Summary: First Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through July 31, 2007.

amends higher education extension act extend programs higher education act july


Summary: Veterans Education Tuition Support Act or VETS Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, in the case of a servicemember who because of military service discontinues a program of education at an institution that administers a federal financial aid program, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit because of such military service; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when the program was discontinued because of the military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against student loan indebtedness.

servicemembers civil relief act require institution higher education case servicemember military service program education institution administers federal financial aid program refund servicemember tuition fees paid portion program education servicemember receive academic credit military service provide servicemember opportunity reenroll institution educational academic status servicemember program discontinued military service requires provider student loan respect servicemember servicemember program education comparable program months following period military service disregard entire period education discontinued determining date student loan repayment begin servicemember reenroll require loan repayment begin later day month period date repayment required begin prohibits court granting creditor relief limit interest charged student loan indebtedness


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay to each individual entitled to basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill and pursuing a program of education with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math a lump-sum payment of $2,000 per academic year, or fraction thereof for enrollment lasting less than a year. Makes such amount in addition to any other educational assistance to which the individual is entitled.

directs secretary veterans_affairs pay individual entitled basic educational assistance montgomery bill pursuing program education focus science technology engineering math lump sum payment academic year thereof enrollment lasting year makes addition educational assistance individual entitled


Summary: Amends title IV (Student Assistance) the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a part I Federal Supplemental Loan program under which the Secretary of Education provides fixed and variable interest rate loans to undergraduates and graduates who attend institutions of higher education (IHEs) on a full-time basis. Requires the rate for fixed loans and the margin for variable loans to be set at a level that results in the lowest rate for a borrower that will result in no net cost to the government. Sets the maximum Supplemental loan amount at a student's cost of attending an IHE minus the financial aid awarded to such student and the amount such student is eligible for but does not receive under the Federal Family Education Loan program. Directs the Secretary to offer Supplemental loan borrowers the same repayment plans offered under the Direct Loan program.

amends title student assistance higher education act establish program secretary education provides fixed variable interest rate loans undergraduates graduates attend institutions higher education ihes time basis requires rate fixed loans margin variable loans set level results lowest rate borrower result net cost government sets maximum supplemental loan student cost attending ihe minus financial aid awarded student student eligible receive federal_family_education_loan program directs secretary offer supplemental loan borrowers repayment plans offered direct_loan program


Summary: Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals and the spouses of individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months.

interest relief act amends higher education act provide interest shall accrue student loans federal_direct_loan program individuals spouses individuals serving active duty performing national_guard duty war military operation national emergency limits receipt benefit months


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include the Kentucky State University qualified graduate program on the list of graduate schools and programs that the Secretary of Education may deem eligible for title III Institutional Aid due to their making substantial contributions to providing Black Americans with graduate education opportunities.

amends higher education act include qualified graduate program list graduate schools programs secretary education deem eligible title making substantial contributions providing black americans graduate education opportunities


Summary: Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through October 31, 2007.

amends higher education extension act extend programs higher education act october


Summary: National Guard and Reserve Educational Benefits Fairness Act of 2007 - Provides educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the National Guard and Reserve for extended service on continuous active duty that includes prolonged service in certain theaters of operation.

benefits fairness act provides educational assistance montgomery bill members national_guard_and_reserve extended service continuous active duty includes prolonged service certain theaters operation


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2008 the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

amends internal revenue code extend tax deduction qualified tuition related expenses


Summary: Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through March 31, 2008. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to consider trustees acting on behalf of certain governmental or tax-exempt entities as eligible nonprofit holders of Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs), regardless of whether or not such entities are eligible FFEL lenders.

higher education extension act amends higher education extension act extend programs higher education act march amends higher education act consider trustees acting behalf certain governmental tax exempt entities eligible nonprofit holders federal_family_education_loans ffels regardless entities eligible ffel lenders


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the meaning of economic hardship under the Federal Family Education Loan or Perkins Loan and related loan insurance programs. Considers borrowers under such programs to be suffering economic hardship if they are working full-time, have a federal educational debt burden equal to at least 20% of their adjusted gross income, and the difference between their adjusted gross income minus such debt burden is less than 220% of the greater of: (1) the annual earnings of an minimum wage earner; or (2) 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size.

amends higher education act respect meaning economic hardship federal_family_education_loan perkins_loan related loan insurance programs considers borrowers programs suffering economic hardship working time federal educational debt burden equal adjusted gross income difference adjusted gross income minus debt burden greater annual earnings minimum wage poverty line applicable family size


Summary: Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (the Act) made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Specifies the untaxed income and benefits which the Act excluded from the list of untaxed income and benefits considered in federal student need analyses (thereby, specifically excluding them from such analyses). Provides that, for married borrowers who file separate tax returns, income-based loan repayments under the HEA shall be determined solely on the basis of the individual borrower's student loan debt and adjusted gross income. Amends the Act to make technical amendments with respect to Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants.

makes technical changes amendments act higher education act hea specifies untaxed income benefits act excluded list untaxed income benefits considered federal student need analyses specifically excluding analyses provides married borrowers file separate tax returns income based loan repayments hea shall determined solely basis individual borrower student loan debt adjusted gross income amends act technical amendments respect teach grants


Summary: Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

amends title student assistance higher education act cancel perkins loans time federal state local fire fighters


Summary: National STEM Scholarship Database Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish and maintain, on the public website of the Department of Education, a database of information on public and private programs of financial assistance for the study of postsecondary and graduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires that such database: (1) provide separate information for each field of study; (2) be searchable by category and combinations of categories; (3) indicate programs targeted toward specific demographic groups; (4) provide searchers with program sponsor contact information and hyperlinks; and (5) include a recommendation that students and families carefully review application requirements and a disclaimer that scholarships presented in the database are not provided or endorsed by the Department or the federal government.Requires the Secretary and the entity contracted to furnish and regularly update information to consult with public and private sources of scholarships and make easily available a process for the sources to provide regular and updated information.

national stem scholarship database act directs secretary education establish maintain public website department_of_education database information public private programs financial assistance study postsecondary graduate science technology engineering mathematics requires database provide separate information field study searchable category combinations categories indicate programs targeted specific demographic groups provide program sponsor contact information hyperlinks include recommendation students families carefully review application requirements disclaimer scholarships presented database provided endorsed department federal government requires secretary entity contracted furnish regularly update information consult public private sources scholarships easily available process sources provide regular updated information


Summary: Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act of 2008 - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to permit any member of the Armed Forces (currently, only members with critical military skills) entitled to basic educational assistance to elect to transfer a portion of such assistance to one or more dependents. Removes the 18-month limitation on the number of months of entitlement authorized to be transferred. Provides similar eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who have completed at least six years of service and enter into an agreement to remain a member of such Reserve for at least four more years.

montgomery bill educational assistance transferability act amends montgomery bill educational assistance program authorize secretary military department concerned permit member armed_forces currently members critical military skills entitled basic educational assistance elect transfer portion assistance dependents removes month limitation number months entitlement authorized transferred provides similar eligibility transfer educational assistance members selected_reserve completed years service enter agreement remain member reserve years


Summary: College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships between rural institutions of higher education (IHEs) and rural local educational agencies, rural education service agencies, regional employers, or rural education nonprofit organizations for activities to: (1) improve the rural IHE enrollment rates of rural secondary school graduates and former attendees; and (2) encourage nontraditional students' participation in rural IHE degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between rural IHEs and regional employers to: (1) provide additional training to rural IHE attendees in careers relevant to the regional economy; and (2) encourage regional businesses to employ rural IHE graduates. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to rural IHEs to create or strengthen academic programs that prepare graduates to enter high-need occupations in the regional and local economies. Requires the Comptroller General to investigate, and make recommendations to Congress regarding the improvement of, rural access to four-year IHEs and degree programs.

college cure act amends higher education act authorize secretary education award grants partnerships rural institutions higher education ihes rural local educational agencies rural education service agencies regional employers rural education nonprofit organizations activities improve rural ihe enrollment rates rural secondary school graduates attendees encourage nontraditional students participation rural ihe degree programs authorizes secretary award grants partnerships rural ihes regional employers provide additional training rural ihe attendees careers relevant regional economy encourage regional businesses employ rural ihe graduates authorizes secretary award grants rural ihes create strengthen academic programs prepare graduates enter high need occupations regional local economies requires comptroller general investigate recommendations congress improvement rural access year ihes degree programs


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to: (1) prepare a report for specified congressional committees on the adequacy of the financial aid offer forms issued by federally-assisted institutions of higher education (IHEs); and (2) develop model financial aid offer formats based on the report's findings. Requires such formats to include, in a consumer-friendly manner, specified information regarding: (1) the student's total and net cost of attending the IHE; (2) available scholarships, loans, and work assistance; and (3) where to obtain additional information on the financial aid offered. Directs each IHE to use one of the model formats as part of its financial aid offer form, and provide such form to current or prospective students and their parents in time for them to consider the format information before applying for or selecting an educational loan.

amends higher education act direct secretary education prepare report specified congressional committees adequacy financial aid offer forms issued federally assisted institutions higher education ihes develop model financial aid offer formats based report findings requires formats include consumer friendly manner specified information student total net cost attending ihe available scholarships loans work assistance obtain additional information financial aid offered directs ihe use model formats financial aid offer form provide form current prospective students parents time consider format information applying selecting educational loan


Summary: Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to establish programs that support veterans who are students by providing and coordinating services that address their academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Requires each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.

returning veterans act amends higher education act authorize secretary education award year grants institutions higher education establish programs support veterans students providing coordinating services address academic financial physical social needs requires grantee establish campus center_of_excellence veteran student success provides single point contact coordination comprehensive support services students veterans requires secretary develop evaluation accountability plan measuring effect programs veterans success postsecondary education


Summary: Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to treat current active National Guard and Reserve personnel who have completed their initial military training as independent students in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act. Prohibits educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in such need analyses.

student veteran financial aid fairness act amends higher education act treat current active national_guard_and_reserve personnel completed initial military training independent students analyses need assistance title student assistance act prohibits educational assistance provided specified benefit programs veterans members selected_reserve considered need analyses


Summary: Higher Education Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through April 30, 2008.

higher education extension act amends higher education extension act extend programs higher education act april


Summary: Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the hope and lifetime learning tax credits with a higher education opportunity tax credit.Allows a higher education opportunity tax credit for 100% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including a certain allowance for books) up to $1,000, 50% for such expenses between $1,000 and $3,000, and 20% of such expenses between $3,000 and $5,500. Reduces credit amounts for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes over $70,000 ($140,000 in the case of a joint return). Allows an increased tax credit for students who served certain periods of active duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001.Limits such credit to three eligible students per taxpayer in any taxable year and for four taxable years. Denies such credit to certain part-time students and students convicted of a felony drug offense. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

higher education opportunity act amends internal revenue code replace hope lifetime learning tax credits higher education opportunity tax credit allows higher education opportunity tax credit qualified tuition related expenses including certain allowance books expenses expenses reduces credit amounts taxpayers modified adjusted gross incomes case joint return allows increased tax credit students served certain periods active duty armed_forces september credit eligible students taxpayer taxable year taxable years denies credit certain time students students convicted felony drug offense repeals tax deduction qualified tuition related expenses


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to suspend students' eligibility for assistance under title IV for being convicted of committing controlled substance offenses while in receipt of such assistance only if the convicting courts order such suspension. (Currently, a conviction suffices.)

amends higher education act suspend students eligibility assistance title convicted committing controlled substance offenses receipt assistance courts order suspension currently conviction


Summary: Strengthening Student Aid for All Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum annual and aggregate unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts that may be provided to undergraduate students under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. Allows parents of dependent students to defer PLUS FFEL principal repayment until such students cease to be enrolled as undergraduates on at least a half-time basis. Directs the Secretary of Education to act as the secondary market of last resort for FFELs, until July 2009, by purchasing such loans from lenders who cannot sell them in the private financial markets and thereby raise the capital needed to make new loans. Permits the Secretary to act in such capacity after such date if economic conditions threaten timely, uninterrupted access to student loans. Changes title IV need analyses by allowing the calculation of a negative expected family contribution. Increases the Pell Grant available to students whose expected family contribution is a negative number. Allows institutions of higher education (IHEs) to participate in the FFEL lender-of-last-resort program, thereby requiring guaranty agencies serving as lenders of last resort to make FFELs to students of such IHEs regardless of their ability to otherwise obtain such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to advance needed funds to guaranty agencies acting as lenders of last resort in such situations.

strengthening student aid act amends higher education act increase maximum annual aggregate unsubsidized stafford loan amounts provided undergraduate students federal_family_education_loan ffel program allows parents dependent students defer plus ffel principal repayment students cease enrolled undergraduates half time basis directs secretary education act secondary market resort ffels july purchasing loans lenders sell private financial markets raise capital needed new loans permits secretary act capacity date economic conditions threaten timely uninterrupted access student loans changes title need analyses allowing calculation negative expected family contribution increases pell grant available students expected family contribution negative number allows institutions higher education ihes participate ffel lender resort program requiring guaranty agencies serving lenders resort ffels students ihes regardless ability obtain loans authorizes secretary advance needed funds guaranty agencies acting lenders resort situations


Summary: Emergency Student Loan Market Liquidity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to allow federal home loan banks to: (1) invest surplus funds in student loan securities; (2) accept student loans and student loan-related securities as collateral; and (3) provide secured long-term advances to member banks so that they can finance the origination of student loans or purchase or finance student loan-related securities. Limits the application of this Act to Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) made under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Makes the banks' authority effective for investments and advances made between February 1, 2008, and two years after this Act's enactment.

emergency student loan market liquidity act amends federal_home_loan_bank act allow federal home loan banks invest surplus funds student loan securities accept student loans student loan related securities collateral provide secured long term advances member banks finance origination student loans purchase finance student loan related securities limits application act federal_family_education_loans ffels higher education act makes banks authority effective investments advances february years act enactment


Summary: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to declare that nothing in the Act prohibits a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other healthcare professional or paraprofessional from consulting with or disclosing treatment records on a student who is 18 years old or older or who is attending a postsecondary educational institution to a healthcare professional or paraprofessional outside the educational institution in connection with the provision of treatment to the student. Prohibits deeming the release by an educational institution of education records or related personally identifiable information, in the good faith belief that such release is necessary to protect against a threat to the health or safety of the student or other persons, to be a failure to comply with the Act regardless of whether it is subsequently determined that the specified conditions for such release did not exist. Allows the release of education records to appropriate persons in an emergency if the knowledge of that information is necessary, according to the good faith belief of the educational institution or persons to whom the disclosure is made, to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.

family educational rights privacy act amendments amends family educational rights privacy act declare act prohibits physician psychiatrist psychologist healthcare professional paraprofessional consulting disclosing treatment records student years old older attending postsecondary educational institution healthcare professional paraprofessional outside educational institution connection provision treatment student prohibits deeming release educational institution education records related personally identifiable information good faith belief release necessary protect threat health safety student persons failure comply act regardless subsequently determined specified conditions release exist allows release education records appropriate persons emergency knowledge information necessary according good faith belief educational institution persons disclosure protect health safety student persons


Summary: Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Enhancement Act of 2008 - Recodifies and revises under federal veterans' benefits law a current chapter under federal armed forces law concerning educational assistance for reserve personnel supporting contingency operations and certain other operations. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to carry out such assistance program. Directs the Secretary of each military department, and the Secretary of Homeland Security when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, to provide notice to individuals who meet program eligibility requirements. Revises educational assistance allowance rates based on periods of active duty service. Provides a ten-year limit after separation for the use of such assistance for a member of the Selected Reserve who completes a required period of service under other than dishonorable conditions. Requires the Secretary of Defense to transfer to the Secretary, by the beginning of FY2010, amounts provided or remaining in the Department of Defense Education Benefits Fund that are attributable to the reserve educational assistance program.

reap enhancement act recodifies revises federal veterans benefits law current chapter federal armed forces law concerning educational assistance reserve personnel supporting contingency operations certain operations requires secretary veterans_affairs secretary carry assistance program directs secretary military department secretary homeland_security operating service navy provide notice individuals meet program eligibility requirements revises educational assistance allowance rates based periods active duty service provides year limit separation use assistance member selected_reserve completes required period service dishonorable conditions requires secretary defense transfer secretary beginning fy2010 amounts provided remaining attributable reserve educational assistance program


Summary: Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Preventing Unfair and Deceptive Private Educational Lending Practices and Eliminating Conflicts of Interest - (Sec. 101) Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions.Prohibits such lender from marketing loans in any way that implies the institution endorses the lender's private educational loans (co-branding).Prohibits an employee in the financial aid office of an educational institution who has responsibilities regarding financial aid, and also serves on an advisory group established by a lender, from receiving anything of value from such lender. States it is unlawful for a lender to impose a fee or penalty for early repayment or prepayment of any private educational loan.Subjects violations of this Act to civil liability.Title II: Improved Disclosures for Private Educational Loans - (Sec. 201) Sets forth mandatory terms and disclosures governing private educational loans, including applications and solicitations without the requirement of an application.Requires the lender to disclose before the loan transaction is consummated the terms governing the interest rate and payments.Applies the Truth in Lending Act to all private educational loans.Title III: College Affordability - (Sec. 301) Requires the appropriate federal financial supervisory agency to give a private educational lender credit toward meeting community credit needs, for purposes of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, for making low-cost private educational loans to low-income borrowers.Title IV: Financial Literacy (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to engage in specified coordinated education efforts to enhance financial literacy among students at institutions of higher education. Directs the Financial Literacy and Education Commission to report to Congress on the state of financial education among students at institutions of higher education.Title V: Study and Report on Nonindividual Information - (Sec. 501) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact on borrowers of the inclusion of nonindividual factors, including cohort default rate, accreditation, and graduation rate at institutions of higher education, used in the underwriting criteria to determine the pricing of private educational loans.Requires such study to examine: (1) whether and to what extent the inclusion of nonindividual factors increases access to such loans for borrowers who lack credit history; or results in less favorable rates for them; and (2) affects the types of private educational loan products and rates available at certain institutions of higher education.Requires also an assessment of the extent to which the use of nonindividual factors in underwriting may have a disparate impact on the pricing of private educational loans, based on gender, race, income level, and institution of higher education.

private student loan transparency improvement act title preventing unfair sec amends truth lending act prohibit private educational lender offering providing gift specified educational institutions personnel exchange advantage consideration provided lender related educational loan activities engaging revenue sharing institutions prohibits lender marketing loans way implies institution endorses lender private educational loans employee financial aid office educational institution responsibilities financial aid serves advisory group established lender receiving value lender states unlawful lender impose fee penalty early repayment prepayment private educational loan subjects violations act civil liability title improved disclosures private educational loans sec sets forth mandatory terms disclosures governing private educational loans including applications solicitations requirement application requires lender disclose loan transaction consummated terms governing interest rate payments applies truth lending act private educational loans title iii college affordability sec requires appropriate federal financial supervisory agency private educational lender credit meeting community credit needs purposes making low cost private educational loans low income borrowers title financial literacy sec directs secretary treasury engage specified coordinated education efforts enhance financial literacy students institutions higher education directs report congress state financial education students institutions higher education title study report information sec directs comptroller general study report congress impact borrowers inclusion factors including cohort default rate accreditation graduation rate institutions higher education underwriting criteria determine pricing private educational loans requires study examine extent inclusion factors increases access loans borrowers lack credit history results favorable rates affects types private educational loan products rates available certain institutions higher education requires assessment extent use factors underwriting disparate impact pricing private educational loans based gender race income level institution higher education


Summary: PLUS Loan Borrower Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, with respect to eligibility for a PLUS Federal Family Education Loan, to specify an extenuating circumstance for purposes of determining if a borrower has an adverse credit history on the basis of a mortgage loan delinquency or foreclosure. Declares that an extenuating circumstance exists if, at any time from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2112, the borrower is 90 or more days delinquent on mortgage loan payments, or foreclosure proceedings have been initiated, with respect to the borrower's primary residence.

plus loan borrower protection act amends higher education act respect eligibility specify extenuating circumstance purposes determining borrower adverse credit history basis mortgage loan delinquency foreclosure declares extenuating circumstance exists time january december borrower days delinquent mortgage loan payments foreclosure proceedings initiated respect borrower primary residence


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through May 31, 2008. Provides that this extension shall take effect as if enacted on April 30, 2008.

amends extend programs higher education act provides extension shall effect enacted april


Summary: Coaching Our Adolescents for College Heights Act or the COACH Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to award a contract to a nonprofit organization to establish a seven-year pilot program under which recent college graduates commit to two terms of service as coaches to high-achieving, low- or middle-income high school students in exchange for national service awards for each term of service. Requires such coaches, which are to total 100 and operate in no more than five school districts, to: (1) build a strong college-going culture for all students in high schools with historically low college attendance rates; and (2) provide limited cohorts of high-achieving, low- or middle-income students with guidance in studies suited to college-bound students, and support during the college search and application processes. Requires the nonprofit organization to raise $3 of nonfederal funds for every $1 of federal funds provided under the contract. Directs the Corporation to contract with an independent agency to study the effects of the pilot program on the achievement of participating students and students in participating high schools. Requires the Corporation to plan an expansion of such program if it is shown to be effective in improving student achievement.

coaching adolescents college heights act coach act amends national community service act direct corporation_for_national_and_community_service award contract nonprofit organization establish seven year pilot program recent college graduates commit terms service coaches high achieving low- middle income high school students exchange national service awards term service requires coaches total operate school districts build strong college going culture students high schools historically low college attendance rates provide limited high achieving low- middle income students guidance studies suited college bound students support college search application processes requires nonprofit organization raise nonfederal funds federal funds provided contract directs corporation contract independent agency study effects pilot program achievement participating students students participating high schools requires corporation plan expansion program shown effective improving student achievement


Summary: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among those aliens not subject to worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons who have earned a master's or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and who have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree.

amends immigration nationality act include aliens subject worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons earned master higher degree institution higher education science technology engineering mathematics employment offer employer field related degree


Summary: Vietnam Education Foundation Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 to establish the Vietnam Education Foundation within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. (Current law establishes the Foundation as an independent establishment in the executive branch.) Transfers all functions and assets of the Foundation to the Bureau. Replaces the existing Board of Directors with a Vietnam Education Foundation Advisory Committee. Revises fellowship provisions to provide: (1) fellowships for post-secondary studies at U.S. institutions of higher education (current law provides fellowships for graduate and postgraduate levels); and (2) fellowship priority for students studying the basic sciences. Authorizes the Secretary of State, through the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, to award grants to institutions of higher education for a partnership with the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to establish an American Research College in Vietnam for undergraduate studies.

amends vietnam education foundation act establish current law establishes foundation independent establishment executive branch transfers functions assets foundation bureau replaces existing board_of_directors revises fellowship provisions provide fellowships post secondary studies institutions higher education current law provides fellowships graduate postgraduate levels fellowship priority students studying basic sciences authorizes secretary state assistant secretary award grants institutions higher education partnership government vietnam establish vietnam undergraduate studies


Summary: Preventing Student Loan Discrimination Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program from receiving special allowance payments (made to such lenders to compensate them for the difference between FFEL interest rates and market rates) if they deny FFELs to eligible borrowers because of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability status, income, attendance at a particular school participating in the FFEL program, education program length, or academic year in school.

preventing student loan discrimination act amends higher education act prohibit lenders federal_family_education_loan ffel program receiving special allowance payments lenders compensate difference ffel interest rates market rates deny ffels eligible borrowers race sex color religion national origin age disability status income attendance particular school participating ffel program education program length academic year school


Summary: Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the governor of Virginia to petition the Secretary of the Interior for authorization to conduct natural gas exploration and extraction activities in any area that is at least 50 miles beyond the state's coastal zone. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into a Clean Energy Fund of 50% of all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, and other sums due and payable to the United States from leases entered into under this Act for natural gas exploration and extraction activities. Requires deposit of the other 50% into a special account in the Treasury from which the Secretary shall disburse: (1) 75% to the state; (2) 12.5% to provide financial assistance to states in accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965; and (3) 12.5% to a reserve fund to be used to mitigate for any environmental damage that occur as a result of extraction activities authorized under this Act.

amends outer_continental_shelf_lands_act authorize governor virginia petition secretary interior authorization conduct natural gas exploration extraction activities area miles state coastal zone requires secretary treasury deposit clean energy fund rentals royalties bonus bids sums payable united_states leases entered act natural gas exploration extraction activities requires deposit special account treasury secretary shall disburse state provide financial assistance states accordance land_and_water_conservation_fund_act reserve fund mitigate environmental damage occur result extraction activities authorized act


Summary: National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to: (1) substitute "management" for "utilization" in the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources"; (2) substitute "extension services" for "advisory services" in the definition of "project"; and (3) add a definition for "regional research and information plan." (Sec. 5) Adds regional and national projects as elements of the national sea grant college program. Removes a reference to the sea grant review panel from provisions relating to the administration of the program. Refers to regional or national (under current law, national) strategic investments being developed with the approval of sea grant colleges and the sea grant institutes (under current law, with the approval of the sea grant review panel and the colleges and institutes). Revises the program director's duties. Requires that sea grants or contracts be responsive to the needs or problems of the nation, as well as to individual states and regions. (Sec. 6) Limits the special grant and graduate fellowship amounts that may be provided to 5% (under current law, 1%) of the amount appropriated for the National Sea Grant College Program. (Sec. 7) Requires that sea grant colleges provide extension (under current law, advisory) services. (Sec. 8) Exempts marine policy fellowships from federal cost sharing requirements. (Sec. 9) Redesignates the sea grant review panel as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and modifies it's duties and powers and various administrative matters. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Allows any appropriated amounts exceeding the amounts appropriated for FY2003 to be distributed (among other places) to certain regional or national (under current law, national) strategic investments. (Sec. 11) Repeals a National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 provision requiring an annual report to the House Committee on Resources and Science and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the Coastal Ocean Program and the National Sea Grant College Program, and the National Science Foundation.

sec amends program act substitute management utilization definition field related ocean coastal great_lakes resources substitute extension services advisory services definition project add definition regional research information plan sec adds regional national projects elements national sea grant college program removes reference sea grant review panel provisions relating administration program refers regional national current law national strategic investments developed approval sea grant colleges sea grant institutes current law approval sea grant review panel colleges institutes revises program director duties requires sea grants contracts responsive needs problems nation individual states regions sec limits special grant graduate fellowship amounts provided current law appropriated sec requires sea grant colleges provide extension current law advisory services sec exempts marine policy fellowships federal cost sharing requirements sec redesignates sea grant review panel modifies duties powers administrative matters sec authorizes appropriations carry act allows appropriated amounts exceeding amounts appropriated fy2003 distributed places certain regional national current law national strategic investments sec repeals national sea grant college program act amendments provision requiring annual report senate_committee_on_commerce science transportation coordination oceans coastal research activities national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa including national_science_foundation


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow payment of home school expenses from Coverdell education savings accounts.

amends internal revenue code allow payment home school expenses coverdell education savings accounts


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) payment of home school expenses from Coverdell education savings accounts; and (2) an annual inflation adjustment after 2008 to the contribution limit amount for such accounts.Makes permanent provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to Coverdell education savings accounts, including an increase in the contribution limit amount for such accounts.

amends internal revenue code allow payment home school expenses coverdell education savings accounts annual inflation adjustment contribution limit accounts makes permanent provisions economic_growth_and_tax_relief_reconciliation_act relating coverdell education savings accounts including increase contribution limit accounts


Summary: Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal in commemoration of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow to recognize his especially meritorious role as a warrior of the Crow Tribe, Army Soldier in World War II, tribal historian, and author.

gold medal act directs speaker house_of_representatives president senate appropriate arrangements presentation congressional gold medal commemoration recognize especially meritorious role warrior crow tribe army soldier world war tribal author


Summary: Pathways to College Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year grants to local educational agencies that serve mostly high-need secondary schools for programs to increase the number of students from low-income families who attend college. Defines "high-need secondary schools" as those where at least one-half of the students are from low-income families.Requires grantees to use such funds to: (1) train teachers and counselors to provide students with advice concerning postsecondary education; (2) ensure that each student receives postsecondary information and planning assistance before the end of their first semester of secondary school; (3) inform students and parents regarding the benefits, expenses, and financing of higher education; and (4) ensure that their schools develop comprehensive, school-wide plans of action to strengthen their college-going culture.Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees in calculating and analyzing their college-going rates and adopting best practices for elevating such rates.Requires grantees to measure externally verified school-wide college enrollment, track data that leads to increased college-going, and evaluate the success of their grant activities.

pathways college act authorizes secretary education award competitive year grants local educational agencies serve high need secondary schools programs increase number students low income families attend college defines high need secondary schools half students low income families requires grantees use funds train teachers counselors provide students advice concerning postsecondary education ensure student receives postsecondary information planning assistance end semester secondary school inform students parents benefits expenses financing higher education ensure schools develop comprehensive school wide plans action strengthen college going culture directs secretary provide technical assistance grantees calculating analyzing college going rates adopting best practices rates requires grantees measure verified school wide college enrollment track data leads increased college going evaluate success grant activities


Summary: GI Bill Fairness Act - Revises the amount payable to veterans for pursuit of a program of education under the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program to make such amount the highest amount charged by an institution of higher education in the appropriate state for tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students for full-time pursuit of such programs of education. Provides a monthly housing stipend for an individual pursuing a program of education through distance learning equal to the basic allowance for housing for a member residing in military housing in that area.

bill fairness act revises payable veterans pursuit program education veterans educational assistance program highest charged institution higher education appropriate state tuition fees state undergraduate students time pursuit programs education provides monthly housing stipend individual pursuing program education distance learning equal basic allowance housing member residing military housing area


Summary: Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General to designate a Deputy Chief in the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Makes the Deputy Chief responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations of criminal civil rights statutes in which the alleged violation occurred before January 1, 1970 and resulted in death. Directs the Attorney General to designate a Supervisory Special Agent in the Civil Rights Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the DOJ to investigate violations of criminal civil rights statutes that occurred before January 1, 1970, and resulted in a death. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state or local law enforcement agencies for the investigation and prosecution of such cases. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to authorize staff of an Inspector General to assist the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by conducting reviews of inactive case files to develop recommendations for further investigations and engaging in similar activities.

emmett till unsolved civil rights crime act directs attorney general designate deputy chief doj makes deputy chief responsible investigating prosecuting violations criminal civil rights statutes alleged violation occurred january resulted death directs attorney general designate supervisory special agent federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi doj investigate violations criminal civil rights statutes occurred january resulted death authorizes attorney general award grants state local law enforcement agencies investigation prosecution cases amends crime_control_act authorize staff inspector general assist national_center_for_missing exploited_children conducting reviews inactive case files develop recommendations investigations engaging similar activities


Summary: Fast Track to College Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching six-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish or support dual enrollment programs, such as early college high schools, that allow high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward a high school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate. Gives grant priority to applicants: (1) that propose to establish or support a dual enrollment program for a student body at least 40% of which is impoverished; and (2) from states that provide assistance to dual enrollment programs, such as assistance defraying the costs of higher education. Requires applicants to make assurances that students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses, and that those courses will be taught by faculty that meet their partner IHE's normal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to award six-year grants to states to: (1) plan and implement statewide strategies to make dual enrollment programs more accessible to students who are underrepresented in postsecondary education; and (2) provide technical assistance to local dual enrollment programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract for an independent evaluation of this Act's programs; and (2) provide technical assistance to LEAs and their partners, and disseminate information concerning best practices in dual enrollment programs.

fast track college act authorizes secretary education award matching year grants local educational agencies leas partner institutions higher education ihes establish support dual enrollment programs early college high schools allow high school students simultaneously earn credit high school diploma postsecondary degree certificate gives grant priority applicants propose establish support dual enrollment program student body impoverished states provide assistance dual enrollment programs assistance defraying costs higher education requires applicants assurances students required pay tuition fees postsecondary courses courses taught faculty meet partner ihe normal standards authorizes secretary award year grants states plan implement statewide strategies dual enrollment programs accessible students underrepresented postsecondary education provide technical assistance local dual enrollment programs directs secretary contract independent evaluation act programs provide technical assistance leas partners disseminate information concerning best practices dual enrollment programs


Summary: Promoting Innovations to 21st Century Careers Act - Authorizes the Director of the National Academic and Career Innovation Center to award certain planning, implementation, transitional, and supplemental grants to eligible state partnerships to carry out activities that will create and enhance the educational and career pathways for high school students to postsecondary schools (including registered apprenticeship programs) and to 21st century careers, particularly in high skill, high demand industries. Establishes the National Academic and Career Innovation Center. Authorizes the Director to evaluate and conduct research to determine the effectiveness of the career pathway initiatives under this Act.

promoting innovations 21st century careers act authorizes director award certain planning implementation transitional supplemental grants eligible state partnerships carry activities create enhance educational career pathways high school students postsecondary schools including registered apprenticeship programs 21st century careers particularly high skill high demand industries establishes authorizes director evaluate conduct research determine effectiveness career pathway initiatives act


Summary: Great Lakes Conservation Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) award grants to educational or nonprofit nongovernmental entities to conduct activities in states adjacent to a Great Lake to increase knowledge about, raise awareness of, or provide education regarding the importance of conservation of the Great Lakes; and (2) require grant recipients to submit reports on their activities under the grant program.

education act authorizes secretary commerce award grants educational nonprofit nongovernmental entities conduct activities states adjacent great lake increase knowledge raise awareness provide education importance conservation great lakes require grant recipients submit reports activities grant program


Summary: Supporting Mentors, Supporting Our Youth Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan forgiveness or cancellation under the Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan programs to student borrowers at institutions of higher education who volunteer to mentor an at-risk child for a period of at least one year. Provides $10 of loan forgiveness or cancellation for each hour of mentoring, but limits such forgiveness or cancellation to no more than $10,000 and no more than five years of mentoring for each borrower.

amends higher education act provide student loan forgiveness cancellation federal_family_education_loan direct_loan programs student borrowers institutions higher education volunteer mentor risk child period year provides loan forgiveness cancellation hour mentoring limits forgiveness cancellation years mentoring borrower


Summary: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that an alien seeking to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant foreign student (F visa) to study at a language training program enroll at a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education. Authorizes, during the three-year period after enactment of this Act, the granting of an F visa to an alien seeking to enter the United States to pursue a course of study at a language training program which has not been accredited or denied accreditation by such an accrediting entity but that has been certified by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Prohibits the granting of such visa if the language training program's sponsoring institution does not: (1) apply for program accreditation to an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) comply with the applicable accrediting requirements.

amends immigration nationality act require alien seeking enter united_states nonimmigrant foreign student visa study language training program enroll program accredited accrediting agency recognized secretary education authorizes year period enactment act granting visa alien seeking enter united_states pursue course study language training program accredited denied accreditation accrediting entity certified secretary homeland_security prohibits granting visa language training program sponsoring institution apply program accreditation accrediting agency recognized secretary education year date enactment act comply applicable accrediting requirements


Summary: Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act to revise the limitation on the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to purchase troubled assets through the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). Changes the Joint Resolution of Disapproval, regarding authority to purchase troubled assets, to a Joint Resolution of Approval. Prohibits the Secretary, that is, from exercising any authority to make any such purchases with regard to any TARP amount authorized, and unobligated as of November 14, 2008, unless within 15 calendar days after Congress receives a report of the Secretary's plan to exercise such authority, a joint resolution approving the plan is enacted into law.

amends emergency economic stabilization act revise limitation secretary treasury authority purchase troubled assets tarp changes joint resolution disapproval authority purchase troubled assets joint resolution approval prohibits secretary exercising authority purchases regard tarp authorized unobligated november calendar days congress receives report secretary plan exercise authority joint resolution approving plan enacted law


Summary: High-Speed Rail for America Act of 2008 - Establishes within the Federal Railroad Administration the Office of High-Speed Passenger Rail (HSPR Office) , headed by the Associate Administrator for High-Speed Rail. Requires the HSPR Office to: (1) assume responsibility for all high-speed rail activities currently carried out by the Office of Railroad Development; and (2) consult with the Secretary of Transportation to assist eligible entities to finance certain qualified high-speed intercity rail facility projects through the issuance of private activity bonds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for income tax-exempt qualified high-speed intercity rail facility bonds. Allows an income tax credit to holders of certain rail bonds that finance qualified super high-speed intercity rail facility projects and qualified rail infrastructure projects. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the use of excise taxes to fund high-speed rail projects.

high speed rail america act establishes headed associate administrator high speed rail requires assume responsibility high speed rail activities currently carried consult secretary transportation assist eligible entities finance certain qualified high speed intercity rail facility projects issuance private activity bonds amends internal revenue code revise requirements income tax exempt qualified high speed intercity rail facility bonds allows income tax credit holders certain rail bonds finance qualified super high speed intercity rail facility projects qualified rail infrastructure projects directs secretary treasury study report congress use excise taxes fund high speed rail projects


Summary: Bipartisan Electronic Voting Reform Act of 2008 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require any voting system other than one using paper ballots personally marked by the voter to permit independent verification of cast ballots by various specified means, including paper or electronic. Requires each state to conduct an audit of every federal election to ensure that each certificate of election is justified by the vote totals. Directs the Federal Election Commission to establish an Audit Guidelines Development Task Force to assist the Commission in developing model audit guidelines. Prescribes election security requirements for voting systems, including: (1) chain of custody protocols; (2) disclosure of election-dedicated software; and (3) minimum state standards to ensure the integrity of the voting process and education and training of poll workers. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a Voting System Software Review Committee which, upon request by the Commission or a state's chief election official, shall review voting system software that has not been certified by the Commission. Establishes accreditation requirements for laboratories involved in testing of voting system hardware and software. Directs the Commission to establish the Election Assistance Commission Voting System Testing Revolving Fund for payments to accredited laboratories for testing of such hardware and software. Requires the Commission to make grants for: (1) development and testing of new voting systems, technologies, and innovations to meet independent verification requirements under this Act; and (2) pilot programs for such testing. Directs the Commission to establish a task force to study and develop recommendations regarding the appropriate level of funding for requirements payments. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to prohibit state refusal to accept voter registration and absentee ballot applications and federal write-in absentee ballots for failure to meet nonessential requirements.

voting reform act amends help america vote act require voting system paper ballots personally marked voter permit independent verification cast ballots specified means including paper electronic requires state conduct audit federal election ensure certificate election justified vote totals directs federal_election_commission establish audit guidelines development task force assist commission developing model audit guidelines prescribes election security requirements voting systems including chain custody protocols disclosure election dedicated software minimum state standards ensure integrity voting process education training poll workers directs national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist establish request commission state chief election official shall review voting system software certified commission establishes accreditation requirements laboratories involved testing voting system hardware software directs commission establish payments accredited laboratories testing hardware software requires commission grants development testing new voting systems technologies innovations meet independent verification requirements act pilot programs testing directs commission establish task force study develop recommendations appropriate level funding requirements payments amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act prohibit state refusal accept voter registration absentee ballot applications federal write absentee ballots failure meet nonessential requirements


Summary: Derivatives and Hedge Fund Regulatory Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs the appropriate federal banking agencies, with respect to the entities under their respective jurisdictions that engage in transactions involving unregistered hedge funds or over-the-counter derivatives, to initiate a coordinated rulemaking to: (1) extend to unregistered hedge funds the requirements governing the safety and soundness of the financial system applicable to mutual funds; (2) provide for the regulation of over-the-counter derivatives that are not traded on a national securities exchange or by a registered securities association (including credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, currency swaps, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations); and (3) prohibit insured depository institutions from trading derivatives for their own accounts. Requires the appropriate federal banking agencies and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to promulgate rules designed to: (1) avoid systemic risks to the financial markets; (2) ensure safe and sound operation of banks, including mandatory maintenance of sufficient capital levels and limits on aggregate leverage, and restrictions on buying, selling, or entering into derivatives by an insured depository institution for its own account; and (3) provide means to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative practices.

derivatives hedge fund regulatory improvement act directs appropriate federal banking agencies respect entities respective jurisdictions engage transactions involving unregistered hedge funds counter derivatives initiate coordinated rulemaking extend unregistered hedge funds requirements governing safety soundness financial system applicable mutual funds provide regulation counter derivatives traded national securities exchange registered securities association including credit default swaps interest rate swaps currency swaps mortgage backed securities asset backed securities collateralized debt obligations prohibit insured depository institutions trading derivatives accounts requires appropriate federal banking agencies securities_and_exchange_commission sec promulgate rules designed avoid systemic risks financial markets ensure safe sound operation banks including mandatory maintenance sufficient capital levels limits aggregate leverage restrictions buying selling entering derivatives insured depository institution account provide means prevent fraudulent deceptive manipulative practices


Summary: Teacher Education Assistance Creating Hope for Our Future Act of 2009 or TEACH for Our Future Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the loan forgiveness available to public elementary and secondary school teachers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs. Makes inapplicable to public school teachers the requirements limiting loan forgiveness to: (1) new borrowers on or after October 1, 1998; and (2) highly qualified teachers in certain schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged students. Maintains the requirement that such teachers teach full-time for five consecutive complete school years before becoming eligible for loan forgiveness. Raises to $25,000 the amount of the FFEL or DL outstanding that may be forgiven after a public school teacher's fifth complete school year of teaching. Maintains current loan forgiveness eligibility requirements for private elementary and secondary school teachers.

teacher education assistance creating hope future act teach future act amends higher education act expand loan forgiveness available public elementary secondary school teachers federal_family_education_loan ffel direct_loan programs makes inapplicable public school teachers requirements limiting loan forgiveness new borrowers october highly qualified teachers certain schools serve high proportion disadvantaged students maintains requirement teachers teach time consecutive complete school years eligible loan forgiveness raises ffel outstanding forgiven public school teacher fifth complete school year teaching maintains current loan forgiveness eligibility requirements private elementary secondary school teachers


Summary: Teacher Tax Reduction Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $250 to $500 the dollar limit on the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers and to extend such deduction through 2011.

teacher tax reduction act amends internal revenue code increase dollar limit tax deduction certain expenses elementary secondary school teachers extend deduction


Summary: 401Kids Family Savings Act of 2009 - Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to extend through 2015 provisions allowing increased annual contributions to Coverdell education savings accounts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow tax-free distributions from a Coverdell education savings account for first-time homebuyer expenses; (2) permit rollovers from Coverdell education savings accounts to Roth individual retirement accounts (Roth IRAs); and (3) rename Coverdell education savings accounts as 401Kids Savings Accounts.

family savings act amends economic growth tax relief reconciliation act extend provisions allowing increased annual contributions coverdell education savings accounts amends internal revenue code allow tax free distributions coverdell education savings account time homebuyer expenses permit rollovers coverdell education savings accounts roth individual retirement accounts roth iras rename coverdell education savings accounts


Summary: Considers five specified Illinois school districts to be local educational agencies (LEAs) for purposes of the Impact Aid program, which compensates LEAs for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their school districts. Considers federally connected students in such districts to be attending schools in one such district, North Chicago Community Unit School District 187, for the purpose of making that district eligible for Impact Aid. Conditions such treatment on the agreement of the five school districts to apportion such assistance equitably among all five of them, and to use it only for direct educational services.

considers specified illinois school districts local educational agencies leas purposes impact aid program compensates leas financial burden federal activities affecting school districts considers federally connected students districts attending schools district purpose making district eligible impact aid conditions treatment agreement school districts apportion assistance equitably use direct educational services


Summary: Helping Our Students Communicate Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan or the Direct Loan programs to individuals who have been employed for five consecutive complete school years as full-time speech-language pathologists: (1) principally at elementary and secondary schools whose enrollment of disadvantaged students exceeds 30%; and (2) have at least a graduate degree in speech-language pathology, or communication sciences and disorders. Caps loan forgiveness at $17,500. Limits the benefits of this Act to new borrowers on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of this Act's enactment.

helping students communicate act amends higher education act require secretary education assume cancel loans federal_family_education_loan direct loan programs individuals employed consecutive complete school years time speech language pathologists principally elementary secondary schools enrollment disadvantaged students exceeds graduate degree speech language pathology communication sciences disorders caps loan forgiveness limits benefits act new borrowers date days date act enactment


Summary: Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity, to establish, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for: (1) cybersecurity professional development programs; (2) associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (3) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for either professional development or degree programs. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to operate the program. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish an E-Security Fellows program to bring state, local, tribal, and private sector officials to participate in the work of the National Cybersecurity Division in order to become familiar with Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity missions and capabilities.

directs secretary homeland_security acting assistant secretary cybersecurity establish conjunction national_science_foundation program award grants institutions higher education cybersecurity professional development programs associate degree programs cybersecurity purchase equipment provide training cybersecurity professional development degree programs requires director national_science_foundation operate program amends homeland security act direct secretary establish security fellows program bring state local tribal private sector officials participate work order familiar department_of_homeland_security cybersecurity missions capabilities


Summary: College Learning Access Simplicity and Savings Act of 2009 or the CLASS Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship tax credit with the College Affordability Credit, which shall allow: (1) a partially refundable tax credit of up to $1,200 for qualified tuition and related expenses (including required course materials) at an institution of higher education; and (2) an additional 50% tax credit for such expenses exceeding $1,200 but not exceeding $4,800. Repeals the tax deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

class act amends internal revenue code replace hope scholarship tax credit shall allow partially refundable tax credit qualified tuition related expenses including required course materials institution higher education additional tax credit expenses exceeding exceeding repeals tax deduction qualified tuition related expenses


Summary: Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish the Shirley Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program under which scholars and secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students from certain Caribbean countries would attend U.S. schools and participate in activities designed to promote a greater understanding of U.S. values and culture. Authorizes the Secretary, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to establish a program to improve primary and secondary education in such countries by enhancing teacher training, strengthening curriculum and instructional materials, and assisting improvements in school management and public administration of education.

exchange act authorizes secretary state establish scholars secondary undergraduate graduate post graduate students certain caribbean countries attend schools participate activities designed promote greater understanding values culture authorizes secretary united_states_agency international_development usaid establish program improve primary secondary education countries enhancing teacher training strengthening curriculum instructional materials assisting improvements school management public administration education


Summary: 10,000 Trained by 2010 Act - Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants for basic research on innovative approaches to improve health care information systems, as well as for scientific and engineering activities to improve education in the health care information fields. Requires the award of NSF grants also to institutions of higher education to: (1) establish multidisciplinary Centers for Informatics Research for conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research to generate innovative approaches in health care information; and (2) establish or improve undergraduate and master's degree health care information programs, attract students to such programs, and provide them with experience in government or industry related to their studies.

trained act requires national_science_foundation nsf award competitive grants basic research innovative approaches improve health care information systems scientific engineering activities improve education health care information fields requires award nsf grants institutions higher education establish multidisciplinary conducting cutting edge multidisciplinary research generate innovative approaches health care information establish improve undergraduate master degree health care information programs attract students programs provide experience government industry related studies


Summary: Middle Class College Tuition Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits with a tax credit for 50% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including required books), up to $10,000, for attendance at an institution of higher education.

middle class college tuition tax credit expansion act amends internal revenue code replace hope scholarship lifetime_learning tax credits tax credit qualified tuition related expenses including required books attendance institution higher education


Summary: Education Savings Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $2,000 to $4,000 the annual contribution limit to Coverdell education savings accounts; and (2) adjust such contribution limit for inflation after 2009.Makes permanent provisions enacted by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to Coverdell education savings accounts and qualified tuition programs.

education savings modernization act amends internal revenue code increase annual contribution limit coverdell education savings accounts adjust contribution limit inflation permanent provisions enacted economic_growth_and_tax_relief_reconciliation_act relating coverdell education savings accounts qualified tuition programs


Summary: Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2009 - Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize part D (Enhancing Education through Technology) through FY2015. Alters the current program to require states to use a portion of their allotted funds to develop challenging academic content and achievement standards to ensure that students are technologically literate before the end of grade eight. Provides that such standards are only for tracking technological literacy and not for assessing adequate yearly progress (AYP) under title I. Permits technological literacy testing to be embedded in other state tests or performance-based assessments portfolios, or made through other valid and reliable means. Requires states to use the bulk of their part D allotment for two new subgrant programs for local educational agencies (LEAs), devoting: (1) 60% for formula subgrants to improve teaching and learning through technology; and (2) 40% for competitive subgrants for systemic school reform through technology integration. Requires LEAs to: (1) include a new or updated local long-range strategic educational technology plan in their applications; (2) use a specified percentage of each subgrant for teacher training; and (3) use each subgrant to acquire and apply technology to identify individual student learning needs and support individualized learning. Allows LEAs that receive funds for both programs to use all the funds for systemic school reform through technology integration program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) conduct an annual national study on student technology literacy to determine the extent to which such literacy is attained by grade eight; and (2) update the National Education Technology Plan at least once every five years.

innovation_act amends title elementary secondary education act reauthorize enhancing education technology fy2015 alters current program require states use portion allotted funds develop challenging academic content achievement standards ensure students technologically end grade provides standards tracking technological literacy assessing adequate yearly progress ayp title technological literacy testing embedded state tests performance based assessments portfolios valid reliable means requires states use bulk allotment new subgrant programs local educational agencies leas formula subgrants improve teaching learning technology competitive subgrants systemic school reform technology integration requires leas include new updated local long range strategic educational technology plan applications use specified percentage subgrant teacher training use subgrant acquire apply technology identify individual student learning needs support individualized learning allows leas receive funds programs use funds systemic school reform technology integration program activities directs secretary education conduct annual national study student technology literacy determine extent literacy attained grade update years


Summary: Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2009 or the CAMPUS Safety Act of 2009 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety. Tasks the Center with strengthening the safety and security of institutions of higher education (IHEs) by: (1) training IHE public safety agencies and their collaborative partners; (2) fostering relevant research; (3) collecting, coordinating, and disseminating information and best practices regarding campus safety; (4) developing protocols to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made emergencies that threaten the campus community; and (5) increasing cooperation between IHEs and the law enforcement, mental health, and other agencies and jurisdictions that serve them. Authorizes the Director to award grants to IHEs and other nonprofit organizations for activities that will assist the Center in performing its functions.

center advance monitor preserve_university_security_safety_act campus safety act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize director office_of_community_oriented_policing_services establish operate national_center_for_campus_public_safety tasks center strengthening safety security institutions higher education ihes training ihe public safety agencies collaborative partners fostering relevant research collecting coordinating disseminating information best practices campus safety developing protocols prevent protect respond recover natural man emergencies threaten campus community increasing cooperation ihes law enforcement mental health agencies jurisdictions serve authorizes director award grants ihes nonprofit organizations activities assist center performing functions


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a four-year pilot program to provide outreach and training services related to the mental health of veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to counseling centers, student health or wellness centers, or student services centers at colleges or universities with large enrollments of such veterans.

directs secretary veterans_affairs carry year pilot program provide outreach training services related mental health veterans operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom counseling centers student health wellness centers student services centers colleges universities large enrollments veterans


Summary: Secure Education for Americans Today Act of 2009 or SEAT Act of 2009 - Prohibits the provision of federal funds to institutions of higher education that admit illegal aliens. Prohibits such provision from being construed as denying federal student assistance to students attending such schools.

americans today act prohibits provision federal funds institutions higher education admit illegal aliens prohibits provision construed denying federal student assistance students attending schools


Summary: Hope Scholarship Credit Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the Hope Scholarship tax credit to make certain additional expenses eligible for such credit, including room and board, employment-related expenses, and books, supplies, and equipment.

hope scholarship credit expansion act amends internal revenue code provisions relating hope scholarship tax credit certain additional expenses eligible credit including room board employment related expenses books supplies equipment


Summary: Authorizes the use of veterans' educational assistance for the the pursuit of an approved program of education offered through distance learning.

authorizes use veterans educational assistance pursuit approved program education offered distance learning


Summary: Green Energy Education Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to contribute energy research and development funds to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program to support graduate education related to such energy projects. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute funds for advanced energy technology research and development for high performance buildings to the NSF for curriculum development to improve undergraduate or graduate interdisciplinary engineering and architecture education related to the design and construction of such buildings.

authorizes secretary energy contribute energy research development funds national_science_foundation nsf research_traineeship program support graduate education related energy projects authorizes secretary contribute funds advanced energy technology research development high performance buildings nsf curriculum development improve undergraduate graduate interdisciplinary engineering architecture education related design construction buildings


Summary: Student Privacy Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise provisions for military recruiter access to secondary school student information. Requires ESEA-assisted local educational agencies (LEAs) to notify each secondary school student's parent of the option to consent to a release of the student's name, address, and telephone listing to military recruiters, and to give the parent the opportunity to provide such consent in writing. Requires such LEAs to provide military recruiters, upon their request, with access to such information on a student only if the student's parent has given such written consent.

amends elementary secondary education act esea revise provisions military recruiter access secondary school student information requires esea assisted local educational agencies leas notify secondary school student parent option consent release student address telephone listing military recruiters parent opportunity provide consent writing requires leas provide military recruiters request access information student student parent given written consent


Summary: Semester of Service Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to award competitive matching grants to local educational agencies or their nonprofit partners and, through them, competitive subgrants to schools or their nonprofit partners for Semester of Service programs that allow high school juniors and seniors to earn academic credit for service-learning that meets unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs in their communities. Gives grant priority to applicants that propose to direct subgrants toward programs at schools that receive school improvement funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires Semester of Service programs to engage youth in service-learning for a minimum of 70 hours over a minimum of 12 weeks and have: (1) a weekly classroom-based component that is integrated into schools' regular curricula and aligned with applicable state academic content standards; and (2) a field-based component covering at least 24 of the minimum 70 hours. Directs the Chief Executive Officer to reserve funds for: (1) competitive grants to Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands for such programs; (2) technical assistance and training to grantees and subgrantees, and program outreach activities; and (3) independent evaluations of the programs.

national_and_community_service_act direct chief executive officer corporation_for_national_and_community_service award competitive matching grants local educational agencies nonprofit partners competitive subgrants schools nonprofit partners programs allow high school seniors earn academic credit service learning meets unmet human educational environmental public safety needs communities gives grant priority applicants propose direct subgrants programs schools receive school improvement funds title elementary secondary education act requires semester service programs engage youth service learning minimum hours minimum weeks weekly classroom based component integrated schools regular curricula aligned applicable state academic content standards field based component covering minimum hours directs chief executive officer reserve funds competitive grants indian tribes native hawaiian organizations american_samoa guam northern_mariana islands programs technical assistance training grantees subgrantees program outreach activities independent evaluations programs


Summary: Summer of Service Act of 2009 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create Summer of Service programs providing at least 100 hours of summer community service learning opportunities to youth who will subsequently enroll in grades six through nine. Requires the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide competitive three-year grants to: (1) states under a State Grant program; and (2) public or private organizations under a National Direct Grant program, when a state does not apply for funding or the community service program includes multiple states. Requires states and organizations, in making project subgrants, to favor entities with established track records that: (1) have leadership positions in the communities from which participating youth will be drawn; (2) focus on youth service during the transition year before high school; (3) encourage or enable youth to continue providing community service throughout the school year; (4) involve youth in the design and operation of the community service project; and (5) include youth of diverse backgrounds, at least 50% of which are from low-income families. Permits such entities to charge the parents of participants an income-based fee to contribute to the nonfederal share of project costs. Makes each youth serving at least 100 hours in a service-learning project eligible for an educational award of up to $500.

amends national_and_community_service_act create summer_of_service programs providing hours summer community service learning opportunities youth subsequently enroll grades requires chief executive officer corporation_for_national_and_community_service provide competitive year grants states state grant program public private organizations program state apply funding community service program includes multiple states requires states organizations making project subgrants favor entities established track records leadership positions communities participating youth drawn focus youth service transition year high school encourage enable youth continue providing community service school year involve youth design operation community service project include youth diverse backgrounds low income families permits entities charge parents participants income based fee contribute nonfederal share project costs makes youth serving hours service learning project eligible educational award


Summary: AmeriCorps: Together Improving Our Nation Act or the ACTION Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to base the calculation of the amount of the national service educational award on the average cost of attending a four-year institution of higher education, rather than a portion of a veteran's basic educational assistance allowance. Excludes the national service educational award from an individual's gross income for tax purposes. Permits the Corporation for National and Community Service to support a national service program that is carried out by another federal agency and implements the priorities of such agency. Makes Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation a Cabinet position. Raises the Officer's compensation to Level I of the Executive Schedule.

americorps improving nation act action act amends national community service act base calculation national service educational award average cost attending year institution higher education portion veteran basic educational assistance allowance excludes national service educational award individual gross income tax purposes permits corporation_for_national_and_community_service support national service program carried federal agency implements priorities agency makes chief executive officer corporation cabinet position raises officer compensation level executive schedule


Summary: Satellite Consumers' Access to Public Television Digital Programming Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a satellite carrier that offers multichannel video programming distribution service to over five million subscribers to retransmit the digital signals of each noncommercial educational television station that is located in any local U.S. market.

amends communications act require satellite carrier offers multichannel video programming distribution service million subscribers retransmit digital signals noncommercial educational television station located local market