Summary:
Strengthening Education through Research Act

(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA) to require the Department of Education (ED), in collecting information and data under that Act, to avoid duplicating reporting requirements by using information and data available from existing federal, state, and local sources.

TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM

(Sec. 102) The bill further amends ESRA to replace the definition of, and references to: (1) a "historically black college or university" with the definition of, and references to, a "minority-serving institution"; and (2) "scientifically based research standards" with the definition of, and references to, "principles of scientific research."

Part A--The Institute of Education Sciences

(Sec. 111) The mission of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) must include providing national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of adult education, in addition to providing leadership with regard to education from early childhood through postsecondary study.

(Sec. 112) The IES shall widely disseminate the findings and results of its education evaluations, which are to include evaluations of impact and implementation.

(Sec. 113) The IES may accept requests from ED to administer activities other than those assigned to it, provided those activities are consistent with its priorities or mission. With respect to any contract entered into under ESRA, the IES must be consulted during the procurement process as well as in the management of the contract's performance.

(Sec. 114) The Director of the IES (Director) may: (1) serve for up to one year beyond the six-year term if a successor has not yet been appointed, and (2) be appointed to one additional term.

The Director's duties shall include: (1) coordinating IES research activities with the education research activities of public and private entities, and (2) coordinating with ED to ensure that IES results are coordinated with and utilized by ED's technical assistance providers and dissemination networks.

The IES must establish and maintain a peer-review system involving highly-qualified individuals to review and evaluate: (1) each application for a grant or cooperative agreement exceeding $100,000, and (2) all reports and other products that exceed $100,000 and are to be published and publicly released by the IES. Peer reviewers of special education research must have an understanding of special education.

The IES must:

 ensure that its activities address significant challenges faced by practitioners and increase knowledge in the education field; ensure that its information, products, and publications are prepared and widely disseminated in a timely, understandable, and convenient manner; promote the utilization of its information, products, and publications; and monitor and manage all activities authorized under ESRA. (Sec. 115) The Director must propose the IES's priorities to the National Board for Education Sciences (Board) at least once every six years. Priorities may include:

 closing the achievement gap between disabled and nondisabled students; improving access to, and the quality of, early childhood education; improving elementary and secondary education, particularly among low-performing students and schools; and improving access to, and the completion of, postsecondary education and adult education. (Sec. 116) Additional duties of the Board shall include:

 providing ongoing advice and input to the Director on IES activities; providing advice to the Director on ensuring that IES activities are free of disability bias; ensuring that IES activities are relevant to education policy and practice by soliciting, on an ongoing basis, advice and information from those in the education field; recommending to the Director ways to enhance strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with public and private entities; and reporting every five years on IES effectiveness. The Board must be composed of at least two practitioners who are knowledgeable about the education needs of the United States. State leaders in adult education may serve on the Board. Board members may: (1) serve for up to one year beyond their four-year term if their successor has not yet been appointed, and (2) serve a full term if they are appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term of office.

The Board shall be independent of the Director and the other offices and officers of the IES. The Executive Director of the Board shall be appointed by the Board for a term of up to six years and may be reappointed for an additional term.

The Board may establish standing or temporary subcommittees to provide the Board with recommendations for carrying out activities authorized under ESRA.

(Sec. 117) The Commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, like the Commissioners of the other National Education Centers, shall be appointed by the Director rather than by the President.

(Sec. 118) The Director must make a description of all IES grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements exceeding $100,000 publicly available within 120 days of their consummation.

(Sec. 119) IES grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements must be awarded through a peer review process.

Part B--National Center for Education Research

(Sec. 131) The National Center for Education Research (Research Center) must: (1) conduct research that is consistent with IES priorities, and (2) widely disseminate and promote the utilization of its work.

(Sec. 132) The bill expands the Research Center's duties to include research on: (1) follow-up questions provoked by previous research, (2) the impact of technology on education, and (3) the quality of the implementation of practices and strategies determined to be effective through scientifically valid research.

The Research Center's work on successful state and local education reform activities may include research on social and emotional learning and the acquisition of competencies and skills.

The Research Commissioner is authorized to award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, applicants that have the ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research.

The Research Commissioner shall support national research and development centers that address topics of importance and relevance in the education field that are consistent with IES priorities. The bill eliminates: (1) the requirement that the Research Commissioner support at least eight centers, and (2) the list of research topics eligible for support.

The Director is authorized to renew support for a national research and development center without competition for up to two years (rather than for up to five years) beyond the initial period of support if the Director determines that the center's research continues to effectively address IES priorities.

Research conducted or supported by the Research Center, to the extent feasible and relevant to the research being conducted, must be disaggregated and cross-tabulated by age, race, gender, disability status, English learner status, socioeconomic background, and other population characteristics as determined by the Research Commissioner, so long as any reported information does not reveal individually identifiable information.

Part C--National Center for Education Statistics

(Sec. 151) The National Center for Education Statistics (Statistics Center) must collect, analyze, and report education information and statistics in a manner that is: (1) consistent with ESRA's privacy protections; (2) free of disability bias; and (3) relevant, timely, and widely disseminated.

(Sec. 152) The Statistics Center must collect and disseminate additional data on:

 secondary school graduation and completion rates; postsecondary education completion; teaching and school leadership, including information on pre-service preparation, professional development, teacher distribution, and teacher and school leader evaluation; the supply of, and demand for, school leaders; school safety that includes data on school climate and in- and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions; access to, and use of, technology to improve elementary and secondary schools; the quality of early childhood education; students' access to summer school; and access to, and opportunities for, adult education and literacy activities. The Statistics Center must provide technical assistance to states in developing statewide longitudinal data systems that link individual student data and protect student privacy to improve student academic achievement and close achievement gaps.

The Statistics Center shall assist the Board in the preparation and dissemination of the report evaluating the effectiveness of the IES.

The Statistics Commissioner must develop and implement a plan for Statistics Center activities that is consistent with the priorities of the IES and subject to appropriate modifications.

(Sec. 153) Entities that wish to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with the Statistics Center shall submit an application. The Statistics Commissioner is authorized to renew those grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for up to two years if the recipients demonstrate progress on the requirements of ESRA's performance measurement system (rather than for up to five years at the discretion of the Statistics Commissioner).

(Sec. 155) Joint statistical projects carried out between the Statistics Center and nonprofit entities must adhere to ESRA's student privacy requirements. Federal agencies and other parties seeking access to educational data from the Statistics Center must describe their research-related need for such data and how the data will be protected from misuse or privacy violations. The Statistics Center may deny requests for access to its data if such data would: (1) be unnecessary for, or unrelated to, the proposed research; or (2) introduce the risk that the data would be misused or used to violate privacy rights. However, that denial authority is inapplicable to public use data sets.

(Sec. 156) The bill renames "national cooperative education statistics systems" as " cooperative education statistics partnerships" between the Statistics Center and participating states. Rather than producing and maintaining education data, the partnerships are tasked with reviewing and improving data quality standards. The partnerships may not collect student data or establish a national student data system.

Part D--National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance

(Sec. 171) The National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (Evaluation Center) must: (1) evaluate the impact and implementation of federal education programs administered by ED; and (2) support the wide dissemination and utilization of all its evaluations, research, and products. The bill repeals the Evaluation Center's authority to provide technical assistance.

(Sec. 172) The Evaluation Center must assist the Board in the preparation and dissemination of the report evaluating the effectiveness of the IES.

The Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner (Evaluation Commissioner) shall propose to the Director and implement, subject to the Director's approval, a plan for Evaluation Center activities that is consistent with IES priorities and subject to appropriate modifications.

The Evaluation Commissioner is authorized to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements on a competitive basis for up to five years and renew them for up to two years if their recipients demonstrate progress on the requirements of ESRA's performance measurement system.

The Evaluation Commissioner is authorized to establish a National Library of Education within the Evaluation Center.

(Sec. 173) The Evaluation Center must, in addition to its existing duties: (1) provide its findings in an understandable, easily accessible, and usable format to support program improvement; and (2) support the Director's evaluation activities. The Evaluation Center must also:

 examine evaluations conducted or supported by others, with the Director's approval; review and supplement federal education program evaluations; conduct implementation evaluations that promote continuous improvement and inform policy making; evaluate the short- and long-term effects and cost efficiencies of federal education programs; and synthesize the results of evaluation studies for and across federal education programs, policies, and practices. (Sec. 174) The Evaluation Commissioner (rather than the Director) shall enter into grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with public or private, nonprofit or for-profit research organizations, other organizations, or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish a networked system of 10 regional educational laboratories that serve the needs of each region of the United States.

The Evaluation Commissioner is authorized to determine that establishing 10 regional educational laboratories is unnecessary and to grant an alternative number of awards or reorganize such laboratories, including by not basing the awards on the regions, if an insufficient number of regional educational laboratories: (1) are meeting the needs of the regions, or (2) are meeting or have the capacity to meet specified performance indicators.

The Evaluation Commissioner shall give priority to applicants that will provide a portion of non-federal funds to maximize support for the regional educational laboratories.

Each regional educational laboratory must: (1) conduct applied research, development, data analysis, and evaluation activities with states, local educational agencies (LEAs), and Indian schools; (2) widely disseminate such work; and (3) develop the capacity of states, LEAs, and Indian schools to carry out such activities.

Each regional educational laboratory is authorized (rather than required) to establish an advisory board to support its priorities. An advisory board may not have more than 25 members but must include a state official, LEA representatives, researchers, and at least one representative from the advisory board of a comprehensive center servicing the region, if applicable.

The Evaluation Commissioner must conduct ongoing summative and interim evaluations that assess how well each of the regional educational laboratories is meeting measurable performance indicators. The bill reserves 16.13% of the funds authorized to be appropriated under ESRA for such regional educational laboratories.

Part E--National Center for Special Education Research

(Sec. 175) The bill adds to the mission of the National Center for Special Education Research the promotion of scientifically valid special education research.

(Sec. 176) The bill includes disabled youth on the list of the Special Education Research Commissioner's required subjects of expertise.

(Sec. 177) The bill adds to the duties of the Special Education Research Center:

 examining the participation and outcomes of disabled students in secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs; assisting the Board in the preparation and dissemination of the report evaluating the effectiveness of the IES; examining the needs of disabled children who are English learners, who are gifted and talented, or who have other unique learning needs; and examining innovations in the special education field, such as multi-tiered systems of support. The Special Education Research Commissioner is authorized to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements on a competitive basis for up to five years and renew them for up to two years if their recipients demonstrate progress on the requirements of ESRA's performance measurement system.

The Special Education Research Center must synthesize, disseminate, and promote the utilization of the special education research it conducts or supports.

The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 the Special Education Research Center.

Part F--General Provisions

(Sec. 181) IES funding may not be used to endorse, approve, or sanction any curriculum designed to be used in early education or in an elementary school, secondary school, or IHE.

(Sec. 182) IES data may disclose information regarding individual schools so long as no individually identifiable information is disclosed. IES volunteers are subject to punishment for privacy violations.

(Sec. 183) IES data must be made available to the public through electronic means, such as posting to the IES's website in an easily accessible manner.

(Sec. 184) The Director must establish a performance management system to promote the continuous improvement of activities authorized under ESRA and ensure the effective use of federal funds by:

 developing and using measurable performance indicators, including time lines, to evaluate and improve those activities; using the performance indicators to inform funding decisions; establishing and improving formal stakeholder feedback mechanisms; and promoting the wide dissemination and utilization of IHE information, products, and publications. (Sec. 185) The Director must provide ED and other relevant offices with an advance copy of IES publications before their public release.

(Sec. 186) The bill repeals provisions dealing with: (1) filling vacancies on the Board and within the IES; and (2) removing the Commissioners of the National Education Centers, the Director, and Board members.

(Sec. 187) The bill establishes as the goal of the Director's research, evaluation, and statistics fellowships at IHEs, improving this nation's capacity to carry out high-quality research, evaluation, and statistics related to education and the mission of each National Education Center.

(Sec. 188) The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 activities under ESRA.

Part G--Technical and Conforming Amendments

(Sec. 191) The bill makes technical and conforming amendments to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

(Sec. 202) The bill amends the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 (ETAA) to define "school leader."

(Sec. 203) ED shall award 17 competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to public or private, nonprofit or for-profit, research organizations, other organizations, or IHEs to establish comprehensive centers to provide states and LEAs with technical assistance, analysis, and training to build their capacity to implement federal educational laws and research-based practices.

ED must establish at least one comprehensive center for each of the 10 geographic regions served by the regional educational laboratories established under the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994. ED may establish additional comprehensive centers serving one or more of those regions or the nation as a whole.

However, ED is authorized to determine that establishing 17 comprehensive centers is unnecessary and grant an alternative number of awards or reorganize such centers, including by organizing the centers around content areas instead of by regions, if an insufficient number of centers: (1) are meeting the needs of the regions, or (2) are meeting or have the capacity to meet specified performance indicators.

ED must give priority to applicants that will provide a portion of non-federal funds to maximize support for the comprehensive centers.

The comprehensive centers shall consider the number of low-performing schools in an area when considering an area's need for assistance.

The bill includes in the training, professional development, and technical assistance provided by comprehensive centers the replication and adaptation of exemplary practices and innovative methods that have an evidence base of effectiveness.

Each comprehensive center is authorized (rather than required) to establish an advisory board of not more than 25 members to support its priorities. Each advisory board must include a state official, LEA representatives, researchers, and at least one representative from the advisory board of a regional educational laboratory in the region being served by the center.

The annual report each comprehensive center provides to ED must include: (1) a description of how well the center is meeting the educational needs of its region, using measurable performance indicators; and (2) any changes to its plan to improve its effectiveness.

(Sec. 204) ED must: (1) provide for an interim and summative evaluation of each comprehensive center at the midpoint and at the end of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement that established such center; and (2) transmit the results of such evaluations to Congress, the Director, and the public.

(Sec. 206) The bill repeals the requirement that ED establish a regional advisory committee for each region of the country served by a regional educational laboratory.

(Sec. 207) The Director and ED must establish priorities for the regional educational laboratories and comprehensive centers using the results of relevant regional and national surveys of educational needs.

(Sec. 208) States that receive competitive grants may design, develop, and implement statewide, longitudinal data systems to provide subgrants to LEAs for their role in those activities. Those data systems must be consistent with the requirements of the ESEA, the Higher Education Act of 1965, and IDEA. ED must, before awarding such grants, establish measurable performance indicators for use in assessing the ongoing progress and performance of state grantees in designing, developing, and implementing those systems.

The peer review process used in awarding such grants must:

 promote the generation and use of data needed to align statewide longitudinal data systems from early education through postsecondary education and the workforce; ensure the protection of student privacy; ensure that state grantees support professional development that enables teachers and school leaders to use data effectively; and give priority to states that leverage the use of such systems to improve student achievement and growth, including by demonstrating the capacity to share teacher and school leader performance data with LEAs and teacher and school leader preparation programs. ED is authorized to renew such grants for up to three years if the state demonstrates progress on the measurable performance indicators.

ED must report on the implementation and effectiveness of the activities carried out by the state grantees.

(Sec. 209) The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 activities under the ETAA.

TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS

(Sec. 302) The bill amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (NAEPA) to require the National Assessment Governing Board (Assessment Board) to oversee and set policies for the National Assessment of Educational Progress consistent with its duties and accepted professional standards.

ED shall fill vacancies on the Assessment Board from among individuals who are nominated by the Assessment Board.

The Assessment Board must consult with the Statistics Commissioner in carrying out its functions.

The Assessment Board shall, in selecting the subject areas to be assessed, select the grades or ages being assessed and the year in which such assessments will be conducted.

School leaders must be involved in the assessment review process.

The Assessment Board shall provide input to the Director on annual budget requests for the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

(Sec. 303) The Statistics Commissioner shall carry out the National Assessment of Educational Progress in a manner consistent with accepted professional standards and the policies set forth by the Assessment Board.

The bill adds to the Statistics Commissioner's duties determining the content of initial and subsequent National Assessment of Educational Progress reports and ensuring their validity and reliability.

LEAs participating in the school improvement program under the ESEA must also participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The bill eliminates the option allowing the Assessment Board to develop appropriate achievement levels for each age, rather than grade level, for each subject area being tested. The Assessment Board must use a national consensus approach in establishing the appropriate student achievement levels, providing for the active participation of teachers, school leaders, curriculum specialists, local school administrators, parents, and concerned members of the public.

(Sec. 304) The bill defines a "school leader."

(Sec. 305) The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 activities under the NAEPA.

TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN

(Sec. 401) The IES shall be the primary entity for conducting research on and evaluations of federal education programs within ED to ensure the rigor and independence of such research and evaluations.

ED shall reserve and consolidate specified percentages of funds from ESEA programs to: (1) carry out high-quality evaluations of programs authorized under the ESEA, and (2) increase the usefulness of those evaluations or assist ESEA program grantees in collecting and analyzing data and other activities related to the evaluations. ED may not be required to evaluate each ESEA program each year. Either ED or the Director must disseminate the findings from such evaluations.

The Director shall, on a biennial basis, develop, submit to Congress, and make publicly available an evaluation plan that: (1) describes the specific activities that will be carried out with the reserved funds over the two years of the plan, (2) contains the results of the activities carried out with such funds for the most recent two-year period, and (3) describes how ESEA programs will be regularly evaluated.

strengthening education research act sec bill amends education_sciences reform act require collecting information data act avoid reporting requirements information data available existing federal state local sources title education sciences reform sec bill amends replace definition references historically black college university definition references minority serving institution scientifically based research standards definition references principles scientific research institute_of_education_sciences sec mission institute_of_education_sciences ies include providing national leadership expanding fundamental knowledge understanding adult education addition providing leadership regard education early childhood postsecondary study sec ies shall widely disseminate findings results education evaluations include evaluations impact implementation sec ies accept requests administer activities assigned provided activities consistent priorities mission respect contract entered ies consulted procurement process management contract performance sec director ies director serve year year term successor appointed appointed additional term director duties shall include coordinating ies research activities education research activities public private entities coordinating ensure ies results coordinated utilized technical assistance providers dissemination networks ies establish maintain peer review system involving highly qualified individuals review evaluate application grant cooperative agreement exceeding reports products exceed published publicly released ies peer reviewers special education research understanding special education ies ensure activities address significant challenges faced practitioners increase knowledge education field ensure information products publications prepared widely disseminated timely understandable convenient manner promote utilization information products publications monitor manage activities authorized sec director propose ies priorities years priorities include closing achievement gap disabled nondisabled students improving access quality early childhood education improving elementary secondary education particularly low performing students schools improving access completion postsecondary education adult education sec additional duties board shall include providing ongoing advice input director ies activities providing advice director ensuring ies activities free disability bias ensuring ies activities relevant education policy practice soliciting ongoing basis advice information education field recommending director ways enhance strategic partnerships collaborative efforts public private entities reporting years ies effectiveness board composed practitioners knowledgeable education needs united_states state leaders adult education serve board board members serve year year term successor appointed serve term appointed fill vacancy unexpired term office board shall independent director offices officers ies executive director board shall appointed board term years reappointed additional term board establish standing temporary subcommittees provide board recommendations carrying activities authorized sec commissioner national_center_for_education_statistics like commissioners shall appointed director president sec director description ies grants contracts cooperative agreements exceeding publicly available days consummation sec ies grants contracts cooperative agreements awarded peer review process national center education research sec conduct research consistent ies priorities widely disseminate promote utilization work sec bill expands research_center duties include research follow questions previous research impact technology education quality implementation practices strategies determined effective scientifically valid research research_center work successful state local education reform activities include research social emotional learning acquisition competencies skills research commissioner authorized award grants enter contracts cooperative agreements applicants ability capacity conduct scientifically valid research research commissioner shall support national research development centers address topics importance relevance education field consistent ies priorities bill eliminates requirement research commissioner support centers list research topics eligible support director authorized renew support national research development center competition years years initial period support director determines center research continues effectively address ies priorities research conducted supported research_center extent feasible relevant research conducted disaggregated cross tabulated age race gender disability status english learner status socioeconomic background population characteristics determined research commissioner long reported information reveal individually identifiable information national center education statistics sec national_center_for_education_statistics collect analyze report education information statistics manner consistent privacy protections free disability bias relevant timely widely disseminated sec collect disseminate additional data secondary school graduation completion rates postsecondary education completion teaching school leadership including information pre service preparation professional development teacher distribution teacher school leader evaluation supply demand school leaders school safety includes data school climate school suspensions access use technology improve elementary secondary schools quality early childhood education students access summer school access opportunities adult education literacy activities provide technical assistance states developing statewide longitudinal data systems link individual student data protect student privacy improve student academic achievement close achievement gaps statistics center shall assist board preparation dissemination report evaluating effectiveness ies statistics commissioner develop implement plan activities consistent priorities ies subject appropriate modifications sec entities wish receive grant enter contract cooperative agreement shall submit application statistics commissioner authorized renew grants contracts cooperative agreements years recipients demonstrate progress requirements performance measurement system years discretion statistics commissioner sec joint statistical projects carried nonprofit entities adhere student privacy requirements federal agencies parties seeking access educational data describe research related need data data protected misuse privacy violations deny requests access data data unnecessary unrelated proposed research introduce risk data misused violate privacy rights denial authority inapplicable public use data sets sec bill renames national cooperative education statistics systems cooperative education statistics partnerships participating states producing maintaining education data partnerships tasked reviewing improving data quality standards partnerships collect student data establish national student data system national center education evaluation regional assistance sec regional assistance evaluation center evaluate impact implementation federal education programs administered support wide dissemination utilization evaluations research products bill repeals authority provide technical assistance sec evaluation center assist board preparation dissemination report evaluating effectiveness ies evaluation regional assistance commissioner evaluation commissioner shall propose director implement subject director approval plan activities consistent ies priorities subject appropriate modifications evaluation commissioner authorized award grants contracts cooperative agreements competitive basis years renew years recipients demonstrate progress requirements performance measurement system evaluation commissioner authorized establish sec evaluation center addition existing duties provide findings understandable easily accessible usable format support program improvement support director evaluation activities examine evaluations conducted supported director approval review supplement federal education program evaluations conduct implementation evaluations promote continuous improvement inform policy making evaluate short- long term effects cost efficiencies federal education programs synthesize results evaluation studies federal education programs policies practices sec evaluation commissioner director shall enter grants contracts cooperative agreements public private nonprofit profit research organizations organizations institutions higher education ihes establish networked system regional educational laboratories serve needs region united_states evaluation commissioner authorized determine establishing regional educational laboratories unnecessary grant alternative number awards reorganize laboratories including basing awards regions insufficient number regional educational laboratories meeting needs regions meeting capacity meet specified performance indicators evaluation commissioner shall priority applicants provide portion non federal funds maximize support regional educational laboratories regional educational laboratory conduct applied research development data analysis evaluation activities states local educational agencies leas indian schools widely disseminate work develop capacity states leas indian schools carry activities regional educational laboratory authorized required establish advisory board support priorities advisory board members include state official lea representatives researchers representative advisory board comprehensive center servicing region applicable evaluation commissioner conduct ongoing summative interim evaluations assess regional educational laboratories meeting measurable performance indicators bill reserves funds authorized appropriated regional educational laboratories national center special education research sec bill adds mission promotion scientifically valid special education research sec bill includes disabled youth list commissioner required subjects expertise sec bill adds duties examining participation outcomes disabled students secondary postsecondary career technical education programs assisting board preparation dissemination report evaluating effectiveness ies examining needs disabled children english learners gifted talented unique learning needs examining innovations special education field multi tiered systems support commissioner authorized award grants contracts cooperative agreements competitive basis years renew years recipients demonstrate progress requirements performance measurement system synthesize disseminate promote utilization special education research conducts supports bill reauthorizes fy2021 general provisions sec ies funding endorse approve sanction curriculum designed early education elementary school secondary school ihe sec ies data disclose information individual schools long individually identifiable information disclosed ies volunteers subject punishment privacy violations sec ies data available public electronic means posting ies website easily accessible manner sec director establish performance management system promote continuous improvement activities authorized ensure effective use federal funds developing measurable performance indicators including time lines evaluate improve activities performance indicators inform funding decisions establishing improving formal stakeholder feedback mechanisms promoting wide dissemination utilization ihe information products publications sec director provide relevant offices advance copy ies publications public release sec bill repeals provisions dealing filling vacancies board ies removing commissioners director board members sec bill establishes goal director research evaluation statistics fellowships ihes improving nation capacity carry high quality research evaluation statistics related education mission sec bill reauthorizes fy2021 activities technical conforming amendments sec bill makes technical conforming amendments elementary secondary education act esea individuals disabilities education act idea title educational technical assistance sec bill amends define school leader sec shall award competitive grants contracts cooperative agreements public private nonprofit profit research organizations organizations ihes establish comprehensive centers provide states leas technical assistance analysis training build capacity implement federal educational laws research based practices establish comprehensive center geographic regions served regional educational laboratories established improvement act establish additional comprehensive centers serving regions nation authorized determine establishing comprehensive centers unnecessary grant alternative number awards reorganize centers including organizing centers content areas instead regions insufficient number centers meeting needs regions meeting capacity meet specified performance indicators priority applicants provide portion non federal funds maximize support comprehensive centers comprehensive centers shall consider number low performing schools area considering area need assistance bill includes training professional development technical assistance provided comprehensive centers replication adaptation exemplary practices innovative methods evidence base effectiveness comprehensive center authorized required establish advisory board members support priorities advisory board include state official lea representatives researchers representative advisory board regional educational laboratory region served center annual report comprehensive center provides include description center meeting educational needs region measurable performance indicators changes plan improve effectiveness sec provide interim summative evaluation comprehensive center end grant contract cooperative agreement established center transmit results evaluations congress director public sec bill repeals requirement establish regional advisory committee region country served regional educational laboratory sec director establish priorities regional educational laboratories comprehensive centers results relevant regional national surveys educational needs sec states receive competitive grants design develop implement statewide longitudinal data systems provide subgrants leas role activities data systems consistent requirements esea higher education act idea awarding grants establish measurable performance indicators use assessing ongoing progress performance state grantees designing developing implementing systems peer review process awarding grants promote generation use data needed align statewide longitudinal data systems early education postsecondary education workforce ensure protection student privacy ensure state grantees support professional development enables teachers school leaders use data effectively priority states leverage use systems improve student achievement growth including demonstrating capacity share teacher school leader performance data leas teacher school leader preparation programs authorized renew grants years state demonstrates progress measurable performance indicators report implementation effectiveness activities carried state grantees sec bill reauthorizes fy2021 activities title iii national assessment educational progress sec bill amends require oversee set policies national_assessment_of_educational_progress consistent duties accepted professional standards shall fill vacancies individuals nominated consult statistics commissioner carrying functions assessment board shall selecting subject areas assessed select grades ages assessed year assessments conducted school leaders involved assessment review process assessment board shall provide input director annual budget requests national_assessment_of_educational_progress sec statistics commissioner shall carry national_assessment_of_educational_progress manner consistent accepted professional standards policies set forth bill adds statistics commissioner duties determining content initial subsequent national_assessment_of_educational_progress reports ensuring validity reliability leas participating school improvement program esea participate national_assessment_of_educational_progress bill eliminates option allowing develop appropriate achievement levels age grade level subject area tested use national consensus approach establishing appropriate student achievement levels providing active participation teachers school leaders curriculum specialists local school administrators parents concerned members public sec bill defines school leader sec bill reauthorizes fy2021 activities title evaluation plan sec ies shall primary entity conducting research evaluations federal education programs ensure rigor independence research evaluations shall reserve consolidate specified percentages funds esea programs carry high quality evaluations programs authorized esea increase usefulness evaluations assist esea program grantees collecting analyzing data activities related evaluations required evaluate esea program year director disseminate findings evaluations director shall biennial basis develop submit congress publicly available evaluation plan describes specific activities carried reserved funds years plan contains results activities carried funds recent year period describes esea programs regularly evaluated


Summary:
Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act

 Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to revise the mission statement for the Institute of Education Sciences of the Department of Education to ensure access to, and opportunities for, adult education and literacy activities.

Revises the composition of presidential appointees to the National Board for Education Sciences to include adult educators.

Revises the mission statement for the Institute's National Center for Education Research (Research Center) to include improving the literacy and numeracy skills of individuals who need adult education.

Revises also the Research Center's duties to include research on successful state and local adult education and literacy activities that:

 result in increased literacy, numeracy, and educational attainment for adult learners, or prepare students for postsecondary education or employment. Directs the Research Commissioner to support, through national research and development centers or through other means, research on adult education and digital literacy skills.

Revises duties of the National Center for Education Statistics to require it to include in the statistical data on education in the United States it collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on access to, and opportunity for, adult education and literacy activities.

Requires the National Center for Education and Regional Assistance to disseminate widely certain educational information with respect to educational practices that improve digital literacy skills.

Amends the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 to revise the composition of regional advisory committees to include representatives of local or regional adult education providers.

strengthening research adult education act amends education_sciences reform act revise mission statement ensure access opportunities adult education literacy activities revises composition presidential appointees include adult educators revises mission statement include improving literacy skills individuals need adult education revises research_center duties include research successful state local adult education literacy activities result increased literacy educational attainment adult learners prepare students postsecondary education employment directs research commissioner support national research development centers means research adult education digital literacy skills revises duties national_center_for_education_statistics require include statistical data education united_states collects analyzes disseminates data access opportunity adult education literacy activities requires regional assistance disseminate widely certain educational information respect educational practices improve digital literacy skills amends educational technical assistance act revise composition regional advisory committees include representatives local regional adult education providers


Summary: Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act - Abolishes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and each Federal reserve bank. Repeals the Federal Reserve Act.

federal_reserve_board abolition act abolishes board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal reserve bank repeals federal_reserve_act


Summary: Honest Money Act -Repeals the law stating: (1) U.S. coins and currency are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes and dues; and (2) foreign gold or silver coins are not legal tender for debts.

honest money act law stating coins currency legal tender debts public charges taxes dues foreign gold silver coins legal tender debts


Summary: Fair Treatment for Precious Metals Investors Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat bullion (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) as a long-term capital asset (currently, treated as a collectible), eligible for preferential capital gains tax rates.

internal revenue code treat bullion gold silver platinum palladium long term capital asset currently treated collectible eligible preferential capital gains tax rates


Summary: Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should designate one or more series of bonds or certificates as "War on Radical Islam Bonds."

expresses sense congress secretary treasury designate series bonds certificates war bonds


Summary: Price Stability and Inflation Targeting Act of 2008 - Declares that the primary and overriding goal of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee with regard to monetary policy shall be the achievement of price stability. Authorizes the Board and the Committee to suspend such goal if the Committee, by a majority vote, and the President jointly determine such suspension necessary due to war or an economic emergency. Requires the Board and the Committee to: (1) establish a definition of the goal of price stability; (2) implement such definition through inflation targets; and (3) specify a timeframe for achieving such goal. Directs the Board to determine in advance what action it will take if the goal of fully achieving price stability is not met within the timeframe established by the Board and the Committee.

inflation targeting act declares primary overriding goal board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_open_market_committee regard monetary policy shall achievement price stability authorizes board committee suspend goal committee majority vote president jointly determine suspension necessary war economic emergency requires board committee establish definition goal price stability implement definition inflation targets specify timeframe achieving goal directs board determine advance action goal fully achieving price stability met timeframe established


Summary: Price Stability Act of 2008 - Declares it is US policy that the principal economic responsibilities of the Government are to establish both long-term economic growth and increases in living standards, maintain free markets, low taxes, respect for private property, and the stable, long-term purchasing power of US currency. Declares that the promotion of price stability should be the primary long-term goal of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to revise the mandate of the Board and the Federal Open Market Committee to require them to: (1) establish a numerical definition of the term "price stability"; and (2) maintain a monetary policy that promotes long-term price stability. Requires the Board to consult with, and report to, Congress semi-annually about Board and Committee objectives and plans to achieve and maintain price stability. Repeals the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978.

price stability act declares policy principal economic responsibilities government establish long term economic growth increases living standards maintain free markets low taxes respect private property stable long term purchasing power currency declares promotion price stability primary long term goal board_of_governors federal_reserve_system amends federal_reserve_act revise mandate board federal_open_market_committee require establish numerical definition term price stability maintain monetary policy promotes long term price stability requires board consult report congress semi annually objectives plans achieve maintain price stability repeals


Summary: Transparency in the Creation of Wealth Act of 2008 - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to: (1) devise, calculate, and publish a replacement for the discontinued M3 monetary statistic; (2) tabulate and publish a statistical description of the current distribution of wealth in the United States by quintile; (3) calculate and report to the Congress the total annual seigniorage interest income received by financial institutions as a result of their being allowed to create money in the form of the credit they extend above their own cash deposits or reserves before extending the loans; (4) calculate and publish semi-annually the loss or gain in economic output due to the deviation of the previous year's actual unemployment rate from the 4% level required by specified statute; (5) tabulate and publish data showing the amount of credit and the percentage of credit now being created and directed into specified transactions; (6) develop a market-based estimate of the value of residential, corporate and publicly owned land and report figures; and (7) make projections, in ten-year increments, of the net foreign debt, and estimate and report on the location of federal reserve notes, by country and type of holder. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a full audit of the Federal Reserve System in every year before a presidential election year. Directs the Board to: (1) publish a quarterly and annual summary of total credit market debt; (2) release the statistics required to be compiled by this Act at a quarterly news conference; and (3) the survey of consumer finances and the total credit market debt report at an annual news conference.

transparency creation wealth act directs board_of_governors federal_reserve_system devise calculate publish replacement discontinued monetary publish statistical description current distribution wealth united_states calculate report congress total annual interest income received financial institutions result allowed create money form credit extend cash deposits reserves extending loans calculate publish semi annually loss gain economic output deviation previous year actual unemployment rate level required specified statute publish data showing credit percentage credit created directed specified transactions develop market based estimate value residential corporate publicly owned land report figures projections year increments net foreign debt estimate report location federal reserve notes country type holder directs comptroller general conduct audit federal_reserve_system year presidential election year directs board publish quarterly annual summary total credit market debt release statistics required compiled act quarterly news conference survey consumer finances total credit market debt report annual news conference


Summary: Full Faith and Credit in Our Communities Act of 2007 - Amends the Community Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee payments on tax-exempt bonds or notes issued by any approved issuer if their proceeds are used to make loans to eligible community development financial institutions: (1) for eligible community or economic development purposes; or (2) to refinance loans or notes issued for such purposes. Lists among such community or economic development purposes, especially in low-income or underserved rural areas, developing or supporting: (1) commercial facilities that promote revitalization, community stability, or job creation or retention; (2) businesses that provide jobs for low-income people or are owned by low-income people, or enhance the availability of products and services to them; (3) community facilities; (4) the provision of basic financial services; and (5) housing that is principally affordable to low-income people. Specifies that assistance used to facilitate homeownership shall only be used for services and lending products that: (1) serve low-income people; and (2) are not provided by other lenders in the area, or complement the services and lending products provided by other lenders that serve the investment area or targeted population. Authorizes an eligible community development financial institution or an issuer to use a bond or note to reduce the interest rate on a loan made by an issuer to an eligible community development financial institution for any community or economic development purpose. Requires each issuer, during the term of a guarantee, to establish a risk-share pool meeting certain criteria. Requires any issuer receiving a guarantee on a bond or note to pay a specified fee to the Director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

faith credit communities act amends community banking financial institutions act require secretary treasury guarantee payments tax exempt bonds notes issued approved issuer proceeds loans eligible community development financial institutions eligible community economic development purposes refinance loans notes issued purposes lists community economic development purposes especially low income underserved rural areas developing supporting commercial facilities promote revitalization community stability job creation retention businesses provide jobs low income people owned low income people enhance availability products services community facilities provision basic financial services housing principally affordable low income people specifies assistance facilitate homeownership shall services lending products serve low income people provided lenders area complement services lending products provided lenders serve investment area targeted population authorizes eligible community development financial institution issuer use bond note reduce interest rate loan issuer eligible community development financial institution community economic development purpose requires issuer term guarantee establish risk share pool meeting certain criteria requires issuer receiving guarantee bond note pay specified fee director community_development_financial_institutions_fund


Summary: Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act of 2008 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to authorize the Special Inspector General to exercise specified employment authorities for additional personnel, but not after six months following enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Special Inspector General to conduct, supervise, and coordinate an audit or investigation of any action taken under such Act, except any action related to: (1) graduated authorization to purchase troubled assets; (2) oversight and audits by the Comptroller General; (3) the Comptroller General's study and report on margin authority; and (4) the Congressional Oversight Panel.

special inspector general amends emergency economic stabilization act authorize special inspector general exercise specified employment authorities additional personnel months following enactment act authorizes special inspector general conduct supervise coordinate audit investigation action taken act action related graduated authorization purchase troubled assets oversight audits comptroller_general comptroller_general study report margin authority congressional_oversight_panel


Summary: Equitable Treatment of State and Local Governments Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase at face value debt instruments issued by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. which: (1) were held as of September 15, 2008, by any state or local government, or any other public entity or instrumentality established under state law; (2) have been held by such entity continuously since such date; and (3) are subject to bankruptcy proceedings filed on September 15, 2008, by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. Declares that the Secretary: (1) shall be substituted as a creditor in any bankruptcy proceeding for any state or local government, or any other public entity or instrumentality established under state law from which the Secretary purchases a debt instrument; and (2) has the same standing in such proceedings with respect to other creditors as the state or local government or public entity for which the Secretary is substituted.

equitable treatment state local governments act amends emergency economic stabilization act eesa direct secretary treasury purchase face value debt instruments issued held september state local government public entity instrumentality established state law held entity continuously date subject bankruptcy proceedings filed september secretary shall substituted creditor bankruptcy proceeding state local government public entity instrumentality established state law secretary purchases debt instrument standing proceedings respect creditors state local government public entity secretary substituted


Summary: President Ronald Reagan $50 Bill Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to print $50 federal reserve notes bearing the likeness of President Ronald Wilson Reagan.

president ronald_reagan federal reserve act direct secretary treasury print federal reserve notes bearing president


Summary: Bailouts Are Not For Sale Act - Prohibits a corporation which has made any independent expenditure or disbursement for an electioneering communication in connection with a federal election campaign from: (1) having any notes discounted by any federal reserve bank, or (2) otherwise accessing or receiving the benefit of any financing provided by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any federal reserve bank (including any credit facility established by the Board or any federal reserve bank). Directs the Board to require a corporation that has entered into such a transaction or financing agreement before enactment of this Act to unwind it and repay any amount outstanding within 90 days after enactment of this Act.

bailouts sale act prohibits corporation independent expenditure disbursement electioneering communication connection federal election campaign having notes discounted federal reserve bank accessing receiving benefit financing provided board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal reserve bank including credit facility established board federal reserve bank directs board require corporation entered transaction financing agreement enactment act repay outstanding days enactment act


Summary: United States Covered Bond Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury or a designee (covered bond regulator) to establish a regulatory oversight program for specified senior recourse debt obligations of an eligible issuer (covered bonds). Requires the covered bond regulator to: (1) consult with the primary federal regulator of an eligible issuer before approving any covered bond program; and (2) maintain a registry on a website available to the public containing the name of each approved covered bond program and information on all outstanding covered bonds issued under it. Requires the covered bond regulator from time to time to establish minimum over-collateralization requirements for covered bonds backed by each eligible asset classes (including residential mortgage, home equity, commercial mortgage, public sector, auto, student loan, credit or charge card, small business, and other asset classes) based on the credit, collection, and interest-rate risks, but not the liquidity risks, associated with such eligible asset class. Requires each dynamic pool of such assets (cover pool) securing covered bonds at all times to satisfy an asset-coverage test. Prescribes: (1) covered bond eligibility requirements; and (2) procedures governing default and insolvency of a covered bond both prior and subsequent to conservatorship, receivership, liquidation, or bankruptcy of the issuer. Subjects covered bonds that are offered and sold to the public by a bank (or its subsidiary) to: (1) securities regulations issued by the primary federal regulator of such bank; and (2) antifraud rules. Exempts such bonds from all other federal securities laws. Subjects issuers of covered bonds to disclosure and reporting requirements. Amends the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 governing Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits to include within their purview covered bonds under this Act.

united_states covered bond act directs secretary treasury designee covered bond regulator establish regulatory oversight program specified senior recourse debt obligations eligible issuer covered bonds requires covered bond regulator consult primary federal regulator eligible issuer approving covered bond program maintain registry website available public containing approved covered bond program information outstanding covered bonds issued requires covered bond regulator time time establish minimum requirements covered bonds backed eligible asset classes including residential mortgage home equity commercial mortgage public sector auto student loan credit charge card small business asset classes based credit collection interest rate risks liquidity risks associated eligible asset class requires dynamic pool assets cover pool securing covered bonds times satisfy asset coverage test prescribes covered bond eligibility requirements procedures governing default insolvency covered bond prior subsequent conservatorship receivership liquidation bankruptcy issuer subjects covered bonds offered sold public bank subsidiary securities regulations issued primary federal regulator bank antifraud rules exempts bonds federal securities laws subjects issuers covered bonds disclosure reporting requirements amends internal revenue code governing include purview covered bonds act


Summary: War on Debt Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish and administer a new series of U.S. savings bonds to be known as "War on Debt Bonds," to be used first solely to reduce the amount of foreign-held public debt, and then to reduce other public debt. Sets the maturity and redemption date of a War on Debt Bond at 30 years from the date of issue. Requires certain annual principal and interest payments, which shall not be includible in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Allows redemption of such a Bond before 30 years if during any fiscal year during which it is outstanding: (1) the federal budget deficit exceeds 3% of gross domestic product (GDP); or (2) the public debt exceeds 10% of GDP. Limits the holding of a War on Debt Bond to: (1) U.S. citizens or residents; (2) domestic partnerships, or domestic corporations (not more than 1% of the ownership interest of which is held, directly or indirectly, by a person who is not a U.S. person); or (3) estates or trusts which are U.S. persons, unless there is a trust beneficiary who is not a U.S. person.

war debt act requires secretary treasury establish administer new series savings bonds known war debt bonds solely reduce foreign held public debt reduce public debt sets maturity redemption date war debt bond years date issue requires certain annual principal interest payments shall includible gross income internal revenue code allows redemption bond years fiscal year outstanding federal budget deficit exceeds gross domestic product gdp public debt exceeds gdp limits holding war debt bond citizens residents domestic partnerships domestic corporations ownership interest held directly indirectly person person estates trusts persons trust beneficiary person


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) qualify manufacturing facilities that create intangible property for tax-exempt bond financing; and (2) revise the definition of "manufacturing facility" for purposes of certain limitations on tax-exempt bond financing to include facilities which are functionally related and subordinate to a manufacturing facility.

amends internal revenue code qualify manufacturing facilities create intangible property tax exempt bond financing revise definition manufacturing facility purposes certain limitations tax exempt bond financing include facilities functionally related subordinate manufacturing facility


Summary: Federal Reserve Transparency Act - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to publish on its website, with respect to all loans and other financial assistance it has provided since March 24, 2008: (1) the identity of each business, individual, or entity to which the Board has provided such assistance; (2) the type of financial assistance provided; (3) its value or amount; (4) the date on which it was provided; (5) the specific terms of any repayment expected, including the repayment time period, interest charges, collateral, limitations on executive compensation or dividends, and other material terms; and (6) the specific rationale for providing assistance in each instance. Requires the Board to update such information at least once every 30 days.

federal_reserve transparency act directs board_of_governors federal_reserve_system publish website respect loans financial assistance provided march identity business individual entity board provided assistance type financial assistance provided value date provided specific terms repayment expected including repayment time period interest charges collateral limitations executive compensation dividends material terms specific rationale providing assistance instance requires board update information days


Summary: Federal Reserve Sunshine Act of 2009 - Repeals the authority of the Comptroller General to carry out an onsite examination of an open insured bank or bank holding company only if the appropriate federal regulatory agency has consented in writing. (Retains the authority of the Comptroller General to audit a federal agency.) Directs the Comptroller General to complete, before the end of 2010, an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and of the federal reserve banks, followed by a detailed report to Congress.

act repeals authority comptroller_general carry onsite examination open insured bank bank holding company appropriate federal regulatory agency consented writing retains authority comptroller_general audit federal agency directs comptroller general complete end audit board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal reserve banks followed detailed report congress


Summary: Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a demonstration program to: (1) identify and locate the owners of specified unredeemed U.S. savings bonds; and (2) provide bondholder location and assistance grants to states for the purpose of bond owner location and notification activities. Requires the Secretary to attempt to locate owners of specified unredeemed savings bonds for which the registered address: (1) is located in a state not participating in the demonstration program in the fiscal year in which such bond would otherwise have been referred to such state; or (2) is not located in any state. Requires the Secretary to deduct and withhold from the proceeds of any matured outstanding U.S. savings bond, on the later of the date of maturity of such bond or the date of the enactment of this Act, a tax in an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount which, if such bond were redeemed, would constitute interest. Includes the deemed interest amount in the bondholder's gross income.

unclaimed savings bond act directs secretary treasury conduct demonstration program identify locate owners specified savings bonds provide location assistance grants states purpose bond owner location notification activities requires secretary attempt locate owners specified savings bonds registered address located state participating demonstration program fiscal year bond referred state located state requires secretary deduct withhold proceeds matured outstanding savings bond later date maturity bond date enactment act tax equal applicable percentage bond redeemed constitute interest includes deemed interest gross income


Summary: Stop Tarp Asset Recycling Act of 2009 or the STAR Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to require, beginning upon enactment of this Act, all repayments of funds and all proceeds from the sale of federally-acquired assets under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to be used to reduce the public debt.

stop tarp asset recycling act star act amends emergency economic stabilization act eesa require beginning enactment act repayments funds proceeds sale federally acquired assets troubled_asset_relief_program tarp reduce public debt


Summary: Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) report biannually to Congress on international monetary policy and currency exchange rates; and (2) appear, if requested, before certain congressional committees to testify regarding such reports. Prescribes report contents, including: (1) an analysis of currency market developments and the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of major economies and trading partners of the United States; (2) a review of the economic and monetary policies of major economies and trading partners of the United States and an evaluation of how such policies impact currency exchange rates; and (3) a list of currencies designated as fundamentally misaligned currencies. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) analyze semiannually the prevailing real effective exchange rates of foreign currencies; (2) determine whether any such currency is in fundamental misalignment; and (3) designate it for priority action if the issuing country engages in specified behavior, including excessive and prolonged official or quasi-official accumulation of foreign assets for balance of payments purposes. Prescribes procedures for: (1) negotiations and consultations; and (2) actions in response to failure, including persistent failure, to adopt appropriate policies, or take identifiable action to eliminate the fundamental misalignment. Requires the Secretary, before the United States approves a proposed change in the governance arrangement of any international financial institution, to determine whether any member of the international financial institution that would benefit from the proposed change, in the form of increased voting shares or representation, has a currency designated for priority action. Requires U.S. opposition to the proposed change if the Secretary renders an affirmative determination. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930, for purposes of an antidumping investigation or review, to require an adjustment in the price used to establish export (and constructed export) prices, in the case of a fundamentally misaligned currency designated for priority action, by reducing such price by the percentage by which the domestic currency of the producer or exporter is undervalued in relation to the U.S. dollar. Adds as a factor the administering authority must take into account in determining whether a foreign country is a nonmarket economy country the question of whether its currency is designated for priority action under this Act. Establishes the Advisory Committee on International Exchange Rate Policy. Repeals the Exchange Rates and International Economic Policy Coordination Act of 1988.

currency exchange rate oversight reform act directs secretary treasury report biannually congress international monetary policy currency exchange rates appear requested certain congressional committees testify reports prescribes report contents including analysis currency market developments relationship dollar currencies major economies trading partners united_states review economic monetary policies major economies trading partners united_states evaluation policies impact currency exchange rates list currencies designated fundamentally currencies instructs secretary analyze semiannually prevailing real effective exchange rates foreign currencies determine currency fundamental misalignment designate priority action issuing country engages specified behavior including excessive prolonged official quasi official accumulation foreign assets balance payments purposes prescribes procedures negotiations consultations actions response failure including persistent failure adopt appropriate policies identifiable action eliminate fundamental misalignment requires secretary united_states approves proposed change governance arrangement international financial institution determine member international financial institution benefit proposed change form increased voting shares representation currency designated priority action requires opposition proposed change secretary renders affirmative determination amends tariff act purposes antidumping investigation review require adjustment price establish export constructed export prices case fundamentally currency designated priority action reducing price percentage domestic currency producer exporter undervalued relation dollar adds factor administering authority account determining foreign country nonmarket economy country question currency designated priority action act establishes repeals international_economic_policy_coordination_act


Summary: Fair Treatment for Precious Metals Investors Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat bullion (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) as a long-term capital asset (currently, treated as a collectible), eligible for preferential capital gains tax rates.

internal revenue code treat bullion gold silver platinum palladium long term capital asset currently treated collectible eligible preferential capital gains tax rates


Summary: Federal Reserve Credit Facility Review Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Comptroller General to conduct reviews and onsite examinations of: (1) any credit facility established by the Federal Reserve Board or any federal reserve bank; and (2) such credit facility's establishment as the lender of last resort (including providing credit under enhancements to traditional lending facilities and credit facilities). Cites the credit facilities to which this Act applies. Grants the Comptroller General access to all records and property of any such credit facility, including its officers, employees, contractors, and other agents and representatives. Sets forth the powers of the Comptroller to implement this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on each review conducted. Terminates such authorization five years after enactment of this Act.

review act authorizes comptroller general conduct reviews onsite examinations credit facility established federal_reserve_board federal reserve bank credit facility establishment lender resort including providing credit enhancements traditional lending facilities credit facilities cites credit facilities act applies grants comptroller general access records property credit facility including officers employees contractors agents representatives sets forth powers comptroller implement act requires comptroller general report congress review conducted terminates authorization years enactment act


Summary: Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to prohibit the Secretary of Commerce, for each of FY2011-FY2013, from: (1) providing a participant in the Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program with more than 50% of the costs incurred by the participant under the Program; and (2) requiring a participant's cost share to exceed 50%. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such cost share requirements, including: (1) an analysis of various cost share structures; and (2) a recommendation for structuring the cost share requirement after FY2013 to best provide for the Program's long-term sustainability.

amends national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act prohibit secretary commerce fy2011 fy2013 providing participant costs incurred participant program requiring participant cost share exceed directs secretary report congress cost share requirements including analysis cost share structures recommendation structuring cost share requirement fy2013 best provide program long term sustainability


Summary: Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to bar the Secretary of Commerce, for FY2011-FY2013, from: (1) providing to a Hollings Manufacturing Extension Center more than half of the costs incurred by it; and (2) requiring that a Center's cost share exceed half of such costs. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on cost share requirements under the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (the Program). Directs the Secretary, if a state provides financial support to a Center which exceeds 25% of the capital and annual operating and maintenance funds required to create and maintain such Center, to provide that Center, under the State Incentive Program established by this Act, assistance that is in addition to the assistance otherwise provided to it under the Program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 to carry out: (1) the Program, including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Advisory Board; (2) the Competitive Grant Program; and (3) the State Incentive Program.

amends national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act bar secretary commerce fy2011 fy2013 providing half costs incurred requiring center cost share exceed half costs requires secretary report congress cost share requirements hollings_manufacturing_extension_partnership_program program directs secretary state provides financial support center exceeds capital annual operating maintenance funds required create maintain center provide center established act assistance addition assistance provided program authorizes appropriations fy2011 fy2015 carry program including advisory_board


Summary: Build America Bonds to Create Jobs Now Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Build America Bond program, to: (1) extend until December 31, 2012, the authority to issue such bonds and the authority for payments to issuers of such bonds, (2) reduce the percentage rate of payments to issuers in 2011 and 2012, (3) allow refundings of currently issued bonds, and (4) allow the use of Build America bonds to fund capital expenditures for levees and flood control projects.

amends internal revenue code respect build_america_bond program extend december authority issue bonds authority payments issuers bonds reduce percentage rate payments issuers allow refundings currently issued bonds allow use build_america bonds fund capital expenditures levees flood control projects


Summary: Amends the Federal Reserve Act to repeal the joint mandate on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee to make maximum employment one of the goals of their duty to maintain long run growth of the monetary and credit aggregates commensurate with the U.S. economy's long run potential to increase production.

amends federal_reserve_act repeal joint mandate board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_open_market_committee maximum employment goals duty maintain long run growth monetary credit aggregates commensurate economy long run potential increase production


Summary: Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2012 - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) complete, within 12 months of enactment of this Act, the required audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) and of the Federal Reserve Banks; and (2) submit to Congress, within 90 days of audit completion, a detailed report of audit findings and conclusions. Repeals certain limitations placed upon such audit. Instructs the Comptroller General to audit and report on the review of loan files of homeowners in foreclosure in 2009 or 2010, required as part of the enforcement actions taken by the Board against supervised financial institutions. Prescribes audit contents, including: (1) the guidance given by the Board to independent consultants retained by the supervised financial institutions regarding procedures to be followed in conducting the file reviews, (2) the factors considered by independent consultants when evaluating loan files and the results obtained pursuant to those reviews, and (3) the determinations made by such consultants regarding the nature and extent of financial injury sustained by each homeowner as well as the level and type of remediation offered.

federal_reserve transparency act directs comptroller general complete months enactment act required audit board_of_governors federal_reserve_system board federal_reserve_banks submit congress days audit completion detailed report audit findings conclusions repeals certain limitations placed audit instructs comptroller general audit report review loan files homeowners foreclosure required enforcement actions taken board supervised financial institutions prescribes audit contents including guidance given board independent consultants retained supervised financial institutions procedures followed conducting file reviews factors considered independent consultants evaluating loan files results obtained pursuant reviews determinations consultants nature extent financial injury sustained homeowner level type remediation offered


Summary: Build America Bonds Extension for Rural and Urban Transportation and Highways Act of 2011 or the BABE RUTH Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Build America Bond program, to: (1) extend until December 31, 2014, the authority to issue such bonds and the authority for payments to issuers of such bonds (2) reduce the percentage rate of payments to issuers in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014; (3) allow refundings of currently issued bonds; and (4) allow the use of Build America bonds to fund capital expenditures for levees and flood control projects.

rural urban transportation highways act act amends internal revenue code respect build_america_bond program extend december authority issue bonds authority payments issuers bonds reduce percentage rate payments issuers allow refundings currently issued bonds allow use build_america bonds fund capital expenditures levees flood control projects


Summary: Build America Bonds Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Build America Bond program, to: (1) extend until December 31, 2012, the authority to issue such bonds and the authority for payments to issuers of such bonds, (2) reduce the percentage rate of payments to issuers, (3) incorporate in the definition of "Build American bond" certain tax-exempt private activity bonds, and (4) allow refundings of currently issued Build America bonds.

amends internal revenue code respect build_america_bond program extend december authority issue bonds authority payments issuers bonds reduce percentage rate payments issuers incorporate definition build american bond certain tax exempt private activity bonds allow refundings currently issued build_america bonds


Summary: Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations under part H (School Dropout Prevention). Establishes a transition-to-success mentoring program under part H of the ESEA requiring the Secretary of Education to award five-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community-based nonprofit organizations to establish, expand, or support school-based mentoring programs to assist at-risk students in transitioning from middle to high school. Requires grantees to assign to each at-risk student in his or her middle school a success coach who: (1) creates a plan of success for the student; (2) enters into an agreement with the student's parents regarding their role in implementing such plan; (3) meets with the student at least once a month to assess and assist the student's progress; (4) meets at least quarterly with the student and the student's parents, teachers, or counselors to evaluate the student's progress and revise or establish new goals for the next academic year; and (5) serves as the student's advocate between the student's parents and teachers. Authorizes the use of grant funds to train success coaches and cover the cost of any materials they use under the mentoring program.

transition success mentoring act amends title elementary secondary education act esea reauthorize appropriations establishes transition success mentoring program esea requiring secretary education award year grants local educational agencies leas partnerships leas community based nonprofit organizations establish expand support school based mentoring programs assist risk students transitioning middle high school requires grantees assign risk student middle school success coach creates plan success student enters agreement student parents role implementing plan meets student month assess assist student progress meets quarterly student student parents teachers counselors evaluate student progress revise establish new goals academic year serves student advocate student parents teachers authorizes use grant funds train success coaches cover cost materials use mentoring program


Summary: Democratizing the Federal Reserve System Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to reduce from 14 years to 7 years the term of office of the members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Increases from two years to four years the post-service restriction which renders Board members ineligible to hold any office, position, or employment in any member bank. Revises the terms for ongoing service on the Board with respect to its Chairman and Vice Chairman. Requires the Speaker and the minority leader of the House of Representatives, the majority leader and minority leader of the Senate, and specified committee chairpersons and ranking members to create jointly a list of five candidates in rank order to present to the President for consideration for a Board vacancy if the President has not made a nomination to fill it within a specified time period. Requires the President, no later than 30 days after the transmittal of such list, to nominate a person to fill the vacancy, whether from such list or another person. Increases the membership of the Federal Open Market Committee from five to six members. Revises the distribution of Federal Open Market Committee membership.

amends federal reserve act reduce years years term office members board_of_governors federal_reserve_system increases years years post service restriction renders board members ineligible hold office position employment member bank revises terms ongoing service board respect chairman vice chairman requires speaker minority leader house_of_representatives majority leader minority leader senate specified committee chairpersons ranking members create jointly list candidates rank order present president consideration board vacancy president nomination fill specified time period requires president later days transmittal list nominate person fill vacancy list person increases membership federal_open_market_committee members revises distribution federal_open_market_committee membership


Summary: Gold Reserve Transparency Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a full assay, inventory, and audit of federal gold reserves, including an analysis of the sufficiency of the measures taken for their security. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the results of the assay, inventory, audit, and analysis.

gold reserve transparency act directs secretary treasury conduct assay inventory audit federal gold reserves including analysis sufficiency measures taken security directs government_accountability_office gao review results assay inventory audit analysis


Summary: Federal Reserve Transparency Act - Directs the Comptroller General to complete, within 12 months after enactment of this Act, an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and of the federal reserve banks, followed by a detailed report to Congress.

federal_reserve transparency act directs comptroller general complete months enactment act audit board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal reserve banks followed detailed report congress


Summary: Dollar Bill Act of 2011 - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to: (1) make the value of the U.S. dollar equal to price of gold on the exchange operated by the Commodities Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) of the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc.; and (2) maintain that value at this level. Prohibits the Board, in regulating the value of the U.S. dollar, from conducting open market operations indirectly, as in the current practice of targeting the federal funds rate. Requires the Board to use its banking and bank regulatory powers to maintain and promote stable and effective financial markets during and after the transition to a defined value for the U.S. dollar. Entitles all entities that depreciate capital assets for tax purposes to 100% expensing of all capital investment for tax purposes in the year that the investment is made. Requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in addition to the scoring CBO will do of the tax changes provided in this Act, to calculate the impact on federal revenues on a present value basis. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to remove Federal Reserve Bank authority to pay earnings on reserves.

dollar requires board_of_governors federal_reserve_system value dollar equal price gold exchange operated maintain value level prohibits board regulating value dollar conducting open market operations indirectly current practice targeting federal funds rate requires board use banking bank regulatory powers maintain promote stable effective financial markets transition defined value dollar entitles entities capital assets tax purposes expensing capital investment tax purposes year investment requires congressional_budget_office cbo addition scoring cbo tax changes provided act calculate impact federal revenues present value basis amends federal_reserve_act remove federal_reserve_bank authority pay earnings reserves