regional resource centers. 

Program management 

The Committee provides $142,191,000 for the cost of Federal 

staff and related activities to coordinate, direct, and manage the 

programs of the Health Resources and Services Administration, 

which is $4,103,000 below the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$2,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee reduces funding for this account by $2,000,000 because it intends to support the 

dental shortages demonstration currently funded in program management in the MCH SPRANS dental health initiative. 

The Committee is concerned that there is a widespread lack of 

awareness among health care providers that cardiovascular disease 

is the leading killer of women in the United States. The Committee 

encourages HRSA to conduct an education and awareness campaign for physicians and other health care professionals relating to 

the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease, stroke 

and other cardiovascular diseases in women. 

The unfortunate death earlier this year of a 12-year old Maryland boy from a brain infection stemming from an abscessed tooth 

has focused the Committee’s attention on the issue of access to oral 

health care for underserved populations. As the agency that supports programs that provide services to disadvantaged, medically 

underserved and special populations, the Committee believes that 

HRSA should be actively involved in addressing this problem. The 

Committee was disturbed to learn that the lack of administrative 

support for oral health infrastructure within HRSA and collaborative oral health initiatives among HRSA bureaus and with other 

Federal agencies has made it nearly impossible for HRSA staff to 

respond to States’ needs. The Committee believes that HRSA must 

appoint a chief dental officer who can coordinate the agency’s oral 

health activities, focus on rebuilding the HRSA dental corps and 

provide direction for HRSA field officers. The Committee directs 

HRSA to report to the Committee no later than October 30, 2007 

on its activities to name a chief dental officer. 

HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

The Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) program insures 

loans provided by non-Federal lenders to students in health professions schools. Under the accounting rules established in the Budget 

Enforcement Act of 1990, one account is maintained to pay the obligations arising from loans guaranteed prior to fiscal year 1992. A 

second account pays obligations and collects income from premiums 

on loans guaranteed in fiscal year 1992 and beyond. Each annual 

cohort of loans is independently tracked in this account. The authority for this program expired in fiscal year 1999. Fiscal year 

1998 was the last year in which loans were obligated to previous 

borrowers under the HEAL authority. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
96 

The Committee provides $1,000,000 to liquidate obligations from loans guaranteed prior to 1992, which is $3,000,000 below the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as budget request. The Committee provides $2,906,000 for HEAL program manage- ment, which is $8,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the same as the budget request. 

VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND

The Committee makes available the release of $57,547,000 from 

the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund in fiscal year 2008, 

which is $1,676,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the same as the budget request. 

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides a 

system of compensation for individuals with vaccine-associated injuries or deaths. Funds for claims from vaccines administered on 

or after October 1, 1988 are generated by a per-dose excise tax on 

the sale of selected prescribed vaccines. Revenues raised by this tax 

are maintained in a Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. 

Trust funds made available in the bill will support the liability 

costs of vaccines administered after September 30, 1988. They will 

also support the $3,528,000 in costs incurred by the agency in the 

operation of the program, which is $454,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

DISEASE CONTROL, RESEARCH, AND TRAINING

The Committee provides a program level total of $6,457,832,000 

for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which 

is $255,160,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$475,181,000 above the budget request. Of the funds provided, 

$316,079,000 shall be derived from evaluation set-aside funds 

available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act, which 

is $50,979,000 above the fiscal year 2007 set-aside and $50,079,000 

above the requested set-aside. The Committee includes an undistributed reduction of $2,000,000 within this account. 

With the exception of the public health and health services block 

grant, which has a statutorily-determined formula distribution, all 

funds provided in this appropriation are awarded via competitive 

grant/cooperative agreement or contract, administratively-determined formula, or are awarded on a sole-source basis where only 

one eligible partner is determined. Funding is typically awarded to 

States, localities, public health departments, higher education institutions, private industry, or nonprofit voluntary groups or associations and is reviewed by outside peer reviewers. 

The CDC assists State and local health authorities and other 

non-governmental health-related organizations to understand, control, and reduce disease and other health problems. The activities 

of CDC focus on several major priorities, including providing core 

public health functions, responding to urgent public health threats, 

monitoring the nation’s health using scientific methods, building 

the nation’s public health infrastructure, promoting health 

throughout each life-stage, and providing leadership in the implementation of nationwide prevention strategies to encourage responVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
97 

sible behavior and adoption of lifestyles that are conducive to good 

health. 

Infectious diseases 

The Committee provides a program level of $1,913,302,000 for in- fectious diseases, which is $109,071,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $118,934,000 above the budget request. Of the 

funds provided, $12,794,000 shall be derived from evaluation setaside funds available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act, as proposed in the budget request. 

Immunization and respiratory diseases 

The Committee provides a program level of $636,159,000 for im- munization and respiratory diseases, which is $68,155,000 over the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and $91,182,000 above the budget request. Of the amount provided, $12,794,000 is to be derived from 

section 241 evaluation set-aside funds, as provided in fiscal year 

2007 and as proposed in the request. In addition, the current vaccines for children program is expected to provide $2,761,957,000 in 

vaccine purchases and distribution support in fiscal year 2008, for 

a total of $3,398,116,000 for immunization and respiratory diseases 

activities in fiscal year 2008. 

In fiscal year 2007, CDC reorganized within the coordinating 

center for infectious diseases to combine activities related to respiratory diseases with immunization activities. In addition, a new 

influenza division was created within this new national center for 

immunization and respiratory diseases. 

Immunization project grants are awarded to States and local 

agencies for planning, developing, and conducting childhood and 

adult immunization programs including enhancement of the vaccine delivery infrastructure. CDC directly maintains a stockpile of 

vaccines, supports consolidated purchase of vaccines for State and 

local health agencies, and conducts surveillance, investigations, 

and research into the safety and efficacy of new and presently used 

vaccines. The Committee notes that there are other Federal programs that provide immunizations to children, including the State 

children’s health insurance program (SCHIP), the maternal and 

child health block grant, and community health centers. 

The Committee recommends $516,273,000 for the immunization 

program authorized by section 317 of the Public Health Service 

Act, which is $58,750,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $91,150,000 above the budget request. The Committee is 

aware that prior to 2000 and the introduction of new vaccines, such 

as the recent human papillomavirus vaccine, the 317 immunization 

program was adequately providing vaccines to children and adolescents traditionally dependent on the public sector for support, but 

who were not eligible for the vaccines for children program. 

Currently, the 317 immunization program is falling far short of 

the need. The current estimate of the cost to fully immunize a female through age 18 is over $1,240 and for a male it is over $936—

this compares with a total cost of $186 for females and males in 

1999. As a result of these increased vaccine costs, the number of 

children receiving vaccines under the 317 program has fallen from 

747,000 in 1999 to an estimated 279,000 in 2006. The Committee 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
98 

recommendation is the first step toward the goal of fully immunizing all eligible individuals. The additional funding included above 

the fiscal year 2007 appropriation will allow approximately 42,000 

additional children and adolescents to receive the full vaccine 

schedule compared to the estimated number of those who will be 

served in 2007. 

The Committee is concerned that immunization levels for vaccines routinely recommended for many adolescents and adults lag 

far behind coverage levels for vaccines for children. The Committee 

understands that CDC led a process during the early 1990s that 

resulted in the development of immunization action plans (IAPs) in 

all 50 States and in many major urban areas to achieve 90 percent 

immunization coverage for vaccines recommended for young children. These IAPs were the result of community planning efforts led 

by State and local health departments and included detailed actions thought to be needed to achieve coverage goals, activities that 

could be undertaken with available resources and estimates of the 

resources required for such efforts. The Committee believes that 

while maintaining the commitment to and the coverage levels for 

children, a similar process may be useful for reaching adolescent 

and adult immunization goals, and encourages CDC to provide 

funding to States or local organizations that receive section 317 immunization grant funds to develop community adolescent and adult 

immunization planning demonstrations to achieve 90 percent immunization coverage for vaccines routinely recommended for adolescents and adults. These models should include existing and new 

efforts planned within existing resources; new activities needed and 

estimates for those needs. 

The Committee is pleased with the report on the section 317 immunization program that CDC provided and requests that the report be updated and promptly submitted by February 1, 2008, to 

reflect fiscal year 2009 cost estimates. The updated report also 

should include an estimate of optimum State and local operations 

funding as well as CDC operations funding needed relative to current levels to conduct and support childhood, adolescent, and adult 

programs. This estimate should include the cost of vaccine administration; surveillance and assessment of changes in immunization 

rates; vaccine storage, handling and quality assurance; implementation of centralized vaccine distribution and other vaccine business improvement practices; needs to support provider and public 

outreach and education on new vaccines; identification of barriers 

to immunization and strategies to address such barriers; maintenance, utilization, and enhancement of immunization information 

systems, including integration with public health preparedness and 

other public health information technology systems; innovative 

strategies to increase coverage rates in hard-to-reach populations 

and geographic pockets of need; vaccine safety; and other non-vaccine resource needs of a comprehensive immunization program. 

Each of these activities is critical to ensuring the delivery of lifesaving vaccines to our nation and has been under-funded in recent 

years. 

The Committee recommends $82,575,000 for immunization and 

respiratory diseases program operations, which is $19,759,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $32,000 above the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
99 

budget request. This funding supports vaccine tracking, vaccine 

safety, and prevention activities. Included within the total is 

$19,800,000 to provide funds to States to increase demand for influenza vaccine with the intention that by doing so, U.S. vaccine 

production capacity also will be stimulated. The Committee recommends $37,311,000 for activities related to 

preparing for and responding to a pandemic influenza, which is 

$10,354,000 below the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same 

as the budget request. Included within this total is $19,800,000 to 

develop a repository of pandemic virus reference strains for manufacturing and $14,850,000 to increase the stock of diagnostic reagents for influenza. 

Vaccine safety datalink.—In fiscal year 2006, the Committee requested that the National Institute of Environmental Health 

Sciences (NIEHS) convene a panel of expert, independent researchers for the purpose of exploring the possibility of using the CDC’s 

vaccine safety datalink (VSD) to conduct a study that could ‘‘identify or rule out any association between thimerosal exposure in pediatric vaccines and increased rates of autism.’’ The expert panel 

convened in May 2006 and issued a report, which recommended 

that gaps and uncertainties in the VSD be addressed prior to the 

consideration of further studies of autism and thimerosal using the 

VSD. Given that the VSD ten-year contract totals more than 

$120,000,000, the Committee urges CDC to report to the House 

Committee on Appropriations no later than March 1, 2008 on its 

response to the NIEHS recommendations. This report should include information about current and ongoing CDC studies that address the potential association between thimerosal exposure in pediatric vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. 

HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STD and TB prevention 

The Committee provides $1,042,303,000 for HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and tuberculosis (TB) 

prevention, which is $32,112,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $14,495,000 below the request. 

Within the total, $715,463,000 is for domestic HIV/AIDS prevention and research, which is $17,413,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $29,644,000 below the budget request. This funding level supports HIV research, surveillance, epidemiologic and 

laboratory studies, and prevention activities. CDC provides funds 

to State and local health departments to develop and implement integrated community prevention plans. The Committee supports the 

domestic HIV/AIDS initiative and provides $63,000,000 for the testing component of the initiative within CDC, which is $18,000,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $30,000,000 less 

than the budget request. The Committee does not provide a setaside within this funding for the early diagnosis grant program and 

notes that currently no States have adopted the HIV testing policies designated for eligibility to receive funding under this new authorization. 

Within the total, $18,615,000 is for the viral hepatitis program, 

which is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $1,025,000 more than the budget request. The division of viral 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
100 

hepatitis provides the scientific and programmatic foundation for 

the prevention, control, and elimination of hepatitis virus infections 

in the U.S. 

Within the total, $157,537,000 is for the sexually transmitted 

diseases (STD) prevention program, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $227,000 more than the budget request. The division of STD prevention provides national leadership 

through research, policy development, and support of effective services to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and their complications such as infertility, adverse outcomes of pregnancy, and reproductive tract cancer. CDC assists health departments, health-care 

providers, and non-governmental organizations and collaborates 

with other governmental entities through the development, syntheses, translation, and dissemination of timely, science-based information; the development of national goals and science-based policy; and the development and support of science-based programs 

that meet the needs of communities. 

Within the total, $150,688,000 is for the tuberculosis program, which is $13,699,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $13,897,000 more than the budget request. The TB program 

provides grants to States and large cities for a broad range of tuberculosis control activities. In addition, the CDC supports State 

and local laboratories and conducts research, epidemiological investigations, and education and training seminars. 

HIV/AIDS in minority communities.—Funds are provided within 

the total for domestic HIV/AIDS prevention and research programs 

to support activities that are targeted to address the growing HIV/ 

AIDS epidemic and its disparate impact on communities of color, 

including African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian 

Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. 

Hepatitis B.—The Committee applauds CDC’s efforts to develop 

and implement a new strategy to screen individuals at risk for 

chronic hepatitis B. As only approximately one-third of individuals 

with hepatitis B are aware of their condition, the Committee urges 

CDC to continue to collaborate with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the development of a 

public health strategy to expand the screening of individuals at 

risk for chronic hepatitis B. In addition, the Committee notes that 

accurate national statistics are lacking as to the number of Americans infected with hepatitis B, as existing population-based surveys 

have not included Asian/Pacific islander groups in whom hepatitis 

B is by far the most common. The Committee is aware that there 

are now six pharmaceutical products available for the treatment of 

hepatitis B and that three of them have become available in the 

last two years. The significant improvement in treatment options 

increases the timeliness of an aggressive screening program for 

hepatitis B. 

Hepatitis C.—The Committee is concerned that more than 75 

percent of the 4 million people with hepatitis C are unaware of 

their condition because the condition is often asymptomatic until 

advanced liver damage develops. Therefore, the Committee urges 

CDC to implement an aggressive screening program. In addition to 

targeting at-risk populations, the Committee urges the consideration of age-based screening policies to more effectively reach inVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
101 

fected populations. The Committee also urges CDC to support a 

campaign of public announcements that will highlight the need for 

appropriate screening and medical follow-up for target populations. 

The Committee also recognizes the alarming rate of individuals 

co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV, and that end-stage liver disease secondary to hepatitis C is now the leading cause of death for 

individuals with HIV disease. The Committee urges that funding 

be focused on expanding the capability of State health departments, particularly to enhance resources available to the hepatitis 

C State coordinators and for increased screening initiatives. The 

Committee also encourages the division of viral hepatitis to collaborate with the Health Resources and Services Administration 

(HRSA) to implement improved HCV screening programs for HIVinfected individuals served by HRSA programs. 

Global tuberculosis.—TB is an enormous public health crisis in 

the developing world, killing millions of people in the prime of their 

lives every year. Despite the development of effective treatments 

against TB fifty years ago, there have never been more people infected with the disease in the history of the world. Approximately 

2 billion people (approximately 30 percent of the world’s population) have been infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis, the 

causative agent of TB. TB is a leading cause of death in HIV-infected individuals and in women of childbearing age. Each year, TB 

takes the lives 2 million people and there are 8 million new cases; 

another million die of the combination of HIV and TB. To help 

stem this growing pandemic, the Committee provides funding to 

enhance and expand the existing CDC cooperative agreement on 

TB vaccine research. 

Intensified support and activities to accelerate control (ISAAC).— The Committee applauds CDC for implementing the ISAAC initiative for targeting TB in African Americans and along the U.S.-Mexico border, universal genotyping of all culture positive TB cases, 

and expanding clinical trials and development of new tools for the 

diagnosis and treatment of TB. The Committee notes with concern, 

however, reports of extensively drug resistant tuberculosis strains 

in Africa that demonstrate extremely high mortality rates. The 

Committee urges CDC to continue to provide leadership and technical expertise to other nations experiencing outbreaks of extensively drug resistant tuberculosis and to coordinate activities with 

other Federal and international health agencies. 

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR–TB).—The Committee is extremely concerned about MDR TB and XDR–TB. The Committee urges CDC to 

expand resources for global TB control to enhance, maximize, and 

target resources for surveillance, including laboratory testing, and 

control of TB in the U.S. and around the world, while ensuring preparedness and response capacity for both MDR TB and XDR–TB. 

Tuberculosis elimination and laboratory cooperative agreements.—The Committee is concerned that CDC is not meeting its 

commitment to fully implement the new funding formula under the 

TB elimination and laboratory cooperative agreements. The Committee supports the CDC distribution formula that would award 

funds in proportion to the number and complexity of TB cases in 

a jurisdiction and urges CDC to accelerate and complete the impleVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
102 

mentation of this new formula as soon as possible to ensure Federal TB funds are awarded to reflect the actual number and complexity of TB cases in each jurisdiction. 

Zoonotic, vector-borne, and enteric diseases 

The Committee provides $70,342,000 for zoonotic, vector-borne, 

and enteric diseases, which is $272,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $7,390,000 more than the budget request. 

Within this total, no less than the level allocated in fiscal year 

2007 for the West Nile virus program is recommended for fiscal 

year 2008. 

The new national center for zoonotic, vector-borne, and enteric 

diseases was created in 2007 through a reorganization of the infectious disease program. This center provides national and international scientific and programmatic leadership addressing 

zoonotic, vector-borne, foodborne, waterborne, mycotic, and related 

infections to identify, investigate, diagnose, treat, and prevent 

these diseases. The programs focus on the continuing challenge of 

emerging and re-emerging zoonoses and the ecologies from which 

these diseases have emerged, while recognizing the importance of 

working collaboratively, not just across CDC and the traditional 

public health community, but also with agricultural, wildlife, companion animal, and environmental agencies and organizations. 

Preparedness, detection, and control of infectious diseases 

The Committee provides $164,498,000 for preparedness, detection, and control of infectious diseases, which is $8,532,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $34,857,000 more than 

the budget request. Within the total, $19,228,000 is to address the 

growing problem of antimicrobrial resistance, which is $1,748,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $1,776,000 more 

than the budget request. 

The new national center for preparedness, detection, and control 

of infectious diseases will provide greater focus on preparedness 

and response capacity for new and complex infectious disease outbreaks, and will manage and coordinate emerging infectious diseases, integrate laboratory groups, and facilitate increased quality 

and capacity in clinical laboratories. The center will serve as a focal 

point for engaging outside agencies and partners in quality laboratory systems and improved healthcare settings. 

Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus 

aureus (CA–MRSA).—The Committee is concerned about the explosion in virulence and prevalence of MRSA strains in the U.S. 

Compounding this problem is a fundamental shift from primarily 

hospital-based transmission to community-based transmission of 

MRSA. The spread of CA–MRSA through perfectly healthy community members with no hospital contact concerns the Committee. 

Within the funds provided, the Committee encourages CDC to conduct a strong, extramural research program in MRSA epidemiology 

and pathophysiology. The Committee encourages CDC to maximize 

this MRSA research through continued support for entities with established MRSA research programs. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
103 

Health promotion 

The Committee provides $1,002,212,000 for health promotion, which is $42,550,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$43,480,000 above the budget request. 

Chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and genomics 

The Committee provides $869,479,000 for chronic disease preven- tion, health promotion, and genomics, which is $34,481,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $35,284,000 more than 

the budget request. Chronic diseases have had a profound human 

and economic toll on our nation. More than 1.7 million Americans 

die of a chronic disease each year, accounting for approximately 70 

percent of all deaths in the U.S. The programs funded through this 

budget activity provide support for State and community programs, 

surveillance, prevention research, evaluation, and health promotion. 

Within the total provided, the Committee includes the following 

amounts for chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and 

genomics activities: $48,744,000 for heart disease and stroke programs, which is $4,431,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$4,475,000 above the budget request; $69,157,000 for diabetes programs, which is $6,287,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $6,351,000 above 

the budget request; $326,100,000 for cancer prevention and control programs, which is $19,379,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $19,691,000 more than the budget request (included 

within this total is $19,605,000 for the WISEWOMAN program, $9,000,000 to carry out activities authorized by 

Johanna’s Law, and $6,505,000 for activities related to ovarian 

cancer); $22,797,000 for arthritis and other chronic diseases pro- grams, which is $764,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $787,000 more than the budget request (included 

within this total is $8,402,000 for the epilepsy program); $104,347,000 for tobacco programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $106,000 above the budget 

request; $42,250,000 for nutrition, physical activity and obesity pro- grams, which is $899,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $941,000 more than the budget request (included 

within this total is $2,300,000 for the fruit and vegetable program formerly known as the 5-a-day program); 

$27,544,000 for health promotion, which is $224,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $254,000 more 

than the budget request (within the total, $3,466,000 is provided for the visual screening education program and 

$1,000,000 is provided within community health promotion for 

activities related to sleep disorders); $56,449,000 for school health programs, which is $500,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $556,000 

more than the budget request (within the amount provided, 

$500,000 shall be used to develop and policy to manage the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
104 

risk of food allergies and anaphylaxis in schools and to provide 

parents with enhanced information on these conditions via the 

Internet); 

$48,530,000 for the safe motherhood/infant health programs, which is $4,412,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $4,456,000 more than the budget request; $10,000,000 for new demonstration grant program to prevent 

teen pregnancy, which was not requested by the Administration; 

$13,140,000 for oral health programs, which is $1,500,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $1,511,000 

more than the budget request; $29,556,000 for prevention centers, which is $30,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the 

budget request; $26,386,000 for steps to a healthier U.S., which is $17,299,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the same as the budget request; $37,553,000 for REACH, which is $3,414,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and $3,449,000 more than the 

budget request; and, $6,926,000 for genomics, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $7,000 more than the budget request. 

Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging.—There is growing scientific evidence that many of the same strategies that preserve 

overall health may also help prevent or delay the onset of cognitive 

impairment and dementia. For example, statins used for heart disease may hold promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and 

epidemiological studies show that individuals taking anti-inflammatory drugs to treat conditions such as arthritis have a lower occurrence of Alzheimer’s; others appear to link known risk factors 

for diabetes and heart disease with those for Alzheimer’s disease. 

In light of this evidence, three years ago Congress launched a CDC 

brain health initiative to promote greater public awareness and 

communication, better surveillance on the burden of the disease in 

communities, public health interventions and greater prevention 

research. 

Blindness prevention.—Despite the fact that half of all blindness 

can be prevented through education, early detection and treatment, 

it is estimated that the number of blind and visually impaired people will double by 2030 if nothing is done to curb vision problems. 

The Committee strongly supports CDC’s vision health initiative. 

Cancer survivorship.—The Committee supports the CDC’s efforts 

to address the needs of the approximately 10 million cancer survivors living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Committee is 

especially supportive of efforts to provide comprehensive services to 

cancer patients and survivors through multiple partnerships, which 

in turn provide individuals with one-stop resources. 

Chronic kidney disease.—The Committee previously has expressed concern regarding the need to expand public health strategies to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD) given that many individuals are diagnosed too late to initiate treatment regimens that 

could reduce morbidity and mortality. There are 20 million Americans who have CKD, and another 20 million who are at risk of deVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
105 

veloping the disease. Individuals with diabetes or hypertension 

have especially high vulnerability. Kidney disease is the ninth 

leading cause of death in the U.S., and death by cardiovascular disease is 10 to 30 times higher in kidney dialysis patients than in 

the general population. The Committee encourages CDC to continue development of a public health strategy for chronic kidney 

disease. 

Colorectal cancer.—Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly 

diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the U.S. and the 

second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. When colorectal cancer is detected and treated early, survival is greatly enhanced. The 

Committee is pleased with the leadership of CDC’s national 

colorectal cancer roundtable in promoting the availability and advisability of screening to both health care providers and the general 

public. The Committee encourages CDC to continue to expand its 

partnerships with State health departments, professional and patient organizations, and private industry to combat this devastating disease. 

Community-based approaches to address obesity.—The Committee recognizes the importance of community-based approaches 

to address our national obesity epidemic which results from poor 

nutrition and lack of physical activity. These innovative and costeffective programs establish sustainable policy and environmental 

change in the area of healthy eating and active living to address 

the chronic disease and obesity crisis. 

Diabetes.—Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and costs the nation an estimated $132,000,000,000 in direct 

and indirect costs. Approximately 14.6 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and an estimated 6.2 million people are 

undiagnosed and remain untreated. The incidence of the disease in 

America has increased approximately 14 percent in the last two 

years alone, and over 1.5 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year. CDC estimates that one in three children born 

today will develop diabetes in their lifetime. 

The collateral health effects of diabetes can be devastating, often 

causing heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, pregnancy 

complications, amputations of the leg, foot, and toe, as well as contributing to deaths related to influenza and pneumonia. Known 

preventive measures can reduce the devastating consequences of 

diabetes, but these preventions are not currently practiced universally. The Committee believes that public awareness campaigns 

must be promoted to reach the general population so that individuals with diabetes are encouraged to take appropriate measures to 

check their blood glucose levels and to take action to prevent or 

slow the progression of their disease. A goal of the CDC is to increase the percentage of individuals with diabetes who receive annual eye and foot exams, and at least two A1C measures per year. 

It is estimated that maintaining a certain blood glucose level 

(A1C target of less than seven) would reduce the health complications of diabetes and achieve direct and indirect medical cost savings. The Committee encourages CDC to establish additional national public-private partnerships to leverage Federal resources 

with private-sector contributions to expand the national diabetes 

education program. These new efforts could augment public awareVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
106 

ness campaigns encouraging individuals with diabetes to be tested 

and know their A1C levels so that they and their healthcare professionals can take appropriate action to control their condition. 

Epilepsy.—The Committee supports the CDC epilepsy program, 

which has made considerable progress over the past decade in establishing and advancing a public health agenda to meet the needs 

of Americans with epilepsy. The Committee applauds CDC’s activities to train first-responders, educators, school nurses, employers, 

family caregivers, and other health care professionals in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of seizures. 

Food allergies.—The Committee is concerned with the sharp increase in the incidence of food allergies among children, and requests CDC produce a report to the Committee by April 15, 2008 

detailing the national incidence of children with reported food allergies, possible causes of the reported increased incidence, and steps 

the CDC recommends to address this growing national threat to 

children’s health. 

Genetics of diabetic kidney disease.—The Committee acknowledges CDC for its collaboration with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to implement the Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes (GoKinD) Study, a large scale effort to 

identify the genetic determinants of diabetic kidney disease. The 

Committee urges CDC to take steps to ensure that GoKinD biosamples are made available to the research community in a sustainable and long-term manner, such as through a central biorepository, so that this valuable genetic collection can be efficiently 

mined for knowledge that could lead to the development of new 

therapies to treat diabetic kidney disease. 

Gynecologic cancer education and awareness program.—The 

Committee is encouraged by the progress that has been made by 

CDC, in coordination with the Office of Women’s Health, to initiate 

a national education campaign on gynecologic cancers. In the absence of an available screening test, the Committee understands 

that the best way for gynecologic cancers to be detected early is for 

women and health professionals to recognize its signs and symptoms. The Committee is pleased that these efforts were authorized 

in statute with the passage of Johanna’s Law: The Gynecologic 

Cancer Education and Awareness Act. The Committee provides 

funding for activities authorized by Johanna’s Law to support the 

continuation and expansion of this program. Within the total, a 

portion is to be allocated toward the completion of a report to Congress providing a description of past and present activities of the 

Department of Health and Human Services to increase awareness 

and knowledge of the public with respect to different types of cancer, including gynecologic cancers as well as past efforts to increase 

awareness and knowledge of health care providers with respect to 

different types of cancer, including gynecologic cancers. 

Heart disease and stroke.—The Committee remains strongly supportive of CDC’s new division for heart disease and stroke prevention. Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in every State; however, effective prevention efforts are not practiced universally. Additionally, the current surveillance systems in the U.S. cannot directly 

track progress towards achieving the goal of Healthy People 2010, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
107 

which is to reduce the epidemic burden of heart disease and stroke. 

The Committee continues to support the goal of providing funding 

for basic implementation of CDC’s heart disease and stroke prevention program in each State. The Committee is aware that many 

States still need this program and understands that CDC’s national competition allowed non-funded States to apply for this program for the first time since 2002, but required all 33 funded 

States to re-compete for support. 

Inflammatory bowel disease.—It is estimated that up to 1.4 million people in the U.S. suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The 

Committee has included funding to continue this important initiative. 

Interstitial cystitis.—The Committee is pleased by the progress 

made by CDC on educating the public and professional communities about interstitial cystitis (IC). In addition to generating public attention to IC, the Committee encourages CDC to develop and 

implement a comprehensive structured outreach plan for the provider community. 

National school lunch and breakfast program.—The Committee 

is aware that the disparity of national standards is having a negative effect on national school lunch and breakfast programs. Therefore, the Committee encourages CDC to work with the Secretary of 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish uniform national 

nutrition standards for all schools participating in the national 

school lunch and breakfast programs and to define what it means 

to implement the dietary guidelines for Americans. 

Oral health.—The Committee recognizes that to reduce disparities in oral diseases will require additional and more effective efforts at the State and local levels. The Committee has provided 

funding to strengthen State capacities to assess the prevalence of 

oral diseases and the associated health burden, to target resources 

and interventions, such as additional water fluoridation and schoollinked sealant programs, and resources to the underserved, to assess trends in oral diseases, and to evaluate changes in policies and 

programs. The Committee encourages CDC to advance efforts to reduce the disparities and burden from oral diseases, including those 

that are closely linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and 

heart disease. 

Primary immunodeficiency diseases.—Within funds available, the 

Committee encourages CDC to support the national physician education and public awareness campaign for primary immunodeficiency syndrome. The campaign has featured public service announcements, physician symposia, publications, and the development of website and educational materials, as well as mailings to 

physicians, school nurses, daycare centers, and others. Together 

with the private investments in this activity, the campaign has directly resulted in a three-fold increase in diagnosis, testing, and 

treatment since the campaign began. 

Psoriasis.—As many as 7.5 million Americans are affected by 

psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis—chronic, inflammatory, painful 

and disfiguring diseases for which there are limited treatment options and no cure. The Committee understands that there are very 

few efforts to collect epidemiologic and other related data on indiVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
108 

viduals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and as such, researchers and clinicians are limited in their longitudinal understanding of these diseases and their effects on individual patients. 

The Committee encourages CDC to support longitudinal studies to 

learn about key attributes such as response to treatment, substantiating the waxing and waning of psoriasis, understanding associated manifestations like nail disease and arthritis, the relationship 

of psoriasis to other public health concerns such as the high rate 

of smoking and obesity among those with the disease as well as the 

association of psoriasis with other serious medical conditions such 

as diabetes and heart attack. The Committee believes a national 

registry that collects longitudinal psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis 

patient data will help improve the care and outcomes for people 

with these diseases by increasing the understanding of: psoriasis 

incidence/prevalence, the distribution of disease severity, risk factors, and the incidence/prevalence of co-morbidities. 

Pulmonary hypertension.—The Committee continues to encourage CDC to foster greater awareness of pulmonary hypertension, a 

rare blood vessel disorder of the lung in which the pressure in the 

pulmonary artery rises above normal levels and may become life 

threatening. When pulmonary hypertension occurs in the absence 

of a known cause, it is referred to as primary pulmonary hypertension. Secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH) means the cause 

is known. Emphysema and bronchitis are common causes of SPH. 

Other less frequent causes are the inflammatory or collagen vascular diseases such as scleroderma, CREST syndrome, or systemic 

lupus erythematosus. Congenital heart diseases that cause shunting of extra blood through the lungs like ventricular and atrial septal defects, chronic pulmonary thromboembolism, HIV infection, 

liver disease and diet drugs like fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine 

also are causes of pulmonary hypertension. 

Sleep disorders.—The Committee is aware that sleep disorders 

are critically under-addressed contributors to many chronic diseases and has provided $1,000,000 for CDC’s participation in the 

national sleep awareness roundtable, a partnership with other Federal agencies and the health community, and to integrate messages 

about sleep into the national public health network. The Committee also urges CDC to incorporate sleep and sleep related disturbances into established CDC surveillance systems. 

Teen pregnancy prevention demonstration grants.—A new 

$10,000,000 initiative is recommended for grants to State and local 

public health departments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations to support factually and medically accurate, age-appropriate 

approaches to preventing teen pregnancies, including information 

about both abstinence and contraception, and dissemination of 

science-based tools and strategies to prevent HIV, STD, and teen 

pregnancy. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall require each applicant for financial assistance under this program to 

certify that all materials proposed in the application and funded 

during the project period of the grant are medically accurate. The 

Secretary of Health and Human Services shall require a panel of 

medical experts to review all grant applications and assess whether 

the materials proposed are medically accurate. These demonstration projects shall be evaluated based on their success in reducing 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
109 

the rate of teen pregnancies in their respective communities. The 

Committee’s recommendation for this activity is part of its initiative to reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating 

the economic pressures and other real life conditions that can 

sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to 

term. 

Underage drinking.—The Committee recognizes the importance 

of monitoring risk factors that science has demonstrated contribute 

to youth drinking, and urges CDC to develop and continue its work 

to monitor and report on the level of risk faced by youth from exposure to alcohol advertising. 

Birth defects, developmental disabilities, disability and 

health 

The Committee provides $132,733,000 for birth defects, develop- mental disabilities, disability and health, which is $8,069,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $8,196,000 more than 

the budget request. This program collects, analyzes, and makes 

available data on the incidence and causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. 

Within the total, the Committee provides the following amounts 

for birth defects, developmental disabilities, disability, and health 

activities: 

$38,750,000 for birth defects and developmental disabilities, which is $227,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$266,000 above the budget request (included within this total 

is $2,496,000 for the folic acid program); $72,987,000 for human development and disability, which is $6,976,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$7,043,000 above the budget request (included within this total 

is $16,500,000 for autism activities and $10,500,000 for early 

hearing detection and intervention activities); and, $20,996,000 for blood disorders, which is $866,000 more than 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $887,000 more than the 

budget request (included within this total is $18,187,000 for 

the hemophilia program). 

Amputee population.—There are currently more than 1.9 million 

Americans living with limb loss due to diabetes, trauma, cancer, 

and cardiovascular disease. The Committee recognizes that one of 

the greatest challenges facing individuals with limb loss is access 

to necessary health and rehabilitative services. The Committee applauds CDC for its efforts to address these challenges through the 

work of the disability and health team and strongly supports CDC’s 

resource and information center, which assists individuals living 

with disabilities, and their families, in need of information on medical, physical, and emotional needs, and resources and support to 

reintegrate socially and economically into society. 

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD).—Current estimates indicate that AD/HD affects almost 4.5 million school-age 

children and can last into adulthood. Only half of all children with 

AD/HD receive necessary treatment, with lower diagnostic and 

treatment rates among girls, minorities and children in foster care. 

The Surgeon General has reported a severe lack of professionals 

trained to diagnose and treat the condition effectively. The ComVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
110 

mittee continues to support the AD/HD activities of the National 

Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities as it responds to the overwhelming demand for information and support 

services, reaches special populations in need, and educates health 

and education professionals on AD/HD. 

Cerebral palsy.—The Committee is pleased with CDC’s progress 

in autism and developmental disabilities surveillance and is encouraged to learn of the launch of the largest ever epidemiologic 

study of potential causes of autism spectrum disorders. The Committee encourages CDC to build upon these successes and to also 

focus on the development of surveillance and research activities focused on cerebral palsy, another priority public health concern. 

Cooley’s anemia.—The Committee remains pleased with the 

progress that CDC has made with regard to the establishment of 

a blood safety surveillance program for Cooley’s anemia patients, 

who are the largest consumers of red blood cells. CDC maintains 

an archive of tested and analyzed blood samples, as well as monitoring for other complicating factors. 

Down syndrome.—The Committee commends CDC for initiating 

a study to document the onset and course of secondary and related 

developmental and mental disorders in individuals with Down syndrome. The Committee encourages further research relating to 

these areas of dual diagnosis. 

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD).—The Committee is aware of recent efforts by CDC to develop a Duchenne 

and Becker muscular dystrophy patient registry that will provide 

a virtual web interface that identifies and characterizes the patient 

population, provides, as examples, common data elements and clinical endpoints for clinical trials, and accelerates translational research through broader clinical trial networks. This patient registry will serve as a model for rare disease. The Committee encourages the agency to work directly with the patient and scientific 

communities to accelerate this project with a goal for its launch of 

March 1, 2008, and to the extent possible and practicable, to align 

these efforts with any cross-agency initiative to coordinate focus 

and investments in rare disease patient registries. The Committee 

also urges CDC to work with the Agency for Healthcare Research 

and Quality to finalize the DBMD care considerations and integrate the care considerations as part of the DBMD international 

patient registry. 

Early hearing detection and intervention.—Within the total provided, $10,500,000 is designated for the early hearing detection and 

intervention (EHDI) program for newborns, infants, and young 

children with hearing loss. This funding will allow States to continue to invest in developing appropriate surveillance and tracking 

systems to provide timely and appropriate diagnostic and intervention services to infants and toddlers. Funding also may be used to 

support applied research projects related to increasing the accuracy 

of newborn hearing screening, improving the effectiveness of tracking and surveillance programs, determining the etiology and epidemiology of childhood hearing loss, and analyzing the costs and benefits of such programs. The Committee encourages CDC to assist 

States in clarifying how EHDI surveillance, tracking, and data 

management programs are affected by the Health Insurance PortVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
111 

ability and Accountability Act and the Family Education Rights 

and Privacy Act. The Committee urges CDC to coordinate its efforts with the Health Resources and Services Administration, the 

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 

Services. 

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).—The Committee is concerned 

about the prevalence of FAS in the U.S. and notes that drinking 

during pregnancy continues to be the nation’s leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. The Committee encourages CDC to continue and enhance efforts to prevent, 

reduce, and diagnose FAS disorders. The Committee requests that 

CDC submit a progress report within six months on the contributions made to preventing and reducing FAS disorders, and for 

CDC’s future plans, including programmatic and funding priorities. 

Folic acid education campaign.—The Committee is aware of a recent analysis conducted by CDC that showed folate concentrations 

among non-pregnant women of child bearing age have decreased by 

16 percent from 1999–2000 through 2003–2004. These findings are 

troubling and the Committee is concerned that women are not receiving an adequate level of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. Within the funds provided, the Committee has included sufficient resources for CDC to expand the folic acid education campaign and inform more women and healthcare providers about the 

benefits of folic acid, particularly the Hispanic population. 

Fragile X.—The Committee supports the CDC’s continuation of 

public health activities in the areas of fragile X, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and fragile X-associated premature 

ovarian failure. The Committee encourages CDC to focus its efforts 

primarily on increasing epidemiological research, surveillance, and 

screening efforts, with particular attention towards collecting epidemiological data on the incidence and prevalence of fragile X and 

related conditions, including autism. The Committee urges CDC to 

support the development of a national registry to track patients living with fragile X. The Committee also encourages CDC to distribute existing educational materials to the health care professional community and the public and not to create new, duplicative 

educational materials. The Committee requests that CDC report to 

the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, no later than 

April 15, 2008 with a progress update on CDC’s efforts and spending priorities as they relate to fragile X. 

Hemophilia.—The Committee recognizes the many accomplishments of the blood disorders division and the network of hemophilia treatment centers. The Committee expects CDC to continue 

its efforts to support and expand access to comprehensive chronic 

disease management for people with bleeding and clotting disorders and to improve outreach to the growing numbers of women 

with bleeding disorders. 

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).—The Committee 

encourages CDC to establish a hereditary hemorrhagic 

telangiectasia resource center to increase identification of people affected with HHT, and increase knowledge, education and outreach 

of this largely preventable life-threatening condition. The ComVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
112 

mittee encourages CDC to provide information on effective evidence-based interventions and treatments to prevent premature 

death in the HHT population, improve outcomes and the quality of 

life for people living with HHT by creating a database to collect 

and analyze data, support epidemiology studies, provide surveillance, and train health care professionals. 

Marfan syndrome.—The Committee continues to be interested in 

Marfan syndrome, a heritable condition that affects the connective 

tissue. In the Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue is defective 

and does not act as it should—it degenerates. Because connective 

tissue is found throughout the body, the Marfan snydrome can affect many body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, heart and 

blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. The problems that 

occur in the heart and blood vessels are the most life-threatening 

aspects of the Marfan syndrome. Many individuals with Marfan 

syndrome are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until they experience a 

cardiac complication, frequently due to valvular prolapse or aortic 

aneurysms. The Committee encourages CDC to increase awareness 

of the condition and requests a report on these outreach activities 

as part of CDC’s fiscal year 2009 budget justification. 

National Birth Defects Prevention Study.—The Committee supports CDC’s efforts in the area of birth defects surveillance, research, and prevention and encourages CDC to continue the promising research being conducted by the regional centers for birth defects research and prevention and to increase assistance to States 

to implement community-based birth defects tracking systems, programs to prevent birth defects, and activities to improve access to 

health services for children with birth defects. The Committee encourages the CDC to expand the birth defects studied in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to include single gene disorders, like fragile X. 

Paralysis.—To meet the growing demand for information, resources, and public health services by individuals with paralysis, 

the Committee supports efforts to expand a paralysis resource center. 

Preterm birth.—Preterm birth is a serious and growing public 

health problem that occurs in 12.5 percent of all births in the U.S. 

The Committee strongly encourages CDC to conduct additional epidemiological studies on preterm birth, including the relationship 

between pre-maturity, birth defects, and developmental disabilities. 

The Committee also encourages the establishment of systems for 

the collection of maternal-infant clinical and biomedical information to link with the pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system 

(PRAMS) and other epidemiological studies of pre-maturity in 

order to track pregnancy outcomes and prevent preterm birth. 

Spina bifida.—The Committee recognizes that spina bifida is the 

leading permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S. While spina 

bifida and related neural tube defects are highly preventable 

through adequate daily folic acid consumption, and its secondary 

effects can be mitigated through appropriate and proactive medical 

care and management, such efforts have not been adequately supported to result in significant reductions in these costly conditions. 

The Committee encourages CDC to use resources for quality of life 

activities related to improving medical and psychosocial treatment. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
113 

The Committee continues to strongly support CDC’s collaboration 

with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop a 

patient registry. 

Tourette syndrome.—The Committee commends CDC for its continued work on developing a public health education and research 

program for Tourette syndrome. This program educates parents, 

physicians, educators, and other health care workers about the disorder and expands on the scientific knowledge base on prevalence, 

risk factors, and co-morbidities of Tourette syndrome. 

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).—TSC is a genetic disorder 

that causes uncontrollable tumor growth. Because this disorder can 

affect multiple organs of the body, it is difficult to diagnose, track 

and properly treat. The Committee encourages CDC to develop an 

initiative to collect and analyze data from the nationwide network 

of TSC clinics; support surveillance and epidemiological studies; 

and to educate health care professionals and teachers who come 

into contact with TSC patients. 

Health information and service 

The Committee provides a program level total of $254,028,000 for health information and service, which is $31,375,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 program level and $10,532,000 more than the 

budget request. Of the funds provided, $183,924,000 shall be derived from evaluation set-aside funds available under section 241 

of the Public Health Service Act. The evaluation set-aside is 

$49,689,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$48,789,000 more than the budget request. 

Health statistics 

The Committee provides $120,000,000 for health statistics, which is $10,979,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$10,079,000 more than the budget request. The health statistics 

program is responsible for collecting, interpreting, and disseminating data on the health status of the U.S. population and the use 

of health services. Surveys include the National Health Interview 

Survey, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 

(NHANES), the National Health Care Survey, the National Vital 

Statistics System, and the National Survey of Family Growth. 

The Committee commends the national center for health statistics (NCHS) for fulfilling its mission as the nation’s premiere 

health statistics agency and for ensuring the credibility and integrity of the data it produces. In particular, the Committee congratulates NCHS for its timely release of critical data and encourages 

it to continue making information, including data from NHANES 

and the National Health Interview Study, accessible to the public 

as soon as possible. 

Additionally, the Committee is interested in the National Survey 

of Family Growth (NSFG) and includes an additional $200,000 over 

fiscal year 2007 for NCHS to make necessary improvements to the 

survey to increase sample size in order to produce annual statistics 

and to strengthen the statistics for teenagers and minority and 

low-income groups. The Committee’s recommendation for the 

NSFG is part of its initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
114 

real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not 

to carry their pregnancies to term. 

Food allergies.—Life-threatening food allergies severely impair 

the quality of life for allergic children and their parents. For reasons that scientists can not yet explain, food allergies appear to be 

afflicting more and more children each year. The Committee is disappointed that CDC does not currently track the incidence of food 

allergies as it does for other conditions. The Committee strongly 

urges CDC to include the incidence of food allergies in the National 

Health Interview Survey, or a comparable annual tracking mechanism. 

Genomics.—The National Health and Nutrition Examination 

Survey (NHANES) is a continuous survey representative of the 

U.S. population that assesses health and nutrition status. With the 

success and continual improvement of genomic technologies, the 

Committee believes that the next improvement in this survey will 

be to genotype participants of past and future NHANES surveys 

using large-scale genotyping platforms (with appropriate consideration for consent, privacy, and confidentiality), as part of CDC’s beyond gene discovery initiative, and assess the impact of genetic 

variation on public health, along with nutrition and environmental 

factors. 

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).—The Committee is concerned that NTM incidence continues to rise. Mycobacteria are environmental organisms found in both water and soil that cause 

substantial respiratory damage. The Committee continues to encourage the national center for health statistics to include questions regarding NTM testing in ongoing surveys to gain a better 

understanding of the epidemiology of this emergent disease. 

Nutrition monitoring.—The Committee affirms America’s commitment to nutrition for all and encourages NCHS and the Agricultural Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a national nutrition monitoring system. Such system should 

support both management decision-making and research needed to 

address and improve the crisis of obesity, nutrition-related diseases, physical inactivity, food insecurity, and the poor nutritional 

quality of the American diet, as well as provide the data needed 

to protect the public against environmental pathogens and contaminants. 

Vital statistics.—The Committee values NCHS and its critical 

role in monitoring our nation’s health. The Committee is troubled 

that NCHS lacks the support it needs to collect a full year’s worth 

of data on births, deaths, and other vital information. CDC should 

ensure that NCHS has sufficient funds to contract with the vital 

records jurisdictions for the purchase of 12 months of vital statistics data under the agreed upon terms of the vital statistics cooperative program. In addition, CDC should develop a plan on how to 

directly support jurisdictions as they implement electronic systems 

that will improve the timeliness, quality, and security of birth and 

death data. 

Public health informatics 

The Committee provides $94,855,000 for public health 

informatics, which is $24,214,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
115 

funding level and $453,000 more than the budget request. Information systems and information technology extend the traditional 

reach of public health professionals. Activities funded through public health informatics include on-going collaborative efforts to build 

a national network of public health information systems to enhance 

detection and monitoring, surveillance, data analysis and interpretation, preparedness, communications, and response. 

Pandemic influenza.—The Committee provides $24,545,000 for 

pandemic influenza activities as requested by the Administration. 

Within this total, $14,645,000 is to develop a vaccine registry to 

monitor vaccine use and distribution that will supplement already 

existing State registries to include adults and $9,900,000 is for 

real-time assessment and evaluation of influenza interventions. 

Physician reqistry.—The Committee directs the national center 

for public health informatics to continue to fund at a level of 

$325,000 from existing appropriations the establishment of a nationwide database of contact information for practicing physicians 

that can be used by Federal agencies and State and local health 

departments in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster, 

pandemic, or other severe public health emergency. The Committee 

expects this effort to be coordinated with the Office of the Assistant 

Secretary for Preparedness and Response to avoid any programmatic duplication. 

Health marketing 

The Committee provides a program level of $39,173,000 for 

health marketing, which is $3,818,000 less than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. Health 

marketing uses commercial, non-profit, and public service marketing, and communication science practices to better understand 

people’s health-related needs and preferences, to motivate changes 

in individuals and organizations to protect and improve health, and 

to develop and enhance partnerships with public and private organizations. 

Environmental health and injury prevention 

The Committee provides $305,151,000 for environmental health 

and injury prevention, which is $17,047,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $17,477,000 more than the budget request. 

Environmental health 

The Committee provides $165,005,000 for environmental health, 

which is $15,518,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $15,741,000 more than the budget request. The environmental 

health program focuses on preventing disability, disease, and death 

caused by environmental factors through laboratory and field research. 

Within the total, the Committee provides the following amounts 

for environmental health activities: 

$40,473,000 for the environmental health laboratory, which 

is $13,491,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$13,531,000 above the budget request; 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
116 

$56,731,000 for general environmental health activities, which is $2,027,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $2,108,000 above the budget request (included within this 

total is $26,533,000 for the environmental health outcome 

tracking network; funding is not provided for arctic health or 

volcanic emissions activities); 

$31,898,000 for asthma programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $48,000 more than the budget request; and, $35,903,000 for childhood lead poisoning prevention programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $54,000 more than the budget request. 

Asthma.—The Committee is pleased with the work that CDC has 

done to address the increasing prevalence of asthma. However, the 

increase in asthma among children remains alarming. The Committee encourages CDC to continue to expand its outreach aimed 

at increasing public awareness of asthma control and prevention 

strategies, particularly among at-risk populations in underserved 

communities. To further facilitate this effort, CDC is urged to support community-based interventions that apply effective approaches demonstrated in research projects within the scientific 

and public health community. 

Biomonitoring.—The Committee applauds CDC’s biomonitoring 

efforts and encourages CDC to continue this program and to continue to improve its efforts to communicate these results in context. 

In particular, the CDC’s National Report on Human Exposure to 

Environmental Chemicals is a significant new information database that provides invaluable information for setting research priorities and for tracking trends in human exposures over time. Accordingly, the Committee continues to support the CDC environmental health laboratory’s efforts to provide exposure information 

by conducting biomonitoring for environmental chemicals. The 

Committee urges CDC to devote a greater proportion of program 

resources to implement the recommendations of the National Academies’ National Research Council, particularly with regard to the 

development of necessary methods to interpret human biomonitoring concentrations in the context of potential health risk and the 

enhancement of efforts to communicate results in context. CDC is 

encouraged to collaborate with toxicologists, health scientists, laboratory analytical chemists, and Environmental Protection Agency 

scientists in this effort. 

Childhood lead poisoning prevention.—The Committee commends 

CDC for its commitment to support the enhanced development of 

a portable, hand-held lead screening device that holds great promise for increasing childhood screening rates in underserved communities. Further development of this device will help ensure its application in community health settings. 

Climate change.—Additional scientific research is needed to further understand the potential health effects of global climate 

change and to identify tools to educate health professionals about 

adaptation strategies. The Committee encourages CDC to begin to 

develop public health research, technical assistance, and surveillance programs to understand the impacts of climate change on 

health. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
117 

Landmine survivors.—The Committee commends CDC for its effective response to the public health threat posed by landmines and 

improvised explosive devices. Within the funds provided, the Committee urges CDC to support programmatic and geographic expansion to include those injured by civil strife and terrorism, including, 

but not limited to, landmines. 

Mercury and arsenic exposure.—The Committee recognizes the 

extraordinary services of the environmental health laboratory to 

develop new and improved biomonitoring methods to accurately 

and rapidly assess human exposure to mercury and arsenic, including exposure to the form of mercury in thimerosal, and to improve 

health risk assessment by expanding studies of the relationship between biomonitoring exposure levels and disease. 

National Report on Dietary and Nutritional Indicators in the 

U.S. Population.—The Committee supports the efforts of the environmental health laboratory and its commitment to improving the 

measurement of dietary and nutritional indicators in the American 

people. The Committee is aware that many Americans are confused 

about which foods to eat to improve and maintain their health. The 

Committee is also aware that there is a wide gap between recommended dietary intake and what people eat. Consequently, without knowledge of what levels of most dietary or nutritional indicators actually are in people’s bodies, it is difficult for public health 

officials and others to improve the diet and nutritional status of 

Americans. The Committee recognizes that future reports will provide this essential information, which is not available in any other 

document in either the private or public sector. A publicly funded 

program that monitors human levels of vitamins, trans fats and 

omega-3 fatty acids, and other indicators of nutritional and dietary 

status is needed to provide the hard scientific data needed to make 

critical decisions about nutritional health for the nation. 

Newborn screening quality assurance program.—Within the 

funds provided for the environmental health laboratory, the Committee provides $7,000,000 for the newborn screening quality assurance program. Funds also are included for the biomonitoring 

program to enhance State public health laboratory biomonitoring 

capabilities, including upgrading facilities and equipment and bolstering workforce capacity, and to provide adequate technical assistance and training to States in biomonitoring. Increased funds 

for newborn screening are provided for additional technical assistance to State newborn screening labs, new screening tools, and 

methods to increase accuracy and expand the number of disorders 

screened, and population-based pilot testing to ensure the effectiveness of new screening tools. 

Trans fat.—The Committee is supportive of the division of laboratory sciences and its commitment to improving the measurement of risk factors associated with heart disease, stroke, and 

other cardiovascular disease. Dietary fat profiles have a significant 

impact on health. The Committee is aware that experimental evidence shows an increasing risk of heart disease associated with 

trans fat intake, and that many State and local governments are 

proposing bans in restaurants and schools. A publicly funded surveillance system to monitor trans fat levels and other fatty acids, 

such as omega-3 fatty acids, in humans is needed to assess the imVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
118 

pact of public health interventions to reduce the intake of trans fat. 

In addition, the lipid standardization program currently offers 

standardization services for lipids to Federally-funded and other 

public health research labs and also is well-equipped to standardize 

trans fat measurement. 

Injury prevention and control 

The Committee provides $140,146,000 for the injury prevention and control program, which is $1,529,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $1,736,000 more than the budget request. 

Within the total, $5,816,000 is provided for the traumatic brain injury program, which is $529,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $537,000 more than the budget request. 

Injuries are the leading cause of death among children and 

adults under 44 years of age in the U.S. In 2004, more than 

167,000 people died from injuries and violence and over 29 million 

people sustained injuries serious enough to require treatment in an 

emergency department. The injury prevention and control program 

supports intramural research, injury control research centers, extramural research grants, and technical assistance to State and 

local health departments to prevent premature death and disability 

and to reduce human suffering and medical costs caused by injury 

and violence. 

Child maltreatment.—The Committee applauds CDC’s activities 

in the area of child maltreatment. A growing body of research indicates that childhood abuse and neglect may contribute significantly 

to the development of both acute and chronic health conditions 

throughout the lifespan, including obesity and heart disease. The 

Committee encourages CDC to develop a network of consortia that 

will address research and training, as well as the dissemination of 

best practices and prevention efforts, on the health harms of child 

abuse and neglect. 

Children and adolescents.—Within the total, the Committee includes sufficient funds for CDC to support an additional injury control research center that will conduct research on injury and injury 

prevention related to children and adolescents. The Committee believes that children and adolescent populations have special and 

underserved needs in injury control. Injury is the leading cause of 

death and disability among children and teenagers in the U.S. Currently, there is no center that focuses exclusively on childhood and 

adolescent injuries even though children and adolescents are affected by injury more than any other segment of the population. 

Gun control advocacy.—The Committee maintains bill language 

prohibiting funds in this bill from being used to lobby for or against 

the passage of specific Federal, State or local legislation intended 

to advocate or promote gun control. The Committee understands 

that CDC’s responsibility in this area is primarily data collection 

and the dissemination of that information and expects that research in this area to be objective and grants to be awarded 

through an impartial, scientific peer review process. 

National violent death reporting system.—The Committee is supportive of the national violent death reporting system (NVDRS) 

and has included funds to continue implementation of the NVDRS 

in fiscal year 2008. The Committee urges CDC to continue to work 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
119 

with private health and education agencies as well as State agencies in the development and implementation of this injury reporting system. 

Occupational safety and health 

The Committee provides a program level total of $310,937,000 for 

occupational safety and health, which is $56,838,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $57,939,000 above the budget request. Of the amount provided, $88,361,000 is to be derived from 

section 241 evaluation set-aside funds, rather than $87,071,000 as 

provided in fiscal year 2007 and proposed in the budget request. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH) conducts applied research, develops criteria for occupational safety and health standards, and provides technical services 

to government, labor and industry, including training for the prevention of work-related diseases and injuries. This appropriation 

supports surveillance, health hazard evaluations, intramural and 

extramural research, instrument and methods development, dissemination, and training grants. 

Within the total, the Committee provides the following program 

levels for occupational safety and health research activities: 

$21,806,000 for education and research centers, which is 

$1,982,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$2,112,000 above the budget request; 

$12,732,000 for personal protective technology development 

activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $84,000 above the budget request; 

$112,834,000 for the national occupational research agenda, 

which is $13,648,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $13,728,000 more than the budget request; 

$50,000,000 for the World Trade Center treatment and monitoring program for 9/11 responders and recovery personnel, 

which is double the amount requested by the Administration 

in the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; 

$25,200,000 for mining research, which is $13,000,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $12,748,000 less 

than the budget request; and, 

$88,365,000 for other occupational safety and health research, which is $4,208,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $4,763,000 more than the budget request. 

Cancer incidence and mortality study.—The Committee continues 

to be pleased with the progress of research and the translation of 

that research into practice under the national occupational research agenda. Within the funding provided, the Committee encourages NIOSH to continue its study of former manufacturing 

workers through the initiation of a cancer incidence and mortality 

study within this population. 

Mining research.—The Committee notes that an additional 

$13,000,000 for research to develop mine safety technology and to 

make improvements to leased facilities has been provided to 

NIOSH within the fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriations 

bill (P.L. 110–28). The period of availability for the supplemental 

funding extends through fiscal year 2008. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
120 

World Trade Center.—The Committee includes report language 

under the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund section requesting that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 

together with the Director of NIOSH, submit a comprehensive longterm plan, including cost estimates, regarding a program of medical monitoring and treatment of all individuals exposed to toxins 

at the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks of 

September 11, 2001. The Committee notes that an additional $50,000,000 for the 

treatment and monitoring program has been provided to NIOSH 

within the fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriations bill (P.L. 

110–28). The supplemental funding is available until expended. 

Global health 

The Committee provides $381,337,000 for global health, which is $47,299,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$1,618,000 above the budget request. 

Through its global health activities, CDC coordinates, cooperates, 

participates with, and provides consultation to other nations, U.S. 

agencies, and international organizations to prevent and contain 

diseases and environmental health problems and to develop and 

apply health promotion activities. In cooperation with Ministries of 

Health and other appropriate organizations, CDC tracks and assesses evolving global health issues and identifies and develops activities to apply CDC’s technical expertise to be of maximum public 

health benefit. 

Within the total, the following amounts are included for global 

health activities: 

$122,769,000 for the global AIDS program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $1,546,000 more 

than the budget request; $144,438,000 for the global immunization program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $55,000 

more than the budget request; 

$32,479,000 for global disease detection, which is the same 

as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $13,000 more than 

the budget request; 

$8,985,000 for the global malaria program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $4,000 more 

than the budget request, and; 

$72,666,000 for other global health activities, which is 

$47,299,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the same as the budget request. 

Pandemic influenza.—The Committee provides $69,300,000 for 

pandemic influenza activities as requested by the Administration. 

Within this total, $17,820,000 is for rapid outbreak response for 

high-priority countries, $3,960,000 is for human-animal interface 

studies, and $47,520,000 is for international surveillance, diagnosis, and epidemic investigations. 

Malaria.—The Committee recognizes that malaria is a global 

emergency affecting mostly poor women and children. While malaria is treatable and preventable, tragically it remains one of the 

leading causes of death and disease worldwide. The Committee appreciates the integral and unique role that the CDC malaria proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
121 

gram plays in national and global efforts to prevent and control 

malaria. The Committee urges CDC to expand malaria-related research, program implementation, and evaluation. Insecticide resistance and drug resistance have the real potential to compromise 

global malaria efforts and point to the need for the development 

and testing of new technologies and materials for insecticide-treated nets and new anti-malarial therapies. The Committee is concerned that failure to support these efforts could seriously impair 

future control efforts. Additionally, the Committee encourages CDC 

to provide technical assistance and support program research in 

non-African malaria-affected countries, which, in turn, can then be 

used to strengthen control efforts in African countries. 

Terrorism preparedness and response 

The Committee provides $1,598,751,000 for terrorism prepared- ness and response, which is $57,451,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $94,376,000 above the budget request. CDC distributes grants to State, local, and territorial public health agencies; centers for public health preparedness; and other to support 

infrastructure upgrades to respond to all potential hazards, including acts of terrorism or infectious disease outbreaks. Funds are 

used for needs assessments, terrorism response planning, training, 

strengthening epidemiology and surveillance, and upgrading laboratory capacity and communications systems. Activities support 

the establishment of procedures and response systems, and build 

the infrastructure necessary to respond to a variety of disaster scenarios. 

Within the total, the Committee provides the following amounts 

for terrorism preparedness and response activities: $789,948,000 is for upgrading State and local capacity, which is $5,606,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$91,681,000 more than the budget request (included within the 

total is $734,536,000 for the bioterrorism cooperative agreement program); 

$136,815,000 is for upgrading CDC capacity, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $223,000 more 

than the budget request; 

$9,500,000 is for the anthrax research study, which is 

$4,383,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level—the 

Administration’s budget request did not include funding for 

this activity; 

$81,153,000 is for the biosurveillance activities, which is 

$2,593,000, more than fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$7,028,000 less than the budget request (included within this 

total is $50,000,000 for BioSense and $21,028,000 for quarantine stations); and, 

$581,335,000 is for the strategic national stockpile, which is 

$56,635,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

same as the budget request. 

BioSense.—The Committee has not provided the full budget request for the BioSense program due to concerns that this and other 

similar syndromic and event detection systems across the Federal 

government may not be the most efficient and effective way to detect the presence of pathogens. State and local health departments 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
122 

have principal responsibility for protecting the public’s health and 

therefore take the lead in conducting disease surveillance and supporting response efforts. According to a June 2005 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, many State, local, and private 

networks are not being utilized to collect data and State and local 

health departments do not find the data collected to be useful. The 

Committee has invested $189,100,000 in the BioSense program 

since fiscal year 2003, but does not have a comprehensive plan for 

its development and full scale implementation. 

The Committee requests, that not later than April 1, 2008, GAO 

submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations that evaluates BioSense. This report should include an 

analysis of the ability of hospitals and Federal, State, and local 

public health officials to respond to emergencies based on the information received from BioSense versus local surveillance data; comparisons of the costs and benefits of operating BioSense with State, 

local, and private surveillance systems; annual and long-term cost 

and timeline estimates for the development and implementation of 

BioSense; and recommended benchmarks and performance indicators that should be developed as part of a comprehensive plan. 

Leased aircraft.—The Committee is concerned about recent reports that the three leased aircraft that are available to CDC for 

public health emergency situations are rarely used. The fiscal year 

2006 cost for maintaining access to these jets was approximately 

$8,500,000. The Committee requests that CDC prepare a report to 

the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by no later 

than 30 days after enactment of this Act and then provide semiannual updates thereafter on the cost of the aircraft, purpose of 

each trip, and passengers on the aircraft for each trip. The report 

also should provide a justification for maintaining leases for three 

aircraft. 

Public health research 

The Committee provides $31,000,000 for public health research, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. The Committee provides these funds through the 

section 241 evaluation set-aside funds as provided in fiscal year 

2007 and as proposed in the budget request. 

Through the public health research funding, CDC supports highquality public health research that studies the best methods for 

making the transition from research to practice. Funds support research that is proposed by experienced investigators working with 

communities, health practitioners, and policymakers to address 

local priority health concerns. 

Public health improvement and leadership 

The Committee provides $199,237,000 for public health improvement and leadership, which is $9,429,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $8,825,000 above the budget request. Within this total, the Committee provides $6,000,000 for the CDC Director’s discretionary fund. 

This activity supports several cross-cutting areas within CDC. 

Included is the CDC’s leadership and management function, which 

funds the CDC office of the director, coordinating centers, and each 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
123 

constituent center and office. The public health improvement and 

leadership funding also supports the CDC’s public health workforce 

and career development efforts, and the director’s discretionary 

fund. 

Public health professionals.—The Committee is concerned about 

documented shortages in State health departments of applied epidemiologists and laboratory scientists—core public health professionals. The Committee urges CDC to provide a stable, dedicated 

source of funding for existing fellowship training programs designed to alleviate these shortages. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Adler Aphasia Center, Maywood, NJ for a program to improve communication and other life skills for 

people with aphasia .................................................................................................................................. $100,000 

Advocate Good Shepard Hospital, Barrington, IL for the expansion of an ongoing pilot project to address the growing problem of childhood obesity among elementary schools in Lake County, IL ........... 30,000 

Alameda County Public Health Department, Office of AIDS Administration, Oakland, CA for an HIV/AIDS 

prevention and testing initiative ............................................................................................................... 250,000 

Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX for epidemiological research and educational outreach related 

to childhood cancer in cooperation with the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation in McAllen, TX ..... 200,000 

Bayside Community Center, San Diego, CA for its STEPS health education and outreach program for 

senior citizens ............................................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Berean Community & Family Life Center, Brooklyn, NY for obesity prevention programs and community 

health and wellness education ................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Bienestar Human Services, Inc., Los Angeles, CA to expand a mobile HIV rapid testing program in East 

Los Angeles ................................................................................................................................................ 125,000 

Boys and Girls Club of Delaware County, Jay, OK for equipment and operating expenses for programs to 

improve diet, physical activity, and emotional health ............................................................................. 300,000 

California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA for programs aimed at preventing obesity and promoting health in children .......................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, Columbia, SC for an obesity focused wellness program ....................... 235,000 

Charter County of Wayne, Michigan, Detroit, MI for Infant Mortality Prevention services ........................... 200,000 

Chez Panisse Foundation, Berkeley, CA for the school lunch initiative to integrate lessons about 

wellness, sustainability and nutrition into the academic curriculum ...................................................... 250,000 

Children’s Hunger Alliance, Columbus, OH for programs to prevent childhood obesity .............................. 200,000 

Columbus Children’s Research Institute, Columbus, OH for the Center for Injury Research and Policy .... 200,000 

County of Marin, San Rafael, CA for research and analysis related to breast cancer incidence and mortality in the county .................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

CREATE Foundation, Tupelo, MS for childhood obesity prevention programs ............................................... 300,000 

Dupage County, Wheaton, IL for a county-wide physical fitness assessment pilot project ........................ 150,000 

East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC for a project to study the problem of 

racial disparities in cardiovascular diseases ........................................................................................... 200,000 

El Puente, Brooklyn, NY for an obesity, diabetes, STD, and HIV/AIDS prevention program for adolescents 

and their families as well as control and management of asthma and other environmentally connected diseases ......................................................................................................................................... 220,000 

Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY to provide glaucoma 

screenings and follow-up in the Phoenix, AZ area ................................................................................... 75,000 

Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Lake Success, NY to provide glaucoma 

screenings and follow-up in the Virgin Islands ....................................................................................... 350,000 

Georgia Chapter of the American Lung Association, Smyrna, GA to study the relationship between residential floor coverings and distributive patterns of airborne particulates .............................................. 350,000

Haitian American Association Against Cancer, Inc., Miami, FL for cancer education, outreach, screening 

and related programs ................................................................................................................................ 240,000 

Healthy Eating Lifestyle Principles, Monterey, CA for a program to improve nutrition by promoting the 

accessibility and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in schools .............................................. 175,000 

Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters-Florida, Coral Gables, FL to create a preventative 

health care model ...................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Ingalls Development Foundation, Harvey, IL for a comprehensive cancer prevention and early detection 

program, focusing on minority populations .............................................................................................. 225,000 

International Rett Syndrome Association, Clinton, MD for education and awareness programs regarding 

Rett syndrome ............................................................................................................................................ 150,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
124 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, Bronx, NY for a nutrition and anti-obesity demonstration program for 6- 

to 12-year-old children .............................................................................................................................. 300,000 

Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY for asthma education, counseling, and prevention programs .......... 200,000 

Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness, Louisville, KY for improving and providing preventative healthcare to men to address disease and obesity prevention, oral health, and stress management ..................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN for research and education regarding ways of increasing physical activity and fitness among children and adolescents ................................................ 300,000 

Myositis Association, Washington, DC to develop a national patient registry for individuals afflicted 

with myositis .............................................................................................................................................. 75,000 

Natividad Medical Center, Salinas, CA for a diabetes care management program .................................... 125,000 

Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV for a comprehensive program to reduce cancer incidence and 

mortality rates and address cancer health disparities ............................................................................ 200,000 

North Shore Health Project, Gloucester, MA for outreach and education on hepatitis C ............................ 100,000 

Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH for the Partners Enabling Active Rural Living Institute to develop an evidence-based model for promoting and enabling appropriate daily physical activity in 

rural communities ...................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR for the rural and underserved cancer outreach project .............. 75,000 

Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Silver Spring, MD for public education and outreach ...................... 200,000 

San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, San Antonio, TX for further studies and public health outreach regarding environmental health concerns at and near the former Kelly Air Force Base .............. 200,000 

SHAREing and CAREing, Astoria, NY to provide culturally sensitive breast health education, referrals for 

screenings/diagnostic and support services for medically underserved and uninsured minority women 100,000 

Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA for studies of the impact of environmental pollutants on breast 

cancer and women’s health ...................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats, Atlanta, GA for programs related to bioterrorism 

and emerging biological threats ............................................................................................................... 100,000 

St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Wabasha, MN to support a disease prevention pilot program to reduce 

the incidence of heart disease .................................................................................................................. 100,000 

St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, Lynwood, CA for health education and outreach .......................... 100,000 

St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Oxnard, CA for diabetes prevention and management programs ...... 200,000 

St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, Los Angeles, CA for a patient education program to address 

obesity, diabetes, and hypertension .......................................................................................................... 100,000 

University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ for diabetes educational outreach programs ......... 170,000 

University of Findlay Center for Public Health Preparedness, Findlay, OH for training programs on 

school safety and workplace violence avoidance ..................................................................................... 300,000 

University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX for the Center for Minority Health, Education, Research and Outreach ................................................................................................................. 300,000 

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL to create, implement, and evaluate programs to assist schoolaged children in becoming physically active and healthy ....................................................................... 375,000 

University of Texas Pan American, Edinburg, TX for the South Texas Border Health Disparities Center’s 

program on preventing obesity in minority populations ........................................................................... 200,000 

University of Texas, Brownsville, TX for studies regarding the health of the Hispanic population in the 

Rio Grande Valley ...................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Virgin Islands Perinatal Inc., Christiansted, VI for implementation of chronic disease management and 

prevention modalities to minimize adverse outcomes related to diabetes and hypertension ................. 150,000 

Voorhees College, Denmark, SC for a demonstration program on reversing diabetes in minority communities .......................................................................................................................................................... 135,000 

Wayne County Department of Public Health, Detroit, MI for a lead poisoning assessment, prevention, 

and intervention program .......................................................................................................................... 275,000 

WestCare Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, for the Batterers Intervention Program in Needles, CA and surrounding communities ............................................................................................................................... 500,000 

Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT to develop a comprehensive ovarian cancer prevention and 

early detection program ............................................................................................................................. 300,000 

YBH Project, Inc., Albany, GA for nutrition, fitness, and education programs for middle school students 

and their families ...................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Preventive health and health services block grant 

The Committee provides $109,000,000 for the preventive health 

and health services block grant, which is $10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The budget request does not include 

funding for this program. This block grant provides flexible funds 

to States by formula for a wide range of public and preventive 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
125 

health activities. The flexibility afforded to the States, allows them 

to target funds to address chronic diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and stroke, to direct funds to meet challenges 

of outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as West Nile virus and influenza, and/or to implement prevention and control programs related to injury and abuse. 

Buildings and facilities 

The Committee provides $10,500,000 for buildings and facilities, which is $123,900,000 below the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$9,500,000 below the budget request. These funds support efficient 

maintenance and operations of existing facilities to protect the interest and investment of the government so that deterioration of 

CDC facilities does not occur again. 

Business services and support 

The Committee provides $344,377,000 for business services and 

support, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $24,500,000 above the budget request. Some of the activities 

that are supported through this funding are administrative services and programs, the human resources center, capital planning 

and investment control, financial management, security and emergency preparedness, and information technology services. 

It is the Committee’s intention that funds provided in business 

services and support are sufficient to carry out CDC’s business 

functions. The Committee will not support programmatic ‘‘tapping’’ to achieve additional funding in this area and appreciates that 

CDC has made efforts to curtail this practice. If additional funding 

is required for activities within this or any other budget line, the 

Committee expects CDC to work with the Department of Health 

and Human Services to prepare reprogramming requests to be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

The Committee recommends an appropriation of $29,649,887,000 for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is $750,000,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $1,028,646,000 above 

the request. 

As described in the ‘‘Advancing Biomedical Research’’ initiative 

in the front of the report, the Committee has made difficult choices 

in order to provide a $750,000,000 increase for biomedical research 

supported by NIH. The Committee hopes to stop the funding 

rollercoaster NIH has experienced during the past decade and provide a substantial and sustainable growth path for the future. 

The funding level recommended by the Committee would provide 

10,666 new and competing grants, an increase of 545 over fiscal 

year 2007. The number of total grants would rise to 39,003. The 

recommendation would also reverse the two-year freeze in the inflationary adjustment of grants, with an average two percent increase for new grants. The recommendation is attentive to the pipeline issue, providing funding for three programs to support young 

investigators as well as a two percent average increase in research 

training stipends. The Committee fully funds the Administration’s 

request of $300,000,000 for transfer to the global fund for AIDS, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
126 

malaria and tuberculosis and continues the National Children’s 

Study with an appropriation of $110,900,000. The Common Fund 

is supported as a set-aside within the Office of the Director at the 

statutory minimum of $495,153,000 rather than through an assessment of institute and center budgets. The Committee also preserves the taxpayer’s investment in the research labs on the NIH 

campus by increasing the buildings and facilities account by 

$40,000,000. 

The following chart displays the funding provided to each of the 

27 appropriations that comprise the total NIH appropriation. The 

full name of each institute and center is included in the table along 

with its acronym. These acronyms will be used throughout the report rather than repeating the full name of the institute or center. 

Funding levels are also shown in the detailed table at the back of 

the report. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 

[Dollars in thousands] 

Institutes/Centers Fiscal year 2008 

Committee 

2008 Committee compared to—

Fiscal year 2007 2008 Budget 

National Cancer Institute (NCI) ................................................ 4,870,382 +72,743 +88,268 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) ................. 2,965,775 +42,846 +40,362 

National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) 395,753 +6,050 +6,031 

Nat. Inst. of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases 

(NIDDKD) ............................................................................... 1,731,893 +26,025 +23,848 

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 

(NINDS) ................................................................................. 1,559,106 +23,561 +22,087 

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 4,632,019 +264,311 +39,537 

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) ......... 1,966,019 +30,211 +24,557 

Nat. Inst. of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 1,273,863 +19,156 +8,917 

National Eye Institute (NEI) ...................................................... 677,039 +9,923 +9,219 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) 652,303 +10,301 +14,897 

National Institute on Aging (NIA) ............................................. 1,062,833 +15,573 +15,685 

Nat. Inst. Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases 

(NIAMS) ................................................................................. 516,044 +7,804 +7,962 

Nat. Inst. on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders 

(NIDCD) ................................................................................. 400,305 +6,637 +6,623 

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) ........................ 139,527 +2,123 +1,727 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) .. 442,870 +6,611 +6,365 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) ................................. 1,015,559 +14,938 +15,194 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ............................. 1,425,531 +21,037 +20,110 

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) ............. 493,996 +7,505 +9,560 

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering 

(NIBIB) .................................................................................. 303,318 +6,431 +2,855 

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) ..................... 1,171,095 +37,855 +58,597 

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine 

(NCCAM) ............................................................................... 123,380 +1,804 +1,681 

National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities 

(NCMHHD) ............................................................................. 202,691 +3,247 +8,196 

John E. Fogarty International Center (FIC) ............................... 67,599 +1,153 +1,005 

National Library of Medicine (NLM) .......................................... 325,484 +4,634 +12,922 

Office of the Director (OD) ....................................................... 1,114,422 +67,521 +597,360 

Buildings and Facilities ............................................................ 121,081 +40,000 ¥14,919 

Total ................................................................................. 29,649,887 +750,000 +1,028,646 

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

Mission.—NCI conducts and supports basic and applied cancer 

research in early detection, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
127 

rehabilitation. NCI provides training support for research scientists, clinicians and educators, and maintains a national network 

of cancer centers, clinical cooperative groups, and community clinical oncology programs, along with cancer prevention and control 

initiatives and outreach programs to rapidly translate basic research findings into clinical practice. 

Unprecedented gains.—The Committee is pleased to note the important gains returned by the nation’s investment in cancer research. These investments are proving to be important steps toward advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention for many 

cancers. For example, the Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid 

(caBIG) will allow investigators to manage and share clinical data 

in real time in a move toward ‘‘digital biology’’. The Cancer Genetic 

Markers of Susceptibility initiative will scan the entire human genome and identify genetic changes associated with either increased 

or decreased risk for breast and prostate cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas, done in conjunction with NHGRI, will test the complex 

science and technology framework needed to systematically identify 

and characterize genomic changes associated with cancer. The repository named REMBRANDT developed by NCI and NINDS is a 

publicly available bionformatics knowledge base of primary brain 

tumor data. The new Clinical Proteomics Program is developing the 

standards needed to characterize patterns of protein markers in 

human serum for very early detection of cancer. The 

Nanotechnology Alliance for Cancer began harnessing 

nanotechnologies for cancer diagnostics, targeted imaging, and 

drug delivery. 

Cancer metastasis to bone.—A frequent complication of cancer is 

its spread to bone (bone metastasis) that occurs in up to 80 percent 

of patients with myeloma and 70 percent of patients with either 

breast or prostate cancer—causing severe bone pain and pathologic 

fractures. Only 20 percent of breast cancer patients and five percent of lung cancer patients survive more than five years after discovery of bone metastasis. The Committee understands that immune response plays a role in cancer metastasis and encourages 

NCI to focus research in the emerging area of osteoimmunology. 

The Committee encourages NCI, as well as NIAMS, NIA, and 

NIDDK, to support research to determine mechanisms to identify, 

block and treat cancer metastasis to bone. Furthermore, the Committee encourages NCI to expand research on osteosarcoma to improve survival and quality of life and to prevent metastatic 

osteosarcoma in children and teenagers who develop this cancer. In 

addition, NCI is encouraged to strengthen research on tumor dormancy as it relates to bone metastasis. 

Gynecologic cancers.—Today, in the United States, one woman 

will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer every seven minutes. 

That is almost 200 per day and 80,000 in a given year. Furthermore, almost 30,000 women die from a gynecologic cancer each 

year. Existing NCI funding for specialized programs of research excellence (SPOREs), program projects, the early detection network, 

and investigator initiated grants has accelerated basic, molecularbased research discoveries for gynecologic cancers. The Committee 

encourages NCI to give priority to gynecologic cancers under its 

nanotechnology plan, its oncology biomarker qualifications initiaVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
128 

tive, and its cancer genomics atlas project, jointly conducted with 

NHGRI. This will allow laboratory discoveries to be translated into 

clinical applications at the bedside causing a decrease in the mortality rates for women with gynecologic cancer. 

Gynecologic oncology clinical trials.—The Committee recognizes 

NCI’s longstanding commitment to improving the health of women 

through gynecologic oncology clinical trials. These trials have led to 

the identification of new therapeutic agents and techniques for 

treating gynecologic cancers. This effort has directly produced improved outcomes for ovarian cancer patients as a result of changes 

in the way ovarian cancer is treated and the development of a vaccine for preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer. The Committee encourages NCI to continue its support of gynecologic oncology clinical trials through public-private partnerships with the 

pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and the NCI-sponsored cancer centers and cooperative groups. 

HPV Vaccine and cervical cancer.—The Committee encourages 

NCI to study if there are clinical and cost benefits of prospectively 

tracking pap test results and outcomes in women who have been 

vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV). The Committee encourages NCI to support research that will identify the most costeffective management strategy for cervical cancer screening in the 

era of HPV vaccines and to identify the circumstances where pap 

test/HPV screening fails in vaccinated women. 

Liver cancer.—The Committee notes that the incidence of primary liver cancer continues to increase. Liver cancer is one of the 

few cancers experiencing continuing increases in mortality, and 

treatment options remain very limited. The Committee encourages 

NCI to work closely with NIDDK to develop a basic, clinical and 

translational research program designed to reverse these trends 

and enhance survivability. 

Pancreatic cancer.—The Committee recognizes that pancreatic 

cancer is the country’s fourth leading cause of cancer death among 

men and women. While NCI support for pancreatic cancer research 

has increased during the past several years, unfunded opportunities remain. The Committee strongly encourages the Institute to 

continue to support the existing pancreatic cancer SPORES and to 

consider using separate pay lines for each cancer within the 

SPORE program. 

Lymphoma.—The incidence rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 

the general population have doubled since the 1970s. The reasons 

for its increased incidence are not clear. The Committee recommends an enhanced commitment to research focusing on the 

possible environmental links to lymphoma. The Committee suggests that NCI direct funds to: (1) studies on the identification of 

environmental-genetic interactions which may influence the development of lymphoma; (2) studies of adequate scope to assure the 

identification of environmental risk factors for specific subtypes of 

lymphoma; (3) small studies designed to improve detection and 

quantification of historically difficult-to-measure environmental factors; (4) studies that are directed toward enhancing the understanding of the role of the immune system in the initiation and 

progression of lymphoma; and, (5) studies that examine the simultaneous presence of a wide profile of infectious agents among indiVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
129 

viduals with lymphoma. Lymphoma is often diagnosed in young 

adulthood and middle age, and survivors may experience immediate, but also late and long-term effects of the disease and treatment. Although there are effective treatments for Hodgkin 

lymphoma, survivors of this form of lymphoma may have a wide 

range of side effects from the disease and will require long-term 

monitoring and follow-up care to address the long-term effects. The 

Committee encourages NCI to dedicate some of its survivorship research to problems confronted by lymphoma survivors. 

Lymphatic research and lymphatic diseases.—The Committee recommends that NCI support research on lymphedema, a chronic, 

progressive and historically neglected complication that must be 

endured by many cancer survivors. The Committee also encourages 

the Institute to support the study of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic imaging, which are critical to a greater understanding of 

cancer metastasis and lymphedema. 

Ovarian cancer.—Today, in the United States, there is no widely 

available screening test for ovarian cancer. More than 22,000 

women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and 16,000 

women are expected to die from it. Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate, 55 percent over five years, mainly because there is no 

proven effective method for early detection. Research is being conducted on glycomic profiling which may identify unique patterns of 

glycosylation that may be more sensitive and specific than CA–125, 

an existing blood marker, in identification of early stage ovarian 

cancer. Circulating plasma proteins, another blood marker, could 

also possibly serve as biomarkers to differentiate women with ovarian cancer from healthy women. The Committee encourages NCI to 

make randomized, prospective studies that would lead to the validation and acceptance of these and other biomarkers for the early 

detection of ovarian cancer a priority. 

Clinical trial participation.—Despite efforts to improve participation in cancer clinical trials, only three percent of adult cancer patients participate in trials, and the participation by senior citizens 

is even more limited. The Committee strongly encourages NCI to 

support research to investigate decision-making by patients, particularly with respect to barriers to, and decisions on, participation 

in clinical trials. This research effort should be undertaken to inform strategies to enhance accrual in cancer clinical trials. Current 

low levels of accrual are often rate-limiting in the development of 

novel treatment approaches, and solving this problem would ultimately improve outcomes for cancer patients. 

Cancer centers.—The Committee commends NCI on the success 

of its cancer centers program. Given that minority populations suffer disproportionately from virtually every form of cancer, the Committee encourages NCI to consider supporting the establishment of 

a comprehensive center at a minority institution focused on research, treatment, and prevention of cancer in African American 

and other minority communities. The Committee is pleased with 

NCI’s attention to this important matter. 

Tissue repositories.—Cancer biorepositories, because they centralize and standardize molecular annotation of tissues, have the 

potential to accelerate the understanding of cancer and the discovery and development of new biomarkers, new diagnostics and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
130 

new therapeutic approaches. The Committee encourages NCI to 

continue to support efforts to centralize the collection and distribution of tissue and pursue programs to make them available to researchers. 

Neuroblastoma.—The Committee notes with concern the incidence of neuroblastoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer with poor 

survival rates among Stage III and Stage IV patients. The Committee encourages NCI to accelerate support for neuroblastoma research with a focus on clinical trials for high-risk patients. The 

Committee requests a comprehensive report on NCI’s research in 

this area, including planned clinical and translational research initiatives, as part of NCI’s fiscal year 2009 budget justification. 

Radioisotope research.—The Committee encourages NCI to continue and enhance its support for radioisotope-targeted therapy 

and research. This research ultimately benefits cancer patients 

worldwide by developing new, productive avenues for the use of nuclear stockpile materials previously earmarked for weapons development. 

NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE

Mission.—NHLBI provides leadership for a national research 

program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and blood, 

in transfusion medicine, and in sleep disorders through support of 

basic, clinical, and population-based and health education research. 

Cardiovascular diseases.—The Committee commends the Institute for its leadership in undertaking an inclusive strategic planning process, which included a national conference on heart disease. The Committee looks forward to receiving the heart disease 

action plan from the meeting as well as updates on progress made 

to implement its goals. The Committee continues to regard research on heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases 

as a top health priority. The Committee strongly believes that as 

the baby boomers age, more research on cardiovascular diseases is 

critically needed to better prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure cardiovascular diseases. 

Congenital heart disease.—The Committee recognizes that congenital heart disease is a chronic disease affecting approximately 

1.8 million Americans. It commends NHLBI for convening a working group to address this issue, and supports its recommendation 

that action be taken to prevent needless disability and premature 

mortality in this rapidly-growing population. The Committee urges 

NHLBI to work with patient associations and other appropriate 

public health organizations to develop education and research initiatives targeted to the life-long needs of congenital heart disease 

survivors. 

Cardiovascular disease and women.—The Committee remains 

concerned that as the population ages women will continue to be 

affected by cardiovascular disease at high rates. The Committee encourages the Institute to place a high priority on heart disease, 

stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in women by intensifying 

its investment in basic, clinical, translational, and trans-institute 

cardiovascular disease research. Despite new therapies, the Committee continues to believe that research is needed to better understand the causes of these diseases in women, develop more effective 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
131 

treatments and cures, and prevent cardiovascular diseases, which 

remain a major cause of permanent disability and the number one 

killer of women. 

Gender differences in health and disease are well established. 

For example, while cardiovascular disease is the number one killer 

of both women and men, women die of cardiovascular disease an 

average of ten to twenty years later than men. Numerous primary 

and secondary randomized controlled prevention trials have been 

conducted in men showing the benefit of lowering total and LDL 

cholesterol. Women have been included in many of these studies 

but not in sufficient numbers to permit a meaningful analysis of 

the benefits for women alone. As a result, women are currently 

treated according to the data from studies where there is a preponderance of men—namely, the treatment is designed to lower total 

and LDL cholesterol. This is done on the assumption that this 

treatment regime is the best approach to primary prevention in 

women. However, there are some significant indications that high 

HDL-cholesterol and low triglycerides are more important for women’s cardiovascular health. The Women’s Health Initiative did not 

substantiate the expectations from observational studies that postmenopausal hormone therapy reduces the risk of coronary heart 

disease in spite of lowering total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. 

New research is needed to answer the question of the optimal lipid 

profile in primary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women and to define gender differences. The Committee 

encourages NHLBI to undertake this type of research. 

Heart disease and diabetes.—Heart disease is the leading cause 

of death in diabetic patients, and individuals with type 1 diabetes 

have a 10-fold increased risk of heart disease compared to others 

of the same age. Research has shown that heart disease begins as 

early as childhood or adolescence in type 1 diabetes patients. 

NHLBI is encouraged to promote research to identify early biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in young diabetic patients to 

learn who might benefit from therapeutic agents that are currently 

used in adults. Delaying heart disease by even a few years could 

make a significant difference in the lives and health of young diabetic patients. 

Pulmonary hypertension (PH).—The Committee commends 

NHLBI for its leadership in advancing research on PH, a rare, progressive, and fatal disease that predominantly affects women. The 

Committee continues to view research on pulmonary hypertension 

as a high priority. It encourages the Institute to consider expanding its specialized centers of clinically oriented research program in 

this area and to establish a PH research network to facilitate collaboration and data sharing among leading PH investigators. 

Thalassemia.—The Committee remains strongly supportive of 

the focused research effort that is being undertaken by the thalassemia clinical research network, which is comprised of the leading 

research institutions in the field of thalassemia, or Cooley’s anemia. In addition, the Committee commends NHLBI for its commitment to pursue gene therapy and urges the Institute to move aggressively in pursuing a research agenda that will lead to a cure. 

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).—The Committee remains 

very interested in efforts to find a cure for LAM, a progressive and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
132 

often fatal lung disease of women with no effective treatment. The 

Committee supports both intramural and extramural means of expanding research on LAM and urges NHLBI to use all available 

mechanisms as appropriate, including support of state-of-thescience symposia, request for applications, and facilitating access to 

human tissues, to stimulate a broad range of clinical and basic 

LAM research. The Committee understands that recent scientific 

findings have presented new treatment approaches for clinical testing, and that experimental trials with the drug sirolimus have 

begun. The Committee commends NHLBI for supporting the multicenter international lymphangioleiomyomatosis efficacy of 

sirolimus trial (MILES) trial, and further encourages the support 

of other phase I and phase II clinical treatment trials to capitalize 

on the LAM patient population that NHLBI has assembled who do 

not qualify for the MILES trial. The Committee is also aware of the 

potential benefit of establishing LAM centers, and suggests NHLBI 

consider supporting these activities. 

Sleep disorders.—The Committee encourages the National Center 

on Sleep Disorders Research to partner with CDC to implement a 

sleep education and public awareness initiative using the roundtable model that has been successful for NIH institutes and public 

health service agencies. 

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.—The Committee is aware that 

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (or Alpha-1) is the major known genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 

the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one of 

the four leading causes of death with a rising mortality over the 

past decade. As many as three percent of individuals with COPD 

have undetected Alpha-1. In addition, individuals with Alpha-1 can 

exhibit symptoms of advanced emphysema, even in the absence of 

tobacco use. Alpha-1 is an indication for lung transplantation. 

Alpha-1 is also a factor in the development of liver disease in children and adults. The Committee commends NHLBI for its plans to 

focus additional research efforts in the area of COPD. As there is 

a growing appreciation of the role of genetic influences on the development of COPD and as Alpha-1 is the major identified genetic 

risk factor in this condition, the additional focus on research leading to a better understanding of Alpha-1, including improved management and therapeutic approaches, is important. The Committee 

further recommends cooperation between NHLBI, NIDDK, NHGRI, 

and other institutes to enhance the NIH research portfolio, and to 

provide appropriate information to health professionals. The Committee suggests achieving these goals through use of the NHLBI 

rare lung diseases consortium and the COPD clinical research network. 

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).—Mycobacteria are environmental organisms found in both water and soil that can cause significant respiratory damage. The Committee is aware of the increasing incidence of NTM pulmonary infections in women, particularly involving rapidly growing mycobacteria. The Committee commends NHLBI for its planning meetings regarding NTM; and recommends further collaboration with NIAID, the advocacy community, and other Federal agencies to provide a better understanding 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
133 

of NTM, enhance diagnostic and treatment options, and promote 

education of health care providers. 

Bleeding and clotting disorders.—The Committee commends 

NHLBI for its commitment to research in bleeding and clotting disorders. The Committee encourages the Institute to continue these 

efforts focusing on improved and novel therapies for these disorders 

and maintaining its collaborative relationship with the scientific 

and medical research community and voluntary organizations. 

Marfan syndrome.—The Committee commends NHLBI for its 

strong leadership on Marfan syndrome research, particularly its 

sponsorship of a landmark pediatric heart network clinical trial focused on the drug losartan. The Committee encourages NHLBI to 

continue to partner with the Marfan syndrome community on this 

research, and explore ways to support promising ancillary studies 

to the clinical trial. The Committee also applauds the Institute for 

establishing a working group on Marfan syndrome and looks forward to reviewing the group’s recommendations for future research. 

Bone marrow failure diseases.—The Committee applauds NHLBI 

for funding research that has led to a greater understanding of 

bone marrow failure diseases. The Committee encourages NHLBI 

to collaborate with NCI to fund new research efforts that seek new 

treatments and cures for aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). 

Lymphatic research and lymphatic diseases.—The Committee recognizes the leadership role NHLBI has played in advancing lymphatic research within its Institute and strongly encourages continuation of these efforts in concert with NSE /ORWH AND 

OTHER RELEVANT/CI, NIAID, NIDDK, NIAMS, and other relevant ICs. The Committee urges NHLBI’s lung division to engage 

in lymphatic research initiatives, with particular attention to congenital lymphatic malformation-induced pulmonary dysfunction. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

Mission.—The mission of NIDCR is to improve the Nation’s oral, 

dental and craniofacial health through research, research training, 

and the dissemination of health information. NIDCR accomplishes 

its mission by performing and supporting basic and clinical research; conducting and funding research training and career development programs to ensure an adequate number of talented, wellprepared, and diverse investigators; coordinating and assisting relevant research and research-related activities among all sectors of 

the research community; and promoting the timely transfer of 

knowledge gained from research and its implications for health to 

the public, health professionals, researchers, and policy-makers. 

Dental disease.—Dental disease is the most common chronic 

childhood illness and one of the most prevalent unmet needs in 

poor children. Research indicates that dental disease has a serious 

impact on learning and overall health of children, and recent data 

indicates an increase in early childhood cases. The Committee commends NIDCR for its current efforts in this area and encourages 

NIDCR to support additional research to determine the most effective methods for preventing, controlling, and treating early childhood carries. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
134 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY

DISEASES

Mission.—NIDDK supports research in three major disease categories: diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases; digestive 

diseases and nutrition; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. NIDDK supports a coordinated program of fundamental and 

clinical research and demonstration projects relating to the causes, 

prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases within these categories. The Institute also supports efforts to transfer the knowledge gained from its research program to health professionals, patients, and the general public. 

Cooley’s anemia.—The Committee continues to support the high 

quality research being conducted by NIDDK on such issues as iron 

chelation and non-invasive iron measurement. The development of 

a less burdensome means of iron chelation is urgently needed. In 

addition, the Committee encourages NIDDK to continue to work 

closely with NIBIB to develop and perfect non-invasive means of 

measuring iron that accumulates in the heart and liver. 

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD).—The Committee is pleased that 

NIH-supported PKD research has rapidly led to the development of 

multiple human clinical trials and interdisciplinary studies focused 

on slowing PKD disease progression or even reversing the progression of PKD. Given the momentum in PKD research, the Committee encourages NIDDK to promote additional PKD clinical trials 

and multidisciplinary research, and expand knowledge-based studies of pathophysiology and molecular biology. The Committee encourages NIDDK to conduct a comprehensive review of its structure to ensure that funding is directed to areas of research (such 

as PKD) that show the best return on investment in terms of ameliorating and/or curing diseases. 

Management of pediatric kidney disease.—The complexity and variety of causes unique to childhood kidney diseases require multiple 

detailed treatment regimens for chronic kidney disease, dialysis 

and kidney transplantation. When these life-saving medication and 

treatment plans are not followed, patients experience life-threatening complications and costly hospitalizations. The Committee 

urges NIDDK to conduct trans-institute trials to study methods to 

improve adherence with treatment regimens for children and adolescents throughout the spectrum of chronic kidney disease, particularly in the areas of dialysis and post-kidney transplantation. 

Additionally, the Committee urges NIDDK to support collaborating 

networks of health care providers to collect data and plan trials to 

improve therapy for the spectrum childhood kidney diseases and 

the transition of children with kidney disease into adulthood. 

Glomerular disease.—The Committee continues to be pleased 

with the work of NIDDK in the area of glomerular disease research, particularly as it relates to focal segmental 

glomerulosclerosis. The Committee commends NIDDK for conducting a glomerular disease workshop and encourages the Institute to support research related to the findings of the workshop. 

The Committee is also aware of the potential for progress in the 

understanding of glomerular diseases through the establishment of 

a patient registry. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
135 

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).—The Committee is gratified by 

NIDDK’s continuing commitment to support research on MPS disorders and appreciates NIDDK’s involvement and collaboration 

with NINDS and the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) on a recent scientific conference to identify and address impediments to effective 

therapies and to develop a strategy to determine the minimum 

standard protocol for clinical application of effective therapies for 

MPS. The Committee recognizes the efforts of NIDDK to address 

glycosaminoglycans accumulation issues and its effects on bones 

and joints; additionally the Committee is pleased with the continuing focus on addressing the challenges of the blood-brain barrier. The Committee recognizes the implementation of NIDDK’s 

molecular therapy core centers (MTTCs) to support research on 

gene and other molecular therapy research for a variety of genetic 

diseases; two of the four centers study MPS. The objective of bringing together investigators from relevant disciplines to enhance and 

extend the effectiveness of their research and cultivate collaboration between scientists is a positive development. MTCCs that include new technologies, such as homologous recombination and 

RNA-interference, gene therapy and novel approaches to human 

therapies, are supported by the Committee. 

Bowel incontinence.—This condition affects people of all ages and 

is associated with a wide variety of causes. The Committee is 

pleased that NIDDK is collaborating with NICHD on an incontinence state-of-the-science conference and encourages the Institute 

to prioritize implementation of this conference. 

Irritable bowel syndrome.—The Committee is pleased that 

NIDDK is formulating an action plan for digestive diseases through 

the National Commission on Digestive Diseases and that irritable 

bowel syndrome (IBS) will be included. 

Inflammatory bowel disease.—The Committee has been encouraged in recent years by discoveries related to Crohn’s disease and 

ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease 

(IBD). These extremely complex disorders represent a major cause 

of morbidity from intestinal illness. The Committee commends 

NIDDK for its strong leadership in this area and continues to encourage the Institute to strengthen research focused on: (1) the cellular, molecular and genetic structure of IBD, (2) identification of 

the genes that determine susceptibility or resistance to IBD in various patient subgroups, and (3) translation of basic research findings into patient clinical trials as outlined in the research agenda 

developed by the scientific community entitled, ‘‘Challenges in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.’’

Drug-induced liver injury.—The Committee is aware of the good 

work of the five centers which comprise the drug-induced liver injury network (DILIN). This network represents an important database to record, examine, and research the liver toxicity of various 

pharmaceutical and over the counter products. In view of the increasing incidence of liver injury from prescription and nonprescription drugs, the Committee encourages NIDDK to strengthen the DILIN network and requests a review of progress made in 

the use of the NILIN network data in developing findings or recommendations to reverse the incidence of liver injury. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
136 

Hepatitis B.—The Committee is pleased with the NIH commitment to conduct a consensus conference in 2008 on best treatment 

practices for individuals with hepatitis B, especially with the growing number of treatment options. As most people who are infected 

with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection, the Committee encourages NIDDK to continue to collaborate with CDC in the development of a public health strategy to expand the screening of individuals at risk for chronic hepatitis B. 

Hepatitis C.—The Committee notes that several new antiviral 

agents are in development against hepatitis C. However the problem of antiviral drug resistance has emerged as a stumbling block. 

The Committee encourages implementation of clinical studies 

aimed at overcoming antiviral drug resistance, possibly by utilizing 

novel agents in combination. 

Obesity-related liver disease.—The Committee notes that there is 

an emerging obesity-related chronic liver disease, which may affect 

as many as one in four adults and a significant number of obese 

children. The Committee encourages NIDDK to continue to support 

fatty liver disease clinical trials that includes both adult and pediatric populations. 

Beta cell research.—The Committee commends NIDDK for its 

support of the beta cell biology consortium (BCBC) which has developed excellent resources, research reagents, and databases that 

add value to the entire beta cell biology research community. 

NIDDK is encouraged to support research focused on translating 

the fundamental discoveries made by the BCBC into clinical applications that may directly benefit type 1 diabetes patients. 

Digestive diseases.—Diseases of the digestive system may affect 

up to one-half of all Americans at some time in their lives. Serious 

disorders such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hemochromatosis, celiac disease, and hepatitis take a tremendous toll in terms of human suffering, mortality, 

and economic burden. The Committee commends NIDDK on the 

success of its digestive disease centers program in addressing a 

wide range of disorders that result in tremendous human suffering 

and economic cost. The Committee encourages NIDDK to strengthen this important program with an increased emphasis on irritable 

bowel syndrome. 

Acute liver failure.—The Committee is concerned that over onethird of acute liver failure cases, resulting from over the counter 

drug interactions and other causes, are fatal due largely to the continuing shortage of livers available for transplantation. The Committee is aware that there is no effective and approved medical procedure such as dialysis, cellular transplants, or other techniques to 

maintain liver function after acute failure for a period of time until 

a liver becomes available for transplantation or the liver repairs 

itself naturally. The Committee encourages research in this area, 

consistent with the liver disease research action plan, to reduce the 

mortality rate for those who suffer from acute liver failure. 

Glucose monitoring.—Recent advances in continuous glucose 

monitoring technology have the potential to revolutionize the way 

diabetes is managed on a daily basis, but more research is needed 

to validate this technology in a variety of patient populations under 

‘‘real world’’ conditions. Moreover, biomedical research progress is 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
137 

enabling increasing numbers of type 1 diabetes patients to live 

with this disease for more than fifty years. The NIDDK is urged 

to support clinical research on the potential benefits of continuous 

glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes patients over the age of 65 

to assess the potential of this technology to produce better health 

outcomes in these individuals and to obtain evidence to support 

healthcare coverage for continuous monitoring devices in elderly diabetic patients. 

Prostatitis.—The Committee supports the efforts of the NIDDK 

chronic prostatitis collaborative research network (CPCRN) to find 

the cause and a cure for prostatitis. The past ten years of research 

by the CPCRN have produced important progress. The Committee 

encourages NIDDK to maintain the momentum of this research to 

prevent the loss of previous work, which would have to be duplicated at a later date if this silent epidemic is to be controlled. 

Hemophilia and hepatitis C.—The Committee understands that 

hepatitis C continues to have a devastating impact on the hemophilia population, with as many as 75 percent of all persons with 

hemophilia having contracted HCV and many of these individuals 

co-infected with HIV. The Committee encourages NIDDK to pursue 

research initiatives on co-infection and the progression of liver disease in this population. 

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome IC/PBS.—The 

Committee is concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding the 

definition of IC and suggests that NIDDK host a meeting of international IC experts that specifically addresses these issues to update its research criteria and clarify its investigative questions on 

IC. 

The Committee encourages NIDDK to support research in areas 

that examine predisposition/risk factors, underlying cellular and 

molecular pathology of IC/PBS and the association/cross-sensitization of IC/PBS with other disorders/diseases. The Committee also 

suggests that NIDDK fund translational research in IC/PBS that 

would include pilot therapy testing and early intervention of lifestyle/behavioral changes to prevent/lessen symptoms. The Committee encourages NIDDK to take an active role in ongoing studies 

of the epidemiology of IC in order to address design issues and to 

ensure the consultation of outside experts. 

Cellular therapies.—The Committee is encouraged by recent clinical trial results, in which 14 patients recently diagnosed with type 

1 diabetes remained insulin-free for up to 34 months, post treatment with an immunosuppressive regimen followed by the infusion 

of autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Given these positive results, 

the Committee recommends NIH continue to support clinical trials 

in the U.S. using cellular therapies to treat type 1 diabetes, including therapies such as the lymphoablative hematopoietic stem cell 

treatment used in this trial as well as alternative therapies using 

cell sources such as dendritic cells, T-regulatory cells, or umbilical 

cord blood cells. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

Mission.—NINDS supports and conducts basic and clinical neurological research and research training to increase understanding 

of the brain and improve the prevention and treatment of neuroVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
138 

logical and neuromuscular disorders. The NINDS mission encompasses over 600 disorders, including stroke, head and spinal cord 

injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. 

Stroke.—The Committee commends the Institute for its leadership in initiating a strategic planning process for stroke research. 

Stroke is this nation’s third leading cause of death and the Committee regards stroke research as a top health priority. The Committee encourages the Institute to enhance its investment in basic, 

clinical, translational, and trans-institute stroke research using all 

available mechanisms. As the baby boomers age, additional stroke 

research is critically needed to identify innovative methods to better diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and prevent stroke. 

The Committee is encouraged that the Institute convened experts 

in the field of stroke to conduct a midpoint review of the ten-year 

plan outlined in the stroke progress review group (SPRG) report. 

The Committee supports the full and timely implementation of the 

SPRG report and expects an update on implementation of the report in hearings on the fiscal year 2009 budget request. 

Duchenne translational conference.—The Committee is aware 

that NIH will be convening a conference focused on translational 

research opportunities for Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DBMD) this June. The Committee applauds NIH for taking 

this concrete step forward and requests that a comprehensive report summarizing the conference’s findings, identifying the most 

promising opportunities for a DBMD translational research initiative and establishing clear next steps to establish this initiative, be 

published within five months of the conclusion of the conference. 

The Committee requests the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating 

Committee (MDCC) develop a clear action plan that includes, 

among all the identified goals, tracking of NIH funded grants 

against the identified scientific opportunities for DBMD 

translational research, and mapping areas of investment and areas 

of unmet opportunity, by February 1, 2008. 

Dystonia.—The Committee continues to support research regarding the neurological movement disorder dystonia. The Committee is 

pleased with progress made in broadening the dystonia research 

portfolio resulting from the joint dystonia research program announcement and understands that eleven new grants have been 

funded as a result of this initiative. The Committee commends 

NINDS on its sponsorship of the June 2006 scientific workshop on 

dystonia and looks forward to initiatives based on this activity. 

The Committee is very pleased with progress demonstrated by 

the NIH intramural research program in the treatment and understanding of dystonia. NIH intramural researchers have successfully 

utilized injections of botox to treat many patients who otherwise 

would be severely debilitated by dystonia. The Committee urges 

continued work in this important area of study and treatment. 

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT).—CMT is one of the most common 

inherited neurological disorders. It is characterized by a slowly progressive degeneration of the peripheral muscles in the foot, lower 

leg, hand, and forearm. In severe forms it debilitates children so 

that they require wheelchairs and may even result in premature 

death. The Committee recognizes the NINDS workshop on periphVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
139 

eral neuropathies held in the fall of 2006 that focused on developing research opportunities to address CMT. The workshop concluded that there were a number of specific research directions that 

were particularly relevant including (1) the development of high 

throughput screening to identify candidate treatments that may be 

currently available for patients, (2) research into novel mechanisms 

to repair genetic abnormalities in patients with CMT, (3) research 

into interactions between neurons and glial cells that are disrupted 

and cause disability in many CMT patients, and (4) research into 

the biological role of inflammatory cells that may exacerbate disability in CMT patients. The Committee encourages NINDS to capitalize on these recommendations through mechanisms such as a 

relevant program announcement or request for applications. 

Down syndrome.—The Committee notes the recent publication of 

a number of breakthrough studies concerning the structure and 

function of synapses in cognitive circuits in mouse models of Down 

syndrome. These findings suggest that important advances are possible that could enhance cognitive function in both children and 

adults with this disorder. The Committee notes that these advances were suggested by the Down syndrome workshop sponsored 

by NINDS, the goal of which was to address research priorities for 

optimizing the structure and function in neuronal circuits important for cognition. The Committee commends NINDS for its leadership in organizing the workshop and encourages it to build upon 

the important findings from the meeting. In particular, the Committee encourages NINDS to identify opportunities for investigating the genetic and cellular basis for abnormalities in the 

structure and function of cognitive circuits in both the developing 

and mature nervous systems of people with Down syndrome. 

NINDS is also encouraged to work with NIA to develop strategies 

to investigate the biology of age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, in people with Down syndrome. 

Hydrocephalus.—Hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids 

in the ventricles of the brain. It is a condition, not a disease, which 

affects an estimated one million Americans. It can be congenital, 

or acquired for no known cause or secondary to many conditions, 

illnesses, or injuries. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an 

acquired condition that generally affects people over the age of 50 

and often goes undetected or misdiagnosed for many years as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease. Some estimates suggest that over 375,000 older Americans have NPH. There 

is no known cure for hydrocephalus. The standard treatment was 

developed in 1952, and carries multiple risks including shunt failure, infection and over-drainage. The Committee commends NINDS 

for taking lead sponsorship of the 2005 workshop to set national research priorities for hydrocephalus. The Committee encourages the 

institute to significantly strengthen funding for hydrocephalus research along with actively soliciting grant applications based on the 

findings from the workshop. The Committee also encourages 

NINDS to seek opportunities to collaborate with other institutes 

and offices at NIH, including NIA, NICHD, NEI, NIBIB and ORD, 

to support research collaboratively in epidemiology, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
140 

pathophysiology, disease burden and improved treatment for hydrocephalus. 

Mucolipidosis Type IV (ML4).—Now that NIMH has created and 

can make available to researchers a strain of mice that replicates 

the genetic mutation which causes ML4 in humans, the Committee 

encourages NINDS to sponsor targeted research to develop therapies which might alleviate some of the effects of ML4 and similar 

genetic disorders, or even lead to their cure. 

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).—The Committee commends 

NINDS for the advancement of the SMA therapeutics development 

program and encourages NINDS to continue to commit the full 

range of resources to identifying and completing preclinical research and development (R&D) of SMA drug candidates. The Committee urges NINDS to plan clinical trials and infrastructure including site support, patient registries, biomarker development and 

natural history studies. 

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS).—OMS is a rare, autoimmune, disorder that targets the brain. In childhood, it is associated with neuroblastoma of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Besides 

the hallmark features of involuntary eye movements, muscle jerks, 

and gait disorder, the children have rages, inability to sleep, and 

may become mute and unable to sit or stand. Permanent problems 

in motor control, language development, behavior and cognition, 

even mental retardation, are common. The available treatment options for OMS are extremely limited. The Committee encourages 

the Institute to accelerate research efforts to identify OMS susceptibility genes and biomarkers, and to develop innovative 

immunotherapeutic strategies. 

Torval cysts.—The Committee encourages NINDS to collect and 

analyze data on torval cysts, their causes, their diagnosis, and their 

treatment. 

Vulvodynia.—NIH-supported research indicates that millions of 

women suffer from chronic pelvic and genitourinary pain conditions 

such as vulvodynia. The Committee encourages NINDS, in coordination with the NICHD, Office of Research on Women’s Health 

(ORWH), the NIH pain consortium and other institutes, to 

strengthen its support of research in this area, with a focus on etiology and multi-center therapeutic trials. The Committee also encourages NINDS to work with ORWH and other relevant institutes 

and government agencies, as well as patients and professional organizations, to implement an education outreach campaign on 

vulvodynia. 

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).—The Committee applauds NINDS 

for its collaboration efforts with NIDDK, ORD and MPS patient advocates by taking the leading role in a landmark MPS scientific 

conference, whose objective was to identify and address impediments to effective therapies. 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI).—The Committee is pleased with 

the work being done at NINDS on TBI translational basic science 

research and rehabilitation and encourages the Institute to continue such work, specifically bench science research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TBI and into neuroprotection/ 

regeneration and repair of the injured brain. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
141 

Dandy-Walker and hydrocephalus research.—The Committee encourages NINDS to establish a coordinating committee for DandyWalker and hydrocephalus research. This coordinating committee 

is encouraged to report its findings to the public on the progress 

in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden, treatment 

improvements, diagnoses and awareness for Dandy-Walker and hydrocephalus. 

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).—HHT is a multisystem vascular genetic disorder that affects 75,000 Americans, 

producing arterioveneous malformations in the brain and lung. The 

Committee recognizes that while HHT is largely preventable with 

proper intervention, twenty percent of children and adults with 

HHT die or become disabled due to lack of recognition by the medical community. The Committee encourages NINDS to support research that would improve the quality of life for people living with 

HHT. 

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).—TSC is a genetic disorder 

that triggers uncontrollable tumor growth in multiple organs of the 

body, including the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes, or skin. 

The Committee applauds the leadership undertaken at NINDS to 

coordinate research through the trans-NIH tuberous sclerosis coordinating committee. The Committee recommends that the scope 

of the coordinating committee be broadened to include planning of 

international conferences and annual targeted workshops on specific areas of TSC research as identified by the coordinating committee and the TSC research community. The Committee also suggests that NINDS human genetics resource center develop a TSC 

DNA Repository that would serve as a research resource for the 

TSC research community. Finally, the Committee encourages 

NINDS to stimulate and support research on the role of early onset 

seizures in TSC and subsequent cognitive development. 

Epilepsy.—Epilepsy remains a major, unsolved public health 

problem affecting the lives of millions of Americans and their families. The Committee seeks intensified efforts by the Institute to 

produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment, and eventual 

cure of epilepsy. The Committee applauds NINDS for hosting the 

second ‘‘Curing Epilepsy 2007’’ Conference in March 2007 and encourages NINDS to issue a report and develop plans and goals 

based on the latest research developments—as highlighted at the 

conference. Additionally, the Committee recognizes that trials and 

longitudinal studies are needed to test findings and further develop 

exciting research directions in epilepsy. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Mission.—NIAID supports and conducts basic and clinical research and research training programs in infectious diseases 

caused by, or associated with, disorders of the immune system. 

NIAID supported research includes research on AIDS, asthma and 

allergies, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, tropical diseases, and emerging microbes. The goals of NIAID research are to 

understand disease pathogenesis better, to improve disease diagnosis, to develop new and improved drugs to treat diseases, and to 

develop new and improved vaccines to prevent disease, many of 

which significantly affect public health. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
142 

The Committee includes bill language requested by the Administration allowing NIH to transfer the funds appropriated for the 

construction of extramural biodefense research facilities to accounts 

that would remain available until expended. This would permit the 

grantees additional time to complete the construction of these complex projects and comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act. 

Antiviral drug resistance.—The committee recognizes that several new drugs to treat hepatitis B have become available recently 

and several more are being developed, both against hepatitis B and 

hepatitis C. One of the major challenges in implementing these 

therapies is the development of antiviral drug resistance. The Committee encourages the development of standardized terminology to 

describe this resistance and studies of the mechanism of resistance 

and methods to overcome resistance. 

Asthma.—The Committee is pleased with NIAID’s leadership regarding asthma research and management. The Committee encourages NIAID to continue to improve its focus and effort on asthma 

management, especially as it relates to children. The Committee 

also encourages NIAID to collaborate more actively with voluntary 

health organizations to support asthma prevention, treatment, and 

research activities. 

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).—The Committee understands 

that NIAID is working on a response plan to drug resistant tuberculosis, including extremely drug resistant TB (XDR–TB), and applauds these efforts. The Committee encourages the appropriate allocation of resources to effectively address this global health emergency. 

Liver transplantation.—The Committee applauds the significant 

progress in developing successful techniques for liver transplantation, but notes that the next medical frontier is to focus on improving the long-term quality of life of individuals who receive liver 

transplants. The Committee encourages additional research focused 

on these long-term quality of life issues, as well as research to improve patient and graft survival, pre-transplant graft evaluation 

and preservation, with a particular focus on research to reduce and 

eventually eliminate a transplant recipient’s dependence on immunosuppressive drugs. 

Malaria vaccine.—The Committee commends NIAID for its malaria research and, specifically, its effort to create a malaria vaccine. The Committee encourages NIAID to target resources to support malaria vaccine development, drug development, diagnostics, 

vector control, infrastructure and research capability, and to 

strengthen components of the implementation plan for global research on malaria. The Committee encourages NIAID to strengthen 

its efforts related to developing improved diagnostic tools which 

will help in the early identification of malaria and support the provision of rapid treatment. The Committee is concerned that drugresistant malaria increasingly is being reported around the world, 

making the development of new drugs to treat malaria essential. 

Of further concern is that reports of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes are on the rise. To that end, the Committee encourages NIAID 

to undertake additional research on the basic biology and ecology 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
143 

of mosquitoes, as well as work in genomics to develop new insecticides or render mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria. 

Antibiotic resistance.—The Committee is concerned about the 

alarming rates of antibiotic resistance and the related increase in 

morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Little research has been 

devoted to defining optimal dosing regimens, particularly in defining the minimal duration of therapy necessary to cure many types 

of infections. The Committee recognizes that studies of this type require a long-term commitment and are not likely to be funded by 

pharmaceutical manufacturers since the products are already approved by the FDA. The consensus of many experts is that infections may be treated for longer periods of time than are necessary, 

needlessly increasing the antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the 

Committee encourages NIAID to support randomized controlled 

trials to define the necessary length of therapy. 

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI).—NIAID is the lead 

agency for research into bone marrow transplantation (BMT), 

which can cure some primary immunodeficiencies. The Institute 

has made significant progress in reducing graft versus host disease 

(GVHD) and improving therapies when GVHD develops. With newborn screening of certain PI diseases being piloted, the Committee 

urges the Institute to redouble its efforts to ensure that identified 

patients have the best possible chance for survival. 

Clinical islet transplantation.—The Committee acknowledges the 

productive collaboration of the NIDDK and NIAID in overseeing 

the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium (CIT). The development of seven clinical trial protocols of islet transplantation marks 

a significant step toward validating this procedure as a viable 

treatment for type 1 diabetes patients suffering from extremely 

‘‘brittle’’ or difficult-to-control blood sugar levels. NIDDK and 

NIAID are urged to take steps to ensure the efficient launch of 

these trials and to expedite patient recruitment and enrollment. 

Anaphylaxis.—The issue of food allergies is an area of particular 

concern to this Committee. As many as 30,000 individuals, many 

of whom are children, require emergency room admission for food 

allergies every year, and several hundred die. The Committee supports intensive NIAID research in anaphylaxis and food allergy research to develop a cure for anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to food or medications. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

Mission.—NIGMS supports research and research training in the 

basic biomedical sciences. Institute grantees, working in such fields 

as cell biology, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, biological chemistry, bioinformatics, and computational biology study normal biological processes to better understand what goes wrong when disease occurs. In this way, 

NIGMS supports the new knowledge, theories, and technologies 

that can then be applied to the disease-targeted studies supported 

by other NIH components. NIGMS-supported basic research advances also find applications in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The Institute’s training programs help provide 

the scientists needed by industry and academia. NIGMS also has 

programs to increase the diversity of the biomedical workforce. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
144 

Training programs.—The Committee continues to be pleased 

with the quality of NIGMS’s training programs, particularly those 

that have a special focus on increasing the number of minority scientists such as the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) 

and Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) programs. The 

Committee encourages NIGMS to continue to support these important initiatives, and is particularly pleased that NIGMS has supported biomedical career opportunity programs for high school and 

undergraduate college students in conjunction with historically 

black health professions schools. The Committee urges continued, 

long-term support of this program. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Mission.—The NICHD conducts and supports laboratory and 

clinical research on the reproductive, developmental, and behavioral processes that determine and maintain the health and wellbeing of children, adults, families and populations. In addition, research in medical rehabilitation is supported. 

Demographic research.—The Committee applauds NICHD for 

supporting demographic research. As a result of this support, important strides have been made in our understanding of family dynamics—especially how these factors influence marriage and the 

health and development of children. In addition, interdisciplinary 

demographic research has uncovered clues regarding the causes of 

health disparities across racial, ethnic, educational, and income 

groups. The Committee encourages NICHD to maintain its levels 

of investment in demographic training and infrastructure support 

and to support opportunities for interdisciplinary research into the 

complex environmental and biological mechanisms that produce 

health disparities. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation.—Pulmonary rehabilitation has been 

increasingly recognized as an important treatment option for the 

many patients with disabling chronic lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Committee encourages 

the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) 

to expand research opportunities in this area. 

Newborn screening.—Screening is used for early identification of 

infants affected by certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal or functional conditions for which there is effective treatment or intervention. Screening detects disorders in newborns which, if left untreated, can cause death, disability, mental retardation and other 

serious illnesses. The Committee encourages NICHD to continue to 

prioritize fragile X as a key prototype in the development of costeffective newborn screening programs. 

Premature ovarian failure (POF).—POF is a condition in which 

the ovaries stop functioning normally in a woman younger than age 

40. Studies show that women who have POF of unknown cause 

have a one in fifty chance of being a premutation carrier of the 

FMR1 gene, the same gene that causes fragile X syndrome. Women 

with POF and a family history of female relatives with POF have 

a one in fifteen chance in carrying this premutation. The Committee acknowledges the importance of furthering research into the 

FMR1 premutation to inform the research community about the genetic causes of infertility and disorders of altered ovarian function. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
145 

The Committee supports further research efforts focused on collecting DNA and other genetic information from women who possess a mutation of the FMR1 gene as well as women who have 

POF. To accomplish this goal, the Committee encourages NICHD 

to include the collection of genetic and DNA data on women who 

are relatives of people living with fragile X in the development of 

a national fragile X patient registry. Additionally, NICHD is encouraged to take steps to develop a comprehensive research strategy on POF as it relates to the FMR1 gene. 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI).—Congress is pleased with the 

work being done on TBI translational science research and rehabilitation at the NCMRR and encourages NCMRR to continue such 

work; especially the cooperative multi-center traumatic brain injury clinical trials network. 

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).—SMA is the leading single gene 

cause of death in infants and toddlers and the most prevalent genetic motor disease. The severity of the disease, its relatively high 

incidence, and the possibility of imminent treatments led the 

NINDS to initiate the innovative SMA Project. The Committee is 

concerned that the NICHD has not dedicated resources specifically 

to initiate work and sustain ongoing resources for SMA. The Committee is aware, for instance, that despite multiple submissions 

last year, little funding was dedicated by NICHD to SMA-related 

research. The Committee encourages NICHD to support specific 

basic, translational, and clinical research initiatives on SMA. The 

Committee also encourages NICHD to coordinate funding with 

NINDS to ensure increased participation of investigators in SMA 

and developmental neurobiology relevant to SMA and to establish 

a cross-institute working group comprised of NICHD, NINDS, and 

NIGMS. 

Liver wellness in children.—The National Children’s Study (NCS) 

provides a unique opportunity to study the prevalence of obesityrelated chronic liver disease, also known as fatty liver, from birth 

to early adulthood. The Committee understands that fatty liver is 

the most common liver abnormality in children age 2 to 19 years 

old, and disproportionately affects Hispanic-Americans. The Committee encourages NICHD to analyze the prevalence of fatty liver 

under the NCS to better understand obesity-related chronic illnesses in children and to work with other agencies in the screening 

and prevention of these diseases. 

Primary immunodeficiency (PI) diseases.—The Committee continues to be impressed with the dedication of financial and personnel resources by NICHD to physician education and public 

awareness programs to reach early diagnosis of this class of 140 

diseases. In addition, the Institute’s focus on newborn screening research is critical as States begin to implement pilot newborn 

screening programs for severe combined immunodeficiency disease 

(SCID), one of the most severe forms of PI. NICHD is urged to coordinate its efforts with CDC and the States in this critical implementation period. 

Pre-term births.—A recent national study showed that the rate of 

pre-term births among first pregnancies has increased 50 percent 

over the past decade. The data also revealed that women in their 

first pregnancy are at highest risk for developing preeclampsia, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
146 

which puts them at risk for devastating maternal complications 

and fetal death. In addition, the study also showed a racial disparity with black women at a two-fold higher risk than white 

women. The Committee understands that the prediction and prevention of these first pregnancy complications is problematic and 

that there is a shortage of research on the etiology and prevention 

interventions for this cohort of women. The Committee requests 

that NICHD conduct research on women in their first pregnancy 

in order to fill the gap in knowledge for the prevention of these 

complications. 

Assisted reproductive technology (ART).—ART over the past two 

decades has allowed thousands of infertile couples to have children, 

accounting for 1.1 percent of total U.S. births and 17.1 percent of 

U.S. multiple births. There is recent evidence of higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes even in single birth pregnancies associated with ART including increased low birth weight, fetal growth 

restrictions, genetic disorders and congenital disorders. The Committee encourages NICHD to support an initiative for a multi-site 

cohort study on ART that would emphasize pregnancy outcomes, 

and short and long term effects on children to determine if the adverse outcomes are specifically related to ART procedures. 

Stillbirth.—The Committee applauds NICHD’s efforts in addressing stillbirth, a major public health issue with morbidity equal to 

that of all infant deaths. The Committee understands that the 

NICHD cooperative network has an ongoing study using a standard protocol at five clinical sites and encourages NICHD to continue supporting this effort. 

Vulvodynia.—As a result of efforts funded by the NICHD, the 

number of highly qualified scientists interested in researching 

vulvodynia has greatly increased. The Committee commends 

NICHD for reissuing its program announcement in this area and 

suggests that a request for applications be considered. The Committee encourages NICHD to strengthen its support of vulvodynia 

studies in 2006, with a particular emphasis on etiology and multicenter therapeutic trials. The Committee commends NICHD for 

working with ORWH to implement an educational outreach campaign on vulvodynia and calls upon the Institute to continue these 

efforts. 

Pre-term birth.—The Committee recognizes that prematurity is 

the leading cause of newborn death and an estimated twenty percent of infants who survive suffer long term consequences, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and developmental delays 

that affect the child’s ability to do well in school. The Committee 

encourages NICHD to strengthen research on the underlying 

causes of pre-term delivery and the development of treatments for 

the prevention of premature birth. Furthermore, the Committee is 

aware that a 2006 Institute of Medicine report found that a multidisciplinary research approach is needed to better understand premature birth, and therefore encourages NIH to use this strategy to 

fund research on pre-term birth. 

Mental retardation.—The Committee recognizes the outstanding 

contributions of the Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities 

Research Centers (MRDDRC) toward understanding why child development goes awry, discovering ways to prevent developmental 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
147 

disabilities, and discovering treatments and interventions to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their 

families. The Committee is particularly pleased with the MRDDRC 

contributions in the areas of autism, fragile X syndrome, Down 

syndrome and other genetic and environmentally induced disorders. These centers have greatly improved our understanding of 

the causes of developmental disabilities. However, the Committee 

is concerned that the centers have not been given sufficient resources to sustain the progress made in this critical area, even 

though they received outstanding scientific evaluations. The Committee urges NICHD to provide additional resources to the 

MRDDRCs so that they can conduct translational research to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies for children 

and adults with developmental disabilities. 

NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

Mission.—NEI conducts and supports basic and clinical research, 

research training, and other programs with respect to blinding eye 

diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and needs of individuals who are visually-impaired or blind. In addition, NEI is responsible for the dissemination of information, specifically public and 

professional education programs aimed at the prevention of blindness. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).—The Committee commends NEI for its trans-Institute research into the cause, prevention, and treatment of AMD, the nation’s leading cause of blindness, including identification of gene variants associated with an 

increased risk for AMD, which presents an opportunity to predict 

and preempt the disease. The Committee encourages further research into diagnostics for early detection and appropriate therapies. The Committee also applauds NEI for initiating the second 

phase of its age-related eye disease study, in which additional dietary supplements are being studied to determine if they can demonstrate or enhance their protective effects against progression to 

the advanced form of AMD, as shown with dietary zinc and antioxidant vitamins in the study’s first phase. This research is a potentially cost-effective means by which to decrease the progression 

of this disease. 

Diabetic eye disease.—The Committee applauds NEI for the collaborative efforts of the diabetic retinopathy clinical research network to test innovative treatments for diabetic eye disease. The Institute is encouraged to consider expanding and extending the network by increasing the number of clinical trials with new drugs 

and therapeutics that can treat and prevent diabetic retinopathy. 

National ophthalmic disease genotyping network.—The Committee congratulates NEI on its progress in identifying many of the 

genes involved in some of the most devastating eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis 

pigmentosa (RP), and glaucoma, and the progress that has been 

made in understanding the underlying disease mechanisms and in 

developing appropriate treatments. NEI’s new national ophthalmic 

disease genotyping network (eyeGENE) will help accelerate application of these new approaches to medicine. By encouraging the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
148 

participation of patients and their families who need highly-specialized genetic testing services and coordinating the efforts of many 

vision research laboratories, vital information is being collected 

confidentially and maintained securely. This information will help 

preempt eye disease by enabling qualified investigators to develop 

targeted treatments and to identify those individuals who are appropriate candidates for these treatments. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

Mission.—The mission of NIEHS is to prevent disease and improve human health by using environmental sciences to understand human biology and disease. This mission is achieved through 

conducting and supporting disease-oriented biomedical research 

(basic, integrative, clinical, and epidemiologic), enhancing research 

capacity in environmental health sciences, prevention and intervention strategies, and communication with researchers, public health 

and health care providers, and the public. 

Validation of alternative methods.—The Committee commends 

the interagency coordinating committee on the validation of alternative methods (ICCVAM) for beginning to develop a five-year plan 

to research, develop, translate and validate new and revised nonanimal and other alternative assays for integration of reliable 

methods into Federal agency testing programs. The plan will 

prioritize areas which have the potential to most significantly and 

rapidly reduce, refine or replace laboratory animal methods. The 

Committee requests that the plan be submitted to the Committee 

by January 1, 2008. 

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha 1).—The Committee is 

aware that Alpha-1 is the major genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of 

death in the U.S. and the only leading cause of death with a rising 

mortality. As many as three percent of individuals with COPD 

have undetected Alpha-1. Given the link between environmental 

factors and the onset of Alpha-1-related COPD, the Committee encourages NIEHS to develop research initiatives to explore gene-environment interaction research and to support public-private partnerships. 

Bone marrow failure diseases.—Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic 

syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria 

(PNH) are life threatening, non-contagious diseases. While there 

are no known causes of bone marrow failure diseases, they have 

been linked to environmental factors. The Committee encourages 

NIEHS to work with NHLBI and NCI to fund research that explores these links to determine what, if any, environmental factors 

may cause bone marrow failure diseases. 

Mercury.—In order to properly research gaps in the area of mercury exposure and brain chemistry, the Committee encourages 

NIEHS encouraged to pursue studies of how inorganic mercury and 

organic mercury compounds (including ethyl, methyl, and other 

forms of mercury from all sources) are processed in the bodies of 

children and adults. NIEHS is also encouraged to support studies 

of the toxic effects of inorganic mercury and organic mercury compounds on the nervous systems of young children, adults, and the 

elderly and methods of properly removing mercury and mercuryVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
149 

containing compounds from the brains of affected humans. The 

Committee requests NIEHS to evaluate the feasibility of conducting several studies outlined in the 2006 NIEHS report to the 

Committee entitled: ‘‘Thimerosal Exposure and Childhood Vaccines’’ and report back to the Committee on its plan by the end of 

February 2008. 

NIH is encouraged to continue its work on the long-term effects 

of the exposure of pregnant women to methyl mercury, including 

higher than average levels of exposure, and to report to the Committee by April 1, 2008 the results of these studies. 

Toxic exposure and brain development.—Notwithstanding the Institute of Medicine May 2004 report on autism, the Committee believes it is important to develop a more complete understanding of 

the impact that toxic exposures may have on brain development. 

There is a convergence of findings from tissue culture studies, animal models, and clinical studies of immune dysfunction in children 

with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders that suggests 

a biological link between genetic sensitivity and damage to developing brains from certain toxins. It is important that NIH continue 

this research to better understand the impact that exposures to 

mercury (including thimerosal) and other toxins may have on brain 

development. A more complete understanding of the impact of 

these exposures through research, including animal models, will 

help to develop more effective interventions. 

Parkinson’s disease.—The Committee commends NIEHS for 

funding the collaborative centers for neurodegenerative disease environmental research (CCNDER) to foster multidisciplinary research approaches to elucidate gene-environment interactions in 

neurodegenerative diseases. The Committee encourages NIEHS to 

ensure that the CCNDER program continues to pursue promising 

Parkinson’s research resulting from the work of the collaborative 

centers for Parkinson’s disease environmental research (CCPDER) 

program. The Committee requests NIEHS to report to Congress on 

the outcomes and results of Parkinson’s disease research conducted 

under CCPDER and plans for ensuring that promising Parkinson’s 

research continues under the new CCNDER program. 

Food allergies.—The Committee recognizes the potential relationship between environmental conditions and food allergies, and encourages NIEHS to fund research in cooperation with NIAID to understand the causes and potential therapies for the growing danger 

of anaphylaxis resulting from food allergies. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

Mission.—NIA supports and conducts biomedical, social and behavioral research, training, and health information dissemination 

with respect to the aging process and the diseases and other special 

problems and needs of older Americans. 

Demographic and economic research.—The Committee encourages NIA to sustain its commitment to the demography of aging 

centers program. These centers coordinate key data collection and 

dissemination activities that benefit the entire field of population 

aging research and inform public policy issues, such as reform of 

federal entitlement and health care programs. The Committee also 

congratulates NIA for elevating the dialogue surrounding global 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
150 

aging issues by hosting with the Department of State the Summit 

on Global Aging. 

Down syndrome.—The Committee commends NIA for its support 

of studies to examine the cellular, molecular and genetic bases for 

age-related neuropathological and cognitive abnormalities in people 

with Down syndrome. It encourages NIA to further examine these 

abnormalities and to devise new methods for diagnosing and treating them. Given that all people with Down syndrome develop the 

neuropathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease, and that many or 

most go on to suffer dementia, NIA is encouraged to consider how 

studies of the Down syndrome population might enhance the ability 

to understand, diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease. The Committee encourages NIA to collaborate with other institutes to address the issues that face elderly adults with Down Syndrome. 

Gerontology centers.—The Committee expresses its full support 

for the Edward R. Roybal Research Centers on Applied Gerontology. The centers are designed to move promising social and behavioral basic research findings out of the laboratory and into programs, practices, and policies that will improve the lives of older 

people and the capacity of society to adapt to societal aging. The 

Committee suggests that NIA consider expanding the numbers of 

centers, developing new topics for research especially in the area 

of diversity and ethnic and minority communities, and providing 

opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research between 

the Roybal centers and other program initiatives such as the resource centers for minority aging research (RCMAR) and the demographic centers. 

Bone strength.—The Committee has learned that although bone 

mineral density has been a useful predictor of susceptibility to fracture, other properties of the skeleton contribute to bone strength, 

such as geometry and composition. At this time, little is understood 

as to how these properties influence bone strength. The Committee 

encourages NIA to work with NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDDK, 

NCRR and NHLBI to support research, including research on bone 

structure and periosteal biology, which will achieve identification of 

the parameters that influence bone strength and lead to better prediction for prevention and treatment of bone diseases. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND

SKIN DISEASES

Mission.—NIAMS conducts and supports basic and clinical research and research training, and the dissemination of health information on the more than 100 forms of arthritis; osteoporosis and 

other bone diseases; muscle biology and muscle diseases; orthopedic 

disorders, such as back pain and sports injuries; and numerous 

skin diseases. 

Burden of skin diseases.—The Committee continues to urge 

NIAMS to strengthen the research portfolio on skin disease and develop partnerships with the skin disease research community to address recognized challenges and future research questions. The 

Committee is especially concerned about epidermolysis bullosa 

(EB), a rare, genetic skin disease characterized by severe blistering 

and sores on the skin and, in some cases, on mucous membranes, 

the external surface of the eye, as well as the respiratory, gastroVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00150 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
151 

intestinal and genitourinary tracts. The Committee also notes the 

importance of autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma, in the 

overall burden of skin diseases. 

Psoriasis.—The Committee encourages NIAMS to expand and coordinate genetic, clinical, and basic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis 

research, with emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms 

of disease; understanding the genetics that lead to psoriasis susceptibility; the role of inflammation in psoriasis co-morbidities such as 

obesity, depression and heart disease; and studies to ascertain if 

aggressive early treatment of psoriasis can prevent or mitigate psoriatic arthritis, which often appears as much as a decade after psoriasis. 

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).—In previous years, the Committee has encouraged NIAMS to support and work collaboratively 

with NIDDK in an effort to achieve a greater understanding of 

bone and joint lesions in MPS disorders. Research focused on the 

underlying pathophysiology of bone and joint lesions, the gene 

mutations and substrates that are stored and potential therapeutic 

approaches continue to be of interest to the Committee. In its congressional justification, the Institute noted that it would welcome 

applications for musculoskeletal-related research related to MPS. It 

also noted its meetings with NIDDK, NINDS and MPS patient advocates to examine opportunities for collaboration. The Committee 

is interested in further information on the outcome of these efforts 

and the steps that are being taken to encourage progress in this 

area of study. 

Lupus.—The Committee is aware that despite numerous important research advances, few new therapies are available to patients 

with lupus. Treatment with steroids, anti-inflammatory agents and 

immunosuppressive medications may be palliative, but these medications have numerous side effects and may become less effective 

over time. Advances in the identification of lupus susceptibility 

genes and biomarkers make it important to translate these research advances into clinically relevant treatments. The Committee 

encourages the Institute to develop focused programs designed to 

move research advances from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside so that the complications of lupus and the underlying disease 

can be treated more effectively. 

Musculoskeletal trauma and skeletal pain.—The Committee recognizes that of the 29.7 million Americans who are treated for injuries at U.S. hospital emergency departments, more than 40 percent 

have injuries to the musculoskeletal system. In the U.S., back pain 

is a major reason listed for lost time from work. The Committee encourages NIAMS, NIA, NIDCR, and NCCAM to study ways to better understand the epidemiology of back pain, improve existing diagnostic techniques, as well as develop new ones. The Committee 

also encourages NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDCR, NIDDK and NIA 

to expand research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to lower the impact of musculoskeletal traumas, as well 

as research on accelerated fracture healing—including the use of 

biochemical or physical bone stimulation, the role of hematopoietic 

niches to preserve bone stem cells, the use of mesenchymal bone 

stem cells, and biomaterials and biologicals in bone repair and reVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00151 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
152 

generation—and research into repair of nonunion fractures in 

osteogenesis imperfecta. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION

DISORDERS

Mission.—NIDCD funds and conducts research in human communication. Included in its program areas are research and research training in the normal and disordered mechanisms of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The Institute 

addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated 

with people who have communication impairments or disorders. In 

addition, NIDCD is actively involved in health promotion and disease prevention, dissemination of research results, and supports efforts to create devices that substitute for lost and impaired sensory 

and communication functions. 

Tinnitus.—The Committee recognizes that tinnitus, characterized 

by loud ringing in the ears, can be a severely debilitating medical 

condition. While tinnitus disproportionately impacts military personnel exposed to explosive devices or loud noise, it also affects 

people of all ages, including children and the elderly. In 2005, the 

NIDCD held a workshop to explore areas of needed research for the 

treatment and cure of tinnitus. The Committee encourages NIDCD 

to follow up on the workshop’s recommendations, including increasing collaboration between NIH, the Department of Defense, and the 

Department of Veterans Affairs to support a multi-disciplinary research approach that promotes accurate diagnosis and treatment to 

cure tinnitus. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH

Mission.—NINR supports and conducts scientific research and 

research training to reduce the burden of illness and disability; improve health-related quality of life; and establish better approaches 

to promote health and prevent disease. 

End-of-life science.—Improving the care of terminally ill patients 

at the end of life continues to be an urgent public health need, 

along with the need to improve the end-of-life experience for the 

patient’s loved ones. Additional research is needed into improving 

palliative care, reducing caregiver burden, and improving the interactions between patients, loved ones, and clinicians. The Committee recognizes NINR’s continued leadership in end-of-life 

sciences and encourages the Institute’s continued focus in this area. 

Nursing shortage.—The shortage of nurses in the U.S. is a great 

concern for the field of healthcare. The nursing shortage threatens 

our nation’s healthcare delivery systems, and shortages of nursing 

faculty impair the ability of schools of nursing to train new nurses. 

The Committee is concerned about the potential impact of the nursing shortage on nursing research and encourages NINR to explore 

innovative strategies for recruiting and developing additional nurse 

scientists. The Committee encourages NINR to support training 

programs that will develop the next generation of nurse scientists, 

especially those with multidisciplinary research skills and those 

from underserved populations. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
153 

Health disparities.—The Committee continues to encourage 

NINR to support research into the causes of health disparities and 

into the development of innovative methods for overcoming such 

disparities. In addition, NINR is encouraged to develop new nurse 

scientists from underserved populations as a way to encourage new 

health disparities research. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM

Mission.—NIAAA supports research to generate new knowledge 

to answer crucial questions about why people drink; why some individuals are vulnerable to alcohol dependence or alcohol-related 

diseases and others are not; the relationship of genetic and environmental factors involved in alcoholism; the mechanisms whereby 

alcohol produces its disabling effects, including organ damage; how 

to prevent alcohol abuse and associated damage, especially in the 

underage population; and how alcoholism treatment can be improved. NIAAA addresses these questions through a program of 

biomedical, behavioral, and epidemiologic research on alcoholism, 

alcohol abuse, and related problems. 

Underage drinking.—The Committee commends NIAAA for its 

inter-disciplinary approach to understanding and addressing underage drinking within the context of overall physical development. 

The Committee is aware that this framework formed the scientific 

foundation of the ‘‘Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and 

Reduce Underage Drinking.’’ The Committee further commends 

NIAAA for spearheading research to address key aspects of underage drinking. This includes research projects to engage health care 

systems in identifying and addressing underage drinking, particularly in rural areas. NIAAA is also supporting projects to address 

fundamental questions about the impact of child and adolescent alcohol consumption on the developing brain including: (1) what are 

the effects (both long and shorter-term) of alcohol exposure on the 

developing brain; (2) what is the effect of timing, dose and duration 

of alcohol exposure on brain development; and (3) to what extent 

do these effects resolve or persist. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

Mission.—NIDA-supported science addresses questions about 

drug abuse and addiction, which range from its causes and consequences to its prevention and treatment. NIDA research explores 

how drugs of abuse affect the brain and behavior and develops effective prevention and treatment strategies; the Institute works to 

ensure the transfer of scientific data to policymakers, practitioners, 

and the public. 

Drug abuse and crime.—The Committee is very concerned about 

the well-known connections between drug use and crime. Research 

continues to demonstrate that providing treatment to individuals 

involved in the criminal justice system significantly decreases future drug use and criminal behavior, while improving social functioning. The Committee strongly supports NIDA’s efforts in this 

area, particularly the criminal justice drug abuse treatment studies 

(CJ–DATS). 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
154 

HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.—The Committee understands that 

drug abuse and addiction continue to fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS 

in the United States and abroad, and that drug abuse prevention 

and treatment interventions can be very effective in reducing HIV 

risk. Research should continue to examine every aspect of HIV/ 

AIDS, drug abuse, and addiction, including risk behaviors associated with both injection and non-injection drug abuse, how drugs 

of abuse alter brain function and impair decision making, and HIV 

prevention and treatment strategies for diverse groups. The Committee applauds the Institute for holding a spring 2007 conference 

titled ‘‘Drug Abuse and Risky Behaviors: The Evolving Dynamics 

of HIV/AIDS,’’ and urges the Institute to continue supporting research that focuses on developing and testing drug abuse-related 

interventions designed to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. 

Research translation.—The Committee commends NIDA for its 

outreach and work with State substance abuse authorities to reduce the current fifteen to twenty-year lag between the discovery 

of an effective treatment intervention and its availability at the 

community level. In particular, the Committee applauds NIDA for 

continuing its work with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration to strengthen State agencies’ capacity to 

support and engage in research that will foster statewide adoption 

of meritorious science-based policies and practices. The Committee 

encourages NIDA to continue collaborative work with States to ensure that research findings are relevant and adaptable by State 

substance abuse systems. 

Drug abuse and brain development.—The Committee notes 

neuroimaging research by NIDA and others showing that the 

human brain does not fully develop until about age 25. The Committee encourages NIDA to continue its emphasis on adolescent 

brain development to better understand how developmental processes and outcomes are affected by drug exposure, the environment, and genetics. 

Centers of excellence for physician information.—The Committee 

is pleased that NIDA has created centers of excellence for physician information, and understands that these centers will serve as 

national models to support the advancement of addiction awareness, prevention, and treatment in primary care practices. The 

NIDA centers of excellence will target physicians-in-training, including medical students and resident physicians in primary care 

specialties. The Committee urges the Institute to continue its focus 

on activities to provide physicians and other medical professionals 

with the tools and skills needed to incorporate NIDA-funded research findings into their clinical practices. 

Minority populations.—The Committee notes that the consequences of drug abuse disproportionately impact minorities, especially African American populations. The Committee is pleased to 

learn that NIDA continues to encourage researchers to conduct 

more studies in this population and to target their studies in geographic areas where HIV/AIDS is high and/or growing among African Americans, including in criminal justice settings. 

AAPI behavioral research.—The Committee recognizes that there 

is a need for additional research to develop a body of knowledge addressing the bio-psycho-social aspects of substance abuse as well as 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
155 

co-occurring disorders among Asian American and Pacific Islander 

(AAPI) populations. The Committee urges NIDA, NIAAA, and 

NIMH to address the behavioral health research needs for AAPI 

populations, including studies focused on AAPI incidence and prevalence data for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders; research addressing the biological differences that may exist within 

AAPI populations; nature of substance abuse among AAPI populations; effective prevention and treatment strategies; and culturally appropriate ways to evaluate AAPI substance services; and 

the etiology, causes and impact on AAPI populations as a result of 

substance use and abuse. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

Mission.—NIMH is responsible for research activities that seek 

to improve diagnosis, treatments, and overall quality of care for 

persons with mental illnesses. Disorders of high priority to NIMH 

include schizophrenia, depression and manic depressive illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders and other mental 

and behavioral disorders that occur across the lifespan; these include childhood mental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; eating disorders; and other illnesses. 

NIMH supports and conducts fundamental research in neuroscience, genetics, and behavioral science. In addition to laboratory 

and controlled clinical studies, the NIMH supports research on the 

mental health needs of special populations and health services research. 

Adolescent depression and suicide.—Suicide is the third leading 

cause of death among teenagers; for the first time in sixteen years, 

teen suicide rates have increased in the U.S. Depressive disorders, 

one of the major risk factors for suicide, continue to be very common in adolescence. The Committee therefore strongly encourages 

NIMH to strengthen its investment in finding ways to better identify the risk factors for suicide in adolescents, improving the criteria for identifying those at risk, and examining the outcomes of 

actions taken to assist those found to be at risk. 

Geriatric mental health.—By the year 2010, there will be approximately 40 million people in the United States over the age of 

65, and 20 percent of them will experience mental health problems. 

A national crisis in geriatric mental health care is emerging, and 

action must be taken to avert serious problems in the future. For 

the past five years, this Committee has urged NIMH to strengthen 

research devoted to older adults; however, the geriatric mental 

health research portfolio supported by NIMH continues to be dramatically disproportionate to the increasing number of older Americans. The Committee requests that NIMH provide data on funding 

targeted toward geriatric mental health research in 2002–2006 and 

the amount of funding provided to new investigators in late-life 

mental health research. In addition, the Committee urges NIMH to 

place a stronger emphasis on research on adults over age 65 to reflect the growth in numbers of this population. 

Suicide prevention research.—Suicide is a major, preventable 

public health problem. In 2004, it was the eleventh leading cause 

of death in the U.S., accounting for 32,000 deaths. An estimated 

eight to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death. The 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
156 

Committee is pleased to note that NIMH is supporting three developing centers for interventions to prevent suicide and encourages 

NIMH to strengthen its investment in suicide prevention research. 

Down syndrome.—The Committee encourages NIMH to develop 

new strategies for cataloging, diagnosing and treating behavioral 

disorders that are common in people with Down syndrome, including autism, pervasive developmental disorder, obsessive compulsive 

disorder, depression, and psychosis. The Committee encourages 

NIMH to coordinate its research on Down syndrome with NICHD, 

NINDS, NIA and other institutes. 

NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Mission.—NHGRI coordinates extramural and intramural research, as well as research training, in the areas of genomics and 

genetics. The Division of Extramural Research supports research 

on sequence and function of both human and non-human genomes, 

human genetic variation, technology development for genome research, database management and analysis, and research on the 

ethical, legal, and social implications of human genome research. 

The Division of Intramural Research focuses on applying the tools 

and technologies of the successful Human Genome Project to understanding the genetic and environmental basis of disease, and 

developing DNA-based diagnostics and gene-based therapies. 

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).—The Committee is supportive 

of the development of a carrier screening program for SMA and the 

trans-institute collaborative effort initiated by NHGRI to develop a 

strategic plan addressing research-related needs to improve carrier 

screening technology. The Committee encourages NHGRI to work 

collaboratively and cooperatively with the advocacy community in 

this effort. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING

Mission.—The NIBIB mission is to improve human health by 

leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. The Institute is committed to integrating the 

engineering and physical sciences with the life sciences to advance 

basic research and medical care. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES

Mission.—NCRR provides laboratory scientists and clinical researchers with environments and tools that they can use to prevent, detect, and treat a wide range of diseases. This support enables discoveries that begin at the molecular and cellular level, 

move to animal-based studies, and then are translated to patientoriented clinical research, resulting in cures and treatments for 

both common and rare diseases. NCRR connects researchers with 

each other and with patients and communities across the nation to 

bring the power of shared resources and research to improve 

human health. 

Image guided therapy.—The Committee applauds NCRR for its 

development and support of a national image guided therapy center 

(IGT) for research, training, and services related to novel imaging 

tools for disease diagnosis and therapy. NCRR is encouraged to 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
157 

work with NIDDK and NIBIB to ensure that this unique resource 

center engages with the diabetes research community to accelerate 

the development of new methods for the non-invasive imaging of 

pancreatic islets for applications in type 1 diabetes research and 

treatment. 

Rare diseases.—The Committee commends NCRR for the development of the rare disease consortium, including rare lung diseases 

such as LAM, and urges the continuation of the program. 

Research Centers in Minority Institutions Program (RCMI).—The 

Committee continues to recognize the critical role of minority institutions in addressing the ongoing racial and ethnic health disparities in the United States. The Committee encourages NIH to expand its direct participation with minority institutions and increase the resources available to these institutions. The Committee 

also recognizes the importance of the RCMI program in building research capacity at minority institutions. The RCMI program assists 

minority institutions in competing for NIH grants and other funding by helping to recruit promising researchers, equip and modify 

existing laboratories, and fund core research facilities and other research support at minority institutions. The Committee further expresses support for the proposed RCMI translational research network (RTRN) and its focus on strengthening ties between minority 

institutions, and encourages NIH to designate specific resources for 

the RTRN apart from the existing RCMI program. 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE

MEDICINE

Mission.—NCCAM was established to stimulate, develop, and 

support rigorous and relevant research of high quality and open, 

objective inquiry into the safety and effectiveness of complementary 

and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and to train individuals 

to apply the tools of exacting science to CAM systems and modalities in order to provide health care professionals and the American 

public with reliable information about these practices. 

Improving liver disease outcomes.—The Committee is pleased 

with the progress made in studying the benefit of active ingredients in milk thistle and SAM-e, a naturally occurring compound, in 

ameliorating and improving the outcome of individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. 

NATIONAL CENTER ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES

Mission.—NCMHD conducts and supports research, training, information dissemination, and other programs aimed at reducing 

the disproportionately high incidence and prevalence of disease, 

burden of illness and mortality experienced by certain American 

populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and other 

groups, such as the urban and rural poor, with disparate health 

status. 

Glomerular disease.—The Committee understands that a type of 

glomerular disease, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, which 

is a group of diseases affecting the filtering mechanisms of the kidneys, is more common in African Americans than the general popuVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00157 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
158 

lation. The Committee encourages NCMHD to include glomerular 

disease in its research portfolio. 

Research endowment.—The Committee commends NCMHD for 

its leadership in addressing the longstanding problem of health status disparities in minority and medically underserved populations. 

For fiscal year 2008, the Committee continues to encourage 

NCMHD to implement its successful research endowment program 

as an ongoing initiative in a manner consistent with the authorizing legislation. The Committee also commends NCMHD for its 

successful Project EXPORT initiative and urges continued support 

for this important program. 

Health disparities among Hispanic-Americans.—The Committee 

is aware of promising research on health disparities among Hispanic-Americans. The Committee encourages NCMHD to continue 

to conduct such research, in close coordination with Hispanic researchers, with the goal of identifying the most promising avenues 

for disease-specific research to address health disparities among 

Hispanic-Americans. 

JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER

Mission.—FIC was established to improve the health of the people of the United States and other nations through international 

cooperation in the biomedical sciences. In support of this mission, 

the FIC pursues the following four goals: mobilize international research efforts against global health threats; advance science 

through international cooperation; develop human resources to 

meet global research challenges; and provide leadership in international science policy and research strategies. 

Malaria and tuberculosis (TB).—The Committee appreciates the 

important and unique role that FIC plays in addressing global 

health challenges. The Committee commends the Center for the 

success of its programs to strengthen science and public health research institutions in low-income countries, specifically in malaria, 

TB, and neglected tropical diseases. The Committee urges FIC to 

continue supporting research training focused in these areas to enable developing country scientists to develop effective, evidencebased strategies to prevent, treat, and diagnose these debilitating 

diseases. While major investments in biomedical research by 

NIAID and others are resulting in new tools and medical advances, 

the Committee realizes that improvements in health outcomes will 

be delayed without local scientific expertise to translate research 

findings into practice. The Committee encourages FIC to promote 

applied health research in developing countries to speed the implementation of new health interventions for malaria, TB, and neglected tropical diseases. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).—The Committee 

notes that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, 

and encourages FIC to enhance its COPD research and training activities. 

Tuberculosis training.—The Committee is pleased with the FIC’s 

efforts to supplement grants in the AIDS international training 

and research program (AITRP) and the international training and 

research program in emerging infectious diseases (ERID), which 

train tuberculosis experts in the developing world. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
159 

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE

Mission.—NLM collects, organizes, and disseminates information 

important to biomedicine; serves as a national information resource 

for medical education, research, and health service activities; enhances access to biomedical literature through electronic services; 

serves the public by providing electronic access to reliable health 

information for consumers; supports and directs the national network of libraries of medicine; provides grants for research in biomedical communications, medical library development, and training health information specialists; conducts and supports research 

in biomedical informatics and computational biology; and creates 

information resources for genomics, molecular biology, toxicology, 

medical images, environmental health, emergency preparedness 

and response, and health services research. 

Health information technology.—The Committee encourages 

NLM to conduct outreach activities to all public and private sector 

organizations which have demonstrated capabilities in health information technology. The Committee is particularly interested in disease management technology as it relates to saving health care dollars, and improving care for chronically ill individuals and the 

workforce. 

Outreach.—The Committee encourages NLM to continue its outreach activities aimed at educating health care professionals and 

the general public about the Library’s products and services, in coordination with medical librarians and other health information 

specialists. 

PubMed Central.—The Committee commends NLM for its leadership in developing PubMed Central, an electronic online repository 

for life science articles. Because of the high level of expertise health 

information specialists have in the organization, collection, and dissemination of medical information, the Committee believes that 

health sciences librarians have a role to play in the further development of PubMed Central. The Committee encourages NLM to 

work with the medical library community regarding issues related 

to copyright, fair use, and classification of information on PubMed 

Central. 

Registry of liver toxicities.—The Committee applauds NLM’s plan 

to create an accessible, on-line registry of the liver toxicity of medications and sees this as an important step to help physicians and 

patients avoid the devastating consequences of liver failure. The 

registry will include information regarding the liver toxicity of over 

four hundred drugs to assist physicians to better understand the 

potential of drugs to interfere with the normal functions of the 

liver. The Committee encourages the inclusion in the registry of information from databases that catalog information on the interrelationship between environmental toxins and genes. 

NIEHS journal management.—The Committee understands that 

NLM has been assigned the management of the recompetition of 

the publication of the NIEHS journal, Environmental Health Perspectives. The Committee is aware of earlier problems resulting 

from efforts to privatize this publication and to dramatically reduce 

its budget. The Committee expects NLM to take the necessary 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
160 

steps to ensure that the quality and comprehensiveness of the journal is maintained. 

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Mission.—OD provides leadership to the NIH research enterprise 

and coordinates and directs initiatives that cross-cut NIH. OD is 

responsible for the development and management of intramural 

and extramural research and research training policy, the review 

of program quality and effectiveness, the coordination of selected 

NIH-wide program activities, and the administration of centralized 

support activities essential to the operations of NIH. The Committee includes bill language identifying $495,153,000 

for the total support of the Common Fund. The Committee believes 

this funding approach is preferable to assessing the institutes and 

centers and using the director’s discretionary fund. 

The Committee includes bill language within the Office of the Di- rector account allocating $110,900,000 to continue the National 

Children’s Study. The Committee would not normally identify funding in bill language for a specific research effort, but feels an exception is necessary in this case because the Administration has resisted supporting the study. 

The Committee repeats bill language from the fiscal year 2007 bill identifying $14,000,000 for flexible research authority modeled 

on the Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 

(DARPA). 

The Committee includes bill language providing not more than $500,000 to be used for the Foundation on NIH. 

Seven general provisions are included in the bill pertaining to 

NIH: • The Committee rejects the Administration proposal to 

limit salaries of researchers through an NIH grant to not more 

than the rate of Executive Level II and continues the language 

(sec. 203) setting the limit at Executive Level I. • The Committee continues traditional language (sec. 208) to 

provide the Director of NIH, jointly with the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, the authority to transfer up to three 

percent of human immunodeficiency virus research funding. 

The Committee also continues a provision (sec. 209) to make 

NIH funds available for human immunodeficiency virus research available to the Office of AIDS Research. • The Committee continues a provision (sec. 214) granting 

authority to the OD to support research under the flexible research authority. 

• The Committee includes language (sec. 216) similar to that 

carried in the House-reported version of the fiscal year 2007 

bill requiring NIH-funded authors to deposit final, peer-reviewed manuscripts in the National Library of Medicine’s 

PubMed Central database within twelve months of the official 

date of publication. 

• The Committee includes language (sec. 217) requested by 

the Administration permitting institutes and centers to use 

their appropriation for renovation and improvement of facilities, up to $2,500,000 per project and up to a total of 

$35,000,000 across NIH. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
161 

The Committee shares NIH’s concern about the pipeline for new 

investigators and the prospect of researchers becoming so discouraged by repeated rejection of their applications that they leave the 

field. The Committee provides funding for the following programs 

to begin to address this problem: • $91,500,000 within the Office of the Director for the Director’s one-year Bridge awards for investigators who either are 

being considered for their first award renewal or have just 

missed the funding payline with no other sources of support; • $31,000,000 funded through all the institutes and centers 

for the Pathways to Independence program to provide new investigators with mentored grants that convert into independent research project grants; and • $40,000,000 through the Common Fund for the New Innovator awards that provide first-time independent award funding for a five-year period based more on ideas than experimental data. 

The Committee believes the Director’s Pioneer Awards are an effective tool to encourage high risk, transformative research and has 

provided $27,000,000 within the Common Fund for this purpose. 

As requested by the Administration, included within funding for the Office of the Director is $95,310,000 for radiological, nuclear 

and chemical countermeasures and up to $10,000,000 for the Director’s discretionary fund. 

The Committee understands that the National Institutes of 

Health Reform Act of 2006 signed into law on January 15, 2007 

contains significant organizational and reporting requirements. The 

Committee requests that the agency provide a report detailing the 

timeline for planned implementation of each of these requirements, 

particularly the establishment of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, the appointment of the 

Council of Councils and the Scientific Management Review Board, 

the electronic coding system for research grants, and the biennial 

report to Congress. The report to the Committee should also include the personnel appointed to lead these efforts; the authorities 

delegated to these new entities; and organizational tables displaying how the new entities link to the existing NIH structure. 

The Committee requests the first report by September 1, 2007, followed by semi-annual reports thereafter through 2009. 

The Committee expects NIH to notify the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations each time the Director uses the one 

percent transfer authority provided in the NIH reauthorization. 

The Committee is concerned about numerous incidents at the 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences that call into 

question the administrative and scientific management of the Institute. The Committee understands that the HHS Inspector General 

and Congressional committees are investigating a range of troubling circumstances in areas as diverse as management of scientific 

journals, employee complaints about performance appraisal systems, alleged conflict of interest by outside contractors hired to operate peer review systems, and improper use of Federal funds in 

office renovation and support staff assignments. The Committee believes it is necessary for the Office of the Director to take a leadership role in conducting a comprehensive management review of the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
162 

entire Institute. The Committee directs the NIH Director to task 

the Office of Management Assessment with conducting an on-site 

review of scientific and administrative operations at NIEHS. This 

review should encompass personnel practices, including communication with employee unions; contracting procedures; financial 

management and accounting practices; and enforcement of financial disclosure and conflict of interest by NIEHS employees and 

contractor staff. The Committee understands this review will require a substantial level of effort, but would like to receive a report 

on the review findings by January 1, 2008. 

The Committee understands that although NIH has established 

a detailed policy for its Federal employees on conflict of interest 

and financial disclosure, there is no similar policy in place for the 

6,830 staff NIH hires through contract. These staff support NIH in 

both administrative and research functions. Having learned of 

some of the flagrant conflict of interest situations identified among 

the NIH Federal staff, the Committee is concerned that there is 

great potential for similar problems among the NIH contract staff. 

The Committee directs the NIH Director, after consultation with 

the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, to develop a conflict of interest policy that is appropriate for contract staff. The Committee expects a report from the NIH Director by October 1, 2007 on the 

plans and timeline for implementation of a conflict of interest and 

financial disclosure policy for contract staff. 

The Committee is deeply troubled by the recent allegations of religious discrimination occurring in the NIH spiritual ministry department. The Committee was alarmed to learn that, since 2004, 

three chaplains who voiced concerns against these discriminatory 

practices were subsequently terminated from their duties. The 

Committee notes the January, 2006 findings of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that one of these chaplains who 

complained about the intolerent environment in the department 

was the target of ‘‘discriminatory and retaliatory animus’’. The Committee directs that the HHS Inspector General to review 

the overall operation of the spiritual ministry department at NIH’s 

clinical research center, with a specific emphasis on the adequacy 

of policies and procedures addressing any problems of religious intolerance. The review should also address the performance of the 

current staff of the spiritual ministry and make personnel recommendations to the director of the clinical center. The Committee 

requests a report on the Inspector General’s findings and recommendations by January 1, 2008. The Committee urges NIH to 

develop a plan to ensure that they are providing adequate chaplain 

services to people of all faiths. 

Office of Research on Women’s Health 

The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) works in collaboration with the institutes and centers of NIH to promote and 

foster efforts to address gaps in knowledge related to women’s 

health through the enhancement and expansion of funded research 

and/or the initiation of new investigative studies. ORWH is responsible for ensuring the inclusion of women in clinical research funded by NIH, including the development of a computerized tracking 

system and the implementation of guidelines on such inclusion. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
163 

ORWH is also involved in promoting programs to increase the 

number of women in biomedical science careers, and in the development of women’s health and sex and gender factors in biology as 

a focus of medical/scientific research. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).—The Committee is pleased with 

the increased focus on IBS at ORWH and encourages the office to 

continue strengthening research on this prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is estimated that between 25 and 45 million Americans, disproportionately women, suffer from IBS. 

Office of AIDS Research 

The Office of AIDS Research (OAR) is responsible for coordination of the scientific, budgetary, legislative, and policy elements of 

the NIH AIDS research program. OAR develops a comprehensive 

plan for NIH AIDS-related research activities which is updated annually. The plan is the basis for the president’s budget distribution 

of AIDS-related funds to the institutes and centers within NIH. 

The Committee expects the Director of NIH to use this plan and 

the budget developed by OAR to guide his decisions on the allocation of AIDS funding among the institutes. The Director of NIH 

also should use the full authority of his office to ensure that the 

institutes and centers spend their AIDS research dollars in a manner consistent with the plan. In addition, OAR allocates an emergency AIDS discretionary fund to support research that was not 

anticipated when budget allocations were made. 

The bill includes continues language permitting the OAR to use 

up to $4,000,000 for construction or renovation of facilities, as authorized in title XXIII of the Public Health Service Act. 

Microbicides.—There is an urgent need to expand the development pipeline with more microbicide candidate products, particularly those that target HIV in new ways. In addition to candidates 

that may arise from basic research efforts, the best possibilities 

may be found within pharmaceutical companies where there are 

dozens of potential compounds already developed as therapeutics 

that could move into clinical development as microbicides if made 

available. In recent years, nonprofit groups have entered into innovative agreements with leading pharmaceutical companies to jointly test and develop leading AIDS drugs as microbicides. The Committee believes that more partnerships like these between the 

pharmaceutical industry and the nonprofit community will be critical and should receive the active support of NIH leadership. 

Microbicide research branch.—Women and girls are the new face 

of HIV/AIDS and are increasingly affected by the disease in every 

region of the world. The Committee has long advocated that NIH 

accelerate and better coordinate its microbicide research and notes 

with approval that NIH has stated its intent to establish a dedicated microbicide branch at NIH with clearly identified leadership, 

funding and staffing. The Committee strongly supports establishment of this branch and requests that NIH prepare within six 

months of passage of this bill a report detailing progress made in 

establishing a microbicide branch, including detailed information 

on staff and funding dedicated to this effort. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
164 

Office of Dietary Supplements 

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) was established in recognition that dietary supplements can have an important impact 

on the prevention and management of disease and on the maintenance of health. ODS is charged with promoting, conducting, and 

coordinating scientific research within NIH relating to dietary supplements. 

Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research 

The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) 

provides leadership and direction for the development of a transNIH plan to increase the scope of and support for behavioral and 

social science research and in defining an overall strategy for the 

integration of these disciplines across NIH institutes and centers; 

develops initiatives to stimulate research in the behavioral and social sciences arena and to integrate a biobehavioral perspective 

across the research areas of NIH; and promotes studies to evaluate 

the contributions of behavioral, social and lifestyle determinants in 

the development, course, treatment, and prevention of illness and 

related public health problems. 

Office of Rare Disease Research 

The Office of Rare Disease Research (ORD) was established in 

recognition of the need to provide a focal point of attention and coordination at NIH for research on rare diseases. ORD works with 

Federal and non-Federal national and international organizations 

concerned with rare disease research and orphan products development; develops a centralized database on rare diseases research; 

and stimulates rare diseases research by supporting scientific 

workshops and symposia to identify research opportunities. 

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).—The Committee commends ORD 

for its collaborative efforts with NINDS and NIDDK in supporting 

a landmark scientific conference with the objective of identifying 

and addressing impediments to effective therapies. The Committee 

notes ORD’s accessibility to MPS patient advocates and other rare 

disease organizations with similar goals and is gratified that ORD 

has used its resources to support enhanced activity in MPS research. 

Multi-institute research issues 

National Children’s Study.—The Committee strongly supports 

full and timely implementation of the National Children’s Study 

that aims to quantify the impacts of a broad range of environmental influences, including physical, chemical, biological, and social influences, on child health and development. The Committee 

urges NIH to coordinate the involvement of the Department, the 

lead Federal partners, and other interested non-Federal partners 

conducting research on children’s environmental health and development. 

Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA).—The Committee is pleased with the extensive planning and consultation that 

NIH has conducted in the development of the CTSA program, and 

it will be very interested in the progress report due July 1, 2007 

that was requested in the fiscal year 2007 House Appropriations 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
165 

Committee report. The Committee understands that a national 

CTSA evaluation is being developed, along with evaluations of each 

CTSA site. The Committee believes it is important that the national evaluation include the expertise of external reviewers not affiliated with the CTSA grants or NIH. These reviewers would provide credibility grounded in independent experience with the challenges of clinical and translational research. Such viewpoints would 

contribute to a candid assessment of the successes and shortcomings of the CTSA research model and its impact on the clinical 

research enterprise. The Committee recommends that NIH include 

such reviewers in the evaluation of CTSA’s impact. The Committee 

suggests that participants in the Institute of Medicine’s Clinical 

Research Roundtable who are not affiliated with the CTSA program would be useful additions to the program’s evaluation. 

Research training stipends.—The Committee is concerned about 

NIH’s response to the finding in the 2000 National Academy of 

Sciences needs assessment that NRSA stipends are unduly low in 

view of the high level of education and professional skills involved 

in biomedical research. Plans to increase awards to $25,000 for 

graduate and $45,000 for entry-level postdoctoral stipends, and to 

maintain that value with annual cost-of-living adjustments, have 

not been realized. The Committee has provided funding to permit 

an average two percent increase in stipends and urges NIH to 

prioritize further increases for NRSA stipends in future years. NIH 

should also be prepared to discuss comparability of stipends to levels of income available to students and postdoctorates from other 

sources during hearings on the fiscal year 2009 budget. The Committee requests that NIH provide a report by March 1, 2008 estimating the funding increase that would be needed to increase the 

minimum stipend award to $45,000 for entry-level postdoctoral students. The Committee is aware of the higher cost of living that individuals pursuing NIH funded post-doctoral research in urban 

areas experience. The Committee urges NIH to consider making 

adjustments to fellowship awards to reflect geographic differences 

in living expenses and requests that NIH include in the report 

mentioned above information on the budgetary impact of such adjustments. 

Minority research training programs.—The Committee supports 

the recommendations put forward in the 2005 National Academy of 

Sciences (NAS) report on NIH minority research training programs. The Committee believes that the training of research scientists is a critical component of the NIH mission, and the Committee urges NIH to improve its data systems so that more complete information about NIH-supported graduate and post-doctoral 

research assistants and trainees is available. Without adequate 

data, the NIH programs cannot be properly evaluated or monitored. As proposed by the NAS, the Committee recommends the 

NIH develop an integrated NIH-wide trainee and research assistant data tracking system. The Committee further encourages NIH 

to engage trainees and research assistants in the data tracking 

process to document outcomes such as future funding awards, including those programs that are targeted to underrepresented minorities. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
166 

Fragile X syndrome.— This syndrome has many characteristics 

and features that make it important to the research portfolios of 

multiple NIH institutes and centers. The Committee places most of 

the report language pertaining to fragile X in the NIH Office of the 

Director to emphasize the cross-disciplinary nature of many of the 

disease’s research questions. For example, the symptoms of fragile 

X syndrome include digestive difficulties. Some affected individuals 

also show hyperphagia and obesity. Understanding this disorder 

may permit the development of treatments to relieve these fragile 

X symptoms and may also help understanding disorders with similar symptoms. The Committee encourages NIDDK to coordinate its 

efforts with other Institutes working on related activities, including 

NIMH, NINDS, NICHD, NHGRI and FIC. 

More generally, the Committee encourages the institutes to support clinical drug trials of pharmaceuticals indicated for treatment 

for fragile X, as well as basic and translational fragile X research, 

including efforts to analyze the linkages among fragile X, autism, 

and autism spectrum disorders. The institutes are encouraged to 

convene a scientific session in 2008 to develop a ‘Blueprint’ of coordinated fragile X research strategies and public-private partnership opportunities for fragile X research. The Committee believes 

it is important in these efforts to collaborate with the Federallyfunded fragile X centers of excellence and the fragile X clinics consortium. The Committee requests a report by September 2008 on 

progress in achieving these goals. 

In the research field of aging, the Committee encourages NIA to 

expand its existing dialogue with NINDS to fund research on fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). NIA is encouraged to strengthen its existing research portfolio into this newly 

identified neurological disorder, which involves progressively severe 

tremors and difficulty with walking and balance that specifically 

affect some older premutation carriers, generally grandfathers of 

children with fragile X syndrome. The Committee suggests that 

NIA include FXTAS among its priorities in the area of adult-onset 

disorders. Given the link, FXTAS may serve as a gateway to understanding other aging disorders including parkinsonism and dementia. 

In addition, the Committee encourages NIMH to include fragile 

X in its studies of related neuropsychiatric disorders and to work 

with other Institutes such as NICHD and NINDS to develop cooperative research support mechanisms in this area. 

Finally, there are important aspects of Fragile X to be studied in 

genomic research. FMRP, the protein whose absence results in 

fragile X syndrome, is a regulator of translation of many genes, including those involved in learning and memory. A genomic approach to understanding the diverse pathways regulated by FMRP 

would aid in the understanding of human cognition and identify potential targets for drug design to alleviate the symptoms of fragile 

X and related disorders. The Committee encourages NHGRI to 

strengthen its research activities on fragile X and to coordinate 

these efforts with other Institutes working on related activities, including NIMH, NINDS, NIDDK, NICHD and FIC. 

Autism.—The Committee recognizes the growing public health 

crisis represented by the dramatic rise in autism, which according 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
167 

to CDC now strikes one in 150 of our nation’s children. Autism 

causes serious hardships to families of children with autism, as 

well as to the children themselves, and also creates an extreme financial burden to families and our nation. The care of a child diagnosed with autism is estimated to cost $3,200,000 in direct and indirect costs over his/her lifetime; all individuals diagnosed with autism are projected to cost the nation an estimated $35,000,000,000 

annually. In response to this crisis, the Combating Autism Act was 

signed into law last year, which expanded autism activities at CDC 

and HRSA, authorized increased funding for autism, created centers of excellence and called for the establishment of an inter-agency autism coordinating committee (IACC), charged with the preparation of a strategic research plan for autism. The Committee encourages HHS’s prompt appointment of the IACC and looks forward to its completion of an autism strategic research plan. In addition, the Committee encourages NIH to use its research funds to 

implement the recommendations of that strategic plan. 

Alzheimer’s disease.—Alzheimer’s disease is reaching epidemic 

levels in the United States. Nearly half of people over age 85, and 

more than one in 8 over age 65 have the disease. Currently, more 

than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, including up to 

half a million people under age 65. Unless science finds ways to 

prevent, cure or more effectively treat Alzheimer’s soon, by midcentury as many as 16 millionpersons will be living with this disease, placing an even greater strain on families as well as Medicare, Medicaid and State healthcare programs. To prevent this will 

require a stepped-up investment in a comprehensive Alzheimer’s 

research strategy that includes: basic investigator-initiated research to isolate the best targets for drug development; cost-effective interdisciplinary research across multiple institutions that 

shares data and biological materials; multi-site clinical trials to 

test potential therapies; and larger-scale clinical studies, inclding 

neuron-imaging techniques, to find early biomarkers of disease so 

as to speed drug discovery and to identify those at risk so treatment can start soon enough to make a difference. To those ends the 

Committee encourages the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Mental Health to continue to assign a high priority to their respective Alzheimer research portfolios, and to continue to work collaboratively whenever appropriate. 

Congenital and genetic disease of bone.—The Committee is aware 

that thousands of children and adolescents nationwide suffer from 

musculoskeletal disorders and malformations, many of which have 

devastating effects on mortality and disability. Diseases such as 

osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia, osteoporosis, and Paget’s 

disease are caused by poorly understood genetic mutations. In 

Paget’s disease, underlying genetic defects can also be exacerbated 

by environmental factors. The Committee understands that the 

science of genetics has led to tremendous advances in our understanding of numerous systems that affect bone health, but little of 

this technology is being applied to bone research. The Committee 

encourages NIAMS and NICHD to support research focusing on 

mechanisms of preventing fractures and improving bone quality 

and correcting malformations, on innovations in surgical and nonVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00167 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
168 

surgical approaches to treatment, on physical factors that affect 

growth, and on genetic defects that cause bone disease. Furthermore, the Committee urges NIAMS, NICHD, NIDCR, and NIDDK 

to expand research on skeletal stem cell biology and the genetics 

and pathophysiology of rare disorders such as fibrous dysplasia, 

melhoreostosis, XLinked hypophosphatemic rickets, and 

fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. 

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD).—The Committee is encouraged by the progress made in the area of DBMD, 

particularly through support of the six MD centers of excellence 

and advancement of a conference focusing on translational research 

opportunities. The Committee urges NIH to continue to provide 

sufficient funding to advance the work of the centers, encourage 

greater collaboration and resource sharing between centers, and to 

further additional DBMD research opportunities. Given increasing 

concerns about cardiac complication in both DBDM patients and 

carriers, the Committee suggests that the muscular dystrophy coordinating committee be broadened to include the Director of 

NHLBI. 

Musculoskeletal trauma and skeletal pain.—The Committee recognizes that of the 60 million Americans injured annually, more 

than one-half incur injuries to the musculoskeletal system. In the 

U.S., back pain is a major reason listed for lost time from work. 

The Committee encourages NIAMS, NIA, NIDCR, and NCCAM to 

study ways to better understand the epidemiology of back pain and 

improve existing diagnostic techniques, as well as develop new 

ones. The Committee also encourages NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, 

NIDCR, NIDDK and NIA to conduct research to improve diagnostic 

and therapeutic approaches to lower the impact of musculoskeletal 

traumas, as well as research on accelerated fracture healing and 

research into repair of nonunion fractures in osteogenesis 

imperfecta. 

Psoriasis.—In addition to the research priorities the Committee 

has identified for psoriasis in NIAMS, the disease has relevance to 

the research portfolios of several other institutes. The Committee 

encourages NHLBI to undertake research on the link between severe psoriasis and increased risk of heart attack, as this may help 

advance the understanding of both heart disease and psoriasis. 

Secondly, since the Committee understands that while psoriasis 

manifests itself on the skin, it may be an auto-immune disease. 

The Committee encourages NIAID to identify and study immune 

cells and inflammatory processes involved in psoriasis. Lastly, because it is a disease involving both genetic and environmental/lifestyle components, the Committee encourages NIEHS to identify environmental and lifestyle triggers associated with psoriasis onset, 

flares, and disease state which will help in the development of appropriate therapies and interventions. The Committee encourages 

NIEHS to expand its biomarker work to include efforts to identify 

psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis genetic susceptibility. 

Autism and vaccines.—The Committee continues to be aware of 

concerns about reports of a possible association between the measles component of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and a subset 

of autism termed autistic entercolitis. There have been presentations at medical meetings by researchers presenting data showVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00168 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
169 

ing the presence of measles RNA in inflamed intestines of children 

with autism. The Committee continues its interest in this issue and 

encourages the interagency coordinating committee to continue to 

give serious attention to these reports. The Committee is aware 

that research is underway, supported by NIH, and encourages NIH 

to expedite this research. 

Down syndrome.—The Committee encourages the Director of 

NIH to note recent advances in the neurobiology of Down syndrome, especially regarding the structure and function of neural 

circuits that mediate cognition. These advances point to Down syndrome as a fertile area for research investments that could lead to 

effective treatments for cognitive difficulties in both adults and 

children with this disorder. Studies of cognition in Down syndrome 

could be a useful trans-NIH initiative that would accelerate 

progress toward understanding and treating cognitive problems in 

both children and adults. The Committee requests the Director of 

NIH to report to the Committee by April 2008, regarding his views 

as to whether this research would be an appropriate use of Common Fund resources. 

Amyloidosis.—The Committee encourages NIH to continue to intensify its research efforts into amyloidosis, a group of rare diseases characterized by abnormally folded protein deposits in tissues. These diseases are often fatal and there is no known cure. 

Treatment involving large-dose intravenous chemotherapy followed 

by stem cell replacement or rescue is effective for many patients, 

but this procedure is risky, unsuitable for some patients, and not 

a cure. The Committee understands that NIH has held a U.S. seminar on amyloidosis and participated in an international conference 

on the disease. The Committee urges NIH to pursue the recommendations from these meetings and identify steps that need to 

be taken to increase the understanding, prevention and treatment 

of this devastating group of diseases. 

Neurofibromatosis (NF).—NF is an important research area for 

multiple NIH institutes. The Committee highlights NF research in 

the following specific areas and encourages further work by the institutes involved: 

Recognizing NF’s connection to many of the most common forms 

of human cancer, the Committee encourages NCI to enhance its NF 

research portfolio in such areas as further development of animal 

models, natural history studies, genetic and drug screening, therapeutic experimentation, and pre-clinical and clinical trials. The 

Committee further encourages NCI to apply existing cancer drugs 

to NF patients in clinical trials and to develop new drugs for NF, 

which might then apply to the general population because of NF’s 

connection to most forms of human cancer. The Committee applauds work being done analyzing the DNA of NF tumor samples, 

which not only will help find a treatment for NF by determining 

its functioning, its connection to modifier genes and to an individual’s personal genetic make-up, but also connect it to other forms 

of cancers and other diseases. 

Significant advances continue to be made in research on NF’s implications with heart disease and, in particular, its involvement 

with hypertension and congenital heart disease. The Committee enVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00169 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
170 

courages NHLBI to continue to enhance its NF research portfolio 

in light of the significant implications for the general population. 

Learning disabilities occur with high frequency in children with 

NF. Great advances have been made in the past few years in the 

successful treatment of learning disabilities in pre-clinical NF animal models. The Committee encourages NICHD to support clinical 

trials for NF patients in this area. 

NF accounts for approximately five percent of genetic forms of 

deafness. Unlike other genetic forms of deafness, NF-associated 

deafness is potentially preventable or curable if tumor growth is 

halted before damage has been done to the adjacent nerve. Research is now being conducted to cure deafness in mice with NF 

through gene therapy, with important implications for gene therapy in general and for patients suffering from meningiomas and 

other tumors in particular. The Committee encourages NIDCD to 

strengthen its NF research portfolio through all suitable mechanisms, including requests for applications and clinical trials. 

Vulvodynia.—In the last decade, NIH has supported three important research conferences on vulvodynia, as well as the first prevalence study and clinical trial of the disorder. These efforts demonstrated the need for additional research and served to heighten 

the research community’s interest in studying vulvodynia. The 

Committee recommends that the Director build upon these initial 

successes by coordinating through ORWH collaborative extramural 

and intramural research into the causes of, and treatments for, 

vulvodynia. This effort should involve ORWH, NICHD, NINDS, 

and other relevant ICs, as well as the NIH pain consortium. The 

Committee also commends ORWH for working to plan an educational outreach campaign on vulvodynia. The Committee encourages the Director to work with the Center for Scientific Review and 

the institutes and centers to ensure that experts in vulvodynia, and 

related chronic pain and female reproductive system conditions, are 

adequately represented on peer review panels. 

Parkinson’s disease.—The Committee remains very interested in 

NIH-funded research that aims to expedite discovery of better 

treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease. The Committee continues to be aware that Parkinson’s disease research would benefit 

from targeted and measured investment of resources by NIH which 

would result in significant dividends in terms of reduction in 

human suffering and economic costs to society. The Committee encourages NIH to use a Parkinson’s disease planning process with 

an outcomes-oriented approach that makes disease eradication and 

treatment a top priority. The Committee requests NIH to report to 

the Committee by June 2008 on a strategic plan for future investments in Parkinson’s research that outlines progress already made 

and specific results of investments. The Committee urges NIH to 

intensify its support to pursue promising translational and clinical 

research that may result in scientific breakthroughs for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The Committee continues to support 

the innovative multidisciplinary Parkinson’s disease research and 

training provided by the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Centers of Excellence. The Committee applauds the creation 

of an additional coordinating center to further focus and manage 

the interdisciplinary efforts of the Udall centers. The Committee 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
171 

further encourages NIH to require that the Udall centers include 

a clinical component, in addition to their ongoing basic and 

translational research. 

Brain tumors.—Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor 

type for children, and the leading cause of pediatric cancer death. 

Because current treatments are invasive, toxic, and cause debilitating side effects and impairments, the Committee encourages the 

Directors of NIH, NCI, NINDS, NIBIB, and ORD to develop a comprehensive research plan to focus on children’s brain tumors with 

the goal of identifying alternative, safer and more effective treatments, as well as a cure. The Committee further encourages the 

NIH to achieve this objective by targeting basic and clinical research, accelerating the enhancement of the institutes’ cancer research portfolios, creating research priorities with a sequential 

agenda and timeline, and facilitating the coordination and collaboration of public and private organizations already funding related 

research initiatives. This comprehensive research plan should provide specific time frames for the implementation of goals. The Committee requests submission of the plan by the end of fiscal year 

2008. 

Spina bifida.—The Committee encourages the institutes to study 

the causes and care of the neurogenic bladder in order to improve 

the quality of life of children and adults with spina bifida; to support research to address issues related to the prevention and treatment of spina bifida and associated secondary conditions such as 

hydrocephalus; and to invest in understanding the myriad co-morbid conditions experienced by children with spina bifida, including 

those associated with both paralysis and developmental delay. 

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).—The Committee encourages the 

Director of NIH to monitor the progress of the SMA Project at 

NINDS. The Committee notes that the SMA Project is an excellent 

example of high risk, high reward research that was a focus of the 

recent reauthorization of the NIH by Congress. The current SMA 

project is scheduled to reach its near-term milestones in 2007 and 

thus it is important that the OD participate in planning for the 

successive stages of the project, including clinical trials and the infrastructure that will be needed to support drug development. Specific attention by the OD is necessary to ensure that the results of 

this innovative project are maximized, as well as to ensure that it 

serves as a model for other diseases as an innovative program to 

accelerate actual treatments for disease. 

Dystonia.—The Committee is very pleased with progress demonstrated by the NIH intramural research program in the treatment and understanding of dystonia. NIH intramural researchers 

have successfully utilized injections of Botox to treat many patients 

who otherwise would be severely debilitated by dystonia. The Committee urges continued work in this important area of study and 

treatment. 

Mitochondrial disease.—The Committee encourages NIH to intensify its research efforts into primary mitochondrial disease. Mitochondria are specialized compartments within almost every cell 

and are responsible for producing energy. Mitochondrial diseases 

result when there is a genetic defect that reduces the ability of the 

mitochondria to produce energy. As the mitochondria fail to 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
172 

produce energy, the cell will not function properly. If the energy 

production falls to a critical level, cell death will follow. Approximately 1 in 2000 children born in the U.S. each year develop a 

mitochondrial disease. Most of these affected children will not survive beyond their teenage years. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for those suffering from primary mitochondrial disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also implicated in numerous disease states and degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, 

Alzheimer’s dementia, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Intensified research into primary mitochondrial disease will help further 

understanding into these other conditions. 

Gene therapy research.—The Committee is encouraged by promising research being undertaken in gene therapy, especially regarding thalassemia, or Cooley’s anemia. NIH has indicated that 

human clinical trials could begin between 2008 and 2010. The 

Committee encourages that every step be taken to assure that this 

research moves forward without delay at the earliest possible date, 

consistent with safety. 

Drug safety for children.—The Committee recognizes the importance of ensuring that drugs are safe and effective for use by children. The Committee strongly supports continued implementation 

of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act, which supports the 

pediatric testing of off-patent drugs. The Committee recognizes the 

important work of NICHD to implement this legislation. NICHD 

should continue to act as coordinator for all other Institutes within 

NIH for which pediatric pharmacological drug research may have 

therapeutic relevance, and, in consultation with the Food and Drug 

Administration, develop study requests. The Committee requests 

NICHD to provide an annual report on the implementation process 

instituted, including the process of prioritizing a list of needs in pediatric therapeutics; the number of pediatric studies supported to 

date through the research fund; the contributions of the individual 

Institutes of the NIH to the studies; the estimated cost of each ongoing or proposed study; the nature and type of studies proposed 

or undertaken including whether any studies are comparative; the 

estimated completion date of all proposed or ongoing studies; the 

patent status of the drugs studied; the number of drugs remaining 

on the priority list; and the key ethical, scientific, intellectual property, and operational issues that have arisen in the implementation 

of the program. 

Interdisciplinary genetic research.—Approximately one out of 

every 200 babies born has chromosomal abnormalities which by 

definition are multisystemic in that they are caused by changes in 

multiple genes and result in alterations to dozens of contiguous 

genes. The frequency and complexity of these conditions have a 

major impact on childhood morbidity and mortality. The Committee 

commends NIH for supporting independent investigators studying 

chromosome abnormalities and for partnering to sponsor meetings 

on many conditions. However, the Committee encourages NIH to 

sponsor mechanisms to support multidisciplinary, multi-institute 

research focused on devising treatments for the 20,000 babies born 

every year with a chromosome abnormality, especially those involving chromosome 18. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
173 

Peer review.—The Committee is concerned that individuals with 

surgical expertise are sometimes not assigned to surgical research 

grant application review. The Committee urges the Center for Scientific Review to ensure that there is an adequate number of specialty-specific peer reviewers, especially cardio-thoracic surgeons, in 

organ-specific or system-specific study sections reviewing surgical 

research applications. 

Study of gender differences.—The Committee notes that, in 2001, 

the Institute of Medicine released a report that stressed the importance of biological gender as a basic variable that needs to be considered in all areas of biomedical research. Recent findings have 

demonstrated that significant differences between men and women 

exist in health and disease. One of the fields where such differences are most pronounced is neuroscience. The Committee 

strongly encourages each of the 15 institutes involved in the NIH 

Neuroscience Blueprint to carefully analyze its NIH Neuroscience 

Blueprint research portfolio to ensure gender is included as a variable, when appropriate, and to require that all reported results include gender specific analysis. The Committee requests a written 

report from the Director that includes information on the progress 

of these efforts at each of the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint institutes prior to the fiscal year 2009 budget hearings. 

Basic behavioral research.—The Committee is aware that basic 

behavioral research focused on such areas as cognition, perception, 

emotion, social interaction, and learning have led to important advances and improved treatments for depression, bipolar and other 

affective disorders, diabetes, compliance on behavior change related 

to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and more effective public 

health announcements and interventions. In view of the fact that 

eight out of the ten leading causes of death have a significant behavioral component and that basic research is the underpinning of 

advances in behavioral research, the Committee is concerned with 

the continued lack of focus of scientific leadership at NIH for this 

important field of science. However, the Committee views the new 

Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives (OPASI) within 

the Office of the Director as a potentially important source of leadership in encouraging NIH investment in behavioral science research. The recent NIH reauthorization placed OBSSR within 

OPASI. As OPASI begins to perform its function of analyzing balance and content in all NIH areas of research, it would be appropriate for OPASI to set as an initial task a review of the NIH basic 

behavioral research portfolio. The Committee requests that the Director of NIH instruct OPASI, using OBSSR expertise, to prepare 

a strategic plan for basic behavioral research. This plan should include the amount spent in fiscal years 2006 and 2007, by institute 

and center, on basic behavioral research, and a plan for NIH’s investment in basic behavioral research for fiscal year 2008 and beyond. This strategic plan should also identify any gaps in the NIH 

basic behavioral research portfolio. The Committee expects to receive the strategic research plan no later than May 1, 2008. 

Disparities in clinical trials.—The Committee commends NIH for 

prioritizing increases in the number of participants from populations that suffer from health disparities in clinical trials as part 

of the NIH health disparity research plan. Unfortunately, data 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
174 

from NIH-funded trials continually show that participation numbers from certain groups, including racial and ethnic minorities 

and the elderly, remain low. The Committee encourages NIH to revisit the issue of health disparities in clinical trials with a goal of 

increasing participation from under-represented populations. 

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).—TSC is a genetic disorder 

that triggers uncontrollable tumor growth in multiple organs of the 

body, including the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes and 

skin. Because of the effects of TSC on multiple organ systems, the 

Committee urges NIH to continue coordinating TSC research activities through the trans-NIH tuberous sclerosis coordinating committee. The Committee also encourages the various institutes that 

fund TSC research to place increased emphasis on this important 

research, and to increase coordination with the TSC community as 

future research plans are developed and executed. 

Minority training.—The Committee continues to recognize the 

critical role played by minority institutions at both the graduate 

and undergraduate level in addressing the health research and 

training needs of minority populations. These programs help facilitate the preparation of a new generation of scientists. The Committee encourages NIH to strengthen participation from minority 

institutions with a track record of producing minority scholars in 

science and technology. 

Bridging the sciences.—The Committee believes the ‘‘Bridging the 

Sciences’’ demonstration program fulfills a need not met elsewhere 

in the Federal government by supporting research at the interface 

between the biological, behavioral, and social sciences with the 

physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences. The 

Committee encourages the Director to give high priority to developing a demonstration program and to collaborate with the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and other agencies. The Committee notes the importance of compliance with the 

statutory provisions dealing with appropriate, multidisciplinary 

peer review panels and the unique type of research envisioned. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Mission.—The Buildings and Facilities appropriation provides for 

the design, construction, improvement, and major repair of clinical, 

laboratory, and office buildings and supporting facilities essential 

to the mission of the National Institutes of Health. The funds in 

this appropriation support the 77 buildings on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland; the Animal Center in Poolesville, 

Maryland; the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 

facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and other 

smaller facilities throughout the United States. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Committee provides a program level of $3,393,841,000 for 

the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

(SAMHSA), which is $66,820,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $226,252,000 above the budget request. Within the 

total, $120,913,000 is provided through the evaluation set-aside, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
175 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and $250,000 less 

than the request. The Committee does not include requested bill 

language that would authorize SAMHSA to withhold 5 percent of 

State block grant allotments if a State does not report on national 

outcome measures and to redistribute those remaining to funds to 

States that do report. 

The majority of funding administered by SAMHSA, 70 percent, 

is distributed by statutory formula to States and territories. The 

rest of the programs administered by SAMHSA are competitive 

grants or contracts to State or private organizations or are competitive cooperative agreements to States, territories or tribal organizations that use an outside peer review process for evaluation. 

SAMHSA is responsible for supporting mental health and alcohol 

and drug abuse prevention and treatment services nationwide 

through discretionary capacity expansion and science to service activities, formula block grants to the States and associated technical 

assistance efforts. The agency consists of three principal centers: 

the center for mental health services, the center for substance 

abuse treatment, and the center for substance abuse prevention. 

The office of the administrator is responsible for overall agency 

management. The Committee provides $128,514,000 for activities throughout 

SAMHSA programs of regional and national significance that are 

targeted to address the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic and its disparate impact on communities of color, including African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. This is $16,993,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $16,717,000 more than the budget request. These funds provide grants to organizations with a history 

of providing culturally competent, community-specific, and linguistically appropriate services in hard to reach and high-risk communities of color to expand service infrastructure and capacity. 

The Committee includes within the total provided for programs of regional and national significance across SAMHSA, $57,123,000 

for homeless programs, which is $11,508,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $20,105,000 more than the budget request. The Committee is hopeful that programs that provide supportive services to individuals in permanent housing settings will 

help to end long-term homelessness in this country and directs 

SAMHSA to develop supportive services programs within the authority of the programs of regional and national significance. 

The Committee recognizes that substance abuse is at critically 

high levels among American Indians and Alaska Natives and is 

deeply concerned about the epidemic of mental health and substance abuse problems on reservations and among urban Indian 

populations. According to CDC, rates of substance abuse and dependency are the highest among the American Indian and Alaska 

Native population at 14.1 percent. The Committee is deeply troubled by recent reports, which state that 30 percent of American Indian youths have experimented with methamphetamines. The 

Committee encourages SAMHSA to strengthen outreach to tribal 

organizations, particularly with respect to the access to recovery 

and targeted capacity expansion-general programs, in order to increase tribal participation in these programs. Furthermore, the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
176 

Committee requests SAMHSA to submit a report to the House 

Committee on Appropriations not later than six months after the 

enactment of this Act on its past outreach efforts to tribal organizations, the current participation rates of eligible tribal organizations, 

and barriers to access facing tribal organizations. Additionally, the 

Committee includes adequate funding to ensure that no less than 

$4,070,000 shall be made available to tribes and tribal organizations for treatment programs for mental illness and substance 

abuse. 

Health disparities need to be addressed as the demographics of 

our society are changing dramatically. The Committee notes that 

minorities represent 30 percent of the population and are projected 

to increase to 40 percent by 2025. Yet, only 23 percent of recent 

doctorates in psychology, social work and nursing were awarded to 

minorities. For fiscal year 2008, the Committee has provided no 

less than the level allocated in fiscal year 2007 for the minority fellowship program in order to train culturally competent mental 

health, and substance abuse treatment and prevention professionals. The Administration did not request funding for this program. 

Center for mental health services 

The Committee provides a program level total of $910,625,000 for the center for mental health services (CMHS), which is $26,767,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $103,397,000 above 

the budget request. Within the total, $21,413,000 is provided 

through the evaluation set-aside as requested. 

Research shows that more than 90 percent of those who suffer 

from eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. 

Data indicate that eating disorders are almost as prevalent as alcohol or drug problems among middle and high school female students, but that far less time is spent on preventing eating disorders 

than on substance abuse prevention programs. Therefore, the Committee urges SAMHSA to integrate eating disorder education and 

prevention programs into its core mental health programs, particularly those that serve middle and high school students. 

Programs of regional and national significance 

The Committee provides $277,030,000 for mental health programs of regional and national significance, which is $13,767,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $90,397,000 above the 

budget request. The program includes studies that identify the 

most effective service delivery practices, knowledge synthesis activities that translate program findings into useful products for the 

field, and knowledge application projects that support adoption of 

exemplary service approaches throughout the country. 

The Committee provides $96,156,000 to continue and expand violence prevention programs in schools, including elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions. This is 

$3,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$20,446,0000 more than the budget request. Funds are used by 

schools to establish an emergency/crisis management response 

plan; to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment 

services to those in need; to educate students on mental health proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00176 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
177 

motion, suicide, and violence prevention; to prepare educational 

materials on mental health for students and families of students to 

increase awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues in 

young adults; to train students and school personnel to respond effectively to students with mental and behavioral health problems 

that could lead to school failure, substance abuse, and/or violent behaviors; and, as needed, to develop a network/infrastructure to link 

the school with health care providers who can treat mental and behavioral problems. Of this amount, the Committee intends that not 

less than $80,868,000 be used to collaborate with the Department 

of Education for the safe schools/healthy students initiative and not 

less than $3,000,000 shall be used for a jointly funded initiative administered by the Department of Education and SAMHSA to support competitive grants to institutions of higher education to develop and implement emergency management plans for preventing 

campus violence (including assessing and addressing the mental 

health needs of students) and for responding to threats and incidents of violence or natural disaster in a manner that ensures the 

safety of the campus community. Within funds provided, the Committee recommends $32,360,000 

for the national child traumatic stress initiative, which is 

$2,942,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$4,292,000 more than the budget request. This program has established 54 treatment development and community service centers to 

treat children who have experienced trauma and also supports the 

national center for traumatic stress. It is estimated that more than 

34,000 traumatized children and their families will directly benefit 

from services delivered as a result of this initiative. 

The mental health needs of our nation’s seniors are largely ignored within our mental health system. While many older Americans experience depression, dementia, anxiety and substance abuse 

disorders, far too often these conditions are not recognized or treated. Outreach to elderly persons conducted in places frequented by 

seniors, such as senior centers, meal sites, primary care settings 

and other locations, is needed. The elderly treatment and outreach 

program is the only Federally-funded services program dedicated 

specifically to the mental health care of older adults. It is for this 

reason that within the funds provided, the Committee recommends 

that no less than the level allocated in fiscal year 2007 be allocated 

for the older adults program. The Administration did not request 

funding for this program. Additionally, SAMHSA is urged to study, 

or to commission a study, examining the mental health workforce 

needed to address the healthcare needs of older adults. 

The Committee recognizes that veterans returning from Iraq and 

Afghanistan have enhanced needs for mental health care and other 

supportive services that they may want to access through the community. To improve veterans’ access to mental health and related 

services, the Committee encourages SAMHSA to fund a pilot internet-based veterans’ portal within the network of care. The portal 

should include a comprehensive service directory; a veteran-specific 

library; links to advocacy and support groups; and state-of-the-art, 

interactive technology for personal recordkeeping, and informationsharing. Such a resource will enable veterans and their families to 

identify and access available services, educate themselves about 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
178 

mental illnesses, facilitate communications with providers and others, and overcome the stigma that often prevents veterans from 

seeking care. 

According to CDC, teen suicide rates in the U.S. increased by 18 

percent between 2003 and 2004. The Committee is deeply concerned by this disturbing development and urges SAMHSA to 

strengthen its efforts to assist local educational systems and nonprofit entities to implement mental health screening and suicide 

prevention programs and to identify evidence-based practices for 

facilitating treatment for youth at risk. As evidence-based programs are developed and identified, the Committee urges SAMHSA 

to support activities in fiscal year 2008 to determine how these 

practices can be best implemented at the community level. 

The Committee requests that SAMHSA provide not less than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level for statewide family network grants, 

consumer and consumer supported technical assistance centers, the 

national training and technical assistance center, the statewide 

consumer network program, and the anti-stigma campaign. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Mental health block grant 

The Committee provides a program level total of $441,256,000 for the mental health block grant, which is $13,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. The block 

grant provides funds to States to support mental health prevention, 

treatment, and rehabilitation services. Funds are allocated according to statutory formula among the States that have submitted approved annual plans. The Committee notes that the mental health 

block grant funding represents less than 2 percent of total State 

mental health funding and less than 3 percent of State communitybased mental health services. Within the total, $21,413,000 is provided through the evaluation set-aside as requested. 

The community mental health services block grant program distributes funds to 59 eligible States and territories through a formula based upon specified economic and demographic factors. Applications must include an annual plan for providing comprehensive community mental health services to adults with a serious 

mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance. 

Project Committee recommendation 

Access Community Health Center, Bloomingdale, IL for mental health services ......................................... $250,000 

Advocate Health Care, Oak Brook, IL for specialized and comprehensive psychotherapy and support to 

abused and neglected children and their families .................................................................................. 275,000 

Alfred University, Alfred, NY for a graduate school psychologist training program .................................... 100,000 

American Red Cross, Lower Bucks County Chapter, Levittown, PA to provide mental health counseling 

and case management services, along with related services ................................................................. 100,000 

City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA for mental health 

and substance abuse services for homeless persons in supportive housing .......................................... 1,000,000 

City of Los Angeles, CA for supportive housing services .............................................................................. 250,000 

Community Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Jacksonville, FL for substance abuse and mental health programs ......................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Family Services of Greater Waterbury, Waterbury, CT for the outpatient counseling/psychiatric program 125,000 

Family Support Systems Unlimited, Inc., Bronx, NY for mental health services .......................................... 150,000 

Fulton County Department of Mental Health, Atlanta, GA for a jail diversion program .............................. 100,000 

Heartland Health Outreach, Inc., Chicago, IL for mental health services to refugee children .................... 150,000 

Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health, Kankakee, IL for mental health services ................. 200,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
179 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, PA for the Teenline suicide prevention program ....................................... 100,000 

Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN for the Institute of Training in Addiction Studies ....................... 150,000 

Jewish Association for Residential Care, Farmington Hills, MI for the Lifelines project ............................. 200,000 

Kids Hope United, Waukegan, IL for the multi-systemic therapy program for youth ................................... 270,000 

New Image Homeless Shelter, Los Angeles, CA for mental health case management ................................ 50,000 

Pacific Clinics, Arcadia, CA for mental health and suicide prevention programs for Latina youth ........... 250,000 

Prime Time House, Inc., Torrington, CT for mental health services ............................................................. 125,000 

Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, Boca Raton, FL to provide preventive youth mental health services 

and clinical outreach to at risk students ................................................................................................. 100,000 

Ventura County Probation Office, Ventura, CA for treatment and related services for juvenile offenders 

with mental health and chemical dependency problems ......................................................................... 200,000 

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Thousand Oaks, CA for training programs related to the mentally 

ill ................................................................................................................................................................ 200,000 

Youthville, Wichita, KS for an adoption and trauma resource center .......................................................... 300,000 

Children’s mental health 

The Committee provides $104,078,000 for the grant program for 

comprehensive community mental health services for children with 

serious emotional disorders, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. Funding for this program supports grants and technical assistance for communitybased services for children and adolescents up to age 22 with serious emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. The program assists States and local jurisdictions in developing integrated systems 

of community care. Each individual served receives an individual 

service plan developed with the participation of the family and the 

child. Grantees are required to provide increasing levels of matching funds over the six-year grant period. 

Grants to States for the homeless (PATH) 

The Committee provides $54,261,000 for the grants to States for 

the homeless (PATH) program, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. PATH grants to States 

provide assistance to individuals suffering from severe mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders and who are homeless or at 

imminent risk of becoming homeless. Grants may be used for outreach, screening and diagnostic treatment services, rehabilitation 

services, community mental health services, alcohol or drug treatment services, training, case management services, supportive and 

supervisory services in residential settings, and a limited set of 

housing services. 

Protection and advocacy 

The Committee provides $34,000,000 for the protection and advocacy program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and the budget request. This funding is distributed to States 

according to a formula based on population and income to assist 

State-designated independent advocates to provide legal assistance 

to mentally ill individuals during their residence in State-operated 

facilities and for 90 days following their discharge. 

Center for substance abuse treatment 

The Committee provides a program level total of $2,195,993,000 

for the center for substance abuse treatment (CSAT), which is 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
180 

$38,453,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$85,312,000 above the budget request. Within the total, 

$83,500,000 is provided through the evaluation set-aside as requested. 

The Committee recognizes that the Asian American and Pacific 

Islander (AAPI) populations are one of the fastest growing groups 

in the U.S., and the need for substance abuse services continues to 

outpace the availability and access to culturally competent services. 

The Committee encourages SAMHSA to work with appropriate organizations that provide substance abuse services to create a comprehensive system of outreach, training, information and resources, 

and prevention and treatment services that will be culturally competent and accessible to all AAPI populations across the U.S. 

Programs of regional and national significance 

The Committee provides a program level total of $402,402,000 for 

substance abuse treatment programs of regional and national significance, which is $3,453,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $50,312,000 above the budget request. Within the total, 

$4,300,000 is provided through the evaluation set-aside as requested. The program supports activities to improve the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of substance abuse treatment 

services and services delivery. These activities include capacity expansion initiatives to help communities respond to serious, emerging and unmet treatment needs and science into services initiatives 

through monitoring and accreditation of treatment programs, training, dissemination and knowledge application activities. The program promotes the adoption of science- and evidence-based treatment practices by developing and field-testing new treatment models in order to facilitate the provision of quality treatment services 

and service delivery. These activities are undertaken in actual 

service settings rather than laboratories and results are disseminated to State agencies and community treatment providers. The 

goal is to promote continuous, positive treatment service delivery 

change for those people who use and abuse alcohol and drugs. 

Within the funding provided, the Committee recommends 

$98,000,000 for the access to recovery treatment voucher program. 

This is $703,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the same as the budget request. The fiscal year 2008 funding will 

provide the second year of funding for State and tribal grantees 

that will be competing for funding in fiscal year 2007. Within this 

amount, $25,000,000 is dedicated to finance treatment services for 

methamphetamine abuse. 

Within the funding provided, the Committee recommends 

$37,823,000 for criminal justice activities, which is $13,709,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the 

budget request. The Committee provides an increase for treatment 

drug court grants, but also maintains the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level for other criminal justice programs. The Committee urges 

SAMHSA to ensure, through the grant application process, that 

successful applicants for the treatment drug court program demonstrate evidence of direct and extensive consultation and collaboration with the corresponding State substance abuse agency in the 

planning, implementation and evaluation of the grant. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
181 

The Committee recommends no less than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level for the addiction technology transfer centers (ATTCs). 

The ATTC network operates 14 regional centers and one national 

office to translate the latest science of addiction, including evidence-based addiction treatment. The ATTCs also are an important 

component of the blending initiative that seeks to improve the 

manner in which research findings are moved into every day practice. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

City of Las Vegas, NV for the EVOLVE program ............................................................................................ $200,000 

City of Oxford, Oxford, MS for a substance abuse treatment program ........................................................ 250,000 

Fulton County, Atlanta, GA for Project Excell, an intensive outpatient treatment program serving homeless males with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders ........................................ 100,000 

Gavin Foundation, South Boston, MA for substance abuse treatment services at its Cushing House facility for adolescents ................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Glide Foundation, San Francisco, CA for substance abuse services ............................................................ 250,000 

Metro Homeless Youth Services of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA to expand services for homeless youth 

with substance abuse problems ............................................................................................................... 100,000 

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, Minneapolis, MN for a dual diagnosis outpatient treatment 

program ...................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY for substance abuse treatment services ................. 200,000 

Sandhills Teen Challenge, Carthage, NC for substance abuse treatment services ..................................... 100,000 

Sheriffs Youth Program of Minnesota, Inver Grove Heights, MN for chemical dependency treatment services ............................................................................................................................................................. 125,000 

Talbert House, Cincinnati, OH for a substance abuse treatment program .................................................. 300,000 

Trumbull County Lifelines, Warren, OH for behavioral health services ........................................................ 200,000 

Union Station Foundation, Pasadena, CA for services to homeless families ............................................... 150,000 

United Way of Treasure Valley, Boise, ID for a substance abuse treatment program ................................. 400,000 

Wayne County Academy, Alpha, KY for a substance abuse counseling program ........................................ 200,000 

WestCare Kentuckv, Ashcamp, KY for a substance abuse treatment proqram ............................................ 200,000 

Substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant 

The Committee provides a program level total of $1,793,591,000 

for the substance abuse prevention and treatment (SAPT) block 

grant, which is $35,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and the budget request. Within the total, $79,200,000 is provided through the evaluation set-aside as requested. The SAPT 

block grant provides funds to States to support alcohol and drug 

abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Funds are 

allocated among the States according to a statutory formula. State 

applications including comprehensive State plans must be approved 

annually by SAMHSA as a condition of receiving funds. 

The Committee is aware that the SAPT block grant is an effective and efficient program. Data collected from States demonstrate 

that SAPT block grant funded programs help people remain abstinent from alcohol and other drug use; find or regain employment; 

find stable housing; stay away from criminal activity; reunite with 

their families; and live productively in communities across the 

country. The Committee is aware, for example, that certain SAPT 

block grant funded programs report that approximately 70 to 80 

percent of persons completing treatment are abstinent at discharge. 

The Committee is also aware that States employ a broad range of 

accountability strategies to ensure that SAPT block grant funded 

services achieve results. Overall, the SAPT block grant funds over 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
182 

10,500 community-based organizations to help serve the nation’s 

most vulnerable citizens—including those with HIV/AIDS. The 

Committee applauds States for supporting family treatment services through the SAPT block grant given the impact of addiction on 

children, women, and families. 

The Committee recognizes the important role played by the 20 

percent prevention services set-aside within the SAPT block grant. 

This effective substance abuse prevention program helped contribute to a 23 percent decrease in youth drug use over the last five 

years. The Committee urges SAMHSA to promote maximum flexibility in the use of prevention set-aside funds in order to allow each 

State to employ prevention strategies that match State and local 

circumstances. 

Center for substance abuse prevention 

Programs of regional and national significance 

The Committee provides $194,502,000 for the substance abuse 

prevention programs of regional and national significance, which is 

$1,600,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$38,041,000 more than the budget request. The program identifies 

and disseminates evidence-based substance abuse prevention approaches. 

Within the total, the Committee recommends $7,000,000 to carry 

out programs authorized by the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) 

Underage Drinking Act: $5,000,000 for community-based coalition 

enhancement grants; $1,000,000 for the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking 

(ICCPUD); and, $1,000,000 to continue and enhance the national 

adult-oriented media public service campaign to prevent underage 

drinking. The Committee intends that the funding provided to 

ICCPUD will be used to provide a report to the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations on State underage drinking prevention and enforcement activities consistent with the STOP Underage 

Drinking Act, including a comprehensive summary of the actions 

taken to accomplish the recommendations in the Surgeon General’s 

call to action. 

The Committee commends the Surgeon General’s ‘‘Call to Action’’

on underage drinking, and shares the Surgeon General’s concern 

about new research indicating that the developing adolescent brain 

may be particularly susceptible to long term harms from alcohol 

use, including neurocognitive impairment. The Committee urges 

ICCPUD to develop and pursue efforts to carry out the Surgeon 

General’s Call to Action, including supporting and assisting State 

and local efforts. The Committee encourages the Surgeon General 

and the administrator of SAMHSA to continue speaking out on the 

issue. 

The strategic prevention framework state incentive grant (SPF 

SIG) program is designed to promote, bolster, and sustain prevention infrastructure in every State in the country. The Committee 

recognizes that the lynchpin of the SPF SIG program is State flexibility. Therefore, the Committee urges SAMHSA to promote flexibility in the use of SPF SIG funds in order to allow each State to 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
183 

tailor prevention strategies that are most appropriate for the populations in their own jurisdiction. 

The Committee recommends funding at no less than the level 

provided in fiscal year 2007 for the centers for the application of 

prevention technologies (CAPTs). The Administration did not request funding for this program. The purpose of the CAPTs is to 

translate the latest substance abuse prevention science and improve the practices of prevention professionals and community coalition members. The CAPTs are SAMHSA’s only regional network 

system that provides substance abuse prevention workforce training through regional conferences, workshops, customized technical 

assistance, curriculum development, online courses, and trainer 

events. 

The Committee supports the continuation and enhancement of 

SAMHSA’s fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) center for excellence, and requests that SAMHSA submit a progress report 

within six months of enactment of this bill on the center’s accomplishments and lessons learned in preventing and reducing FASD. 

The report should outline future plans for the center, including programmatic and funding priorities. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, New Haven, CT to support innovative multi-disciplinary 

intervention programs serving children and families exposed to violence and trauma ......................... $500,000 

Fighting Back Partnership, Vallejo, CA for an intervention program targeting elementary and high 

school students who are at risk for substance abuse and misuse ......................................................... 250,000 

Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Families, Oakland, CA for integrated HIV/AIDS and substance 

abuse prevention with African American women and teenagers ............................................................. 150,000 

Operation SafeHouse, Riverside, CA for a substance abuse prevention program ........................................ 100,000 

Partnership for a Drug-Free America, New York, NY for educational awareness programs on prescription 

and over-the-counter drug abuse ............................................................................................................. 250,000 

Shiloh Economic Development Center, Bryan, TX for a substance abuse prevention program ................... 150,000 

South Boston Community Health Center, South Boston, MA for substance abuse prevention services ...... 100,000 

YMCA of the East Bay, Richmond, CA for substance abuse orevention activities ...................................... 100,000 

Program management 

The Committee provides a program level total of $92,721,000 for 

program management, of which $16,000,000 is provided through 

the evaluation set-aside. The fiscal year 2008 program level is the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $498,000 less than 

the budget request. The appropriation provides funding to coordinate, direct, and manage the agency’s programs. Funds are used 

for salaries, benefits, space, supplies, equipment, travel and overhead. 

AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY

The Committee provides a total of $329,564,000 for the Agency 

for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which is $10,578,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the 

budget request. 

The mission of AHRQ is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, 

effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Americans. The agency fulfills its mission by conducting and supporting 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
184 

health services research that focuses on answering questions on 

such topics as clinical practice, outcomes of care and effectiveness, 

evidenced-based medicine, health care quality, patient safety and 

medical errors, health care costs and financing, and health information technology. AHRQ research findings are used by providers, 

health care administrators, and others to improve health care quality, accessibility, and outcomes of care. The Committee provides $271,564,000 for research on health costs, quality, and outcomes, which is $10,578,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. 

This program identifies the most effective and efficient approaches 

to organize, deliver, finance, and reimburse health care services; 

determines how the structure of the delivery system, financial incentives, market forces, and better information affects the use, 

quality, and cost of health services; and facilitates the translation 

of research findings for providers, patients, plans, purchasers, and 

policymakers. It also funds research that determines what works 

best in increasing the cost effectiveness and appropriateness of 

clinical practice; supports the development of tools to measure and 

evaluate health outcomes, quality of care, and consumer satisfaction with health care system performance; and facilitates the translation of information into practical uses through the development 

and dissemination of research databases. 

Within the total available, the Committee does not provide funding requested by the Administration for the new ‘‘network of networks’’ under the personalized health care initiative. The Committee is concerned that HHS has yet to develop a detailed, integrated, and coherent implementation plan for achieving health information technology strategic goals, as recommended by the General Accounting Office. The Committee includes report language 

within the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology that requests a report that identifies specific program objectives; details the timelines and performance benchmarks 

to achieve these objectives; and links specific initiatives and resources to these program objectives. The report also should include 

information on health information technology activities funded 

through AHRQ. 

Within the total for research on health costs, quality, and outcomes, $30,000,000 is provided for the comparative effectiveness 

health care research program, which is $15,000,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. This program provides current, unbiased evidence about the comparative 

effectiveness of different health care interventions. The objective of 

the program is to help consumers, health care providers, and others make informed choices among treatment alternatives, including 

drugs. 

Safe patient handling and movement.—The Committee is concerned about the consequences of manual patient lifting, transferring and movement in hospitals, nursing homes and other patient 

care settings that can be a detriment to quality patient care, including increased risk of injury to patients from being lifted and 

moved without assistive equipment and patient injuries including 

skin tears, skin ulceration, falls and shoulder dislocations. The 

Committee is further concerned by findings that a nurse on a typVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00184 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
185 

ical shift lifts 1.8 tons and that work-related injuries to nurses frequently result in loss of work time and can be debilitating, careerending events, and that injury and fear of injury are listed as top 

reasons why nurses leave the profession thereby exacerbating the 

already critical nursing shortage. The Committee urges AHRQ to 

undertake or commission a study to determine the impact of utilizing assistive devices and patient-lifting equipment on patient injuries and outcomes, the health and safety of nurses, and the financial implications of using available technology. 

Spina bifida.—The Committee supports the expansion and development of the national spina bifida patient registry and encourages 

AHRQ to lead the effort to validate quality patient treatment data 

measures for the registry being developed with CDC. The Committee requests that AHRQ report to Congress on the status of this 

effort as part of the fiscal year 2009 budget justification. 

The Committee provides $55,300,000 for the Medical Expenditures Panel Surveys (MEPS), which is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. The MEPS provide data 

for timely national estimates of health care use and expenditures, 

private and public health insurance coverage, and the availability, 

costs, and scope of private health insurance benefits. This activity 

also provides data for analysis of changes in behavior as a result 

of market forces or policy changes on health care use, expenditures, 

and insurance coverage; develops cost/savings estimates of proposed changes in policy; and identifies the impact of changes in policy for subgroups of the population. 

For program support, the Committee provides $2,700,000 which 

is the same as fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. This activity supports the overall direction and management 

of the agency. 

CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES

GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID

The Committee provides $141,630,056,000 for the Federal share 

of current law state Medicaid costs, which is $36,159,099,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $2,000,000 above the budget 

request. This amount does not include $65,257,617,000 which was 

advance funded in the fiscal year 2007 appropriation for the first 

quarter of fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Committee provides an 

advance appropriation of $67,292,669,000 for program costs in the 

first quarter of fiscal year 2009. The Committee has also included 

indefinite budget authority for unanticipated costs in fiscal year 

2008. 

Medicaid is projected to provide health care to 50.0 million people in fiscal year 2008, an increase of 1.9 percent. This represents 

16.9 percent of the U.S. population. Medicaid will provide coverage 

to more than one out of every five children in the nation. Non-disabled adults under age 65 and children will represent 72 percent 

of the Medicaid population, but account for 32 percent of Medicaid 

benefit outlays. In contrast, the elderly and disabled populations 

are estimated to make up 28 percent of the Medicaid population, 

yet account for approximately 68 percent of Medicaid benefit out 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
186 

lays. Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term care for all Americans. 

PAYMENTS TO HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS

The Committee provides $188,828,000,000 for the payments to 

the health care trust funds account, which supports Part B and 

prescription drug benefits for 44.6 million Medicare beneficiaries. 

This amount is $12,529,520,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $200,000,000 above the budget request. This entitlement 

account includes the general fund subsidy to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for Medicare Part B benefits and for Medicare drug benefits and administration as well as 

other reimbursements to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust 

Fund for benefits and related administrative costs, which have not 

been financed by payroll taxes or premium contributions. The Committee continues to include bill language requested by the Administration providing indefinite authority for paying the general revenue portion of the Part B premium match and provides resources 

for the Part D drug benefit program in the event that the annual 

appropriation is insufficient. 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Committee makes available $3,230,163,000 in trust funds for 

Federal administration of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, 

which is $89,056,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$43,863,000 below the budget request. 

Research, demonstration, and evaluation.—The Committee pro- vides $23,070,000 for research, demonstration and evaluation, 

which is $34,350,000 below the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$10,630,000 below the budget request. These funds support a variety of studies and demonstrations in such areas as monitoring and 

evaluating health system performance; improving health care financing and delivery mechanisms; modernization of the Medicare 

program; the needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of health 

care access, delivery systems, and financing; and information to improve consumer choice and health status. The Committee includes 

the full request of $14,400,000 for the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Funding requested by the Administration for Real 

Choice Systems Change grants not included in the bill. 

The Committee encourages CMS to conduct a demonstration 

project to identify effective therapy management program models 

for low-income Medicare Part D enrollees living with HIV/AIDS. 

The demonstration project would emphasize evidence-based prospective medication management, technological innovation, and 

outcome reporting. Recent medical studies show that patients receiving medication therapy management services for HIV dramatically improve their clinical status and demonstrate significant cost 

reductions in their overall health care. 

The Committee commends CMS on its work to implement the 

low-vision rehabilitation services demonstration. The Committee 

encourages CMS to update the design and consider expanding the 

number of sites in the five-year demonstration. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
187 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Access Health, Inc., Muskegon, MI, for a small business health coverage program .................................. $200,000 

Bedford Ride, Bedford, VA for a program to assist seniors ......................................................................... 70,000 

Bi-State Primary Care Association, Concord, NH to treat uninsured patients ............................................. 300,000 

City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA for enhancements to 

the HIV/AIDS service delivery system in San Francisco ............................................................................ 1,000,000 

City of Detroit, MI for the Detroit Primary Care Access Project .................................................................... 300,000 

City of Waterbury, CT for a health access program ..................................................................................... 200,000 

Gadsden County, FL, Quincy, FL for a prescription assistance medical services program ......................... 100,000 

Jefferson Area Board for Aging, Charlottesville, VA to address nursing assistant shortages in long-term 

care settings .............................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Orange County’s Primary Care Access Network, Orlando, FL for a health care access network ................. 200,000 

Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA for a project regarding the transition of older patients from hospital to 

home .......................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Thurston-Mason County Medical Society, Olympia, WA for Project Access for the uninsured ..................... 200,000 

Valley Hospice, Inc., Steubenville, OH to develop best practices for hospices across the State ................ 250,000 

Medicare operations.—The Committee provides $2,221,215,000 to 

support Medicare claims processing contracts, which is $61,973,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $82,400,000 below the 

budget request. This activity supports the two largest Federal 

health care programs, Medicare and Medicaid, along with the State 

Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and the Medicare 

prescription drug program. CMS is the largest purchaser of health 

care in the U.S., serving about 92 million Medicare and Medicaid 

beneficiaries, including those covered under SCHIP. 

The Committee includes bill language that extends the availability of $163,800,000 until September 30, 2009 for Medicare contracting reform activities. Bill language requested by the Administration directing CMS to ensure that no fewer than fifteen Medicare administrative contractors begin operations by December 15, 

2008 is not included in the bill. The amount provided for contracting reform activities is sufficient to support the fiscal year 

2008 activities of the first phase of contracts to be awarded in fiscal 

year 2007. The Committee also includes bill language requested by 

the Administration providing $49,869,000 for the Healthcare Integrated General Ledger Accounting System, to remain available 

until September 30, 2009. The Committee does not include language from the fiscal year 2007 bill identifying a particular funding 

level for the CMS revitalization plan with extended funding availability because the revitalization plan is concluding and funding for 

the remainder of the project is provided within the account without 

extended availability. 

Within this total, the Committee provides $45,000,000 for the 

State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which is $10,800,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level and $10,600,000 above the Administration request. The Committee believes SHIP is an important vehicle to help the nearly 45 million Medicare beneficiaries grapple 

with changes in coverage and prescription drug plans. SHIP provides one-on-one counseling to those who have trouble accessing 

the internet or the toll-free hotlines. 

The Committee is concerned that many seniors do not have a 

good understanding of the benefits covered, and not covered, under 

the Medicare program. In particular, studies have indicated that a 

majority of adults who are 45 or older overestimate Medicare coverage for long-term care. The Committee commends CMS for statVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00187 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
188 

ing its intention to inform all target households through its initial 

mailings that ‘‘Medicare generally does not pay’’ for long term care. 

The Committee also encourages the Department to use other efficient communication methods, in addition to the Internet and direct mail, to clarify widely held misperceptions about Medicare and 

long term care. This policy would allow individuals to better prepare for their potential long-term care needs without impoverishing 

themselves to qualify for Medicaid where they have limited choices 

beyond institutional care. 

The Committee commends CMS for its initial community-based 

activities for a Medicare education and outreach campaign directed 

towards dual eligible persons. The Committee is aware, however, 

that there is considerable evidence that low-income dual eligible 

persons with mental disabilities continue to need direct help with 

Part D enrollment. The Committee urges CMS to increase the 

share of funds for one-on-one pharmaceutical benefits counseling 

that are provided for counseling of dual eligible persons through 

community-based organizations and safety net community mental 

health centers. 

Biomedical research progress is enabling increasing numbers of 

type I diabetes patients to live with this disease for more than fifty 

years. Recent advances in continuous glucose monitoring technology have the potential to revolutionize the way diabetes is managed on a daily basis, and the Committee is aware that more research is underway to validate this technology in a variety of patient populations under ‘‘real world’’ conditions. While research is 

underway, the Committee urges CMS not to make premature coverage decisions for this durable medical equipment or take actions 

that would delay the adoption of these technologies. The Committee commends CMS’s current efforts to stimulate the exploration of emerging technologies in the device area and believes the 

potential of continuous monitoring devices is worthy of further exploration. 

State survey and certification.—The Committee provides 

$293,524,000 for state inspections of facilities serving Medicare and 

Medicaid beneficiaries, which is $35,396,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. The Committee does not include bill language requested by the Administration which authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services 

to charge fees associated with conducting revisit surveys at health 

care facilities. 

This program supports the certification and periodic inspection of 

more than 52,000 facilities receiving Medicare funding, such as 

nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and rehabilitation centers. In 

2008, more than 70,000 surveys are expected to be conducted. The 

number of facilities requiring certification has increased dramatically in recent years—16 percent since 2002. 

State high risk insurance pools.—The Committee provides 

$50,000,000 to support the State high risk insurance pools program. This program was not funded in fiscal year 2007. The Administration did not request funding for fiscal year 2008. 

33 States currently operate high-risk pools that are the health 

insurers of last resort for almost 200,000 individuals who have lost 

or are ineligible for group insurance coverage, and who are mediVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00188 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
189 

cally high-risk and unable to purchase individual health insurance 

in the commercial market. High-risk pools represent a successful 

public/private partnership. All risk pool participants pay a monthly 

premium, capped at 125 to 200 percent of the average market premium. Insurers and health care providers support the program 

through assessments, and some States contribute to their pools. 

Federal administration.—The Committee provides $642,354,000 

to support Federal administrative activities related to the Medicare 

and Medicaid programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $833,000 below the budget request. As requested 

by the Administration, the Committee repeats language from last 

year’s bill authorizing CMS to use funds for the Healthy Start, 

Grow Smart program for parents of children enrolled in the Medicaid program. 

The Committee believes that the growing gap between the size 

of the nation’s aging baby boom population and the number of pulmonary/critical care physicians poses challenges to the future delivery of high quality, efficient care under Medicare and Medicaid. 

The Committee urges CMS to review HRSA’s May 2006 Report to 

Congress, ‘‘The Critical Care Workforce: A Study of Supply and Demand for Critical Care Physicians’’, and to consult with relevant 

critical care societies to develop recommendations and pulmonary/ 

critical care-based models to be tested to alleviate the impact of the 

critical care workforce shortage on Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. 

The Committee notes ongoing concern regarding Medicare beneficiary access to the lifesaving biologic therapy intravenous immune 

globulin (IVIG). The Committee encourages CMS to continue to 

work with members of the IVIG community to address these challenges, and commends CMS for establishing separate Medicare 

codes for each brand of IVIG introduced in the market after October 1, 2003. 

HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL

The Committee provides $383,000,000 to be transferred from the 

Medicare trust funds for health care fraud and abuse control activities conducted by CMS, the HHS Inspector General, and the Department of Justice, which is $200,000,000 above the Administration request. This activity has not been funded in prior years. This 

funding is in addition to $1,131,031,000 that is provided as mandatory funding through authorizing bills. These funds provide resources for expanded efforts for Medicaid program integrity activities, for safeguarding the Medicare prescription drug benefit and 

the Medicare Advantage program, and for program integrity efforts 

carried out by the Department of Justice. 

ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND

FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $2,949,713,000 for the child support 

enforcement and family support programs, and $1,000,000,000 in 

advance funding for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 to ensure 

timely payments for the child support enforcement program. This 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
190 

amount is the same as the budget request. The Committee recommends estimated funding of $38,000,000 for payments to territories, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. The Committee notes that the authorized funding level 

for the repatriation program is set at $1,000,000 under section 

1113(d) of the Social Security Act even though approximately 

$1,300,000 is needed to support the current repatriation program. 

The Committee urges the authorizing committee of jurisdiction to 

adjust the ceiling to accommodate the current nonemergency needs 

of the program as well as to permit rapid response to emergency 

repatriation of U.S. citizens due to war, threat of war, invasion, 

natural disaster, or similar crises. 

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $2,662,000,000 for the low income 

home energy assistance program (LIHEAP). This amount is 

$500,830,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$880,000,000 more than the budget request. The Committee recommends $1,980,000,000 for the State formula grants, which is 

$480,000,000 more than the budget request and the same as the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level. The Committee recommends 

$682,000,000 for the contingent emergency reserve. This is 

$500,830,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$400,000,000 more than the budget request. 

LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income households to help 

pay the costs of home energy. This program serves the most vulnerable in the country—94 percent of households receiving LIHEAP 

grants have at least one family member who is elderly, disabled, 

a child under 18, or have a single adult living with one or more 

children. More than three quarters of such households reported an 

annual income at or below $20,000. Currently only 16 percent of 

eligible households based on Federal guidelines receive LIHEAP 

assistance. The amount recommended by the Committee could provide energy assistance to 1,252,075 more families than in fiscal 

year 2007. 

REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $650,630,000 for refugee assistance programs. This is $62,783,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $5,000,000 less than the budget request. 

In addition, the Committee recommends that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) again be granted authority to carry over 

unexpended funds from fiscal year 2008 to reimburse the costs of 

services provided through September 30, 2010, for all programs 

within the jurisdiction of ORR. 

Transitional and medical services 

The Committee recommends $294,021,000 for transitional and 

medical services. This is $28,475,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. The transitional and medical services program provides funding for the Stateadministered cash and medical assistance program that assists refugees who are not categorically eligible for TANF or Medicaid, the 

unaccompanied minors program that reimburses States for the cost 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
191 

of foster care, and the voluntary agency grant program in which 

participating national refugee resettlement agencies provide resettlement assistance with a combination of Federal and matched 

funds. 

Victims of trafficking 

The Committee recommends up to $9,814,000 for the victims of trafficking program. This is $9,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $5,002,000 less than the budget request. The 

Committee strongly supports the continued administration of a national network for identification, tracking, and certification of trafficking victims. The Committee’s recommendation does not include 

funds for an unauthorizied grant program for domestic victims of 

trafficking. Many of the domestic victims are eligible for Federal 

benefits in addition to all trafficking benefits, except those reserved 

for refugees. 

The Committee supports efforts to ensure that child trafficking 

victims do not remain trapped in life-threatening situations out of 

fear of being interrogated by law enforcement authorities. The 

Committee requests the Department to expedite letters of eligibility so that minor victims may be connected to benefits without 

delay. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned about the low 

number of child trafficking victims being identified and recommends that the Department expand its practices on the identification of human trafficking victims. 

Social services 

The Committee recommends $154,005,000 for social services. 

This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$4,395,000 more than the budget request. Funds are distributed by 

formula as well as through the discretionary grant-making process 

for special projects. 

Within the funds provided, the Committee has included $19,000,000 for support to communities with large concentrations 

of Cuban and Haitian entrants of varying ages whose cultural differences make assimilation especially difficult, justifying a more intense level and longer duration of Federal assistance. 

The Committee continues to request that the Administration for 

Children and Families adequately fund refugee school impact 

grants. 

Preventive health 

The Committee recommends $4,748,000 for preventive health 

services. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $48,000 more than the budget request. These funds are 

awarded to States to ensure adequate health assessment activities 

for refugees. 

Targeted assistance 

The Committee recommends $48,590,000 for the targeted assistance program. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $486,000 more than the budget request. These 

grants provide assistance to areas with high concentrations of refugees. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
192 

Unaccompanied minors 

The Committee recommends $129,635,000 for the unaccompanied minors program. This is $34,317,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $5,027,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee recognizes the complexity of detention for unaccompanied children (UAC) awaiting removal proceedings and urges 

the Administration for Children and Families to ensure that the 

safety and humane treatment of these children are key priorities 

of the agencies that detain them. The Committee has included additional funds for the care and placement of an increasing number 

of UAC through foster care, shelter care, staff secure or secure detention centers, and for additional field staff in areas of high apprehensions. The Committee supports the Department’s efforts to 

prioritize care for UACs in child-centered, age-appropriate, small 

group and foster-care settings. The Committee requests the Department to brief the Committee on the allegations of abuse by shelter 

staff and what steps the Department is taking to prevent such 

abuse in the future. The Committee does not recommend that 

funds be included for expanded background checks before placement of UAC. Most of the funds requested for this activity would 

pay for additional shelter costs as new background checks would 

lengthen the average shelter stay of a UAC by one to three weeks. 

The Committee believes this additional cost is excessive because 

ORR currently performs, and the Committee expects it to continue 

to perform, a rigorous background check on each adult to whom a 

child is released and conducts a home assessment as circumstances 

warrant. 

The Committee supports the Department’s efforts to provide 

medical service that meet quality standards for the children under 

its care. The Committee directs the Department to provide the 

Committee a report on expenses incurred in fiscal years 2007 and 

2008 and what it expects to incur in fiscal year 2009 delivering 

routine, emergent, and emergency mental and physical medical 

services to UAC. 

The Committee recognizes the legal representation crisis and 

need for guardians for UAC and is pleased with the progress ORR 

has made in implementing pro bono pilot programs. The Committee’s recommendation includes funds to expand the pilot program 

as a national pro bono legal services program to ensure representation of all UAC in adversarial immigration removal proceedings 

and affirmative asylum proceedings. The Committee expects these 

funds to be matched with non-Federal funds through a public-private partnership. The Committee intends that pro bono attorneys 

participating in this program shall be trained by experts in immigration law and provided with mentors to ensure effective representation. Additionally, in light of the time attorneys will be expected to spend with their UAC clients, the Committee intends 

these funds to be used to train the attorneys to detect abuse, mistreatment, labor exploitation, and trafficking. Finally, the Committee intends these funds to be used to train the attorneys in 

methods to ensure the appearance of UAC at immigration court 

hearings. In fiscal year 2006 approximately 93 percent of children 

released from custody appeared at their hearings when represented 

by counsel. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Commission for 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
193 

International Religious Freedom, asylum-seekers represented by 

counsel are more than eight times as likely to be granted asylum 

as those unrepresented by counsel. 

Victims of torture 

The Committee recommends $9,817,000 to provide a comprehensive program of support for domestic centers and programs for victims of torture. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $100,000 more than the budget request. 

PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR THE CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

BLOCK GRANT

The Committee recommends $2,137,081,000 for the discretionary 

portion of the child care and development block grant program, 

which provides child care services for low-income families. The 

Committee recommendation provides an $75,000,000 increase over 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. The recommendation is part of its initiative to help reduce the number of 

abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and 

other real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. 

The discretionary portion of this block grant has remained essentially frozen since fiscal year 2002, resulting in a severe drop in the 

number of children served. The Committee’s recommendation takes 

a step toward reversing this trend. 

The Committee believes that child care is an important investment for two reasons. First, child care assistance is key if low-income parents are to be able to work and become self-sufficient. Single mothers who receive child care assistance are 40 percent more 

likely to remain employed after two years than those who do not 

receive assistance in paying for child care. Second, studies have 

shown that high-quality child care helps ensure that children enter 

school ready to succeed. By second grade, children who had received high-quality care demonstrated greater mathematical ability, greater thinking and attention skills, and fewer behavioral 

problems than the children who had received lower-quality care. 

SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT

The Committee recommends $1,700,000,000 for the social services block grant (SSBG). This amount is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 level. The Committee rejects the Administration’s proposal to 

cut SSBG by $500,000,000. The Committee continues to provide 

this flexible source of funding to help local communities provide a 

variety of social services to needy individuals and their families, including services that help prevent dependency, inappropriate institutional care, and neglect and abuse of children and adults. 

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends a program level total of 

$9,127,110,000 for children and families services programs. This is 

$178,140,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$877,021,000 more than the budget request. Within the total provided, $10,500,000 is provided through the evaluation set-aside. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
194 

This account finances a number of programs aimed at enhancing 

the well-being of the nation’s children and families, particularly 

those who are disadvantaged or troubled. 

Head Start 

The Committee recommends $6,963,571,000 for the Head Start 

program, which is $75,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $175,000,000 more than the budget request. Of this 

total, the Committee recommends advancing $1,388,800,000 of this 

account for fiscal year 2008. 

The Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007, granted Head 

Start its first increase since fiscal year 2002. After five years of 

level funding, centers across the country were forced to cut hours, 

transportation, and educational instruction, which have threatened 

the quality of the programs. In this recommendation, the Committee takes another step to restore a portion of those deep cuts 

in real terms and permit communities to enhance the quality of 

comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and their families. The Committee continues 

its strong support for this program that promotes school readiness 

by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children 

through educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. 

The Committee’s $75,000,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 is part 

of its initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America 

by alleviating the economic pressures and other real life conditions 

that can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. 

The Committee recognizes that a recent study showed that children who participated in early Head Start had a higher cognitive 

development score, demonstrated a higher level of social-emotional 

development, a higher vocabulary, and higher rates of immunization than children not enrolled in early Head Start. The Committee 

further recognizes that only 2 percent of children eligible for early 

Head Start are currently served by this program. Therefore, the 

Committee urges the Office of Head Start to consider its value to 

children, families, and our communities and increase the level of 

funding available for grants for early Head Start programs. 

Consolidated runaway and homeless youth programs 

The Committee recommends $97,837,000 for runaway and homeless youth activities (RHYA). This is an increase of $10,000,000 

over the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. 

Funds for this program are distributed between the basic center 

program and the transitional living program under a statutory formula. 

The runaway and homeless youth programs provide grants to 

local public and private organizations to establish and operate runaway and homeless youth shelters to address the crisis needs of 

runaway and homeless youth and their families. Grants are used 

to develop or strengthen community-based shelters, which are outside the law enforcement, juvenile justice, child welfare, and mental health systems. 

The Committee supports the Department’s efforts to place greater emphasis on runaway prevention activities under the RHYA proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00194 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
195 

gram. The Committee encourages the Secretary to explore additional methods to promote and expand these prevention efforts. 

The Committee’s recommendation includes a $10,000,000 increase as part of its initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other 

real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not 

to carry their pregnancies to term. The increase will fund approximately 70 new shelters that will provide youth essential life-skills, 

connect youth to education, workforce and other supports, and expand services to pregnant/parenting youth. 

Prevention grants to reduce abuse of runaway youth 

The Committee recommends $15,027,000 for prevention grants to 

reduce abuse of runaway youth. This is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. This program provides 

grants to support street-based outreach and education to runaway, 

homeless, and street youth who have been sexually abused or who 

are at-risk of sexual abuse. The street outreach program ensures 

rapid engagement with young people in an effort to prevent the 

most terrible situations that take place when they are subjected to 

life on the streets, including physical and sexual abuse, assault, 

commercial sexual exploitation, disease, long-term homelessness, 

and even death. 

Child abuse State grants and discretionary activities 

For child abuse State grants and discretionary activities, the Committee recommends $63,840,000. This is $11,053,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $695,000 more than the 

budget request. Within this total, the recommendation includes 

$27,007,000 for State grants and $36,833,000 for child abuse discretionary activities. 

The Committee’s recommendation includes the $10,000,000 increase as part of its initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other 

real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not 

to carry their pregnancies to term. The Committee intends the increased funding to be dedicated to support State use of researchand evidence-based home visitation models that use professionals, 

nurses, paraprofessionals, and trained volunteers from the community to improve parenting and family health. The Committee has 

funded the Administration’s request for this activity after reviewing the research supporting the value of a range of early childhood 

home visitation models and their positive affect on prenatal health, 

preventing child maltreatment, and improvement in other important outcomes for these young families 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Children Uniting Nations, Los Angeles, CA for a foster child mentoring program in Los Angeles ............. $100,000 

Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks, Springfield, MO for a child abuse prevention program ................................. 245,000 

Jefferson County, Golden, CO for child abuse prevention and treatment programs .................................... 100,000 

New York Center for Children, New York, NY for comprehensive support and services to abused children 

and their families ...................................................................................................................................... 150,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
196 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Shelter for Abused Women, Winchester, VA to enhance community efforts to address domestic violence 100,000 

Community-based child abuse prevention 

The Committee recommends $42,430,000 for community-based 

child abuse prevention. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. Funds are provided to 

State agencies and are used to develop, operate, expand, and enhance community-based efforts to strengthen and support families 

in an effort to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

Abandoned infants assistance 

The Committee recommends $11,835,000 for the abandoned infants assistance program. This amount is the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and the budget request. The purpose of 

this program is to provide financial support to public and private 

community and faith-based entities to develop, implement, and operate demonstration projects that will prevent the abandonment of 

infants and young children exposed to HIV/AIDS and drugs; identify and address their needs; assist such children to reside with 

their natural families or in foster care; recruit, train, and retain 

foster parents as well as health and social services personnel; provide respite care for families and foster families; and prevent the 

abandonment of infants and young children. 

Child welfare services and training 

The Committee recommends $286,754,000 for child welfare services. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and the budget request. This program provides grants to States to 

assist public welfare agencies to improve child welfare services. 

State services include preventive intervention in order for children 

to stay in their homes, alternative placement like foster care or 

adoption if it is not possible for children to remain at home, and 

reunification programs so that, if appropriate, children can return 

home. 

The Committee recommends $7,335,000 for child welfare training. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and the budget request. The Committee recognizes the need for 

trained, skilled, and qualified child welfare service workers. This 

program provides grants to institutions of higher education to develop and improve education and training programs and resources 

for child welfare service providers as well as students seeking degrees in social work. 

Adoption opportunities 

The Committee recommends $26,848,000 for adoption opportunities. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and the budget request. This program provides funding specifically 

targeted to improving the adoption of children, particularly those 

with special needs, and for providing innovative services that support families involved in adoption. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
197 

Adoption incentives 

The Committee recommends $9,500,000 for the adoption incen- tives program. This is $4,500,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $4,000,000 less than the budget request. This 

program targets incentives specifically for older children. Funds are 

awarded to States using three baselines: one for the total number 

of children adopted, one for children with special needs under the 

age of nine, and one for children aged nine and older. The goal of 

this program is to increase the number of adoptions nationwide. 

Adoption awareness 

The Committee recommends $14,674,000 for the adoption aware- ness program. This is a $2,000,000 increase above the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. The Committee’s recommended increase is part of its initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America. The increase for adoption awareness 

will expand training activities for adoption agency staff, resulting 

in enhanced information to and counseling of young pregnant 

women about adoption as one of their options, as well as expanded 

referrals to adoption agencies. Funds will also be used to develop 

best practice guidelines in adoption counseling. 

Compassion capital fund 

The Committee recommends $64,350,000 for the compassion capital fund. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$10,650,000 less than the budget request. This program provides 

grants to intermediary organizations that in turn provide training 

and technical assistance to faith-and-community-based organizations. The program also provides capacity-building grants directly 

to the latter organizations, which include organizations that foster 

supportive relationships with youth. 

Social services and income maintenance research 

The Committee recommends $8,635,000 for social services and 

income maintenance research, $6,000,000 of which is through the 

evaluation set-aside. This is the same as the President’s request. 

These funds support research, demonstration, evaluation, and dissemination activities. Recent topics funded through this program 

include welfare-to-work strategies and programs to strengthen family relationships and promote healthy marriages. 

In 2006, Congress reauthorized the temporary assistance for 

needy families program, imposing new administrative mandates on 

States with regard to tracking and verifying work participation 

rates. As a result, each State must now design and implement new 

systems and procedures for tracking work-eligible participants or 

risk financial penalties. ACF is currently working collaboratively 

with States to pilot-test the most cost-efficient ways to meet new 

monitoring and verification requirements. The Committee encourages ACF to continue to work with the States to ensure that needy 

families receive assistance in a timely manner. Similarly, new administrative requirements contained in the Deficit Reduction Act of 

2005 call upon States to broaden their child support collection efforts, including seeking medical insurance coverage for children 

from non-custodial parents, and mandatory review and adjustment 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
198 

of support orders. ACF is currently working to increase the exchange of critical case information among State child support agencies, their courts, and the Federal government. The Committee encourages ACF to continue to augment the ability of States to collect 

and distribute child support payments. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, Virginia, MN for the Family-to-Family community based mentoring program to assist low-income families .......................................................................................... $250,000 

Augusta Levy Learning Center, Wheeling, WV for services to children with Autism .................................... 75,000 

Beth EI House, Alexandria, VA for social services and transitional housing for formerly homeless women 

and their children ...................................................................................................................................... 75,000 

Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD for services related to domestic violence, 

child abuse, and neglect ........................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Christian Outreach of Lutherans, Waukegan, IL for Latino leadership development in underserved areas 125,000 

City of Detroit, MI for an Individual Development Account initiative ........................................................... 350,000 

City of Fort Worth, TX for programming at neighborhood-based early childhood resource centers ............ 200,000 

City of San Jose, CA for its Services for New Americans program, including assistance with job seeking 

skills, citizenship, family safety and resettlement ................................................................................... 200,000 

Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club - Mike Horn Unit, Owensboro, KY for purchase of equipment ................ 175,000 

Communities In Schools, Bell-Coryell Counties, Inc., Killeen, TX for youth counseling services ................. 260,000 

Covenant House Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, FL for a program for pregnant and parenting teens and young 

adults ......................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA for the Parent-Child Home Program .......... 125,000 

Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc., Leesburg, VA for services to disabled individuals ........................... 100,000 

Family Center of Washington County, Montpelier, VT for childcare and related services ........................... 200,000 

First 5 Alameda County, San Leandro, CA for development and support of postsecondary early childhood education and training programs, which may include student scholarships ................................. 175,000 

Friendship Circle of the South Bay, Redondo Beach, CA for services for children with developmental 

disabilities ................................................................................................................................................. 275,000 

Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc., New Britain, CT for the Pathways/Senderos Center 

for education and outreach ....................................................................................................................... 125,000 

Hamilton-Madison House, New York, NY for services and equipment for a social services program ......... 100,000 

Healthy Learners Dillon, Columbia, SC for social services for economically disadvantaged children ........ 200,000 

Helping Children Worldwide, Herndon, VA to assist students and families ................................................. 250,000

Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, Minneapolis, MN for the Family Healing and Restoration Network Project ......................................................................................................... 285,000 

Hillside Family of Agencies, Rochester, NY for the Hillside Children’s Center for adoption services ......... 100,000 

Hope Village for Children, Meridian, MS for a program to assist foster children ....................................... 215,000 

Horizons for Homeless Children, Boston, MA for Playspace Programs for homeless children ..................... 50,000 

Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY for the New American’s Center ........................................ 100,000 

L.I.F.T. Women’s Resource Center, Detroit, MI for services to improve self-sufficiency and life skills of 

women transitioning from substance abuse, domestic violence, or homelessness ................................. 100,000 

Lawrence County Social Services, New Castle, PA for early childhood, parental training, and life skills 

programs .................................................................................................................................................... 125,000 

Lutheran Social Services, Duluth, MN for services to runaway, homeless, and other at-risk youth and 

their families ............................................................................................................................................. 350,000 

Marcus Institute, Atlanta, GA for services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities 

and severe and challenging behaviors ..................................................................................................... 400,000 

Mary’s Family, Orlean, VA to develop a respite program for Winchester-area special needs families ....... 100,000 

Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC, for a program to combat domestic violence ...................................... 200,000 

Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium, Portageville, MO for the Fatherhood First program ..................... 250,000 

Monterey County Probation Department, Salinas, CA for the Silver Star gang prevention and intervention 

program ...................................................................................................................................................... 350,000 

Nashua Adult Learning Center, Nashua, NH for a Family Resource Center ................................................. 100,000 

National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, Washington, DC for research and information dissemination related to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program .............................................. 200,000 

Network for Instructional TV, Inc., Reston, VA for a training program for child care providers ................. 50,000 

Nurses for Newborns Foundation, St. Louis, MO for nurse home visiting program ..................................... 300,000 

Organization of the NorthEast, Chicago, IL for development of a local homeless services continuum ...... 50,000 

Pediatric Interim Care Center, Kent, WA for the Drug-Exposed Infants Outreach and Education program 150,000 

Public Health Department, Solano County, Fairfield, CA for a program to support pregnant women and 

new mothers .............................................................................................................................................. 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
199 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Sephardic Bikur Holim of Monmouth County, Deal, NJ for social services programs .................................. 100,000 

Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network, San Jose, CA for assistance to immigrants seeking 

citizenship .................................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL for the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders ........................ 150,000 

Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX for coordination of family and child services ......... 150,000 

Susan Wesley Family Learning Center, East Prairie, MO for programs to assist at-risk youth and their 

families ...................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

TLC for Children and Families, Inc., Olathe, KS for a transitional living program for at-risk and homeless youth ................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

United Way Southeastern Michigan, Detroit, MI for the Communities of Early Learning initiative ............. 200,000 

University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders ........... 250,000 

Visitation Home, Inc., Yardville, NJ for programs to assist developmentally disabled residents ................ 100,000 

Developmental disabilities 

For programs authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act, the 

Committee recommends $175,836,000. This is $5,001,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 level and $5,000,000 more than the budget request. 

The account total includes $76,771,000 for allotments to States 

to fund State councils, which is $5,000,000 more than the budget 

request and the fiscal year 2007 funding level. These councils develop, improve, and expand the system of services and supports for 

people with developmental disabilities. Through their activities, 

Councils on Developmental Disabilities provide for the inclusion 

and integration of individuals with developmental disabilities in 

the economic, political, social, cultural, religious and educational 

mainstream of our nation. 

Within the total, $38,718,000 will be available to States for operating a protection and advocacy system to protect the legal and 

human rights of the developmentally disabled. This amount is the 

same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

The Committee recommends $15,720,000 for voting access for individuals with disabilities programs. This amount is the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. Within 

the funds provided, $10,890,000 is for payments to States to promote access for voters with disabilities and $4,830,000 is for State 

protection and advocacy systems. These programs are intended to 

make polling places accessible and provide equal access and participation for individuals with disabilities. The protection and advocacy program will ensure that individuals can fully participate in 

the electoral process, including registering to vote, accessing polling 

places, and casting a vote. 

The Committee recommends $11,414,000 for developmental disabilities projects of national significance. This amount is the same 

as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. 

The Committee recommends $33,213,000 for the university centers for excellence in developmental disabilities. This is $1,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the budget 

request. This funding provides discretionary grants to public or 

not-for-profit entities associated with universities. The grants provide basic operational and administrative core support for these 

agencies. In addition, these funds support interdisciplinary trainVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00199 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
200 

ing, community services, research and technical assistance, and information dissemination. 

Native American programs 

The Committee recommends $47,332,000 for Native American 

programs. This is $3,000,000 more than the budget request and the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level. The Native American programs assist tribal and village governments, Native American institutions 

and organizations to support and develop stable, diversified local 

economies. In promoting social and economic self-sufficiency, this 

program provides financial assistance through direct grants for individual projects, training and technical assistance, and research 

and demonstration programs. 

The Committee intends that the $3,000,000 increase be available 

to fund the activities authorized under section 803C(b)(7)(A)–(C) of 

the Native American Programs Act (as added by the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006). 

Community services 

The Committee recommends $730,959,000 for community services activities. This is $706,507,000 more than the budget request 

and $36,385,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

Community services block grants 

For the community services block grants, the Committee recommends $660,425,000. This is $30,000,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level. No funds were requested for this program. 

This program provides grants to over 1,000 counties, territories, 

and Indian tribes for services such as employment, housing, nutrition, energy, emergency services, child care, job training and job 

placement, parenting education, adult literacy classes, domestic violence prevention, emergency food assistance, and health needs of 

low-income people. 

The Committee’s recommended 4.8 percent increase is part of its 

initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other real life conditions that 

can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. Increased services will help struggling, low-income 

families raise their children. 

Community economic development 

The Committee recommends $32,700,000 for community economic development. This is $5,678,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level. No funds were requested for this program. This 

program provides assistance to private, locally initiated community 

development corporations (CDCs) that sponsor enterprises providing employment, training, and business development opportunities for low-income residents in poor communities. 

The Committee’s recommendation reflects its commitment to 

helping CDCs continue their good work in transforming the low income communities in which they serve. CDCs help capitalize nearly 

60,000 small businesses a year and provide approximately 

$2,000,000,000 in loan assistance to entrepreneurs and residents in 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
201 

low income communities a year. The increase over fiscal year 2007 

will fund approximately 9 new grants, totally 45. 

Job opportunities for low-income individuals 

The Committee recommends $5,382,000, the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level, for job opportunities for low-income individuals (JOLI). No funds were requested for this program. This 

program provides competitive grants to non-profit organizations to 

create new employment and business opportunities for TANF recipients and other low-income individuals. 

Individual development accounts 

The Committee recommends $24,452,000 for individual development accounts. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the budget request. Individual development accounts are dedicated savings accounts that can be used by families 

with limited means for purchasing a first home, paying for postsecondary education or capitalizing a business. The intent of the program is to encourage participants to develop and reinforce strong 

habits for saving money. Section 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible 

to apply for the funds and applicants must match Federal funds 

with non-Federal funds. 

Rural community facilities 

The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for the rural community facilities program. This amount is $707,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level. No funds were requested for this program. 

The Committee includes these funds to be used solely for the purpose of improving water and wastewater facilities in poor, rural 

communities. As in the past, these funds should be allocated to regional rural community assistance programs. 

Violent crime reduction programs 

The Committee recommends $134,731,000 for family violence 

prevention and services and battered women’s shelters. This is 

$10,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. This program is designed to assist States and Indian Tribes in efforts to prevent family violence and to provide immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents. 

The Committee also includes $2,970,000 to fund a domestic violence hotline. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the budget request. 

The Committee’s recommended 8 percent increase is part of its 

initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other real life conditions that 

can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to term. Increased funding will permit States to expand domestic violence prevention services to more at-risk women. 

Mentoring children of prisoners 

The Committee recommends $49,493,000 for the mentoring children of prisoners program. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $507,000 less than the budget request. This proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00201 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
202 

gram supports competitively awarded grants to States and local 

governments, Indian tribes and consortia, and faith- and community-based organizations to mentor children of prisoners and those 

recently released from prison. 

Independent living training vouchers 

The Committee recommends $46,157,000 for independent living 

training vouchers. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the budget request. These funds support vouchers for college tuition or vocational training for individuals who age 

out of the foster care system so they can be better prepared to live 

independently. 

Abstinence education 

The Committee recommends a program level total of $141,164,000 for the community-based abstinence education program, which is the same as the budget request and $27,764,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 level. As requested, $4,500,000 is provided within the total through the evaluation set-aside. The program provides support to public and private entities for implementation of community-based abstinence education programs for adolescents aged 12 through 18 (as defined in Section 510(b)(2) of the 

Social Security Act). The entire focus of these programs is to educate young people and create an environment within communities 

that supports teen decisions to postpone sexual activity until marriage. There is no funding match requirement for these grants. The 

Committee intends that up to 5 percent of these funds be used to 

provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to grantees. Within the total, up to $10,000,000 may be used to carry out 

a national Abstinence Education Campaign. 

The Committee’s recommended increase is part of its initiative to 

help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the 

economic pressures and other real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not to carry their pregnancies to 

term. The increase will provide support for an additional 63 grants 

over fiscal year 2007. The $27,764,000 increase for the communitybased abstinence education program is identical to that recommended for the family planning program. 

The Committee urges the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to utilize the set-aside to ensure that programs around 

the country are using appropriate and approved curricula that are 

evidence-based and comply with the appropriate Federal legislation. To that end, the Committee requests ACF to issue a report 

to the Committees on Appropriation of the House and Senate no 

later than 90 days after enactment of this Act on the use of the 

5 percent set-aside and the intended use of the fiscal year 2008 

funds. The Committee also requests ACF to include in this report 

the funds from the national abstinence education campaign that 

are being used for training and technical assistance. The Committee reinforces the guidance from its report accompanying the 

fiscal year 2005 appropriation with respect to the abstinence messages given by the public health entities that are grantees in the 

community-based abstinence education program and to the conduct 

of evaluation activities for the program. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
203 

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall require each 

applicant for financial assistance under the abstinence education 

program funded under this heading to certify that all materials 

proposed in the application and funded during the project period of 

the grant are medically accurate; and a panel of medical experts 

shall review such grant applications and assess whether the materials proposed are medically accurate. 

Faith-based center 

The Committee recommends $1,386,000 for the faith-based center. This amount is the same as the budget request and the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level. The center will support implementation of 

faith-based and community initiatives in accordance with the President’s executive order. 

Program direction 

The Committee recommends $187,776,000 for program direction 

expenses for ACF. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $9,449,000 less than the budget request. 

Promoting safe and stable families 

The Committee recommends $345,000,000 in mandatory funds 

for the promoting safe and stable families program, which is the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. 

The Committee recommends $89,100,000 in discretionary funds for 

this program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and the budget request. 

Payments to States for foster care and assistance 

The Committee recommends $5,082,000,000 for payments to States for foster care and adoption assistance. This is $170,000,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the 

budget request. The Committee also includes an advance appropriation of $1,776,000,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 

to ensure timely completion of first quarter grant awards. 

Within the total appropriation, including the advance appropriation from the prior year, the Committee recommends 

$4,593,000,000 for the foster care program to provide maintenance 

payments to States on behalf of children who must live outside 

their homes. This amount is the same as the budget request and 

$118,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

Within the total appropriation, the Committee recommends 

$2,159,000,000 for adoption assistance. This is $132,000,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget 

request. This program provides training for parents and State administrative staff as well as payments on behalf of categorically eligible children considered difficult to adopt. This annually appropriated entitlement is designed to provide alternatives to long, inappropriate stays in foster care by developing permanent placements with families. 

Within the total appropriation for this account, the Committee 

recommends $140,000,000 for the independent living program. This 

amount is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. The program is designed to assist foster children 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
204 

age 16 or older to make successful transitions to independence. 

Funds assist children to earn high school diplomas, receive vocational training, and obtain training in daily living skills. Funds are 

awarded to States on the basis of the number of children on behalf 

of whom Federal foster care payments are received. 

ADMINISTRATION ON AGING

AGING SERVICES PROGRAMS

For programs administered by the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Committee recommends a total of $1,417,189,000. This 

is $34,182,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$82,043,000 more than the budget request. This agency administers the programs under the Older Americans Act except for the 

Community Services Employment Program, which is administered 

by the Department of Labor. 

The majority of the funding appropriated to AoA is distributed 

via statutory formula to States or tribal organizations, including 

programs for nutrition and family caregiver services. Virtually all 

other programs award funding as grants using an outside peer review process. 

Supportive services and centers 

The Committee recommends $357,595,000 for supportive services and centers. This is $7,000,000 above both the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the budget request. Funds for supportive services 

and centers are awarded to States and territories for in-home and 

community-based services for frail elderly persons who are at risk 

of losing their self-sufficiency due to physical or mental impairments. The funds contained in the bill will support a variety of activities including transportation services, information and assistance, and personal care services. 

Preventive health 

The Committee recommends $21,400,000 for preventive health 

services. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. No 

funds were requested for this program. These funds are awarded 

to States and territories to support activities that educate older 

adults about the importance of healthy lifestyles and promote 

healthy behaviors that can prevent or delay chronic disease and 

disability. 

The Committee supports strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations dedicated to promoting preventive 

healthcare services and minimizing health disparities for Asian 

American and Pacific Islander elders and encourages AoA to continue to work with national organizations to that end. 

Protection of vulnerable older Americans 

The Committee recommends $20,156,000 for the protection of 

vulnerable older Americans. This is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $990,000 more than the budget request. 

This amount includes funding for both the long-term care ombudsman program and the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation program. The former program protects the rights and inVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00204 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
205 

terests of residents in nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar adult care facilities. The latter 

program trains law enforcement and medical professionals in recognition of and response to elder abuse. 

National family caregiver support program 

The Committee recommends $156,167,000 for the family caregivers program. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $1,980,000 more than the budget request. The family 

caregiver program provides formula grants to States to provide a 

support system in each State for family caregivers. All States are 

expected to put in place five basic system components as follows: 

individualized information on available resources; assistance to 

families in locating services from private and voluntary agencies; 

caregiver counseling, training and peer support; respite care; and 

other supplemental services. 

The Committee recognizes the efforts of AoA in supporting caregivers of older individuals and older relative caregivers through the 

national family caregiver support program. Based on recommendations from the 2005 White House conference on aging, the Older 

Americans Act Amendments of 2006 expanded the national family 

caregiver support program to include older relative caregivers of 

adults with disabilities. There are approximately 711,000 caregivers over 60 years of age who are providing care to their adult 

relatives with life-long developmental disabilities at home. These 

caregivers include parents, siblings, and other older relatives. Congress intended to include this broad population of older relative 

caregivers and not limit the program to grandparent caregivers in 

the case of adult relatives with disabilities. The Committee urges 

AoA to provide sufficient funds to serve this population of older relative caregivers of adults with disabilities within the national family caregiver support program. 

Native American caregiver support program 

The Committee recommends $6,428,000 for the Native American 

caregiver support program. This is $187,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and the budget request. The program assists Tribes in providing multifaceted systems of support services 

for family caregivers as well as for grandparents caring for grandchildren. 

Nutrition programs 

For congregate and home-delivered meals, as well as the nutrition services incentive program, the Committee recommends 

$758,599,000. This is $23,529,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $47,090,000 more than the budget request. The 

funding distribution for these programs is included in the detailed 

table accompanying this report. These programs are intended to 

address some of the difficulties confronting older individuals; namely, nutrition deficiencies due to inadequate income, lack of adequate facilities to prepare food, and social isolation. 

The increase provided for congregate and home-delivered nutrition programs, and for the nutrition services incentive program is 

intended to be a significant first step in properly investing in the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
206 

care of the nation’s frail elderly. Over the past several years the 

funding for aging nutrition programs has remained flat despite the 

fact that the fastest growing population of Americans is those aged 

85 and older. The level provided will pay for approximately 3 million additional meals compared to fiscal year 2007 estimates. 

Grants for Native Americans 

The Committee recommends $26,918,000 for grants for Native Americans. This is $784,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. Grants are distributed to tribal 

organizations to be used to help Native American elders remain 

healthy and independent by providing transportation, nutrition, 

health screening, and other services. 

The increase provided for congregate and home-delivered nutrition programs, and for the nutrition services incentive program is 

intended to be a significant first step in properly investing in the 

care of the nation’s frail elderly. Over the past several years the 

funding for aging nutrition programs has remained flat despite the 

fact that the fastest growing population of Americans is those aged 

85 and older. 

Program innovations 

The Committee recommends $10,240,000 for program innova- tions. This is $13,818,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $25,245,000 less than the budget request. Funds under 

this program are used for competitive grants and contracts to support projects that develop new and promising practices to serve 

older adults and their families. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee recommendation 

Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, Denver, CO for a naturally occurring retirement communities demonstration project ....................................................................................................................................... $100,000 

Amalgamated Warbasse Houses, Inc., Brooklyn, NY for a demonstration project focusing on supportive 

service programs in naturally occurring retirement communities ............................................................ 200,000 

California Senior Legal Hotline, Sacramento, CA for a demonstration project to increase services to 

non-English-speaking seniors ................................................................................................................... 80,000 

Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation, Durham, NC for a demonstration program to improve assistance 

to family caregivers ................................................................................................................................... 75,000 

Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, IL for the Chicago Elder Project .................................................... 200,000 

Jewish Community Services of South Florida, North Miami, FL for a naturally occurring retirement communities demonstration project ................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, Minnetonka, MI for a naturally occurring retirement community demonstration project .................................................................................................... 200,000 

Jewish Family Service of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM for a naturally occurring retirement community 

demonstration project ................................................................................................................................ 100,000 

Jewish Family Service, Los Angeles, CA for a naturally occurring retirement communities demonstration 

project in Park La Brea and the San Fernando Valley ............................................................................. 300,000 

Jewish Family Services of Delaware, Inc., Wilmington, DE for a naturally occurring retirement community demonstration project ......................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, Scotch Plains, NJ for the naturally occurring retirement community demonstration project .................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County, NJ for a naturally occurring retirement communities 

demonstration project ................................................................................................................................ 200,000 

Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, Woodbridge, CT to develop, test, evaluate, and disseminate an 

innovative community-based approach to caregiver support services .................................................... 150,000 

Jewish Federation of Middlesex County, South River, NJ for a naturally occurring retirement communities 

demonstration project ................................................................................................................................ 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
207 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Jewish Social Service Agency, Fairfax, VA for a naturally occurring retirement community demonstration 

project ........................................................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, Front Royal, VA for a model group respite center for persons with 

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia ............................................................................................................ 150,000 

United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, NJ, Parsippany, NJ for the Lifelong Involvement for Vital Elders Aging in Place initiative .................................................................................................................... 250,000 

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL for a technology demonstration project to assist seniors ................. 100,000 

Aging network support activities 

The Committee recommends $29,633,000 for aging network support activities. This is $16,500,000 more than both the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the budget request. Included within this 

funding are five ongoing programs: the national eldercare locator, 

pension counseling, senior Medicare patrols, the national long-term 

care ombudsman resource center, and the national center on elder 

abuse. The Committee is funding the components of the choices for 

independence initiative within aging network support activities 

rather than program innovations. These established programs, 

which began as demonstration projects, provide critical support for 

the national aging services network. 

Within this total, the Committee provides $16,500,000 to implement the newly authorized provisions of the Older Americans Act 

related to aging and disability resource centers, evidence-based prevention programs, and consumer-directed services targeted at individuals who are at high risk of nursing home placement and spenddown to Medicaid. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The funding included in the budget request for the choices 

for independence demonstration is for these same activities. This 

effort builds on and expands support for these successful program 

innovations administered by AoA over the last four years. The 

Committee requests that AoA report to the House Committee on 

Appropriations on the establishment of national standards that will 

be used to evaluate these three programs, including the performance measures and indicators States must use to track and report 

on the outcomes and outputs they achieve. AoA should include in 

future Congressional budget submissions, the number of people 

served by these programs, funding breakdowns for each program, 

and on the progress States are making in implementing these activities. 

Aging and disability resource centers are currently operating in 

43 States and evidence-based disease prevention programs are 

being implemented in 24 States. The funding provided is intended 

to sustain and expand these efforts through a coordinated approach 

that will provide States with enhanced tools for redirecting their 

long-term care systems to make them more responsive to the needs 

and preferences of older people and their caregivers. In implementing these activities, the Committee encourages AoA to continue its close partnership efforts with the Centers for Medicare 

and Medicaid Services, the National Institute on Aging, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
208 

Alzheimer’s disease demonstration grants 

The Committee recommends $11,668,000 for Alzheimer’s disease 

demonstration grants. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level. No funds were requested for this program. The program provides competitive grants to States to help them plan and 

establish programs to provide models of care to individuals with 

Alzheimer’s disease. Funds are used for respite care and supportive 

services, clearinghouses, training, and administrative costs for 

State offices. An estimated 70 percent of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where family members provide the 

preponderance of care. The Alzheimer’s disease demonstration 

grant program currently supports matching grants to 36 States to 

help stimulate and coordinate services to assist families caring for 

Alzheimer patients, particularly those living in underserved rural 

communities and minorities. Unlike other AoA general service activities, this program is designed to address the unique demands 

Alzheimer’s disease places on families and emphasizes systems 

change to meet those demands. 

Program administration 

The Committee recommends $18,385,000 for program administration expenses. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $311,000 less than the budget request. This activity provides administrative and management support for all programs administered by AoA. 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The Committee provides $369,075,000 for general departmental management, which is $12,837,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $23,481,000 below the budget request. Included in this amount 

is authority to spend $5,851,000 from the Medicare trust funds, 

which is the same as the Administration’s request. In addition, the 

Office of the Secretary has access to $46,756,000 for policy evaluation funding activities under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act. 

This appropriation supports those activities that are associated 

with the Secretary’s roles as policy officer and general manager of 

the Department. The Office of the Secretary also implements Administration and Congressional directives, and provides assistance, 

direction and coordination to the headquarters, regions and field 

organizations of the Department. This account also supports the 

Office of the Surgeon General and several small health promotion 

and disease prevention activities that are centrally administered. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Alma Family Services, Monterey Park, CA to increase access to culturally competent health information 

to minority populations, which may include the purchase of a fully equipped mobile computer lab/ 

resource unit .............................................................................................................................................. $75,000 

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, New York, NY for demonstration project to increase access to health care for 

low-income minority men in South and Central Bronx ............................................................................. 350,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
209 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Community-Health Partnership, Santa Clara, CA for its Healthy Women, Healthy Choices project to provide comprehensive health education to underserved women ................................................................. 200,000 

Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, NJ for its Latino Healthcare Initiative ........................................... 50,000 

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA for a health literacy program ............. 250,000 

Marymount University, Arlington, VA for a project to provide health screenings, referrals and health 

education at a nurse managed health center for minority populations .................................................. 70,000 

Nassau University Medical Centers, East Meadow, NY for a minority health institute ............................... 200,000 

National Hispanic Medical Association, Washington, DC for a Hispanic health portal to provide online 

health education materials ....................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Prince George’s County, Upper Marlboro, MD for a media campaign for pregnant women about health 

insurance for prenatal care ....................................................................................................................... 100,000 

St. Luke’s Community Free Clinic, Front Royal, VA for activities focused on adult hypertension and dental care ...................................................................................................................................................... 300,000 

Thurston-Mason County Medical Society, Olympia, WA for a demonstration project to increase care for 

non-English-speaking patients .................................................................................................................. 50,000 

The Committee recommendation includes $19,157,000 for transformation, readiness and training of the Commissioned Corps, 

which is $15,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level. These additional funds will be used to create and equip dedicated health and 

medical response teams, and support training, information technology and other transformation activities that will enable the 

Corps to better respond to public health emergencies. 

Area poverty research centers.—The conferees are aware that the 

area poverty research center grants will expire on September 30, 

2008, and expect the Secretary to award new grants on a competitive basis. The bill includes sufficient funds to continue the support 

of multiple area poverty centers at no less than the fiscal year 2007 

level. 

Healthcare access for special populations.—The Committee is 

aware that culturally and linguistically appropriate models of care 

are critical to reducing health disparities and improving access to 

healthcare. Furthermore, the Committee understands that Federal 

agencies are expected to ensure language access in all programs. 

The Committee requests the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HSS) to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees 

on Appropriations not later than one year after the enactment of 

this Act that includes a description and evaluation of the activities 

carried out across HHS to ensure that every sector of society has 

knowledge of and access to health and human services programs; 

a description and analysis of best practices, model programs, guidelines, and other effective strategies to improve cultural and linguistic access; a description of the effect of providing language services on quality of healthcare and access to care; and a description 

of the costs associated with and savings related to the provision of 

language services. 

Interagency autism coordinating committee.—The Committee recommendation includes funds to support the Interagency Autism 

Coordinating Committee (IACC) that will coordinate all efforts with 

the Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism 

spectrum disorders, as authorized under the Combating Autism Act 

of 2006 (P.L. 109–416). The IACC will be responsible for developing 

a strategic plan for autism spectrum disorder research. The Committee looks forward to reviewing this strategic plan after it is developed. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
210 

Food allergy.—The Committee notes that approximately three 

million children under the age of eighteen suffer from food allergies. There are no federal guidelines concerning the management 

of life-threatening food allergies in a school setting. The Committee 

encourages the Secretary, working with the Secretary of Education, 

to develop a policy to be used on a voluntary basis to manage the 

risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools within six months 

of the enactment of this law. These guidelines should include but 

not be limited to detailing emergency treatment procedures in the 

event of anaphylaxis or other food allergy reaction, strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common school areas such as the cafeteria, and the authorization of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the 

school nurse is not immediately available. Funding is provided 

under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support 

these activities. 

Preterm birth.—The Committee encourages the Surgeon General 

to convene a conference on preterm birth and produce a report establishing a public-private agenda to expedite the identification of 

and treatments for the causes and risk factors for preterm labor 

and delivery as authorized by the PREEMIE Act (P.L. 109–450). 

Sodium.—The Committee encourages the Secretary to explore 

funding a study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences that will examine and make recommendations regarding various means that could be employed to reduce dietary sodium intake to levels recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for 

Americans. These should include, but not be limited to, actions by 

food manufacturers, such as new product development and food reformulation, and governmental approaches, such as regulatory, legislative approaches, and public and professional information and 

education. In addition, the Committee encourages the Secretary to 

request a report from the Surgeon General on ways in which the 

department could strengthen its activities pertaining to health 

issues related to salt. 

Steroid use.—The Committee supports education efforts to demonstrate the consequences of using performance-enhancing drugs. 

The Department of Health and Human Services should undertake 

a comprehensive campaign to educate youth on the dangers of steroid use for 5th through 8th graders, an education campaign authorized in the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. 

Adolescent family life 

The Committee provides $30,307,000 for the Adolescent Family 

Life program, which is the same as the 2007 level and the budget 

request. The program provides comprehensive and integrated approaches to the delivery of care services for pregnant and parenting 

adolescents, and prevention services that promote abstinence from 

sexual activity among non-parenting teens. Under the Committee 

recommendation, the Administration will be able to support approximately 76 discretionary demonstration grants in fiscal year 

2008. The bill includes a provision requiring funds for prevention 

demonstrations to be available for abstinence education activities 

under section 510(b)(2) of the Social Security Act, as requested by 

the Administration. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
211 

Office of minority health 

The Committee provides $49,284,000 for the Office of Minority Health (OMH), which is $4,171,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

amount and $5,509,000 above the budget request. The bill does not 

include funding for a one-time project costing $5,000,000 in fiscal 

year 2007. Excluding this project, the bill provides a $829,000 increase over fiscal year 2007 for ongoing activities. 

The OMH works with Public Health Service agencies and other 

agencies of the Department to address the health status and quality of life for racial and ethnic minority populations in the United 

States. OMH develops and implements new policies; partners with 

States, tribes, and communities through cooperative agreements; 

supports research, demonstration, and evaluation projects; and disseminates information. 

Historically black medical schools.—The Committee continues to 

be concerned about the diminished partnership between OMH and 

the nation’s historically black medical schools. Consistent with previous recommendations, the Committee encourages OMH to: (1) reestablish its unique cooperative agreement with Meharry Medical 

College; (2) develop a formal partnership with the Morehouse 

School of Medicine and its National Center for Primary Care; and 

(3) coordinate a response to the challenges facing the Charles R. 

Drew University of Medicine and Science, including expanded opportunities for biomedical research and support for residency training faculty. The Committee requests a report on the status of these 

activities by January 1, 2008. 

Minority male consortium.—The Committee continues to recognize the importance of the educational and preventive health work 

being undertaken and implemented in campus and communitybased projects by the five historically black colleges and universities in the New Minority Males Consortium, Inc. The Committee 

bill includes additional resources over the budget request to enable 

the OMH to expand the number of participating institutions, as 

well as to enhance the resources received by each of the institutions to increase their activities and to conduct the national comparative study of the incidence of certain health conditions and diseases among minority males. 

Obesity awareness and prevention.—The Committee encourages 

the OMH to continue its effort to partner with organizations that 

are focused on collaborative efforts to eliminate health disparities 

by, among other things, raising awareness of obesity as a public 

health epidemic and removing barriers to obesity prevention 

through culturally competent community education and helping to 

create community environments that facilitate equal access to 

healthy lifestyles. 

Office on women’s health 

The Committee provides $28,800,000 for the Office on Women’s 

Health (OWH), which is $554,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $1,431,000 above the budget request. The (OWH) advises the 

Secretary and provides Department-wide coordination of programs 

focusing specifically on women’s health. 

Centers of excellence.—Multidisciplinary centers of excellence in 

women’s health were established in 1996 to develop standards of 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
212 

excellence in women’s health care, research, leadership, training 

and education. The 48 institutions from 40 States and Puerto Rico 

that have been designated as centers of excellence participate in 

one of five model programs developed by the OWH to provide comprehensive, integrated, interdisciplinary and coordinated women’s 

health care: national centers of excellence in women’s health, national community centers of excellence in women’s health, ambassadors for change, region VIII demonstration projects, and rural 

frontier women’s health coordinating centers. This network has 

successfully leveraged significant public and private funding across 

all 48 sites. The Committee urges OWH to maintain the center of 

excellence designation and the existing structure of this innovative 

initiative, and to reconsider its decision to discontinue funding for 

these centers of excellence. 

HIV/AIDS in minority communities 

The Committee provides $51,891,000 to be available to the Secretary to transfer to the Department’s operating agencies for specific program activities to address the high-priority HIV prevention 

and treatment needs of minority communities. This is the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request. These funds are 

provided to promote an effective culturally competent and linguistically appropriate public health response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

Within the total provided, the Committee expects that activities 

that are targeted to address the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic and 

its disproportionate impact upon communities of color, including 

African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, 

Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, will be supported at no 

less than last year’s funding level. 

Afghanistan 

The Committee recommends $5,941,000, which is $49,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the budget request. 

These funds will be used for the joint Department of Defense and 

HHS initiative to improve the largest women’s hospital in Kabul, 

Afghanistan and to create four satellite teaching clinics. Bill language is included identifying the amount of assistance and citing 

as authority the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002. 

Embryo adoption awareness campaign 

The Committee includes $1,980,000 for the embryo adoption 

awareness campaign, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

level and the Administration request. These funds will be used to 

educate Americans about the existence of frozen embryos (resulting 

from in-vitro fertilization) which may be available for donation/ 

adoption. 

OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS

The Committee provides $65,000,000 for this Office, which is 

$5,273,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level and $5,000,000 below 

the Administration request. This office supports hearings at the administrative law judge level, the third level of Medicare claims appeals. The increase over the 2007 level will support an additional 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
213 

administrative law judge and attorneys, as well as legal and administrative activities, to continue the timely adjudication of all 

Medicare appeals. 

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

The Committee provides $61,302,000 for the health information technology office, of which $13,302,000 is available in budget authority and $48,000,000 is available in program evaluation tap 

funding. This total is the same as the amount made available in 

fiscal year 2007 and $56,570,000 below the Administration request. 

In addition, $45,000,000 is provided for health information technology activities in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This AHRQ activity is the same as the budget request 

and the fiscal year 2007 level. 

This program was established to bring together decision-makers 

to develop standards for modern health information technology, to 

devise certification procedures for health IT solutions, to develop a 

secure nationwide health information network architecture, and to 

develop policy and technology solutions that provide adequate privacy protections for personal health information. The ultimate goal 

is the secure, accurate, and rapid exchange of interoperable electronic health information throughout a nationwide health information network. The office of the national coordinator for health information technology is responsible for promoting the use of electronic 

health records in clinical practice, coordinating federal health information systems, and collaborating with the private sector to develop standards for a nationwide interoperable health information 

technology infrastructure. 

The Committee has not provided the full budget request for 

health information technology due to concerns that this office has 

yet to develop a detailed and integrated implementation plan for 

achieving the health information technology program’s strategic 

goals, as recommended by the General Accounting Office. The Committee requests that, no later than March 1, 2008, the Secretary 

submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations that provides an implementation plan for health information technology (including related activities funded through the 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Centers for 

Disease Control), which includes performance benchmarks, milestones, and timelines for achieving program objectives. This report 

should also identify the resource requirements for achieving specific performance benchmarks. 

In addition, the Committee requests that the Secretary develop 

and make available for public comment, not later than March 1, 

2008, a privacy and security framework that will establish trust 

among consumers and users of electronic personal health information and will govern all efforts to advance electronic health information exchange. The framework shall address generally accepted 

fair information practices, including transparency; specifying the 

purposes of any data collection; collecting only what is necessary 

for that purpose; adhering to the uses agreed to by the individual; 

allowing individuals to know and have a say in who and how their 

information is used; maintaining the integrity of the data; security; 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
214 

audit; strong oversight; and appropriate remedies in the event of 

breach or misuse. The development of this framework should include participation by affected stakeholders and be conducted with 

adequate opportunity for public comment and review. 

The Committee requests that the Secretary report to the House 

and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the development and 

implementation of this framework by no later than June 30, 2008. 

This report shall describe the appropriate enforcement mechanisms 

to assure general conformity with the privacy and security framework, including how various enforcement tools, such as federal and 

state statutes, government procurement policy, third-party certification, self-attestation, business contracts, and FTC enforcement of 

public claims, may assist in achieving general adoption of the privacy framework. The Secretary’s report should also include any appropriate recommendations for Congressional or executive action. 

The Committee requests that the Secretary issue, after an appropriate public comment and review period, such rules, regulations, 

and technical requirements as may be needed to assure implementation of the privacy and security framework, consistent with the 

report to Congress. The Committee further requests that the Secretary ensure that any Federally endorsed or funded standards development and harmonization or product certification products be 

developed consistent with all elements of the privacy and security 

framework. 

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee provides $44,687,000 for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which is $4,879,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level and the same as the budget request. Permanent appropriations for this office are contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as well as the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Total funds provided between this bill and the 

permanent appropriations would be $266,105,000 in fiscal year 

2008. 

The OIG was created by law to protect the integrity of Departmental programs as well as the health and welfare of beneficiaries 

served by those programs. Through a comprehensive program of 

audits, investigations, inspections and program evaluations, the 

OIG attempts to reduce the incidence of fraud, waste, abuse and 

mismanagement, and to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness throughout the Department. 

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

The Committee provides $37,062,000 for the Office of Civil 

Rights (OCR), which is $2,153,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

level and the same as the budget request. This includes authority 

to transfer $3,314,000 from the Medicare trust funds. 

The OCR is responsible for enforcing civil rights statutes that 

prohibit discrimination in health and human services programs. 

OCR implements the civil rights laws through a compliance program designed to generate voluntary compliance among all HHS 

recipients. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
215 

NONRECURRING EXPENSES FUND

The bill does not include new language proposed by the Department to establish a nonrecurring expenses fund to capture unobligated balances from discretionary accounts prior to cancellation. 

While the existence of these balances points to the need for better 

management of grants and contracts by the Department’s various 

operating divisions, the Committee may reconsider this proposal in 

the future. 

MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

The Committee provides an estimated $402,542,000 for medical 

benefits for commissioned officers of the U.S. Public Health Service. 

This is the same as the Administration request and $31,844,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 amount. 

This account provides for retirement payments to U.S. Public 

Health Service officers who are retired for age, disability or length 

of service; payments to survivors of deceased officers; medical care 

for active duty and retired members and dependents and beneficiaries; and for payments to the Social Security Administration 

for military service credits. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee provides $1,705,382,000 for the public health and 

social services emergency fund (PHSSEF) to support a comprehensive program to prepare for and respond to the health and medical 

consequences of all public health emergencies, including bioterrorism, and to support the activities in preparing for an influenza 

pandemic. This is $988,062,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $48,355,000 less than the budget request. 

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Emergency Response (ASPR) administers programs funded through the 

PHSSEF via competitive contract, grant, or cooperative agreement 

to States or private organizations. Some programs are funded 

through administratively-determined formulas to States, such as 

the hospital preparedness cooperative agreement grants program. 

Small amounts of funding have been awarded on a non-competitive 

basis where there was only one natural partner or at the behest 

of Congress. 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for preparedness and response 

The Committee recommends $738,909,000 for activities administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for preparedness and 

response (ASPR). This is $42,897,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $11,842,000 less than the budget request. 

The Pandemic Preparedness and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, 

enacted into law in December of 2006, created this new Assistant 

Secretary and office. Additionally, many of the programs and activities funded in this appropriation were funded elsewhere in previous years. ASPR is responsible for coordinating national policies 

and plans for medical and public health preparedness and for administering a variety of public health preparedness programs, inVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00215 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
216 

cluding the national disaster medical system, the hospital preparedness cooperative agreement program, BioShield management, 

and the advanced research development program authorized by the 

biomedical advanced research and development authority 

(BARDA). 

Within the total provided for ASPR, the Committee recommends 

the following amounts: $53,000,000 for the national disaster medical system, as requested—this activity was transferred from the Department of 

Homeland Security in fiscal year 2007; $450,991,000 for the hospital preparedness cooperative agreement grants program, which is $43,148,000 more than 

the budget request—this program was transferred from the 

Health Resources and Services Administration in fiscal year 

2007 (not included within the total is funding for a surge capacity demonstration program); $6,000,000 for the emergency systems for advance registration of volunteer health professionals program, as requested— this program was transferred from the Health Resources and 

Services Administration in fiscal year 2007; $139,500,000 for advanced research and development, which is $49,500,000 less than the budget request—this activity, in- cluding $99,000,000 in funding, is being transferred from the 

National Institutes of Health in the fiscal year 2007 emergency 

supplemental bill (P.L. 110–28); and, 

$22,363,000 for BioShield management, as requested—this 

activity previously had been funded through the strategic national stockpile appropriation within the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention. 

Anthrax.—The Committee is concerned about significant biological threats facing the nation, particularly anthrax. The Committee 

is further concerned that the Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) seems to be far away from filling the Strategic National Stockpile as authorized by Project BioShield. The Committee 

recognizes HHS’s efforts to develop a next generation anthrax vaccine. However, given the recent failure to add doses of an experimental anthrax vaccine to the Strategic National Stockpile, the 

Committee urges HHS to continue to give FDA-approved projects 

priority in procurement. Furthermore, the Committee recognizes 

the importance of maintaining a domestic supply of vaccine and 

building a diversified manufacturing base and encourages HHS to 

continue to support the development of a domestic biodefense infrastructure and urges ASPR to accelerate the issuance of anthrax 

therapy and vaccine requests for proposals under project BioShield. 

Preparedness data.—Ensuring national preparedness requires 

regular review of the preparedness efforts of each State. The Committee urges ASPR to collect and review State-by-State data on 

benchmarks and performance measures developed pursuant to the 

provisions of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and 

to make these data available to Congress, State and local public 

health departments and governments, and the public. The Committee further urges that as ASPR collects and evaluates State 

pandemic response plans that results of these evaluations be made 

available to the Congress and to the public. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
217 

Surge capacity.—The Committee is concerned that not enough is 

being done at the State or Federal level to build up medical surge 

capacity for use during a pandemic or other public health emergency. The Committee urges ASPR, in consultation with medical 

and public health experts, to develop benchmarks of State readiness for medical surge capacity. 

Trauma centers.—In its CDC-funded September 2006 report, ‘‘U.S. Trauma Center Preparedness for a Terrorist Attack,’’ a panel 

of experts assessed 175 trauma centers and made a number of recommendations with regard to planning and preparedness, communication and information sharing, resource allocation, and surge 

and decontamination capacities, among others. The report also 

noted the need to create sources of sustainable prospective funding 

for these purposes. The Committee strongly urges ASPR to review 

these recommendations and to incorporate them into the hospital 

preparedness cooperative agreement grants program. 

Office of public health and science 

The Committee recommends $9,318,000 for the medical reserve 

corps (MRC) program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $5,795,000 less than the budget request. The 

mission of the MRC is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, 

medical, and other volunteers. MRC members are identified, 

credentialed, trained, and prepared in advance of an emergency, 

and are utilized throughout the year to improve the public health 

system. 

Assistant Secretary for resources and technology 

The Committee recommends $9,064,000 for the Office of the 

Chief Information Officer, under the Assistant Secretary for resources and technology, for information technology cyber-security. 

This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $918,000 

less than the budget request. This funding goes to projects aimed 

at preventing, detecting, and responding to security events. 

Office of the Secretary 

The Committee recommends $948,091,000 for public health preparedness activities administered by the Office of the Secretary, 

which is $29,800,000 less than the budget request. No funding was 

provided for the Office of the Secretary within this account in fiscal 

year 2007. 

Pandemic influenza 

The Committee recommends $948,091,000 for pandemic influenza preparedness activities of the Secretary of HHS, which is the 

same as the budget request. No funding has been provided to the 

Office of the Secretary for pandemic influenza in previous regular 

appropriation bills, although the Congress included $5,657,000,000 

for Department of Health and Human Services pandemic influenza 

preparedness and response activities in the fiscal year 2006 emergency supplemental appropriations bills. Of that total, approximately $2,500,000,000 remains available for obligation. In addition, 

the Committee provides $193,081,000 for non-emergency, on-going 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
218 

pandemic influenza activities within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. The 

Committee includes bill language, as requested, that permits the 

Secretary to transfer funds to other HHS accounts for the purpose 

of pandemic influenza preparedness and response. Within the total, the Committee recommends $870,000,000, to be 

available until expended, for activities including the development 

and purchase of vaccine, antivirals, necessary medical supplies, 

diagnostics, and other surveillance tools. The Committee also includes bill language, as requested, that permits the Secretary to deposit products purchased with these funds in the strategic national 

stockpile and that funds may be used, as deemed necessary by the 

Secretary, for the construction or renovation of privately owned facilities for the production of pandemic vaccine and other biologicals. Within the total, the Committee recommends $78,091,000 to support ongoing activities, including: ensuring effective communications, global and domestic pandemic preparedness and planning, 

international in-country advanced development and industrialization of human pandemic influenza vaccines, advanced development 

of rapid tests and detection, and management and administration. 

World Trade Center 

The Committee does not include funding within the Office of the 

Secretary for treatment of World Trade Center responders; instead 

$50,000,000 is provided under the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH). Current Federal funding for the treatment and monitoring activities of rescue and recovery personnel who responded to 

the World Trade Center site of the September 11, 2001 attacks are 

administered by NIOSH. Further, the Congress provided an additional $50,000,000 for World Trade Center health monitoring and 

treatment to NIOSH in the fiscal year 2007 emergency supplemental appropriation (P.L. 110–28). 

The Committee is concerned that, more than five years after the 

September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. and after multiple 

requests from Members of Congress, the Department of Health and 

Human Services still has not developed a long-term, comprehensive 

plan to medically monitor all individuals who were exposed to the 

toxins at the World Trade Center (WTC) site following the terrorist 

attacks of 9/11 and provide comprehensive medical services for 

those experiencing illnesses or injuries as a result of the WTC exposures. 

Accordingly, the Committee directs the Secretary of Health and 

Human Services, together with the Director of NIOSH, and in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to submit a report to the 

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, and relevant authorizing committees, that includes a long-term, comprehensive 

Federal plan for monitoring, screening, analysis, and medical treatment for all individuals who were exposed to the toxins at the 

World Trade Center site, using a centers of excellence model of 

service delivery, as already established under the current program. 

This plan shall also address issues of long-term medical care, worker compensation, income security, and disability benefits for affected individuals and liability issues for the city of New York and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
219 

its contractors. The Committee intends that this plan take into account all affected individuals, including emergency rescue, recovery, and clean up personnel; volunteers who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and transit workers; and 

other individuals who lived, worked, or attended school, child care, 

or adult day care in the New York City disaster area; and any 

other individuals whom the Secretary determines to be appropriate 

for inclusion. 

The report shall include annual and long-term cost estimates of 

providing monitoring, screening, analysis, medical treatment, workers’ compensation, income security, and disability services. In addition, the report shall include recommendations for new legislation, 

as appropriate, and be submitted not later than four months after 

the enactment of this Act. 

Healthcare provider credentialing 

The Committee does not include funding to start a new program 

for healthcare provider credentialing. The budget requested 

$3,300,000 for this activity. The Committee believes a better use of 

resources is the expansion of the ongoing credentialing program operated by ASPR (formerly HRSA) to permit cross-State 

credentialing. 

Covered countermeasure process fund 

The Committee includes $5,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the compensation fund established by the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. The Committee intends that funding be used to provide compensation to individuals 

harmed by the administration or use of the H5N1 influenza vaccine 

covered by the PREP Act declaration made by the Secretary of 

Health and Human Services on January 26, 2007. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 201. The Committee continues a provision to limit the 

amount available for official reception and representation expenses. 

Sec. 202. The Committee continues a provision to limit the number of Public Health Service employees assigned to assist in child 

survival activities and to work in AIDS programs through and with 

funds provided by the Agency for International Development, the 

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, or the 

World Health Organization. 

Sec. 203. The Committee continues a provision to limit the salary 

of an individual through an NIH, AHRQ, or SAMHSA grant or 

other extramural mechanism to not more than the rate of Executive Level I. 

Sec. 204. The Committee includes a provision limiting the compensation of an individual working in Head Start to the Federal 

Executive Level II salary. 

Sec. 205. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

Secretary from using evaluation set-aside funds until the Committee receives a report detailing the planned use of such funds. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
220 

Sec. 206. The Committee continues a provision permitting the 

Secretary to use up to 2.4 percent of funds authorized under the 

PHS Act for the evaluation of programs. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 207. The Committee continues a provision permitting the 

Secretary of HHS to transfer up to one percent of any discretionary 

appropriation from an account, provided that no appropriation is 

increased by more than three percent by any such transfer. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 208. The Committee continues a provision to provide the Director of NIH, jointly with the Director of the Office of AIDS Research, the authority to transfer up to three percent of human immunodeficiency virus funds. 

(TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Sec. 209. The Committee continues a provision to make NIH 

funds available for human immunodeficiency virus research available to the Office of AIDS Research. 

Sec. 210. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

use of Title X funds unless the applicant for the award certifies to 

the Secretary that it encourages family participation in the decision of minors to seek family planning services and that it provides 

counseling to minors on how to resist attempts to coerce minors 

into engaging in sexual activities. 

Sec. 211. The Committee continues a provision stating that no 

provider of services under title X shall be exempt from any state 

law requiring notification or the reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, or incest. 

Sec. 212. The Committee continues a provision related to the 

Medicare Advantage program. 

Sec. 213. The Committee continues a provision to exempt States 

from Synar provisions if certain funding criteria are met. 

Sec. 214. The Committee continues a provision to allow funding 

for CDC international HIV/AIDS and other infectious disease, 

chronic and environmental disease, and other health activities 

abroad to be spent under the State Department Basic Authorities 

Act of 1956. 

Sec. 215. The Committee continues a provision granting authority to the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health 

(NIH) to enter directly into transactions in order to implement the 

NIH Roadmap for medical research and permitting the Director to 

utilize peer review procedures, as appropriate, to obtain assessments of scientific and technical merit. 

Sec. 216. The Committee continues a provision that permits the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for 

Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to transfer funds that are 

available for Individual Learning Accounts to ‘‘Disease Control, Research, and Training’’. 

Sec. 217. The Committee includes a provision requiring NIHfunded authors to deposit final, peer-reviewed manuscripts in the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
221 

National Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central database within 

twelve months of the official date of publication. 

The provision also requires that NIH implement the policy in a 

manner consistent with copyright law. 

Sec. 218. The Committee includes a provision requested by the 

Administration clarifying that funds appropriated to NIH institutes 

and centers may be used for minor repairs or improvements to 

their buildings, up to $2,500,000 per project with a total limit for 

NIH of $35,000,000. 

Sec. 219. The Committee recommends new language precluding 

funds to administer an influenza vaccine to children under 3 years 

of age during the 2008–2009 influenza season that contains thimerosal. 

TITLE III—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

EDUCATION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED

The Committee recommends $16,016,318,000 for the education 

for the disadvantaged programs. This amount is $1,290,725,000 

more than the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. Of the total amount 

available, $7,698,807,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2008 for 

obligation after July 1, 2008 and $8,136,218,000 is appropriated for 

fiscal year 2009 for obligation on or after October 1, 2008. This appropriation account includes compensatory education programs authorized under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education 

Act of 1965 and title IV of the Higher Education Act. 

Grants to local educational agencies 

Of the amounts provided for title I programs, $6,808,971,000 is 

available for basic grants to local education agencies. This amount 

is $563,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. 

Funding for concentration grants, which targets funds to local 

educational agencies in school districts with high levels of disadvantaged children, is $1,365,031,000, which is the same as last 

year and the request level. 

The Committee recommends $3,094,562,000 for targeted grants, 

which is $762,219,000 more than last year and $372,056,000 less 

than the request. 

A total of $3,094,260,000 is included for education finance incentive grants, which is $761,917,000 more than last year’s level and 

$824,417,000 more than the budget request. 

The Committee recommends an increase of $1,524,699,000 for 

title I grants to school districts for low-income children. These 

funds, together with an additional $375,000,000 included in the bill 

for the title I school improvement fund, provide a total increase of 

$1,899,699,000 for title I schools—the largest increase in the history of the program. More than 8 million low-income children qualify for title I assistance, but fewer than half of these children are 

fully funded under NCLB. Providing additional resources so that 

these children can overcome the effects of poverty to succeed in 

school and in life is one of the Committee’s highest priorities in the 

bill. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
222 

Title I grants are the engine behind NCLB reforms, which were 

enacted in January 2002 to ensure that all children receive a high 

quality public education. NCLB requires public schools to steadily 

raise achievement and to close the achievement gap for minority, 

poor, and special needs children. However, since the bipartisan enactment of NCLB, the gap between the resources promised for reforms and the resources actually provided has grown larger each 

year. The Committee’s recommendation is another step toward reversing these funding shortfalls by providing resources to serve an 

additional 161,000 low-income children. 

The Committee’s recommended increase for title I should be used 

to support scientifically-based reading instruction for low-income, 

low-performing students most in need of those programs. The Committee expects the Department to take the necessary steps to ensure that high quality reading instruction is provided in all title I 

schools. The Committee prefers to support reading programs under 

title I rather than under reading first State grants because of its 

extreme dissatisfaction with the Department’s mismanagement of 

the reading first program which has resulted in serious conflicts of 

interest and violations of Federal law. 

Even start 

The Committee provides $99,000,000 for even start, which is $16,717,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The Administration did not request funding for this program. Even start 

provides grants to States for programs focusing on the education of 

low-income families, including parents eligible for services under 

the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act and their children, 

aged birth-7 years. These parents are not in school, are above the 

State’s compulsory school attendance age limit, and have not 

earned a high school diploma (or equivalent). The Committee does 

not agree with the funding cut implemented by the Administration 

in fiscal year 2007 or the Administration’s proposal to terminate 

the program in fiscal year 2008. The funds included in the bill will 

restore even start funding to its fiscal year 2006 level. 

School improvement grants 

The Committee provides $500,000,000 for school improvement 

grants, which is $375,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. This formula grant 

program will make awards to States to provide assistance for local 

school improvement activities required for title I schools that do 

not make adequate yearly progress for at least two consecutive 

years. 

The Committee provides the $500,000,000 for school improvement grants in anticipation of a rising number of schools identified 

for improvement. The Department of Education reports that the 

number of schools identified for improvement nationwide grew from 

9,071 in the 2005–2006 school year to 10,214 in the 2006–2007 

school year. The Department projects that the number of schools 

identified for restructuring alone could double by fiscal year 2008. 

The resources provided in the bill demonstrate the Committee’s 

commitment to ensuring that chronically low-performing schools 

that have the greatest challenges—the least experienced teachers, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
223 

lower teacher salaries, and higher teacher turnover—have the assistance they need to improve student performance. Under the 

Committee recommendation, as many as 10,000 school districts 

could receive additional funds for these struggling schools. 

Reading first State grants 

The Committee recommends $400,000,000 for reading first State 

grants, which is $629,234,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $618,692,000 less than the budget request. This program provides assistance to States and school districts in establishing research-based reading programs for children in kindergarten through grade three. 

The Committee’s recommendation reflects its extreme dissatisfaction with the Department’s mismanagement of this program, which 

has resulted in serious conflicts of interest and violations of Federal law. These unacceptable problems have been documented by 

the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General (OIG). 

For example, in September, 2006, the OIG analyzed hundreds of 

Department emails and concluded that the Department’s program 

officials failed to maintain a controlled environment that exemplified management integrity and accountability (Office of Inspector 

General, U.S. Department of Education, Final Inspection Report, 

The Reading First Program’s Grant Application Process (2006)). 

After further investigation of reading first, the OIG found that 

program administrators improperly promoted commercial reading 

programs potentially in violation of Federal law (Office of Inspector 

General, U.S. Department of Education, Final Inspection Report, 

The Department’s Administration of Selected Aspects of the Reading First Program (2007)). 

For example, the Madison School District in Wisconsin had substantial data demonstrating that its students were learning at the 

rate that reading first was aiming for. Nonetheless, the district lost 

its $2,000,000 reading first grant when the district would not purchase the unproven commercial reading program promoted by the 

Department of Education’s contractors. Across the country, including in Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine and New Jersey, 

States and districts with programs that were not on the Department’s preferential list were either rejected for grants or pressured 

to change their methods even though some argued, as did Wisconsin, that their programs met the law’s standard. This is the 

type of pressure that the OIG found to be in potential violation of 

Federal law. 

Finally, the OIG found significant bias and conflicts of interest 

on the part of those hired to provide technical assistance to States, 

potentially in violation of Federal law (Office of Inspector General, 

U.S. Department of Education, Final Inspection Report, RMC Research Corporation’s Administration of Reading First Program Contracts (2007)). The Committee is particularly disturbed by the 

OIG’s findings that indications of bias relating to technical assistance providers were prevalent as early as 2002 (Id.). 

The seriousness of the OIG’s findings is underscored by reports 

that the office has made criminal referrals to the Justice Department as a result of his investigation. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
224 

At the same time that the Department of Education was promoting certain reading products that lacked evidence of their validity, reading programs such as Reading Recovery and Success for 

All with strong evidence of effectiveness, according to the Department’s own What Works Clearinghouse, were virtually shut out of 

reading first. In fact, Department of Education data show that 

schools without Reading First funds were more likely to use Reading Recovery and Success for All—proven approaches—than were 

schools receiving reading first grants. 

The Committee is displeased that the Department has attempted 

to paper over these transgressions by pointing to a modest rise in 

the nation’s reading scores. Because only a tiny share—about 6 

percent—of all schools in the country receive reading first funds, 

the Committee questions the suggestion that reading first is responsible for those results. The Committee notes that the reading 

first program currently is being evaluated based on its performance 

in raising student achievement. That evaluation is not yet complete. Further, the Committee does not know how effective the program would have been had States and school districts been permitted to choose from a wider array of reading programs that are, 

in fact, based on solid evidence of effectiveness. 

The Committee finds that (1) Congress must fundamentally reform the reading first program through the reauthorization of the 

No Child Left Behind Act; (2) the Department must reform its 

management of the program, including the removal of individuals, 

contractors, and subcontractors who have a financial interest in 

products or services purchased with reading first funds; and (3) 

there must be a final, scientifically rigorous impact evaluation of 

the program before the Committee will make another large investment of valuable resources into the program. 

The Committee notes that, as the program is subject to reauthorization this year, fiscal year 2007 is the final year of funding for 

the current cohort of reading first schools. Therefore, the Committee’s recommendation should not impact funding for existing grantees. Fiscal year 2008 funds will support a new cohort of schools 

that will be selected based on new State competitions. Further, the 

Committee expects that the significant increase recommended for 

title I grants will be used to support scientifically-based reading instruction for low-income, low-performing students most in need of 

those programs. 

Early reading first 

The Committee recommends $114,550,000 for early reading first, 

which is $3,116,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the budget request. This is a competitive grant program targeted 

toward children from birth through age five, and supports the development of verbal skills, phonetic awareness, pre-reading development, and assistance for professional development for teachers in 

evidence-based strategies of instruction. All of the fiscal year 2008 

funds will be used for up to 36 new discretionary awards, which 

will serve approximately 7,300 children and 600 teachers. 

The Committee agrees with the Administration’s finding that 

there is substantial overlap between early reading first and the 

early childhood educator professional development program, and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
225 

that the two programs should be consolidated. Therefore, the Committee recommendation does not provide fiscal year 2008 funding 

for the early childhood educator professional development program. 

The Committee expects the Department to strengthen professional 

development partnerships for early childhood educators through 

grants awarded under early reading first. 

The Committee has learned that several school districts were not 

informed of their eligibility to compete for early reading first grants 

until March 7, 2007, yet were given a preapplication deadline of 

March 23, 2007—a mere two weeks later. When the Department of 

Education originally announced national grant eligibility on January 22, 2007, some school districts were mistakenly not included on 

the list of eligible districts. Following the original application deadline on February 21, 2007, the Department issued a modification 

on March 7, 2007, announcing an error in the list of eligible districts and reopened the preapplication phase of the competition for 

a only 16 days. 

The Committee understands that the Department may not have 

been at fault for the omission of several eligible districts. However, 

once the Department was made aware of the omission, it should 

have extended the deadline for a reasonable period. The Committee 

requests that the Department inform it, in writing, prior to the 

next grant competition of what it believes to be the best practice 

for determining whether, and for how long, grant deadlines should 

be extended to accommodate error and thus ensure a fair competition. 

The Committee supports and understands the need for the early 

reading first program. The program has a strong research component. The Committee notes that research on the effectiveness of 

preschool curricula is one of the research priorities identified by the 

Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The bill provides 

$157,552,000 for research conducted by IES. The Committee believes that IES should be the primary place within the Department 

where research on educational interventions is conducted and has 

provided sufficient resources within the IES account to continue its 

research on preschool education. 

Striving readers 

The Committee recommends $31,870,000 for striving readers, 

which is $68,130,000 less than the budget request and the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level. Striving readers makes competitive grants to develop, implement, and evaluate reading interventions for middle- or high-school students who are reading significantly below grade level. These funds will support all continuation 

awards. 

The Committee supports and understands the need for the striving readers program, but it believes that it is essentially a research 

activity. The Committee notes that research on interventions for 

struggling adolescent and adult readers is one of the research priorities identified by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The 

bill provides $157,552,000 for research conducted by IES. The Committee believes that IES should be the primary place within the 

Department where research on educational interventions is conVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00225 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
226 

ducted and has provided sufficient resources within the IES account to expand research on adolescent reading. 

Math now 

The bill does not provide $250,000,000 as requested by the Administration for two new programs, math now for elementary 

school students and math now for middle school students. The 

Committee supports efforts to improve mathematics instruction but 

has concerns about beginning additional programs when ongoing 

programs exist that target math and science instruction. In addition, the Committee provides funding for the national mathematics 

panel to develop mathematics content and principles for programs 

like math now. 

The Committee notes that research on mathematics instruction 

and assessments is one of the research priorities identified by the 

Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The bill provides 

$157,552,000 for research conducted by IES. The Committee believes that IES should be the primary place within the Department 

where research on educational interventions is conducted and has 

provided sufficient resources within the IES account to expand research on mathematics interventions. 

Literacy through school libraries 

The Committee recommends $19,486,000 for literacy through school libraries, the same as the budget request and $1,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level. This program helps school 

districts provide students with increased access to up-to-date school 

library materials; a well-equipped, technologically advanced school 

library media center; and well-trained and professionally certified 

school library media specialists. 

America’s opportunity scholarships and promise scholarships 

The Committee does not recommend funding for the promise 

scholarships and America’s opportunity scholarships program proposed by the Administration at $250,000,000 and $50,000,000, respectively. These proposed programs would provide parents with 

funds either to send their children to private schools or receive intensive tutoring assistance. Instead, the Committee demonstrates 

its commitment to improving low-performing schools by investing 

$500,000,000 to turn those schools around not only for the benefit 

of current students but for the benefit of younger children progressing through the school system. 

State agency programs: migrant 

The Committee recommends $393,900,000 for the migrant education program. This amount is $7,376,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $13,605,000 more than the budget request. This program supports special educational and related services to children of migratory agricultural workers and fishermen, 

including (1) supplementary academic education; (2) remedial or 

compensatory instruction; (3) English for limited English proficient 

students; (4) testing; (5) guidance counseling; and (6) other activities to promote coordination of services across States for migrant 

children whose education is interrupted by frequent moves. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
227 

State agency programs: neglected and delinquent 

For the State agency program for neglected and delinquent children, the Committee recommends $49,797,000, which is the same 

as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. This 

formula grant program provides educational services for children 

and youth under age 21 in institutions for juvenile delinquents, 

adult correctional institutions, or institutions for the neglected. A 

portion of these funds may be used for projects that support the 

successful re-entry of youth offenders into postsecondary and vocational programs. 

Evaluation 

The Committee provides $9,330,000 for evaluation. This is the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $3,000 more than 

the budget request. Title I evaluation supports large scale national 

evaluations that examine how title I is contributing to improved 

student performance at the State, local education agency, and 

school levels. It also supports short-term studies that document 

promising models. 

The Committee supports the Department’s efforts to carry out 

congressionally authorized evaluations of Federal education programs using rigorous methodologies, particularly random assignment, that are capable of producing scientifically valid knowledge 

regarding which program activities are effective. To ensure that authorized evaluations are conducted in a rigorous manner, are independent of the program office, and include scientific peer review, 

the Committee believes that the Institute of Education Sciences 

should be the lead agency for the design and implementation of 

these evaluations. The Committee believes further that it is essential for program offices to work collaboratively with the Institute to 

include a priority or requirement in program solicitations for grantee participation in such evaluations, including random assignment, 

to the extent the Institute deems appropriate and where not specifically prohibited by law. 

Comprehensive school reform 

The Committee recommends $1,634,000 for the comprehensive 

school reform program. This is $718,000 less than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level. The budget request did not include funding for 

this program. The amount recommended will provide continuation 

funding for the comprehensive school reform clearinghouse, which 

disseminates information about research-based school reforms to 

education practitioners and policymakers. 

Migrant education, high school equivalency program 

The Committee recommends $18,550,000 for the high school 

equivalency program. This amount is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 level. The high school equivalency 

program recruits migrant students age 16 and over and provides 

academic and support services to help those students obtain a high 

school equivalency certificate and subsequently to gain employment 

or admission to a postsecondary institution or training program. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
228 

College assistance migrant programs 

The Committee recommends $15,377,000 for the college assistance migrant programs (CAMP). This amount is the same as the 

fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request. CAMP provides tutoring and counseling services to first-year, undergraduate migrant 

students and assists those students in obtaining student financial 

aid for their remaining undergraduate years. 

IMPACT AID

The Committee recommends $1,278,453,000 for Federal impact 

aid programs in fiscal year 2008, which is $50,000,000 more than 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $50,353,000 more than the 

budget request. This account supports payments to school districts 

affected by Federal activities, such as those that educate children 

whose families are connected with the military or who live on Indian land. 

The Committee recommendation also repeats language, as requested by the Administration, ensuring that schools serving the 

children of military personnel continue to receive impact aid funds 

when the military parents who live on-base are deployed and the 

child continues to attend the same school and in cases in which an 

on-base military parent is killed while on active duty and the child 

continues to attend the same school. 

Basic support payments 

The Committee recommends $1,140,517,000 for basic support 

payments to local educational agencies, $48,650,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. Basic support payments compensate school districts for lost tax revenue and 

are made on behalf of Federally-connected children, such as children of members of the uniformed services who live on Federal 

property. 

Payments for children with disabilities 

The Committee recommends $49,466,000 for payments on behalf 

of Federally-connected children with disabilities, the same as the 

budget request and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. These payments compensate school districts for the increased costs of serving 

Federally-connected children with disabilities. 

Facilities maintenance 

The Committee recommends $4,950,000 for facilities maintenance, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $353,000 

more than the budget request. These capital payments are authorized for maintenance of certain facilities owned by the Department 

of Education. 

Construction 

The Committee recommends $17,820,000 for the construction 

program, which is the same as the budget request and the fiscal 

year 2007 level. This program provides formula and competitive 

grants to local educational agencies that educate Federally connected students or have Federally owned land for building and renVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00228 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
229 

ovating school facilities. The Committee provides funding for the 

competitive program, as requested by the Administration. 

Payments for Federal property 

The Committee recommends $65,700,000 for payments related to Federal property, $1,350,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 level 

and the budget request. Funds are awarded to school districts to 

compensate for lost tax revenue as the result of Federal acquisition 

of real property since 1938. 

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $5,678,002,000 for school improve- ment programs. This amount is $422,524,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $979,726,000 more than the budget request. This appropriation account includes programs authorized 

under titles II, IV, V, VI, and VII of the Elementary and Secondary 

Education Act; the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, title 

IV–A of the Civil Rights Act, section 203 of the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002, and section 105 of the Compact of 

Free Association Amendments Act of 2003. 

State grants for improving teacher quality 

The Committee recommends $3,187,439,000 for State grants for improving teacher quality, which is $300,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $399,951,000 more than the budget 

request. This program gives States and districts a flexible source 

of funding with which to meet their particular needs in strengthening the skills and knowledge of teachers and administrators to 

enable them to improve student achievement. States are authorized 

to retain 2.5 percent of funds for State activities, including reforming teacher certification, re-certification or licensure requirements; 

expanding, establishing, or improving alternative routes to State 

certification. This program also helps States carry out activities 

that include support during the initial teaching and leadership experience, such as mentoring programs; assisting school districts in 

effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified and effective 

teachers and principals; reforming tenure and compensation systems; and developing professional development programs for principals. The Committee recommendation will provide for high quality professional development for an additional 51,000 teachers than 

in fiscal year 2007. 

The Committee rejects the Administration’s proposal to move $100,000,000 from this program to the teacher incentive fund 

under the Innovation and Improvement account. Research shows 

that teacher quality is the most important school-related factor in 

determining student achievement growth. To ensure a high-quality 

teacher workforce, the Committee believes that the better investment is in providing States and local education agencies the flexibility to choose the initiatives that work best for them to promote 

retention of highly qualified teachers and principals and to improve 

the quality of the teachers through professional development activities. Also, the Committee believes that maximum flexibility is the 

best course of action while various teacher quality initiatives are 

examined in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
230 

Early childhood educator professional development 

The Committee does not recommend funding early childhood educator professional development. The budget request also did not 

recommend funding this program. In fiscal year 2007, the funding 

level was $14,550,000. The Committee expects the Department to 

continue to strengthen professional development partnerships for 

early childhood educators through grants awarded under early 

reading first. To that end, the Committee has provided sufficient 

funding for the early reading first program. 

Mathematics and science partnerships 

The Committee recommends $182,160,000 for mathematics and 

science partnerships. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $36,000 more than the request. This program promotes strong math and science teaching skills for elementary and 

secondary school teachers. Grantees may use program funds to develop rigorous math and science curricula; establish distance learning programs; and recruit math, science, and engineering majors 

into the teaching profession. They may also provide professional development opportunities. Grants are made to States by formula 

based on the number of children aged 5 to 17 who are from families 

with incomes below the poverty line. States then award the funds 

competitively to partnerships that must include the State agency; 

an engineering, math, or science department of an institution of 

higher education; and a high-need school district. Other partners 

may also be involved. 

State grants for innovative programs 

The Committee recommends $99,000,000 for State grants for innovative programs. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. 

This program provides flexible funding to State and local educational agencies for 27 purposes identified in statute, including obtaining technology and technology-related training, combating illiteracy among children and adults, addressing the educational needs 

of gifted and talented children, and implementing school improvement and parental involvement activities under ESEA title I. 

Educational technology State grants 

The Committee recommends $272,250,000 for education technology State grants. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. The Committee recognizes that technology is critical to our 

schools to ensure students are prepared to compete in the 21st century. 

The Committee notes with interest the finding of the Department 

of Education that K–12 student test scores on State math and 

reading tests were not significantly impacted when students used, 

for one-year, various educational software products. The Committee 

looks forward to the Department’s second report that measures the 

software’s efficacy over the course of two years. The Committee expects that report to address more than the 16 educational software 

titles addressed in the first report because there are hundreds of 

such titles commercially available. It also expects the report to adVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00230 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
231 

dress how inadequate teacher training impacts the efficacy of software implementation in the classroom. The Committee encourages 

the Department to promote software training so that these programs may be implemented in the classrooms to achieve maximum 

benefit. 

The Committee continues to support all aspects of educational 

technology grants, which cover a much wider array of applications 

and services than software, such as professional development, wellequipped classrooms, administrative structures, and a curriculum 

that recognizes the role technology plays in all disciplines. 

Supplemental education grants 

The Committee recommends $18,001,000 for supplemental education grants to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The Compact of Free 

Association Amendments Act of 2003 (P.L. 108–188) authorizes 

these entities to receive funding for general education assistance. 

The Committee recommendation includes a consolidated amount 

for supplemental education grants because the underlying statute 

determines the allocation between Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. 

21st century community learning centers 

The Committee recommends $1,106,166,000 for 21st century 

community learning centers, $125,000,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $124,986,000 more than the budget request. This program is a formula grant to States, which in turn distribute 95 percent of the funds on a competitive basis to local 

school districts, community-based organizations, and other public 

entities and private organizations. Grantees must target students 

who attend low-performing schools. Funds may be used for before 

and after school activities that advance student academic achievement including remedial education and academic enrichment activities; math, science, arts, music, entrepreneurial and technology 

education; tutoring and mentoring; recreational activities; and expanded library service hours. 

The Committee’s recommendation is part of its initiative to help 

reduce the number of abortions in America. Youth who do not 

spend time in structured activities after school are 37 percent more 

likely to become teen parents than are youth who spend time in 

after school programs. After-school programs help prevent teen 

pregnancy by encouraging good decision-making and providing 

youth health education and positive role models in a supervised 

setting after school. After-school programs can also provide greater 

enrichment opportunities to help teenagers remain in school and 

prepare for postsecondary education or employment. 

In addition, the Committee’s recommendation reflects its concern 

that, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the rate of juvenile crime triples, 

as well as the likelihood that unsupervised students will become 

victims of crime. Lack of supervision and boredom can increase the 

likelihood that a young person will experiment with drugs and alcohol. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
232 

The $125,000,000, or 12.7 percent, increase over fiscal year 2007 

will help communities provide after-school programs serving 1.4 

million students, approximately 163,000 more than in fiscal year 

2007. The Committee intends that the Department encourage 

States to use 40 percent of their additional allocations over fiscal 

year 2007 (equal to $50,000,000 across all States), as practicable, 

to provide supervised and supportive after-school activities to approximately 65,000 middle and high school students. 

State assessments 

The Committee recommends $411,630,000 for State assessments, 

the same as the budget request and $4,067,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 level. This program provides States with funding to 

develop annual assessments and to carry out activities related to 

ensuring accountability for results in the State’s schools and school 

districts. 

Javits gifted and talented education 

The Committee recommends $7,596,000 for gifted and talented 

education, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The 

budget request did not include funding for this program. This program supports grants to build and enhance the ability of elementary and secondary schools to meet the needs of gifted and talented 

students. Competitive grants are awarded to States and school districts, institutions of higher education and other public and private 

entities. 

Foreign language assistance grants 

The Committee recommends $26,780,000 for foreign language as- sistance grants, which is $3,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $3,025,000 more than the budget request. The 

program supports competitive grants to school districts and States 

to increase the quality and quantity of elementary and secondarylevel foreign language instruction in the United States. 

The bill provides that $3,000,000 shall be available for five-year 

grants to local educational agencies that would work in partnership 

with one or more institutions of higher education to establish or expand articulated programs of study in languages critical to U.S. national security. The programs would be designed to enable successful students, as they advance through college, to achieve a superior 

level of proficiency or professional working proficiency in critical 

need languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and 

Russian, as well as the Indic, Iranian, and Turkic language families. The Committee encourages school districts applying for this 

funding to reach out to institutions and centers funded under the 

Department’s International Education programs under Title VI of 

the Higher Education Act. 

Education for homeless children and youth 

The Committee recommends $66,878,000 for the education of 

homeless children and youth program, which is $5,000,000 more 

than the budget request and $5,007,000 more than the fiscal year 

funding 2007 level. Grants are allocated to States in proportion to 

the total that each State receives under the title I program. For 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
233 

local grants, at least 50 percent must be used for direct services to 

homeless children and youth, including tutoring or remedial or 

other educational services. The Committee notes that funding for 

this program has been essentially frozen since fiscal year 2004 

while the number of homeless children has increased approximately 50 percent to 914,225. The Committee’s recommendation reflects its commitment to these particularly disadvantaged students. 

The $5,000,000 increase will enable States and school districts to 

identify and serve an additional 74,000 children. 

Training and advisory services 

The Committee recommends $7,113,000 for training and advisory 

services authorized by title IV–A of the Civil Rights Act. This 

amount is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 

funding level. Title IV–A authorizes technical assistance and training services for local educational agencies to address problems associated with desegregation on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. The Department awards three-year grants to regional equity 

assistance centers (EACs) located in each of the 10 Department of 

Education regions. The EACs provide services to school districts 

upon request. Typical activities include disseminating information 

on successful education practices and legal requirements related to 

nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, and national origin in 

educational programs. Activities also include training designed to 

develop educators’ skills in specific areas, such as the identification 

of race and sex bias in instructional materials; increasing the skills 

of educational personnel in dealing with race-based confrontations 

such as hate crimes; and providing technical assistance in the identification and selection of appropriate educational programs to meet 

the needs of limited English proficient students. 

Education for Native Hawaiians 

The Committee recommends $33,907,000 for education for Native 

Hawaiians, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

The budget request did not include funding for this program. A 

number of authorized programs limited to Native Hawaiians are 

supported with these funds, including a model curriculum project, 

family-based education centers, postsecondary education fellowships, gifted and talented education projects, and special education 

projects for disabled pupils. 

Alaska Native education equity 

The Committee recommends $33,907,000 for the Alaska Native 

education equity program, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 funding level. The budget request did not include funding for 

this program. These funds are used to develop supplemental educational programs to benefit Alaska Natives. 

Rural education 

The Committee recommends $168,918,000 for rural education 

programs, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $67,000 more than the budget request. This fund includes two 

programs to assist rural school districts to improve teaching and 

learning in their schools. The small, rural schools achievement proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00233 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
234 

gram provides funds to rural districts that serve a small number 

of students. The rural and low-income schools program provides 

funds to rural districts that serve concentrations of poor students, 

regardless of the number of students served by the district. 

Comprehensive centers 

The Committee recommends $56,257,000 for comprehensive cen- ters, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and $1,000 more than 

the budget request. 

These funds are used for the 21 comprehensive centers first 

funded in fiscal year 2005. The centers include 16 regional centers 

that will provide training and technical assistance to State educational agencies within their geographic regions to help them implement provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 

and 5 content centers, each specializing in a different area. 

INDIAN EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $124,000,000 for Indian education. 

This amount is $5,310,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level and $5,317,000 more than the budget request. This account 

supports programs authorized by part A of title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. 

Although the number of Indian students enrolling in colleges and 

universities has more than doubled in the last two and a half decades, the Department of Education finds that the Indian student 

population remains subject to significant risk factors that threaten 

their ability to improve their academic achievement. The Committee provides the first increase to this program since fiscal year 

2002 in order to demonstrate its commitment to help Indian students achieve academic success. This increase will enable eligible 

schools to address the unique educational and culturally related 

academic needs of 26,156 more students than last year. 

The Committee recognizes that the purpose of title VII is to support the efforts of local educational agencies (LEAs), Indian tribes, 

and organizations ‘‘to meet the unique educational and culturally 

related academic needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students’’ and is a part of the United States’ trust relationship with 

Indian people. Title VII programs ensure that Native students receive an education consistent with tribal traditions, languages, and 

culture. In its administration of title VII funds, the Committee directs the Department to continue to adhere to the Statement of 

Policy set forth in section 7101 of the ESEA. 

Grants to local educational agencies 

The Committee recommends $100,057,000 for grants to local education agencies. This program provides assistance through formula 

grants to school districts and schools supported or operated by the 

Bureau of Indian Affairs. The purpose of this program is to reform 

elementary and secondary school programs that serve Indian students, including preschool children. Grantees must develop a comprehensive plan and assure that the programs they carry out will 

help Indian students reach the same challenging standards that 

apply to all students. This program supplements the regular school 

program to help Indian children sharpen their academic skills, bolVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00234 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
235 

ster their self-confidence, and participate in enrichment activities 

that would otherwise be unavailable. 

Special programs for Indian children 

The Committee recommends $19,884,000 for special programs for 

Indian children. These programs make competitive awards to improve the quality of education for Indian students. This program 

also funds the American Indian Teacher Corps and the American 

Indian Administrator Corps to recruit and support American Indians as teachers and school administrators. 

National activities 

The Committee recommends $4,059,000 for national activities. 

Funds under this authority support research, evaluation and data 

collection to provide information on the status of education for the 

Indian population and on the effectiveness of Indian education programs. 

INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

The Committee recommends $992,354,000 for innovation and improvement programs. This amount is $154,668,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $70,336,000 above the budget request. 

This appropriation account includes programs authorized under 

part G of title I and portions of titles II and V of the Elementary 

and Secondary Education Act. 

The Committee urges the Department, in the development and 

execution of its programs, to be mindful of the alarming national 

dropout rates for African American males. 

Troops-to-teachers and Transition to Teaching 

The Committee recommends $14,645,000 for troops to teachers, 

the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. This program is designed to assist eligible members of the 

armed forces to obtain certification or licensure as elementary and 

secondary school teachers, or vocational or technical teachers. 

The Committee recommends $44,484,000 for transition to teaching, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$2,000 more than the budget request. Transition to teaching is designed to help mitigate the shortage of qualified licensed or certified teachers. The program provides competitive grants to help 

support State and local educational agencies’ efforts to recruit, 

train, and place talented individuals into teaching positions and to 

support them during their first years in the classroom. In particular, the program focuses on mid-career professionals, including 

former military personnel, who have substantial career experience 

and are recent college graduates. Grants are made on a competitive 

basis. 

Writing instruction 

The Committee recommends $23,533,000 for the writing instruction. This is $2,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The President’s budget did not include funding for this program. Funds are provided to support training programs to teach 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
236 

writing effectively. Federal funds support 50 percent of the costs of 

these programs, and recipients must contribute an equal amount. 

Teaching of traditional American history 

The Committee recommends $119,790,000 for the teaching of tra- ditional American history, $69,790,000 more than the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. This program supports competitive grants to school districts to promote the teaching 

of American history in elementary and secondary schools as a separate academic subject. 

School leadership 

The Committee recommends $14,731,000 for school leadership 

activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

The budget request did not include funding for this program. The 

program provides competitive grants to assist high-need school districts with recruiting, training, and retaining principals and assistant principals. 

Advanced credentialing 

The Committee recommends $10,695,000 for advanced 

credentialing. This is $6,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level. The budget request did not include funding for this 

program. The program supports activities to encourage and support 

teachers seeking advanced certification or credentialing. The Committee recommendation continues funding to help support an unprecedented number of teachers seeking advanced certification. 

These funds also will support expanded recruitment and certification of teachers to work in high-need schools. 

Charter school grants and credit enhancement for charter school facilities 

The Committee recommends $251,394,000 for support of charter schools. This is $1,000 more than the budget request and the same 

as the fiscal year 2007 funding level for the charter school grants 

and the credit enhancement for charter school facilities, which are 

combined in the Committee recommendation to enhance administrative efficiency. 

Charter schools are developed and administered by individuals or 

groups of individuals, which may include teachers, administrators, 

and parents. These groups enter into charters for operation of their 

schools, which must be granted exemptions from State and local 

rules that limit flexibility in school operation and management. 

Under this program, grants are made to State educational agencies 

in States that have charter school laws. The State educational 

agencies in turn make sub-grants to authorized public chartering 

agencies in partnerships with developers of charter schools. The 

Committee intends the Department to entertain applications for 

credit enhancement assistance for funding under this account. 

The Committee notes that recent studies of the effectiveness of 

charter schools have shown mixed results and awaits the final 

evaluation report that will test more rigorously their promise. In 

the meantime, the Committee has recommended continued funding. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
237 

Voluntary public school choice 

The Committee recommends $26,278,000 for voluntary public 

school choice, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$3,000 more than the budget request. This program supports efforts to establish intra-district and inter-district public school 

choice programs to provide students in participating schools with 

the widest variety of options for their education. Funds are used 

to make competitive awards to States, school districts or partnerships. 

Magnet schools assistance 

The Committee recommends $106,693,000 for the magnet schools 

assistance program. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $8,000 more than the budget request. The magnet 

schools assistance program awards competitive grants to local educational agencies for use in establishing or operating magnet 

schools that are part of a desegregation plan approved by a court 

or by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. A magnet school is defined by the statute as ‘‘a school or education center 

that offers a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial 

numbers of students of different racial backgrounds.’’

Fund for the improvement of education 

The Committee recommends $205,402,000 for the fund for the 

improvement of education (FIE), which is $46,894,000 more than 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $147,294,000 more than the 

budget request. 

The Committee recommendation reflects an investment in activities that have proven to be effective. As such, the Committee’s recommendation does not include funding for the language teacher 

corps; choice incentive fund; adjunct teacher corps initiative; State 

scholars capacity building; exchanges for historic whaling and trading partners; and excellence in economic education. 

Within the amount provided, the Committee recommends $2,000,000 for the evaluation and data quality initiative; 

$3,000,000 for teacher to teacher; $25,043,000 for reading is fundamental; $11,513,000 for star schools; $10,890,000 for ready to 

teach; $2,000,000 for foundations for learning; $38,777,000 for arts 

in education; $39,600,000 for parental assistance information centers; $3,000,000 for women’s educational equity, $10,000,000 for full service community schools and $11,800,000 for other programs. 

The Committee does not recommend funding for mental health 

integration in public schools. However, the Committee strongly 

supports the purpose of this program, which is to link school systems with the local mental health system. To accomplish that end, 

the Committee has recommended significant increases in other programs to support mental health services in the schools. Particularly, the Committee has recommended that grantees of elementary 

and secondary school counseling and safe schools/healthy students 

collaborate with local mental health service agencies. 

The Committee’s recommendation includes $10,000,000 to help 

establish full-service community schools (FSCS). A FSCS is a public elementary or secondary school that coordinates with community-based organizations and public/private partnerships to provide 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
238 

students, their families, and the community access to comprehensive services. These services include early childhood education; remedial education and academic enrichment activities; programs 

that promote parental involvement and family literacy; mentoring 

and other youth development programs; parent leadership and parenting education activities; community service and service learning 

opportunities; programs that provide assistance to students who 

have been truant, suspended, or expelled; job training and career 

counseling services; nutrition services; primary health and dental 

care; mental health counseling services; and adult education including instruction in English as a second language. 

The Committee intends these funds to be allocated on a competitive basis to eligible entities. An eligible entity is a consortium of 

a local educational agency and one or more community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, or other public or private enti 

ties, to assist public elementary or secondary schools to function as 

a FSCS. Grants shall be used to coordinate or provide not less than 

three services at one or more public elementary or secondary 

schools. 

The Secretary shall require that each grant application include 

a list of partner entities that will assist the eligible entity to coordinate or provide services; a memorandum of understanding between 

the eligible entity and all partner entities describing the role the 

partner entities will assume; a description of the capacity of the eligible entity to provide and coordinate qualified services at a FSCS; 

and a comprehensive plan that includes descriptions of the student, 

family, and school community to be served, including information 

about the demographic characteristics and needs of students, families, and community residents, the number of individuals to be 

served, and the frequency of services. It shall also include qualified 

services to be provided or coordinated by the eligible entity and its 

partner entities. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

ABC Unified School District, Cerritos, CA for an after-school program at Melbourne Elementary School .. $100,000 

Academy for Urban School Leadership, Chicago, IL for Chicago Academy and Chicago Academy High 

School, which may include support for resident teachers ....................................................................... 200,000 

Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc., Bridgeport, CT for teacher training programs .......... 300,000 

African-American Male Achievers Network, Inc., Inglewood, CA for its Project STEP program for at-risk 

youth .......................................................................................................................................................... 40,000 

Akron Public Schools, OH for a Math, Science, and Technology Community Learning Center, which may 

include equipment ..................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Alamance-Burlington School District, Burlington, NC for the Professional Development Academy ............. 150,000 

All Kinds of Minds, Chapel Hill, NC for teacher training programs ............................................................. 150,000 

American Ballet Theatre, New York, NY for educational activities ............................................................... 150,000 

Amistad America, New Haven, CT for the Atlantic Freedom Tour of the Armistad educational programs 250,000 

An Achievable Dream, Inc., Newport News, VA for education and support services for at-risk children, 

which may include teacher stipend scholarships ..................................................................................... 150,000 

Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX for a teacher training initiative ................................................... 200,000 

Apache County Schools, S1. Johns, AZ for a teacher training initiative ...................................................... 100,000 

Arab City Schools, Arab, AL for technology upgrades ................................................................................... 200,000 

AVANCE, Inc, EI Paso, TX for parenting education programs ....................................................................... 100,000 

AVANCE, Inc., Del Rio, TX for a family literacy program .............................................................................. 100,000 

AVANCE, Inc., Waco, TX for parenting education programs .......................................................................... 100,000 

Barat Education Foundation, Lake Forest, IL for the American Citizen Initiative pilot program ................. 250,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
239 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Bay Haven Charter Academy Middle School, Lynn Haven, FL for its physical education program, which 

may include equipment ............................................................................................................................. 150,000 

Baylor University, Waco, TX for its Language and Literacy Center .............................................................. 100,000 

Best Buddies International, Miami, FL for mentoring programs for persons with intellectual disabilities 300,000 

Best Buddies Maryland, Baltimore, MD for mentoring programs for persons with intellectual disabilities 300,000 

Best Buddies Rhode Island, Providence, RI for mentoring programs for persons with intellectual disabilities ............................................................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Big Top Chautauqua, WI for educational activities ...................................................................................... 250,000 

Boise State University, Boise, ID for the Idaho SySTEMic Solution program ................................................ 200,000 

Bowie State University, Bowie, MD for establishment of a Principal’s Institute ......................................... 200,000 

Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI for a multi-media center, which may include equipment ....... 300,000 

Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Columbia, MO for technology upgrades ..................................................... 150,000

Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, CA for an after-school program in the Delman Heights community, which may include equipment .......................................................................................................... 140,000 

Bradford Area School District, Bradford, PA for the purchase of equipment ............................................... 100,000

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ for a Student Success Center in Asbury Park, NJ which may 

include equipment ..................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford, CT for arts education programs .................................. 100,000 

California State University Northridge, CA for development of an assessment and accountability system 

for teacher education ................................................................................................................................ 250,000 

California State University, San Bernardino, CA for a leadership training program for urban youth ......... 260,000 

Canton Symphony Orchestra Association, Canton, OH for the Northeast Ohio Arts Education Collaborative, including teacher training and curriculum development .............................................................. 100,000 

Carnegie Hall, New York, NY for its National Music Education Program ..................................................... 150,000 

Central County Occupational Center, San Jose, CA for a first responder career and technical training 

program for high school students ............................................................................................................. 100,000 

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, State College, PA for curriculum and equipment at its vocational training program .................................................................................................. 600,000 

Centro de Salud Familiar Le Fe, El Paso, TX for an elementary charter school, which may include 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Charlotte County School District, Port Charlotte, FL for an instructional system for English language 

learners, which may include equipment and software ............................................................................. 250,000 

Charter School Development Foundation, Las Vegas, NV for the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy ............................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

City of Fairfield, CA for after-school programs ............................................................................................. 325,000 

City of Gadsden, AL for technology upgrades in city schools ...................................................................... 250,000 

City of Hayward, Hayward, CA for after-school programs ............................................................................ 200,000 

City of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN for the Indianapolis Center for Education Entrepreneurship to recruit leaders to implement educational reform ........................................................................................ 150,000 

City of Newark, Newark, CA for after-school programs ................................................................................ 25,000 

City of Pawtucket School Department, Pawtucket, RI for the Jacqueline Walsh School of the Performing 

and Visual Arts, which may include equipment ....................................................................................... 300,000 

City of Pembroke Pines, FL for the autism program at the Pembroke Pines-Florida State University 

Charter School ........................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

City of San Jose, CA for development of a Smart Start early childhood development training and certification program at National Hispanic University ....................................................................................... 150,000 

City of San Jose, CA for early childhood education programs, including parental involvement ................. 172,000 

City of Springfield, MO for the Ready to Learn Program .............................................................................. 300,000 

City of Whittier, Whittier, CA for after-school programs, which may include equipment ............................ 200,000 

City School District of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY for after-school learning centers ......................... 225,000 

Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV for the Education Executive Leadership Program ................. 200,000 

Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV for the Newcomer Academy ................................................... 200,000 

Clovis Unified School District, Clovis, CA for curriculum development ........................................................ 190,000 

College Summit, Inc., Washington, DC for an initiative to increase college enrollment of low income 

youth in South Carolina ............................................................................................................................. 135,000 

Communities In Schools-Northeast Texas, Mount Pleasant, TX for dropout prevention programs .............. 200,000 

Communities in Schools of Cochran and Bleckley County, Cochran, GA for after-school programs ........... 40,000 

Communities in Schools of Coweta, Inc., Newnan, GA for education technology upgrades ........................ 100,000 

Communities in Schools of Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County, Fitzgerald, GA for after-school programs ............. 50,000 

Communities In Schools of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA for after-school programs .............................................. 50,000 

Communities in Schools, Austin, TX for mentoring, dropout prevention and college preparatory programs 200,000 

Communities in Schools, San Fernando Valley, Inc., North Hills, CA to implement full service community 

schools ....................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles, Monterey Park, CA for the South 

Whitter community education and computer center ................................................................................. 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
240 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Community Service Society, New York, NY for a program that utilizes seniors as literacy mentors and 

in-class assistants to elementary students .............................................................................................. 100,000 

Connecticut Technical High School System, Middletown, CT for equipment for the Manufacturing Technologies Department of Platt Technical High School in Milford, CT ........................................................ 250,000 

Contra Costa College, San Pablo, CA for its Bridges to the Future Program .............................................. 100,000 

Cooperative Educational Service Agency No. 11 for after-school programs ................................................. 450,000

Cooperative Educational Service Agency No. 12, Ashland, WI for after-school programs ........................... 650,000 

Cooperative Educational Service Agency No. 5, Portage, WI for after-school programs .............................. 400,000 

Cooperative Educational Service Agency No. 9, Tomahawk, WI for after-school programs ......................... 400,000 

County of San Diego, San Pasqual Academy, Escondido, CA for purchase of equipment .......................... 200,000 

Cuyahoga County Board of County Commissioners, Cleveland, OH for an early childhood initiative ......... 300,000 

Delaware Department of Education, Dover, DE for the Starting Stronger Early Learning Initiative ............ 200,000 

Detroit Youth Foundation, Detroit, MI for comprehensive educational and enrichment activities for middle and high school youth ......................................................................................................................... 75,000 

DNA EpiCenter, Inc., New London, CT for a learning center for students and teachers ............................. 75,000 

Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, FL for purchase of equipment .................................................. 200,000 

Edgar School District, Edgar, WI for equipment and technology for a new computer technology center ... 100,000 

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Education Foundation for educational programming ................................ 150,000 

Education Partnership, Providence, RI for school leadership professional development ............................. 200,000 

Education Service Center, Region 12, Hillsboro, TX for a GEAR UP college preparedness program ........... 100,000 

Ennis Independent School District, Ennis, TX for English as a second language instruction, including 

purchase of equipment .............................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Envision Schools, San Francisco, CA for the Metropolitan Arts and Technology High School, which may 

include equipment ..................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Erskine College, Due West, SC for an elementary and secondary school arts initiative ............................. 250,000 

Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA for its Bay Area Science Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Improvement Initiative ................................................................................................................................... 300,000 

Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, VA for language programs in Franklin Sherman Elementary 

School and Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, Virginia ............................................................ 250,000 

Fairfax County Public Schools, Falls Church, VA for emergency medical services curriculum development 200,000 

Fairhope Center for the Arts, Bay Minette, AL for arts education programs, including purchase of equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 205,000 

Families In Schools, Los Angeles, CA for its Read with Me/Lea Conmigo family literacy program ............ 150,000 

Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayettevile, NC for teacher training and professional development programs .......................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Forward in the Fifth, Somerset, KY for a civic literacy program .................................................................. 250,000 

Friends of the Children National, Portland, OR for mentoring programs ..................................................... 200,000 

George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, Inc., Bethesda, MD for tutoring services for at-risk students 250,000 

Girl Scouts of the USA, New York, NY for the Fair Play initiative to engage girls in science, technology, 

engineering and math ............................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Graham County Schools, Safford, AZ for a teacher training initiative ......................................................... 100,000 

Guam Public School System, Hagatna, GU for development and implementation of Chamorro language 

instructional programs .............................................................................................................................. 150,000 

Hamilton Wings, Elgin, IL for arts education programs ............................................................................... 150,000 

Harris County Department of Education, Houston, TX for an after-school safety program, which may include the purchase of software ................................................................................................................ 250,000 

Harvey Public School District 152, Harvey, IL for an early literacy program, which may include equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Hawaii Department of Education, Honolulu, HI for educational activities ................................................... 300,000 

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, Kempton, PA for curriculum development ..................................... 150,000 

Helen Keller International, New York, NY for the Child Sight Vision Screening Program and to provide 

eyeglasses to children whose educational performance may be hindered because of poor vision ........ 1,000,000 

High Plains Regional Education Cooperative, Raton, NM for its Cooperative Broadband Education 

project, which may include equipment ..................................................................................................... 500,000 

Hillside Family of Agencies, Rochester, NY for the Work-Scholarship Connection Youth Employment 

Training Academy ...................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Hoke County Schools, Raeford, NC for instructional technology ................................................................... 100,000 

Houston Independent School District, Houston, TX for a teacher incentive program .................................. 250,000 

I KNOW I CAN, Columbus, OH for college preparatory programs .................................................................. 100,000 

In Tune Foundation Group, Washington, DC for educational activities ........................................................ 450,000 

Independent School District 181, Brainerd, MN for its Teacher Support System ......................................... 150,000 

Institute for Student Achievement, Lake Success, NY for school reform activities at Wyandanch High 

School ......................................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Institute for Student Achievement, Lake Success, NY to implement small learning communities at one 

or more high schools in the Bronx ............................................................................................................ 50,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
241 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City, IA for an early literacy program ...................................... 350,000 

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Southeast, Madison, IN for an early college and middle college 

program ...................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville, NY for education programs ........................................................... 225,000 

Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY for music education programs .......................................................... 150,000 

Jefferson County Public Schools, Golden, CO for technological instruction, testing, and support, which 

may include equipment ............................................................................................................................. 300,000 

Jersey Shore Area School District, Jersey Shore, PA for equipment to create a digital classroom .............. 100,000 

JFYNetWorks, Boston, MA for academic support for Adequate Yearly Progress initiative, including educational software, professional development instruction, and technical assistance .............................. 250,000 

JFYNetWorks, Boston, MA for implementation of its computer-based JFYNet: Academic Support for Adequate Yearly Progress initiative in Malden, Revere, and Framingham, MA, which may include the 

purchase of software ................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Joplin School District, Joplin, MO for the Smart Board initiative, including purchase of equipment ......... 100,000 

Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc., Boston, MA for an early literacy program for at-risk children ........... 200,000 

Jumpstart for Young Children, San Francisco, CA for an early childhood enhancement project to provide 

student mentors to preschool children ..................................................................................................... 250,000 

Kelberman Center, Utica, NY to expand programs for pre-school and school age children with autism 

spectrum disorder ...................................................................................................................................... 75,000 

KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, CA for a subgrant to the KIPP Delta College Preparatory School in Helena, AR ...................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, CA for curriculum development and the recruitment and professional 

development of school leaders, teachers, and administrators ................................................................. 100,000 

KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, CA for KIPP Reach College Preparatory School in Oklahoma City, OK .... 250,000 

La Crosse School District, La Crosse, WI for a 21st Century Community Learning Center at Logan Middle School, including parental involvement .............................................................................................. 50,000 

Learning Point Associates/North Central Regional Education Laboratory, Naperville, IL to help schools 

implement No Child Left Behind ............................................................................................................... 250,000 

Lee Pesky Learning Center, Boise, ID to provide educational materials for the Literacy Matters! Program 300,000 

Lemay Child & Family Center, St. Louis, MO for early childhood education and family literacy programs 100,000 

Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Los Angeles, CA for a hands-on, science-based program for public 

school students .......................................................................................................................................... 50,000 

Louisiana Arts and Sciences Museum, Baton Rouge, LA for curriculum development and purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA for IDEA Place and the SciTech Classroom, including purchase of 

equipment and curriculum development ................................................................................................... 250,000 

Lower East Side Conservancy, New York, NY for education programs and outreach .................................. 200,000 

Madison County Schools, Richmond, KY for a computer lab, which may include equipment ..................... 75,000 

Mesa Unified School District, Mesa, AZ. for after-school educational and enrichment activities for atrisk youth ................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Military Heritage Center Foundation, Carlisle, PA for the Voices of the Past Speak to the Future program, including purchase of equipment ................................................................................................... 100,000 

Miller County Development Authority, Colquit, GA for a video/television production training program for 

high school drop-outs and at-risk youth in Miller County ....................................................................... 100,000 

Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation, Washington, DC for a full service school demonstration project in the 

Canton City, OH public school district ...................................................................................................... 150,000 

Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, WI for after-school or summer community learning centers .......... 100,000 

Minnesota Humanities Commission, St. Paul, MN to implement curricula and classroom resources on 

Native Americans ....................................................................................................................................... 500,000 

Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS for strengthening partnerships between K–12 parents 

and their children’s teachers, principals, superintendents and other school officials ........................... 250,000 

Missouri State University, Springfield, MO for a college preparatory pilot program .................................... 100,000 

Monroe County School District, Key West, FL for technology upgrades ........................................................ 200,000 

Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD to recruit and certify postdoctoral scientists, mathematicians, or engineers from the National Institutes of Health to become teachers ............................. 300,000 

Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL for marine science curriculum development .................................... 200,000 

Mount Hood Community College, Gresham, OR for early childhood education and training activities, 

which may include equipment .................................................................................................................. 200,000 

National Center for Electronically Mediated Learning, Inc., Milford, CT for the P.E.B.B.L.E.S. Project, 

which may include equipment and technology ......................................................................................... 150,000 

National Council on Crime and Delinquency, Oakland, CA for a school-based model on violence prevention ............................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

National Cued Speech Association, Bethesda, MD for parent, teacher, and transliterator training and 

certification in cued speech for preschool and school-aged children ..................................................... 175,000

National Flight Academy, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL for technology upgrades .................................. 150,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
242 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

National Resource Center for Deafblindness, East Greenville, PA for curriculum development .................. 150,000 

National Teacher’s Hall of Fame, Emporia, KS for teacher professional development and retention programs ......................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Neighborhood Youth Association, Venice, CA for academic support to ensure college readiness ............... 75,000 

New Mexico Public Education Department, Santa Fe, NM for summer reading and math institutes 

throughout the State ................................................................................................................................. 500,000 

Newton Public Schools, Newton, KS for an educational technology initiative, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Greensboro, NC for a project to reduce suspension 

rates of students in the Guilford County School System ......................................................................... 300,000 

North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC for academic enrichment activities, including parental 

involvement ................................................................................................................................................ 100,000 

North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh, NC for musical and artistic residency activities for elementary and 

secondary students .................................................................................................................................... 175,000 

North Carolina Technology Association Education Foundation, Raleigh, NC for school technology demonstration projects, including subgrants .................................................................................................. 100,000 

North Philadelphia Youth Association, Philadelphia, PA for education and enrichment services for youth 50,000 

Northeast Louisiana Family Literacy Interagency Consortium to provide children’s literacy services ......... 200,000 

Northern Tier Industry & Education Consortium, Dimock, PA to expand the activities of its Advisory and 

Assessment Committees ............................................................................................................................ 50,000 

Norwich Public School System, Norwich, CT for English language instruction ............................................ 250,000 

Oakland Unified School District, Oakland, CA for a technology integration project to implement a new 

data system, which may include equipment ............................................................................................ 200,000 

O’Neill Sea Odyssey, Santa Cruz, CA for science education programs for elementary school children ...... 100,000 

OneWorld Now!, Seattle, WA for after-school programs and student scholarships ..................................... 200,000 

Ossining Union Free School District, Ossining, NY for after-school, literacy, or school reform initiatives 225,000 

Parent Institute for Quality Education, San Diego, CA for a parent training program ................................ 350,000 

PE4life, Kansas City, MO for physical education programs in the Titusville, Pennsylvania School District, 

including purchase of equipment ............................................................................................................. 200,000 

PE41ife, Kansas City, MO to establish a P.E. program in Mississippi, including purchase of equipment 250,000 

People for People, Philadelphia, PA for after-school programs .................................................................... 75,000 

Peru State College, Peru, NE for the Adopt a High School initiative ........................................................... 100,000 

Philadelphia Academies, Inc., Philadelphia, PA for a longitudinal study on the impact of the organization’s career-based education model ........................................................................................................ 100,000 

Pinal County Education Service Agency, Florence, AZ for a teacher training initiative ............................... 100,000 

Polk County Public Schools, Bartow, FL for purchase of assistive technologies ......................................... 100,000 

Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District, Port Chester, NY for academic enrichment, professional development, family engagement, or other activities to implement full service community schools ........ 225,000 

Project GRAD USA, Philadelphia, PA for college readiness programs .......................................................... 100,000 

Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN for equipment and start-up expenses for a magnet school .... 250,000 

Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing, NY for a project to provide youth with career planning and development in the performing arts industry ............................................................................................... 150,000 

Renwick Public Schools, Andale, KS for an educational technology initiative, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 150,000 

Rio Rancho Public Schools, Rio Ranch, NM for distance learning, which may include equipment ............ 500,000 

Riverside Community College, Riverside, CA for the Fast-Track to the Associate Degree Nursing Program 250,000 

Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside, CA for the High School Science Initiative ....................... 210,000 

Rockdale County Public Schools, Conyers, GA for a credit recovery program, which may include the purchase of software ...................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN for a K–12 STEM Immersion Initiative ................... 200,000 

Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles, CA for education and support services for middle and 

high school students ................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino, CA for the English Learners program ........ 250,000 

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, San Bernardino, CA to expand the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics initiative ...................................................................................... 300,000 

San Joaquin County, Stockton, CA for its San Joaquin A Plus tutoring program ........................................ 350,000 

San Mateo County, Redwood City, CA for its Preschool for All program ...................................................... 200,000 

School Board of Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, FL for teacher support and development .................... 300,000 

Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership, Jacksonville, FL for purchase of equipment ......................... 250,000 

Selden/Centereach Youth Association, Selden, NY for after-school programs ............................................. 100,000 

Silver Crescent Foundation, Charleston, SC for a middle and high school academic engineering and 

technology program ................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Sociedad Latina, Roxbury, MA for its Mission Community Enrichment Program ......................................... 100,000 

Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX for a college preparatory initiative ............................................. 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
243 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Springboard for Improving Schools, San Francisco, CA for a professional development center to serve 

Central Valley, CA teachers and administrators ....................................................................................... 250,000 

Springfield Public School District No. 19, Springfield, OR for an Academy of Arts and Academics .......... 100,000 

St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Leonardtown, MD for a mathematics, science, and technology academy ............................................................................................................................................................. 500,000 

State of Nevada Department of Education for technology upgrades in the Elko, Nye, Douglas, Lyon and 

Churchill school districts, including subgrants ........................................................................................ 250,000 

Summit Educational Resources, Getzville, NY for service coordination and support for children with developmental disabilities ............................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Susannah Wesley Community Center, Honolulu, HI for computers and technology to serve at risk high 

school students, and other students in an after-school program ........................................................... 100,000 

Tampa Metropolitan YMCA, Tampa, FL for after-school programs ............................................................... 125,000 

Texas Southern University, Houston, TX for the TSU Lab School, which may include equipment and 

technology .................................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, Los Angeles, CA for a longitudinal study on high school graduation rates 100,000 

Town of Cumberland, Cumberland, RI for the Mayor’s Office of Children and Learning for evidencebased innovative K-12 education programs ............................................................................................. 150,000 

Towson University, Towson, MD for an education partnership with the City of Baltimore, Baltimore City 

Public School System and the Cherry Hill community .............................................................................. 300,000 

Tracy Joint Unified School District, Tracy, CA for English language learner initiatives .............................. 125,000 

Tri-County Educational Service, Wooster, OH for the Olweus Bullying Prevention program ........................ 150,000 

Trumbull County Educational Service Center, Niles, OH for school robotics programs, which may include 

subgrants ................................................................................................................................................... 185,000 

Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, OK for innovative programming for students at risk of dropping out, including curriculum development ............................................................................................................... 200,000 

Union County Public Schools, Monroe, NC for equipment and technology needs for the information technology academy ......................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns, Sleepy Hollow, NY for family literacy activities and professional development to support literacy instruction .................................................................................. 225,000 

University of Akron, Akron, OH to link regional school districts with industry to promote STEM academic 

and career pathways ................................................................................................................................. 150,000 

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL to implement a manufacturing engineering curriculum for high 

schools students ........................................................................................................................................ 300,000 

USD 259, Wichita Public Schools, Wichita, KS for technology upgrades ..................................................... 200,000 

Valle Lindo School District, South El Monte, CA for technology upgrades ................................................... 75,000 

Venango Technology Center, Oil City, PA for the purchase of equipment .................................................... 100,000 

Vision Therapy Project, Casper, WY for a teacher training initiative ........................................................... 250,000 

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY for programs to address school readiness needs of 

visually impaired children ......................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Washington College, Chestertown, MD for K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach programs .......................................................................................................................................... 350,000 

Washington State University, Tacoma, WA for education and enrichment services for youth at its Center 

for Community Education, Enrichment and Urban Studies ...................................................................... 250,000 

WE CARE San Jacinto Valley, Inc., San Jacinto, CA for the after school tutoring program ........................ 100,000 

West Contra Costa Unified School District, Richmond, CA for high school architecture, construction, and 

engineering curricula ................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

White-Williams Scholars, Philadelphia, PA for a college preparation initiative, which may include student scholarships ...................................................................................................................................... 75,000 

Widener University, Chester, PA for school-readiness programs .................................................................. 150,000 

Wildlife Information Center, Inc., Slatington, PA for an environmental education initiative ....................... 100,000 

Williamsburg County First Steps, Kingstree, SC for a school-readiness program ....................................... 87,000 

Yonkers Public Schools, Yonkers, NY for after-school and summer academic enrichment, literacy, and 

professional development services, and for parental involvement activities .......................................... 250,000 

Youngstown City School District, OH for a Pathways to Building Trades Program in the Youngstown and 

Warren, OH school districts ....................................................................................................................... 225,000 

Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH for a pilot K–12 attention enhancement for learning 

project ........................................................................................................................................................ 100,000 

YWCA of Gary, Gary, IN for after-school and summer programs, which may include equipment ............... 200,000 

Advanced placement program grants 

The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for the advanced placement program. This recommendation is $12,974,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and $72,175,000 less than the budget 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
244 

request. These funds support the advanced placement test fee program, which awards grants to States to enable them to cover part 

or all of the cost of advanced placement test fees of low-income students who are enrolled in advanced placement classes and plan to 

take the advanced placement test. These funds also support competitive grants to States, school districts, and national nonprofit 

educational agencies for programs that encourage greater participation by low-income students in advanced placement courses. 

SAFE SCHOOLS AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $714,075,000 for safe schools and 

citizenship education programs. This amount is $15,443,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $389,827,000 more than 

the budget request. This appropriation account includes programs 

authorized under parts of titles II, IV, and V of the Elementary 

and Secondary Education Act. 

Safe and drug-free schools and communities: State grants 

The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the State grants program, $46,500,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $200,000,000 more than the budget request. Of the funds provided, 80 percent flows to State and local agencies and 20 percent 

goes to governors offices for such activities as youth drug prevention, violence prevention, and school safety and security. The Committee’s recommendation reflects its expectation that the structure 

of the program may be significantly altered in the reauthorization 

of the No Child Left Behind Act to focus on State capacity to assist 

school districts in creating a safe, drug-free, and secure school environment. 

Safe and drug-free schools and communities: National programs 

The Committee recommends $141,112,000 for the national programs under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities 

Act, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$58,888,000 less than the budget request. Under this program, the 

Secretary of Education administers a variety of activities to prevent the illegal use of drugs and violence among students at all 

educational levels, preschool through postsecondary. 

The Committee’s recommendation does not include the Administration’s request for funding for research-based grant assistance to 

local educational agencies. The Committee denies this request because it has restored most of the 71 percent cut to safe and drug 

free State grants proposed by the Administration. 

The Committee’s recommendation includes at least the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level for the student drug testing pilot program. 

The Committee is concerned about rising levels of drug use in 

America’s schools and its disastrous impact on our children and 

their future. The Committee reminds the Department that testing 

must be conducted in strict compliance with Supreme Court rulings 

on student drug testing. 

The Committee’s recommendation reflects its support of the work 

that the Department has done in recent years through the readiness and emergency management for school grants, and the safe 

schools/healthy students initiative. These programs have helped 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
245 

school districts prevent, prepare for, and respond to catastrophic 

events and other emergencies, as well as implement more comprehensive approaches to preventing drug use and violence with 

community partners. The Committee believes that the Department 

should expand its assistance under these programs to colleges and 

universities to assist them in responding to traumatic events and 

emergencies within the context and needs of higher education. 

The Committee’s recommendation includes $35,175,000 for school 

emergency preparedness activities, which is $7,000,000 more than 

the fiscal year 2007 level. The Committee intends the increase to 

be used for new grants for higher education institutions. Together 

with $3,000,000 provided under the Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a total of $10,000,000 

shall be available in fiscal year 2008 for a jointly funded initiative 

administered by the Department of Education and SAMHSA. The 

funds will support competitive grants to institutions of higher education to develop and implement emergency management plans for 

preventing campus violence (including assessing and addressing 

the mental health needs of students) and for responding to threats 

and incidents of violence or natural disaster in a manner that ensures the safety of the campus community. The Committee intends 

that these funds be available to help colleges and universities plan 

and prepare for the entire constellation of threats (terrorist attacks, natural disasters, shootings, and gang-related activity). The 

Committee requests that the Department and SAMHSA brief the 

Committee on its plan for the implementation of this initiative 

within 90 days of enactment of this Act. In addition to the new 

higher education emergency preparedness grants, the Committee’s 

recommended funding will permit the Department to continue to 

support emergency preparedness grants for elementary and secondary schools and expand its examination of a variety of school 

safety initiatives. 

The Committee’s recommendation also includes $79,200,000 for 

safe schools/healthy students initiative. The bill also provides 

$80,868,000 for the safe schools/healthy students initiative under 

SAMSHA. In total, $160,068,000 will be available in fiscal year 

2008 for these comprehensive grants, which require the commitment of local partners—school districts, local law enforcement, juvenile justice agencies, and public mental health authorities—to 

develop joint strategies and services to prevent youth violence and 

provide needed student mental health services. A key feature of 

this program is its collaborative planning among the Department 

of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and 

the Department of Justice and joint funding between the Department of Education and SAMSHA. 

Alcohol abuse reduction 

The Committee recommends $32,409,000 for grants to reduce alcohol abuse, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. 

This program awards competitive grants to school districts to develop and implement programs to reduce alcohol abuse in secondary schools. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
246 

Mentoring programs 

The Committee recommends $48,814,000 for mentoring programs. This is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The 

budget request did not include funding for this program. This program provides competitive grants to school districts and community-based organizations to promote mentoring programs for children with the greatest need. 

Character education 

The Committee recommends $24,248,000 for character education, 

the same as the fiscal year funding 2007 level and the budget request. This program provides support for the design and implementation of character education programs in elementary and secondary schools. Grantees may select the elements of character that 

will be taught and must consider the views of parents and students 

to be served by the program. 

Elementary and secondary school counseling 

The Committee recommends $61,500,000 for elementary and sec- ondary school counseling, $26,850,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. This program provides grants to school districts to enable 

them to establish or expand elementary school and secondary 

school counseling programs. School counselors are primarily supported with non-Federal funds. 

The Committee’s 77.5 percent increase in the elementary and 

secondary school counseling program demonstrates its commitment 

to a comprehensive school counseling program that includes counselors, psychologists, social workers, and appropriately trained psychiatrists. The Department is encouraged to give priority to local 

educational agencies that can demonstrate a strong involvement 

with community groups, social service agencies, or other public or 

private entities in collaborative efforts to enhance school counseling 

services and promote school-linked integration of services. 

The program is also part of the Committee’s initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America. The Committee’s increase will provide 76 new grants to expand academic, mental, 

emotional, social, developmental, and behavioral services to middleand high-school students. 

Carol M. White physical education program 

The Committee recommends $72,674,000 for the physical education program, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The budget request did not include funding for this program, 

which provides grants to local educational agencies and community-based organizations to initiate, expand, and improve physical 

education programs for students in kindergarten through 12th 

grade. 

The Committee directs the Department to work with the Centers 

for Disease Control and Prevention to incorporate the school health 

index into this program. For fiscal year 2008 awards, the Department shall grant priority to those applications that have completed 

physical education and nutritional assessments as part of the 

school health index or propose to implement the school health 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
247 

index. Awards should support the implementation of science-based 

curriculum tools to encourage physical education and healthy eating. The Committee notes with interest the statement of the Department of Education that it has already invested heavily in traditional physical education equipment. As such, it agrees with the 

Department’s efforts to focus on grants that propose other effective 

means of promoting physical activity and reducing obesity, including innovative equipment targeting at-risk children not typically 

motivated by traditional physical education classes. 

Civic education 

The Committee recommends $33,318,000 for civic education, 

$4,207,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. Program funds support the ‘‘We the People’’ and the cooperative education exchange 

programs. ‘‘We the People’’ seeks to promote civic competence and 

responsibility among students. Cooperative education exchange 

provides support for education exchange activities in civics and economics between the United States and eligible countries in Central 

and Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, 

any country that was formerly a republic of the Soviet Union, the 

Republic of Ireland, the province of Northern Ireland and developing countries with a democratic form of government. 

The Committee intends that most of the increase provided over 

fiscal year 2007 be used to enhance civics instruction in the middle 

and high school grades. The recently released 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress Civics shows that knowledge 

about civic life, politics, and government of 4th graders has improved, while the performance of 8th and 12th graders is flat at 

best. The Committee hopes that increased support for civics instruction and materials in secondary schools will address the declining civics knowledge of students as they progress through the 

educational pipeline. The bill permits funds to be used for a comprehensive program to improve public knowledge, understanding, 

and support of American democratic institutions. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

The Committee recommends $774,614,000 for English language acquisition programs. This amount is $105,607,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and $103,795,000 more than the 

budget request. This program provides formula grants to States to 

serve limited English proficient (LEP) students. Grants are based 

on each State’s share of the national limited English proficient and 

recent immigrant student population. Funds under this account 

also support professional development to increase the pool of teachers prepared to serve limited English proficient students as well as 

evaluation activities. 

The Committee provides a $105,607,000 increase for this program—the first significant increase since fiscal year 2002—to assist 

States and school districts with the No Child Left Behind requirement that the LEP students learn to read and speak English quickly. 

High rates of immigration over the last two decades have resulted in dramatic increases in the number of LEP students identiVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00247 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
248 

fied by States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number 

of LEP students has risen from less than 1 million in 1980 to more 

than 4.6 million in 2004. According to the Department, the overall 

increase in LEP students and the rapid growth in the LEP population in States lacking an infrastructure for serving LEP students 

underscore the need for this program. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $12,310,831,000 for programs for 

children with disabilities authorized under the Individuals with 

Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This funding level is 

$825,684,000 above the budget request and $507,964,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 level. These grants help States and localities pay 

for the rising costs of special education for 6.9 million children with 

disabilities. 

State grants: grants to States 

The Committee recommends $11,292,425,000 for grants to States, which is $800,484,000 above the budget request and 

$509,464,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 level. Of the funds 

provided for the 2008–2009 academic year, $4,650,443,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2008 for obligation after July 1, 2008 and 

$6,641,982,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2009 for obligation 

on, or after, October 1, 2008. 

This program provides formula grants to assist the States in 

meeting the excess costs of providing special education and related 

services to children with disabilities. In order to be eligible for 

funds, States must make free appropriate public education available to all children with disabilities. Funds are distributed based 

on the amount that each State received from the fiscal year 1999 

appropriation, and the numbers of children in the general population and who live in poverty in the age range for which each 

State mandates free appropriate public education for children with 

disabilities. 

Over the past 10 years, the number of students enrolled in special education programs has risen 18 percent. Almost 14 percent of 

public school students receive special education services because 

they have a disability. Nearly every regular education classroom 

across the country includes students with disabilities. As such, the 

Committee rejects the deep cut in IDEA part B State grants proposed by the Administration, and stops the decline in the Federal 

percentage share of special education costs, in order to sustain educational and related services for these special needs children who 

are most at risk of being left behind. 

The Committee includes language proposed in the budget request 

to limit the increase in the amount of funds required to be transferred to the Department of the Interior to the lesser amount equal 

to the amount transferred in 2007 plus inflation or the percentage 

increase in the appropriation for the grants to States program. 

State grants: preschool grants 

The Committee recommends $380,751,000 for preschool grants, 

the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request. 

These funds provide additional assistance to States to help them 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
249 

make a free appropriate public education available to all children 

with disabilities in the three through five age range. 

State grants: grants for infants and families 

The Committee recommends $436,400,000 for grants for infants 

and families, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$13,333,000 more than the budget request. This formula grant program assists States in developing and implementing Statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency 

programs to make available early intervention services to all children with disabilities, aged birth through two, and their families. 

IDEA national activities: technical assistance and dissemination 

The Committee recommends $48,903,000 for technical assistance 

and dissemination, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $1,000 more than the budget request. This program 

provides funding for technical assistance, demonstration projects 

and information dissemination. These funds support efforts by 

State and local education agencies, institutions of higher education, 

and other entities to build State and local capacity to make systemic changes and improve results for children with disabilities. 

IDEA national activities: personnel preparation 

The Committee recommends $89,720,000 for personnel preparation, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$1,000 more than the budget request. This program supports competitive awards to help address State-identified needs for qualified 

personnel to work with children with disabilities, and to ensure 

that those personnel have the skills and knowledge they need to 

serve those children. Awards focus on addressing the need for personnel to serve low-incidence populations and leadership personnel. 

IDEA national activities: parent information centers 

The Committee recommends $25,704,000 for parent information 

centers, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request. This program makes awards to parent organizations to support parent training and information centers, including community 

parent resource centers. These centers provide training and information to meet the needs of parents of children with disabilities 

living in the areas served by the centers, particularly underserved 

parents and parents of children who may be inappropriately identified. Technical assistance is also provided under this program for 

developing, assisting, and coordinating centers receiving assistance 

under this program. 

IDEA national activities: technology and media services 

The Committee recommends $36,928,000 for technology and 

media services, which is $1,500,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $11,865,000 more than the budget request. This 

program makes competitive awards to support the development, 

demonstration, and use of technology and educational media activities of educational value to children with disabilities. 

These funds support continued production and circulation of recorded textbooks, increased outreach activities to print-disabled 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
250 

students and their teachers, and accelerated use of digital technology. The Committee believes that the funds recommended will 

enable the expansion of service to students with print disabilities, 

the continuation of digital production, and use of extensive libraries 

of educational materials. 

REHABILITATION SERVICES AND DISABILITY RESEARCH

The Committee recommends $3,279,193,000 for rehabilitation 

services and disability research. This reflects the amount authorized by law. The Committee rejects the Administration’s proposal 

to deny this program its authorized cost-of-living adjustment. The 

programs in this account are authorized by the Rehabilitation Act 

of 1973, the Helen Keller National Center Act, and the Assistive 

Technology Act of 1998. 

Vocational rehabilitation grants to States 

For vocational rehabilitation State grants, the Committee recommends $2,874,043,000 which is $36,883,000 more than fiscal 

year 2007. This program supports basic vocational rehabilitation 

services through formula grants to the States. These grants support a wide range of services designed to help persons with physical and mental disabilities prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Emphasis is placed on 

providing vocational rehabilitation services to persons with the 

most significant disabilities. The Committee’s recommendation provides the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for these State grants, 

as authorized. The budget request did not include this COLA increase. 

Client assistance 

The Committee recommends $11,782,000 for the client assistance 

program, the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 

amount. A client assistance program is required in each State as 

a condition of receipt of a basic State grant. State formula grants 

are used to help persons with disabilities overcome problems with 

the service delivery system and improve their understanding of 

services available to them under the Rehabilitation Act. 

Training 

For training personnel to provide rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities, the Committee recommends $38,438,000, the 

same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 level. The program supports long-term and short-term training, in-service personnel training, and training of interpreters for deaf persons. 

Projects in a broad array of disciplines are funded to ensure that 

skilled personnel are available to serve the vocational needs of persons with disabilities. 

Demonstration and training programs 

The Committee recommends $6,511,000 for demonstration and 

training programs, which is $329,000 less than the budget request 

and the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. These programs 

authorize discretionary awards on a competitive basis to public and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
251 

private organizations to support demonstrations, direct services, 

and related activities for persons with disabilities. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Advocating Change Together, Inc., St. Paul, MN for a disability rights training initiative ......................... $100,000 

City of North Miami Beach, FL, North Miami Beach, FL for fitness and other programs for the disabled 100,000 

Jewish Vocational and Career Counseling Service, San Francisco, CA for a Transition Services Project to 

provide vocational training and job placement for youth and adults with disabilities .......................... 250,000 

Vocational Guidance Services, Cleveland, OH for equipment and technology in order to increase employment for persons with disabilities ............................................................................................................ 100,000 

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers 

For programs serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers, the 

Committee recommends $2,279,000, which is the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 level. The budget request did not include funding for this 

program. This program provides discretionary grants to make comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services available to migrant 

and seasonal farmworkers with vocational disabilities. Projects emphasize outreach activities, specialized bilingual rehabilitation 

counseling, and coordination of vocational rehabilitation services 

with services from other sources. 

Recreational programs 

For recreational programs, the Committee recommends 

$2,518,000, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. This program provides individuals with recreation and related activities to aid in 

their employment, mobility, independence, socialization, and community integration. Discretionary grants are made on a competitive 

basis to States, public agencies, and nonprofit private organizations, including institutions of higher education. 

Protection and advocacy of individual rights 

For protection and advocacy for persons with disabilities, the 

Committee recommends $16,489,000, the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 level. Grants are awarded to entities 

that have the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other 

appropriate remedies needed to protect and advocate the rights of 

persons with disabilities. 

Projects with industry 

For projects with industry, the Committee recommends 

$19,538,000, the same as the fiscal year 2007 amount. The budget 

request did not include funding for this program. This program 

promotes greater participation of business and industry in the rehabilitation process. The program provides placement and job development services to assist persons with disabilities to prepare 

them for employment in the competitive labor market. Awards are 

made to a variety of agencies and organizations, including business 

and industrial corporations, rehabilitation facilities, labor organizations, trade associations, and foundations. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
252 

Supported employment State grants 

For supported employment State grants, the Committee recommends $29,700,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. 

These formula grants assist States in developing collaborative programs with public agencies and nonprofit agencies for training and 

post-employment services leading to supported employment. In 

supported employment programs, persons with the most significant 

disabilities are given special supervision and assistance to enable 

them to work in an integrated setting. 

Independent living: State grants 

For State grants for independent living, the Committee recommends $22,588,000. This amount is the same as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 level. This program supports formula grants to the States to provide services for independent living 

for persons with significant disabilities. 

Independent living: centers 

For centers for independent living, the Committee recommends 

$74,638,000, which is the same as the budget request and the fiscal 

year 2007 level. A population-based formula determines the total 

amount that is available for discretionary grants to centers in each 

State. These discretionary grants support a network of consumercontrolled, nonresidential, community-based private nonprofit centers that provide a wide range of services to help persons with significant disabilities live more independently in family and community settings. Centers provide information and referral services, 

independent living skills training, peer counseling, and individual 

and systems advocacy. Discretionary grants are made to private 

nonprofit organizations. 

Independent living: services for older blind persons 

For independent living services for older blind individuals, the 

Committee recommends $32,895,000. This amount is the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request. Funds are distributed to States according to a formula based on the population 

of individuals who are 55 or older, and grants support services for 

persons 55 years old or over whose severe visual impairment 

makes gainful employment extremely difficult to obtain, but for 

whom independent living goals are feasible. 

Program improvement 

For program improvement activities, the Committee recommends 

$633,000, which is the same as the budget request and $202,000 

less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The program: (1) provides technical assistance and consultative services to public and 

non-profit private agencies and organizations; (2) provides shortterm training and technical instruction; (3) conducts special demonstrations; (4) collects, prepares, publishes and disseminates educational or informational materials; and (5) carries out monitoring 

and conducts evaluations. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
253 

Evaluation 

The Committee recommends $1,473,000 for program evaluation, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$500,000 less than the budget request. These funds are used to 

evaluate the impact and effectiveness of individual programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. Contracts are awarded on an 

annual basis for studies to be conducted by persons not immediately involved in the administration of the programs authorized 

by the Act. 

Helen Keller National Center 

For the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and 

Adults, the Committee recommends $8,511,000, the same as the 

fiscal year 2007 level and $500,000 more than the budget request. 

These funds are used for the operation of a national center that 

provides intensive services for deaf-blind individuals and their families at Sands Point, New York, and a network of 10 regional offices 

that provide referral, counseling, transition services, and technical 

assistance to service providers. 

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 

The Committee recommends $106,705,000 for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the same as the 

budget request and the fiscal year 2007 level. The Institute supports research, demonstration, and training activities that are designed to maximize the employment and integration into society of 

individuals with disabilities of all ages. 

Assistive technology 

For assistive technology activities, the Committee recommends $30,452,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 amount and 

$4,341,000 more than the budget request. Technology assistance 

activities are authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 

1998. This Act authorizes population-based formula grants to the 

States to assist them in supporting alternative financing programs 

and assistive technology device demonstrations, loan, and reutilization programs. In addition, the funds support protection and advocacy services related to assistive technology and national technical 

assistance activities are supported. Of the funds provided, $25,058,000 is for the State grant pro- gram, $4,341,000 is for the protection and advocacy program, and 

$1,053,000 is for national activities. Consistent with the authorizing statute, the Committee does not provide separate funding for 

the alternative financing program. Instead, funds provided for alternative financing are included in the State grant program. 

SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

American Printing House for the Blind 

The Committee recommends $17,573,000 for the American Printing House for the Blind, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the budget request. This appropriation subsidizes 

the production of educational materials for legally blind persons enrolled in pre-college programs. The Printing House, which is charVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00253 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
254 

tered by the State of Kentucky, manufactures and maintains an inventory of educational materials in accessible formats that are distributed free of charge to schools and States based on the number 

of blind students in each State. The Printing House also conducts 

research and field activities to inform educators about the availability of materials and how to use them. 

National Technical Institute for the Deaf 

The Committee recommends $60,757,000 for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), an increase of $4,616,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $4,495,000 more than 

the budget request. The NTID was established by Congress in 1965 

to provide a residential facility for postsecondary technical training 

and education for deaf persons with the purpose of promoting the 

employment of these individuals. The Institute also conducts applied research and provides training in various aspects of deafness. 

The Secretary of Education administers these activities through a 

contract with the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, 

New York. 

Gallaudet University 

The Committee recommends $109,952,000 for Gallaudet University, an increase of $2,954,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request. The Committee does not provide 

the $600,000 requested by the Administration for evaluation, which 

is no longer needed because the Office of Management and Budget 

has already conducted a second PART review of Gallaudet and is 

working with the University to improve its performance. Gallaudet 

is a private, non-profit educational institution Federally-chartered 

in 1864 providing elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and continuing education for deaf persons. In addition, the University offers graduate programs in fields related to deafness for deaf and 

hearing students, conducts research on deafness, and provides public service programs for deaf persons. 

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND ADULT EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $2,046,220,000 for career and technical education and adult education programs. This amount is 

$46,684,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$849,046,000 more than the budget request. This appropriation account includes vocational education programs authorized by the 

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. The 

account also includes adult education programs authorized under 

the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. 

Career and technical education State grants 

The Committee recommends $1,206,553,000 for basic grants to 

States under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 

Act of 2006, which is $25,000,000 more than as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $606,553,000 more than the budget request. Of 

the total for basic grants to States made available for school year 

2008–2009, $415,553,000 is available for obligation on July 1, 2008 

and $791,000,000 is available for obligation on October 1, 2008. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
255 

State grants support a variety of vocational education programs 

developed in accordance with the State plan. The Act concentrates 

Federal resources on institutions with high concentrations of lowincome students. The populations assisted by basic grants range 

from secondary students in pre-vocational courses to adults who 

need retraining to adapt to changing technological and labor markets. 

The Committee strongly disagrees with the Administration’s proposal to cut funding for career and technical education by 49 percent in fiscal year 2008, just after the recent reform and reauthorization of the program. Funding for basic grants to States will continue support for state-of-the art vocational training to approximately 5 million students in secondary schools and 3 million students in community and technical colleges. 

Tech-prep 

The Committee recommends $104,753,000 for tech-prep, the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The budget request did 

not include funding for this program. This appropriation includes 

activities under title II of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 

Education Act of 2006. 

The tech-prep education program provides planning and demonstration grants to consortia of local educational agencies and 

postsecondary institutions to develop and operate model technical 

education programs that integrate academic and vocational education. These programs begin in high school and provide students 

with the mathematical, science, communications, and technological 

skills needed to enter a two-year associate degree or two-year certificate program in a given occupational field. They also help students make a successful transition into further postsecondary education or begin their careers. The funds in the bill will assist approximately 2 million students to make the successful transition 

from school to careers. 

National programs 

For national programs, the Committee provides $8,000,000, 

which is $2,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

the budget request. This authority supports the conduct and dissemination of research in vocational education. It also includes support for the National Centers for Research and Dissemination in 

Career and Technical Education and other discretionary research. 

Tribally controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institutions 

The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for grants for tribally 

controlled postsecondary vocational and technical institutions, a 

$634,000 increase over the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

budget request. This program provides grants to two tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions to provide 

career and technical education to Indian students. This program 

was funded under the ‘‘Higher Education’’ account in fiscal year 

2007. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
256 

State programs for adult education 

For State grants, the Committee recommends $588,975,000, which is $25,000,000 more than the fiscal year funding 2007 level 

and $24,901,000 more than the budget request. State formula 

grants support programs to enable all adults to acquire basic literacy skills, to enable those who so desire to complete a secondary 

education, and to make available to adults the means to become 

more employable, productive, and responsible citizens. Grants are 

provided on a formula basis to States under the Adult Education 

and Family Literacy Act. 

According to the Department of Education, there is a significant 

and ongoing need for adult education services given the number of 

high school dropouts and the growing population of adult immigrants without the English language skills that are needed to succeed in school and the workplace. Moreover, the adult education 

program is one of a relatively few number of programs rated as effective under the Administration’s Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). Accordingly, the Committee provides a $25,000,000 

increase over the request to begin to address these needs. The 

Committee intends that the set aside for English literacy and civics 

education State grants within the adult education program be increased by $3,040,000, from $68,582,000 in fiscal year 2007 to 

$71,622,000 in fiscal year 2008. 

National Programs—national leadership activities 

The Committee provides $7,000,000 for national leadership ac- tivities. This amount is $2,005,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $2,096,000 less than the budget request. Through 

applied research, development, dissemination, evaluation, and program improvement activities, this program assists State efforts to 

improve the quality of adult education. The funds support such 

projects as evaluations on the status and effectiveness of adult education programs, national and international adult literacy surveys, 

and technical assistance on using technology to improve instruction 

and administration that show promise of contributing to the improvement and expansion of adult education. 

National Institute for Literacy 

For the National Institute for Literacy, the Committee rec- ommends $6,638,000, which is $55,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. The Institute supports research and development projects, tracks progress 

made toward national literacy goals, supports research fellowships, 

disseminates information through a national clearinghouse, and coordinates literacy information data from national and State 

sources. 

Smaller learning communities 

The Committee recommends $93,531,000 for the smaller learning 

communities program, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding 

level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. 

As in past years, the bill specifies that these funds shall be used 

only for activities related to the redesign of large high schools enrolling 1,000 or more students. The funds provided in the bill will 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
257 

help school districts to implement smaller, more personalized 

learning environments in large high schools benefitting approximately 550,000 students in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee directs that the Department consult with the 

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations prior to the release of program guidance for the fiscal years 2007 and 2008 smaller learning communities grant competition. The Committee directs 

that the Department submit to the House and Senate Committees 

on Appropriations an operating plan outlining the planned use of 

the five percent set-aside prior to the obligation of these funds. 

Further, the Committee urges the Department to enter into a jointly funded program with a private or public foundation with expertise in designing and implementing small schools in order to further leverage the Federal investment in smaller learning communities. 

State grants for incarcerated youth offenders 

The Committee recommends $22,770,000 for State grants for incarcerated youth offenders, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level. The budget request did not include funding for this program. This program makes grants to State correctional agencies to 

assist and encourage incarcerated youths to acquire functional literacy skills and life and job skills. 

STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $17,464,883,000 for student financial assistance programs, an increase of $1,922,427,000 above the 

fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $3,070,391,000 above the budget 

request. 

Pell Grants.—The Committee recommends $15,583,000,000 for 

the Pell Grant program, $1,922,289,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

level and $2,169,000,000 above the Administration’s request. The 

bill also includes new language permitting mandatory funds not 

needed for academic competitiveness and SMART grants in the 

prior fiscal year to be used for Pell grants in the current fiscal year. 

Providing these additional resources in order to raise the maximum Pell Grant to $4,700 for the 2008–2009 academic year is one 

of the Committee’s highest priorities. The Committee recommendation will help over 5.5 million low- and middle-income students obtain a college degree. Approximately 79 percent of all Pell Grant 

recipients have annual family incomes of $30,000 or less. 

Between 2001 and 2006, the cost of attending a four-year public 

college increased by $3,764 or 42 percent; however, the maximum 

Pell grant increased by just $300—only 8 percent of the college cost 

increase. The 2007 Continuing Appropriations Resolution raised 

the Pell maximum grant by $260, from $4,050 to $4,310, providing 

the first increase in four years to help disadvantaged students pay 

for rising college costs. This bill will raise the maximum Pell award 

by another $390 to $4,700. Over two years, the maximum Pell 

Grant will have increased by $650—one of the largest expansions 

of the Pell Grant program in its history. The Committee recommendation is another step forward in expanding college access 

and opportunity for more Americans. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
258 

Federal supplemental educational opportunity grants (SEOG).— The Committee recommends $770,933,000 for SEOG, the same as 

fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The Committee strongly disagrees 

with the Administration’s proposal to terminate the program, 

which provides funds to postsecondary institutions for need-based 

grants of up to $4,000 to undergraduates, with priority given to 

Pell-eligible students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. 

Approximately 65 percent of dependent SEOG recipients have annual family incomes under $30,000 and nearly 80 percent of independent SEOG recipients have annual family incomes under 

$20,000. 

Institutions must contribute a 25 percent match toward their 

Federal SEOG allocations. Thus, the amount provided in the bill 

will result in nearly $1,000,000,000 in need-based student financial 

aid benefiting more than one million students. 

Work-study.—The Committee recommends $980,492,000 for the 

work-study program, $138,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same as the budget request. Funding for this program is provided through institutions to students who work parttime to meet the cost of education. Approximately 3,300 colleges 

and universities receive funding according to a statutory formula 

and may allocate it for job location and job development centers. 

Work-study jobs must pay at least the Federal minimum wage and 

institutions must provide 25 percent of student earnings. Thus, the 

amount provided in the bill will result in more than $1,100,000,000 

in need-based student aid for more than 880,000 undergraduate 

and graduate students. 

Perkins loans cancellations.—The Committee recommends 

$65,471,000 for Federal Perkins loans cancellations, the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The Committee disagrees with 

the Administration’s proposal to terminate funding for this program, which reimburses college revolving loan funds for loans that 

are forgiven under Federal law. Perkins loans may be forgiven 

when a student borrower pursues a public service career in 1 of 12 

statutorily-designated areas, including teaching in low-income communities and in shortage subjects, Head Start programs, military 

service in areas of imminent danger, Peace Corps and ACTION 

service, nurses and medical technicians providing health care services, and law enforcement/corrections. Over one half of Perkins loan 

cancellations are for teachers. 

Leveraging educational assistance partnership (LEAP).—The 

Committee recommends $64,987,000 for the LEAP program, the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The Committee disagrees with the Administration’s proposal to terminate funding for 

this program, which provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds to 

States for grant and work study assistance to eligible postsecondary students who demonstrate financial need. Over half of 

LEAP grants go to students with annual family incomes under 

$20,000. The amount provided in the bill will leverage nearly 

$165,000,000 in need-based aid to nearly 165,000 students. 

Under LEAP, Federally supported grants and job earnings are 

limited to $5,000 per award year for full-time students. By law, 

each State’s allocation is based on its relative share of the total national population of students eligible to participate in the proVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00258 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
259 

grams, except that no State is to receive less than it received in 

1979. If LEAP amounts are below this level, each State is allocated 

an amount proportional to the amount of funds it received in 1979. 

If a State does not use all of its allocation, the excess funds are distributed to other States in the same proportion as the original distribution. States must, at a minimum, match LEAP grants dollar 

for dollar with State funds provided through direct State appropriations for this purpose. 

STUDENT AID ADMINISTRATION

The bill includes $708,216,000 for the student aid administration 

account. The Committee recommendation is $9,734,000 below the 

fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same as the budget request. 

These funds will support the Department’s student financial aid 

management expenses. The Office of Federal Student Aid and the 

Office of Postsecondary Education have primary responsibility for 

administering Federal student financial assistance programs. 

Latino students attending college as the first members of their 

families seeking a higher education face hurdles understanding the 

college entrance process and accessing financial aid with which 

their parents have little or no experience. This is acutely apparent 

for students from recent immigrant families. Surveys and studies 

also show that the cost of completing a four-year college program 

leading to a bachelor degree is a major hurdle for Hispanic high 

school and junior college graduates. The Committee therefore urges 

the Department to launch information campaigns designed to educate Hispanic communities about the college application and funding processes, as well as provide them with a detailed guide describing the financial aid available to them. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $2,051,533,000 for higher education 

programs, an increase of $107,846,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

appropriation and $213,796,000 above the budget request. 

Strengthening institutions.—The Committee recommends 

$79,535,000 for the regular strengthening institutions program, the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 level and the budget request. This program provides general operating subsidies to institutions with low 

average educational and general expenditures per student and significant percentages of low-income students. Awards may be used 

for faculty and academic program development, management, joint 

use of libraries and laboratories, acquisition of equipment, and student services. 

Strengthening Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs).—The Committee recommends $99,500,000 for the Hispanic-serving institutions program, which is $4,586,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level 

and $4,589,000 above the budget request. The HSI program provides operating subsidies to schools that serve at least 25 percent 

Hispanic students. 

The Committee is concerned about the acute shortage of Hispanics earning advanced degrees. The Committee supports legislative efforts in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act to 

expand graduate opportunities for Hispanic-serving institutions 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
260 

and encourages the Department to submit a budget request for HSI 

graduate programs in the event that such a program is authorized 

under title V of the Higher Education Act. 

Strengthening historically black colleges and universities.—The 

Committee recommends $249,500,000 for strengthening historically 

black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which is $11,405,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request. 

This program provides operating subsidies to accredited, legally authorized HBCUs established prior to 1964 whose principal mission 

is the education of black Americans. Funds may be used to support 

both programs and management and are distributed through a formula grant based on the enrollment of Pell Grant recipients, number of graduates, and the number of graduates entering graduate 

or professional schools in which blacks are underrepresented. The 

minimum grant is $500,000. 

Strengthening historically black graduate institutions.—The Committee recommends $57,915,000 for the strengthening historically 

black graduate institutions program, the same as the fiscal year 

2007 appropriation and the budget request. The program provides 

five-year grants to 18 postsecondary institutions that are specified 

in section 326(e)(1) of the Higher Education Act. Awards may be 

used for building endowments as well as the same purposes for 

which the strengthening HBCU grants may be used. 

Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions.—The Committee recommends $11,785,000 for strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The Administration 

proposed to terminate this program. 

Strengthening tribally controlled colleges and universities.—The 

Committee recommends $24,475,000 for the strengthening tribally 

controlled colleges and universities program, which is $905,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $5,905,000 above the 

budget request. In past years, the Committee has supported a competitive grant program to assist institutions in addressing long 

overdue and high-priority infrastructure and facilities requirements. The Committee intends for the funds provided to be used 

to support continuation of existing grants and new planning or developmental grants. Any remaining funds shall be available for 

grants for renovation and construction of facilities to continue to 

address urgently needed facilities repair and expansion. 

International education and foreign languages studies 

Domestic programs.—The Committee recommends $100,341,000 

for the domestic activities of the international education and foreign languages studies programs, which is $8,800,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request. The title VI 

programs include national resource centers, foreign language and 

area studies fellowships, undergraduate international studies and 

foreign language programs, international research and studies 

projects, business and international education projects, international business education centers, language resource centers, 

American overseas research centers, and technological innovation 

and cooperation for foreign information access. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
261 

The Committee places a high priority on restoring over the next 

several years budget cuts to the title VI programs, which serve national needs in foreign language training and areas studies. The 

bill includes $3,155,000 to increase the number of individuals receiving academic year foreign language and area studies fellowships by 100 to 1,026, and summer fellowships by 70 to 700—approximately a 10 percent increase over last year. 

The bill repeats language permitting up to one percent of the 

title VI/Fulbright-Hays funds provided to the Department to be 

used for program evaluation, national outreach, and information 

dissemination activities. The Committee urges that a portion of 

these funds be used to assist title VI grantees develop web portals 

to improve the dissemination of information produced under these 

programs to the public. 

National Research Council Study.—The Committee notes that 

the National Research Council’s recent study of title VI and Fulbright-Hays, entitled ‘‘International Education and Foreign Languages: Keys to Securing America’s Future’’ found that these programs serve as the foundation for internationalization in higher 

education through research and teaching in a wide variety of areas 

and languages, and that they make a significant national contribution to the teaching and learning of less commonly taught languages in particular. The National Research Council concluded, 

however, that the Department has not made foreign language and 

cultures a priority. It also found a lack of strategic planning and 

coordination on international education and foreign languages 

within the Department and with other federal agencies. 

Accordingly, the Committee urges the Department to establish a 

coordinating group on international education and foreign language 

studies within the Department. The group should consist of highranking Department personnel as well as relevant planning, budget and program staff, and should regularly consult with the international education and foreign language community. The group 

should (1) develop a strategic vision and master plan for the Department’s international education and foreign language programs 

from elementary through higher education; (2) develop and implement a plan for improving the coordination and articulation among 

all Department programs on international education and foreign 

languages; and (3) consult with other Federal agencies to determine and address national needs in international education and 

foreign language studies. In addition, the group should improve the 

International Resource Information System (IRIS) data reporting 

system to ensure that (1) the data collected contains performance 

outputs and outcomes that are relevant to program monitoring and 

improvement; and (2) the data system provides greater standardization, allows comparison across years and across programs, and 

provides information to all grantees and to the public. In addition, 

the Committee urges the Department to strengthen the title VI and 

Fulbright-Hays program staff and support systems as international 

education programs and responsibilities grow. The Committee directs the Department to submit a report to the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations by February 1, 2008 describing 

steps taken to address these management, program and staffing 

needs. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
262 

Overseas programs.—The Committee recommends $13,610,000 

for the overseas programs in international education and foreign 

language studies authorized under the Mutual Educational and 

Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, popularly known as the FulbrightHays Act. This amount is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal year 

2007 level and the budget request. Funding for these programs 

support group projects abroad, faculty research abroad, special bilateral projects, and doctoral dissertation research abroad. Fulbright-Hays provides an essential overseas component for research 

and training of Americans in foreign languages and international 

studies. Overseas immersion is critical to achieving high levels of 

foreign language proficiency. Additional funds are intended to increase the number of research and study abroad fellowships and 

group projects abroad in intermediate and advanced language 

training in strategic world areas, as well as expand curriculum development and summer seminars abroad for K–12 teachers. 

Institute for international public policy.—The Committee recommends $1,700,000 for the Institute for International Public Policy. This amount is $100,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level and the 

budget request. This program provides a grant to an eligible recipient to operate the Institute through sub-grantees chosen among 

minority serving institutions. 

Fund for the improvement of postsecondary education.—The Committee recommends $63,264,000 for the fund for the improvement 

of postsecondary education (FIPSE), which is $41,275,000 over the 

fiscal year 2007 level and $41,276,000 over the budget request. 

FIPSE awards grants and contracts to a variety of postsecondary 

institutions and other organizations to improve the quality and delivery of postsecondary education. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind, Talladega, AL for the interpreter training program .................. $200,000 

Albany State University, Albany, GA, in partnership with Darton College, for an initiative to increase the 

success of minority males and nontraditional students in postsecondary education ............................. 250,000 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, Rockville, MD for its New Century Scholars Program .... 275,000 

Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD for a health care training initiative, which may include 

equipment and technology ........................................................................................................................ 100,000 

Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA for development of the Bachelor of Arts degree in 

Cyber Security and Investigation Technology ............................................................................................ 200,000 

Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield, CT for manufacturing technology training programs, which may 

include equipment and technology ........................................................................................................... 250,000 

Azusa Pacific University, San Bernardino, CA for nursing programs ........................................................... 400,000 

Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, WA for development of computer security curriculum ................... 300,000 

Beloit College, Beloit, WI for equipment and technology .............................................................................. 150,000 

Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN for equipment for an engineering technology center ...................... 300,000 

Bennett College for Women, Greensboro, NC for equipment, technology, and professional development ... 300,000 

Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA for equipment and technology for distance education programs ......................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Winchester, KY for equipment and technology ................... 300,000 

Broward Community College, Broward County, FL for an education and training program in emergency 

preparedness and response ....................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA for environmental studies programs and community outreach, which 

may include equipment ............................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA for curriculum development ........................................................... 250,000 

Butler Community College, Andover, KS for a closed captioning training program, including curriculum 

development ............................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Hudson, NC for curriculum development ................ 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
263 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

California Baptist University, Riverside, CA for purchase of equipment ...................................................... 350,000 

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA for purchase of equipment .......................... 150,000 

California State University - Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA for purchase of equipment .......................... 150,000 

California State University - Fullerton, Fullerton, CA for technology upgrades at the Ruby Gerontology 

Center ......................................................................................................................................................... 350,000 

Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC for its Advancement for Underrepresented Minority Pharmacists 

and Pharmaceutical Scientists Program ................................................................................................... 200,000 

Central Arizona College, Coolidge, AZ for nursing programs, including curriculum development .............. 300,000 

Central Florida Community College, Ocala, FL for curriculum development ................................................ 100,000 

Central Methodist University, Fayette, MO for a science, technology, engineering and math teacher 

training program ........................................................................................................................................ 350,000 

Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC, for curriculum development at the Center for Integrated Emergency Response Training ....................................................................................................... 100,000 

Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA for curriculum development ............................................... 200,000 

Chemeketa Community College, Salem, OR for equipment and technology for health sciences education 

and training programs .............................................................................................................................. 325,000 

City College of New York, NY for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service to prepare individuals 

for careers in public service, which may include establishing an endowment, library and archives for 

such center ................................................................................................................................................ 2,000,000 

Clark State Community College, Springfield, OH for curriculum development and purchase of equipment 300,000 

Clayton College and State University, Morrow, GA for development of a Master of Arts in Archive degree 

program, which may include student scholarships and community outreach ........................................ 300,000 

Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, WA for an institute for environmental sustainability in the 

workforce .................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL for curriculum development .............................................................. 250,000 

College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID for the Pro-Tech program ........................................................... 200,000 

College of Southern Maryland, LaPlata, MD for nursing education programs ............................................. 100,000 

College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA for creation of the medical lab technician degree program, 

including curriculum development and purchase of equipment .............................................................. 100,000

College Success Foundation, Issaquah, WA for the Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program ....................... 200,000 

Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA for a technical education initiative .................... 200,000 

Community College of Beaver County, Monaca, PA for equipment and technology ..................................... 100,000 

Consensus Organizing Center, San Diego, CA, for its Step Up college preparation initiative .................... 100,000 

Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD for its nursing education program, which may include equipment and technology ................................................................................................................................. 75,000 

Darton College, Albany, GA for a biotechnology education and training collaboration with Albany State 

University and Albany Technical College .................................................................................................. 250,000 

Delaware County Community College, Media, PA for equipment and instrumentation for science, engineering, and technology laboratories ........................................................................................................ 150,000 

Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines, ID for the Jasper County Career Academy, which may 

include equipment ..................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

DeSales University, Center Valley, PA for the Digital Campus Initiative, including purchase of equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL for nursing programs .................................................................. 150,000 

Eastern Shore Community College Industrial Maintenance Program, Melfa, VA for curriculum development ........................................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL for purchase of equipment .................................................................... 200,000 

Edison College, Charlotte County Campus, Punta Gorda, FL for a nursing education program ................. 75,000 

EI Camino College, Torrance, CA for nursing, engineering and nontraditional education and training 

programs .................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Elmira College, Elmira, NY for technology upgrades .................................................................................... 100,000 

Florida Campus Compact, Tallahassee, FL for a project to enhance service learning on college campuses throughout Florida ........................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL for the Coastal Watershed Institute ........................................ 200,000

Focus: HOPE, Detroit; MI for an experiential learning laboratory and related equipment and technology 

to support undergraduate education and training ................................................................................... 175,000 

Franklin Pierce College, Rindge, NH for a nursing education program, which may include equipment ..... 150,000 

Frontier Community College, Fairfield, IL for purchase of equipment .......................................................... 150,000 

Ft. Valley State University, Ft. Valley, GA for a teacher preparation program, which may include equipment and technology ................................................................................................................................. 125,000 

Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL for technology upgrades ................................................. 250,000 

Gateway Community and Technical College, Ft. Mitchell, KY for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing 

Competitiveness, including purchase of equipment ................................................................................. 200,000 

Gateway Community College, New Haven, CT, for radiography and radiation therapy training programs, 

which may include equipment .................................................................................................................. 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
264 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Gila County Community College, Globe, AZ for the registered nursing program, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 200,000 

Grace College, Winona Lake, IN for technology upgrades ............................................................................. 200,000 

Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA for education and training programs in the arts, which 

may include equipment and student scholarships ................................................................................... 125,000 

Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, PA for purchase of equipment ........................................................................ 200,000 

Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA for curriculum development ...................................... 150,000 

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg, PA for instructional programs, which may 

include equipment and technology ........................................................................................................... 100,000 

Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, NY for equipment and technology for science laboratories .......................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Hiwassee College, Madisonville, TN for a dental hygiene program, including curriculum development ..... 260,000 

Holy Family University, Philadelphia, PA for nurse education programs ...................................................... 150,000 

Huntington Junior College, WV for an initiative to recruit and train students in closed captioning .......... 120,000 

Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, TX for a math and science education initiative, which may include 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville, VA for professional development for teachers in 

the field of nanotechnology ....................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville, IN for equipment and technology ................................................ 75,000 

Jackson State University, Jackson, MS for establishment of an osteopathic medical school ..................... 400,000 

James Rumsey Technical Institute, Martinsburg, WV for the Automotive Technology Program, including 

purchase of equipment .............................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Kent State University, New Philadelphia, OH for equipment and technology for its Tuscarawas County 

campus ...................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA to provide educational opportunities for students through civic engagement and service learning ........................................................................................................................ 200,000 

La Sierra University, Riverside, CA ................................................................................................................ 200,000 

Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA for equipment, furnishings and operating expenses for an extension 

center in Susquehanna County ................................................................................................................. 150,000 

Lake City Community College, Lake City, FL for a math skills initiative ..................................................... 100,000 

Latino Institute, Inc., Newark, NJ for its Latino Scholars Program .............................................................. 100,000 

Lewis and Clark Community College, Godfrey, IL, for its National Great Rivers Research and Education 

Center ......................................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Lincoln College, Lincoln, IL for training, material acquisition and purchase of equipment ....................... 100,000 

Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN for curriculum development 410,000 

Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, OR for science and health equipment and technology .............. 300,000 

Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH for its library and community resource center, which may 

include equipment and technology ........................................................................................................... 300,000 

Los Angeles Valley College, Valley Glen, CA for its Solving the Math Achievement Gap program ............. 200,000 

Lyon College, Batesville, AR, to purchase and install equipment ................................................................ 75,000 

MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL for technology upgrades ...................................................................... 250,000 

Madonna University, Livonia, MI for curriculum development for a disaster relief and recovery program 270,000 

Maricopa County Community College, Tempe, AZ for the Bilingual Nursing Program at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ ........................................................................................................................ 300,000 

Marymount Manhattan College, New York, NY for a minority teacher preparation initiative ...................... 250,000 

McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA for the Louisiana Academy for Innovative Teaching and 

Learning ..................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ for an online registered nurse recertification program ...................... 100,000 

Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ for the Enfermeras En Escalera program to address a shortage of 

nurses ........................................................................................................................................................ 175,000 

Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN for nursing education programs ............................................. 500,000 

Midland College, Midland, TX for purchase of equipment at the Advanced Technology Center ................. 150,000 

Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, IL for the Advanced Career Explorers Program ............................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Office of the Chancellor, St. Paul, MN for a statewide veterans re-entry education program ............................................................................................................. 300,000 

Mira Costa Community College District, Oceanside, CA for a nursing education program, including purchase of equipment ................................................................................................................................... 350,000 

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gautier, MS for equipment and furnishings for a marine 

technology center and estuarine education center ................................................................................... 200,000 

Missouri State University-West Plains, West Plains, MO for technology upgrades and programming at 

the Academic Support Center .................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY for a special needs preparedness training program ............... 300,000 

Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA for curricula, equipment and technology, faculty, 

and outreach for its advanced technologies initiative ............................................................................. 250,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
265 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Mount Ida College, Newton, MA, for a veterinary technology program, which may include equipment ...... 150,000 

Murray State University, Hopkinsville, KY for purchase of equipment at the Veterinary Center ................. 200,000 

Nevada State College, Henderson, NV for the accelerated nursing program ............................................... 300,000 

New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL for equipment at the Jane Bancroft Cook Library ............................. 100,000 

New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL for the Public Archaeology Laboratory, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 225,000 

New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL for the Strategic Languages Resource Center, including purchase 

of equipment .............................................................................................................................................. 250,000 

New Hampshire Community Technical College-Manchester, Manchester, NH for equipment for nursing 

and allied health education and training programs ................................................................................ 150,000 

Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, NY for equipment ................................................................ 200,000 

North Arkansas College, Harrison, AR for technology upgrades ................................................................... 215,000 

North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies, Hickory, NC for purchase of equipment at the Center for Engineering Technologies ............................................................................................................... 150,000 

North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND for a Center for Nanoscience Technology Training 200,000 

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL for its College of Engineering and Engineering Technology ........... 125,000 

Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation, Highland Heights, KY for the METS Center, including 

purchase of equipment .............................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Northwest Shoals Community College, Phil Campbell, AL for technology upgrades .................................... 250,000 

Norwich University, Northfield, VT for equipment and technology for a nursing program .......................... 200,000 

Oakland Community College, Bloomfield Hills, MI for international education programs ........................... 200,000 

Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK for purchase of equipment ....................................... 100,000 

Onondaga Community College, Syracuse, NY for purchase of equipment ................................................... 200,000 

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR for academic programs in the OGI School of 

Science and Engineering ........................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, OR for development of associate’s and bachelor’s degree 

programs in the health professions .......................................................................................................... 350,000 

Owens Community College, Toledo, OH for a first responder training initiative, including curriculum development ................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth, FL for equipment and technology ........................................ 300,000 

Paula and Anthony Rich Center for the Study and Treatment of Autism, Youngstown, OH for distance 

learning technology and programs ............................................................................................................ 440,000 

Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia, PA for the CORE Philly Scholarship Program ........................... 475,000 

Pierce College, Tacoma, WA for the Center of Excellence for Homeland Security, including curriculum 

development and training ......................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS for equipment for its Kansas Technology Center ........................ 250,000 

Polk Community College, Winter Haven, FL for advanced manufacturing training programs ..................... 200,000 

Portland State University, Portland, OR for equipment and technology for its science research and 

teaching center .......................................................................................................................................... 125,000 

Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD for equipment and technology to upgrade a management information system ........................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Purchase College, State of University of New York, Purchase, NY, for science and math education programs, including teacher preparation programs ...................................................................................... 200,000 

Radford University, Radford, VA for a study of the feasibility of establishing a graduate school in the 

medical sciences ....................................................................................................................................... 250,000 

Rhode Island College, Providence, RI for development of a Portuguese and Lusophone Studies Program 100,000 

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ for curriculum development ..................................... 350,000 

Richland Community College, Decatur, IL for development of an alternative fuels education and training program ............................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Richmond Community College, Hamlet, NC for equipment and programs at the Industrial Training Center ............................................................................................................................................................... 150,000 

Rockford College, Rockford, IL for technology upgrades and other equipment ............................................ 200,000 

Round Rock Higher Education Center, Round Rock, TX for nursing programs, including purchase of 

equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 300,000 

Rutgers University School of Law - Camden, NJ for student scholarships and loan repayment, internships and public interest programming ................................................................................................... 400,000 

San Jacinto College, Pasadena, TX for a health care education and training initiative, which may include equipment and technology .............................................................................................................. 225,000 

Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA for equipment, technology, and training for its library and information commons initiative .................................................................................................................... 500,000 

Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ for equipment and technology for its science and technology 

center ......................................................................................................................................................... 375,000 

Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI for nursing programs ......................................................................... 100,000 

Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, WI for nursing programs, including curriculum development .................. 185,000 

Simpson College, Indianola, IA for purchase of equipment .......................................................................... 250,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
266 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Sparks College, Shelbyville, IL for a closed captioner training program ..................................................... 200,000 

St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY for equipment at the science facility ............................. 200,000 

St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY for technology upgrades .................................................. 200,000 

St. Clair County Community College, Port Huron, MI for purchase of equipment ....................................... 150,000 

St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY for equipment and technology to support its science, technology, engineering and math initiative ...................................................................................................................... 500,000 

St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL for a distance learning program, including technology upgrades and purchase of equipment .......................................................................................................... 200,000 

State University of New York at Potsdam, Potsdam, NY for teacher training initiatives ............................ 100,000 

Sweetwater Education Foundation, Chula Vista, CA, for its Compact for Success program, which may 

include student scholarships .................................................................................................................... 300,000 

Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX for health professions training. ................................................. 100,000 

Texas State Technical College, Waco, TX, for equipment for education and training programs ................. 150,000 

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX for the Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery ..................... 150,000 

Tohono O’odham Community College, Sells, AZ for computer, science and mathematics equipment, 

technology and instructional materials ..................................................................................................... 100,000 

Tri-County Community College, Murphy, NC for equipment and technology ................................................ 50,000 

Trident Technical College, Charleston, SC for nursing curriculum development ......................................... 200,000 

Trinity University, San Antonio, TX for purchase of equipment .................................................................... 150,000 

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ for development of a pilot project to provide instructional and support 

services to ensure the academic success of disabled veterans .............................................................. 250,000 

University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA for the Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, 

which may include establishing an endowment, and for cataloguing the papers of Congressman 

Robert Matsui ............................................................................................................................................ 700,000 

University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, for a technology training and instruction initiative, which 

may include equipment ............................................................................................................................. 200,000 

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL for the Lou Frey Institute of Politics .......................................... 250,000 

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL for purchase of equipment at the College of Education ................... 200,000 

University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA for technology upgrades at the College of Pharmacy ....... 300,000 

University of Michigan Depression Center, Ann Arbor, MI for the Postsecondary Education Campus Support project ................................................................................................................................................ 200,000 

University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL for the Teacher Leadership Initiative for School Improvement ... 200,000 

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM for the American Indian Language Policy Research and 

Teacher Training Center ............................................................................................................................ 200,000 

University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC for development of an assistive technology 

center, which may include equipment ...................................................................................................... 250,000 

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL for the Virtual School Readiness Incubator ............................ 200,000 

University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program, 

including teacher training ......................................................................................................................... 150,000 

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX for nursing programs ............................. 150,000 

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX for the Centralized Clinical Placement 

system, including purchase of equipment ................................................................................................ 100,000 

University of Virginia Center for Politics, Charlottesville, VA for the Youth Leadership Initiative .............. 280,000 

University of Washington at Bothell, WA for an initiative to train nursing faculty in partnership with a 

consortium of colleges ............................................................................................................................... 200,000 

University of Wisconsin-Marshfield, Marshfield, WI for equipment and technology for science laboratories .......................................................................................................................................................... 200,000 

Utah Valley State College, Orem, UT for a civic education program, including purchase of equipment ... 200,000 

Vanguard University Nursing Center, Costa Mesa, CA for teacher and nurse training programs .............. 150,000 

Waldorf College, Forest City, IA for purchase of equipment ......................................................................... 120,000 

Weber State University, Ogden, UT for the TAPT program to recruit additional teachers ........................... 150,000 

West Central Technical College, Waco, GA for purchase of equipment ....................................................... 150,000 

West Chester University, West Chester, PA for nursing program development ............................................ 200,000 

Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Madison, WI for continued implementation of the WAICU Collaboration Project ................................................................................................... 175,000 

Wittenberg University, Springfield OH for a teacher training initiative ........................................................ 200,000 

York College, City University of New York, Jamaica, NY for activities to prepare students for careers in 

aviation management ................................................................................................................................ 200,000 

Minority science and engineering improvement.—The Committee 

recommends $8,730,000 for the minority science and engineering 

improvement program (MSEIP), the same as the fiscal year 2007 

appropriation and the budget request. The MSEIP program awards 

grants to improve mathematics, science, and engineering programs 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
267 

at institutions serving primarily minority students and to increase 

the number of minority students who pursue advanced degrees and 

careers in those fields. 

TRIO.—The Committee recommends $868,178,000 for the TRIO 

programs, which is $40,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request. The TRIO programs provide a variety of outreach and support services to encourage low-income, potential first-generation college students to enter and complete college. Discretionary grants of up to four or five years are awarded 

competitively to institutions of higher education and other agencies. At least two-thirds of the eligible participants in TRIO must 

be low-income, first-generation college students. Under the Committee recommendation, over 850,000 students will receive TRIO 

services. 

The Committee includes $10,000,000 to be used for a TRIO college completion initiative, providing supplemental awards under 

the student support services program to provide grant aid to students participating in the program, particularly to those at high 

risk of dropping out of college due to financial need. The Committee intends that student support services projects receiving supplemental awards shall provide matching funds equal to 33 percent 

of the total award; thus leveraging an additional $3,300,000 in 

need-based student aid. In total, this additional student financial 

assistance will benefit approximately 14,000 students. 

The remaining increase over the fiscal year 2007 level shall be 

used to provide inflationary adjustments to existing TRIO projects 

in order to partially offset a loss in purchasing power since 2003. 

The Committee is concerned about the reduced level of participation of Hispanic students in the TRIO Talent Search program, and 

encourages the Secretary of Education to enhance program outreach efforts to Hispanics with the goal of increasing the participation rates of Hispanic students in Talent Search. 

GEAR UP.—The Committee recommends $323,423,000 for the 

GEAR UP program, which is $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 

2007 level and the budget request. GEAR UP provides grants to 

States and partnerships of low-income middle and high schools, institutions of higher education and community organizations to target entire grades of students and give them the skills and encouragement to successfully pursue postsecondary education. 

The Committee believes that the GEAR UP program is successful 

and should be expanded. The Department of Education has indicated that findings of the early effects of GEAR UP show that it 

has positive impacts through the 8th grade, has a positive impact 

on student achievement on standardized tests, and has achieved its 

early performance goals. Nevertheless, only 13 percent of all applications could be supported in the 2006 grant competition. Under 

the Committee recommendation, approximately 785,000 students—

nearly 46,000 more than last year—will benefit from early invention services and financial assistance for college in fiscal year 2008. 

The Committee intends that $6,600,000 of the increase over fiscal 

year 2007 be used for State grants, of which 50 percent must be 

used to provide student scholarships, and $13,400,000 be used for 

partnership grants. The Committee encourages the Department to 

give favorable consideration in any competitions for GEAR UP 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
268 

funding to partnerships that, in addition to providing early intervention services, guarantee college scholarships to GEAR UP students. 

Byrd scholarships.—The bill includes $40,590,000 for Byrd scholarships, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The President did 

not propose funding for this program. The Byrd scholarship program provides formula grants to States to award $1,500 scholarships for up to four years of higher education to students who demonstrate academic excellence in high school. Under the Committee 

bill, approximately 27,000 students will receive merit scholarships 

in fiscal year 2008. 

Javits fellowships.—The Committee recommends $9,699,000 for 

the Javits fellowship program, the same as fiscal year 2007 and 

$98,000 below the budget request. Under the Javits program, institutions receive Federal support to make fellowship awards to students pursuing doctoral study in the arts, humanities, and social 

sciences. The Committee recommendation will support approximately 226 fellowship awards in the 2009–2010 academic year. 

Graduate assistance in areas of national need program.—The 

Committee recommends $30,067,000 for the graduate assistance in 

areas of national need (GAANN) program, $3,000 more than the 

budget request and the same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. 

The GAANN program awards grants to institutions of higher education to provide fellowships to economically disadvantaged students who have demonstrated academic excellence and who are 

pursuing graduate education in designated areas of national need, 

such as the sciences, mathematics, engineering, and nursing. The 

Committee recommendation will support fellowships for approximately 700 students in fiscal year 2008. 

Teacher quality enhancement grants.—The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for teacher quality enhancement grants, 

which is $19,895,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The 

Administration proposed to terminate this program. Teacher quality enhancement grants are designed to improve teacher recruitment, preparation, and licensure to ensure that current and future 

teachers have the necessary teaching skills and academic content 

knowledge to teach effectively. The program has three components 

that are mandated by the Higher Education Act: state grants, partnership grants and recruitment grants. By statute, state and partnership grants each receive 45 percent of the appropriation and recruitment grants receive 10 percent. The Committee bill includes 

language that permits the Department to allocate funds among 

these three components at its discretion in order to make the most 

effective use of these resources. 

Within the total, approximately $28,500,000 will be for continuing awards and $11,500,000 will be available for new awards. 

The Committee intends that funds for new awards be used only for 

partnership grants to institutions of higher education, schools of 

arts and sciences, and high-need school districts in order to focus 

program resources on the critical need to improve teacher pre-service preparation. This amount in the bill will provide a 33 percent 

increase over fiscal year 2007 for these partnerships. The other 

components of this program are addressed through the 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
269 

$300,000,000 increase provided for the improving teacher quality 

State grants program. 

Child care access means parents in school.—The Committee recommends $17,810,000 for child care access means parents in school 

program, $2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and 

the budget request. This program helps to ensure that low-income 

student parents have access to postsecondary education and affordable and convenient child care. Colleges and universities may receive discretionary grants of up to four years to support or establish a campus-based childcare program primarily serving the needs 

of low-income students enrolled at the institution. Priority is given 

to childcare programs that leverage significant local or institutional 

resources and utilize a sliding fee scale. Grants can only be used 

to supplement childcare services or start new programs. 

The Committee’s recommendation includes the $2,000,000 increase as part of its initiative to help reduce the number of abortions in America by alleviating the economic pressures and other 

real life conditions that can sometimes cause women to decide not 

to carry their pregnancies to term. With this increase, the number 

of college campuses receiving assistance for campus-based childcare 

will increase by nearly 13 percent to 196 campuses. 

Advancing America through foreign language partnerships.—The 

Committee recommends no funding for the advancing America 

through foreign language partnerships program, for which 

$24,000,000 was proposed in the budget request. The Committee 

believes that existing authority under the foreign language assistance program can be used to address the identified foreign language needs and has provided $3,000,000 for new pilots for this 

purpose. 

Demonstration projects to ensure quality higher education for students with disabilities.—The Committee recommends $6,875,000 

for demonstration projects in disabilities, the same as the fiscal 

year 2007 appropriation. The Administration proposed to terminate 

this activity. This program provides discretionary grants for three 

years to support model demonstration projects that provide technical assistance and professional development activities for faculty 

and administrators in institutions of higher education in order to 

provide students with disabilities a high-quality postsecondary education. 

Underground railroad program.—The Committee does not recommend funding for the underground railroad program, as proposed by the Administration. This program, which provides grants 

to non-profit institutions to research, display, interpret and collect 

artifacts relating to the history of the underground railroad, received $17,871,000 between fiscal years 1999 and 2007. 

GPRA data/HEA program evaluation.—The Committee recommends $620,000 for program evaluation and development of 

data required under the Government Performance and Results Act 

for Higher Education programs administered by the Department. 

This amount is $350,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation 

and the budget request. 

B.J. Stupak Olympic scholarships.—The bill includes $970,000 

for B.J. Stupak Olympic scholarships, the same as the fiscal year 

2007 level. The Administration proposed to terminate this activity, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
270 

which provides financial assistance to Olympic athletes who are 

pursuing a postsecondary education. The Committee recommendation will provide scholarships to approximately 149 student athletes. 

Thurgood Marshall legal education opportunity program.—The 

bill includes $2,946,000 for the Thurgood Marshall legal education 

opportunity program, the same as in fiscal year 2007. The Administration proposed to terminate this activity, which provides low-income, minority and disadvantaged college students with the information, preparation and financial assistance needed to gain access 

to and complete law school study. The Committee recommendation 

will provide financial assistance of up to $10,000 for 150 fellows 

and support educational activities for more than 1,000 students to 

improve retention, graduation and bar passage rates. 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

The Committee recommends $237,392,000 for Howard University, which is $3,526,000 above the budget request and the same 

as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The bill includes a minimum 

of $3,526,000 for the endowment, which is the same as the current 

level. 

Howard University is a ‘‘Research I’’ university located in the 

District of Columbia. Direct appropriations for Howard University 

are authorized by 20 U.S.C. 123, originally enacted in 1867. Howard University provides undergraduate liberal arts, graduate and 

professional instruction to approximately 11,000 students from all 

50 States. Masters degrees are offered in over 55 fields and Doctor 

of Philosophy degrees in 26 fields. 

COLLEGE HOUSING AND ACADEMIC FACILITIES LOANS PROGRAM

The Committee recommends $481,000 for the Federal administration of the college housing and academic facilities loan (CHAFL) 

program, the Higher Educational Facilities Loans program and the 

College Housing Loans program, the same as the budget request 

and $90,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. 

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAPITAL AND

FINANCING PROGRAM

Federal administration.—The Committee recommends $188,000 

for the administration of the historically black college and university capital financing program authorized under part D of title III 

of the Higher Education Act, the same as the budget request and 

$21,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation. The program is 

intended to make capital available for repair and renovation of facilities at historically black colleges and universities. In exceptional 

circumstances, capital provided under the program can be used for 

construction or acquisition of facilities. 

Bond subsidies.—The Committee bill does not include bill language carried in prior years limiting the total amount of outstanding bonds insured under the HBCU capital program, as proposed by the Administration. The Department projects that the 

program will surpass the statutory loan cap in 2007, and does not 

propose to make additional loan guarantees in fiscal year 2008. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
271 

Under the HBCU capital program, a private, for-profit ‘‘designated 

bonding authority’’ issues construction bonds to raise capital for 

loans to historically black colleges and universities for construction 

projects. The Department provides insurance for these bonds, guaranteeing full payment of principal and interest to bond holders. 

The letter of credit limitation establishes the total amount of bonds 

which can be issued by the designated bonding authority. The credit limitation and expected program subsidy must be explicitly stated in an appropriation Act according to the Federal Credit Reform 

Act of 1990. 

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

The Committee recommends $535,103,000 for the Institute of 

Education Sciences (IES). This amount is $59,159,000 less than the 

budget request and $17,618,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level. This account supports education research, statistics, 

and assessment activities. 

Research, development, and dissemination 

This Committee recommends $157,552,000 for educational research, which is $5,000,000 less than fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $4,983,000 less than the budget request. IES supports research, development, and national dissemination activities that are 

aimed at expanding fundamental knowledge of education and promoting the use of research and development findings in the design 

of efforts to improve education. 

The Committee’s recommendation reflects its support for the Department’s efforts to carry out congressionally authorized evaluations of Federal education programs using rigorous methodologies, 

particularly random assignment, that are capable of producing scientifically valid knowledge regarding which program activities are 

effective. To ensure that authorized evaluations are conducted in a 

rigorous manner, are independent of the program offices, and include scientific peer review, the Committee believes that IES 

should be the lead agency for the design and implementation of 

these evaluations. The Committee believes further that it is appropriate for program offices to work collaboratively with IES to include an option in program solicitations for grantee participation in 

such evaluations, including random assignment, to the extent IES 

deems appropriate and where not specifically prohibited by law. 

With the renewed focus on science, technology, engineering and 

mathematics (STEM) education, the Committee notes with concern 

the severe under-representation of Hispanics, African Americans, 

and Native Americans in the STEM fields. In particular, the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering 

Education (CAHSEE) notes that Hispanic Americans constitute 12 

percent of the population in the United States, and yet represent 

less than 3 percent of the engineering and scientific community nationwide. With the goal of increasing the percentage of Hispanic 

Americans and all minority subgroups that contribute to the STEM 

fields, the Committee requests that the Department investigate the 

reasons for this disparity and issue a report within one year with 

the findings of that investigation, including suggested remedies to 

bridge the divide. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
272 

The Committee’s recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the 

‘‘what works clearinghouse’’. The goal of the clearinghouse is to 

provide educators, policymakers, researchers, and the public with 

reviews of the effectiveness of specific interventions to improve student outcomes, including the best scientific evidence upon which 

those judgments are based. The Committee notes that, since fiscal 

year 2002, the Department has invested approximately $36,000,000 

in the ‘‘what works clearinghouse’’, which has yet to produce a 

user-friendly database. The Committee also notes that the Department has provided $5,000,000 for the ‘‘doing what works clearinghouse’’, which is funded within Department administration and 

which is designed to carry out the same purpose as the ‘‘what 

works clearinghouse’’. The Committee supports the goal of enabling 

practitioners to make sound choices by giving them easy access to 

the scientific evidence supporting specific programs and projects. 

Nevertheless, the Committee believes that the Department’s efforts 

in this regard have been too costly, uncoordinated, and ineffective. 

The Committee provides sufficient funds to continue the ‘‘what 

works clearinghouse’’ but at a reduced level so that the Department 

will produce a coordinated plan to disseminate best practices quickly, efficiently, and in a user-friendly manner. 

Statistics 

This bill includes $96,022,000 for the activities of the National 

Center for Education Statistics, exclusive of the national assessment of educational progress. This amount is $23,000,000 less than 

the budget request and $6,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level. A portion of the funding increase will support a new 

secondary longitudinal study beginning with an eighth grade cohort. This study will provide important information about dropout 

rates. 

Statistics activities are authorized under title I of the Education 

Sciences Reform Act of 2002. The Center collects, analyzes, and reports statistics on all levels of education in the United States. Activities are carried out directly and through grants and contracts 

and include projections of enrollments, teacher supply and demand, 

and educational expenditures. IES also provides technical assistance to State and local education agencies and postsecondary institutions. 

For arts in education, the Committee directs that within the total 

$2,200,000 is for the fast response survey system to collect data for 

the report of arts education in public elementary and secondary 

schools during the 2008–2009 school year. The Committee expects 

this survey to be administered by the National Center for Education Statistics. The survey should have the comprehensive quality of the 2002 report and should include national samples of elementary and secondary school principals, as well as surveys of elementary and secondary classroom teachers and arts specialists. 

The Committee recommendation does not include the Administration’s request of $25,000,000 for a pilot study to develop a student unit record data system. The Department has not made a convincing case that the benefits of a national database containing individual student records outweigh the costs of establishing and 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
273 

maintaining such a system. Further, the Department has not adequately addressed privacy concerns. 

Regional educational laboratories 

The Committee has included $65,470,000 for the regional educational laboratories, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

level and $6,000 more than the budget request. The regional educational laboratories help States and education practitioners implement the requirements contained in the NCLB. This assistance, includes product development, applied research, technical assistance, 

and professional development. 

Research in special education 

The Committee recommendation includes $71,840,000 for research in special education, the same as the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $11,000 more than the budget request. This program 

supports competitive awards to produce and advance the use of 

knowledge to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The program focuses on producing new knowledge, integrating research and practice and improving the use of knowledge. 

Special education studies and evaluations 

The Committee recommendation includes $9,900,000 for special 

education studies and evaluations, the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $272,000 more than the President’s request. This 

program awards competitive grants, contracts and cooperative 

agreements to assess the implementation of the Individuals with 

Disabilities Education Act and the effectiveness of state and local 

efforts to provide special education and early intervention programs and services to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. 

Statewide data systems 

The Committee recommendation includes $37,508,000 for statewide data systems development, $12,956,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $11,644,000 less than the budget request. This program awards grants, on a competitive basis, to state 

educational agencies to enable such agencies to design, develop, 

and implement statewide, longitudinal data systems. Such data 

systems help States to efficiently and accurately manage, analyze, 

disaggregate, and use individual student data consistent with the 

No Child Left Behind Act. 

Assessment 

The Committee recommendation includes $96,811,000 for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), $19,821,000 

less than the budget request, and $3,662,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level. The Assessment is authorized under section 303 of the NAEP Authorization Act. It is the only nationally 

representative and continuing survey of educational ability and 

achievement of American students. The primary goal of the Assessment is to determine and report the status and trends of the 

knowledge and skills of students, subject by subject. Subject areas 

assessed in the past have included reading, writing, mathematics, 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
274 

science, and history, as well as citizenship, literature, art, and 

music. The Assessment is operated by contractors through competitive awards made by the National Center for Education Statistics. 

A National Assessment Governing Board formulates the policy 

guidelines for the program. 

Within the amounts provided, $5,716,000 is for the National Assessment Governing Board, which is $321,000 less than the budget 

request and $662,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level. 

The Committee recommendation also provides, $91,095,000 is for 

the NAEP program. The Committee’s recommendation does not include funds for 12th grade reading and mathematics assessments. 

The recommendation does include $3,000,000 to expand from 10 

to 16 the number of urban districts that participate in the trial 

urban district assessment. The Committee expects the National Assessment Governing Board to use its existing criteria in determining the districts to be added to the assessment. 

The Committee looks forward to the completion of the 8th grade 

arts assessment—the first fine arts assessment since 1997. 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommendation includes $541,497,000 for departmental management (salaries and expenses) at the Department of Education. This amount is $18,561,000 less than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and $52,447,000 less than the budget request. These activities are authorized by the Department of Education Organization Act, P.L. 96–88, and include costs associated 

with the management and operations of the Department as well as 

separate costs associated with the Office for Civil Rights and the 

Office of the Inspector General. 

Program administration 

The Committee recommendation includes $391,487,000 for program administration. This amount is $25,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $38,144,000 less than the budget 

request. These funds support the staff and other costs of administering programs and activities at the Department. Items include 

personnel compensation and health, retirement and other benefits 

as well as travel, rent, telephones, utilities, postage fees, data processing, printing, equipment, supplies, technology training, consultants and other contractual services. The Committee recommendation includes language proposed by the Administration making 

$3,000,000 of the total funding provided available until expended 

for building alterations and related expenses for the move of Department staff to the Mary E. Switzer building in Washington, D.C. 

This amount is $14,303,000 less than the amount requested by the 

Administration, that amount having been rendered unnecessary 

this year due to delays in the renovation project. 

The Committee requests that the Department of Education provide the Committee within 90 days a compilation of all adequate 

yearly progress measurements and standards of each State, territory, and the District of Columbia, as well as all waivers from the 

requirements of NCLB sought, denied, and granted since the enactment of NCLB. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
275 

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

The bill includes $93,771,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Office for Civil Rights. This amount is $2,566,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. 

This office is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, 

and age in all programs and institutions that receive funds from 

the Department. These laws extend to 50 State educational agencies, 16,000 local educational agencies, 3,500 institutions of higher 

education. They also extend to proprietary schools, State rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and other institutions receiving Federal 

funds. 

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

The bill includes $53,239,000 for the Office of the Inspector Gen- eral. This amount is $2,973,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the same as the budget request. This Office has 

authority to inquire into all program and administrative activities 

of the Department as well as into related activities of grant and 

contract recipients. It conducts audits and investigations to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations, to check alleged fraud and abuse, efficiency of operations, and effectiveness of 

results. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funds under this Act from being used for the transportation of students or teachers in order to overcome racial imbalances or to carry 

out a plan of racial desegregation. 

Sec. 302. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funds under this Act from being used to require the transportation 

of any student to a school other than the school which is nearest 

the student’s home in order to comply with title VI of the Civil 

Rights Act of 1964. 

Sec. 303. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits 

funds under this Act from being used to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer and meditation in public 

schools. 

Sec. 304. The Committee continues and amends a provision that 

allows up to one percent of any discretionary funds appropriated 

for the Department of Education to be transferred between appropriations accounts, provided that no appropriation is increased by 

more than three percent by any such transfer. 

Sec. 305. The Committee includes a new provision that prohibits 

funds under this Act from being used to promulgate, implement, or 

enforce any revision to the regulations in effect under section 496 

of the Higher Education Act of 1965 on June 1, 2007, until legislation specifically requiring such revision is enacted. 

Sec. 306. In response to findings of serious conflicts of interest, 

bias, and violations of Federal law, the Committee has included a 

new provision to foster integrity and ethical values within the Department of Education. The Committee believes that it is the Secretary’s responsibility to ensure that the Department administers 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
276 

its programs, worth over $64,000,000,000, with the highest degree 

of objectivity and professionalism. Therefore, the bill requires the 

Secretary to implement procedures to vet conflicts of interest or 

bias among those who administer, or assist in the administration 

of, the Department’s programs. The provision also requires the Inspector General to certify to the Committee the adequacy of such 

procedures and to conduct at least one audit within one year to ensure that the procedures are properly implemented and that they 

have proven to be adequate. 

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES 

COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR

SEVERELY DISABLED

The bill provides $4,994,000 for the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. This is $342,000 

above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same as the budget request. 

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled was established by the Wagner-O’Day Act of 1938 

as amended. Its primary objective is to increase the employment 

opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities and, whenever possible, to prepare them to engage in competitive employment. 

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) 

was established by the National and Community Service Trust Act 

of 1993 to enhance opportunities for national and community service and provide national service educational awards. The Corporation makes grants to States, institutions of higher education, public 

and private nonprofit organizations, and others to create service 

opportunities for a wide variety of individuals through full-time national and community service programs. 

CNCS administers a variety of volunteer service programs with 

diverse funding mechanisms. The AmeriCorps volunteers in service 

to America program funding is mostly provided for direct programming, but a limited number of competitive grants are awarded. National senior volunteer corps programs are administered through 

competitive grants and contracts. Most of the funding provided for 

the AmeriCorps State and national program is awarded via competitive grants to States and nonprofit organizations, but there are 

also formula grants to States and direct programming costs as well. 

Funding for the learn and serve America program is predominantly 

distributed via formula for school-based service-learning programs, 

but a portion of the money is awarded via competition to schools, 

tribes, community-based organizations, and institutions of higher 

education. 

OPERATING EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $768,905,000 for the operating expenses of the programs administered by the Corporation for NaVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00276 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
277 

tional and Community Service (CNCS). This is $40,355,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $15,257,000 more than 

the budget request. The Committee concurs with the Administration’s request to consolidate the domestic volunteer service and the 

national and community service operating expenses accounts into 

one single account. With the exception of the funds for the national 

service trust and service-learning programs, the Committee provides one year of obligation authority for all programs administered 

by CNCS. 

Domestic volunteer services programs 

The Committee recommends $313,054,000 for the domestic volunteer service programs administered by CNCS, which is 

$3,500,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and 

$18,828,000 above the budget request. 

VISTA.—The Committee recommends $95,468,000 for the volunteers in service to America (VISTA) program, which is the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $5,734,000 more than the 

budget request. The VISTA program supports individuals who recruit volunteers and organize community volunteer activities but 

who do not provide direct volunteer services. 

National senior volunteer corps.—The Committee recommends a 

total of $217,586,000 for the national senior volunteer corps, the 

same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $13,094,000 above 

the budget request. In addition, the Committee continues bill language that prohibits CNCS from providing stipends or other monetary incentives to volunteers or volunteer coordinators whose incomes exceed 125 percent of the national poverty level. 

National and community service programs 

The Committee recommends $455,851,000 for national and community service programs administered by CNCS, including the national service trust. This is $36,855,000 less than the fiscal year 

2007 funding level and $3,571,000 less than the budget request. 

National service trust.—The Committee recommends 

$122,521,000 for the national service trust to be available until expended. This is $4,801,000 above the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and the same as the budget request. The Committee continues bill 

language that allows CNCS to transfer funds to the national service trust from the amount provided for AmeriCorps grants after notice of such a transfer is transmitted to Congress. 

AmeriCorps grants.—The Committee recommendation includes 

$255,625,000 for AmeriCorps grants, which is $9,200,000 less than 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. Less funding is required in fiscal year 2008 due to estimated 

carryover balances from previous appropriations. In addition, the 

Committee continues bill language that caps at not more than 

$55,000,000 the amount of funding available for the national direct 

awards. 

Innovation, assistance, and other activities.—The Committee recommends $13,000,000 for innovation, assistance, and other activities, which is $16,771,000 below the fiscal year 2007 funding level 

and $303,000 above the budget request. The Committee does not 

include bill language requested by the Administration that would 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
278 

make this funding available for obligation for two years. The Committee does continue bill language providing that none of the funds 

made available for innovation, assistance, and other activities may 

used to support the salaries and related expenses, including travel, 

attributable to CNCS employees. 

Partnership grants.—The Committee expects that previous partnership grantees, such as the Points of Light Foundation and 

America’s Promise, will be eligible to compete for funding under 

the innovation, assistance, and other activities funding as well as 

within the AmeriCorps national direct competition. 

National civilian community corps.—The Committee recommends 

$11,620,000 for the national civilian community corps, which is 

$15,169,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the 

same as the budget request. 

Learn and serve.—The Committee recommends $37,125,000 for 

learn and serve America, which is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and $5,026,000 above the budget request. The Committee includes bill language that funding for learn and serve 

America is to be available until September 30, 2009. Funding is not 

set aside within the amount available for learn and serve America 

programs for a public awareness campaign. 

State commissions.—The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for 

State commission administrative grants, which is $516,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same as the budget 

request. The Committee continues bill language to override the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to set aside these funds. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $68,964,000 for salaries and expenses associated with the administrative activities of the Corporation for National and Community Service. This is $1,360,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $556,000 less than the 

budget request. These funds allow CNCS to manage and operate its 

programs. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $5,512,000 for the Office of Inspector General, which is $549,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. The Office of Inspector General is authorized by the Inspector General Act of 1978. 

This office provides an independent assessment of all CNCS operations and programs, through audits, investigations, and other 

proactive projects. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Sec. 401. The Committee recommendation continues bill language regarding qualified student loans eligible for education 

awards. 

Sec. 402. The Committee recommendation continues bill language regarding the availability of funds for the placement of volunteers with disabilities. 

Sec. 403. The Committee recommendation continues bill language directing the inspector general to levy sanctions, in accordVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00278 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
279 

ance with standard inspector general audit resolution procedures, 

which include, but are not limited to, debarment of any grantee 

found to be in violation of AmeriCorps program requirements, including using grant or program funds to lobby Congress. 

Sec. 404. The Committee recommendation continues bill language that requires CNCS to ensure that significant changes to 

program requirements or policy are made only through public notice and comment rulemaking. 

Sec. 405. The Committee recommendation includes bill language, 

as requested, permitting professional corps program applicants that 

exceed a statutory living allowance/salary amount to apply for 

funds through State formula. 

Sec. 406. The Committee recommendation includes bill language, 

as requested, that permits CNCS to solicit and accept compensated 

services and commercial services from other organizations and individuals (other than participants) to assist in programs administered by CNCS. 

Sec. 407. The Committee recommendation continues bill language (although the new bill language structure moves this language from ‘‘national and community service, operating expenses’’ to ‘‘administrative provisions’’) that permits organizations operating projects under the AmeriCorps education awards to do so 

without regard to several administrative functions in the underlying statute. 

Sec. 408. The Committee recommendation includes bill language, 

as requested, that combines separate matching requirements for 

AmeriCorps grants. 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

The Committee recommends $420,000,000 in advance funding for 

fiscal year 2010 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). 

This amount is $20,000,000 over the fiscal year 2009 appropriation. 

The Administration proposed to discontinue funding public broadcasting activities two years in advance. CPB’s appropriation is allocated according to a statutory formula reserving no less than 89 

percent of the appropriation for grants to stations or program producers, 6 percent for system support, and no more than 5 percent 

for CPB operations. These funds will partially support the operations of over 1,150 public radio and television stations. 

For fiscal year 2008, the Committee does not approve the Administration’s proposal to rescind $50,000,000 from CPB’s enacted ap- propriation. In addition, the Committee recommends $29,700,000 

for digital transition activities, which is the same as the fiscal year 

2007 level, and $26,750,000 for the first installment toward a $75 

million replacement of public radio’s interconnection system, which is $7,900,000 less than the amount provided in fiscal year 2007 for 

the public television interconnection system. The funds will be used 

to pay for the development and capital costs of the system by which 

the public radio satellite system distributes programs to public 

radio stations. The Administration proposes that these expenses be 

financed through CPB’s base appropriation for fiscal year 2008. In 

addition, the bill includes language prohibiting the use of CPB 

funds to apply any political test or qualification in personnel actions. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
280 

The Committee recognizes that a great majority of public broadcasting audio, film and video history sits in collections that are deteriorating, and in their current format, will not be available for 

use after the digital transition without being preserved. In order to 

prevent further deterioration of these materials and to make them 

available again to the public, the Committee encourages CPB to 

spend a portion of the digital conversion funds to develop a digital 

public broadcasting archive pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 396 (g)(2)(D). 

FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE

The bill provides $44,450,000 for the Federal Mediation and Con- ciliation Service (FMCS), an increase of $1,601,000 above the fiscal 

year 2007 appropriation and an increase of $650,000 above the 

budget request. 

The FMCS attempts to prevent and minimize labor-management 

disputes having a significant impact on interstate commerce or national defense, except in the railroad and airline industries. The 

agency convenes boards of inquiry appointed by the President in 

emergency disputes and conducts dispute mediation, preventive 

mediation, and arbitration. In addition, the Service offers alternative dispute resolution services and training to other Federal 

agencies to reduce litigation costs and speed Federal administrative 

proceedings. 

The bill also includes provisions first enacted in the fiscal year 

1996 Appropriations Act granting the agency the authority to accept gifts and to charge fees for certain services. 

The Committee intends that not less than $650,000 of this appropriation be used to fund FMCS’ Labor-Management Grants Program in fiscal year 2008. The Committee rejects the administration’s proposal to eliminate this program and believes it has demonstrated success in improving workplace relationships and in instilling effective and efficient conflict resolution. 

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

The bill provides $8,096,000 for the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Review Commission. This is an increase of $318,000 over 

the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and is the same as the budget 

request. The Committee is concerned about the Commission’s increased workload as a result of the MINER Act, and has funded 

the full amount in the request to allow the Commission to hire four 

new law clerks to help process this new work. 

The Commission is responsible for reviewing the enforcement activities of the Secretary of Labor under the Federal Mine Safety 

and Health Act. The Commission’s administrative law judges hear 

and decide cases initiated by the Secretary of Labor, mine operators, or miners. The five-member Commission hears appeals from 

administrative law judge decisions, rules on petitions for discretionary review, and may direct, of its own initiative, review of cases 

that present unusual questions of law. 

INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES

For the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the 

Committee recommends $264,812,000. This amount is $17,607,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
281 

more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $6,434,000 less 

than the request. The Institute makes State formula grants for library services and discretionary national grants for joint library 

and museum projects. For library services, the Committee recommends $167,500,000 for state grants, $3,638,000 for library services to Native Americans and Native Hawaiians, $12,375,000 for national leadership 

grants, and $23,760,000 for the Laura Bush 21st century librarian 

program for the recruitment and education of librarians. For museum services, the Committee recommends $17,547,000 

for museums for America, $982,000 for 21st Museum Professionals, 

$442,000 for museum assessment, $2,772,000 for conservation 

project support, $807,000 for conservation assessment, $7,920,000 

for national leadership grants for museums, and $911,000 for Native American and Native Hawaiian museum services. 

For policy, research, and statistics, the Committee recommends $2,000,000. This is the first year that the Committee has included 

funding for these activities. This recommendation accommodates 

the expansion of IMLS’ mission to include functions that were formerly conducted by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS). In accord with the President’s recommendation, the Committee has not provided funding for NCLIS, 

which will no longer be in operation in fiscal year 2008. Instead, 

the Committee has given IMLS the authority and the resources 

necessary to carryout the important mission of NCLIS, which includes advising the executive and legislative branches and other 

public and private organizations on national library and information policies and plans. The Committee believes that IMLS has produced a sufficient plan to incorporate the functions of NCLIS. 

For museum grants for African American history and culture, 

the Committee provides $842,000. 

For program administration, the Committee recommends 

$12,021,000. 

The Committee includes the following projects in the following 

amounts: 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Aerospace Museum of California Foundation, McClellan, CA for exhibits .................................................... $350,000 

Alabama School of Math and Science, Mobile, AL for purchase of library materials ................................. 145,000 

America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Milwaukee, WI for exhibits and education programs, which may include acquisition of interactive media center kiosks ............................................................................... 75,000 

American Airpower Museum, Farmingdale, NY for exhibits and education programs ................................. 300,000 

American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, MO for exhibits and education programs, and an archival project 200,000 

American West Heritage Center, Wellsville, UT for the Lifelong Learning Initiative .................................... 200,000 

Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc., Annapolis, MD for exhibits and preservation ................ 50,000 

Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, CA for educational programming .................................................... 50,000 

Bandera County, Bandera, TX for library enhancements .............................................................................. 200,000 

Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, WA ............................................................................................................. 250,000 

Boyle County Public Library, Danville, KY for educational materials and equipment .................................. 175,000 

Burpee Museum, Rockford, IL for educational programming and exhibits .................................................. 150,000 

Charlotte County, FL, Port Charlotte, FL for archiving and equipment ........................................................ 300,000 

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN for exhibits and equipment ...................................... 125,000 

Children’s Museum of Los Angeles, Van Nuys, CA for exhibits and education programs ........................... 200,000 

Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati, OH for a digital records initiative ................................................. 150,000 

City of Chino Hills, Chino Hills, CA for library facility improvements .......................................................... 200,000 

College Park Aviation Museum, College Park, MD for exhibits and educational programs ......................... 150,000 

Connecticut Historical Society Museum, Hartford, CT for educational programs and interactive school 

programs at the Old State House ............................................................................................................. 100,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
282 

Project Committee 

recommendation 

Contra Costa County, Martinez, CA for library services and its Technology for Teens in Transition volunteer mentor program at the Juvenile Hall Library .................................................................................... 75,000 

Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest, VA for expansion of exhibits and outreach .................... 200,000 

County of San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA for exhibits and programming .......................................... 250,000 

Discovery Center of Idaho, Boise, 10 for a science center ........................................................................... 250,000 

Everson Museum of Art of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY for expansion of the Visual Thinking Strategies and 

Arts Education program ............................................................................................................................. 250,000 

Florida Holocaust Museum, S1. Petersburg, FL for exhibits and programming ........................................... 200,000 

Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL to digitize holdings and create an online exhibit .......................... 250,000 

George and Eleanor McGovern Library, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD for cataloging, preparing, and archiving documents and artifacts relating to the public service of Senator Francis Case 

and Senator George McGovern .................................................................................................................. 50,000 

George C. Marshall Foundation, Lexington, VA for research activities ......................................................... 150,000 

George Washington University, Washington, DC for the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project ......................... 355,000 

Heard Museum, Phoenix, A:z for web-based exhibits and educational programming ................................. 100,000 

Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington, NY for digitalization of collections and related activities ............. 100,000 

Historic Hudson Valley, Tarrytown, NY for education programs .................................................................... 50,000 

Historic Hudson Valley, Tarrytown, NY, for education programs at Philipsburg Manor ............................... 225,000 

History Museum of East Ottertail County, Perham, MN for exhibits and equipment ................................... 150,000 

Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing, MI for exhibits ................................................................................. 150,000 

Iola Public Library, lola, Kansas for educational programs, outreach, and materials ................................ 50,000 

James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, PA for equipment, salaries and supplies ............................. 100,000 

Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation Museum, S1. Louis, MO for exhibits ............................................. 50,000 

Kansas Regional Prisons Museum, Lansing, KS for educational and outreach programs .......................... 100,000 

Massie Heritage Center, Savannah, GA for exhibit upgrades and purchase of equipment ......................... 250,000 

Metropolitan Library System, Chicago, IL for educational programming and materials .............................. 150,000 

Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA for educational programming and outreach ................................... 75,000 

Morris Museum, Morristown, NJ for development of the Interactive Educational Workshop Center Exhibit 250,000 

Museum of Aviation Foundation, Warner Robins, GA for education programs ............................................. 350,000 

Museum of Science and Technology, Syracuse, NY for museum exhibits and operations ........................... 200,000 

Onondaga County Public Library, Syracuse, NY for technology upgrades .................................................... 250,000

Overton County Library, Livingston, TN for collections, technology, and education programs .................... 250,000 

Pennsylvania State Police Historical, Educational and Memorial Museum, Hershey, PA for exhibits and 

educational materials ................................................................................................................................ 150,000 

Pico Rivera Library, Pico Rivera, CA for books and materials, equipment, and furnishings ...................... 150,000 

Portfolio Gallery and Education Center, St. Louis, MO for educational programming ................................. 50,000 

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Savannah, GA for exhibits, education programs, and equipment ........................................................................................................................................................... 50,000 

Rust College, Holly Springs, MS to purchase equipment and digitize holdings .......................................... 200,000 

Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, State University of New York at New Paltz, NY for exhibits and programs 150,000 

San Gabriel Library, San Gabriel, CA for equipment, furnishings, and materials ....................................... 175,000 

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL for exhibits and community outreach ........................................................... 150,000 

South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, SC for exhibits and curriculum ....................................................... 150,000 

South Florida Science Museum, West Palm Beach, FL for educational and outreach programs ................ 325,000 

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX to digitize library holdings ................................................................... 450,000 

Tubman African American Museum, Macon, GA for exhibits and education programs ............................... 45,000 

Twin Cities Public Television, St. Paul, MN for the Minnesota Digital Public Media Archive ..................... 500,000 

University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA for the James R. Slater Museum of Natural History for collections, education programs, and outreach ................................................................................................. 250,000 

Yolo County Library, Woodland, CA for an after-school assistance and literacy program .......................... 100,000 

Youna At Art Children’s Museum, Davie, FL for the Global Villaae Proiect ................................................. 150,000 

MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION

The Committee recommends $10,748,000 for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), $1,318,000 less than the fiscal year 2007 available funding and the same as the budget request. MedPAC advises Congress on payment and other policy 

issues affecting the Medicare program and on implications of 

changes in health care delivery and in the market for health care 

services on the Medicare program. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
283 

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

The Committee agrees with the President’s budget request and 

does not provide funding for the National Commission on Libraries 

and Information Science (NCLIS) which will no longer be in operation in fiscal year 2008. 

The mission of NCLIS, to advise the executive and legislative 

branches and other public and private organizations on national library and information policies and plans, will be carried out by the 

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Committee 

has provided adequate funding and the authority for IMLS to carry 

out the functions of NCLIS and believes that IMLS has produced 

a sufficient plan to integrate the NCLIS function into IMLS, generating a streamlined, combined agency. 

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

The bill provides $3,113,000 for the National Council on Disability (NCD). This amount is $313,000 below the fiscal year 2007 

appropriation and the same as the budget request. The level recommended by the Committee is the same as the fiscal year 2007 

appropriated level before the addition of one-time supplemental 

funding for homeland security related costs. 

The Council monitors implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes recommendations to the President, the 

Congress, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research on public 

policy issues of concern to individuals with disabilities. 

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

The bill provides $256,988,000 for the National Labor Relations 

Board (NLRB), which is $5,481,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $750,000 above the budget request. 

The NLRB receives, investigates, and prosecutes unfair labor 

practice charges filed by businesses, labor unions, and individuals. 

It also schedules and conducts representation elections. The fivemember Board considers cases in which an administrative law 

judge decisions are appealed. 

The Committee is very concerned about actions, including the reduction of employee training and travel, that the NLRB has taken 

as a result of recent budgetary constraints. The Committee has 

provided additional funds in the bill to restore these activities, 

since their elimination has had a serious impact on employee morale at the agency. Of the increase listed above, not less than 

$525,000 is to be used for training, including training of new and 

existing employees, and not less than $225,000 is to be used for the 

field-headquarters detail program. In addition, the NLRB should 

produce a report on the use of these additional funds, including the 

types of training provided and numbers of employees supported 

with the funds, to be included in the fiscal year 2009 NLRB budget 

justification. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
284 

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

The bill provides $12,992,000 for the National Mediation Board 

(NMB). This is $1,396,000 above the fiscal year 2007 appropriation 

and $750,000 above the budget request. 

The NMB mediates labor disputes between employees and railroad and airline carriers subject to the Railway Labor Act. The 

Board also resolves representation disputes involving labor organizations seeking to represent railroad or airline employees. 

The bill provides an additional $750,000 specifically to address 

the backlog of section 3 arbitration cases at the NMB. The Committee is concerned about the length of time it takes the NMB to 

resolve these cases, and the impact that the delay has on the individuals served by the NMB. The Committee directs the NMB to 

provide quarterly reports, beginning with the first quarter after enactment, describing how these funds are being used and their impact on the backlog, to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

The bill provides $10,696,000 for the Occupational Safety and 

Health Review Commission, $225,000 above the fiscal year 2007 

appropriation and the same as the budget request. 

The Commission adjudicates contested citations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against employers for 

violations of safety and health standards. The Commission’s administrative law judges settle and decide cases at the initial level of 

review. The agency’s three appointed Commissioners also review 

cases, issue rulings on complicated issues, and may direct review 

of any decision by an administrative law judge. 

RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

DUAL BENEFITS ACCOUNT

The bill provides $79,000,000 for dual benefits, a decrease of 

$9,000,000 below the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same 

as the budget request. 

These funds are used to pay dual benefits to those retirees receiving both railroad retirement and social security benefits. The 

bill includes a provision permitting a portion of these funds to be 

derived from income tax receipts on dual benefits as authorized by 

law. The Railroad Retirement Board estimates that approximately 

$6,000,000 may be derived in this manner. 

FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

The bill provides $150,000 for the interest earned on unnegotiated checks, the same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the 

budget request. 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATION

The bill provides a consolidated limitation of $103,694,000 on the 

expenditure of railroad retirement and railroad unemployment 

trust funds for administrative expenses of the Railroad Retirement 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
285 

Board, the same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and $176,000 

more than the budget request. 

The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness insurance 

benefit programs for railroad workers and their families. This account limits the amount of funds in the railroad retirement and 

railroad unemployment insurance trust funds that may be used by 

the RRB for administrative expenses. The Committee prohibits 

funds from the railroad retirement trust fund from being spent on 

any charges over and above the actual cost of administering the 

trust fund, including commercial rental rates. 

The Committee is aware of a proposal to consolidate the financial 

statements and audit of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust with the financial statements and audit of the Railroad 

Retirement Board. The Committee notes that the Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001 mandates that the 

Trust functions independently from the Railroad Retirement Board. 

Further, the Act specifically requires a separate audit of the Trust 

by a nongovernmental auditor, and requires that the results of this 

audit be included in the Trust’s Annual Management Report to 

Congress. The Committee expects that the Trust shall be administered and audited solely in conformance with the Act of 2001. 

LIMITATION ON THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The bill provides authority to expend $7,606,000 from the railroad retirement and railroad unemployment insurance trust funds 

for the Office of Inspector General, an increase of $433,000 above 

the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the same as the budget request. This account provides funding for the inspector general to 

conduct and supervise audits and investigations of programs and 

operations of the Board. 

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

PAYMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS

The Committee recommends $28,140,000 for mandatory payments necessary to compensate the old age and survivors insurance 

(OASI) trust fund and disability insurance (DI) trust fund for special payments to certain uninsured persons (for which no payroll 

tax is received), costs incurred for administration of pension reform 

activities and interest lost on the value of benefit checks issued but 

not negotiated. This is $7,670,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the same as the budget request. This appropriation restores the trust funds to the position they would have been 

in had they not borne these costs properly charged to the general 

funds. 

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM

The Committee recommends $26,948,525,000 for the supplemental security income (SSI) program. This is $2,122,644,000 less 

than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and $37,525,000 more than 

the budget request. The Committee also provides $14,800,000,000 

in advance funding for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 as requested. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
286 

Beneficiary services 

In addition to Federal benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers a program of supplementary State benefits 

for those States that choose to participate. The funds also are used 

to reimburse the trust funds for the administrative costs of the program. The Committee provides $36,000,000 for beneficiary services, 

the same as the budget request. In fiscal year 2007, this program 

was funded by using carryover funding from prior years. 

Research and demonstration 

Within the appropriation for SSI, the Committee recommends 

$27,000,000 for research and demonstration activities conducted 

under section 1110 of the Social Security Act. This is the same as 

the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request. 

Administration 

Within the appropriation for SSI, the committee recommends 

$3,020,525,000 for payment to the social security trust funds for 

SSI’s share of the base administrative expenses of SSA. This is 

$70,356,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and 

$37,525,000 more than the budget request. 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The Committee recommends a limitation on administrative expenses for SSA of $9,347,953,000 to be funded from the social security and Medicare trust funds. This is $170,380,000 more than the 

fiscal year 2007 funding level and $100,000,000 more than the 

budget request. 

The Committee is supportive of the Administration’s request for 

program integrity efforts, including continuing disability reviews 

and SSI redeterminations, but also provides funds above the budget request to address disability hearings and claims processing 

times and case backlogs. The average processing time for disability 

claims appeals currently ranges from 281 days to 848 days. The 

Administration’s request is not sufficient to achieve key performance improvements. Under the request, average processing times 

for initial disability claims and hearing decisions will increase and 

the initial disability claims and hearings backlog will grow. The additional funding is intended to permit SSA to respond to individuals awaiting disability and hearing decisions in a more timely 

manner. 

Social Security Advisory Board 

The Committee recommends that not less than $2,000,000 within 

the limitation on administrative expenses be available for the social security advisory board, the same as both the fiscal year 2007 

funding level and the budget request. 

Continuing disability reviews and redeterminations 

The Committee includes bill language providing that of the 

amounts provided within the limitation on administrative expenses, not less than $263,970,000 may be used for conducting continuing disability reviews and redeterminations of SSI eligibility. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
287 

This is the same as the budget request. In fiscal year 2007, the 

Committee did not specify an amount for these activities within bill 

language. 

The Committee includes bill language providing an additional $213,000,000 for continuing disability reviews and redeterminations of SSI eligibility over the amounts made available within the 

limitation on administrative expenses funding. 

User fees 

In addition to other amounts provided in the bill, the Committee recommends an additional limitation of $136,000,000 for administrative activities funded from user fees. This is $18,000,000 more 

than the fiscal year 2007 level and the same as the budget request. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $95,047,000 for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which is $2,996,000 more than the fiscal 

year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. Within this total, the bill also provides authority to expend $68,047,000 

from the social security trust funds for activities conducted by the 

Inspector General, $1,898,000 more than the fiscal year 2007 funding level and the same as the budget request. 

TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Sec. 501. The Committee continues a provision to allow the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to 

transfer unexpended balances of prior appropriations to accounts 

corresponding to current appropriations to be used for the same 

purpose and for the same periods of time for which they were originally appropriated. 

Sec. 502. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the obligation of funds beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so 

provided. 

Sec. 503. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit appropriated funds to be used to support or defeat legislation pending 

before the Congress or any State legislature, except in presentation 

to the Congress or any State legislature itself. 

Sec. 504. The Committee continues a provision to limit the 

amount available for official reception and representation expenses 

for the Secretaries of Labor and Education, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the Chairman of the 

National Mediation Board. 

Sec. 505. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit funds 

to be used to carry out a needle distribution program. 

Sec. 506. The Committee continues a provision to require grantees receiving Federal funds to clearly state the percentage of the 

total cost of the program or project that will be financed with Federal money. 

Sec. 507. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit appropriated funds to be used for any abortion. 

Sec. 508. The Committee continues a provision to provide exceptions for Sec. 507 and a provision to prohibit funds from being 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
288 

made available to a Federal agency or program, or to a State or 

local government, if such agency, program or government discriminates against institutional or individual health care entities because they do not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for 

abortions. 

Sec. 509. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

use of funds in the Act concerning research involving human embryos. However, this language should not be construed to limit Federal support for research involving human embryonic stem cells 

listed on an NIH registry and carried out in accordance with policy 

outlined by the President. 

Sec. 510. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

use of funds for any activity that promotes the legalization of any 

drug or substance included in schedule I of the schedules of controlled substances. 

Sec. 511. The Committee continues a provision to prohibit the 

use of funds to promulgate or adopt any final standard providing 

for a unique health identifier until legislation is enacted specifically approving the standard. 

Sec. 512. The Committee continues a provision related to annual 

reports to the Secretary of Labor. 

Sec. 513. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits the 

transfer of funds from this Act except by authority provided in this 

Act or another appropriation Act. 

Sec. 514. The Committee continues a provision to limit funds in 

the bill for public libraries to those libraries that comply with the 

requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. 

Sec. 515. The Committee continues a provision to limit technology funds in the bill for elementary and secondary schools to 

those schools that comply with the requirements of the Children’s 

Internet Protection Act. 

Sec. 516. The Committee continues a provision regarding procedures for reprogramming of funds. 

Sec. 517. The Committee continues a provision pertaining to appointments to a scientific advisory committee. 

Sec. 518. The Committee includes a new provision requesting 

each department and related agency to submit an operating plan 

within 45 days of enactment, detailing any reprogramming of funds 

which result in a different funding allocation than that in the fiscal 

year 2008 Act, the accompanying detailed table or budget request. 

Sec. 519. The Committee includes a new provision requiring the 

Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human 

Services to provide congressional budget justifications for their fiscal year 2009 budget requests in the format and level of detail used 

by the Department of Education in its fiscal year 2008 congressional budget justifications. 

Sec. 520. The Committee recommends language precluding funds 

in this Act from being used by the Social Security Administration 

to administer benefit payments under a totalization arrangement 

that would be inconsistent with existing law. 

Sec. 521. The Committee recommends language precluding funds 

in this Act from being used to enter into a contract with an entity 

that does not participate in the basic pilot program described in 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
289 

section 403(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant 

Responsibility Act of 1996. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations bases its authority to report this legislation from clause 7 of section 9 of article 

I of the Constitution of the United States of America which states: 

No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law * * * 

Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant to this 

specific power granted by the Constitution. 

COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional 

Budget 1974 the following table compares the levels of new budget 

authority provided in the bill with the appropriate allocation under 

section 302(b) of the Budget Act. 

[In millions of dollars] 

302(b) allocation This bill 

Budget authority Outlays Budget authority Outlays 

Discretionary .......................................... 151,112 148,433 151,748 148,038 

Mandatory .............................................. 451,491 451,718 451,491 451,718 

Note.—The amounts in this bill are technically in excess of the 

Subcommittee section 302(b) suballocation. However, pursuant to 

section 207(d) of the congressional budget resolution for fiscal year 

2008, increases to the Committee’s section 302(a) allocation are authorized for funding in the reported bill for program integrity initiative spending relating to Social Security Administration continuing disability reviews and SSI eligibility redeterminations, 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services health care fraud and 

abuse control, and State Unemployment Insurance in-person reemployment and eligibility assessments. After the bill is reported to 

the House, the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget will provide an increased section 302(a) allocation consistent with the 

funding provided in the bill. That new allocation will eliminate the 

technical difference prior to floor consideration. 

FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act 

of 1974 the following table contains five-year projections prepared 

by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays associated with the 

budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Outlays: 

2008 .................................................................................................. 513,463 

2009 .................................................................................................. 67,138 

2010 .................................................................................................. 14,844 

2011 .................................................................................................. 3,366 

2012 and beyond .............................................................................. 666 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
290 

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act 

of 1974 the financial assistance to State and local governments is 

as follows: 

[In millions of dollars] 

New budget authority ............................................................................ $276,146 

Fiscal year 2008 outlays resulting therefrom ...................................... 238,897 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table lists the transfers of funds 

included in the accompanying bill. 

APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

Account to which transfer is 

made Amount Account from which transfer is made Amount 

Department of Labor ..................................................

Special Benefits ........ (1) Postal Service and various 

agencies.

(1) 

Department of Health and 

Human Services: 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention, NIOSH.

(1) Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund 1.

(1) 

DOL Employment 

Standards Administration Salaries 

and Expenses.

.................................................. Black Lung Disability Trust 

Fund.

$32,761,000 

DOL Departmental 

Management Salaries and Expenses.

.................................................. Black Lung Disability Trust 

Fund.

$24,785,000 

DOL Inspector General .................................................. Black Lung Disability Trust 

Fund.

$335,000 

Department of the 

Treasury.

.................................................. Black Lung Disability Trust 

Fund.

$356,000 

Department of Health and 

Human Services 

Department of Health and 

Human Services 

..................................................

National Institutes of 

Health.

.................................................. National Institutes of 

Health 

..................................................

Global Fund to Fight 

HIV/AIDS/Malaria, 

U.S. AID.

$300,000,000 National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

300,000,000 

Various institutes and 

centers for AIDS.

up to 3% Various institutes and centers for AIDS.up to 3% 

Various institutes and 

centers for AIDS.

amount det’d to be AIDS Office of AIDS Research .... amount det’d to be AIDS 

Other HHS accounts .. (1) Public Health and Social 

Services Emergency 

Fund.

(1) 

Related Agencies: 

National Service Trust 122,521,000 Corp. for National and 

Community Service.

122,521,000 

National Service Trust (1) Corp. for National and 

Community Service.

(1) 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
291 

APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL—Continued 

Account to which transfer is made Amount Account from which transfer is made Amount 

Social Security Administration: 

Office of Inspector General.68,047,000 Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust 

Fund and Federal Disability Insurance Trust 

Fund.

68,047,000 

1 Such sums. 

RESCISSIONS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table lists the rescissions in the 

accompanying bill. 

RESCISSIONS IN THE BILL 

Department or Activity Amounts rescinded 

Department of Labor, Training and Employment Services ............................................................................ ¥$335,000,000 

Department of Labor, Training and Employment Services (National Skills Standards Board) .................... ¥$44,000 

Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration ...................................................................... ¥$70,000,000 

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3(e) (RAMSEYER RULE) 

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee notes that the accompanying bill does not propose to repeal or amend a statute or part 

thereof. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
292 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 092 HR231.066
293 

CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. 

The bill provides that appropriations shall remain available for 

more than one year for some programs for which the basic authorizing legislation does not so authorize such extended availability. 

In various places in the bill, an earmark of funds within appropriation accounts may not track the authorization language with 

the level of specificity required under clause 2 of rule XXI. 

In several instances, the bill provides advance appropriations for 

fiscal year 2009 for programs for which such advances are not authorized by law. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Language providing for an increase in local area transfer authority between the adult and dislocated worker funds under the Workforce Investment Act. 

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

OPERATIONS

Language allowing the use of funds for amortization payments to 

states which had independent retirement plans in their state employment service agencies prior to 1980. 

Language allowing States to use unemployment insurance administrative funds to assist other States under Presidential disaster declarations. 

Language providing that funds in this Act for one-stop career 

centers and unemployment insurance national activities may be 

used for contracts, grants, or agreements with non-state entities. 

Language providing that funds in this Act may be used by the 

states for integrated employment service and unemployment insurance automation efforts. 

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

Language providing additional administrative expenses on the 

basis of participant and asset triggers. 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Language authorizing the Secretary of Labor to collect user fees 

for processing certain applications and issuing certain certificates 

and registrations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. 

SPECIAL BENEFITS

Language providing funds may be used under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act in which the Secretary of Labor may reVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00293 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
294 

imburse an employer, who is not the employer at the time of injury, for portions of the salary of a reemployed, disabled beneficiary. 

Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to transfer certain administrative funds from the Postal Service fund and certain other 

government corporations and agencies related to the administration of Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. 

Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to require any person 

filing a claim for benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act 

to provide such identifying information as the Secretary may require, including a Social Security number. 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Language establishing a maximum amount available for grants 

to states under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which 

grants shall be no less than 50 percent of the costs of state programs required to be incurred under plans approved by the Secretary under section 18 of the Act. 

Language authorizing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to retain and spend up to $750,000 of training institute course tuition fees for training and education grants. 

Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to collect and retain 

fees for services provided to Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. 

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Language allowing the Mine Safety and Health Administration 

to collect up to $750,000 at the National Mine Health and Safety 

Academy for room, board, tuition, and the sale of training materials, otherwise authorized by law to be collected, to be available 

for mine safety and health education and training activities, notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3302. 

Language allowing the Mine Safety and Health Administration 

to accept land, buildings, equipment, and other contributions from 

public and private sources; to prosecute projects in cooperation 

with other agencies, Federal, state, or private; and to promote 

health and safety education and training in the mining community 

through cooperative programs with states, industry, and safety associations. 

Language allowing the Secretary of Labor to use funds available 

to the Department to provide for the costs of mine rescue and survival operations in the event of major disasters. 

Language authorizing the Secretary of Labor to recognize a designated entity and to provide funds and allow personnel to serve 

as officers in that entity. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
295 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

OFFICE OF JOB CORPS

Language prohibiting the use of funds from any other appropriation to provide meal services at or for Job Corps centers. 

Language providing the Office of Job Corps with contracting authority. 

Language limiting the use of funds to pay salaries at a rate in 

excess of Executive Level I. 

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 

SERVICES 

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Language providing that $63,538,000 from general revenues, notwithstanding section 1820(j) of the Social Security Act, shall be 

available for carrying out the Medicare rural hospital flexibility 

grants program under section 1820 of such Act. 

Language providing that in addition to fees authorized by section 

427(b) of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986, fees 

shall be collected for the full disclosure of information under the 

Act sufficient to recover the full costs of operating the National 

practitioner Data Bank, and shall remain available until expended 

to carry out that Act. 

Language providing that fees collected under the Health Care 

Fraud and Abuse Data Collection Program, authorized by section 

1128E(d) (2) of the Social Security Act shall be sufficient to recover 

the full costs of operating the program, and shall remain available 

until expended to carry out that Act. 

Language providing that funding included for free clinics malpractice claims may be used for Federal administrative expenses. 

Language providing that all pregnancy counseling under the 

family planning program shall be nondirective. 

Language limiting the reductions in Ryan White part A grants 

in fiscal year 2007. 

Language making $25,000,000 available under section 241 of the 

Public Health Service Act to fund special programs for the care and 

treatment of individuals with HIV disease. 

Language identifying a specific amount for maternal and child 

health SPRANS activities, notwithstanding current law. 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Language permitting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to purchase and insure official motor vehicles in foreign countries. 

Language permitting CDC to purchase, hire, maintain and operate aircraft. 

Language providing that funding is available until expended for 

equipment and construction and renovation of facilities. 

Language providing that funding for international HIV/AIDS is 

available until September 30, 2009. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
296 

Language providing that collections from user fees may be credited to the CDC appropriation. 

Language making specific amounts under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act available to carry out: National Immunization Surveys, public health research, and the national occupational 

research agenda. 

Language providing up to $31,800,000 for Individual Learning 

Accounts for full-time equivalents employees of CDC. 

Language allowing the Director of CDC to redirect certain funds 

appropriated under Public Law 101–502. 

Language providing that not to exceed $12,500,000 may be made 

available for grants under section 1509 of the Public Health Service 

Act to not more than 15 States, tribes, or tribal organizations. 

Language permitting CDC to exempt from any personnel ceiling 

applicable to the agency both civilian and Commissioned Officers 

detailed to the States, municipalities, or other organizations under 

authority of section 214 of the Public Health Service Act for purposes related to homeland security during the period of detail or 

assignment. 

Language notwithstanding section 2625 of the Public Health 

Service Act. 

Language permitting CDC to exempt from any personnel ceiling 

applicable to the Agency both civilian and Commissioned Officers 

detailed to the States, municipalities, or other organizations under 

authority of section 214 of the Public Health Service Act for purposes related to homeland security during the period of detail or 

assignment. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE

Language providing that the National Library of Medicine may 

enter into certain personal services contracts. 

Language making $8,200,000 available under section 241 of the 

Public Health Service Act to carry out National Information Center 

on Health Services Research and Health Care Technology and related health services. 

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Language providing that the National Institutes of Health is authorized to collect third party payments for the cost of the clinical 

services that are incurred in NIH research facilities and that such 

payments shall be credited to the NIH Management Fund and 

shall remain available for one fiscal year after they are deposited. 

Language providing that no more than $500,000 may be used for 

the Foundation for NIH Research. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Language providing that notwithstanding section 520A(f)(2) of 

the Public Health Service Act, no funds appropriated for carrying 

out section 520A are available for carrying out section 1971. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
297 

Language making specific amounts available under section 241 of 

the Public Health Service Act to fund technical assistance, national 

data, data collection and evaluation activities; national surveys on 

drug abuse; and, to evaluate substance abuse treatment programs. 

AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY

Language is included to permit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to retain and expend amounts received from 

Freedom of Information Act fees, reimbursable and interagency 

agreements, and the sale of data tapes. 

CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES

GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID

Language providing that in the administration of title XIX of the 

Social Security Act, payments to a State for any quarter may be 

made with respect to a State plan or plan amendment in effect during any such quarter, if submitted in, or prior to, such quarter and 

approved in that or any such subsequent quarter. 

PAYMENTS TO THE HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS

Language providing indefinite authority for paying benefits if the 

annual appropriation is insufficient. 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Language providing that all funds collected in accordance with 

section 353 of the Public Health Service Act, together with such 

sums as may be collected from authorized user fees, administrative 

fees collected relative to Medicare overpayment recovery activities, 

and the sale of data, shall be available for expenditure by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

Language allowing fees charged in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 

9701 to be credited to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrative account. 

Language providing that funds under this heading are available 

for the Healthy Start, Grow Smart program. 

ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND

FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Language providing that the sum of the amounts available to a 

State with respect to expenditures under title IV–A of the Social 

Security Act in fiscal year 1997 under this appropriation and under 

such title IV–A as amended by the Personal Responsibility and 

Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 shall not exceed the 

limitations under section 116(b) of such Act. 

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Language waiving existing law. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
298 

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS

Language making $6,000,000 available under section 241 of the 

Public Health Service Act to carry out provisions of section 1110 of 

the Social Security Act. 

Language granting eligible entities authority to carryover funds 

from one fiscal year to the next. 

Language requiring the Secretary to establish certain procedures 

regarding the disposition of intangible property. Language imposing certain requirements on grantees under the abstinence education program. 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Language making $46,756,000 available under section 241 of the 

Public Health Service Act to carry out national health or human 

services research and evaluation activities. 

Language providing $13,120,000 for prevention service demonstration grants under the Adolescent Family Life program, notwithstanding current law. 

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

Language making $48,000,000 available under section 241 of the 

Public Health Service Act to carry out health information technology network development activities. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

Language providing that notwithstanding section 496(b) of the 

Public Health Service Act, funds provided may be used for the construction or renovation of privately owned facilities for the production of pandemic vaccine and other biologicals, where the Secretary 

of HHS finds such a contract necessary to secure sufficient supplies 

of such vaccines or biologicals. 

TITLE III—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

IMPACT AID

Language ensuring that schools serving the children of military 

personnel continue to receive Impact Aid funds when the military 

parents who live on-base are deployed and the child continues to 

attend the same school and in cases in which an on-base military 

parent is killed while on active duty and the child continues to attend the same school. 

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS

Language permitting State educational agencies to subgrant 

funds. 

Language allowing the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the 

Federated States of Micronesia to reserve up to five percent of their 

supplemental education grants for certain purposes. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
299 

INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

Language allowing the Secretary to retain up to 3 percent of the 

funding for the Teaching American History program for technical 

assistance and the dissemination of information. 

Language permitting stipends and bonuses under the Troops to 

Teachers program to be made available to those serving in schools 

receiving title I funds. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Language limiting the increase in the amount of funds required 

to be transferred to the Department of the Interior under the 

Grants to States. 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF

Language providing the Institute certain discretion in the use of 

funds. 

GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY

Language providing the University certain discretion in the use 

of funds. 

CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION

Language specifying an allocation formula for awarding state 

grants and civics education. 

Language waiving existing law to permit a portion of the amount 

provided for Adult Education State Grants to used for integrated 

English literacy and civics education services to immigrants and 

other limited English proficient populations, and specifying the distribution of such funds. 

Language identifying specific funding levels for the National Institute for Literacy and national leadership activities under the 

Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, overriding the statutory 

setaside of 1.5 percent of the adult education appropriation. 

STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Language providing that the maximum Pell Grant a student may 

receive in the 2008–2009 academic year shall be $4,700. Language 

providing that mandatory funds not needed for academic competitiveness and SMART grants may be used for Pell grants. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Language providing that funds are available to fund fellowships 

for academic year 2009–2010 under part A, subpart 1 of title VII 

of the Higher Education Act of 1965, under the terms and conditions of part A, subpart 1. 

Language providing that notwithstanding any other provision of 

law, funds made available to carry out title VI of the Higher Education Act and section 102(b)(6) of the Mutual Educational and 

Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 may be used to support visits and 

study in foreign countries by individuals who are participating in 

advanced foreign language training and international studies in 

areas that are vital to United States national security and who 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
300 

plan to apply their language skills and knowledge of these countries in the fields of government, the professions, or international 

development. 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Language providing that Howard University shall use not less 

than $3,526,000 for the endowment program pursuant to the Howard University Endowment Act. 

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES 

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

OPERATING EXPENSES

Language allowing certain funds to be used for grant application 

reviews. 

Language prohibiting certain funds from being used for stipends 

or other monetary incentives for volunteers or volunteer leaders 

whose incomes exceed 125 percent of the national poverty level. 

Language prohibiting certain funds from being used to support 

salaries and related expenses (including travel) attributable to employees of the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

Language allowing certain additional funds to be transferred to 

the National Service Trust, upon a determination that it is necessary to support the activities of national service participants and 

after notice is transmitted to the Congress. 

Language capping at not more than $55,000,000 the AmeriCorps 

National Direct funding. 

Language allowing certain funds to be made available to provide 

assistant to State commissions on national and community service. 

FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The bill includes language specifying that notwithstanding 31 

U.S.C. 3302 fees charged by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, up to full-cost recovery, for special training activities 

and for arbitration services shall be credited to and merged with 

its administrative account and shall remain available until expended; that fees for arbitration services shall be available only for 

education, training, and professional development of the agency 

workforce; and that the Director of the Service is authorized to accept on behalf of the United States gifts of services and real, personal, or other property in the aid of any projects or functions within the Director’s jurisdiction. 

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The bill includes a provision requiring that appropriations to the 

NLRB shall not be available to organize or assist in organizing agricultural laborers or used in connection with investigations, hearings, directives, or orders concerning bargaining units composed of 

agricultural laborers as referred to in 2(3) of the Act of July 5, 1935 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
301 

(29 U.S.C. 152), and as amended by the Labor-Management Relations Act, 1947, as amended, and as defined in 3(f) of the Act of 

June 25, 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203), and including in said definition employees engaged in the maintenance and operation of ditches, canals, reservoirs, and waterways, when maintained or operated on 

a mutual non-profit basis and at least 95 per centum of the water 

stored or supplied thereby is used for farming purposes. 

RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

DUAL BENEFITS PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

The bill includes language providing that the total amount provided for railroad retirement dual benefits shall be credited to the 

Dual Benefits Payments Account in 12 approximately equal 

amounts on the first day of each month in the fiscal year. 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATION

The bill includes language providing that the Railroad Retirement Board shall determine the allocation of its administrative 

budget between the railroad retirement accounts and the railroad 

unemployment insurance administration fund. 

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM

Language requiring States to return to the Treasury funds unobligated at the end of the current fiscal year. 

LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Language providing that unobligated balances at the end of the 

fiscal year shall remain available until expended for the agency’s 

information technology and telecommunications hardware and software infrastructure, including related equipment and non-payroll 

administrative expenses associated solely with this information 

technology and telecommunications infrastructure. 

Language providing that reimbursement to the trust funds under 

this heading for expenditures for official time for employees of the 

Social Security Administration pursuant to section 7131 of title 5, 

United States Code, and for facilities or support services for labor 

organizations pursuant to policies, regulations, or procedures referred to in 7135(b) of such title shall be made by the Secretary of 

the Treasury, with interest, from amounts in the general fund not 

otherwise appropriated, as soon as possible after such expenditures 

are made. 

Language providing that funds derived from administration fees 

collected pursuant to 1616(d) of the Social Security Act or 212(b)(3) 

of Public Law 93–66 over $135,000,000 shall be available in the 

subsequent fiscal year only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
302 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Language permitting the transfer of a certain amount of funds 

into this account from the SSA administrative account provided 

that the Appropriations Committees are promptly notified. 

ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sections 101, 207, 208, 209, 304, and 501 include legislative 

transfer authorities. 

Sections 102, 104, 106, 108, 109, 111, 203, 204, 205, 210, 211, 

212, 213, 218, 219, 301, 302, 303, 502, 503, 505, 507, 508, 509, 510, 

511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 520, and 521 may be construed 

as placing legislative limitations on the use of funds in the bill. 

Sections 103, 105, 107, 110, 201, 202, 206, 214, 215, 216, 217, 

305, 306, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 504, 506, 518, and 

519 establish affirmative directions, confer new authorities, or impose new responsibilities on departments or agencies funded by the 

bill. 

DEFINITION OF PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

During fiscal year 2008 for purposes of the Balanced Budget and 

Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the following information 

provides the definition of the term ‘‘program, project, and activity’’

for departments and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Labor, 

Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies 

Subcommittee. The term ‘‘program, project, and activity’’ shall include the most specific level of budget items identified in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, 

and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, the accompanying 

House and Senate Committee reports, the conference report and accompanying joint explanatory statement of the managers of the 

committee of conference. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: 

The Committee on Appropriations considers program 

performance including a program’s success in developing 

and attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for 

the period concerned: 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
303 

Agency/program Last year of authorization Authorization level Appropriations in last 

year of authorization 

Appropriations in this 

bill 

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 

ETA—Training and Employment 

Services 1.

2003 Such Sums $3,606,317,000 $3,579,530,000 

FUBA (Trade Adjustment Assistance).2007 Such Sums 837,600,000 888,700,000 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

Office of Job Corps 1 ..................... 2003 Such Sums 1,509,094,000 1,649,476,000 

VETS 

Veterans Workforce Investment 

Program.

2003 Such Sums 7,377,000 7,435,000 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES 

HRSA: 

Health Centers ...................... 2006 Such Sums 1,718,076,000 2,188,000,000 

National Health Service 

Corps.

2006 Such Sums 125,441,000 131,500,000 

Health Professions ................ 2002 Such Sums 295,111,000 393,920,000 

Traumatic Brain Injury ......... 2005 Such Sums 9,297,000 8,910,000 

Healthy Start ........................ 2005 Such Sums 102,543,000 120,000,000 

Newborn Hearing Screening 2002 Such Sums 9,995,000 11,000,000 

Emergency Medical Services 

for Children.

2005 Such Sums 19,831.000 19,800,000 

Organ Transplantation ......... 1993 Such Sums 2,767,000 23,049,000 

Rural Health Outreach 

Grants.

2006 Such Sums 38,885,000 52,962,000 

Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices.

2003 $25,000,000 12,419,000 2,000,000 

State Offices of Rural Health 2002 Such Sums 7,996,000 9,000,000 

Family Planning .................... 1985 $158,400,000 142,500,000 310,910,000 

Telehealth ............................. 2006 Such Sums 6,819,000 7,000,000 

Facilities and equipment ..... 1982 50,000,000 0 127,926,000 

CDC: 

Birth Defects ........................ 2002 Such Sums 89,946,000 132,733,000 

Cancer Registeries ............... 2003 Such Sums 45,649,000 47,940,000 

Prostate Cancer .................... 2004 Such Sums 14,091,000 13,884,000 

Breast and Cervical Cancer 

Prevention.

2003 Such Sums 199,371,000 210,000,000 

WISEWOMAN .......................... 2003 Such Sums 12,419,000 19,605,000 

Prevention Centers ............... 2003 Such Sums 26,830,000 29,556,000 

Health Statistics ................... 2003 Such Sums 125,899,000 120,000,000 

Diabetes ................................ 2005 Such Sums 63,457,000 69,157,000 

Safe Motherhood/Infant 

Health Promotion.

2005 Such Sums 44,738,000 48,530,000 

Oral Health Promotion .......... 2005 Such Sums 11,204,000 13,140,000 

Preventive Health Services 

Block Grant.

1998 Such Sums 194,092,000 109,000,000 

HIV/AIDS Prevention .............. 2005 Such Sums 662,267,000 715,463,000 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Grants.1998 Such Sums 113,671,000 157,537,000 

Tuberculosis Grants .............. 2002 Such Sums 132,403,000 150,688,000 

Other Infectious Disease 

Control.

2005 Such Sums 225,589,000 875,820,000 

Asthma Prevention ............... 2005 Such Sums 32,422,000 31,898,000 

Lead Poisoning Prevention ... 2005 Such Sums 36,474,000 35,903,000 

Injury Prevention and Control 2005 Such Sums 138,237,000 140,146,000 

SAMHSA: 

Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services programs, 

except STOP Act programs.

FY 2003 Such Sums 3,161,951,000 3,265,928,000 

AHRQ .............................................. FY 2005 Such Sums 0 329,564,000 

ACF: 

Low Income Home Energy 

Assistance Block Grant.

FY 2007 $5,100,000,000 1,980,000,000 1,980,000,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
304 

Agency/program Last year of authorization Authorization level Appropriations in last 

year of authorization 

Appropriations in this 

bill 

ORR: Social Services, Transitional 

and Medical Services, Preventive Health, Targeted Assistance.

FY 2002 Such Sums 439,894,000 501,364,000 

Trafficking Victims ............... .............................. $10,000,000 9,823,000 9,814,000 

Torture Victims ..................... .............................. $25,000,000 9,817,000 9,817,000 

Adoption Awareness ...................... FY 2005 Such sums 12,802,000 14,674,000 

Child Care Development Block 

Grant.

FY 2002 $1,000,000,000 2,099,994,000 2,137,081,000 

Head Start ..................................... FY 2003 Such Sums 6,815,570,000 6,963,571,000 

Developmental Disabilities ............ FY 2007 Such Sums 155,115,000 175,836,000 

Native American programs ............ FY 2002 Such Sums 45,946,000 47,332,000 

Community Services Block Grant 

programs.

FY 2003 Such Sums 739,315,000 660,425,000 

Rural Facilities .............................. FY 2003 Such Sums 7,250,000 8,000,000 

Individual Development Account ... FY 2003 $25,000,000 24,990,000 24,452,000 

Community Economic Development FY 2003 More than 9% of sec. 32,759,000 32,700,000 

AOA: 

Alzheimer’s Diseases Demonstration Grants.FY 2002 Such Sums 11,483,000 11,668,000 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

Adolescent Family Life (Title XX) .. FY 1985 $30,000,000 14,716,000 30,307,000 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

Education for the Disadvantaged 

Migrant Education.

FY 2007 Such Sums 33,927,000 33,927,000 

Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research (except Assistive Technology).

FY 2004 Such Sums 2,985,327,000 3,249,291,000 

Special Institutions for Persons 

with Disabilities: 

National Technical Institute 

for the Deaf.

FY 2004 Such Sums 53,483,000 60,757,000 

Gallaudet University ............. FY 2004 Such Sums 100,205,000 109,952,000 

Student Financial Assistance ........ FY 2007 Such Sums 15,542,456,000 17,464,883,000 

Student Aid Administration ........... FY 2007 Such Sums 719,914,000 708,216,000 

Higher Education: 

Aid for Institutional Development.FY 2007 Such Sums 419,630,000 522,710,000 

Developing Hispanic-Serving 

Institutions.

FY 2007 Such Sums 94,914,000 99,500,000 

International Education and 

Foreign Language Domestic Programs.

FY 2007 Such Sums 91,541,000 100,341,000 

Institute for International 

Public Policy.

FY 2007 Such Sums 1,600,000 1,700,000 

Fund for Improvement of 

Post Secondary Education.

FY 2007 Such Sums 21,989,000 63,264,000 

Minority Science and Engineering Improvement.FY 2007 Such Sums 8,730,000 8,730,000 

Demonstration in Disabilities FY 2007 Such Sums 6,875,000 6,875,000 

Federal TRIO Programs ......... FY 2007 Such Sums 832,559,000 868,178,000 

GEAR UP ............................... FY 2007 Such Sums 303,423,000 323,423,000 

Byrd Honors Scholarships .... FY 2007 Such Sums 40,590,000 40,590,000 

Javits Fellowships ................. FY 2007 Such Sums 9,699,000 9,699,000 

Graduate Assistance in 

Areas of National Need.

FY 2007 Such Sums 30,067,000 30,067,000 

Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants.FY 2007 Such Sums 59,895,000 40,000,000 

Child Care Access Means 

Parents in School.

FY 2007 Such Sums 15,810,000 17,810,000 

GPRA Data/HEA program 

evaluation.

FY 2004 Such Sums 988,000 620,000 

Olympic Scholarships ........... FY 2004 Such Sums 988,000 970,000 

Howard University—Endowment Program.FY 1985 $2,000,000 2,000,000 3,526,000 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
305 

Agency/program Last year of authorization Authorization level Appropriations in last 

year of authorization 

Appropriations in this 

bill 

RELATED AGENCIES 

Corporation for National and Community Service.FY 1996 Such Sums 600,385,000 843,381,000 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Interconnection.FY 1993 200,000,000 65,327,000 26,750,000 

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Digitalization.FY 2001 20,000,000 20,000,000 29,700,000 

National Council on Disability ...... FY 2003 Such Sums 3,144,000 3,113,000 

1 Job Corps was included in Training and Employment Services in 2003, and is now under Departmental Management. 

EARMARKS

Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 

Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains the following congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits 

as defined in clause 9(d)–(f) of such rule: 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
306 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 94 here HR231.067
307 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 95 here HR231.068
308 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 96 here HR231.069
309 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 97 here HR231.070
310 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 98 here HR231.071
311 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 99 here HR231.072
312 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 100 here HR231.073
313 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 101 here HR231.074
314 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 102 here HR231.075
315 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 103 here HR231.076
316 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 104 here HR231.077
317 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 105 here HR231.078
318 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 106 here HR231.079
319 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 107 here HR231.080
320 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 108 here HR231.081
321 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 109 here HR231.082
322 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 110 here HR231.083
323 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 111 here HR231.084
324 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 112 here HR231.085
325 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 113 here HR231.086
326 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 114 here HR231.087
327 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 115 here HR231.088
328 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 116 here HR231.089
329 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 117 here HR231.090
330 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 118 here HR231.091
331 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 119 here HR231.092
332 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 120 here HR231.093
333 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 121 here HR231.094
334 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 122 here HR231.095
335 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 123 here HR231.096
336 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 124 here HR231.097
337 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 125 here HR231.098
338 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 126 here HR231.099
339 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 127 here HR231.100
340 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 128 here HR231.101
341 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 129 here HR231.102
342 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 130 here HR231.103
343 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 131 here HR231.104
344 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 132 here HR231.105
345 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 133 here HR231.106
346 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 134 here HR231.107
347 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 135 here HR231.108
348 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 136 here HR231.109
349 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 137 here HR231.110
350 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 138 here HR231.111
351 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 139 here HR231.112
352 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 140 here HR231.113
353 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 141 here HR231.114
354 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 142 here HR231.115
355 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 143 here HR231.116
356 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 144 here HR231.117
357 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 145 here HR231.118
358 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 146 here HR231.119
359 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 147 here HR231.120
360 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 148 here HR231.121
361 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 149 here HR231.122
362 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 271 here HR231.001
363 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 272 here HR231.002
364 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 273 here HR231.003
365 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 274 here HR231.004
366 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 275 here HR231.005
367 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 276 here HR231.006
368 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 277 here HR231.007
369 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 278 here HR231.008
370 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 279 here HR231.009
371 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 280 here HR231.010
372 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 281 here HR231.011
373 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 282 here HR231.012
374 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 283 here HR231.013
375 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 284 here HR231.014
376 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 285 here HR231.015
377 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 286 here HR231.016
378 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 287 here HR231.017
379 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 288 here HR231.018
380 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 289 here HR231.019
381 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 290 here HR231.020
382 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 291 here HR231.021
383 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 292 here HR231.022
384 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 293 here HR231.023
385 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 294 here HR231.024
386 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 295 here HR231.025
387 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 296 here HR231.026
388 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 297 here HR231.027
389 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 298 here HR231.028
390 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 299 here HR231.029
391 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 300 here HR231.030
392 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 301 here HR231.031
393 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 302 here HR231.032
394 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 303 here HR231.033
395 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 304 here HR231.034
396 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 305 here HR231.035
397 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 306 here HR231.036
398 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 307 here HR231.037
399 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 308 here HR231.038
400 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 309 here HR231.039
401 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 310 here HR231.040
402 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 311 here HR231.041
403 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 312 here HR231.042
404 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 313 here HR231.043
405 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 314 here HR231.044
406 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 315 here HR231.045
407 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 316 here HR231.046
408 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 317 here HR231.047
409 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 318 here HR231.048
410 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 319 here HR231.049
411 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 320 here HR231.050
412 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 321 here HR231.051
413 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 322 here HR231.052
414 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 323 here HR231.053
415 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 324 here HR231.054
416 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 325 here HR231.055
417 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 326 here HR231.056
418 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 327 here HR231.057
419 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 328 here HR231.058
420 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 329 here HR231.059
421 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 330 here HR231.060
422 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 331 here HR231.061
423 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 332 here HR231.062
424 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 333 here HR231.063
425 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 334 here HR231.064
426 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARINGInsert graphic folio 335 here HR231.065
(427) 

MINORITY VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVE JERRY LEWIS 

The fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and 

Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) bill reflects a fundamental difference in opinion on the level of funding necessary to 

support the Federal government’s role in education, health, and 

workforce programs. Regardless of that disagreement, House Republicans agree that many of the programs funded in this bill are 

vitally important. The majority party would have the public believe 

otherwise. 

In fact, House Republicans have shown the American people over 

the past 12 years that we recognize the importance of these programs. With history as our witness, we have demonstrated our 

commitment not in words but in action. It should not be forgotten 

that it was House Republicans who demonstrated a commitment to 

fundamental research by doubling the budget of the National Institutes of Health. It was House Republicans who bolstered the discretionary budget for the Department of Education by 72 percent 

in inflation-adjusted dollars. 

Even with our unquestionable dedication to the programs in this 

bill over the last 12 years, Republicans stand accused by the Democrat majority of short-changing fundamental research, short-changing education, and, according to the rhetoric of the day, shortchanging our very future. This rhetoric diminishes all that we do 

as elected officials, and it does not serve this Congress or our country well. The primary difference is that Republicans believe we 

must balance the benefits of these worthwhile programs with the 

fact that the American taxpayer must pay for them. The fiscal year 2008 Labor-HHS bill is $10.2 billion over the 

President’s budget request and $6.6 billion over the fiscal year 

2007 enacted level. The majority party has said repeatedly that it 

is necessary to dramatically increase this bill’s allocation to make 

up for past funding shortfalls. Yet, these programs have grown by 

$85 billion since 1994. 

When Labor-HHS Chairman Neil Smith, a Democrat, presented his bill in 1994, total discretionary budget authority totaled $65 billion. If it had been predicted then that the very same bill, which 

largely covers the same agencies today, would increase by $85 billion over the next thirteen years, it would have seemed 

unfathomable. 

By any objective standard, $85 billion is a healthy increase. In this bill, the Committee is poised to spend an additional $10.2 billion under the mistaken notion that throwing money at our nation’s problems will cause them simply to fade away. 

While many of these programs are popular on both sides of the 

aisle, a $10.2 billion increase is not without consequence, particularly when this bill contains what can rightfully be considered 

lower-priority or duplicative programs. For example, the ComVerDate Aug 31 2005 00:38 Jul 15, 2007 Jkt 036627 PO 00000 Frm 00427 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6604 E:\HR\OC\HR231.XXX HR231

cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
428 

mittee-reported bill provides $420,000,000 in two-year advance appropriations for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Most objective observers would agree that providing these resources may 

be nice to do, but it hardly measures up to providing health care 

services to the poorest of Americans in terms of its priority. 

Furthermore, there are a host of programs in the bill that duplicate activities that are funded elsewhere, not just in this bill but 

in other appropriations bills as well. For example, this legislation 

contains three programs that deal with violence prevention—one in 

the Labor Department, another at the Department of Health and 

Human Services, and the third at the Department of Education. 

There are additional programs within the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice that serve exactly the same purpose. Little real 

oversight was conducted to ferret out such duplicative programs. 

Yet another example is the funding the bill provides within the 

Administration for Children and Families for community economic 

development. According to this very committee report, these funds 

are intended to support employment, training, and business development opportunities for low-income residents in poor communities, services that are already provided by the Department of 

Labor, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and 

the Economic Development Administration. 

Surely the majority party could have met the very highest priority needs in the bill such as Community Health Centers or programs providing funding to educate youngsters living in poverty by 

eliminating duplicative programs or curtailing spending on lower 

priority programs. Instead of making the tough choices between 

high and low priority programs or eliminating duplicative programs, this bill takes the easy way out—just spend more money. 

Excessive spending will force the American taxpayer to shoulder 

the burden, and, if past is prologue, this debt will continue to be 

passed along to future generations. The budget resolution adopted 

by the Democrat majority earlier this year spends $23 billion more 

than the President requested. The instruments by which that $23 

billion is executed are this bill and the other 11 appropriations 

bills. As we move forward with consideration of these FY 2008 appropriations bills, Members of Congress ought to be aware that the 

average additional burden on the individual taxpayer to finance the 

spending spree outlined in the majority’s budget will amount to 

roughly $3,000. 

JERRY LEWIS. 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING
(429) 

ADDITIONAL VIEWS 

We are pleased that during consideration of this bill, the Appropriations Committee unanimously adopted the Walsh amendment 

to increase funding for state special education grants by 

$335,000,000. Adoption of this amendment translates into federal 

support of $1,647 for each of the more than 6.8 million students the 

Department of Education estimates will require special education 

services in the academic year that begins this fall. 

When Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) it committed to fund 40 percent of the cost to 

provide a free and appropriate public education to children with 

special needs. At that time, the federal financial commitment to 

special education amounted to just 5.1 percent of the cost to provide these children with the appropriate services. Until fiscal year 

1995, the federal commitment to special education largely hovered 

in the neighborhood of 8 percent. 

Beginning in fiscal year 1996 and ending with the underlying 

bill, the federal commitment to special education had risen to 17.21 

percent of the cost of providing these services to children in need. 

Adoption of the Walsh amendment now brings the federal contribution up to 17.74 percent. Surely much remains to be done to reach 

the 40 percent commitment contained in IDEA, but, after the full 

committee’s unanimous action to provide the additional increase, 

this bill takes a great stride forward in that respect. 

We look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in 

both the House and the Senate as we strive to provide local school 

districts and families with the necessary resources to ensure that 

children with special educational needs have every opportunity to 

succeed. 

JAMES T. WALSH. RALPH REGULA. DAVE WELDON. DENNY REHBERG. JERRY LEWIS. JOHN E. PETERSON. MIKE SIMPSON. 

Æ 


cnoel on PRODPC60 with HEARING