115 HR 4298 IH: CRP Grazing Flexibility Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-11-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4298IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 8, 2017Mrs. Hartzler introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to allow grazing as a mid-contract management practice in
			 the conservation reserve program, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the CRP Grazing Flexibility Act. 2.Grazing as mid-contract management (a)Specified activities permittedSection 1233(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833(b)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2)in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:  (6)grazing pursuant to section 1232(a)(5) without any reduction in the rental rate, if the grazing is consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
						.
 (b)Cost sharing paymentsSection 1234(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (6)Mid-contract management grazingThe Secretary may not make any cost sharing payment to an owner or operator under this subchapter for any grazing undertaken pursuant to section 1232(a)(5)..


115 HRES 1024 IH: Reaffirming the commitment of the United States to promote international religious freedom and marking the 20th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-07-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 1024IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 24, 2018Mr. Smith of New Jersey submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedRESOLUTIONReaffirming the commitment of the United States to promote international religious freedom and
			 marking the 20th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of
			 1998.

 Whereas religious freedom is a universally recognized human right and the protection and promotion of this right globally attracts broad support;
 Whereas the United States has a long tradition of advancing and protecting religious freedom, understanding that this fundamental right is critical for a flourishing society and essential to protect human dignity and national stability;
 Whereas religious freedom includes the right of an individual to worship, think, speak, and act, including in public and in private, in accordance with the beliefs of the individual;
 Whereas the free exercise of religion must stand for the right to practice any faith or to choose no faith at all;
 Whereas this year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes that Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance;
 Whereas this year also marks the 20th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.), which made religious freedom a United States foreign policy priority and created the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the Department of State and the bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom;
 Whereas given the United States commitment to advance religious freedom and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, United States foreign policy is committed to—
 (1)promoting freedom of religion globally as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability and prosperity for all countries;
 (2)assisting emerging democracies to implement freedom of religion and to protect individual conscience;
 (3)assisting nongovernment organizations to promote religious freedom and to sponsor reconciliation and other programs in disputes which divide groups along the lines of religious identity; and
 (4)identifying countries and nonstate actors that are severe persecutors on the basis of religious belief and undertaking diplomatic or other actions to address religious freedom violations, in order to protect fundamental national interests;
 Whereas despite efforts to advance and protect religious freedom over the past two decades, the world is experiencing a religious freedom crisis, creating millions of victims and undermining liberty, prosperity, and peace in places vital to the national interests of the United States and our allies and posing direct challenges in the Middle East, Russia, China, South and Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa;
 Whereas an estimated 83 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where freedom of religion and conscience is highly restricted, either by the government or by social groups, according to the latest Pew Research Center’s Study of Global Restrictions on Religion;
 Whereas the absence of fundamental human rights, including religious freedom, contributes to political instability, violence against religious and ethnic minorities, religious extremism, and terrorism;
 Whereas research demonstrates that where religious freedom is protected and advanced as a universally recognized human right there is greater peace, political and social stability, economic innovation and development, democratization, women’s empowerment, and less violent religious extremism and terrorism;
 Whereas the United States Congress affirmed in 2016, with passage of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (Public Law 114–281), that because the promotion of international religious freedom protects human rights, advances democracy abroad, and advances United States interests in stability, security, and development globally, the promotion of international religious freedom requires new and evolving policies and diplomatic responses that are drawn from the expertise of the national security agencies, the diplomatic services, and other governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations, and are coordinated across and carried out by the entire range of Federal agencies;
 Whereas the 2018 National Security Strategy of the United States recognized the strategic importance of international religious freedom, making the advancement of religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities from violence a priority of the Administration’s foreign policy;
 Whereas in the annual proclamation recognizing Religious Freedom Day on January 16, 2018, President Trump affirmed that the United States is … the paramount champion for religious freedom around the world because we do not believe that conscience rights are only for Americans. … We will be undeterred in our commitment to monitor religious persecution and implement policies that promote religious freedom. Through these efforts, we strive for the day when people of all faiths can follow their hearts and worship according to their consciences.; and
 Whereas Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, announced a first ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom which will be held from July 24 to July 26, 2018, as foreign ministers, civil society, and parliamentarians will convene to discuss shared strategies to advance and protect international religious freedom: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) by reaffirming the commitment of the United States to advance religious freedom as a fundamental part of United States foreign policy;
 (2)commends the Administration for its strong commitment to protect religious freedom globally and efforts to prioritize the protection of religious minorities from violence and other serious human rights abuses;
 (3)commends the Department of State, the Secretary of State, and the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom for hosting the Ministerial to Advance International Religious Freedom from July 24 to July 26, 2018, and for all their efforts to engage like-minded allies globally to advance religious freedom and protect vulnerable religious minorities;
 (4)commends United States allies that are working to protect religious freedom globally and those providing humanitarian aid and technical assistance to vulnerable religious minorities;
 (5)calls on the President, the Secretary of State, the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and Members of Congress to leverage the growing network of foreign religious freedom focused institutions and parliamentary groups including such bodies as the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the European Parliament Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance, the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and the Commonwealth Initiative for Freedom of Religion or Belief, among others;
 (6)calls on the President and the Secretary of State, in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended by the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–281), to continue strengthening United States religious freedom diplomacy and the training of United States diplomats in religious freedom;
 (7)reaffirms the commitment of Congress to work with the Administration to carry out the religious freedom priorities made in the 2018 National Security Strategy of the United States and develop a coordinated strategy to advance international religious freedom and protect vulnerable religious minorities globally;
 (8)calls on the President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and other relevant agencies, and working closely with like-minded allies, to develop a comprehensive response plan to protect and assist the victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, forced dislocations, mass detentions, and violence from extremist actors or terrorists, including in, among other places, Iraq, Syria, China, Burma, North Korea, Nigeria, and Somalia; and
 (9)calls on the President, the Secretary of State, and the United States Trade Representative to ensure that trade negotiations include religious freedom conditions as mandated by the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (title I of Public Law 114–26).


109 HCON 213 IH: Expressing the sense of Congress concerning the vital role of Medicare in the health care system of our Nation over the last 40 years.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-07-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 213
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 21, 2005
Mr. Dingell (for himself, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Stark, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Emanuel, Mr. Waxman, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Strickland, Ms. DeGette, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Allen, Mr. Davis of Florida, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Obey, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Schiff, Ms. Watson, Ms. Norton, Mr. Farr, Mr. Gutierrez, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Boucher, Mr. Engel, Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Payne, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Meek of Florida, Mr. Berman, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Davis of Tennessee, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Oberstar, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. McNulty, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Carnahan, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Levin, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, Mr. Skelton, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Ross, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Holden, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California, Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Moore of Kansas, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Filner, Mr. Kennedy of Rhode Island, Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Meehan, Mr. Stupak, Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Lee, Mrs. Jones of Ohio, Mr. Kucinich, Mr. Spratt, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Etheridge, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Costello, Ms. Harman, Mr. Dicks, Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Tanner, and Ms. Solis) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress concerning the vital role of Medicare in the health care system of our Nation over the last 40 years.

Whereas Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Independence, Missouri, on July 30, 1965, as title XVIII of the Social Security Act;
Whereas Medicare was created to provide health insurance to the elderly in part because only about half of the elderly population had health insurance;
Whereas Medicare continues to achieve its purpose of improving health and financial security for Medicare beneficiaries by assuring access to affordable health care and contributing to the significant decrease in the poverty rate among the elderly, which has fallen from nearly 30 percent in 1966 to approximately 10 percent in 2002;
Whereas Medicare played a fundamental role, together with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in desegregating the American health care system by assuring access to care, regardless of race or age;
Whereas Medicare has contributed to improvements in life expectancy for persons over 65 years of age;
Whereas Medicare began with 19 million beneficiaries, and since then has provided for health care services for approximately 105 million beneficiaries over the last 40 years;
Whereas Medicare today provides comprehensive health insurance for nearly 42 million Americans, which includes more than 35 million senior citizens and 6 million people under 65 years of age who are permanently disabled, and by 2030 the number of Americans who will rely on Medicare for their health care is expected to reach 78 million, which is nearly double the number today;
Whereas Medicare ensures coverage along a continuum of health care settings such as inpatient hospital care, physician and outpatient hospital care, and other post-hospitalization benefits such as home health care, skilled nursing facility services, and hospice care;
Whereas Medicare has evolved over time to help beneficiaries maintain health, prevent disease and injury, and to provide better benefits, including more preventive care, such that Medicare, which covered about 42 percent of expenditures for the elderly in 1968, covered approximately 55 percent of expenditures by 1997;
Whereas Medicare serves a diverse population of beneficiaries with complex health care needs—71 percent of beneficiaries have two or more chronic health conditions, 29 percent are in fair to poor health, and 23 percent have cognitive impairments;
Whereas many who depend upon Medicare have modest incomes and assets—a majority of Medicare beneficiaries have incomes below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level—$19,140 for individuals and $25,660 for married couples in 2005—and 48 percent of non-institutionalized Medicare beneficiaries have assets below $10,000;
Whereas Medicare provides health insurance for nearly 6 million individuals under the age of 65 who live with disabilities or illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, depression, and HIV/AIDS, and who are more likely than those who are elderly to be in poor health and be unable to live independently and perform basic activities of daily living;
Whereas Medicare provides health insurance coverage for nearly one-in-five adult women in the United States and plays an especially important role in assuring access to health care for older women who have lower average annual incomes than men of the same age (average difference in income being $14,000) and fewer resources to pay for health care services;
Whereas Medicare covers important preventive and health maintenance services, including vaccinations, prostate and mammography screening, bone mass measurement, and glaucoma screening;
Whereas Medicare has achieved its major purpose of providing access for the elderly and individuals with disabilities to needed health care such that nearly 98 percent of elderly adults report that they have access to needed health care;
Whereas elderly Medicare beneficiaries are more satisfied with their coverage than privately insured nonelderly adults that Medicare beneficiaries are more likely to rate their health insurance coverage as very good or excellent and to report they were very satisfied with the care they received;
Whereas Medicare is a remarkably efficient program, with administrative costs that average less than 2 percent of expenditures compared to about 12 percent in private plans and average per capita cost increases below those of the private sector, further highlighting its efficiency; and
Whereas the Medicare provider standards, such as those for hospital certification and nursing home quality, as well as its support of graduate medical education, have greatly improved the quality and safety of health care provided to all Americans; Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of Congress that—
(1)for the past 40 years, Medicare has made significant medical, social, and economic contributions to our Nation;
(2)the access to care provided by Medicare has changed the course of health outcomes for the elderly and those with disabilities, preventing physical deterioration and preventing more individuals from slipping into poverty;
(3)the program standards set under Medicare have brought social benefits such as quality certification and oversight of medical facilities to the benefit of all Americans; and
(4)Congress must continue to support and strengthen this vital Federal health insurance program that guarantees all Medicare beneficiaries affordable quality health care that meets their needs.


113 HR 2617 IH: Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-07-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2617
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 8, 2013
			Ms. Edwards (for
			 herself and Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of
			 Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Science, Space, and
			 Technology, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Natural Resources, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To establish the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National
		  Historical Park on the Moon, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy
			 Act.
		2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)on July 20, 1969,
			 Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. Buzz Aldrin Jr. became the first
			 people to set foot on another celestial body, during the Apollo 11
			 mission;
			(2)between 1969 and
			 1972, Apollo Missions 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 all saw American astronauts
			 visit the surface of the Moon;
			(3)the 1970 Apollo 13
			 mission, which was aborted due to a serious malfunction en route to the Moon,
			 also circled the Moon;
			(4)the Apollo lunar
			 program was one of the greatest achievements in American history;
			(5)as commercial enterprises and foreign
			 nations acquire the ability to land on the Moon it is necessary to protect the
			 Apollo lunar landing sites for posterity; and
			(6)establishing the Historical Park under this
			 Act will expand and enhance the protection and preservation of the Apollo lunar
			 landing sites and provide for greater recognition and public understanding of
			 this singular achievement in American history.
			3.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are—
			(1)to preserve and
			 protect for the benefit of present and future generations the nationally
			 significant historic sites associated with the Historical Park;
			(2)to preserve and
			 protect for scientific inquiry the artifacts described in section 5(b);
			 and
			(3)to improve public
			 understanding of the Apollo program and its legacy through preservation of the
			 historic resources associated with the Apollo lunar landing sites.
			4.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)AdministratorThe
			 term Administrator means the Administrator of the National
			 Aeronautics and Space Administration.
			(2)Apollo lunar
			 landing sitesThe term Apollo lunar landing sites
			 means all areas of the Moon where astronauts and instruments connected to the
			 Apollo program between 1969 and 1972 touched the lunar surface.
			(3)Historical
			 ParkThe term
			 Historical Park means the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National
			 Historical Park established under section 5.
			(4)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
			5.Establishment of
			 Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park
			(a)EstablishmentNot later than 1 year after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, there shall be established as a unit of the National
			 Park System the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park.
			(b)Park
			 componentsThe Historical
			 Park may only be comprised, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with
			 the Administrator, of—
				(1)the artifacts on
			 the surface of the Moon associated with the Apollo 11 mission, which landed on
			 the lunar surface July 20, 1969, at Mare Tranquillitatis;
				(2)the artifacts on the surface of the Moon
			 associated with the Apollo 12 mission, which landed on the lunar surface
			 November 19, 1969, at Oceanus Procellarum;
				(3)the artifacts on the surface of the Moon
			 associated with the Apollo 13 mission, which had an instrumentality crash land
			 on the lunar surface April 14, 1970;
				(4)the artifacts on the surface of the Moon
			 associated with the Apollo 14 mission, which landed on the lunar surface
			 February 5, 1971, at Fra Mauro;
				(5)the artifacts on the surface of the Moon
			 associated with the Apollo 15 mission, which landed on the lunar surface July
			 30, 1971, at Hadley-Apennines;
				(6)the artifacts on the surface of the Moon
			 associated with the Apollo 16 mission, which landed on the lunar surface April
			 21, 1972, at Descartes; and
				(7)the artifacts on the surface of the Moon
			 associated with the Apollo 17 mission, which landed on the lunar surface
			 December 11, 1972, at Taurus-Littrow.
				6.Administration
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall administer the Historical Park in
			 accordance with—
				(1)this Act;
				(2)the laws generally
			 applicable to units of the National Park System, including—
					(A)the National Park
			 System Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and
					(B)the Act of August
			 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.); and
					(3)applicable
			 international law and treaties.
				(b)General
			 management planNot later than 18 months after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator, pursuant to the
			 interagency management agreement entered into under section 7(a), shall jointly
			 complete a general management plan for the Historical Park.
			(c)Donations;
			 cooperative agreements
				(1)Agreements with
			 other Federal agenciesThe
			 Secretary may enter into one or more agreements with the head of a Federal
			 agency to provide public access to, and management, interpretation, and
			 historic preservation of, historically significant Apollo lunar landing site
			 resources under the jurisdiction or control of the Federal agency.
				(2)Donations;
			 cooperative agreementsThe Secretary may accept donations from,
			 and enter into cooperative agreements with, foreign governments and
			 international bodies, organizations, or individuals to further the purpose of
			 an interagency agreement entered into under paragraph (1) or to provide visitor
			 services and administrative facilities within reasonable proximity to the
			 Historical Park.
				(3)Donations to
			 nasaFor the purposes of this Act, the Administrator may accept,
			 hold, administer, and use gifts, bequests, and devises (including labor and
			 services).
				7.Management
			 agreement
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
			 Act, the Secretary and the Administrator shall enter into an agreement
			 providing for the primary management of the Historical Park by the
			 Administrator. The agreement shall delineate the respective duties and
			 responsibilities of the Secretary and the Administrator in managing the
			 Historical Park. Responsibilities of the Administrator shall specifically
			 include—
				(1)ensuring proper
			 monitoring of the Apollo lunar landing sites;
				(2)managing access to
			 the sites, including through coordination with other spacefaring nations and
			 entities; and
				(3)in conjunction
			 with the Director of the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring an accurate
			 cataloguing of items in the Historical Park.
				(b)Other
			 agenciesThe Secretary and the Administrator shall consult with
			 other agencies, as needed, to effectively carry out management of the
			 Historical Park.
			8.World Heritage
			 Site designationNot later
			 than 1 year after the establishment of the Historical Park, the Secretary, in
			 consultation with the Administrator, shall submit the Apollo 11 lunar landing
			 site to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
			 (UNESCO) for designation as a World Heritage Site.
		9.Smithsonian
			 InstitutionNothing in this
			 Act shall be construed to alter or terminate any existing agreements between
			 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Smithsonian
			 Institution concerning the management of National Aeronautics and Space
			 Administration historical artifacts.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1767
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 26, 2009
			Mr. Paul introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the
		  first-time homebuyer credit retroactive to the beginning of 2008 and to
		  permanently extend the credit.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Fair Housing Tax Credit Extension Act
			 of 2009.
		2.Application of
			 first-time homebuyer credit
			(a)In
			 generalSubsection (h) of
			 section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as
			 follows:

					(h)Application of
				sectionThis section shall
				only apply to a principal residence purchased by the taxpayer after December
				31, 2007.
					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to
			 principal residences purchased after December 31, 2007.


116 HR 2730 IH: College for All Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2730IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 21, 2021Ms. Jayapal (for herself, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Khanna, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. McNerney, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Norton, Mr. Welch, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Omar, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Takano, Mr. Jones, Mr. Bowman, Ms. Williams of Georgia, Ms. Bush, Mr. Swalwell, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Torres of New York, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Vargas, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Gomez, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Meng, Ms. Chu, Mr. Grijalva, and Ms. Pressley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure College for All.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the College for All Act of 2021.IFederal-State partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees 101.Federal-State partnership to eliminate tuition and required feesThe Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:IXFederal-State partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees 901.Grant program to eliminate tuition and required fees at public institutions of higher education and tribal colleges and universities(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Award yearThe term award year has the meaning given the term in section 481(a).(2)Community collegeThe term community college means—(A)a public institution of higher education at which the credential that is predominantly awarded to students is at the sub-baccalaureate level; or(B)a public postsecondary vocational institution, as defined under section 102(c).(3)Cost of attendanceThe term cost of attendance has the meaning given the term in section 472.(4)Dual or concurrent enrollment programThe term dual or concurrent enrollment program has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.(5)Early college high schoolThe term early college high school has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.(6)Eligible Indian entityThe term eligible Indian entity means the entity responsible for the governance, operation, or control of a Tribal College or University.(7)Eligible studentThe term eligible student means an individual, regardless of age, who has not obtained a baccalaureate degree or higher degree and—(A)is enrolled, or plans to enroll, in a community college in the State in which the individual is a resident or in a 2-year Tribal College or University; or(B)is a working class or middle class student, as described in subsection (d)(3), who is enrolled or plans to enroll in a 4-year public institution of higher education in the State in which the individual is a resident or in a 4-year Tribal College or University.(8)Full-time equivalent eligible studentsThe term full-time equivalent eligible students, when used with respect to an institution of higher education, has the meaning given the term full-time equivalent students, except that the calculation shall be made based on the number of eligible students enrolled at such institution.(9)Full-time equivalent studentsThe term full-time equivalent students means the sum of the number of students enrolled full time at an institution, plus the full-time equivalent of the number of students enrolled part time (determined on the basis of the quotient of the sum of the credit hours of all part-time students divided by 12) at such institution.(10)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101.(11)Public 4-year institution of higher educationThe term public 4-year institution of higher education means a public institution of higher education that is not a community college.(12)Tribal College or UniversityThe term Tribal College or University has the meaning given the term in section 316(b)(3).(13)2-year Tribal College or UniversityThe term 2-year Tribal College or University means a Tribal College or University at which the credential that is predominantly awarded to students is at the sub-baccalaureate level.(14)4-year Tribal College or UniversityThe term 4-year Tribal College or University means a Tribal College or University that is not a 2-year Tribal College or University.(b)Program authorized(1)Grants authorizedFrom amounts appropriated under subsection (g), the Secretary shall award grants, from allotments under subsection (c), to States and eligible Indian entities having applications approved under subsection (e), to enable the States and eligible Indian entities—(A)to eliminate tuition and required fees for all eligible students at community colleges in the State or at 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity; and(B)to eliminate tuition and required fees for working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), at public 4-year institutions of higher education in the State or 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity.(2)Non-federal share requirement(A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), each State or eligible Indian entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide a non-Federal share of funds for an award year from non-Federal sources in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of the amount required to eliminate tuition and required fees—(i)in the case of a State, at community colleges in the State for all eligible students and at public 4-year institutions of higher education in the State for working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), for the award year; and(ii)in the case of an eligible Indian entity, at 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity for all eligible students and at 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity for working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), for the award year.(B)Non-federal share requirement for certain eligible Indian entities(i)In generalIn the case of an eligible Indian entity that receives a grant under this section for an award year for which not less than 75 percent of the students enrolled in the 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities and 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity are low-income students, such eligible Indian entity shall provide a non-Federal share of funds from non-Federal sources in an amount that is equal to not more than 5 percent of the amount necessary to eliminate tuition and required fees at 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity for all eligible students and at 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity for working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), for the award year.(ii)Low-income studentIn this subparagraph, the term low-income student has the meaning given such term by the Secretary, except that such term shall not exclude any student eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under section 401.(iii)DataIn calculating the number of enrolled students and low-income students for purposes of clause (i), the Secretary shall use—(I)for the first award year of the program under this section, the number of students enrolled in award year 2019–2020; and(II)for each subsequent award year, the projected student enrollment numbers for the award year for which the allotment is made.(C)Automatic stabilizer(i)In generalNotwithstanding subparagraph (A) and subsection (c)(1), in the case in which a trigger is turned on—(I)under clause (ii) with respect to a State, the Secretary shall—(aa)apply subparagraph (A), by substituting 10 percent for 25 percent; and(bb)apply subsection (c)(1), by substituting 90 percent for 75 percent; and(II)under clause (iii) with respect to an eligible Indian entity, the Secretary shall—(aa)in the case in which subparagraph (B) is not applicable—(AA)apply subparagraph (A), by substituting 10 percent for 25 percent; and(BB)apply subsection (c)(1), by substituting 90 percent for 75 percent; or(bb)in the case in which subparagraph (B) is applicable—(AA)apply subparagraph (B)(i), by substituting 3 percent for 5 percent; and(BB)apply subsection (c)(1), by substituting 97 percent for 95 percent.(ii)Trigger for StatesA trigger shall be turned on under this clause with respect to a State if— (I)the 3-month moving average of the national prime-age employment-to-population ratio (PAEPOP) is less than 98 percent of the maximum in the previous 12 months, and such trigger shall stay on until the 3-month moving average of the national PAEPOP has improved for three consecutive months and is above 95 percent of the maximum in the 12 months before the trigger was turned on; (II)the 3-month moving average of the total unemployment rate (TUR) of the State is at or above 7.5 percent, and such trigger shall stay on until the 3-month moving average of the TUR of the State falls below 7.5 percent.; or(III)the 3-month moving average of the total unemployment rate (TUR) of the State is at or above 108 percent of the maximum in the previous 12 months, and such trigger shall stay on until the 3-month moving average of the TUR of the State falls below 115 percent of the maximum in the 12 months before the trigger was turned on. (iii)Trigger for eligible Indian entityA trigger shall be turned on under this clause with respect to an eligible Indian entity if any Tribal College or University governed, operated, or controlled by the eligible Indian entity is located in a State for which a trigger is turned on under clause (ii). (iv)Inclusion of Determination in Employment Statistics ReportsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics shall include in each monthly employment situation report and each State unemployment and employment report published by the Commissioner a specific determination of whether any State or national trigger is turned on under this subparagraph. (3)No in-kind contributionsNo in-kind contribution shall count toward the non-Federal share requirement under paragraph (2).(4)Sustain and expand existing programsThe Secretary shall encourage States to sustain and expand tuition-free College Promise programs that are in existence on the date of enactment of the College for All Act of 2021, especially for programs that cover the last dollar of tuition and fees after exhausting Federal and State aid . (c)Determination of allotment(1)First award year of programThe Secretary shall allot, to each eligible State or eligible Indian entity that submits an application under this section for a grant under subsection (b)(1) for the first award year of the program under this section, an amount that is equal to 75 percent (or not less than 95 percent in the case of an eligible Indian entity described in subsection (b)(2)(B)) of the total revenue received—(A)in the case of a State, from all eligible students at community colleges in the State and from working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), at public 4-year institutions of higher education in the State in the form of tuition and required fees for—(i)with respect to a State that did not eliminate tuition and required fees as described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (d) for the preceding award year, award year 2019–2020; or(ii)with respect to a State that has eliminated tuition and required fees as described in such paragraphs, the last award year that the State charged tuition and required fees; and(B)in the case of an eligible Indian entity, from all eligible students at 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity and from working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), at 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity, in the form of tuition and required fees for—(i)with respect to an eligible Indian entity that did not eliminate tuition and required fees as described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (d) for the preceding award year, award year 2019–2020; or(ii)with respect to an eligible Indian entity that has eliminated tuition and required fees as described in such paragraphs, the last award year for which the eligible Indian entity charged tuition and required fees.(2)First award year allotment for States and eligible indian entities applying after the first year of the program(A)In generalThe Secretary shall allot to each eligible State or eligible Indian entity that submits its first application for a grant under subsection (b)(1) for the second or a subsequent year of the program under this section, an amount equal to—(i)the product of—(I)the allotment the eligible State or eligible Indian entity would have received in the first award year of the program under this section if the State or eligible Indian entity had submitted an application for such year;(II)the projected full-time equivalent eligible students figure for all community colleges and public 4-year institutions of higher education of the eligible State, or all 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities and 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity, for the award year for which the allotment is made; and(III)the amount of additional expenditures per full-time equivalent eligible student by the eligible State or eligible Indian entity that will be necessary to eliminate tuition and required fees for each such student for the award year for which the allotment is made; divided by(ii)the product of—(I)the full-time equivalent eligible students figure for all community colleges and public 4-year institutions of higher education of the eligible State, or all 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities and 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity, for the first award year of the program for which the eligible State or eligible Indian entity was eligible to submit an application under this section; and(II)the amount of expenditures per full-time equivalent eligible student by the eligible State or eligible Indian entity that would have been necessary to eliminate tuition and required fees for each such student for the first award year of the program for which the eligible State or eligible Indian entity was eligible to submit an application under this section.(B)Projected enrollmentIf the projected full-time equivalent eligible students figure of the State or eligible Indian entity under subparagraph (A) is more than 25 percent larger than the full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the preceding year, the Secretary may challenge such enrollment projection and offer an alternative enrollment projection which shall be used in the formula under subparagraph (A) for determining the allotment.(3)Subsequent award years(A)In generalThe Secretary shall allot to an eligible State or eligible Indian entity submitting an application for a grant under subsection (b)(1) for a second or subsequent year after receiving a grant under paragraph (1) or (2), an amount equal to—(i)the product of—(I)the allotment received for the first award year for which the eligible State or eligible Indian entity submitted an application;(II)the projected full-time equivalent eligible students figure for all community colleges and public 4-year institutions of higher education of the eligible State, or all 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities and 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity, for the award year for which the allotment is made; and(III)the amount of additional expenditures per full-time equivalent eligible student by the eligible State or eligible Indian entity that will be necessary to eliminate tuition and required fees for each such student for the award year for which the allotment is made; divided by(ii)the product of—(I)the full-time equivalent eligible student figure for all community colleges and public 4-year institutions of higher education of the eligible State, or all 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities and 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity, for the first award year that the State or eligible Indian entity participates under paragraph (1) or (2), as the case may be; and(II)the amount of expenditures per full-time equivalent eligible student by the eligible State or eligible Indian entity that was necessary to eliminate tuition and required fees for each such student for the first award year that the State or eligible Indian entity participates under paragraph (1) or (2), as the case may be.(B)Projected enrollmentIf the projected full-time equivalent eligible students figure of the State or eligible Indian entity under subparagraph (A) is more than 25 percent larger than the full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the preceding year, the Secretary may challenge such enrollment projection and offer an alternative enrollment projection which shall be used in the formula under subparagraph (A) for determining the allotment.(4)Actual enrollment figures(A)In generalBy not later than November 1 of the second award year for which a State or eligible Indian entity receives an allotment under this section, and each succeeding November 1, such State or eligible Indian entity shall report to the Secretary its actual full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the preceding award year.(B)AdjustmentsIf the actual full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the preceding award year reported under subparagraph (A)—(i)exceeds the projected enrollment that was used for determining the allotment for the preceding award year, notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the allotment for the award year in which the November 1 date falls for the State or eligible Indian entity shall be increased to reflect such actual enrollment, which figure shall be increased by the State Gross Domestic Product Price Index, or the Gross Domestic Product Price Index of the State in which the eligible Indian entity operates; or(ii)is below the projected enrollment that was used for determining the allotment for the preceding award year, notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the allotment for the award year in which the November 1 date falls for the State or eligible Indian entity shall be decreased to reflect such actual enrollment, which figure shall be increased by the average interest rate on 5-year United States Treasury securities issued during the preceding award year.(5)Additional fundsIf a State or eligible Indian entity provides additional funds toward reducing the cost of attendance and improving instruction at institutions of higher education beyond the cost of eliminating tuition and required fees as described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (d) for any award year that is more than the non-Federal share requirement under subsection (b)(2) and the maintenance of expenditures requirement under paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (d), the Secretary shall provide to the State or eligible Indian entity an amount equal to such additional funding provided by the State or eligible Indian entity, which amount provided by the Secretary may be used for the activities described in subsection (f)(2).(d)State and eligible Indian entity eligibility requirementsIn order to be eligible to receive an allotment under this section for an award year, a State or eligible Indian entity shall comply with the following:(1)Ensure that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity maintain expenditures on instruction per full-time equivalent student at levels that are equal to or exceed the expenditures on instruction per full-time equivalent student for award year 2019–2020.(2)Ensure that tuition and required fees for eligible students in the State's community college system or eligible students in the 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity are eliminated.(3)(A)Ensure that tuition and required fees for eligible students attending the State's public 4-year institutions of higher education or eligible students attending the 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity are eliminated as follows:(i)For the first award year of the program under this section, the State or eligible Indian entity shall eliminate tuition and required fees for such students—(I)who are dependent students, whose parents' adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than $125,000; and(II)who are independent students, whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than $125,000.(ii)For each award year after the first award year of the program under this section, the State or eligible Indian entity shall eliminate tuition and required fees for such students—(I)who are dependent students, whose parents' adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than the applicable amount; and(II)who are independent students, whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than the applicable amount.(B)(i)In this paragraph, the term applicable amount means an amount equal to, for any award year beginning after the calendar year that precedes the calendar year in which the first award year of the program under this section begins, the greater of—(I)the amount determined under this subparagraph for the preceding award year, or(II)an amount equal to the product of—(aa)$125,000, and(bb)the ratio of—(AA)the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 409(k)(1))) for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the applicable award year begins, to(BB)the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2020.(ii)If any amount determined under clause (i) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.(4)Maintain State operating expenditures per full-time equivalent student for public institutions of higher education in the State, or operating expenditures per full-time equivalent student for Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity, excluding the amount of funds provided under this section, at a level that is equal to or exceeds the level of such support for award year 2019–2020.(5)Maintain State expenditures on need-based financial aid programs for enrollment in public institutions of higher education in the State or expenditures on need-based financial aid programs for enrollment in Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity at a level that is equal to or exceeds the level of such support for award year 2019–2020.(6)Ensure public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity maintain funding for institutional need-based student financial aid in an amount that is equal to or exceeds the level of such support for award year 2019–2020.(7)Provide an assurance that not later than 5 years after the first award year for which the grant is awarded, not less than 75 percent of instruction at public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity is provided by tenure-track or tenured faculty.(8)Provide an assurance that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity make it a priority to hire from the existing adjunct, contract, contingent, and non-tenure track or tenured faculty pool for tenure-track or tenured faculty positions. (9)Require that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity provide, for each student enrolled at the institution who receives the maximum Federal Pell Grant award under subpart 1 of part A of title IV, institutional student financial aid (excluding student loans) in an amount equal to 100 percent of the difference between—(A)the cost of attendance at such institution; and(B)the sum of—(i)the amount of the maximum Federal Pell Grant award; and(ii)the student's expected family contribution.(10)Ensure that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity not adopt policies to reduce enrollment.(11)Provide an assurance that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity will not charge out of State students an amount that exceeds the marginal cost of attending institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity.(12)Provide an assurance that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity that charge non-eligible in-State students tuition and required fees, will not charge such students a rate that exceeds the rate for the last year that tuition and required fees were charged to eligible students, increased by the percentage change for subsequent years in the expenditures per full-time equivalent eligible student by the State or eligible entity that is necessary to continue to eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students.(13)Provide an assurance that public institutions of higher education in the State or Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity maintain a disability services personnel to enrolled student ratio of 1 to 500, and that such full-time employees be specifically dedicated to serving students with disabilities. (e)Submission and contents of applicationFor each award year for which a State or eligible Indian entity desires a grant under this section, an application shall be submitted to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall be submitted by—(1)in the case of a State, the State agency with jurisdiction over higher education or another agency designated by the Governor or chief executive of the State to administer the program under this section; and(2)in the case of an eligible Indian entity, the eligible Indian entity or a Tribal College or University of the eligible Indian entity.(f)Use of funds(1)In generalA State or eligible Indian entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds and the non-Federal share funds required under this section—(A)to eliminate tuition and required fees for all eligible students at community colleges in the State or at 2-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity; and(B)to eliminate tuition and required fees for working class and middle class eligible students, as described in subsection (d)(3), at public 4-year institutions of higher education in the State or 4-year Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity. (2)Additional fundingOnce tuition and required fees have been eliminated pursuant to paragraph (1), a State or eligible Indian entity that receives a grant under this section shall use any remaining grant funds and non-Federal share funds required under this section to reduce the cost of attendance and increase the quality of instruction and student support services at public institutions of higher education in the State or at Tribal Colleges and Universities of the eligible Indian entity by carrying out any of the following: (A)Providing additional non-loan aid to students, which may include need-based student financial aid, to reduce or eliminate the cost of attendance for a public institution of higher education or a Tribal College or University beyond eliminating tuition and required fees.(B)Expanding academic course offerings and high-quality occupational skills training programs to students.(C)Increasing the number and percentage of full-time instructional faculty, including full-time tenure and tenure-track instructional faculty.(D)Providing all faculty with professional supports to help students succeed, such as professional development opportunities, office space, and shared governance in the institution.(E)Compensating part-time faculty for work done outside of the classroom relating to instruction, such as holding office hours.(F)Strengthening and ensuring all students have access to student support services such as academic advising, counseling, and tutoring.(G)Expanding access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs.(H)Establishing prison education programs in partnership with local or State correctional facilities.(I)Any other additional activities that improve instructional quality and academic outcomes for students as approved by the Secretary through a peer review process.(3)ProhibitionA State or eligible Indian entity that receives a grant under this section may not use grant funds or non-Federal share funds required under this section—(A)for the construction of a nonacademic facility, such as a student center or stadium;(B)for merit-based student financial aid;(C)for need-based student financial aid (except to the extent funds available under subsection (c)(5) are used to carry out paragraph (2)(A));(D)to pay the salaries or benefits of school administrators;(E)for capital outlays or deferred maintenance; or(F)for expenditures on athletics other than activities open to all members of the campus community.(g)Authorization of appropriations(1)In generalThere are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, to carry out this section—(A)such sums as may be necessary for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021; and (B)such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2030.(2)Availability of fundsFunds made available pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) shall be available for obligation from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Funds made available pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1) shall be available for obligation through September 30 of the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year for which such sums were appropriated.902.Grant program for private historically black colleges and universities and private minority-serving institutions(a)DefinitionsExcept as otherwise provided, in this section:(1)Community collegeThe term community college has the meaning given the term in section 901.(2)Eligible institution(A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (D), the term eligible institution means a private, nonprofit 2-year institution or 4-year institution that—(i)is—(I)a part B institution (as defined in section 322);(II)a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 502);(III)a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316) whose entity responsible for the governance, operation, or control of the College or University has not received a grant under section 901;(IV)an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as defined in section 317(b));(V)a Predominantly Black institution (as defined in section 371(c));(VI)an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in section 371(c)); or(VII)a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as defined in section 371(c));(ii)ensures that tuition and required fees for eligible students enrolled in the institution are eliminated during any period for which the institution receives a grant under this section;(iii)maintains expenditures on instruction per a full-time equivalent eligible student at levels that meet or exceed the expenditures on instruction per a full-time equivalent eligible student for award year 2019–2020;(iv)maintains expenditures on need-based financial aid programs for students enrolled at the institution at a level that meets or exceeds the level of such support for award year 2019–2020;(v)provides an assurance that the institution will increase the amount of instruction provided by tenured or tenure-track faculty; and(vi)does not adopt policies to reduce enrollment.(B)2-year institutionThe term 2-year institution means an institution at which the credential that is predominantly awarded to students is at the sub-baccalaureate level.(C)4-year institutionThe term 4-year institution means an institution that is not a 2-year institution.(D)Exception(i)In generalAn eligible institution as described in subparagraph (A) shall not be an eligible institution for purposes of this section for the period described in clause (ii) if such institution was a for-profit institution at any time that converted to a nonprofit institution.(ii)Period of ineligibilityAn institution described under clause (i) shall not be an eligible institution for purposes of this section for a period of 25 years from the date the institution converted from a for-profit institution to a nonprofit institution or 25 years after the date of enactment of this Act, whichever period is longer.(3)Eligible student(A)In generalThe term eligible student means a student enrolled in an eligible institution who has not obtained a baccalaureate degree or a higher degree and—(i)for the first award year of the program under this section, if the student— (I)is a dependent student, the student's parents' adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than $125,000; or(II)is an independent student, the student's adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than $125,000; and(ii)for each award year after the first award year of the program under this section, if the student—(I)is a dependent student, the student's parents' adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than the applicable amount; and(II)is an independent student, the student's adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is 1 year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the award year is equal to or less than the applicable amount.(B)Applicable amount(i)In generalIn this paragraph, the term applicable amount means an amount equal to, for any award year beginning after the calendar year that precedes the calendar year in which the first award year of the program under this section begins, the greater of—(I)the amount determined under this subparagraph for the preceding award year, or(II)an amount equal to the product of—(aa)$125,000, and(bb)the ratio of—(AA)the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 409(k)(1))) for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the applicable award year begins, to(BB)the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2020.(ii)RoundedIf any amount determined under clause (i) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100. (4)Full-time equivalent eligible studentsThe term full-time equivalent eligible students means the sum of the number of eligible students projected to enroll full time at an institution for an award year, plus the full-time equivalent of the number of eligible students projected to be enrolled part time (determined on the basis of the quotient of the sum of the credit hours of all part-time eligible students divided by 12) at such institution, for such award year.(5)Public 4-year institution of higher educationThe term public 4-year institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 901.(b)Authorization of grant program(1)In generalFrom amounts appropriated under subsection (e), the Secretary shall award grants, from allotments under paragraph (2), to eligible institutions having applications approved under subsection (c), to enable the eligible institutions to eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students.(2)AllotmentsSubject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall allot, for each award year, to each eligible institution having an application approved under subsection (c), an amount that is equal to the product of—(A)tuition and required fees for eligible students at the eligible institution for the award year, and(B)the number of full-time equivalent eligible students projected to enroll in the eligible institution for the award year.(3)Limitations(A)Limitations on institutional allotmentsIn making allotments under paragraph (2) for an award year, the Secretary shall not award an allotment that is—(i)with respect to an eligible institution that operates in a State that has eliminated tuition and required fees as described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 901(d) for the preceding award year, more than the amount equal to the product of—(I)the number of projected full-time equivalent eligible students for the award year; and(II)the expenditures per full-time equivalent eligible student, including the Federal allotment and non-Federal share, under section 901 for the preceding award year for the State (or, in the case of a State that did not receive a grant under such section for the preceding award year, the amount needed to eliminate tuition and required fees for full-time equivalent eligible students in the State, calculated in the same manner as such amount is calculated under section 901(c) for the preceding award year for the State), at—(aa)if the eligible institution is a 2-year institution, community colleges in the State in which the institution operates; or(bb)if the eligible institution is a 4-year institution, public 4-year institutions of higher education in the State in which the institution operates; and(ii)with respect to an eligible institution that operates in a State that has not eliminated tuition and required fees as described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 901(d) for the preceding award year, more than the amount equal to the product of—(I)the number of projected full-time equivalent eligible students for the award year; and(II)the average tuition and required fees for the preceding award year at—(aa)if the eligible institution is a 2-year institution, public 2-year institutions of higher education in the State in which the institution operates; or(bb)if the eligible institution is a 4-year institution, public 4-year institutions of higher education in the State in which the institution operates.(B)Limitations on tuition hikes(i)First award yearFor the first award year for which an eligible institution applies for a grant under this section, such eligible institution shall not increase tuition and required fees at a rate that is greater than any annual increase in tuition and required fees at the eligible institution for the 5 years preceding such first award year.(ii)Succeeding award years(I)In generalFor each award year after the first award year for which an eligible institution receives a grant under this section, such eligible institution shall not increase tuition and required fees for eligible students from the preceding award year at a rate that is greater than the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for the award year for which the grant is received, as compared to the Employment Cost Index for the award year preceding the award year for which the grant is received.(II)Employment cost indexIn this subparagraph, the term Employment Cost Index, when used with respect to an award year, means the Employment Cost Index for total compensation for private industry workers by bargaining status and census region and division (not seasonally adjusted) of the division in which the eligible entity is located, as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, that is provided for the December that immediately precedes the start of the award year.(4)Actual enrollment figures(A)In generalBy not later than November 1 of the second award year for which an eligible institution receives a grant under this section, such eligible institution shall report to the Secretary its actual full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the preceding award year.(B)AdjustmentsIf the actual full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the preceding award year reported under subparagraph (A)—(i)exceeds the projected enrollment that was used for determining the allotment under subparagraph (2)(B) for the preceding award year, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the allotment for the award year in which the November 1 date falls for the eligible institution shall be increased to reflect such actual enrollment, which figure shall be increased by the Gross Domestic Product Price Index of the State in which the eligible institution operates; or(ii)is below the projected enrollment that was used for determining the allotment under subparagraph (2)(B) for the preceding award year, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the allotment for the award year in which the November 1 date falls for the eligible institution shall be decreased to reflect such actual enrollment, which figure shall be increased by the average interest rate on 5-year United States Treasury securities issued during the preceding award year.(c)ApplicationAn eligible institution that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.(d)ProhibitionAn eligible institution that receives a grant under this section may not use grant funds under this section—(1)for the construction of a nonacademic facility, such as a student center or stadium;(2)for merit-based or need-based student financial aid;(3)to pay the salaries or benefits of school administrators;(4)for capital outlays or deferred maintenance; or(5)for expenditures on athletics other than activities open to all members of the campus community.(e)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, to carry out this section—(1)such sums as may be necessary for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021; and(2)such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2031..IIFederal Pell Grant improvements201.Federal Pell Grant improvements(a)Mandatory fundingSection 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) is amended—(1)in subsection (a)(1), by striking through fiscal year 2017;(2)in subsection (b)—(A)by striking paragraph (1); (B)by striking subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2);(C)by redesignating subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) as paragraph (2);(D)by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)) the following:(1)AmountThe amount of the Federal Pell Grant for a student eligible under this subpart shall be—(A)the maximum Federal Pell Grant described in paragraph (7); less(B)the amount equal to the amount determined to be the expected family contribution with respect to such student for such year.;(E)in paragraph (4), by striking maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant award determined under paragraph (2)(A) and inserting maximum Federal Pell Grant described in paragraph (7);(F)in paragraph (5), by striking maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant award determined under paragraph (2)(A) and inserting maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant award described in paragraph (7);(G)by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:(7)Maximum Federal Pell Grant(A)Award year 2021–2022For award year 2021–2022, the maximum Federal Pell Grant shall be—(i)in the case of an eligible student who is in attendance at an institution of higher education described in section 101 or a Tribal College or University described in section 316(b)(3), $12,990; or(ii)in the case of an eligible student who is in attendance at an institution of higher education not described in clause (i), $6,495.(B)Subsequent award yearFor award year 2022–2023, the maximum Federal Pell Grant shall be equal to the total maximum Federal Pell Grant for award year 2021–2022 (applicable to the institution at which the eligible student is in attendance) under this paragraph—(i)increased by the annual adjustment percentage for the award year for which the amount under this subparagraph is being determined; and(ii)rounded to the nearest $5.(C)Definition of annual adjustment percentageIn this paragraph, the term annual adjustment percentage, as applied to an award year, is equal to the estimated percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (as determined by the Secretary, using the definition in section 478(f)) for the most recent calendar year ending prior to the beginning of that award year.; and(H)in paragraph (8)(B), by striking may exceed and all that follows through the period and inserting may exceed the maximum Federal Pell Grant available for an award year.;(3)in subsection (c)(5)—(A)by striking shall not exceed 12 semesters, or the equivalent of 12 semesters, as determined by the Secretary by regulation and inserting shall not exceed 7 years and 6 months; and(B)by striking only that same fraction of such semester or equivalent and inserting only that same fraction of such year;(4)in subsection (e), by striking Any disbursement allowed to be made by crediting the student's account shall be limited to tuition and fees and, in the case of institutionally owned housing, room and board. The student may elect to have the institution provide other such goods and services by crediting the student's account. and inserting Payments under this section may be used by the student for living and non-tuition expenses.; (5)in subsection (f)—(A)in paragraph (1), by striking the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: After receiving an application for a Federal Pell Grant under this subpart, the Secretary (including any contractor of the Secretary processing applications for Federal Pell Grants under this subpart) shall, in a timely manner, furnish to the student financial aid administrator at each institution of higher education that a student awarded a Federal Pell Grant under this subpart is attending, the expected family contribution for each such student. Each such student financial administrator shall— ; and(B)in paragraph (3)—(i)by striking after academic year 1986–1987; and(ii)in paragraph (3), by striking the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and;(6)by striking subsections (g) and (h);(7)by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections (g) and (h), respectively; and(8)by adding at the end the following:(k)Appropriation of fundsThere are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2021 and each subsequent fiscal year to provide the maximum Federal Pell Grant for which a student shall be eligible under this section during an award year..(b)Repeal of scoring requirementSection 406 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress) is amended—(1)by striking subsection (b); and(2)by striking (a) In general.—Upon and inserting the following: Upon.(c)Amendment to the FAFSA Simplification Act(1)In generalSection 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by section 703 of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260), is amended— (A)in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) and inserting the following:(5)Maximum Federal Pell Grant(A)In generalFor award year 2023–2024, and each subsequent award year, the total maximum Federal Pell Grant shall be equal to the total maximum Federal Pell Grant for the preceding award year (applicable to the institution at which the eligible student is in attendance)—(i)increased by the annual adjustment percentage for the award year for which the amount under this subparagraph is being determined; and(ii)rounded to the nearest $5.(B)Definition of annual adjustment percentageIn this paragraph, the term annual adjustment percentage, as applied to an award year, is equal to the estimated percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (as determined by the Secretary, using the definition in section 478(f)) for the most recent calendar year ending prior to the beginning of that award year.(6)Appropriation of fundsThere are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent fiscal year to provide the maximum Federal Pell Grant for which a student shall be eligible under this section during an award year.(7)No effect on previous appropriationsThe amendments made to this section by the FAFSA Simplification Act shall not—(A)increase or decrease the amounts that have been appropriated or are available to carry out this section for fiscal year 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 as of the day before the effective date of such Act; or(B)extend the period of availability for obligation that applied to any such amount, as of the day before such effective date.;(B)in subsection (d)(5)(A), by striking shall not exceed 12 semesters, or the equivalent of 12 semesters, as determined by the Secretary by regulation and inserting shall not exceed 7 years and 6 months;(C)in subsection (f), by striking Any disbursement allowed to be made by crediting the student’s account shall be limited to tuition and fees, and food and housing if that food and housing is institutionally owned or operated. The student may elect to have the institution provide other such goods and services by crediting the student’s account. and inserting Payments under this section may be used by the student for living and non-tuition expenses.;(D)by striking subsections (g) and (h); and(E)by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections (g) and (h), respectively. (2)Effective dateThe amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in section 703 of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260) and subject to the effective date of section 701(b) of such Act. (d)Federal Pell Grant eligibility for DREAMer students(1)In generalSection 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091) is amended—(A)in subsection (a)(5), by inserting , or be a Dreamer student, as defined in subsection (u) after becoming a citizen or permanent resident; and(B)by adding at the end the following:(u)Dreamer students(1)In generalIn this section, the term Dreamer student means an individual who—(A)was younger than 16 years of age on the date on which the individual initially entered the United States;(B)has provided a list of each secondary school that the student attended in the United States; and(C)(i)has earned a high school diploma, the recognized equivalent of such diploma from a secondary school, or a high school equivalency diploma in the United States or is scheduled to complete the requirements for such a diploma or equivalent before the next academic year begins;(ii)has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has completed not less than 2 years in a program for a baccalaureate degree or higher degree at an institution of higher education in the United States and has made satisfactory academic progress, as defined in subsection (c), during such time period;(iii)at any time was eligible for a grant of deferred action under—(I)the June 15, 2012, memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland Security entitled Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children; or(II)the November 20, 2014, memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland Security entitled Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children and with Respect to Certain Individuals Who Are the Parents of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents; or(iv)has served in the uniformed services, as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code, for not less than 4 years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge.(2)Hardship exceptionThe Secretary shall issue regulations that direct when the Department shall waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) or (B), or both, of paragraph (1) for an individual to qualify as a Dreamer student under such paragraph, if the individual—(A)demonstrates compelling circumstances for the inability to satisfy the requirement of such subparagraph (A) or (B), or both; and(B)satisfies the requirement of paragraph (1)(C)..(2)Amendment to the FAFSA Simplification Act(A)In generalSection 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by section 702(n)(1)(A) of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260), is amended by adding at the end the following:(u)Dreamer students(1)In generalIn this section, the term Dreamer student means an individual who—(A)was younger than 16 years of age on the date on which the individual initially entered the United States;(B)has provided a list of each secondary school that the student attended in the United States; and(C)(i)has earned a high school diploma, the recognized equivalent of such diploma from a secondary school, or a high school equivalency diploma in the United States or is scheduled to complete the requirements for such a diploma or equivalent before the next academic year begins;(ii)has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has completed not less than 2 years in a program for a baccalaureate degree or higher degree at an institution of higher education in the United States and has made satisfactory academic progress, as defined in subsection (c), during such time period;(iii)at any time was eligible for a grant of deferred action under—(I)the June 15, 2012, memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland Security entitled Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children; or(II)the November 20, 2014, memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland Security entitled Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children and with Respect to Certain Individuals Who Are the Parents of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents; or(iv)has served in the uniformed services, as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code, for not less than 4 years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge.(2)Hardship exceptionThe Secretary shall issue regulations that direct when the Department shall waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) or (B), or both, of paragraph (1) for an individual to qualify as a Dreamer student under such paragraph, if the individual—(A)demonstrates compelling circumstances for the inability to satisfy the requirement of such subparagraph (A) or (B), or both; and(B)satisfies the requirement of paragraph (1)(C)..(B)Effective dateThe amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect as if included in section 702(n)(1)(A) of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260) and subject to the effective date of section 701(b) of such Act. (e)Full exclusion from gross income for Pell Grants(1)In generalSection 117(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(3)Special rule for Pell grantsAmounts received under a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.) shall be treated as an amount received as a qualified scholarship notwithstanding whether such amount was used for qualified tuition and related expenses..(2)Effective dateThe amendment made by this subsection shall apply to amounts received in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. IIIEquity Grants301.Pell BonusTitle III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051a et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:HEquity grants399A.Equity grants(a)In generalThe Secretary shall award grants to eligible institutions to enable the eligible institutions to invest in support programs with the goal of improving student outcomes. (b)Eligible institutionsIn this section:(1)In generalThe term eligible institution means—(A)an under-funded institution; or (B)a— (i)part B institution (as defined in section 322);(ii)Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 502);(iii)Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316);(iv)Alaska Native-serving institution (as defined in section 317(b));(v)Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as defined in section 317(b));(vi)Predominantly Black Institution (as defined in section 318);(vii)Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in section 320(b)); or(viii)Native American-serving, nontribal institution (as defined in section 319).(2)Under-funded institutionThe term under-funded institution means a public 2-year institution of higher education or public 4-year institution of higher education that receives less than the national average State appropriations per full-time equivalent students.(c)ApplicationsAn eligible institution 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, including, if the eligible institution is an under-funded institution—(1)an assurance that the State in which the institution is located will provide a non-Federal share of funds for an award year from non-Federal sources in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of the amount required to carry out the activities described in this section; and(2)a description of how the State in which the institution is located will prioritize spending for under-funded institutions in the State and close gaps in State appropriations per full-time equivalent students and will institution in the State described in subsection (b)(1)(B).(d)Grant amountsThe Secretary shall award a grant under this section to an eligible institution in an amount based on the number of students enrolled at the institution who receive a Federal Pell Grant.(e)Use of grant fundsAn eligible institution that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds exclusively to invest in support programs with the goal of improving student outcomes such as attendance, grades, and graduation rates, including through— (1)making investments in reforming remedial education;(2)making investments in academic advisors, mental health counselors, trauma-informed care, and tutors; and(3)reducing class sizes.(f)GoalsThe Secretary shall set goals on student outcomes for eligible institutions that receive grants under this section.(g)ProgressThe Secretary shall track progress in improving student outcomes for eligible institutions that receive grants under this section, including conducting independent evaluations of support programs funded under this section.(h)Supplement, no supplantAn eligible institution that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to supplement, and not supplant, any non-Federal funds available to improve student outcomes. (i)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—(1)such sums as may be necessary for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021; (2)$10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and(3)such sums as may be necessary for each of the following fiscal years..IVIncreasing support for students401.Increasing success for low-income and first generation students(a)Authorization of appropriations for federal TRIO programsSection 402A(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a–11(g)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following: For the purpose of making grants and contracts under this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2031..(b)Authorization of appropriations for GEAR UP programsSection 404H of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a–28) is amended by striking $400,000,000 and all that follows through the period and inserting $736,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025..VSnyder Act501.Rule of construction regarding the Snyder ActNothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be construed to change or abrogate the Federal Government’s responsibilities under the Act of November 2, 1921 (commonly known as the Snyder Act) (25 U.S.C. 13).


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1663
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 19, 2007
			Mr. Kerry (for himself
			 and Ms. Snowe) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Small Business and
			 Entrepreneurship

		A BILL
		To amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to
		  reauthorize the New Markets Venture Capital Program, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Securing Equity for the Economic
			 Development of Low Income Areas Act of 2007 or the
			 SEED Act.
		2.DefinitionsIn this Act—
			(1)the terms Administration and
			 Administrator mean the Small Business Administration and the
			 Administrator thereof, respectively;
			(2)the term
			 low-income geographic area has the same meaning as in section 351
			 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689), as amended by
			 this Act;
			(3)the term
			 New Markets Venture Capital company has the same meaning as in
			 section 351 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689);
			 and
			(4)the term
			 New Markets Venture Capital Program means the program under part B
			 of title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689 et
			 seq.).
			3.Diversification
			 of New Markets Venture Capital Program
			(a)Selection of
			 companies in each geographic regionSection 354 of the Small Business
			 Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689c) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

					(f)Geographic
				requirementIn selecting companies to participate as New Markets
				Venture Capital companies in the program established under this part, the
				Administrator shall select, to the extent practicable, from among companies
				submitting applications under subsection (b), at least 1 company from each
				geographic region of the
				Administration.
					.
			(b)Participation in
			 New Markets Venture Capital Program
				(1)Administration
			 participation requiredSection 353 of the Small Business
			 Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689b) is amended in the matter preceding
			 paragraph (1), by striking under which the Administrator may and
			 inserting under which the Administrator shall.
				(2)Small
			 manufacturer participation agreements requiredSection 353 of the
			 Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689b) is amended—
					(A)by striking
			 In accordance with this part, and inserting the
			 following:

							(a)In
				generalIn accordance with this
				part,
							;
					(B)in subsection
			 (a)(1), as so designated by this paragraph, by inserting after section
			 352 the following: (with at least 1 such agreement to be with a
			 company engaged primarily in development of and investment in small
			 manufacturers, to the extent practicable); and
					(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

							(b)Rule of
				constructionSubsection (a)(1) shall not be construed to
				authorize the Administrator to decline to enter into a participation agreement
				with a company solely on the basis that the company is not engaged primarily in
				development of and investment in small
				manufacturers.
							.
					4.Establishment of
			 Office of New Markets Venture CapitalTitle II of the Small Business Investment
			 Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 671) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

				202.Office of New
				Markets Venture Capital
					(a)EstablishmentThere is established in the Investment
				Division of the Administration, the Office of New Markets Venture
				Capital.
					(b)DirectorThe
				Office of New Markets Venture Capital shall be headed by a Director, who shall
				be a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service, as those terms are
				defined in section 3132 of title 5, United States Code.
					(c)Responsibilities
				of DirectorThe responsibilities of the Director of the Office of
				New Markets Venture Capital include—
						(1)to administer the
				New Markets Venture Capital Program under part B of title III;
						(2)to assess, not
				less frequently than once every 2 years, the nature and scope of the New
				Markets Venture Capital Program and to advise the Administrator on recommended
				changes to the program, based on such assessment;
						(3)to work to expand
				the number of small business concerns participating in the New Markets Venture
				Capital Program; and
						(4)to encourage
				investment in small
				manufacturing.
						.
		5.Low-income
			 geographic areas
			(a)In
			 generalSection 351 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958
			 (15 U.S.C. 689) is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:

						(2)Low-income
				geographic areaThe term low-income geographic area
				has the meaning given the term low-income community in section 45D
				of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to the new markets tax
				credit).
						;
				and
				(2)by redesignating
			 paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively.
				(b)Application of
			 amended definition to capital requirementThe definition of a
			 low-income geographic area in section 351(2) of the Small Business Investment
			 Act of 1958, as amended by subsection (a), shall apply to private capital
			 raised under section 354(d)(1) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15
			 U.S.C. 689c(d)(1)) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this
			 Act.
			6.Limitation on
			 time for final approval of companiesSection 354(d) of the Small Business
			 Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689c(d)) is amended by striking a
			 period of time, not to exceed 2 years, and inserting 2
			 years.
		7.Applications for
			 New Markets Venture Capital ProgramNot later than 60 days after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall prescribe standard documents for
			 an application for final approval by a New Markets Venture Capital company
			 under section 354(e) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C.
			 689c(e)). The Administrator shall ensure that such documents are designed to
			 substantially reduce the cost burden of the application process on a company
			 making such an application.
		8.Operational
			 assistance grantsSection
			 358(a)(4)(A) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C.
			 689g(a)(4)(A)) is amended to read as follows:

				(A)New markets
				venture capital companiesNotwithstanding section 354(d)(2), the
				amount of a grant made under this subsection to a New Markets Venture Capital
				company shall be equal to the lesser of—
					(i)10 percent of the private capital raised by
				the company; or
					(ii)$1,000,000.
					.
		9.Authorization of
			 appropriationsSection 368(a)
			 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689q(a)) is
			 amended—
			(1)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
			 striking fiscal years 2001 through 2006 and inserting
			 fiscal years 2007 through 2010; and
			(2)in paragraph (2),
			 by striking $30,000,000 and inserting
			 $20,000,000.