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S.4726

Taxation

Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022 This bill provides tax benefits to compensate for learning losses due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting school disruptions will have a profound and lasting impact on students across the United States. (2) While most countries of the world closed schools at the beginning of the pandemic as a precaution, the United States was an outlier by keeping schools closed to in-person instruction for unnecessarily extended periods of time and favoring remote instruction. (3) There is no scientific evidence that showed elementary or secondary schools to be vectors for community spread, nor that school-aged children were uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. To date, schools have not been proven to be major spreaders of COVID-19. (4) According to a study done by the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research, 30 percent of students in elementary and secondary schools during the 2020-2021 school year attended schools that conducted classes remotely for more than 16 weeks. (5) The Harvard University study showed that high-poverty districts and districts that serve predominately Black and Hispanic students were more likely to have remote instruction. The study also showed that remote instruction was a primary driver of widening academic achievement gaps. (6) The achievement gaps and learning loss have proven remote instruction to be a failure. (7) In mathematics, studies show that students who attended mostly in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 school year lost approximately 20 percent worth of a typical school year's mathematics learning. Comparatively, students who spent most of the school year in remote instruction lost 50 percent of math instruction. (8) According to a McKinsey study, on average, students in elementary and secondary schools are 3 months behind in reading as a result of the pandemic school disruptions. (9) Pandemic school closures, and the consequent learning loss, have reversed the progress made to narrow the academic achievement gaps for historically disadvantaged groups. Low- income, Black, and Hispanic students fell further behind compared to White, Asian, and high-income students. (10) Learning loss was shown to be less significant in States and school districts that reopened in-person instruction sooner. States with the lowest rates of remote instruction in both high- and low-poverty districts, such as Texas and Florida, saw smaller rates of learning loss and gaps in achievement compared to States with the highest rates of remote instruction. (11) If pandemic learning loss is permanent, studies show that students who attend high-poverty schools may see a decline of 5 percent in average earnings over their lifetimes. Overall, elementary and secondary school learning loss could result in a $2,000,000,000,000 decline in lifetime earnings. (12) All levels of government, elected officials, and those working in education must make it a priority to pursue parent- driven and directed policies to help students catch up from pandemic-related learning loss and close achievement gaps. SEC. 3. USE OF UNOBLIGATED ESSER FUNDS FOR LEARNING LOSS SCHOLARSHIPS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means an elementary school or secondary school student-- (A) whose parent or legal guardian applied for a learning loss scholarship under this section; and (B) who is a citizen or national of the United States or an alien (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)) who is lawfully present in the United States. (2) Scholarship-granting organization.--The term ``scholarship-granting organization'' means an organization that-- (A) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and (B) provides learning loss scholarships to eligible students who-- (i) reside in the State in which the organization is recognized; or (ii) in the case in which the organization received a subgrant from the Bureau of Indian Education, are members of a federally recognized Indian Tribe. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). (b) Transfer of Unobligated Funds.--The unobligated balance of funds made available to carry out section 18003 of division B of the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136), section 313 of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (division M of Public Law 116-260), and section 2001 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (20 U.S.C. 3401 note) are hereby transferred and shall be used by the Secretary to carry out this section. (c) Learning Loss Scholarships.-- (1) Authorization.--The Secretary shall use amounts transferred under subsection (b) to award grants to States that submit applications under paragraph (2). (2) Applications.--A State that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (3) Allocations to states.--The amount of each grant under paragraph (1) shall be allocated by the Secretary to each State in the same proportion as each State received under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) in the most recent fiscal year. (4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. (B) Use of funds.--A parent or legal guardian of an eligible student who receives a learning loss scholarship may use the scholarship on behalf of the eligible student for any of the following: (i) Tuition for enrollment at an elementary school or secondary school, including at a private elementary school or secondary school. (ii) Tutoring services. (iii) Educational classes or curriculum inside or outside of the home. (iv) Books, instructional materials, or online educational materials. (v) Educational therapies, including educational therapies and services for students with disabilities. (vi) Other educational and instructional materials as the student's parent or legal guardian determines is beneficial in-relation to at-home learning, including online or virtual schooling or home instruction. SEC. 4. LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. (a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 25D the following new section: ``SEC. 25E. LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of a taxpayer who is an eligible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year with respect to each qualifying child of the taxpayer an amount equal to $1,200. ``(b) Limitation.--Subsection (a) shall not apply in the case of a taxpayer with adjusted gross income for the taxable year in excess of-- ``(1) $400,000 in the case of a joint return, and ``(2) $200,000 in any other case. ``(c) Eligible Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible individual' means a citizen or national of the United States. ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(2) Exception.--The term `qualifying child' shall not include any individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. ``(e) Identification Requirements.-- ``(1) Qualifying child identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year and such taxpayer identification number was issued on or before the due date for filing such return. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. ``(f) Taxable Year Must Be Full Taxable Year.--Except in the case of a taxable year closed by reason of the death of the taxpayer, no credit shall be allowable under this section in the case of a taxable year covering a period of less than 12 months. ``(g) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2024.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25D the following new item: ``Sec. 25E. Learning loss tax credit.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021. SEC. 5. EXCLUSION FOR EMPLOYEE CHILD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 127 the following new section: ``SEC. 128. CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. ``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee's qualifying child if the assistance is furnished pursuant to a program which is described in subsection (b). ``(2) $2,000 maximum exclusion.--If, but for this paragraph, this section would exclude from gross income more than $2,000 of educational assistance furnished to an individual with respect to any one child of the individual during a calendar year, this section shall apply only to the first $2,000 of such assistance so furnished with respect to such child. ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. The program must meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) through (6) of this subsection. ``(2) Eligibility.--The program shall benefit employees who qualify under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q)) or their dependents. For purposes of this paragraph, there shall be excluded from consideration employees not included in the program who are included in a unit of employees covered by an agreement which the Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers, if there is evidence that children's educational assistance benefits were the subject of good faith bargaining between such employee representatives and such employer or employers. ``(3) Other benefits as an alternative.--A program must not provide eligible employees with a choice between children's educational assistance and other remuneration includible in gross income. For purposes of this section, the business practices of the employer (as well as the written program) will be taken into account. ``(4) No funding required.--A program referred to in paragraph (1) is not required to be funded. ``(5) Notification of employees.--Reasonable notification of the availability and terms of the program must be provided to eligible employees. ``(c) Definitions; Special Rules.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Educational assistance.--The term `educational assistance', with respect to a qualifying child of an employee, means the payment, by an employer, of expenses incurred by or on behalf of an employee for such child for-- ``(A) curriculum and curricular materials, ``(B) academic books or other instructional materials, ``(C) online educational materials, ``(D) tuition for tutoring or educational classes outside of the home, including at a tutoring facility, but only if the tutor or instructor is not related to the student and-- ``(i) is licensed as a teacher in any State, ``(ii) has taught at an eligible educational institution (as defined in section 529(e)(5)), or ``(iii) is a subject matter expert in the relevant subject, or ``(E) fees for a nationally standardized norm- referenced achievement test, an advanced placement examination, or any examinations related to college or university admission. The term `educational assistance' does not include any payment for, or the provision of any benefits with respect to, any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies. ``(2) Employee.--The term `employee' includes, for any year, an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed individuals). ``(3) Employer.--An individual who owns the entire interest in an unincorporated trade or business shall be treated as the individual's own employer. A partnership shall be treated as the employer of each partner who is an employee within the meaning of paragraph (2). ``(4) Qualifying child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(B) Exception for certain noncitizens.--The term `qualifying child' shall not include any individual who would not be a dependent if subparagraph (A) of section 152(b)(3) were applied without regard to all that follows `resident of the United States'. ``(5) Attribution rules.-- ``(A) Ownership of stock.--Ownership of stock in a corporation shall be determined in accordance with the rules provided under subsections (d) and (e) of section 1563 (without regard to section 1563(e)(3)(C)). ``(B) Interest in unincorporated trade or business.--The interest of an employee in a trade or business which is not incorporated shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, which shall be based on principles similar to the principles which apply in the case of subparagraph (A). ``(6) Denial of double benefit.--No deduction or credit shall be allowed to the employee under any other section of this chapter for any amount excluded from income by reason of this section. ``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2024.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 127 the following new item: ``Sec. 128. Children's educational assistance programs.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021. SEC. 6. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FOR COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. (a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021. SEC. 7. SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g) and by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection: ``(f) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024-- ``(A) subsection (c)(7) shall be applied-- ``(i) by substituting `qualified expenses' for `tuition', and ``(ii) by treating qualified expenses in connection with a homeschool (whether treated as a homeschool or a private school for purposes of applicable State law) in the same manner as expenses in connection with enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school, and ``(B) the last sentence of subsection (e)(3) shall not apply. ``(2) Qualified expenses.--For purposes of apply paragraph (1)(A), the term `qualified expenses' means the following: ``(A) Tuition. ``(B) Curriculum and curricular materials. ``(C) Books or other instructional materials. ``(D) Online educational materials. ``(E) Tuition for tutoring or educational classes outside of the home, including at a tutoring facility, but only if the tutor or instructor is not related to the student and-- ``(i) is licensed as a teacher in any State, ``(ii) has taught at an eligible educational institution, or ``(iii) is a subject matter expert in the relevant subject. ``(F) Fees for a nationally standardized norm- referenced achievement test, an advanced placement examination, or any examinations related to college or university admission. ``(G) Fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education. ``(H) Educational therapies for students with disabilities provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider, including occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021. SEC. 8. SPECIAL TEMPORARY GIFT TAX RULES FOR COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS. (a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. (b) Qualified Tuition Programs.--Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 8, is amended by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h) and by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection: ``(g) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (5)(B) of subsection (c), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a qualified tuition program during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021. SEC. 9. PROHIBITION OF CONTROL OVER NONPUBLIC EDUCATION PROVIDERS; PARENTAL RIGHTS; STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITY. (a) No Federal Control.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home education provider, whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school or home school under State law. This Act, and any amendment made by this Act, shall not be construed to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from participation in programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act. (b) No Control by Entities Submitting Lists.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize an entity submitting a list of eligible scholarship-granting organizations on behalf of a State to mandate, direct, or control any aspect of a private or home education provider, regardless of whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school under State law. (c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (d) Parental Rights To Use Scholarships.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall disfavor or discourage the use of learning loss scholarships for the uses described in section 3(c)(4)(B), including those services provided by private or nonprofit entities, such as faith-based providers. (e) State and Local Authority.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to modify a State or local government's authority and responsibility to fund education. <all>

Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022

A bill to alleviate pandemic learning loss.

Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022

Sen. Cruz, Ted

R

TX

This bill provides tax benefits to compensate for learning losses due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 2. The study also showed that remote instruction was a primary driver of widening academic achievement gaps. Overall, elementary and secondary school learning loss could result in a $2,000,000,000,000 decline in lifetime earnings. 3. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. (B) Use of funds.--A parent or legal guardian of an eligible student who receives a learning loss scholarship may use the scholarship on behalf of the eligible student for any of the following: (i) Tuition for enrollment at an elementary school or secondary school, including at a private elementary school or secondary school. (ii) Tutoring services. (iv) Books, instructional materials, or online educational materials. 4. LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ``(c) Eligible Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible individual' means a citizen or national of the United States. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. 25E. 5. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 127 the following new section: ``SEC. CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. ``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee's qualifying child if the assistance is furnished pursuant to a program which is described in subsection (b). A partnership shall be treated as the employer of each partner who is an employee within the meaning of paragraph (2). ``(B) Interest in unincorporated trade or business.--The interest of an employee in a trade or business which is not incorporated shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, which shall be based on principles similar to the principles which apply in the case of subparagraph (A). ``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2024.''. 128. 6. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FOR COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. 7. SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS. ``(F) Fees for a nationally standardized norm- referenced achievement test, an advanced placement examination, or any examinations related to college or university admission. 8. SEC. 9. This Act, and any amendment made by this Act, shall not be construed to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from participation in programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act.

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 2. The study also showed that remote instruction was a primary driver of widening academic achievement gaps. Overall, elementary and secondary school learning loss could result in a $2,000,000,000,000 decline in lifetime earnings. 3. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (B) Use of funds.--A parent or legal guardian of an eligible student who receives a learning loss scholarship may use the scholarship on behalf of the eligible student for any of the following: (i) Tuition for enrollment at an elementary school or secondary school, including at a private elementary school or secondary school. (ii) Tutoring services. (iv) Books, instructional materials, or online educational materials. 4. LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ``(c) Eligible Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible individual' means a citizen or national of the United States. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. 5. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 127 the following new section: ``SEC. CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. ``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee's qualifying child if the assistance is furnished pursuant to a program which is described in subsection (b). ``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2024.''. 6. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FOR COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. 7. SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS. ``(F) Fees for a nationally standardized norm- referenced achievement test, an advanced placement examination, or any examinations related to college or university admission. 8. SEC. This Act, and any amendment made by this Act, shall not be construed to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from participation in programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act.

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022''. 2. To date, schools have not been proven to be major spreaders of COVID-19. (5) The Harvard University study showed that high-poverty districts and districts that serve predominately Black and Hispanic students were more likely to have remote instruction. The study also showed that remote instruction was a primary driver of widening academic achievement gaps. Overall, elementary and secondary school learning loss could result in a $2,000,000,000,000 decline in lifetime earnings. 3. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (b) Transfer of Unobligated Funds.--The unobligated balance of funds made available to carry out section 18003 of division B of the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136), section 313 of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (division M of Public Law 116-260), and section 2001 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (20 U.S.C. (4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. (B) Use of funds.--A parent or legal guardian of an eligible student who receives a learning loss scholarship may use the scholarship on behalf of the eligible student for any of the following: (i) Tuition for enrollment at an elementary school or secondary school, including at a private elementary school or secondary school. (ii) Tutoring services. (iv) Books, instructional materials, or online educational materials. 4. LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ``(c) Eligible Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible individual' means a citizen or national of the United States. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. 25E. 5. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 127 the following new section: ``SEC. CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. ``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee's qualifying child if the assistance is furnished pursuant to a program which is described in subsection (b). The term `educational assistance' does not include any payment for, or the provision of any benefits with respect to, any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies. A partnership shall be treated as the employer of each partner who is an employee within the meaning of paragraph (2). ``(B) Interest in unincorporated trade or business.--The interest of an employee in a trade or business which is not incorporated shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, which shall be based on principles similar to the principles which apply in the case of subparagraph (A). ``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2024.''. 128. 6. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FOR COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. 7. SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS. ``(B) Curriculum and curricular materials. ``(E) Tuition for tutoring or educational classes outside of the home, including at a tutoring facility, but only if the tutor or instructor is not related to the student and-- ``(i) is licensed as a teacher in any State, ``(ii) has taught at an eligible educational institution, or ``(iii) is a subject matter expert in the relevant subject. ``(F) Fees for a nationally standardized norm- referenced achievement test, an advanced placement examination, or any examinations related to college or university admission. ``(G) Fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education. ``(H) Educational therapies for students with disabilities provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider, including occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies.''. 8. SEC. 9. PROHIBITION OF CONTROL OVER NONPUBLIC EDUCATION PROVIDERS; PARENTAL RIGHTS; STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITY. This Act, and any amendment made by this Act, shall not be construed to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from participation in programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act.

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022''. 2. FINDINGS. To date, schools have not been proven to be major spreaders of COVID-19. (5) The Harvard University study showed that high-poverty districts and districts that serve predominately Black and Hispanic students were more likely to have remote instruction. The study also showed that remote instruction was a primary driver of widening academic achievement gaps. (7) In mathematics, studies show that students who attended mostly in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 school year lost approximately 20 percent worth of a typical school year's mathematics learning. Overall, elementary and secondary school learning loss could result in a $2,000,000,000,000 decline in lifetime earnings. (12) All levels of government, elected officials, and those working in education must make it a priority to pursue parent- driven and directed policies to help students catch up from pandemic-related learning loss and close achievement gaps. 3. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). (b) Transfer of Unobligated Funds.--The unobligated balance of funds made available to carry out section 18003 of division B of the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136), section 313 of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (division M of Public Law 116-260), and section 2001 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (20 U.S.C. (2) Applications.--A State that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. 6311 et seq.) (4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. (B) Use of funds.--A parent or legal guardian of an eligible student who receives a learning loss scholarship may use the scholarship on behalf of the eligible student for any of the following: (i) Tuition for enrollment at an elementary school or secondary school, including at a private elementary school or secondary school. (ii) Tutoring services. (iv) Books, instructional materials, or online educational materials. 4. LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ``(c) Eligible Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible individual' means a citizen or national of the United States. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. 25E. 5. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 127 the following new section: ``SEC. CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. ``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee's qualifying child if the assistance is furnished pursuant to a program which is described in subsection (b). For purposes of this paragraph, there shall be excluded from consideration employees not included in the program who are included in a unit of employees covered by an agreement which the Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers, if there is evidence that children's educational assistance benefits were the subject of good faith bargaining between such employee representatives and such employer or employers. The term `educational assistance' does not include any payment for, or the provision of any benefits with respect to, any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies. A partnership shall be treated as the employer of each partner who is an employee within the meaning of paragraph (2). ``(B) Interest in unincorporated trade or business.--The interest of an employee in a trade or business which is not incorporated shall be determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, which shall be based on principles similar to the principles which apply in the case of subparagraph (A). ``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2024.''. 128. 6. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FOR COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. 7. SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS. ``(B) Curriculum and curricular materials. ``(E) Tuition for tutoring or educational classes outside of the home, including at a tutoring facility, but only if the tutor or instructor is not related to the student and-- ``(i) is licensed as a teacher in any State, ``(ii) has taught at an eligible educational institution, or ``(iii) is a subject matter expert in the relevant subject. ``(F) Fees for a nationally standardized norm- referenced achievement test, an advanced placement examination, or any examinations related to college or university admission. ``(G) Fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education. ``(H) Educational therapies for students with disabilities provided by a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider, including occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies.''. 8. SEC. 9. PROHIBITION OF CONTROL OVER NONPUBLIC EDUCATION PROVIDERS; PARENTAL RIGHTS; STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITY. This Act, and any amendment made by this Act, shall not be construed to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from participation in programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act.

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 3) There is no scientific evidence that showed elementary or secondary schools to be vectors for community spread, nor that school-aged children were uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. (6) The achievement gaps and learning loss have proven remote instruction to be a failure. ( 7) In mathematics, studies show that students who attended mostly in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 school year lost approximately 20 percent worth of a typical school year's mathematics learning. (12) All levels of government, elected officials, and those working in education must make it a priority to pursue parent- driven and directed policies to help students catch up from pandemic-related learning loss and close achievement gaps. 2) Scholarship-granting organization.--The term ``scholarship-granting organization'' means an organization that-- (A) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and (B) provides learning loss scholarships to eligible students who-- (i) reside in the State in which the organization is recognized; or (ii) in the case in which the organization received a subgrant from the Bureau of Indian Education, are members of a federally recognized Indian Tribe. ( (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). ( 3) Allocations to states.--The amount of each grant under paragraph (1) shall be allocated by the Secretary to each State in the same proportion as each State received under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) (4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( iv) Books, instructional materials, or online educational materials. ( ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of a taxpayer who is an eligible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year with respect to each qualifying child of the taxpayer an amount equal to $1,200. ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(e) Identification Requirements.-- ``(1) Qualifying child identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year and such taxpayer identification number was issued on or before the due date for filing such return. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 127 the following new section: ``SEC. ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. For purposes of this paragraph, there shall be excluded from consideration employees not included in the program who are included in a unit of employees covered by an agreement which the Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers, if there is evidence that children's educational assistance benefits were the subject of good faith bargaining between such employee representatives and such employer or employers. ``(5) Notification of employees.--Reasonable notification of the availability and terms of the program must be provided to eligible employees. The term `educational assistance' does not include any payment for, or the provision of any benefits with respect to, any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies. ``(2) Employee.--The term `employee' includes, for any year, an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed individuals). A partnership shall be treated as the employer of each partner who is an employee within the meaning of paragraph (2). ``(B) Exception for certain noncitizens.--The term `qualifying child' shall not include any individual who would not be a dependent if subparagraph (A) of section 152(b)(3) were applied without regard to all that follows `resident of the United States'. ``(6) Denial of double benefit.--No deduction or credit shall be allowed to the employee under any other section of this chapter for any amount excluded from income by reason of this section. a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( ``(2) Qualified expenses.--For purposes of apply paragraph (1)(A), the term `qualified expenses' means the following: ``(A) Tuition. ``(B) Curriculum and curricular materials. ``(G) Fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education. a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021. a) No Federal Control.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home education provider, whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school or home school under State law. (b) No Control by Entities Submitting Lists.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize an entity submitting a list of eligible scholarship-granting organizations on behalf of a State to mandate, direct, or control any aspect of a private or home education provider, regardless of whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school under State law. ( c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) According to a study done by the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research, 30 percent of students in elementary and secondary schools during the 2020-2021 school year attended schools that conducted classes remotely for more than 16 weeks. ( 8) According to a McKinsey study, on average, students in elementary and secondary schools are 3 months behind in reading as a result of the pandemic school disruptions. ( Low- income, Black, and Hispanic students fell further behind compared to White, Asian, and high-income students. ( 11) If pandemic learning loss is permanent, studies show that students who attend high-poverty schools may see a decline of 5 percent in average earnings over their lifetimes. (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). ( in the most recent fiscal year. ( 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( (v) Educational therapies, including educational therapies and services for students with disabilities. ( LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ( ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. EXCLUSION FOR EMPLOYEE CHILD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. ( ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. The program must meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) through (6) of this subsection. ``(2) Eligibility.--The program shall benefit employees who qualify under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q)) or their dependents. The term `educational assistance' does not include any payment for, or the provision of any benefits with respect to, any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies. ``(4) Qualifying child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 127 the following new item: ``Sec. a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( ``(B) Curriculum and curricular materials. ``(E) Tuition for tutoring or educational classes outside of the home, including at a tutoring facility, but only if the tutor or instructor is not related to the student and-- ``(i) is licensed as a teacher in any State, ``(ii) has taught at an eligible educational institution, or ``(iii) is a subject matter expert in the relevant subject. a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. ( (a) No Federal Control.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home education provider, whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school or home school under State law. c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) According to a study done by the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research, 30 percent of students in elementary and secondary schools during the 2020-2021 school year attended schools that conducted classes remotely for more than 16 weeks. ( 8) According to a McKinsey study, on average, students in elementary and secondary schools are 3 months behind in reading as a result of the pandemic school disruptions. ( Low- income, Black, and Hispanic students fell further behind compared to White, Asian, and high-income students. ( 11) If pandemic learning loss is permanent, studies show that students who attend high-poverty schools may see a decline of 5 percent in average earnings over their lifetimes. (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). ( in the most recent fiscal year. ( 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( (v) Educational therapies, including educational therapies and services for students with disabilities. ( LEARNING LOSS TAX CREDIT. ( ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(2) Taxpayer identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section if the taxpayer identification number of the taxpayer was issued after the due date for filing the return for the taxable year. EXCLUSION FOR EMPLOYEE CHILD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. ( ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. The program must meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) through (6) of this subsection. ``(2) Eligibility.--The program shall benefit employees who qualify under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q)) or their dependents. The term `educational assistance' does not include any payment for, or the provision of any benefits with respect to, any course or other education involving sports, games, or hobbies. ``(4) Qualifying child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 127 the following new item: ``Sec. a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( ``(B) Curriculum and curricular materials. ``(E) Tuition for tutoring or educational classes outside of the home, including at a tutoring facility, but only if the tutor or instructor is not related to the student and-- ``(i) is licensed as a teacher in any State, ``(ii) has taught at an eligible educational institution, or ``(iii) is a subject matter expert in the relevant subject. a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. ( (a) No Federal Control.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home education provider, whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school or home school under State law. c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 7) In mathematics, studies show that students who attended mostly in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 school year lost approximately 20 percent worth of a typical school year's mathematics learning. ( ( (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). ( 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(e) Identification Requirements.-- ``(1) Qualifying child identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year and such taxpayer identification number was issued on or before the due date for filing such return. For purposes of this paragraph, there shall be excluded from consideration employees not included in the program who are included in a unit of employees covered by an agreement which the Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers, if there is evidence that children's educational assistance benefits were the subject of good faith bargaining between such employee representatives and such employer or employers. ``(2) Employee.--The term `employee' includes, for any year, an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed individuals). a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021. a) No Federal Control.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home education provider, whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school or home school under State law. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ( v) Educational therapies, including educational therapies and services for students with disabilities. ( ( ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. ``(2) Eligibility.--The program shall benefit employees who qualify under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q)) or their dependents. a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. ( ( c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 7) In mathematics, studies show that students who attended mostly in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 school year lost approximately 20 percent worth of a typical school year's mathematics learning. ( ( (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Department of the Interior (acting through the Bureau of Indian Education). ( 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ``(d) Qualifying Child.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualifying child' means a qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined in section 152(c)) for whom the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 for the taxable year and who is eligible to attend elementary or secondary school within the State in which the taxpayer resides for all or a portion of the taxable year. ``(e) Identification Requirements.-- ``(1) Qualifying child identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year and such taxpayer identification number was issued on or before the due date for filing such return. For purposes of this paragraph, there shall be excluded from consideration employees not included in the program who are included in a unit of employees covered by an agreement which the Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers, if there is evidence that children's educational assistance benefits were the subject of good faith bargaining between such employee representatives and such employer or employers. ``(2) Employee.--The term `employee' includes, for any year, an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed individuals). a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021. a) No Federal Control.--Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home education provider, whether or not a home education provider is treated as a private school or home school under State law. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ( v) Educational therapies, including educational therapies and services for students with disabilities. ( ( ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. ``(2) Eligibility.--The program shall benefit employees who qualify under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q)) or their dependents. a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. ( ( c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ``(e) Identification Requirements.-- ``(1) Qualifying child identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year and such taxpayer identification number was issued on or before the due date for filing such return. a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021.

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ( v) Educational therapies, including educational therapies and services for students with disabilities. ( ( ``(b) Children's Educational Assistance Program.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a children's educational assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer to provide such employees' children with educational assistance. ``(2) Eligibility.--The program shall benefit employees who qualify under a classification set up by the employer and found by the Secretary not to be discriminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated employees (within the meaning of section 414(q)) or their dependents. a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. ( ( c) No Exclusion or Discrimination.--No participating State or entity acting on behalf of a State shall exclude, discriminate against, or otherwise disadvantage any education provider with respect to programs or services under this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, based in whole or in part on the provider's religious education character or affiliation, including religiously or mission-based policies or practices. (

To alleviate pandemic learning loss. 4) Subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations.-- (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall award subgrants to scholarship-granting organizations to enable the scholarship-granting organization to award learning loss scholarships to the parents or legal guardians of eligible students. ( ``(e) Identification Requirements.-- ``(1) Qualifying child identification requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification number of such qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year and such taxpayer identification number was issued on or before the due date for filing such return. a) In General.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Increased Contribution Limit To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) shall be applied by substituting `$4,000' for `$2,000'.''. ( a) Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.--Section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 7, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Temporary Rules To Combat Pandemic-Induced Learning Loss.--Notwithstanding subsection (d)(3), in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 2023, or 2024, any contribution to a Coverdell education savings account during such taxable year on behalf of any designated beneficiary shall not be treated as a gift for purposes of chapters 12 and 13.''. c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2021.

Catch Up Our Kids Act of 2022 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make unobligated education funds available to assist students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in providing learning loss scholarships to eligible students who reside in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Currently, such Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer who is an eligible individual a tax credit for up to $1,200 of the cost of tuition for an eligible student who receives a learning loss scholarship to use the scholarship on behalf of the student for any of the following: (1) tuition for enrollment at an elementary school or secondary school, including at a private elementary school; ( Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the contribution limit for tax-exempt 529 education savings accounts; and (2) provide for a special program to provide educational assistance to qualifying children of employees. (Sec. 6) Terminates such program after December 31, 2024.(Sec. 7) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) prohibit contributions to a Coverdell education savings account or a qualified tuition program from being treated as a gift; and (2) prohibit the use of learning loss scholarships by parents. (Sec. 9) Prohibits a state or local government from restricting the use or distribution of such scholarships.

H.R.210

Science, Technology, Communications

Rural STEM Education Research Act This bill specifies federal scientific research and development efforts towards STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science) workforce development and rural STEM education. (Sec. 3) The bill amends the objectives of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to include The activities of a manufacturing extension center are expanded to include local high schools in the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships between manufacturing companies and schools to help those entities better understand the specific needs of manufacturers and to help manufacturers better understand the skill sets that students learn in school programs. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must award prizes to stimulate research and development of creative technologies in order to deploy affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to underserved rural communities. NIST may award not more than a total of $5 million in prizes. (Sec. 4) The Office of Science and Technology Policy must establish a broadband research and development working group to address national research challenges and opportunities for improving broadband access and adoption across the United States. (Sec. 5) The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy of Sciences agrees to evaluate aspects of STEM education and workforce development in rural areas. (Sec. 6) The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study on the engagement of rural populations in federal STEM programs. (Sec. 7) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs shall consider modifications to award structures to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students and teachers. (Sec. 8) The NSF must award grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for (1) research and development to advance innovative approaches to support and sustain high-quality STEM teaching in rural schools, (2) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education, (3) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies, and (4) research on online STEM education courses for rural communities. The NSF may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas to provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12 in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry.

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rural STEM Education Research Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage. (2) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States will need one million additional STEM professionals than it is on track to produce in the coming decade. (3) Many STEM occupations offer higher wages, more opportunities for advancement, and a higher degree of job security than non-STEM jobs. (4) The 60,000,000 individuals in the United States who live in rural settings are significantly under-represented in STEM. (5) According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nine million students in the United States--nearly 20 percent of the total K-12 population--attend rural schools, and for reasons ranging from teacher quality to shortages of resources, these students often have fewer opportunities for high-quality STEM learning than their peers in the Nation's urban and suburban schools. (6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. (7) The study of agriculture, food, and natural resources involves biology, engineering, physics, chemistry, math, geology, computer science, and other scientific fields. (8) Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. To help meet this demand, it is important rural students have the opportunity to acquire computing skills through exposure to computer science learning in grades Pre-K through 12 and in informal learning settings. (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. Rural areas are hardest hit, with over 26 percent of individuals in rural areas in the United States lacking access to high-speed broadband compared to 1.7 percent of individuals in urban areas in the United States. SEC. 3. NIST ENGAGEMENT WITH RURAL COMMUNITIES. (a) MEP Outreach.--Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``community colleges and area career and technical education schools'' and inserting the following: ``secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (B) in paragraph (7)-- (i) by striking ``and local colleges'' and inserting the following: ``local high schools and local colleges, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (ii) by inserting ``or other applied learning opportunities'' after ``apprenticeships''; and (2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools,'' and inserting the following: ``and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''. (b) Rural Connectivity Prize Competition.-- (1) Prize competition.--Pursuant to section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719), the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology (referred to in this subsection as the ``Secretary''), shall, subject to appropriations, carry out a program to award prizes competitively to stimulate research and development of creative technologies in order to deploy affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to underserved rural communities. (2) Plan for deployment in rural communities.--Each proposal submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include a plan for deployment of the technology that is the subject of such proposal in an underserved rural community. (3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition. (5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. SEC. 4. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. Title I of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 103. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP. ``(a) In General.--The Director shall establish a broadband research and development working group to address national research challenges and opportunities for improving broadband access and adoption across the United States. ``(b) Activities.--The working group shall identify and coordinate key research priorities for addressing broadband access and adoption, including-- ``(1) promising research areas; ``(2) requirements for data collection and sharing; ``(3) opportunities for better alignment and coordination across Federal agencies and external stakeholders; and ``(4) input on the development of new Federal policies and programs to enhance data collection and research. ``(c) Coordination.--The working group shall coordinate, as appropriate, with the Rural Broadband Integration Working Group established under section 6214 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture. ``(d) Report.--The working group shall report to Congress on their activities as part of the annual report submitted under section 101(a)(2)(D). ``(e) Sunset.--The authority to carry out this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the Rural STEM Education Act.''. SEC. 5. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES EVALUATION. (a) Study.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy agrees to conduct an evaluation and assessment that-- (1) evaluates the quality and quantity of current Federal programming and research directed at examining STEM education for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce development in rural areas; (2) assesses the impact of the scarcity of broadband connectivity in rural communities has on STEM and technical literacy for students in grades Pre-K through 12 in rural areas; (3) assesses the core research and data needed to understand the challenges rural areas are facing in providing quality STEM education and workforce development; and (4) makes recommendations for action at the Federal, State, and local levels for improving STEM education for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce development in rural areas. (b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. SEC. 6. GAO REVIEW. Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the engagement of rural populations in Federal STEM programs and submit to Congress a report that includes-- (1) an assessment of how Federal STEM education programs are serving rural populations; (2) a description of initiatives carried out by Federal agencies that are targeted at supporting STEM education in rural areas; (3) an assessment of what is known about the impact and effectiveness of Federal investments in STEM education programs that are targeted to rural areas; and (4) an assessment of challenges that state and Federal STEM education programs face in reaching rural population centers. SEC. 7. CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH EPSCOR. Section 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. SEC. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. (a) Preparing Rural STEM Educators.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for research and development to advance innovative approaches to support and sustain high-quality STEM teaching in rural schools. (2) Use of funds.-- (A) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used for the research and development activities referred to in paragraph (1), which may include-- (i) engaging rural educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12 in professional learning opportunities to enhance STEM knowledge, including computer science, and develop best practices; (ii) supporting research on effective STEM teaching practices in rural settings, including the use of rubrics and mastery-based grading practices to assess student performance when employing the transdisciplinary teaching approach for STEM disciplines; (iii) designing and developing pre-service and in-service training resources to assist such rural educators in adopting transdisciplinary teaching practices across STEM courses; (iv) coordinating with local partners to adapt STEM teaching practices to leverage local natural and community assets in order to support in-place learning in rural areas; (v) providing hands-on training and research opportunities for rural educators described in clause (i) at Federal Laboratories, institutions of higher education, or in industry; (vi) developing training and best practices for educators who teach multiple grade levels within a STEM discipline; (vii) designing and implementing professional development courses and experiences, including mentoring, for rural educators described in clause (i) that combine face-to-face and online experiences; and (viii) any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. (b) Broadening Participation of Rural Students in STEM.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for-- (A) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education; and (B) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (2) Use of funds.-- (A) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used for the research and development activities referred to in paragraph (1), which may include-- (i) developing partnerships with community colleges to offer advanced STEM course work, including computer science, to rural high school students; (ii) supporting research on effective STEM practices in rural settings; (iii) implementing a school-wide STEM approach; (iv) improving the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technology Education program's coordination and engagement with rural communities; (v) collaborating with existing community partners and networks, such as the cooperative research and extension services of the Department of Agriculture and youth serving organizations like 4-H, after school STEM programs, and summer STEM programs, to leverage community resources and develop place-based programming; (vi) connecting rural school districts and institutions of higher education, to improve precollegiate STEM education and engagement; (vii) supporting partnerships that offer hands-on inquiry-based science activities, including coding, and access to lab resources for students studying STEM in grades Pre-K through 12 in a rural area; (viii) evaluating the role of broadband connectivity and its associated impact on the STEM and technology literacy of rural students; (ix) building capacity to support extracurricular STEM programs in rural schools, including mentor-led engagement programs, STEM programs held during nonschool hours, STEM networks, makerspaces, coding activities, and competitions; and (x) any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (c) Application.--An applicant seeking a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application may include the following: (1) A description of the target population to be served by the research activity or activities for which such grant is sought. (2) A description of the process for recruitment and selection of students, educators, or schools from rural areas to participate in such activity or activities. (3) A description of how such activity or activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. (d) Partnerships.--In awarding grants under subsection (a) or (b), the Director shall-- (1) encourage applicants which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the grant, include or partner with a nonprofit organization or an institution of higher education (or a consortium thereof) that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing the participation of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM; (2) encourage applicants which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the grant, include or partner with a consortium of rural schools or rural school districts; and (3) encourage applications which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the grant, include commitments from school principals and administrators to making reforms and activities proposed by the applicant a priority. (e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. (f) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b). Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of research resulting from the activity or activities funded through such grants with the findings of other research on rural student's pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM. (2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. (g) Report by Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering.-- (1) In general.--As part of the first report required by section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e)) transmitted to Congress after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering shall include-- (A) a description of past and present policies and activities of the Foundation to encourage full participation of students in rural communities in science, mathematics, engineering, and computer science fields; and (B) an assessment of trends in participation of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in Foundation activities, and an assessment of the policies and activities of the Foundation, along with proposals for new strategies or the broadening of existing successful strategies towards facilitating the goals of this Act. (2) Technical correction.-- (A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''. (B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329). (h) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director-- (1) $8,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026; and (2) $12,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection (b) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. SEC. 9. RESEARCHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONLINE EDUCATION. (a) In General.--The Director shall, subject to appropriations, award competitive grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof, which may include a private sector partner) to conduct research on online STEM education courses for rural communities. (b) Research Areas.--The research areas eligible for funding under this subsection shall include-- (1) evaluating the learning and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM subjects; (2) understanding how computer-based and online professional development courses and mentor experiences can be integrated to meet the needs of educators of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12; (3) combining computer-based and online STEM education and training with apprenticeships, mentoring, or other applied learning arrangements; (4) leveraging online programs to supplement STEM studies for rural students that need physical and academic accommodation; and (5) any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (c) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under this section shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. (d) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under this section. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. (2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). (3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (5) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). (6) STEM education.--The term ``STEM education'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021. Attest: CHERYL L. JOHNSON, Clerk.

Rural STEM Education Research Act

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes.

Rural STEM Education Research Act Rural STEM Education Research Act Rural STEM Education Research Act

Rep. Lucas, Frank D.

R

OK

This bill specifies federal scientific research and development efforts towards STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science) workforce development and rural STEM education. (Sec. 3) The bill amends the objectives of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to include The activities of a manufacturing extension center are expanded to include local high schools in the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships between manufacturing companies and schools to help those entities better understand the specific needs of manufacturers and to help manufacturers better understand the skill sets that students learn in school programs. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must award prizes to stimulate research and development of creative technologies in order to deploy affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to underserved rural communities. NIST may award not more than a total of $5 million in prizes. (Sec. 4) The Office of Science and Technology Policy must establish a broadband research and development working group to address national research challenges and opportunities for improving broadband access and adoption across the United States. (Sec. 5) The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy of Sciences agrees to evaluate aspects of STEM education and workforce development in rural areas. (Sec. 6) The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study on the engagement of rural populations in federal STEM programs. (Sec. 7) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs shall consider modifications to award structures to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students and teachers. (Sec. 8) The NSF must award grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for (1) research and development to advance innovative approaches to support and sustain high-quality STEM teaching in rural schools, (2) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education, (3) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies, and (4) research on online STEM education courses for rural communities. The NSF may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas to provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12 in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry.

2. FINDINGS. (8) Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. 3. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (B) in paragraph (7)-- (i) by striking ``and local colleges'' and inserting the following: ``local high schools and local colleges, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (ii) by inserting ``or other applied learning opportunities'' after ``apprenticeships''; and (2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools,'' and inserting the following: ``and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''. (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP. 5. 6. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. (3) A description of how such activity or activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. (f) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b). Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. SEC. (4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

2. FINDINGS. (8) Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. 3. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (B) in paragraph (7)-- (i) by striking ``and local colleges'' and inserting the following: ``local high schools and local colleges, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (ii) by inserting ``or other applied learning opportunities'' after ``apprenticeships''; and (2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools,'' and inserting the following: ``and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''. (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP. 5. 6. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. (3) A description of how such activity or activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (f) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b). Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. SEC. (4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

SHORT TITLE. 2. FINDINGS. (6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. (8) Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. 3. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (B) in paragraph (7)-- (i) by striking ``and local colleges'' and inserting the following: ``local high schools and local colleges, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (ii) by inserting ``or other applied learning opportunities'' after ``apprenticeships''; and (2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools,'' and inserting the following: ``and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''. (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition. is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP. 5. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. 6. Section 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. (2) Use of funds.-- (A) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used for the research and development activities referred to in paragraph (1), which may include-- (i) engaging rural educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12 in professional learning opportunities to enhance STEM knowledge, including computer science, and develop best practices; (ii) supporting research on effective STEM teaching practices in rural settings, including the use of rubrics and mastery-based grading practices to assess student performance when employing the transdisciplinary teaching approach for STEM disciplines; (iii) designing and developing pre-service and in-service training resources to assist such rural educators in adopting transdisciplinary teaching practices across STEM courses; (iv) coordinating with local partners to adapt STEM teaching practices to leverage local natural and community assets in order to support in-place learning in rural areas; (v) providing hands-on training and research opportunities for rural educators described in clause (i) at Federal Laboratories, institutions of higher education, or in industry; (vi) developing training and best practices for educators who teach multiple grade levels within a STEM discipline; (vii) designing and implementing professional development courses and experiences, including mentoring, for rural educators described in clause (i) that combine face-to-face and online experiences; and (viii) any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (3) A description of how such activity or activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. (f) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b). (B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329). Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. SEC. 1861). (4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6621 note).

SHORT TITLE. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage. (6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. (8) Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. 3. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (B) in paragraph (7)-- (i) by striking ``and local colleges'' and inserting the following: ``local high schools and local colleges, including those in underserved and rural communities,''; and (ii) by inserting ``or other applied learning opportunities'' after ``apprenticeships''; and (2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools,'' and inserting the following: ``and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,''. (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition. is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP. 5. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES EVALUATION. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. 6. Section 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. (2) Use of funds.-- (A) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used for the research and development activities referred to in paragraph (1), which may include-- (i) engaging rural educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12 in professional learning opportunities to enhance STEM knowledge, including computer science, and develop best practices; (ii) supporting research on effective STEM teaching practices in rural settings, including the use of rubrics and mastery-based grading practices to assess student performance when employing the transdisciplinary teaching approach for STEM disciplines; (iii) designing and developing pre-service and in-service training resources to assist such rural educators in adopting transdisciplinary teaching practices across STEM courses; (iv) coordinating with local partners to adapt STEM teaching practices to leverage local natural and community assets in order to support in-place learning in rural areas; (v) providing hands-on training and research opportunities for rural educators described in clause (i) at Federal Laboratories, institutions of higher education, or in industry; (vi) developing training and best practices for educators who teach multiple grade levels within a STEM discipline; (vii) designing and implementing professional development courses and experiences, including mentoring, for rural educators described in clause (i) that combine face-to-face and online experiences; and (viii) any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (b) Broadening Participation of Rural Students in STEM.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for-- (A) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education; and (B) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (c) Application.--An applicant seeking a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. (3) A description of how such activity or activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. (f) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b). (B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329). Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. SEC. 1861). (4) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6621 note). Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021.

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. Congress finds the following: (1) The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage. ( (6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. ( 9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. b) Rural Connectivity Prize Competition.-- (1) Prize competition.--Pursuant to section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719), the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology (referred to in this subsection as the ``Secretary''), shall, subject to appropriations, carry out a program to award prizes competitively to stimulate research and development of creative technologies in order to deploy affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to underserved rural communities. ( 3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. (4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition. ( 5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. ``(d) Report.--The working group shall report to Congress on their activities as part of the annual report submitted under section 101(a)(2)(D). ``(e) Sunset.--The authority to carry out this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the Rural STEM Education Act.''. (b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. ( (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. ( b) Broadening Participation of Rural Students in STEM.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for-- (A) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education; and (B) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. (c) Application.--An applicant seeking a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. 4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. ( Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of research resulting from the activity or activities funded through such grants with the findings of other research on rural student's pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM. ( 2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. ( 2) Technical correction.-- (A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''. ( B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329). ( (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director-- (1) $8,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026; and (2) $12,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection (b) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. c) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under this section shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects. ( 2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. ( (2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). ( 3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. Congress finds the following: (1) The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage. ( 4) The 60,000,000 individuals in the United States who live in rural settings are significantly under-represented in STEM. ( (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. 2) Plan for deployment in rural communities.--Each proposal submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include a plan for deployment of the technology that is the subject of such proposal in an underserved rural community. (3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. ( 5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. Section 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. ( (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. ( b) Broadening Participation of Rural Students in STEM.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for-- (A) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education; and (B) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. ( (c) Application.--An applicant seeking a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of research resulting from the activity or activities funded through such grants with the findings of other research on rural student's pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM. ( B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329). (h) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. ( d) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under this section. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. ( 2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). ( Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021.

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. Congress finds the following: (1) The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage. ( 4) The 60,000,000 individuals in the United States who live in rural settings are significantly under-represented in STEM. ( (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. 2) Plan for deployment in rural communities.--Each proposal submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include a plan for deployment of the technology that is the subject of such proposal in an underserved rural community. (3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. ( 5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. Section 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. ( (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. ( b) Broadening Participation of Rural Students in STEM.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for-- (A) research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education; and (B) development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies. ( (c) Application.--An applicant seeking a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of research resulting from the activity or activities funded through such grants with the findings of other research on rural student's pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM. ( B) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329). (h) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. ( d) Accountability and Dissemination.-- (1) Evaluation required.--The Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under this section. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. ( 2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). ( Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021.

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. 6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. ( ( 3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. ( b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. ( 4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. ( 2) Technical correction.-- (A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''. ( 2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. ( (2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). ( 3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. 5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. ( ( e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. ( 2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. 6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. ( ( 3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. ( b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. ( 4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. ( 2) Technical correction.-- (A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''. ( 2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. ( (2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). ( 3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. 5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. ( ( e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. ( 2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. 6) Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. ( ( 3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. ( b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( 1862p-9(f)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and''. (B) Rural stem collaborative.--The Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. ( 4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. ( 2) Technical correction.-- (A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''. ( 2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes-- (A) the results of the evaluation; and (B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. ( (2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). ( 3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. 5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. ( ( e) Evaluations.--All proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Such evaluation shall-- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B) to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities. ( 2) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson- Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703). (

To coordinate Federal research and development efforts focused on STEM education and workforce development in rural areas, including the development and application of new technologies to support and improve rural STEM education, and for other purposes. b) Report to Director.--The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy's findings and recommendations. ( ( 4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial. 2) Technical correction.-- (A) In general.--Section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-329) is amended by striking ``Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988'' and inserting ``Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act''. (

Rural STEM Education Research Act This bill amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to direct the Department of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards, to award prizes competitive and reliable broadband to local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools to develop and deploy innovative technologies in order to provide access to high-speed broadband in underserved Amends the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 to direct the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct an evaluation and assessment that evaluates the quality and quantity of current federal programming and research directed at examining STEM education for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce development in rural Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants for research and development activities to support: (1) partnerships with community colleges to offer advanced STEM course work to rural high school students; (2) research on effective STEM practices in rural settings; (3) implementing a school-wide STEM approach; (4) improving the NSF's Advanced Technology Education This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof, which may include a private sector partner) to conduct research on online STEM education courses for rural communities. Research areas eligible for funding include: (1) evaluating the learning and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM subjects

H.R.3482

Transportation and Public Works

"National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2022\nThis bill establishes the National Cen(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation.\n\n Be it enacted by the Senat(...TRUNCATED)

National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2022

To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation.

"National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2022\nNational Center for the Advancement of(...TRUNCATED)

Rep. Carson, Andre

D

IN

"This bill establishes the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation to (1) develop a skilled (...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 120. Except as provided in subsection (f)(1), an officer or employee of the Center (...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. Except as provided in subsection (f)(1), an officer or employee of the Center is no(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 120. Except as provided in subsection (f)(1), an officer or employee of the Center (...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 120. Except as provided in subsection (f)(1), an officer or employee of the Center (...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. Except as provided in subsection (...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. a) In General.--Chapter 1 of titl(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. a) In General.--Chapter 1 of titl(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. Except as provided in subsection (...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. ``(ii) Establish and maintain off(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. ``(III) Consideration.--In consid(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. ``(ii) Establish and maintain off(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. ``(III) Consideration.--In consid(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. ``(ii) Establish and maintain off(...TRUNCATED)

"To establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation. ``(iii) Public announcement.--At (...TRUNCATED)

"National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2022 - Amends Federal law to establish the N(...TRUNCATED)

H.R.9688

Government Operations and Politics

"People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act)\nThis bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the ad(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in \n elections for Federal offic(...TRUNCATED)

People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act)

Rep. Williams, Nikema

D

GA

"This bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the administration of federal elections. Spec(...TRUNCATED)

"2. FINDINGS. They were also about 74 percent more likely to wait for more than half an hour. (12) T(...TRUNCATED)

"2. They were also about 74 percent more likely to wait for more than half an hour. (12) The disenfr(...TRUNCATED)

"2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The right to vote for all Americans is fund(...TRUNCATED)

"2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The right to vote for all Americans is fund(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act) This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require(...TRUNCATED)

S.2117

Government Operations and Politics

"People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act)\nThis bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the ad(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in \n elections for Federal offic(...TRUNCATED)

People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act)

"A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal of(...TRUNCATED)

People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act)

Sen. Wyden, Ron

D

OR

"This bill sets forth provisions related to voting and the administration of federal elections. Spec(...TRUNCATED)

"2. FINDINGS. They were also about 74 percent more likely to wait for more than half an hour. (12) T(...TRUNCATED)

"2. They were also about 74 percent more likely to wait for more than half an hour. (12) The disenfr(...TRUNCATED)

"2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The right to vote for all Americans is fund(...TRUNCATED)

"2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The right to vote for all Americans is fund(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that voters in elections for Federal office do(...TRUNCATED)

"People Over Long Lines Act (POLL Act) This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require(...TRUNCATED)

S.4108

Armed Forces and National Security

"Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act\nThis bill implements policies and procedures wi(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military \n operations, a(...TRUNCATED)

Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act

"A bill to enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other (...TRUNCATED)

Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act

Sen. Warren, Elizabeth

D

MA

"This bill implements policies and procedures within the Department of Defense (DOD) related to the (...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act''. 2(...TRUNCATED)

"This Act may be cited as the ``Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act''. 2. SENSE OF CO(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act''. 2(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act''. 2(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"To enhance protections of civilians during United States military operations, and for other purpose(...TRUNCATED)

"Protection of Civilians in Military Operations Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (...TRUNCATED)

S.1840

Government Operations and Politics

"Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2021\nThis bill generally prohibits de(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.\n\n Be it enacted by the Senate and House (...TRUNCATED)

Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2021

A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2021

Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L.

D

MD

"This bill generally prohibits deceptive practices, false statements, and voter interference regardi(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 4) Despite the elimination of some of these b(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Th(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 11) In 2008, fliers were distributed in predo(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 10) In the 2006 midterm elections, thousands (...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 11) In 2008, fliers were distributed in predo(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 10) In the 2006 midterm elections, thousands (...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 11) In 2008, fliers were distributed in predo(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 10) In the 2006 midterm elections, thousands (...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after(...TRUNCATED)

"To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. 10) In the 2006 midterm elections, thousands (...TRUNCATED)

"Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2021 This bill expresses the sense of (...TRUNCATED)

H.R.5855

Public Lands and Natural Resources

"North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act\nThis bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to exc(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and \nminerals in the State of North (...TRUNCATED)

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act

Rep. Armstrong, Kelly

R

ND

"This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to exchange, at the election of North Dakota, c(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means pub(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 3. In this Act: (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means public land and (...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"To authorize the relinquishment and in lieu selection of land and minerals in the State of North Da(...TRUNCATED)

"North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act - Amends the North Dakota Enabling Act to authorize the Sec(...TRUNCATED)

H.R.6666

Education

"Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2022\nThis bill requires c(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid \n process for (...TRUNCATED)

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2022

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2022

Rep. Clark, Katherine M.

D

MA

"This bill requires certain actions to support access to higher education for children and youth who(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 672) on behalf of such children and youth; and ``(B) includes individuals who were (...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. 672) on behalf of such children and youth; and ``(B) includes individuals who were (...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. DEFINITIONS. 672) on behalf of such children and youth; and ``(B) includes individu(...TRUNCATED)

"SHORT TITLE. 2. DEFINITIONS. 672) on behalf of such children and youth; and ``(B) includes individu(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the financial aid process for homeless and fos(...TRUNCATED)

"Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2022 - Amends the Higher E(...TRUNCATED)

H.R.8000

Labor and Employment

"Chase COVID Unemployment Fraud Act of 2022\nThis bill addresses fraud and overpayments of pandemic (...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal \n and State unemploymen(...TRUNCATED)

Chase COVID Unemployment Fraud Act of 2022

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

Chase COVID Unemployment Fraud Act of 2022

Rep. Brady, Kevin

R

TX

"This bill addresses fraud and overpayments of pandemic unemployment assistance, including by allowi(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congres(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"To provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compen(...TRUNCATED)

"Chase COVID Unemployment Fraud Act of 2022 - Amends the CARES Act to prohibit an individual from re(...TRUNCATED)