Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``International Professional Exchange
Act of 2010''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) According to the National Research Council's 2007
        report titled ``International Education and Foreign Languages:
        Keys to Securing America's Future'', ``knowledge of foreign
        languages and cultures is increasingly critical for the
        nation's security and its ability to compete in the global
        marketplace. Language skills and cultural expertise are needed
        for federal service, for business, for such professions as law,
        health care, and social work, and for an informed citizenry.''.
            (2) Exchange programs play an important role in learning
        about foreign cultures and languages and building bridges
        between societies. Our Nation benefits from having people from
        all over the world study, work, and travel in the United
        States.
            (3) The Fulbright Programs are widely recognized and
        prestigious international exchange programs, with approximately
        294,000 ``Fulbrighters'' from more than 155 countries
        participating in the academic exchange program since its
        inception more than 60 years ago.
            (4) In his June 4, 2009, speech in Cairo, Egypt, President
        Barack Obama stated--
                    (A) ``I have come here to seek a new beginning
                between the United States and Muslims around the world;
                one based on mutual interest and mutual respect.'';
                    (B) in discussing economic development and
                opportunity, ``we will expand exchange programs'' and
                ``we will create a new corps of business volunteers to
                partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority
                countries''; and
                    (C) ``Indeed, faith should bring us together. That
                is why we are forging service projects in America that
                bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.'' and
                ``Around the world, we can turn dialogue into
                Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to
                action.''.
            (5) During the 2010 Presidential Summit on
        Entrepreneurship, President Obama emphasized the importance of
        partnering with global Muslim communities ``to expand economic
        prosperity . . . and to deepen ties between business leaders,
        foundations, and entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim
        communities around the world.''.
            (6) In her November 2009 speech at the ``Forum for the
        Future'' in Marrakech, Morocco, Secretary of State Clinton
        stated ``It is results, not rhetoric, that matter in the end.
        Economic empowerment, education, healthcare, access to energy
        and to credit, these are the basics that all communities need
        to thrive. . . . We know that true progress comes from within a
        society and cannot be imposed from the outside, and we know
        that change does not happen overnight. So we will not focus our
        energies on one-time projects, but we will seek to work with
        all of you in government and in civil society to try to build
        local capacity and empower local organizations and individuals
        to create sustainable change.''.
            (7) On January 28, 2010, Farah Pandith, Special
        Representative to Muslim Communities for the Department of
        State, stated, ``by working together in true partnership with
        Muslims around the world, we can build new relationships and
        partnerships that inspire and promote peace, prosperity,
        dignity, and hope.''.

SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

    The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot program--
            (1) to help build professional capacity and contribute
        professional skills to local communities through a two-way
        exchange of fellows;
            (2) to address some of the long-term economic challenges
        facing the global economy by sharing and building professional
        expertise and building civil society capacity in the United
        States and in Muslim-majority countries, including minority
        populations in those countries;
            (3) to promote cross-cultural understanding between the
        people of the United States and the people in Muslim-majority
        countries, including minority populations in those countries;
            (4) to improve mutual understanding, change perceptions,
        and strengthen the people-to-people ties which unite Americans
        with people in Muslim-majority countries, including minority
        populations in those countries; and
            (5) to promote international cooperation and peace.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
        ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
                Senate;
                    (B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
                    (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
                of Representatives; and
                    (D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
                Representatives.
            (2) Fellow.--The term ``fellow'' means a college-educated
        professional who--
                    (A) is between 21 and 40 years of age; and
                    (B) has been selected to participate in the
                Program.
            (3) Fellowship.--The term ``fellowship'' means the vehicle
        through which inbound and outbound fellows participate in the
        Program.
            (4) Inbound fellow.--The term ``inbound fellow'' means a
        fellow who is coming to the United States from a Muslim-
        majority country.
            (5) Muslim-majority country.--The term ``Muslim-majority
        country'' means--
                    (A) a country that is a Member State of the
                Organization of the Islamic Conference; and
                    (B) the Republic of Kosovo.
            (6) Outbound fellow.--The term ``outbound fellow'' means a
        fellow who is going to a Muslim-majority country from the
        United States.
            (7) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the 3-year
        International Professional Exchange Pilot Program established
        under this Act.

SEC. 5. INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Authorization.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
establish a 3-year international professional exchange pilot program
for--
            (1) young professionals in the United States to live and
        work in a Muslim-majority country; and
            (2) young professionals in Muslim-majority countries to
        live and work in the United States.
    (b) Fellowship Duration.--The fellowships under the Program should
last between 3 and 6 months, during which--
            (1) time should be allocated for professional training,
        community service, and cultural immersion activities, including
        site visits and domestic travel; and
            (2) the majority of time should be spent in a professional
        job setting that complements the fellow's professional
        background and builds relevant professional skill sets.
    (c) Community Service.--Each fellow shall be required to complete
at least 40 hours of community service in the local community in which
the fellow is placed to gain a better appreciation for--
            (1) issues surrounding the local community;
            (2) the importance of civic engagement; and
            (3) in some cases, interfaith service, which involves
        service activities and projects for the common good that draw
        participants from more than 1 faith tradition, denomination,
        spiritual movement, or religion and often include secular
        participants and organizations.
    (d) Placement.--Each fellow shall be placed in a professional
environment that complements his or her professional training and
experience. To the extent possible, outbound fellowship placement
selections should target local companies and businesses in addition to
placement opportunities with local governments and civil society
organizations.
    (e) Travel Expenses; Stipend.--The Program shall cover all relevant
travel, administrative, and health care costs for each fellow that are
directly related to his or her participation in the Program. Each
fellow shall receive a stipend in an amount equal to the estimated
costs to be incurred for housing, meals, and local transportation
costs. Fellows shall not be paid a salary by the Program for their
fellowship. To the extent available and consistent with local law,
fellows may accept a stipend from the local company or organization
connected to their fellowship.
    (f) Technology.--In administering the Program, the Secretary of
State is encouraged to support and utilize communications technology to
train fellows and provide networking opportunities for fellows,
including--
            (1) simultaneous orientations;
            (2) online educational and cultural trainings, including
        refresher language training;
            (3) classroom exchanges;
            (4) online networks of fellows; and
            (5) platforms for sharing experiences and creating alumni
        networks.

SEC. 6. SELECTION OF INBOUND FELLOWS.

    (a) Country of Origin.--The selection of inbound fellows shall
reflect geographic diversity to the extent possible. The Secretary of
State shall select not fewer than 4 and not more than 7 Muslim-majority
countries from which the initial group of inbound fellows may be
selected. In making such selections, the Secretary shall select at
least 1 country from each of the following geographic regions:
            (1) Middle East and North Africa.
            (2) Central Asia and South Asia.
            (3) Southeast Asia.
    (b) Recruitment.--In recruiting inbound fellows for the Program,
the Secretary should--
            (1) build upon existing programs to engage Muslim
        communities, including efforts by the Department of State
        through the Office of the Special Representative to Muslim
        Communities and the Office of the Special Envoy to the
        Organization of the Islamic Conference;
            (2) reach out to graduates of English learning programs,
        such as the English Access Microscholarship Program;
            (3) work with local Chambers of Commerce and leading
        private sector industries to identify potential candidates;
            (4) engage with public service networks and leading public
        service and nonprofit organizations;
            (5) use online networking and media tools to reach
        potential fellows; and
            (6) use other creative outlets to reach a broad and diverse
        candidate pool.
    (c) Selection Process.--In selecting inbound fellows for the
Program, the Secretary should--
            (1) give preference to candidates who--
                    (A) have relevant professional and language
                qualifications;
                    (B) are prepared for cultural immersion; and
                    (C) have demonstrated leadership in their
                communities;
            (2) take into account the gender and geographic diversity
        of the candidates;
            (3) conduct in-person interviews with all of the finalists
        to test their character and personal commitment to the goals of
        the Program; and
            (4) select fellows from a variety of professional
        backgrounds with a preference for individuals who work in--
                    (A) the public sector, including teachers, urban/
                city planners, public health workers, and public
                administrators; or
                    (B) civil society, including journalists, faith-
                based leaders, interfaith leaders, and those working in
                nonprofit organizations.

SEC. 7. OUTBOUND FELLOWS.

    (a) Country of Placement.--The placement of outbound fellows shall
reflect geographic diversity to the extent possible. The Secretary of
State shall select not fewer than 4 and not more than 7 Muslim-majority
countries to which the initial group of outbound fellows may be placed.
This group of countries does not need to be the same group of countries
from which inbound fellows are selected. In making such selection, at
least 1 country should be selected from each of the following
geographic regions:
            (1) Middle East and North Africa.
            (2) Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
    (b) Recruitment.--In recruiting outbound fellows for the Program,
the Secretary should identify a large selection of potential candidates
by working closely with--
            (1) Federal and State government agencies;
            (2) United States academic institutions, particularly
        graduate schools;
            (3) public and private sector professional networks;
            (4) private businesses; and
            (5) nongovernmental organizations.
    (c) Selection Process.--In selecting outbound fellows for the
Program, the Secretary should--
            (1) identify candidates who--
                    (A) have relevant professional and language
                qualifications;
                    (B) are prepared for cultural immersion; and
                    (C) have demonstrated leadership in their
                communities;
            (2) take into account the gender and geographic diversity
        of the candidates;
            (3) conduct in-person interviews with all of the finalists
        to test their character and personal commitment to the goals of
        the Program; and
            (4) select fellows from a variety of professional
        backgrounds, with a preference for individuals who work in--
                    (A) the public sector, including teachers, urban/
                city planners, public health workers, and public
                administrators; and
                    (B) civil society, including journalists, faith-
                based leaders, interfaith leaders, and those working in
                nonprofit organizations.

SEC. 8. ORIENTATION, TRAINING, AND LANGUAGE.

    (a) Orientation.--At the beginning of each fellowship, the Program
should include an orientation for each class of inbound fellows and
outbound fellows.
    (b) Training.--The Program should provide, and require each fellow
to complete, appropriate professional and cultural training before and
during the fellowship.
    (c) Language.--The Program is not intended to teach fellows
professional competency in the working language of the country in which
fellows are placed. Fellows should possess a working level knowledge of
the language needed for professional placement before the placement is
made. The Program shall provide refresher language training for
fellowship placement, as needed.

SEC. 9. POST-FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    (a) Certificate.--Upon successful completion of the fellowship,
each fellow shall receive a certificate from the Department of State
certifying such completion.
    (b) Alumni Networks.--The Program should include an alumni
component that encourages former fellows to meet and build
relationships and provides an opportunity for former fellows--
            (1) to remain linked to the Program and the network of
        colleagues they met through the Program;
            (2) to share experiences with current and former fellows
        and participating professional organizations;
            (3) to build international professional networks;
            (4) to recruit candidates for future fellowships;
            (5) to identify placement opportunities for future fellows;
        and
            (6) to raise funds in support of alumni activities and
        future fellows.
    (c) Public-Private Partnership Funding.--The Secretary of State is
strongly encouraged to defray the costs of the Program through public-
private partnerships that seek in-kind contributions, financial
assistance for travel and administrative costs, job placement, and
recruitment assistance from--
            (1) the private sector, including private foundations;
            (2) foreign governments; and
            (3) other interested parties.

SEC. 10. REPORT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 15 months, 27 months, and 39 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that
describes the administration and outcomes of the Program.
    (b) Contents.--The reports submitted under subsection (a) shall
include--
            (1) the administrative costs of the Program;
            (2) recommendations for improving cost-sharing;
            (3) the country selection process for the Program;
            (4) the qualifications, overhead, and achievements of any
        partners involved in the implementation of the Program;
            (5) the program models used by grantees to promote cross-
        learning;
            (6) recruitment practices and outcomes;
            (7) the number of candidates per country;
            (8) selection criteria used to choose fellows, including
        issues that arose during selection and recommendations for
        improved selection;
            (9) the placement process, including issues that arose
        during selection and recommendations for improved placement;
            (10) the training offered, including recommendations for
        improved training;
            (11) the alumni networks created, including recommendations
        for improving alumni activity; and
            (12) other recommendations for improving the administration
        and funding of the overall program.

SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of State
such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2011 through
2014, which shall be expended to carry out the Program in accordance
with this Act.

Output:
International Professional Exchange Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a three-year international professional exchange pilot program for: (1) young professionals in the United States to live and work in a Muslim-majority country; and (2) young professionals in Muslim-majority countries to live and work in the United States.

Provides for fellowships of between three and six months, during which: (1) time should be allocated for professional training, community service, and cultural immersion activities, including site visits and domestic travel; and (2) the majority of time should be spent in a professional job setting that complements the fellow's professional background and builds relevant professional skill sets.

States that the selection of inbound and outbound fellows shall reflect geographic diversity from the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Requires each fellow to complete at least 40 hours of community service in the local community in which the fellow is placed.

Encourages the Secretary to defray program costs through public-private partnerships.

Requires three reports from the Secretary describing the administration and outcomes of the program.

Authorizes appropriations.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Jobs, On-the-Job `Earn While You
Learn' Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men
Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) African-American young men ages 18 to 39 are the
        hardest hit in unemployment, with an unemployment rate of 41
        percent nationally, and in some States and cities, especially
        inner cities, higher than 50 percent;
            (2) this extraordinarily high unemployment rate has a
        terrible rippling impact on the breakdown of the family
        structure, as men in this age group are in the primary child-
        producing ages; and
            (3) an unemployment rate of 40 to 50 percent among African-
        American young men, many of who are fathers who, without jobs,
        and are unable to provide for their families, is not only a
        national crisis but a national tragedy.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to secure jobs, on-the-job
training, and apprenticeships for African-American young men ages 18 to
39 with the labor unions, general contractors, and businesses who will
rebuild the Nation's crumbling infrastructure in cities and communities
throughout the Nation.

SEC. 3. URGING EMPLOYMENT, ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, AND APPRENTICESHIPS FOR
              UNEMPLOYED AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUNG MEN IN REBUILDING THE
              NATION'S CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Labor shall strongly and urgently
request those labor unions, general contractors, and businesses, who
will rebuild the Nation's crumbling infrastructure, transportation
systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution
systems, to actively recruit, hire, and provide on-the-job training to
African-American young men ages 18 to 39 through their existing jobs,
apprenticeships, and ``earn while you learn'' programs. The Secretary
shall provide assistance to such labor unions, general contractors, and
businesses through every means available to help coordinate the
recruitment of such individuals for such jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships.
    (b) Coordination.--The jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships made available by labor unions, general contractors,
and businesses described in subsection (a) shall be conducted in
conjunction with the Secretary of Labor and the labor unions and other
associations which have been identified as those primarily involved in
the infrastructure rebuilding described in such subsection, including
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United
Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe
Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, the International
Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron
Workers Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National
Electrical Contractors Association, the International Association of
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the
Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), the
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the United
Steelworkers (USW). Such coordination shall also be done in conjunction
with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which
allows apprentices to earn while they learn.
    (c) Recruitment.--The labor unions, general contractors, and
businesses described in subsections (a) and (b) shall recruit African-
American young men for the jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships described in subsection (a) by reaching out and seeking
assistance from within the African-American community, churches, the
National Urban League, the NAACP, 100 Black Men of America, high school
and college job placement offices, media outlets, and other African-
American organizations that can offer valuable assistance to the
Secretary of Labor, the labor unions, general contractors, and
businesses with identifying, locating, and contacting unemployed
African-American young men who want jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships. These African-American organizations have a long and
rich history of working to improve the lives of African-Americans, and
can be very helpful in successfully reaching, contacting, and
recruiting unemployed African-American young men.

SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of Congress that this Act--
            (1) while rebuilding the crumbling infrastructure of this
        great Nation, will simultaneously help create good paying jobs
        and job training that will provide African-American young men
        ages 18 to 39 with the technical skills, computer capabilities,
        and other skills necessary in this high technology-driven job
        market, thus providing African-American young men with highly
        developed skills that will make them very competitive and
        attractive to many employers; and
            (2) greatly exemplifies and strengthens the high nobility
        of purpose that is the founding grace of this great Nation.

Output: Jobs, On-the-Job "Earn While You Learn" Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to request labor unions, general contractors, and businesses that will rebuild infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems to actively recruit, hire, and provide on-the-job training to African American men ages 18 to 39 through existing jobs, apprenticeships, and "earn while you learn" programs. Labor must help coordinate such recruitment.  The jobs, training, and apprenticeships must be conducted in conjunction with Labor, labor unions and associations involved in infrastructure rebuilding, and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Labor unions, contractors, and businesses involved with such infrastructure or systems must recruit by seeking assistance from the African American community, churches, the National Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 100 Black Men of America, high school and college job placement offices, and media outlets.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Resource Governance Act of
2000''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) energy prices have risen dramatically, leading to
        significant harm to particular sectors of the economy;
            (2) an affordable domestic energy supply is vital to the
        continued growth and vitality of our Nation's economy;
            (3) an uninterrupted supply of oil and other energy is
        necessary to protect the United States national security
        interests; and
            (4) the United States continued dependence on foreign
        sources of energy, particularly on the Organization of
        Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), for the majority of its
        petroleum and energy needs is harmful to our national security
        and will not guarantee lower fuel prices and protect our
        economy.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

    There is established the National Energy Self-Sufficiency
Commission (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').

SEC. 4. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are--
            (1) to investigate and study issues and problems relating
        to issues involving the importation of and dependence on
        foreign sources of energy;
            (2) to evaluate proposals and current arrangements with
        respect to such issues and problems with the goal of seeking
        out ways to make the United States self-sufficient in the
        production of energy by the year 2010;
            (3) to explore whether alternate sources of energy such as
        ethanol, solar power, electricity, natural gas, coal, hydrogen,
        wind energy, and any other forms of alternative power sources
        should be considered, including other potential and actual
        sources;
            (4) to investigate the affordability of oil exploration and
        drilling in areas which currently are not being used for
        drilling, whether because of the cost of doing so, because of
        current law, or because of environmental regulation that may
        prohibit such drilling;
            (5) to appear at any congressional oversight hearing before
        the proper congressional oversight committee to testify as to
        the progress and operation of the Commission and its findings;
            (6) to consider tax credits and other financial incentives,
        along with expanded drilling in areas such as the Arctic
        National Wildlife Refuge and offshore, to help promote and
        establish the viability and research of alternative forms of
        energy and domestic oil exploration;
            (7) to prepare and submit to the Congress and the President
        a report in accordance with section 9; and
            (8) to take into account the adverse environmental impact
        of its proposals.
    (b) Limitation.--This Act shall not permit the Commission to
recommend an increase in taxes or other revenues or import restrictions
on oil or other commodities.

SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

    (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 9
members as follows:
            (1) 3 members appointed by the President, 1 of whom shall
        be designated as chairman by the President.
            (2) 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the
        Senate.
            (3) 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the
        Senate.
            (4) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of
        Representatives.
            (5) 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House
        of Representatives.
    (b) Term.--Members of the Commission shall be appointed for the
life of the Commission.
    (c) Quorum.--5 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum,
but a lesser number may conduct meetings.
    (d) Appointment Deadline.--The first appointments made under
subsection (a) shall be made within 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act.
    (e) First Meeting.--The first meeting of the Commission shall be
called by the chairman and shall be held within 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
    (f) Vacancy.--A vacancy on the Commission resulting from the death
or resignation of a member shall not affect its powers and shall be
filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
    (g) Continuation of Membership.--If any member of the Commission
who was appointed to the Commission as a Member of Congress or as an
officer or employee of a government leaves that office, or if any
member of the Commission who was not appointed in such a capacity
becomes an officer or employee of a government, the member may continue
as a member of the Commission for not longer than the 90-day period
beginning on the date the member leaves that office or becomes such an
officer or employee, as the case may be.

SEC. 6. COMPENSATION.

    (a) Pay.--
            (1) Nongovernment employees.--Each member of the Commission
        who is not otherwise employed by the United States Government
        shall be entitle to receive the daily equivalent of the annual
        rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive
        Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for
        each day (including travel time) during which he or she is
        engaged in the actual performance of duties as a member of the
        Commission.
            (2) Government employees.--A member of the Commission who
        is an officer or employee of the United States Government shall
        serve without additional compensation.
    (b) Travel.--Members of the Commission shall be reimbursed for
travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in
the performance of their duties.

SEC. 7. STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.

    (a) Staff.--
            (1) Appointment.--The chairman of the Commission may,
        without regard to the civil service laws and regulations,
        appoint and terminate an executive director and such other
        personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform
        its duties. The employment of an executive director shall be
        subject to confirmation by the Commission.
            (2) Compensation.--The chairman of the Commission may fix
        the compensation of the executive director and other personnel
        without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter
        II of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to
        classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates,
        except that the rate of pay for the executive director and
        other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of
        the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that title.
    (b) Experts and Consultants.--The Commission may procure temporary
and intermittent services of experts and consultants under section
3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 8. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.

    (a) Hearings and Meetings.--The Commission or, on authorization of
the Commission, a member of the Commission may hold such hearings, sit
and act at such time and places, take such testimony, and receive such
evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission or a
member of the Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to
witnesses appearing before it.
    (b) Official Data.--The Commission may secure directly from any
Federal department, agency, or court information necessary to enable it
to carry out this Act. Upon request of the chairman of the Commission,
the head of a Federal department or agency or chief judge of a Federal
court shall furnish such information to the Commission.
    (c) Facilities and Support Services.--The Administrator of General
Services shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis such
facilities and support services as the Commission may request. Upon
request of the Commission, the head of a Federal department or agency
may make any of the facilities or services of the agency available to
the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties
under this Act.
    (d) Expenditures and Contracts.--The Commission or, on
authorization of the Commission, a member of the Commission may make
expenditures and enter into contracts for the procurement of such
supplies, services, and property as the Commission or member considers
appropriate for the purposes of carrying out the duties of the
Commission. Such expenditures and contracts may be made only to such
extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.
    (e) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal departments
and agencies of the United States.
    (f) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.

SEC. 9. REPORT.

    The Commission shall submit to the Congress and the President a
report not later than 2 years after the date of its first meeting. The
report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and
conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for
such legislative or administrative action as it considers appropriate.

SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

    The Commission shall cease to exist on the date that is 30 days
after the date on which it submits its report under section 9.

SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated $3,500,000 to carry out this
Act for each fiscal year for the duration of the Commission.

Output:
Precludes the Commission from recommending an increase in taxes or other revenues, or import restrictions on oil or other commodities.
Directs the Commission to detail its findings, conclusions and recommendations in a report to Congress and the President. Authorizes appropriations.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Helping Our Students Communicate Act
of 2007''.

SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF LOAN FORGIVENESS TO SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS.

    (a) FFEL Loans.--
            (1) Forgiveness for speech-language pathologists
        authorized.--Section 428J(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act of
        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078-10(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) has been employed for 5 consecutive complete school
        years--
                    ``(A) as a full-time teacher--
                            ``(i) in a school that qualifies under
                        section 465(a)(2)(A) for loan cancellation for
                        Perkins loan recipients who teach in such
                        schools; and
                            ``(ii) if employed as an elementary school
                        or secondary school teacher, who is highly
                        qualified as defined in section 9101 of the
                        Elementary Secondary Education Act of 1965, or
                        meets the requirements of subsection (g)(3); or
                    ``(B) as a full-time speech-language pathologist--
                            ``(i) to perform services principally in a
                        school described in subparagraph (A)(i); and
                            ``(ii) who has, at a minimum, a graduate
                        degree in speech-language pathology, or
                        communication sciences and disorders; and''.
            (2) Additional amounts for speech-language pathologists.--
        Section 428J(c)(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1078-10(c)(3)) is
        amended--
                    (A) in the header, by inserting before the period
                ``, and speech-language pathologists'';
                    (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
                (A);
                    (C) by striking the period at the end of
                subparagraph (B) and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new
                subparagraph:
                    ``(C) a speech-language pathologist who meets the
                requirements of subsection (b).''.
    (b) Direct Loans.--
            (1) Forgiveness for speech-language pathologists
        authorized.--Section 460(b)(1)(A) of the Higher Education Act
        of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087j(b)(1)(A)) is amended to read as
        follows:
                    ``(A) has been employed for 5 consecutive complete
                school years--
                            ``(i) as a full-time teacher--
                                    ``(I) in a school that qualifies
                                under section 465(a)(2)(A) for loan
                                cancellation for Perkins loan
                                recipients who teach in such schools;
                                and
                                    ``(II) if employed as an elementary
                                school or secondary school teacher, who
                                is highly qualified as defined in
                                section 9101 of the Elementary
                                Secondary Education Act of 1965, or
                                meets the requirements of subsection
                                (g)(3); or
                            ``(ii) as a full-time speech-language
                        pathologist--
                                    ``(I) to perform services
                                principally in a school described in
                                clause (i)(I); and
                                    ``(II) who has, at a minimum, a
                                graduate degree in speech-language
                                pathology, or communication sciences
                                and disorders; and''.
            (2) Additional amounts for speech-language pathologists.--
        Section 460(c)(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1087j(c)(3)) is
        amended--
                    (A) in the header, by inserting before the period
                ``, and speech-language pathologists'';
                    (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
                (A);
                    (C) by striking the period at the end of
                subparagraph (B) and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new
                subparagraph:
                    ``(C) a speech-language pathologist who meets the
                requirements of subsection (b).''.
    (c) New Borrower Eligibility.--An individual who is a speech-
language pathologist shall not qualify under the amendments made by
this section unless such individual is a new borrower (as such term is
defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1003)) on or after October 1, 2007.

Output:
Helping Our Students Communicate Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan or the Direct Loan programs to individuals who have been employed for five consecutive complete school years as full-time speech-language pathologists: (1) principally at elementary and secondary schools whose enrollment of disadvantaged students exceeds 30% and whose local educational agencies are eligible for funding under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (2) have at least a graduate degree in speech-language pathology, or communication sciences and disorders.

Caps loan forgiveness at $17,500.

Limits the benefits of this Act to new borrowers on or after October 1, 2007.


Input:
SECTION 1. PILOT PROGRAM ON FACILITATION OF TRANSITION OF MEMBERS OF
              THE ARMED FORCES TO RECEIPT OF VETERANS HEALTH CARE
              BENEFITS AFTER COMPLETION OF MILITARY SERVICE.

    (a) Program Required.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
        carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and
        advisability of utilizing eligible entities to assist members
        of the Armed Forces, particularly members described in
        paragraph (2), in applying for and receiving health care
        benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs
        and otherwise after completion of military service in order to
        ensure that such members receive a continuity of care and
        assistance in and after the transition from military service to
        civilian life.
            (2) Target populations.--The pilot program shall focus on
        providing assistance to all members of the Armed Forces, with
        particular emphasis on the following members:
                    (A) Members with serious wounds or injuries.
                    (B) Members with mental disorders.
                    (C) Women members.
                    (D) Members of the National Guard and the Reserves.
            (3) Veteran navigator.--Eligible entities shall provide
        assistance under the pilot program through qualified
        individuals who provide such assistance on an individualized
        basis to members of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1)
        as they transition from military service to civilian life and
        during the commencement of their receipt of health care
        benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs
        and otherwise. An individual providing such assistance may be
        referred to as a ``veteran navigator''.
            (4) Consultation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
        carry out the pilot program in consultation with the Secretary
        of Defense.
    (b) Duration of Program.--The pilot program shall be carried out
during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
    (c) Program Locations.--
            (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be carried out at
        locations selected by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for
        purposes of the pilot program. Of the locations so selected--
                    (A) at least one shall be in the vicinity of a
                military medical treatment facility (MTF) that treats
                members of the Armed Forces who are seriously wounded
                or injured in Afghanistan or Iraq;
                    (B) at least one shall be in the vicinity of a
                Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located
                in a rural area; and
                    (C) at least one shall be in the vicinity of a
                Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located
                in an urban area.
            (2) Additional locations.--Any locations for the pilot
        program that are in addition to the locations selected under
        paragraph (1) shall be selected by the Secretary in
        consultation with the grant application evaluation panel
        appointed under subsection (f)(3).
    (d) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
        carry out the pilot program through the award of grants to
        eligible entities for the provision of assistance to members of
        the Armed Forces as described in subsection (a).
            (2) Duration.--The duration of any grant awarded under the
        pilot program may not exceed three years. However, any such
        grant may be renewed for a period not to exceed one year.
    (e) Eligible Entities.--For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible entity is any entity or organization that--
            (1) is independent of the Department of Veterans Affairs
        and the Department of Defense; and
            (2) has or can acquire the capacity, including appropriate
        personnel, to provide assistance under the pilot program as
        described in subsection (a).
    (f) Selection of Grant Recipients.--
            (1) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under
        the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans
        Affairs an application therefor in such form and in such manner
        as the Secretary considers appropriate.
            (2) Elements.--Each application submitted under paragraph
        (1) shall include the following:
                    (A) A description of the population of members of
                the Armed Forces to be provided assistance.
                    (B) A description of the outreach to be conducted
                by the eligible entity concerned to notify members of
                the Armed Forces of the availability of such
                assistance.
                    (C) If the population of veterans described in
                subparagraph (A) consists of members of the Armed
                Forces described in subsection (a)(2), the particular
                actions to be taken to provide such assistance to such
                members of the Armed Forces.
            (3) Evaluation.--
                    (A) In general.--Each application submitted under
                paragraph (1) shall be evaluated by a panel appointed
                by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.
                    (B) Membership of panel.--Members of the panel
                shall be appointed from among individuals as follows:
                            (i) Officers and employees of the
                        Department of Veterans Affairs.
                            (ii) With the approval of the Secretary of
                        Defense, officers and employees of the
                        Department of Defense.
                            (iii) Representatives of veterans service
                        organizations.
                            (iv) Representatives of organizations that
                        provide services to members of the Armed
                        Forces.
                    (C) Recommendation.--Upon completion of the
                evaluation of an application under this subsection, the
                panel shall recommend to the Secretary whether or not
                to approve the application.
                    (D) Recusal.--No member of the panel may evaluate
                an application that is submitted by an entity with
                which such member is affiliated.
            (4) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve or disapprove
        each application submitted under paragraph (1). In determining
        whether to approve or disapprove an application, the Secretary
        shall take into account the recommendation on such application
        by the panel appointed by the Secretary under paragraph (3).
    (g) Use of Grant Funds.--
            (1) In general.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant
        under this section shall use the grant to recruit, assign,
        train, and employ individuals to provide assistance on an
        individualized basis to members of the Armed Forces,
        particularly members described in subsection (a)(2), as they
        transition from military service to civilian life and during
        the commencement of their receipt of health care benefits and
        services from the Department of Veterans Affairs and otherwise.
            (2) Qualifications.--Any organization providing assistance
        under the pilot program shall employ individuals who
        collectively--
                    (A) have an understanding of the unique health care
                needs of members of the Armed Forces as they transition
                from military service to civilian life;
                    (B) have an understanding of the military medical
                treatment system of the Department of Defense; and
                    (C) have an understanding of eligibility for
                benefits and services, mechanisms for enrollment or
                participation, and receipt of benefits and services in
                and through various systems and programs of health care
                benefits and services for veterans, including--
                            (i) the health care system of the
                        Department of Veterans Affairs; and
                            (ii) other health care systems and
                        programs, including health care systems and
                        programs of other departments and agencies of
                        the Federal Government, State and local
                        governments, and other public and private
                        entities.
            (3) Scope of assistance.--In providing assistance to a
        member of the Armed Forces under the pilot program, an
        individual shall--
                    (A) assist the member in identifying the unique
                health care needs of the member (including mental
                health care);
                    (B) assist the member in enrolling in the health
                care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs after
                separation from military service;
                    (C) assist the member in identifying and applying
                for any other health care benefits or services to which
                the member may be entitled after military service; and
                    (D) assist the member in obtaining the timely
                commencement of health care benefits and services from
                the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the timely
                commencement of other veterans health care benefits and
                services, so that the member receives a continuity of
                health care and assistance in and after the transition
                from military service to civilian life.
            (4) Coordination.--In providing assistance to members of
        the Armed Forces under the pilot programs, individuals
        providing such assistance shall coordinate closely with
        appropriate personnel of the Department of Defense and the
        Department of Veterans Affairs in order to--
                    (A) develop relationships (including information
                sharing) that enhance the effectiveness of such
                assistance;
                    (B) eliminate overlap or duplication of effort; and
                    (C) otherwise facilitate a continuity of care and
                assistance for such members in and after the transition
                from military service to civilian life.
            (5) Training.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under the
        pilot program may use grant funds for the provision of training
        to individuals who provide assistance under the pilot program
        on matters covered by the pilot program.
            (6) Reports.--Each eligible entity awarded a grant under
        the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary, with such
        frequency as the Secretary shall specify, reports on the
        activities undertaken under the pilot program. Each report of
        an eligible entity shall include--
                    (A) a description of the activities undertaken by
                such eligible entity during the period covered by such
                report; and
                    (B) an assessment of the effectiveness of such
                activities in ensuring that members of the Armed Forces
                receive a continuity of care and assistance in and
                after the transition from military service to civilian
                life.
    (h) Duplication of Services.--The Secretary may not award a grant
under subsection (d) to an eligible entity that is receiving federal
funds for activities described in paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection
(g) on the date on which the eligible entity submits an application
subsection (f)(1) unless the Secretary determines that the eligible
entity will use amounts received under the grant to expand services or
provide new services to individuals who would not otherwise be served.
    (i) Report on Program.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than six months after the
        completion of the pilot program, the Secretary of Veterans
        Affairs shall submit to Congress report on the pilot program.
            (2) Elements.--The report shall include the following:
                    (A) A description of the activities undertaken
                under the pilot program.
                    (B) An assessment of the effectiveness of such
                activities in ensuring that members of the Armed Forces
                receive a continuity of care and assistance in and
                after the transition from military service to civilian
                life.
                    (C) Such recommendations for legislative or
                administrative action, including action to extend,
                expand, or make permanent the pilot program, as the
                Secretary considers appropriate in light of the pilot
                program.
    (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
        the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out this section,
        amounts as follows:
                    (A) For fiscal year 2008, $2,000,000.
                    (B) For fiscal year 2009, $5,000,000.
                    (C) For fiscal year 2010, $8,000,000.
                    (D) For fiscal year 2011, $6,500,000.
                    (E) For fiscal year 2012, $3,500,000.
            (2) Availability.--Any amount authorized to be appropriated
        by paragraph (1) shall remain available for obligation through
        the end of fiscal year 2012.

Output:
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible entities to assist members of the Armed Forces, particularly those with serious wounds, injuries, or mental disorders, women members, and members of the National Guard and reserves, in applying for and receiving health care benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and otherwise after completion of military service, in order to ensure that such members receive a continuity of care and assistance in and after the transition from military service to civilian life.

Requires at least one location of the pilot program to be in the vicinity of: (1) a military medical facility that treats members who are seriously wounded or injured in Afghanistan or Iraq; (2) a VA medical center located in a rural area; and (3) a VA medical center located in an urban area.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Science and
Technology Innovation Act of 2008''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
                  TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF PROGRAMS

Sec. 101. Extension of SBIR and STTR Programs.
               TITLE II--FEDERAL INNOVATIONS INVESTMENTS

Sec. 201. SBIR cap increase.
Sec. 202. STTR cap increase.
Sec. 203. Adjustments in SBIR and STTR award levels.
Sec. 204. Majority equity investment in SBIR and STTR firms.
                     TITLE III--UTILIZATION SUPPORT

Sec. 301. Agency databases to support program evaluation.
Sec. 302. Agency databases to support technology utilization.
Sec. 303. Interagency Policy Committee.
              TITLE IV--OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Sec. 401. Use of program funds for administrative costs.
Sec. 402. SBIR discretionary technical assistance.
                        TITLE V--IMPLEMENTATION

Sec. 501. Conforming amendments to the SBIR and STTR policy directives.
Sec. 502. National Research Council SBIR Study.

                  TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF PROGRAMS

SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF SBIR AND STTR PROGRAMS.

    (a) SBIR Program.--Section 9(m) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 638(m)) is amended by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010''.
    (b) STTR Program.--Section 9(n)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 638(n)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``2009'' and inserting
``2010''.

               TITLE II--FEDERAL INNOVATIONS INVESTMENTS

SEC. 201. SBIR CAP INCREASE.

    Section 9(f)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(f)(1)) is
amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``each fiscal year
        thereafter,'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 1997 through
        2008; and''; and
            (3) by adding after subparagraph (C) the following new
        subparagraph:
                    ``(D) not less than 3 percent in fiscal year 2009
                and each fiscal year thereafter,''.

SEC. 202. STTR CAP INCREASE.

    Section 9(n)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
638(n)(1)(B)) is amended--
            (1) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in clause (ii), by striking ``fiscal year 2004 and each
        fiscal year thereafter.'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years
        2004 through 2008; and''; and
            (3) by adding after clause (ii) the following new clause:
                            ``(iii) 0.6 percent for fiscal year 2009
                        and each fiscal year thereafter.''.

SEC. 203. ADJUSTMENTS IN SBIR AND STTR AWARD LEVELS.

    (a) SBIR Adjustments.--Section 9(j)(2)(D) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 638(j)(2)(D)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$300,000'';
        and
            (2) by striking ``$750,000'' and inserting ``$2,200,000''.
    (b) STTR Adjustments.--Section 9(p)(2)(B)(ix) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 638(p)(2)(B)(ix)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$300,000'';
        and
            (2) by striking ``$750,000'' and inserting ``$2,200,000''.
    (c) Annual Adjustments.--Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 638) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (j)(2)(D), by striking ``and an
        adjustment of such amounts once every 5 years to reflect
        economic adjustments and programmatic considerations'' and
        inserting ``and a mandatory annual adjustment of such amounts
        to reflect economic adjustments and programmatic
        considerations''; and
            (2) in subsection (p)(2)(B)(ix), by striking ``greater or
        lesser amounts'' and inserting ``with a mandatory annual
        adjustment of such amounts to reflect economic adjustments and
        programmatic considerations, and with lesser amounts''.
    (d) Limitation on Certain Awards.--Section 9 of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 638) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(z) Limitation on Phase I and II Awards.--No Federal agency shall
issue an award under the SBIR program or the STTR program if the size
of the award exceeds the amounts established under subsections
(j)(2)(D) and (p)(2)(B)(ix).
    ``(aa) Subsequent Phases.--
            ``(1) In general.--A small business concern which received
        an award from a Federal agency under this section shall be
        eligible to receive an award for a subsequent phase from
        another Federal agency, if the head of each relevant Federal
        agency makes a written determination that the topics of the
        relevant awards are the same.
            ``(2) Crossover between programs.--A small business concern
        which received an award under this section under the SBIR
        program or the STTR program may, at the discretion of the
        granting agency, receive an award under this section for a
        subsequent phase in either the SBIR program or the STTR
        program.
            ``(3) Phase ii sbir applications.--An agency may permit an
        applicant to apply directly for a Phase II award, as described
        in subsection (e)(4)(B), without first completing a Phase I
        award, as described in subsection (e)(4)(A), if the applicant
        can demonstrate that project feasibility was achieved without
        SBIR or other Federal funding.
            ``(4) Phase ii sttr applications.--An agency may permit an
        applicant to submit proposals for Phase II awards, as described
        in subsection (e)(6)(B), without first completing a Phase I
        award, as described in subsection (e)(6)(A), if the applicant
        can demonstrate it has accomplished Phase I through cooperative
        research and development achieved without STTR or other Federal
        funding.
    ``(bb) Waiver of Minimum Work Requirement.--A Federal agency making
an SBIR or STTR award under this section may waive the minimum small
business concern or research institution work requirements under
subsection (e)(7) if the agency determines that to provide such waiver
would be consistent with the purposes of this section and consistent
with achieving the objectives of the award proposal.''.

SEC. 204. MAJORITY EQUITY INVESTMENT IN SBIR AND STTR FIRMS.

    Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), as amended by
this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(cc) Majority Equity Investment in SBIR and STTR Firms.--
            ``(1) Qualification requirements.--No small business
        concern shall be excluded from participation in the SBIR or
        STTR program on the ground that such small business concern is
        owned in majority part by more than 1 equity provider, except
        that no single equity provider shall be permitted to own more
        than 49 percent of such small business concern.
            ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
                    ``(A) the term `equity provider' means a venture
                capital operating company; and
                    ``(B) the term `venture capital operating company'
                means a business concern that--
                            ``(i) is a venture capital operating
                        company, as that term is defined in regulations
                        promulgated by the Secretary of Labor under the
                        Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
                        1974;
                            ``(ii) is registered under the Investment
                        Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-51 et seq.);
                        or
                            ``(iii) is an investment company, as
                        defined in section 3(c)(14) of such Act (15
                        U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(14)), which is not registered
                        under such Act because it is beneficially owned
                        by less than 100 persons.''.

                     TITLE III--UTILIZATION SUPPORT

SEC. 301. AGENCY DATABASES TO SUPPORT PROGRAM EVALUATION.

    Section 9(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(k)) is
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(A)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii);
                    (B) by inserting ``and'' at the end of clause
                (iii); and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
                            ``(iv) information on the ownership
                        structure of award recipients, both at the time
                        of receipt of the award and upon completion of
                        the award period;'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
            ``(3) Updating information for database.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A Federal agency shall not make
                a Phase I or Phase II payment to a small business
                concern under this section unless the small business
                concern has provided all information required under
                this subsection with respect to the award under which
                the payment is made, and with respect to any other
                award under this section previously received by the
                small business concern or a predecessor in interest to
                the small business concern.
                    ``(B) Apportionment.--In complying with this
                paragraph, a small business concern may apportion sales
                or additional investment information relating to more
                than one second phase award among those awards, if it
                notes the apportionment for each award.
                    ``(C) Annual updates upon termination.--A small
                business concern receiving an award under this section
                shall--
                            ``(i) in the case of a second phase award,
                        update information in the databases required
                        under paragraphs (2) and (6) concerning that
                        award at the termination of the award period;
                            ``(ii) in the case of award recipients not
                        described in clause (iii), be requested to
                        voluntarily update such information annually
                        thereafter for a period of 5 years; and
                            ``(iii) in the case of a small business
                        concern applying for a subsequent first phase
                        or second phase award, be required to update
                        such information annually thereafter for a
                        period of 5 years.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(6) Agency program evaluation databases.--Each Federal
        agency required to establish an SBIR or STTR program under this
        section shall develop and maintain, for the purpose of
        evaluating such programs, a database containing information
        required to be contained in the database under paragraph (2).
        Each such database shall be designed to be accessible to other
        agencies that are required to maintain a database under this
        paragraph.''.

SEC. 302. AGENCY DATABASES TO SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION.

    Section 9(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(k)), as
amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
            ``(7) Agency databases to support technology utilization.--
        Each Federal agency with an SBIR or STTR program shall create
        and maintain a technology utilization database, which shall be
        available to the public and shall contain data supplied by the
        award recipients specifically to help them attract customers
        for the products and services generated under the SBIR or STTR
        project, and to attract additional investors and business
        partners. Each database created under this paragraph shall
        include information on the other databases created under this
        paragraph by other Federal agencies. Participation in a
        database under this paragraph shall be voluntary, except that
        such participation is required of all award recipients who
        received supplemental payments from SBIR and STTR program funds
        above their initial Phase II award.''.

SEC. 303. INTERAGENCY POLICY COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish an Interagency SBIR/STTR Policy
Committee comprised of one representative from each Federal agency with
an SBIR program.
    (b) Cochairs.--The Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall jointly chair the Interagency Policy Committee.
    (c) Duties.--The Interagency Policy Committee shall review the
following issues and make policy recommendations on ways to improve
program effectiveness and efficiency:
            (1) The public and government databases described in
        section 9(k)(1) and (2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
        638(k)(1) and (2)).
            (2) Federal agency flexibility in establishing Phase I and
        II award sizes, and appropriate criteria to exercise such
        flexibility.
            (3) Commercialization assistance best practices in Federal
        agencies with significant potential to be employed by other
        agencies, and the appropriate steps to achieve that leverage,
        as well as proposals for new initiatives to address funding
        gaps business concerns face after Phase II but before
        commercialization.
    (d) Reports.--The Interagency Policy Committee shall transmit to
the Committee on Science and Technology and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate--
            (1) a report its review and recommendations under
        subsection (c)(1) not later than 1 year after the date of
        enactment of this Act;
            (2) a report its review and recommendations under
        subsection (c)(2) not later than 18 months after the date of
        enactment of this Act; and
            (3) a report its review and recommendations under
        subsection (c)(3) not later than 2 years after the date of
        enactment of this Act.

              TITLE IV--OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

SEC. 401. USE OF PROGRAM FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

    Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by striking ``any'' and
        inserting ``more than 3.0 percent''; and
            (2) in subsection (n)(2)(A), by striking ``any'' and
        inserting ``more than 3.0 percent''.

SEC. 402. SBIR DISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    Section 9(q) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(q)) is
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting
                ``paragraph (2)(A), or another Federal agency under
                paragraph (2)(B),'';
                    (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
                (C);
                    (C) by striking the period at the end of
                subparagraph (D) and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new
                subparagraph:
                    ``(E) implementing manufacturing processes and
                production strategies for utilization.'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
            ``(2) Assistance providers.--
                    ``(A) Vendor selection.--Each agency may select a
                vendor to assist small business concerns to meet the
                goals listed in paragraph (1) for a term not to exceed
                3 years. Such selection shall be competitive and shall
                utilize merit-based criteria.
                    ``(B) Interagency collaboration.--In addition, each
                agency may enter into a collaborative agreement with
                the technical extension or assistance programs of other
                Federal agencies in order to provide the assistance
                described in paragraph (1).''; and
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$4,000'' and
                inserting ``$5,000''; and
                    (B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
                follows:
                    ``(B) Second phase.--Each agency referred to in
                paragraph (1) may provide directly, or authorize any
                second phase SBIR award recipient to purchase with
                funds available from their SBIR awards, services
                described in paragraph (1), in an amount equal to not
                more than $8,000 per year, per award.''.

                        TITLE V--IMPLEMENTATION

SEC. 501. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE SBIR AND STTR POLICY DIRECTIVES.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall promulgate
amendments to the SBIR and the STTR Policy Directives to conform such
directives to this Act and the amendments made by this Act.

SEC. 502. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL SBIR STUDY.

    Section 108(d) of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 is
amended--
            (1) by striking ``of the Senate'' and all that follows
        through ``not later than 3'' and inserting ``of the Senate, not
        later than 3''; and
            (2) by striking ``; and'' and all that follows through
        ``update of such report''.

Output: Science and Technology Innovation Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) extend through FY2010 the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs; (2) increase SBIR and STTR set-asides and award levels; (3) prohibit a small business from being excluded from SBIR or STTR program participation due to being owned by more than one equity provider, as long as no single equity provider owns more than 49% of such business; (4) require agency database updates in order to support SBIR and STTR program evaluation and technology utilization; (5) establish an Interagency SBIR/STTR Policy Committee; (6) allow federal agencies to use up to 3% of their SBIR funds for the payment of administrative costs; (7) allow SBIR technical assistance to include the implementation of manufacturing processes and production strategies for utilization; (8) allow federal agencies participating in the SBIR program to enter into agreements with the technical extension or assistance programs of other federal agencies in order to provide small business technical assistance; and (9) increase expenditure limits for the provision of such technical assistance.


Input:
SECTION 1. ELIGIBLE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS PERMITTED TO MAINTAIN
              QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS; OTHER MODIFICATIONS OF
              QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS.

    (a) Eligible Educational Institutions Permitted To Maintain
Qualified Tuition Programs.--
            (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 529(b) of the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining qualified State tuition
        program) is amended by inserting ``or by 1 or more eligible
        educational institutions'' after ``maintained by a State or
        agency or instrumentality thereof''.
            (2) Technical amendments.--
                    (A) Section 72(e)(9) of such Code is amended--
                            (i) in the heading, by striking ``qualified
                        state tuition programs'' and inserting
                        ``qualified tuition programs'', and
                            (ii) in the text, by striking ``qualified
                        State tuition program'' and inserting
                        ``qualified tuition program''.
                    (B) Subsections (c)(2)(C) and (d)(1)(D) of section
                135 of such Code are amended by striking ``qualified
                State tuition program'' and inserting ``qualified
                tuition program''.
                    (C) Section 529 of such Code is amended--
                            (i) by striking ``qualified State tuition
                        program'' each place it appears and inserting
                        ``qualified tuition program'', and
                            (ii) in subsection (c)(3)(D), by striking
                        ``qualified State tuition programs'' and
                        inserting ``qualified tuition programs''.
                    (D) Section 530(b)(2)(B) of such Code is amended--
                            (i) in the heading, by striking ``Qualified
                        state tuition programs'' and inserting
                        ``Qualified tuition programs'', and
                            (ii) in the text, by striking ``qualified
                        State tuition program'' and inserting
                        ``qualified tuition program''.
                    (E) Section 4973(e)(1)(B) of such Code is amended
                by striking ``qualified State tuition program'' and
                inserting ``qualified tuition program''.
                    (F) Section 6693(a)(2)(C) of such Code is amended
                by striking ``qualified State tuition programs'' and
                inserting ``qualified tuition programs''.
                    (G)(i) The section heading of section 529 of such
                Code is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 529. QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS.''.

                    (ii) The item relating to section 529 of such Code
                in the table of sections for part VIII of subchapter F
                of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking
                ``State''.
    (b) Exclusion From Gross Income of Distributions Allocable to
Qualified Higher Education Expenses.--
            (1) In general.--Subparagraph (B) of section 529(c)(3) of
        such Code (relating to distributions) is amended to read as
        follows:
                    ``(B) Distributions for qualified higher education
                expenses.--If a distributee elects the application of
                this subparagraph for any taxable year--
                            ``(i) no amount shall be includible in
                        gross income by reason of a distribution which
                        consists of providing a benefit to the
                        distributee which, if paid for by the
                        distributee, would constitute payment of a
                        qualified higher education expense, and
                            ``(ii) the amount which (but for the
                        election) would be includible in gross income
                        by reason of any other distribution shall not
                        be so includible in an amount which bears the
                        same ratio to the amount which would be so
                        includible as the amount of the qualified
                        higher education expenses of the distributee
                        bears to the amount of the distribution.''.
            (2) Distributions treated as first being attributable to
        income.--Subparagraph (A) of section 529(c)(3) of such Code is
        amended to read as follows:
                    ``(A) In general.--Any distribution from a
                qualified tuition program--
                            ``(i) shall be includible in the gross
                        income of the distributee to the extent
                        allocable to income under the program, and
                            ``(ii) shall not be includible in gross
                        income to the extent allocable to investment in
                        the contract.
                For purposes of the preceding sentence, rules similar
                to the rules of section 72(e)(3) shall apply.''.
    (c) Change of Qualified Tuition Program.--Clause (i) of section
529(c)(3)(C) of such Code is amended by inserting ``to another
qualified tuition program for the benefit of the designated beneficiary
or'' after ``transferred''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on January 1, 2000.

Output: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit private educational institutions to maintain qualified tuition programs which are comparable to qualified State tuition programs.  Revises provisions concerning distributions for qualified education expenses.


Input:
SECTION 1. DEPOSIT OF CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS IN TREASURY
              ACCOUNT.

    (a) In General.--Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:

 ``treatment of certain contributions and donations to be returned to
                                 donors

    ``Sec. 323. (a) Transfer to Commission.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
        this Act, if a political committee intends to return any
        contribution or donation given to the political committee, the
        committee shall transfer the contribution or donation to the
        Commission if--
                    ``(A) the contribution or donation is in an amount
                equal to or greater than $500 (other than a
                contribution or donation returned within 60 days of
                receipt by the committee); or
                    ``(B) the contribution or donation was made in
                violation of section 315, 316, 317, 319, or 320 (other
                than a contribution or donation returned within 30 days
                of receipt by the committee).
            ``(2) Information included with transferred contribution or
        donation.--A political committee shall include with any
        contribution or donation transferred under paragraph (1)--
                    ``(A) a request that the Commission return the
                contribution or donation to the person making the
                contribution or donation; and
                    ``(B) information regarding the circumstances
                surrounding the making of the contribution or donation
                and any opinion of the political committee concerning
                whether the contribution or donation may have been made
                in violation of this Act.
            ``(3) Establishment of escrow account.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Commission shall establish a
                single interest-bearing escrow account for deposit of
                amounts transferred under paragraph (1).
                    ``(B) Disposition of amounts received.--On
                receiving an amount from a political committee under
                paragraph (1), the Commission shall--
                            ``(i) deposit the amount in the escrow
                        account established under subparagraph (A); and
                            ``(ii) notify the Attorney General and the
                        Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service of
                        the receipt of the amount from the political
                        committee.
                    ``(C) Use of interest.--Interest earned on amounts
                in the escrow account established under subparagraph
                (A) shall be applied or used for the same purposes as
the donation or contribution on which it is earned.
            ``(4) Treatment of returned contribution or donation as a
        complaint.--The transfer of any contribution or donation to the
        Commission under this section shall be treated as the filing of
        a complaint under section 309(a).
    ``(b) Use of Amounts Placed in Escrow To Cover Fines and
Penalties.--The Commission or the Attorney General may require any
amount deposited in the escrow account under subsection (a)(3) to be
applied toward the payment of any fine or penalty imposed under this
Act or title 18, United States Code, against the person making the
contribution or donation.
    ``(c) Return of Contribution or Donation After Deposit in Escrow.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall return a
        contribution or donation deposited in the escrow account under
        subsection (a)(3) to the person making the contribution or
        donation if--
                    ``(A) within 180 days after the date the
                contribution or donation is transferred, the Commission
                has not made a determination under section 309(a)(2)
                that the Commission has reason to believe whether that
                the making of the contribution or donation was made in
                violation of this Act; or
                    ``(B)(i) the contribution or donation will not be
                used to cover fines, penalties, or costs pursuant to
                subsection (b); or
                    ``(ii) if the contribution or donation will be used
                for those purposes, that the amounts required for those
                purposes have been withdrawn from the escrow account
                and subtracted from the returnable contribution or
                donation.
            ``(2) No effect on status of investigation.--The return of
        a contribution or donation by the Commission under this
        subsection shall not be construed as having an effect on the
        status of an investigation by the Commission or the Attorney
        General of the contribution or donation or the circumstances
        surrounding the contribution or donation, or on the ability of
        the Commission or the Attorney General to take future actions
        with respect to the contribution or donation.''.
    (b) Amounts Used to Determine Amount of Penalty for Violation.--
Section 309(a) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 437g(a)) is amended by inserting
after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph:
    ``(10) For purposes of determining the amount of a civil penalty
imposed under this subsection for violations of section 323, the amount
of the donation involved shall be treated as the amount of the
contribution involved.''.
    (c) Donation Defined.--Section 301 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 431) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(20) Donation.--The term `donation' means a gift, subscription,
loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything else of value made by
any person to a national committee of a political party or a Senatorial
or Congressional Campaign Committee of a national political party for
any purpose, but does not include a contribution (as defined in
paragraph (8)).''.
    (d) Disgorgement Authority.--Section 309 of such Act (2 U.S.C.
437g) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) Any conciliation agreement, civil action, or criminal action
entered into or instituted under this section may require a person to
forfeit to the Treasury any contribution, donation, or expenditure that
is the subject of the agreement or action for transfer to the
Commission for deposit in accordance with section 323.''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a), (b),
and (c) shall apply to contributions or donations refunded on or after
the date of the enactment of this Act, without regard to whether the
Federal Election Commission or Attorney General has issued regulations
to carry out section 323 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(as added by subsection (a)) by such date.

Output: Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish guidelines for the transfer to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and deposit into a special account of any contribution or donation given to a political committee that the committee intends to return, as well as for the return of such contribution or donation after it is deposited to the person who made it.  Requires:  (1) the political committee to include certain information along with the transferred contribution or donation, such as a request that the FEC return the contribution or donation to the person making it; and (2) the FEC to notify the Attorney General and the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service of the receipt of such contribution or donation. Allows amounts in the special account to be applied toward the payment of any applicable fines or penalties.