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111th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 111-66
_______________________________________________________________________
Calendar No. 149
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2010
----------
R E P O R T
of the
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
U.S. SENATE
on
H.R. 3293
August 4, 2009.--Ordered to be printed
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2010 (H.R. 3293)
Calendar No. 149
111th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 111-66
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2010
_______
August 4, 2009.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Harkin, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 3293]
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred the
bill (H.R. 3293) making appropriations for the Departments of
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and related
agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for
other purposes, reports the same to the Senate with an
amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
Amount of budget authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate............. $730,095,039,000
Amount of 2009 appropriations....................... \1\804,561,222,000
Amount of 2010 budget estimate...................... 728,547,509,000
Amount of 2010 House bill........................... 730,460,039,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2009 appropriations............................. -74,466,183,000
2010 budget estimate............................ +1,547,530,000
2010 House bill................................. -365,000,000
\1\Includes $133,045,703,000 in emergency appropriations provided in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2009.
CONTENTS
----------
Page
Summary of Budget Estimates and Committee Recommendations........ 4
Overview......................................................... 4
Highlights of the Bill........................................... 5
Initiatives...................................................... 8
Title I: Department of Labor:
Employment and Training Administration....................... 10
Employee Benefits Security Administration.................... 22
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation......................... 23
Employment Standards Administration.......................... 24
Occupational Safety and Health Administration................ 27
Mine Safety and Health Administration........................ 30
Bureau of Labor Statistics................................... 32
Office of Disability Employment Policy....................... 32
Departmental Management...................................... 33
General Provisions........................................... 37
Title II: Department of Health and Human Services:
Health Resources and Services Administration................. 38
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention................... 64
National Institutes of Health................................ 87
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.... 123
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality................... 132
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services................... 134
Administration for Children and Families..................... 139
Administration on Aging...................................... 152
Office of the Secretary...................................... 156
General Provisions........................................... 168
Title III: Department of Education:
Education for the Disadvantaged.............................. 170
Impact Aid................................................... 176
School Improvement Programs.................................. 177
Indian Education............................................. 182
Innovation and Improvement................................... 183
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education....................... 192
English Language Acquisition................................. 195
Special Education............................................ 195
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research.............. 198
Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities:
American Printing House for the Blind.................... 204
National Technical Institute for the Deaf................ 204
Gallaudet University..................................... 205
Career, Technical, and Adult Education....................... 205
Student Financial Assistance................................. 208
Student Aid Administration................................... 210
Higher Education............................................. 210
Howard University............................................ 220
College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans................ 221
Historically Black College and University Capital Financing
Program.................................................... 221
Institute of Education Sciences.............................. 221
Departmental Management:
Program Administration................................... 224
Office for Civil Rights.................................. 224
Office of the Inspector General.......................... 225
General Provisions........................................... 225
Title IV: Related Agencies:
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely
Dis-
abled...................................................... 226
Corporation for National and Community Service............... 226
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.......................... 230
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service................... 230
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission............. 231
Institute of Museum and Library Services..................... 231
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission......................... 232
National Council on Disability............................... 232
National Labor Relations Board............................... 233
National Mediation Board..................................... 233
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission............. 234
Railroad Retirement Board.................................... 234
Social Security Administration............................... 235
Title V: General Provisions...................................... 239
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the Sen-
ate............................................................ 240
Compliance With Paragraph 7(C), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 240
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 241
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 245
Disclosure of Congressionally Directed Spending Items............ 245
Comparative Statement of New Budget Authority.................... 290
SUMMARY OF BUDGET ESTIMATES AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
For fiscal year 2010, the Committee recommends total budget
authority of $730,095,039,000 for the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services [HHS], and Education, and Related
Agencies. Of this amount, $163,100,000,000 is current year
discretionary funding, including offsets.
The bill provides program level funding (discretionary) of
$13,253,000,000 for the Department of Labor, an increase of
approximately $431,000,000 over the comparable 2009 level (not
including funding in either the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act or the fiscal year 2009 supplemental bill).
For the Department of Health and Human Services, the bill
provides $72,520,000,000, an increase of approximately
$729,000,000 over the comparable fiscal year 2009 level. And
for the Department of Education, the bill provides
$63,451,000,000, an increase of approximately $805,000,000 over
the comparable fiscal year 2009 level. For Related Agencies,
the bill provides $13,876,000,000, an increase of approximately
$1,274,000,000.
OVERVIEW
The Labor, HHS, and Education and related agencies bill
constitutes the largest of the non-defense Federal
appropriations bills being considered by Congress this year. It
is the product of extensive deliberations, driven by the
realization that no task before Congress is more important than
safeguarding and improving the health and well-being of all
Americans. This bill is made up of over 300 programs, spanning
three Federal departments and numerous related agencies. But
the bill is more than its component parts. Virtually every
element of this bill reflects the traditional ideal of
democracy: that every citizen deserves the right to a basic
education and job skills training; protection from illness and
want; and an equal opportunity to reach one's highest
potential.
This year, the Committee wrote the bill under unique
circumstances created by the passage, in February, of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act [ARRA] of 2009. That act
appropriated a total of $125,143,703,000 for programs in this
bill, including $98,238,000,000 in the Education Department and
$10,380,703,000 for the National Institutes of Health. The vast
majority of ARRA funding must be obligated by September 30,
2010, and most will be obligated during fiscal year 2010, the
same period covered by this Committee's appropriations bill.
The unprecedented funding levels in ARRA created an unusual
context for deliberations on this bill. Several programs that
are historically among the highest priorities for this
Committee--such as title I grants to local education agencies,
Pell grants, special education, Head Start and the National
Institutes of Health--also received large increases in ARRA. In
some cases, the increases provided in ARRA were higher than had
ever been awarded to these programs.
With so much money flowing through these programs from ARRA
in fiscal year 2010, the Committee adopted a general policy,
which it considers a one-time adjustment, that it would not
provide additional large increases to these programs in the
regular fiscal year 2010 appropriations bill. Instead, the
Committee emphasized several other programs that are also
important but did not receive large increases in ARRA. Chief
among them is school renovation, which the Committee has not
funded on a national scale since fiscal year 2001. School
renovation ended up with no dedicated funding in ARRA despite
strong support in both the House and Senate versions of the act
that would have provided at least $15,000,000,000 for this
purpose. The Committee also provided higher-than-usual
increases for programs designed to eliminate fraud, waste, and
abuse.
The Committee understands that fiscal year 2011 will be an
even more difficult year, because several programs that were
well-funded in ARRA will face the prospect of ``falling off a
cliff.'' The Committee expects to restore a special emphasis on
its traditional priority programs next year to help ease the
transition to a post-ARRA budget.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
Job Training.--The Committee recommends $2,969,449,000 for
State grants for job training, the same amount as the budget
request. The Committee also recommends $1,711,089,000 for the
Office of Job Corps, $9,700,000 more than the request. The bill
also includes targeted investments in the Green Jobs Innovation
Fund, which is funded at $40,000,000, the YouthBuild program,
which is funded at $105,000,000, and a Transitional Jobs
program funded at $40,000,000.
Worker Protection, Safety and Rights.--The Committee bill
provides $1,417,719,000 for key agencies that enforce rules
protecting the health, safety, and rights of workers, including
$561,620,000 for the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, $357,143,000 for the Mine Safety and Health
Administration and $498,956,000 for the Employment Standards
Administration. This total is $74,065,991 more than the fiscal
year 2009 level, excluding $43,339,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
International Labor Affairs.--The Committee bill includes
$93,919,000 for activities designed to end abusive child labor
and forced labor, and monitor and more effectively support
enforcement of labor issues in countries with which the United
States has free trade agreements. This amount is $7,845,000
above the fiscal year 2009 level.
National Institutes of Health.--A total of $30,758,788,000
is recommended to fund biomedical research at the 27 institutes
and centers that comprise the NIH. This represents an increase
of $441,764,000 over the level in the fiscal year 2009 health
appropriations bill.
Health Centers.--The recommendation includes $2,190,022,000
for health centers, the same as the budget request.
Nursing Education.--The Committee recommends $216,740,000
for nursing education, $45,709,000 over the fiscal year 2009
omnibus level and $3,509,000 over the level needed to sustain
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments. The
Committee bill includes $5,209,000 for a new nurse education
program focused on nursing home aides and home health aides.
Autism.--The Committee bill includes $71,061,000 for
prevention of and support for families affected by autism and
other related developmental disorders. This is an increase of
$7,661,000 over last year's appropriation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.--A total of
$6,828,810,000 is provided in this bill for the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. This is an increase of
$158,851,000 over the fiscal year 2009 level. This level does
not include funding for the influenza pandemic, which is
appropriated in the HHS Office of the Secretary.
Cancer.--The Committee bill provides $380,234,000 for
cancer prevention and control efforts at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. This is an increase of
approximately $40,000,000 over the fiscal year 2009 level.
Nanotechnology.--The Committee bill includes $5,000,000 for
the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to
begin research into the health effects of nanoparticles on the
workers who manufacture and dispose of such material.
Global Health.--The Committee bill includes $332,779,000
for global health activities at the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. This is an increase of $23,310,000 over the
fiscal year 2009 level. Within the increase, funds are provided
for an expanded vaccination campaign to prevent measles, a new
chronic disease initiative and increased focus on developing
the global health workforce.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health.---The Committee bill
provides $3,561,367,000 for substance abuse and mental health
programs. Included in this amount is $2,269,897,000 for
substance abuse treatment, $200,459,000 for substance abuse
prevention and $988,269,000 for mental health programs.
Pandemic Influenza.--The Committee recommendation includes
$354,167,000 to prepare for and respond to an influenza
pandemic. Funds are available for the development and purchase
of vaccine, antivirals, necessary medical supplies,
diagnostics, and other surveillance tools. The Committee
provided $7,650,000,000 in the fiscal year 2009 Supplemental
Appropriations Act to address the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak
and to provide the funds necessary to vaccinate all Americans
against that virus this fall if public health determines that
such vaccinations are necessary.
Head Start.--The Committee bill includes $7,234,783,000 for
the Head Start Program. This represents an increase of
$121,997,000 over the amount provided in the fiscal year 2009
appropriation bill.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention.--The Committee recommendation
includes $104,455,000 for a new program to fund evidence-based
efforts to reduce teen pregnancy.
Title I (Education).--The Committee bill includes
$13,792,401,000 for title I grants to local education agencies.
This amount is $800,000,000 higher than the budget request.
School Renovation.--The Committee bill includes
$700,000,000 for a new program to improve the condition of
school facilities.
Literacy.--The Committee provides $262,920,000 for a
revamped Striving Readers program, which will take a
comprehensive approach to literacy, serve children from birth
through grade 12, and subsume the mission of the Early Reading
First program, which the Committee recommends eliminating. The
combined fiscal year 2009 appropriation for Early Reading First
and Striving Readers was $147,920,000.
Teacher Incentive Fund [TIF].--The Committee recommends
$300,000,000 for TIF. This amount is more than triple the
$97,270,000 provided in the fiscal year 2009 education
appropriations bill.
Charter Schools.--The Committee provides $256,031,000, an
increase of $40,000,000 over the fiscal year 2009
appropriation, for the charter schools program.
Student Financial Aid.--The Committee recommends
$19,296,809,000 for student financial assistance. The maximum
discretionary Pell Grant Program award level is maintained at
$4,860. This funding, combined with mandatory funding provided
in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, would increase
the maximum award to $5,550 for the 2010/2011 school year.
Higher Education Initiatives.--The Committee bill provides
$2,106,749,000 for initiatives to provide greater opportunities
for higher education.
Education for Individuals With Disabilities.--The Committee
bill provides $12,587,856,000 to help ensure that all children
have access to a free and appropriate education. This amount
includes $11,505,211,000 for Part B grants to States, the same
as the budget request.
Rehabilitation Services.--The bill recommends
$3,507,322,000 for rehabilitation services, $119,560,000 above
the amount provided in the 2009 omnibus appropriations bill and
$6,587,000 more than the budget request.
Institute of Education Sciences.--The Committee bill
includes $679,256,000 to support the Institute's activities
related to education research, data collection and analysis,
and assessment of student progress. This funding level is
$62,081,000 more than the amount provided in the fiscal year
2009 omnibus appropriations bill.
Corporation for National and Community Service.--The
Committee bill recommends $1,157,016,000 for the Corporation
for National and Community Service. This level is $267,150,000
above the fiscal year 2009 omnibus level and $66,150,000 above
the level needed to sustain the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act investments. The recommendation is sufficient
to increase the number of AmeriCorps members from 75,000 to
over 83,000.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.--The Committee bill
recommends an advance appropriation for fiscal year 2012 of
$450,000,000 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In
addition, the Committee bill includes $36,000,000 for
conversion to digital broadcasting and $25,000,000 for the
replacement project of the interconnection system in fiscal
year 2010 funding. The Committee bill also includes $10,000,000
for fiscal stabilization grants to public broadcasting stations
hardest hit by the economic downturn.
Social Security Administration.--The Committee bill
includes $11,446,500,000 for the administrative expenses of the
Social Security Administration. This funding level is
$984,000,000 more than the comparable level in the fiscal year
2009 omnibus appropriations bill.
INITIATIVES
Elimination of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
For fiscal year 2010, the Committee has increased funding
for a variety of activities aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and
abuse of taxpayer dollars. These program integrity initiatives
have been shown to be a wise investment of Federal dollars
resulting in billions of dollars of savings from Federal
entitlement programs--unemployment insurance, Medicare and
Medicaid, and Social Security.
Unemployment Insurance Program Integrity.--The Committee
recommendation includes $60,000,000, an increase of
$10,000,000, to conduct eligibility reviews of claimants of
Unemployment Insurance. This amount includes $50,000,000 in an
adjustment to the discretionary spending cap. These funds will
save an estimated $160,000,000 annually in inappropriate
Unemployment Insurance payments.
Social Security Program Integrity.--The Committee
recommendation includes $758,000,000 for conducting continuing
disability reviews [CDRs], redeterminations of eligibility,
and, to the extent that it is as cost effective, asset
verification pilot programs. This amount includes $485,000,000
in an adjustment to the discretionary spending cap. CDRs save
$10 in lifetime program savings for every $1 spent to conduct
these activities, while redeterminations save $7 in program
savings over 10 years for every $1 for doing this work.
Health Care Program Integrity.--In fiscal year 2006,
Medicare and Medicaid outlays accounted for nearly $1 out of
every $5 of the total Federal outlays. Fraud committed against
Federal health care programs puts Americans at increased risk
and diverts critical resources from providing necessary health
services to some of the Nation's most vulnerable populations.
The Committee has included $311,000,000 for Health Care
Fraud and Abuse Control [HCFAC] activities at the Center for
Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Committee provided
$198,000,000 in fiscal year 2009.
Investment in healthcare program integrity more than pays
for itself based on 10 years of documented recoveries to the
Medicare Part A Trust Fund. The historical return on investment
for the life of the Medicare Integrity program has been about
13 to 1.
REPROGRAMMING AND TRANSFER AUTHORITY
The Committee has included bill language delineating
permissible transfer authority in general provisions for each
of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and
Education, as well as specifying reprogramming authority in a
general provision applying to all funds provided under this
act, available for obligation from previous appropriations
acts, or derived from fees collected.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $7,576,448,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,833,563,000
House allowance......................................... 3,802,961,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,798,536,000
\1\Includes $3,950,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommends $3,798,536,000 for this account,
which provides funding primarily for activities under the
Workforce Investment Act [WIA]. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
amount is $7,576,448,000, including $3,950,000,000 available in
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the
budget request provides $3,833,563,000 for this purpose.
The training and employment services account is comprised
of programs designed to enhance the employment and earnings of
economically disadvantaged and dislocated workers, operated
through a decentralized system of skill training and related
services. Funds provided for fiscal year 2010 will support the
program from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. A portion of
this account's funding, $1,772,000,000, is available on October
1, 2010 for the 2010 program year.
Pending reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act,
the Committee is acting on a current law basis. The Committee
recommendation includes language in section 106 of the general
provisions requiring that the Department take no action to
amend, through regulatory or other administrative action, the
definition established in 20 CFR 677.220 for functions and
activities under title I of the Workforce Investment Act until
such time as legislation reauthorizing the act is enacted. This
language is continued from last year's bill.
Grants to States
The Committee recommends $2,969,449,000 for Training and
Employment Services Grants to States. The fiscal year 2009
comparable amount is $5,919,449,000, including $2,950,000,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, and the budget request provides $2,969,449,000 for this
purpose.
The bill continues legislative language that allows a local
workforce board to transfer up to 30 percent between the adult
and dislocated worker assistance state grant programs, if such
transfer is approved by the Governor. This language was
proposed in the budget request. The bill also continues
legislative language that allows a local workforce board to
contract with eligible training providers to facilitate the
training of multiple individuals in high-demand occupations, as
long as it does not limit customer choice. This authority is
continued from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and
is intended to support local efforts to provide workers with
the skills they need to find and sustain employment.
Adult Employment and Training.--For Adult Employment and
Training Activities, the Committee recommends $861,540,000. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable amount is $1,361,540,000, including
$500,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the budget request provides
$861,540,000 for this purpose.
This program is formula-funded to States and further
distributed to local workforce investment boards. Three types
of services for adults will be provided through the One-Stop
system and most customers receiving a training service will use
their individual training accounts to determine which programs
and providers fit their needs. The act also authorizes core
services, which will be available to all adults with no
eligibility requirements, and intensive services, for
unemployed individuals who are not able to find jobs through
core services alone.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2010
activities, which occur from July 1, 2010 through June 30,
2011. The bill provides that $149,540,000 is available for
obligation on July 1, 2010, and that $712,000,000 is available
on October 1, 2010. Both categories of funding are available
for obligation through June 30, 2011.
Youth Training.--For Youth Training, the Committee
recommends $924,069,000. The fiscal year 2009 comparable amount
is $2,124,069,000, including $1,200,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the budget
request provides $924,069,000 for this purpose.
The purpose of Youth Training is to provide eligible youth
with assistance in achieving academic and employment success
through improving education and skill competencies and
providing connections to employers. Other activities supported
include mentoring, training, supportive services, and summer
employment directly linked to academic and occupational
learning, incentives for recognition and achievement, and
activities related to leadership development, citizenship, and
community service. Funds made available for youth training
support program year 2010 activities, which occur from April 1,
2010 through June 30, 2011.
Dislocated Worker Assistance.--For Dislocated Worker
Assistance, the Committee recommends $1,183,840,000, the same
amount as the budget request. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
amount is $2,433,840,000, including $1,250,000,000 available in
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This
program is a State-operated effort that provides core and
intensive services, training, and support to help permanently
separated workers return to productive, unsubsidized
employment. In addition, States must use Statewide reserve
funds for rapid response assistance to help workers affected by
mass layoffs and plant closures. Also, States must use these
funds to carry out additional statewide employment and training
activities, such as providing technical assistance to certain
low-performing local areas, evaluating State programs, and
assisting with the operation of one-stop delivery systems, and
may also use funds for implementing innovative incumbent and
dislocated worker training programs.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2010
activities, which occur from July 1, 2010 through June 30,
2011. The bill provides that $321,731,000 is available for
obligation on July 1, 2010, and that $862,109,000 is available
on October 1, 2010. Both categories of funding are available
for obligation through June 30, 2011.
Federally Administered Programs
Dislocated Worker Assistance National Reserve.--The
Committee recommends $229,160,000 for the Dislocated Worker
National Reserve, which is available to the Secretary for
activities such as responding to mass layoffs, plant and/or
military base closings, and natural disasters across the
country, which cannot be otherwise anticipated, as well as
technical assistance and training and demonstration projects,
including up to $30,000,000 for the Career Pathways Innovation
Fund which is described later in this report.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2010
activities, which occur from July 1, 2010 through June 30,
2011. The bill provides that $31,269,000 is available for
obligation on July 1, 2010, and that $197,891,000 is available
on October 1, 2010. Both categories of funding are available
for obligation through June 30, 2011.
The Committee bill continues language authorizing the use
of funds under the dislocated workers program for projects that
provide assistance to new entrants in the workforce and
incumbent workers, as well as to provide assistance where there
have been dislocations across multiple sectors or local areas
of a State.
The Committee takes note of recent manufacturing job
losses, and urges the Secretary of Labor to give favorable
consideration to continued job training, workforce and economic
development initiatives implemented and delivered by community
colleges in partnership with the Department of Labor. The
Committee recommends the Department give special attention to
institutions located in counties with high unemployment that
have lost a significant percentage of their job base,
particularly in domestic automotive manufacturing, assembly
facilities, and steel manufacturing.
Career Pathways Innovation Fund.--Within the Committee
recommendation for the Dislocated Worker Assistance National
Reserve, up to $30,000,000 is available for the Career Pathways
Innovation Fund. These resources, together with funding of
$95,000,000 under National Activities, provide a program level
of $125,000,000 for the Fund, which replaces a similar
activity, the Community-Based Job Training Grants program
[CBJT]. The CBJT was allocated $125,000,000 out of the National
Reserve in last year's bill. Funds used for the Career Pathways
Innovation Fund will be available for individual or consortia
of community colleges that connect education and training
programs with support services to enable individuals to secure
employment within a specific industry or occupational sector,
and to advance over time to successively higher levels of
education and employment in that sector or industry.
Native American Programs.--For Native American programs,
the Committee recommends $52,758,000 the same as the comparable
fiscal year 2009 level and the budget request. This program is
designed to improve the economic well-being of Native Americans
(Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians) through the
provision of training, work experience, and other employment-
related services and opportunities that are intended to aid the
participants in securing permanent, unsubsidized jobs.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs.--For Migrant and
Seasonal Farmworkers, the Committee recommends $84,620,000. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level and budget request are
$82,620,000 for this program. Authorized by the Workforce
Investment Act, this program is designed to serve members of
economically disadvantaged families whose principal livelihood
is derived from migratory and other forms of seasonal farmwork,
fishing, or logging activities. Enrollees and their families
are provided with employment training and related services
intended to prepare them for stable, year-round employment
within and outside of the agriculture industry.
The Committee recommendation provides that $78,310,000 be
used for State service area grants. The Committee
recommendation also includes bill language directing that
$5,800,000 be used for migrant and seasonal farmworker housing
grants, of which not less than 70 percent shall be for
permanent housing. The principal purpose of these funds is to
continue the network of local farmworker housing organizations
working on permanent housing solutions for migrant and seasonal
farmworkers. The Committee recommendation also includes
$510,000 to be used for section 167 training, technical
assistance and related activities, including funds for migrant
rest center activities. Finally, the Committee wishes to advise
the Department regarding the requirements of the Workforce
Investment Act in selecting an eligible entity to receive a
State service area grant under section 167. Such an entity must
have already demonstrated a capacity to administer effectively
a diversified program of workforce training and related
assistance for eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Women in Apprenticeship.--The Committee recommends
$1,000,000 for program year 2010 activities as authorized under
the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations Act
of 1992, the same amount as the fiscal year 2009 level and the
budget request. These funds provide for technical assistance to
employers and unions to assist them in training, placing, and
retraining women in nontraditional jobs and occupations.
YouthBuild.--The Committee recommends $105,000,000 for the
YouthBuild program. The fiscal year 2009 amount is
$120,000,000, including $50,000,000 available in the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the budget request
provides $114,476,000 for this purpose.
The Committee recommendation is intended to build a stable
and expanding system of community-based YouthBuild programs
that attract large numbers of the most disadvantaged young
people at risk of long term unemployment, and effectively
connect them with basic, secondary, and post-secondary
education; employment training and job placements; personal
counseling; and significant community service experiences, all
of which prepare the students for productive and contributing
adulthood and provide a flow of candidates for high demand
careers. The Committee encourages the Department to consider
continued funding of well-performing local programs, while
providing opportunities for program growth. The Committee is
supportive of the rigorous evaluation of YouthBuild proposed in
the budget as a means to build on the research base for this
promising program and strengthen it for future YouthBuild
participants.
National Activities
Pilots, Demonstrations, and Research.--The Committee
recommends $79,071,000 for pilots, demonstration and research
authorized by section 171 of the Workforce Investment Act. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $48,781,000 and the budget
request includes $57,500,000 for this purpose. These funds
support grants or contracts to conduct research, pilots or
demonstrations that foster promising practices for national
policy application or launch pilot projects on a broader scale.
Within the budget request, the Department proposes to use
$50,000,000 to demonstrate and evaluate transitional job
program models. The Committee bill provides that up to
$40,000,000 of Pilots, Demonstrations, and Research funding may
be used for Transitional Jobs projects. Transitional job models
combine a comprehensive set of support services including pre-
job placement assessment, skills development, job readiness
training, and case management for an individual in a subsidized
transitional job which leads to placement and continued support
in competitive employment. The Committee is aware that these
models have shown great potential in studies that evaluated
employment outcomes for individuals with multiple barriers to
employment.
The budget proposes bill language to authorize the transfer
of some or all of the transitional jobs funds to the
Departments of Health and Human Services or Justice. The
Committee has provided the authority to use up to 10 percent of
available funds for transfer to those Departments to assist
with the effective implementation of transitional jobs
projects, including support for leveraging resources under
their control, and to enable the Department of Labor to
evaluate such projects. Given that various Federal funding
streams currently support transitional jobs programs around the
United States, the Committee intends that the funds provided
not simply replace existing resources for such programs, but
leverage other resources to support program growth. The
Committee requests advance notice of the solicitation for grant
applications prior to its publication in the Federal Register.
The Committee is greatly concerned about the low level of
literacy and numeracy skills among adult workers, as one in
seven adults do not have basic literacy skills to succeed in
tomorrow's industries and jobs. The Committee encourages the
Department to examine and publish successful strategies and
best practices that can help the lowest literacy level adults
improve their overall skills and employment opportunities.
The Committee recommendation includes language providing
funding for the following activities in the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment $575,000
Development, Baltimore, MD, for YouthWorks...........
Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, NJ, to expand the 125,000
career counseling and job training program...........
Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville, WI, to 1,000,000
provide job training to the unemployed and incumbent
workers..............................................
Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc., Rockledge, 350,000
FL, for retraining of aerospace industry work- ers..
Capital Workforce Partners, Hartford, CT, for a career 200,000
competency development program.......................
Capps Workforce Training Center, Stoneville, MS, for 500,000
workforce training...................................
Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of 308,000
Alaska, Juneau, AK, to expand vocational training
including distance learning technologies.............
Chesapeake Bay Trust, Annapolis, MD for the clean 116,000
water jobs training initiative.......................
City of Emeryville, CA, for the East Bay Green Jobs 200,000
Initiative workforce development program.............
City of Los Angeles, CA, for the Los Angeles Youth 500,000
Opportunity Movement workforce development program...
City of Oakland, CA, for the East Bay Green Jobs 600,000
Initiative workforce development program.............
College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID, for 100,000
renewable energy job training program................
Community Transportation Association of America, 450,000
Washington, DC, for the continuation of the Joblinks
program..............................................
Covenant House New Jersey, Newark, NJ, for a job 100,000
training initiative..................................
Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, IA, for the 400,000
Central Iowa Works Project Employment career
opportunities education program......................
East Bay Regional Park District, Oakland, CA, for fire 600,000
and conservation crews training programs.............
Finishing Trades Institute, Philadelphia, PA, for 100,000
weatherization job training programs.................
Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, MT, 100,000
Career Opportunities through Retraining and Education
Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 100,000
Celebration, FL, for the Florida mobile outreach
skills training program..............................
Fort Belknap Indian Community, Harlem, MT, Fort 100,000
Belknap 477 Employment and Training, Summer Youth
Program..............................................
Fox Valley Technical College, Oshkosh, WI, to create 150,000
an accelerated, 1 year welder training program.......
Friends of Children of Mississippi, Jackson, MS, for 200,000
the TANF to Work and Ownership Project...............
Hartford Public Schools, Hartford, CT, for workforce 175,000
readiness and job placement services through
OPPortunity High School..............................
Haven for Hope of Bexar County, San Antonio, TX, for a 200,000
homeless job training program........................
Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, IA, for support 400,000
of the Advance Manufacturing Training program,
including equipment..................................
Hobbs Hispano Chamber of Commerce, Hobbs, NM, for 200,000
workforce development................................
Impact Services Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, for a 100,000
community job training and placement program.........
Instituto del Progresso Latino, Chicago, IL, for 375,000
employment and training programs in health care for
limited English speaking individuals.................
Jobs for Maine's Graduates, Inc, Augusta, ME, for 200,000
career development for at-risk youth.................
Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Inc, Jackson, MS, for 200,000
career development for at-risk youth.................
Liberty Resources, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, for job 100,000
training programs for persons with disabilities......
Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, IL, for 250,000
workforce development programs.......................
Local Area 1 Workforce Investment Board, Caribou, ME, 500,000
for workforce job opportunities......................
Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Augusta, 500,000
ME, for workforce job opportunities..................
Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, for 100,000
job training programs at Bidwell Training Center.....
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 250,000
Worcester, MA, for expansion of a workforce skills
training program.....................................
Maui Economic Development Board, Kihei, HI, Maui 450,000
Economic Development Board, Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math training........................
Maui Economic Development Board, Kihei, HI, Rural 300,000
Computer Utilization Training........................
Milton S Eisenhower Foundation, Washington, DC, for 400,000
job training, job placement and GED acquisition
programs in Iowa.....................................
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, 350,000
MS, for workforce training...........................
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 500,000
for the Mississippi Integrated Workforce Performance
System...............................................
Mississippi Technology Alliance, Ridgeland, MS, for 250,000
workforce training...................................
Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS, 500,000
for training and development at the Automated
Identification Technology/Automatic Data Collection
Program..............................................
Montana State University, Billings, MT, for job 100,000
training.............................................
Northeast Iowa Ironworkers-Cedar Rapids Local 89, 250,000
Cedar Rapids, IA, for workforce development..........
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington, 150,000
Yakima, WA, to provide workforce and health and
safety training to agricultural workers..............
Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corporation, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA, for job training programs..........
Project ARRIBA, El Paso, TX, for workforce development 100,000
and economic opportunities in the West Texas region..
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, 500,000
Providence, RI, for support and delivery of job
training services....................................
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, Work 725,000
Force Initiative for the Mentally Ill................
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT, for a 400,000
renewable energy job training initiative.............
Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, Spokane, 250,000
WA, to support comprehensive regional planning
efforts to address the workforce challenges of the
Spokane area.........................................
Team Taylor County, Campbellsville, KY, for job 100,000
training programs....................................
The Healing Place, Richmond, VA, for job training 150,000
services.............................................
University of Hawaii--Maui, Kahului, HI, for the 2,300,000
Remote Rural Hawaii Job Training Project.............
University of Hawaii--Maui, Kahului, HI, for Community 2,000,000
College Training and Education Opportunities program.
Vermont Department of Public Safety, Waterbury, VT, 100,000
for firefighting and emergency services training
support..............................................
Vermont HITEC, Inc, Williston, VT, for the Vermont 2,000,000
HITEC Job Training Initiative........................
Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT, for 750,000
the Vermont Green Jobs Workforce Development
Initiative...........................................
Vocational Guidance Services, Cleveland, OH, for job 100,000
training activities..................................
Washington State Board for Community and Technical 250,000
Colleges, Federal Way, WA, for training, on-the-job
support and career development services in the long-
term care sector in Washington State.................
Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO, Seattle, WA, 200,000
to help support the creation of a pathway for young
people to apprenticeship training programs in high
demand industries across the State of Washington.....
Washington State Workforce Training and Education 850,000
Coordinating Board, Olympia, WA, to support the
development, expansion, delivery and testing of
workplace-based education and training for low-income
adult workers resulting in models for other States
use..................................................
Waukesha Technical College, Pewaukee, WI, to provide 200,000
job training to the unemployed and incumbent workers.
Workforce Opportunity Council, Concord, NH, for the 100,000
Advanced Manufacturing Portable Classroom training
program..............................................
Wrightco Educational Foundation, Ebensburg, PA, for 100,000
security and communications technology job training
programs.............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Green Jobs Innovation Fund.--The Committee recommends
$40,000,000 for the Green Jobs Innovation Fund, which is a new
activity. The budget request includes $50,000,000 for the Fund.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included
$500,000,000 for similar activities.
Reintegration of Ex-offenders.--The Committee recommends
$115,000,000 to continue funding for the Reintegration of Ex-
offenders program. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is
$108,493,000, while the budget request includes $115,000,000
for this program. The Responsible Reintegration of Ex-offenders
program targets critical funding to help prepare and assist ex-
offenders to return to their communities through pre-release
services, mentoring, and case management. The program also
provides support, opportunities, education and training to
youth who are court-involved and on probation, in aftercare, on
parole, or who would benefit from alternatives to incarceration
or diversion from formal judicial proceedings. Programs are
carried out directly through State and local governmental
entities and community-based organizations, as well as
indirectly through intermediary organizations.
The Committee urges the Department to develop a competition
that will award grants to organizations that will: (1)
implement programs, practices, or strategies shown in well-
designed randomized controlled trials to have sizable,
sustained effects on important workforce and reintegration
outcomes; (2) adhere closely to the specific elements of the
proven program, practice, or strategy; and (3) obtain sizable
matching funds for their project from other Federal or non-
Federal sources, such as the Adult Training formula grant
program authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998,
or State or local programs.
Evaluation.--The Committee recommends $11,600,000, the same
as the budget request, to provide for new and continuing
rigorous evaluations of programs conducted under the Workforce
Investment Act, as well as of federally funded employment-
related activities under other provisions of law. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $6,918,000 for this
purpose.
Career Pathways Innovation Fund.--The Committee recommends
$125,000,000 for the Career Pathways Innovation Fund, which
replaces the Community-Based Job Training Grants program. Of
this amount, up to $30,000,000 is available from resources
available in the Dislocated Worker Assistance National Reserve
and $95,000,000 is a separate appropriation. A similar
activity, the Community-Based Job Training Grants program, was
allocated $125,000,000 out of the National Reserve in last
year's bill. Funds used for the Career Pathways Innovation Fund
should be provided to individual or consortia of community
colleges that connect education and training programs and
support services to enable individuals to secure employment
within a specific industry or occupational sector, and to
advance over time to successively higher levels of education
and employment in that sector.
Workforce Data Quality Initiative.--The Committee
recommends $12,500,000 for the Workforce Data Quality
Initiative, a new program proposed in this year's budget. The
budget request includes $15,000,000 for this initiative. Funds
will be used to assist States with incorporating comprehensive
workforce information into longitudinal data systems being
developed in part with the support of funding provided by the
Department of Education. The initiative also will help improve
the quality and accessibility of performance data being
produced by training providers.
The funds requested will be used for competitive grants to
help workers access green training and green career pathways.
Funds could be awarded for activities, including: enhanced pre-
apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs, and
innovative partnerships that connect community-based
organizations in underserved communities with the workforce
investment system.
Denali Commission.--The Committee recommends $3,378,000 for
the Denali Commission to support job training in connection
with the infrastructure building projects it funds in rural
Alaska, the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level. The
budget request does not include funding for the Denali
Commission. Funding has enabled un- and under-employed rural
Alaskans to train for better jobs in their villages.
The Committee requests that the Denali Commission, within
180 days of enactment of this act, shall transmit a report that
details the employment outcomes of participants in the Denali
job training program between fiscal years 2001-2007, including
the changes in employment and earnings 1 year and 5 years after
training. The Committee also requests that the Denali
Commission submit a detailed list of projects undertaken in the
past 3 fiscal years, the number of associated individuals
trained, an accounting of any unexpended and unobligated
balances for fiscal year 2009 and prior years, and a fiscal
year 2010 work plan that details the spending plan for the
training program funds.
Job Training for Employment in High Growth Industries.--The
Committee continues to have a strong interest in the
initiatives funded from H-1B fees for job training services and
related capacity-building activities. The Committee previously
expressed concern that in recent years 90 percent of the funds
made available under the High Growth Job Training Initiative
have not been awarded on a competitive basis. The Committee
recommendation continues language included in last year's bill
which requires awards under the High Growth Job Training
Initiative, Career Pathways Innovation Fund and Workforce
Innovation in Regional Economic Development initiative to be
made on a competitive basis.
COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $691,925,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 575,425,000
House allowance......................................... 615,425,000
Committee recommendation................................ 575,425,000
\1\Includes $120,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $575,425,000 for community service
employment for older Americans, the same amount as requested in
the budget. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is
$691,925,000, including $120,000,000 provided in the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
This program, authorized by title V of the Older Americans
Act, provides part-time employment in community service
activities for unemployed, low-income persons aged 55 and over.
It is a forward-funded program, so the fiscal year 2010
appropriation will support the program from July 1, 2010,
through June 30, 2011.
The program provides a direct, efficient, and quick means
to assist economically disadvantaged older workers because it
has a proven effective network in every State and in
practically every county. Administrative costs for the program
are low, and the vast majority of the money goes directly to
low-income seniors as wages and fringe benefits.
The program provides a wide range of vital community
services that would not otherwise be available, particularly in
low-income areas and in minority neighborhoods. Senior
enrollees provide necessary and valuable services at Head Start
centers, schools, hospitals, libraries, elderly nutrition
sites, senior centers, and elsewhere in the community.
A large proportion of senior enrollees use their work
experience and training to obtain employment in the private
sector. This not only increases our Nation's tax base, but it
also enables more low-income seniors to participate in the
program.
Bill language is continued from last year to enable the
Department to recapture and obligate unneeded program funds at
the end of a program year for support of technical assistance,
incentive grants or other purposes, as authorized by the Older
Americans Act. The budget did not propose continuing this
language.
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $958,800,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,818,400,000
House allowance......................................... 1,818,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,818,400,000
The Committee recommends $1,818,400,000 for Federal
Unemployment Benefits and Allowances. The fiscal year 2009
comparable amount is $958,800,000 and the budget request
provides $1,818,400,000 for this purpose. Trade adjustment
benefit payments are expected to increase from $238,000,000 in
fiscal year 2009 to $1,067,000,000 in fiscal year 2010, while
trade training expenditures in fiscal year 2010 are estimated
to reach $686,400,000 for the expected certification of 213,000
trade-affected workers.
The Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of
2009 reauthorized the Trade Adjustment Assistance [TAA]
programs. The reauthorization expanded TAA coverage to more
workers and employers, including those in the service sector;
and makes benefits available to workers whose jobs have been
lost to any country, not just those countries involved in a
trade agreement with the United States. The TAA program assists
trade-impacted workers with services including: training,
income support, employment and case management, and assistance
with health insurance coverage. The program also includes a
wage insurance option for certain workers at least 50 years
old, available through Reemployment Trade Adjustment
Assistance.
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPERATIONS
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $4,094,865,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 4,101,556,000
House allowance......................................... 4,097,056,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,113,806,000
\1\Includes $400,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $4,113,806,000 for this account.
The recommendation includes $4,027,403,000 authorized to be
drawn from the Employment Security Administration account of
the unemployment trust fund, including $50,000,000 in
additional program integrity activities described later in this
account, and $86,403,000 to be provided from the general fund
of the Treasury.
The funds in this account are used to provide
administrative grants and assistance to State agencies which
administer Federal and State unemployment compensation laws and
operate the public employment service.
The Committee bill continues language that allows States to
pay the cost of penalty mail from funds allotted to them under
the Wagner-Peyser Act; enables States to use funds appropriated
under this account to assist other States if they are impacted
by a major disaster declared by the President; at the request
of one or more States, authorizes the Secretary to reallot
funds for States to carry out activities that benefit the
administration of unemployment compensation laws of a
requesting State; and permits the Secretary to use funds to
make payments on behalf of States for the use of the National
Directory of New Hires.
The Committee recommends a total of $3,256,955,000 for
unemployment insurance activities.
For unemployment insurance [UI] State operations, the
Committee recommends $3,195,645,000. These funds are available
for obligation by States through December 31, 2010. However,
funds used for automation acquisitions are available for
obligation by States through September 30, 2012.
The recommendation includes $60,000,000 to conduct in-
person reemployment and eligibility assessments and
unemployment insurance improper payment reviews, which includes
$50,000,000 available for this purpose through a discretionary
cap adjustment, as provided for in the fiscal year 2010 budget
resolution and proposed in the budget request. The Committee
notes the experience in several States that realized up to a
$10 to $1 return on investment to State Trust Funds through
expenditures for technology-based systems designed to prevent,
detect, and collect overpayments. The Committee intends for the
increase provided to be used for additional technology-based
overpayment prevention, detection, and collection activities
above the $9,000,000 to $10,000,000 supported in the
Department's current Unemployment Insurance [UI] Supplemental
Funding Opportunity for Automated Payment Integrity Related
Systems. The increased funds may also be used to enhance in-
person re-employment and eligibility assessments.
In addition, the Committee recommendation provides for a
contingency reserve amount should the unemployment workload
exceed an average weekly insured claims volume of 5,059,000, as
proposed in the budget request. This contingency amount would
fund the administrative costs of the unemployment insurance
workload over the level of 5,059,000 insured unemployed persons
per week at a rate of $28,600,000 per 100,000 insured
unemployed persons, with a pro rata amount granted for amounts
of less than 100,000 insured unemployed persons.
For unemployment insurance national activities, the
Committee recommends $11,310,000. These funds are directed to
activities that benefit the State/Federal unemployment
insurance program, including helping States adopt common
technology-based solutions to improve efficiency and
performance, supporting training and contracting for actuarial
support for State trust fund management.
For the Employment Service allotments to States, the
Committee recommends $703,576,000, which includes $22,683,000
in general funds together with an authorization to spend
$680,893,000 from the Employment Security Administration
account of the unemployment trust fund, which is the same as
the budget request. The fiscal year 2009 comparable amount is
$1,103,576,000, including $400,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These funds are
available for the program year of July 1, 2010 through June 30,
2011.
The Committee also recommends $21,119,000 for Employment
Service national activities. The budget request and the
comparable fiscal year 2009 amount both are $20,869,000. The
administration of the work opportunity tax credit accounts for
$18,520,000 of this amount, while the balance of funds is for
technical assistance and training, and for the Federal share of
State Workforce Agencies Retirement System payments. The
Committee encourages the Department to focus a technical
assistance program on services to individuals with disabilities
available through State Employment Services and the One-Stop
Career Center Network.
For carrying out the Department's responsibilities related
to foreign labor certification activities, the Committee
recommends $68,436,000, the same amount proposed in the budget
request. The fiscal year 2009 comparable amount is $67,950,000.
In addition, $10,500,000 is estimated to be available from H-1B
fees for processing H-1B alien labor certification
applications.
For One-Stop Career Centers and Labor Market Information,
the Committee recommends $63,720,000. The budget request
includes $51,720,000 for these activities, which is the same as
the fiscal year 2009 amount. The Committee recommendation
includes $12,000,000 for the Employment and Training
Administration [ETA], in collaboration with the Office of
Disability Employment Policy [ODEP], to develop and implement a
plan for improving effective and meaningful participation of
persons with disabilities in the workforce. The Committee
expects that these funds, in combination with funding available
to ODEP, will improve the accessibility and accountability of
the public workforce development system for individuals with
disabilities. The Committee further expects these funds to
continue promising practices implemented by disability program
navigators, including effective deployment of staff in selected
States to: improve coordination and collaboration among
employment and training and asset development programs carried
out at a State and local level, including the Ticket to Work
program and build effective community partnerships that
leverage public and private resources to better serve
individuals with disabilities and improve employment outcomes.
The Committee requests that ETA and ODEP develop appropriate
objectives and performance measures by which this initiative
will be evaluated. The Committee requests that the joint plan
described above be submitted to the Senate Committee on
Appropriations no later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
The Committee concurs in the budget request to eliminate
funding for the Work Incentives Grants program. This program,
which has helped persons with disabilities find and retain jobs
through the One-Stop Career Center system mandated by the
Workforce Investment Act, was funded at $17,295,000 in fiscal
year 2009. The Committee has dedicated additional resources to
existing programs within the Employment and Training
Administration and the Office of Disability Employment Policy
to help improve the labor force participation rates of and
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
ADVANCES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND AND OTHER FUNDS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $422,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 120,000,000
House allowance......................................... 120,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 120,000,000
The Committee recommends $120,000,000 for this account, the
same amount as the budget request. The fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $422,000,000 for this purpose. The appropriation is
available to provide advances to several accounts for purposes
authorized under various Federal and State unemployment
compensation laws and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund,
whenever balances in such accounts prove insufficient.
The Committee bill includes language proposed in the budget
request to allow the Department additional flexibility to
access funds as needed for covered programs.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $141,213,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 147,906,000
House allowance......................................... 146,406,000
Committee recommendation................................ 148,906,000
\1\Includes $10,750,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommends $98,766,000 in general funds for
this account, as well as authority to expend $50,140,000 from
the Employment Security Administration account of the
unemployment trust fund, for a total of $148,906,000. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable amount is $141,213,000, including
$10,750,000 available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009, and the budget request provides $147,906,000 for
this purpose.
General funds in this account provide the Federal staff to
administer employment and training programs under the Workforce
Investment Act, the Older Americans Act, the Trade Act of 1974,
the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations Act
of 1992, and the National Apprenticeship Act. Trust funds
provide for the Federal administration of employment security
functions under title III of the Social Security Act.
The Committee recommends funds above the budget request be
used to ensure that the Employment and Training Administration
[ETA] has sufficient capacity to improve the quality and
accessibility of performance data reported by training
providers, link workforce data systems and utilize performance
information for better program outcomes. In addition, funds are
available to strengthen ETA's leadership of and policy
direction for improved labor market participation and
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities who are
served within the public workforce development system.
Employee Benefits Security Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $153,124,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 156,060,000
House allowance......................................... 154,060,000
Committee recommendation................................ 155,662,000
\1\Includes $9,705,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $155,662,000 for the Employee
Benefits Security Administration [EBSA]. The comparable fiscal
year 2009 amount is $153,124,000, which includes $9,705,000 in
funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 and the budget request includes $156,060,000.
The EBSA is responsible for the enforcement of title I of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [ERISA] in
both civil and criminal areas. EBSA is also responsible for
enforcement of sections 8477 and 8478 of the Federal Employees'
Retirement Security Act of 1986 [FERSA]. In accordance with the
requirements of FERSA, the Secretary of Labor has promulgated
regulations and prohibited transactions class exemptions under
the fiduciary responsibility and fiduciary bonding provisions
of the law governing the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal
employees. In addition, the Secretary of Labor has, pursuant to
the requirement of section 8477(g)(1) of FERSA, established a
program to carry out audits to determine the level of
compliance with the fiduciary responsibility provisions of
FERSA that are applicable to Thrift Savings Plan fiduciaries.
EBSA provides funding for the enforcement and compliance,
policy, regulation, and public services, and program oversight
activities.
The Committee expects that additional funding provided will
help EBSA better protect pension and health benefits for
workers, retirees and their families. These funds will provide
for increased enforcement capacity and continued investments in
EBSA education and compliance assistance programs.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
The Corporation's estimated obligations for fiscal year
2010 include single employer benefit payments of
$5,823,000,000, multi-employer financial assistance of
$101,000,000 and administrative expenses of $464,067,000.
Administrative expenses are comprised of three activities: (1)
Pension insurance activities, $86,412,000; (2) pension plan
termination expenses, $234,005,000; and (3) operational
support, $143,650,000. Such expenditures will be financed by
permanent authority.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is a wholly owned
Government corporation established by the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974. The law places it within the
Department of Labor and makes the Secretary of Labor the chair
of its board of directors. The corporation receives its income
primarily from insurance premiums collected from covered
pension plans, assets of terminated pension plans, collection
of employer liabilities imposed by the act, and investment
earnings. The primary purpose of the corporation is to
guarantee the payment of pension plan benefits to participants
if covered defined benefit plans fail or go out of existence.
The President's budget proposes to continue from last
year's bill a contingency fund for the PBGC that provides
additional administrative resources when the number of
participants in terminated plans exceeds 100,000. When the
trigger is reached, an additional $9,200,000 becomes available
for every 20,000 participants in terminated plans. A trigger
also is included for additional investment management fees for
plan terminations or asset growth. These additional funds are
available for obligation through September 30, 2011. The
Committee recommendation includes this language to ensure that
the PBGC can take immediate, uninterrupted action to protect
participants' pension benefits. The Committee expects to be
notified immediately of the availability of any funds made
available by this provision.
The President's budget also continues language included in
last year's bill that allows PBGC additional obligation
authority for unforeseen and extraordinary pre-termination
expenses, after approval by the Office of Management and Budget
and notification of the Committees on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and Senate.
The single-employer program protects about 33,800,000
participants in approximately 28,000 defined benefit pension
plans. The multi-employer insurance program protects about 10.1
million participants in more than 1,500 plans.
Employment Standards Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $470,035,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 503,456,000
House allowance......................................... 486,756,000
Committee recommendation................................ 498,956,000
\1\Includes $29,768,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $498,956,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is $470,035,000, which
includes $29,768,000 in funds available through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the budget request
includes $503,456,000. The bill contains authority to expend
$2,124,000 from the special fund established by the Longshore
and Harbor Workers' compensation Act; the remainder of
$496,832,000 are general funds. In addition, an amount of
$32,720,000 is available by transfer from the black lung
disability trust fund. The Committee continues language that
authorizes the employment standards agencies to assess and
collect fees to defray the cost for processing applications for
homeworker and special minimum wage certifications, and
applications for registration under the Migrant and Seasonal
Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
Employment standards agencies are involved in the
administration of numerous laws, including the Fair Labor
Standards Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Migrant
and Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Protection Act, the Davis-
Bacon Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Federal
Employees' Compensation Act [FECA], the Longshore and Harbor
Workers' Compensation Act, and the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act (black lung).
This recommendation provides sufficient funding to offset
the impact of inflation; ensure that Federal contractors comply
with applicable nondescrimination and equal opportunity
requirements; and to conduct inspections and investigations of
industries with high concentrations of low-wage and other
vulnerable workers, and industries with high levels of wage and
hour violations, including overtime violations. The Committee
is interested in the continued focus of the Wage and Hour
Division on increased employer compliance with the special
minimum wage program authorized under section 14(c) of the Fair
Labor Standards Act.
The Committee recommendation includes a rescission of
$65,000,000 in unexpended balances from H-1B fee receipts. The
budget proposes to rescind $30,000,000 of these balances.
SPECIAL BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $163,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 187,000,000
House allowance......................................... 187,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 187,000,000
The Committee recommends $187,000,000 for this account, the
same amount as the budget request. The comparable fiscal year
2009 amount is $163,000,000. The appropriation primarily
provides benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act
[FECA].
The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation
language to provide authority to require disclosure of Social
Security account numbers by individuals filing claims under the
Federal Employees' Compensation Act or the Longshore and Harbor
Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions.
The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation
language that provides authority to use the FECA fund to
reimburse a new employer for a portion of the salary of a newly
re-employed injured Federal worker. The FECA funds will be used
to reimburse new employers during the first 3 years of
employment not to exceed 75 percent of salary in the worker's
first year, declining thereafter.
The Committee recommendation also continues language
allowing carryover of unobligated balances from fiscal year
2009 to be used in the following year.
The Committee again includes appropriation language that
retains the drawdown date of August 15. The drawdown authority
enables the agency to meet any immediate shortage of funds
without requesting supplemental appropriations. The August 15
drawdown date allows flexibility for continuation of benefit
payments without interruption.
The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation
language to provide authority to deposit into the special
benefits account of the employees' compensation fund those
funds that the Postal Service, the Tennessee Valley Authority,
and other entities are required to pay to cover their fair
share of the costs of administering the claims filed by their
employees under FECA. The Committee concurs with bill language
in the budget request to allow use of fair share collections to
fund capital investment projects and specific initiatives to
strengthen compensation fund control and oversight.
SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR DISABLED COAL MINERS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $188,130,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 169,180,000
House allowance......................................... 169,180,000
Committee recommendation................................ 169,180,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $169,180,000
in fiscal year 2010 for special benefits for disabled coal
miners. This is in addition to the $56,000,000 appropriated
last year as an advance for the first quarter of fiscal year
2010. These funds are used to provide monthly benefits to coal
miners disabled by black lung disease and to their widows and
certain other dependents, as well as to pay related
administrative costs.
This account pays for the benefits and administrative costs
of part B of the Black Lung Benefits Act. Part B benefits are
based on black lung claims filed on or before December 31,
1973. In fiscal year 2010, an estimated 27,250 beneficiaries
will receive benefits.
By law, increases in black lung benefit payments are tied
directly to Federal pay increases. The year-to-year decrease in
this account reflects a declining beneficiary population.
The Committee recommends an advance appropriation of
$45,000,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, the same
as the budget request. These funds will ensure uninterrupted
benefit payments to coal miners, their widows, and dependents.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS
COMPENSATION FUND
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $49,654,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 51,197,000
House allowance......................................... 51,197,000
Committee recommendation................................ 51,197,000
The Committee recommends $51,197,000 for the Energy
Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program [EEOICP],
the same as the budget request. The comparable fiscal year 2009
amount is $49,654,000.
The objective of the EEOICP is to deliver benefits to
eligible employees and former employees of the Department of
Energy, its contractors and subcontractors or to certain
survivors of such individuals, as provided in the Energy
Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. The
mission also includes delivering benefits to certain
beneficiaries of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation
Programs is responsible for adjudicating and administering
claims filed by employees or former employees (or their
survivors) under the act.
In 2010, the volume of incoming claims under part B of the
EEOICP is estimated at about 7,200 claims from Department of
Energy [DOE] employees or survivors, and private companies
under contract with DOE, who suffer from a radiation-related
cancer, beryllium-related disease, or chronic silicosis as a
result of their work in producing or testing nuclear weapons.
Under part E, the Department is expected to receive
approximately 7,500 new claims during fiscal year 2010. Under
this authority, the Department provides benefits to eligible
DOE contractor employees or their survivors who were found to
have work-related occupational illnesses due to exposure to a
toxic substance at a DOE facility.
BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $2,822,683,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 300,099,000
House allowance......................................... 300,099,000
Committee recommendation................................ 300,099,000
The Committee recommends $300,099,000 for this account in
2010, the same amount as the budget request. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 amount is $2,822,683,000.
The appropriation language continues to provide indefinite
authority for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to provide
for benefit payments. The recommendation assumes that
$241,605,000 for benefit payments will be paid in fiscal year
2010. In addition, the appropriation bill provides for
transfers from the trust fund for administrative expenses for
the following Department of Labor agencies: up to $32,720,000
for the part C costs of the Division of Coal Mine Workers'
Compensation, up to $25,091,000 for Departmental Management,
Salaries and Expenses, and up to $327,000 for Departmental
Management, Inspector General. The bill also allows a transfer
of up to $356,000 for the Department of Treasury.
The trust fund pays all black lung compensation/medical and
survivor benefit expenses when no responsible mine operation
can be assigned liability for such benefits, or when coal mine
employment ceased prior to 1970, as well as all administrative
costs which are incurred in administering the benefits program
and operating the trust fund.
It is estimated that 28,675 individuals will receive black
lung benefits financed through the end of the fiscal year 2010.
The basic financing for the trust fund comes from a coal
excise tax for underground and surface-mined coal. Additional
funds come from reimbursement from the Advances to the
Unemployment Trust Fund and Other Funds as well as payments
from mine operators for benefit payments made by the trust fund
before the mine operator is found liable. The advances to the
fund assure availability of necessary funds when liabilities
may exceed other income. The Emergency Economic Stabilization
Act of 2008 authorized the restructuring of the Black Lung
Disability debt and extended the current tax structure until
the end of 2018.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $526,613,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 563,620,000
House allowance......................................... 554,620,000
Committee recommendation................................ 561,620,000
\1\Includes $13,571,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommends $561,620,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is $526,613,000, which
includes $13,571,000 available from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. The budget request includes $563,620,000 for
authorized activities. This agency is responsible for enforcing
the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 in the Nation's
workplaces.
In addition, the Committee has included language to allow
OSHA to retain up to $200,000 per fiscal year of training
institute course tuition fees to be utilized for occupational
safety and health training and education grants in the private
sector.
The Committee retains language carried in last year's bill
effectively exempting farms employing 10 or fewer people from
the provisions of the act except those farms having a temporary
labor camp. The Committee also retains language exempting small
firms in industry classifications having a lost workday injury
rate less than the national average from general schedule
safety inspections. These provisions have been in the bill for
many years.
The Committee recommends $105,393,000 for grants to States
under section 203(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health
[OSH] Act. These funds are provided to States that have taken
responsibility for administering their own occupational safety
and health programs for the private sector and/or the public
sector. State plans must be at least as effective as the
Federal program and are monitored by OSHA. The Committee also
has included language that allows OSHA to provide grants of up
to 55 percent, instead of the current law 50 percent maximum,
for the costs of State plans approved by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration [OSHA]. This flexibility is
provided for OSHA if it determines that, due to fiscal and
budgetary constraints, a State requires a higher Federal
contribution for the State to meet its responsibilities under
section 18 of the OSH Act.
The Committee is concerned that OSHA's standard setting and
enforcement capabilities have been diminished over the past
several years, due in part to declining budgets. The number of
employees covered by inspections has fallen from almost 2.1
million in fiscal year 2000 to 1.4 million in fiscal year 2008,
a decline of almost one-third. Meanwhile, the pace of
occupational safety and health standards setting at OSHA has
essentially drawn to a halt, despite planned timetables
announced in its regulatory agendas. The Committee recommends
funding above the 2009 level be used to begin rebuilding
enforcement capacity and increase the pace of standard setting
at OSHA in fiscal year 2010.
In particular, the Committee is concerned about the
inattention to comprehensive inspections of facilities at the
greatest risk of catastrophic accidents. The Committee
previously raised concerns about the U.S. Chemical Safety Board
[CSB] report on its BP Texas City investigation that found over
a 10-year period, Federal OSHA conducted planned, comprehensive
process safety inspections of only 9 out of more than 2,800
identified high-risk chemical facilities, and that OSHA has
only a handful of technically qualified process safety
inspectors with relevant industry expertise. The Committee is
pleased to note that OSHA has finally implemented a National
Emphasis Program on process safety management in petroleum
industries, under which it will complete inspections of all
refineries under its jurisdiction by the end of calendar year
2009. Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this act,
the Committee requests OSHA to report on major findings from
inspections conducted to date, and current and planned actions
for implementing the recommendations in the CSB's BP Texas City
investigation.
The Committee also notes the August 2008 explosion at the
Bayer CropScience pesticide plant in Institute, West Virginia
that fatally injured two employees and threatened a storage
tank containing highly toxic methyl isocyanate, endangering the
lives of area residents. A preliminary CSB investigation
indicated the existence of longstanding process safety
deficiencies at the plant. The Committee is aware that OSHA has
a process management-based National Emphasis Program under
development for chemical plants and urges OSHA to implement it
as soon as possible. The Committee requests that OSHA report
quarterly to the Senate Committee on Appropriations on the
implementation of the program, including the number of planned
comprehensive inspections, the number conducted, and the
findings of those inspections.
The Committee continues to be concerned that a significant
proportion of work-related injuries and illnesses appear not to
be captured on the OSHA Log of Work-related Injuries and
Illnesses or in the annual Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS]
Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The Committee
understands that several recent studies have found that the BLS
survey may miss from 25 percent to 70 percent of all nonfatal
injuries and illnesses, when compared to State workers'
compensation information. While there is some explanation for
why these data systems won't match completely, the Committee
believes the apparent level of under-reporting raises serious
questions, particularly when firms may have economic incentives
to underreport and workers may fear retaliation for reporting
injuries.
Given that complete and accurate reporting of injuries and
illnesses is part of the foundation of the OSHA program, the
Committee continues to believe that OSHA needs to take steps to
better understand the completeness of employer-provided data.
Specifically, the Committee directs OSHA to continue oversight
and enforcement of its recordkeeping standard to ensure
complete and accurate recording and reporting by employers.
Within the Committee recommendation, $1,000,000 is available to
continue a recordkeeping enforcement initiative on injury and
illness recording. This funding will support staff, training,
and the continuation of a recordkeeping enforcement unit called
for in the 2009 bill. The Committee intends for this effort to
enable OSHA to review the completeness and accuracy of
individual employers' injury and illness records and determine
whether there are employer policies or practices in place that
cause incomplete reporting of injuries and illnesses by
employees. The Committee expects OSHA to keep it updated of its
actions in this area.
In addition to the general concern of underreporting of
worker injury and illness data, the Committee is particularly
interested in OSHA collecting better information on
musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs], which constitute almost 30
percent of all cases of lost workdays due to injury or illness.
The Committee encourages OSHA to consider collecting
information on MSDs in a separate column on its injury
recordkeeping form. Only through the collection of complete and
accurate data on the incidence of MSDs will OSHA be able to
understand whether progress is being made on this important
workplace safety and health issue.
The Committee also believes that OSHA's worker safety and
health training and education programs, including the grant
program that supports such training, are a critical part of a
comprehensive approach to worker protection. The Committee
recommendation includes $11,000,000 for the OSHA Susan Harwood
Training Grant Program to support worker safety and health
training program, as proposed in the budget request. The
Committee bill discontinues language included in last year's
bill that directed $3,144,000 to the continuation of the
existing Institutional Competency Building grants. However, the
Committee believes that longer-term grants that build safety
and health competency and train workers to recognize hazards
and appropriate control measures, understand their rights and
the requirements of OSHA regulations and standards should be
the focus of OSHA's safety and health training program. The
Committee expects OSHA to devote the majority of the
$11,000,000 available for these types of training programs.
Mine Safety and Health Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $347,003,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 353,693,000
House allowance......................................... 353,193,000
Committee recommendation................................ 357,143,000
The Committee recommendation includes $357,143,000 for the
Mine Safety and Health Administration [MSHA]. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 amount is $347,003,000 and the budget request
includes $353,693,000.
The Committee bill continues language authorizing MSHA to
use up to $2,000,000 for mine rescue and recovery activities.
It also retains the provision allowing the Secretary of Labor
to use any funds available to the Department to provide for the
costs of mine rescue and survival operations in the event of a
major disaster.
This agency insures the safety and health of the Nation's
miners by conducting inspections and special investigations of
mine operations, promulgating mandatory safety and health
standards, cooperating with the States in developing effective
State programs, and improving training in conjunction with
States and the mining industry.
In addition, bill language is included to allow the
National Mine Health and Safety Academy to collect not more
than $750,000 for room, board, tuition, and the sale of
training materials to be available for mine safety and health
education and training activities. Bill language also allows
MSHA to retain up to $1,000,000 from fees collected for the
approval and certification of equipment, materials, and
explosives for use in mines, and may utilize such sums for such
activities.
The Committee recommends $158,662,000 for coal enforcement.
The budget request proposes $156,662,000, while the comparable
fiscal year 2009 level is $154,491,000.
The Committee continues to have concerns about the reported
increases in respiratory illnesses in the coal miner
population. The Committee has allocated an additional
$2,000,000 over the budget request for MSHA to increase spot
inspections in the active workings of coal mines for the
purpose of obtaining compliance with section 202 of the Federal
Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. The Committee
recommendation also includes sufficient funding within the
standards and development activity for MSHA to update
regulations regarding respirable dust under section 202 of such
act. The Committee requests quarterly reports on enforcement of
section 202 of such act, including findings from the spot
inspection program.
The Committee is aware that, like many Federal agencies,
MSHA is not well-positioned to deal with its future workforce
needs. A Government Accountability Office [GAO] implementation
report issued in May 2007 identified continued concerns about
MSHA's preparedness for dealing with its future workforce
needs, which are expected to be significant given that more
than 40 percent of underground coal mine inspectors are
eligible to retire within the next 5 years. Many of these
retirees are highly experienced, which adds to the impact of
these losses. GAO has concluded that MSHA lacks a clear and
well-thought-out plan to address the expected turnover in its
experienced workforce. Therefore, the Committee directs MSHA to
undertake a strategic planning process to identify goals and
measures for monitoring and evaluating its progress on staying
ahead of the retirement wave and meeting the needs of its
enforcement workforce. The Committee requests a report, no
later than December 31, 2009, that includes a 5-year succession
plan and goals and measures related to MSHA's human capital
needs.
To help meet the demand for training of MSHA's workforce,
the Committee recommendation includes $12,000,000 to operate
the National Mine Safety and Health Academy and $2,000,000 to
improve the infrastructure at the Academy. These funds are
available under the educational policy and development [EPD]
activity. Within funds available for the EPD activity, the
Committee also encourages MSHA to consider a comprehensive
review of safety and health training programs.
The Committee also continues to express support of MSHA's
Approval and Certification Center. While additional funding
provided over the past 2 years has helped reduce the backlog of
the Center's workload, the Committee believes more needs to be
done to strengthen the ability of MSHA to review and certify
equipment for use in mines. The Committee recommends
$11,600,000 for operations, equipment and infrastructure
improvement at the Approval and Certification Center to make
more progress on reducing this backlog.
The Committee recommendation also includes $1,450,000 for
an award to the United Mine Workers of America to provide
classroom and simulated rescue training for mine rescue teams
at its Beckley, West Virginia and Washington, Pennsylvania
career centers. The Committee notes that a GAO report issued in
May 2007 found that 81 percent of mine operators considered the
availability of special training facilities for mine rescue
team training in simulated environments to be a challenge.
The Committee understands the Office of Accountability was
established to provide focus and oversight to ensure that MSHA
policies, enforcement procedures, and guidance are being
complied with consistently and that the agency is accomplishing
its mission-critical activities. The Office conducts field
audits, recommends and monitors corrective actions and analyzes
mining data. The Committee requests that MSHA prepare and
provide a report to the Committee, no later than March 31,
2010, on staffing and budget resources expended or planned for
fiscal years 2009 and 2010; findings and recommendations of
audits conducted to date; and corrective actions implemented.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $597,182,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 611,623,000
House allowance......................................... 611,623,000
Committee recommendation................................ 611,271,000
The Committee recommends $611,271,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is $597,182,000 and the
budget request includes $611,623,000 for this purpose. The
recommendation includes $78,264,000 from the Employment
Security Administration account of the unemployment trust fund,
and $533,007,000 in Federal funds. Language pertaining to the
Current Employment Survey is retained from prior year bills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-
finding agency in the Federal Government in the broad field of
labor economics.
The Committee continue its concern about the significant
discrepancies found in comparisons of BLS injury and illness
survey data, which are based on employer-reported injury logs
provided to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
[OSHA], and State worker compensation information. The research
identified that the BLS data were only capturing as few as one-
third of injuries under certain State worker compensation
systems. While there is some explanation for why data from
State worker compensation systems won't match perfectly with
the BLS survey data, the research conducted to date raises
serious questions about the completeness of the national
workplace injury surveillance system.
Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $1,300,000
to continue BLS efforts to: strengthen the current BLS
examination of the differences between workers' compensation
information and BLS survey data; better understand employer
injury and illnesses recording practices and conduct a pilot
study of using multiple data sources to capture injury and
illness data. The Committee expects to be kept apprised of BLS
work in this area.
The Committee recommendation also includes $1,500,000 to
continue the Mass Layoff Statistics Program.
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $26,679,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 37,031,000
House allowance......................................... 37,031,000
Committee recommendation................................ 39,031,000
The Committee recommends $39,031,000 for this account in
2010, the same amount as the budget request. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 level is $26,679,000. The Committee intends
that at least 80 percent of these funds shall be used to design
and implement research and technical assistance grants and
contracts to develop policy that reduces barriers to employment
for youth and adults with disabilities.
Congress created the Office of Disability Employment Policy
[ODEP] in the Department of Labor's fiscal year 2001
appropriation. The mission of the ODEP is to provide
leadership, develop policy and initiatives, and award grants
furthering the objective of eliminating physical and
programmatic barriers to the training and employment of people
with disabilities. The Committee strongly supports each of the
components of ODEP's mission and, in particular, urges the
Secretary to ensure that ODEP is properly supported in carrying
out its leadership role with respect to Government-wide
policies related to the training and employment of individuals
with disabilities.
The Committee recommendation includes $12,000,000 for the
ODEP, in collaboration with the Employment and Training
Administration [ETA], to develop and implement a plan for
improving effective and meaningful participation of persons
with disabilities in the workforce. The Committee expects that
these funds, in combination with funding available to ETA, will
improve the accessibility and accountability of the public
workforce development system for individuals with disabilities.
The Committee further expects these funds to continue promising
practices implemented by disability program navigators,
including effective deployment of staff in selected States to:
improve coordination and collaboration among employment and
training and asset development programs carried out at a State
and local level, including the Ticket to Work program and build
effective community partnerships that leverage public and
private resources to better serve individuals with disabilities
and improve employment outcomes. The Committee expects that ETA
and ODEP will develop appropriate objectives and performance
measures by which this initiative will be evaluated. The
Committee requests that the joint plan described above be
submitted to the Senate Committee on Appropriations no later
than 30 days after the date of enactment of this act.
Departmental Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $330,404,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 355,154,000
House allowance......................................... 350,154,000
Committee recommendation................................ 357,154,000
\1\Includes $16,206,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommendation includes $357,154,000 for this
account. The comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is
$330,404,000, which includes $16,206,000 available from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the budget request
includes $355,154,000 for this purpose. In addition, an amount
of $327,000 is available by transfer from the black lung
disability trust fund.
The primary goal of the Department of Labor is to protect
and to promote the interests of American workers. The
departmental management appropriation finances staff
responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation
of departmental policy and management activities in support of
that goal. In addition, this appropriation includes a variety
of operating programs and activities that are not involved in
departmental management functions, but for which other salaries
and expenses appropriations are not suitable. In fiscal year
2010, employment standards agencies are expected to be
reorganized and integrated with this account as part of a
proposed reorganization.
The Committee recommendation includes $93,919,000 for the
Bureau of International Labor Affairs. Of this amount, the
Committee directs $40,000,000 be used for the United States
contribution to expand on the successful efforts of the ILO's
International Program for the Elimination of Child Labor
[IPEC].
The Committee strongly supports the mandate of the Office
of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking [OCFT]
which is part of the Department of Labor's ILAB. For the past
decade, the OCFT has responded to requests from Congress to
investigate and report on abusive child labor around the world.
The OCFT played a key role in the drafting of ILO's Convention
182, which became the world's definition of the worst forms of
child labor and their expertise in combating international
child labor, forced labor and human trafficking issues are
vital to formulating U.S. Government policy.
This Committee and Congress have provided OCFT with
significant funding to implement activities, such as research
and technical assistance related to international child labor,
forced labor, and human trafficking. The Committee has provided
funding to OCFT to implement and oversee over 130 cooperative
agreements and contracts to organizations engaged in efforts to
eliminate exploitive child labor in more than 70 countries
around world. In 2005, the Trafficking Victim Protection
Reauthorization Act mandated OCFT to monitor the use of forced
labor and child labor in violation of international standards.
Additionally, OCFT prepares an annual report to Congress on GSP
countries' implementation of international commitments to
eliminate the worst forms of child labor, as well as those
countries that have negotiated free trade agreements with the
United States.
Also included is $20,000,000 to help ensure access to basic
education for the growing number of children removed from the
worst forms of child labor in impoverished nations where
abusive and exploitative child labor is most acute. Funds may
be used to support microcredit programs and other livelihood
activities that contribute to a more comprehensive approach to
addressing the root causes of labor exploitation, including
child and forced labor. The Committee expects the Department of
Labor to work with the governments of host countries to
eliminate school fees that create a barrier to education.
The Committee believes that the oversight committee created
in 2006 to report publicly on the progress of the
implementation of the Harkin-Engel protocol, a public private
partnership to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and
adult forced labor in the cocoa sector of West Africa, has been
beneficial to all stakeholders. The Committee intends for ILAB
to continue to support the implementation of the Harkin-Engel
Protocol by providing assistance to countries in the collection
of data regarding the worst forms of child labor in the cocoa
sector.
The Committee recommends continuation of the worker rights
technical assistance projects initiated in last year's bill.
These projects will support the implementation of model
programs designed to address worker rights in countries with
which the United States has trade preference programs.
The Committee notes that ILAB is statutorily required to
compile and report to the Congress annually on the extent to
which each foreign country that has trade and investment
agreements with the United States enforces internationally
recognized worker rights. This report is required under
multiple U.S. laws and promotes core labor standards as
embodied in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and
Rights at Work as adopted and reaffirmed in 1998. The Committee
once again directs the Secretary to include in the 2009 report
all former GSP recipients that have achieved a Free Trade
Agreement with the United States over the preceding year.
The Committee recommends $117,121,000 for the Office of the
Solicitor. The Committee intends for the additional funds to
provide adequate enforcement support to the Mine Safety and
Health Administration.
OFFICE OF JOB CORPS
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,933,938,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,701,389,000
House allowance......................................... 1,705,320,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,711,089,000
\1\Includes $250,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
For Job Corps, the Committee recommends $1,711,089,000. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is $1,933,938,000, which
includes $250,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. The budget request includes $1,701,389,000
for Job Corps.
The recommendation for operations of Job Corps centers is
$1,571,899,000, comprised of $980,899,000 in fiscal year 2010
funds and $591,000,000 in advance appropriations from last
year's bill. For operations, the Committee also recommends
advance funding of $591,000,000, which will become available on
October 1, 2010.
The Committee also recommends $10,000,000 in construction,
renovation and acquisition funds, which are available from July
1, 2010 to June 30, 2013. In addition, $100,000,000 in
construction, rehabilitation and acquisition funds are provided
in advance funding, which will make these funds available on
October 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013.
The budget request proposes to transfer the Office of Job
Corps into the Employment and Training Administration prior to
the start of the program year 2010. The Committee supports this
action and has included bill language in section 108 of the
general provisions that will enable the Department to take this
action no earlier than 15 days after the date of submission to
the Senate Committee on Appropriations a detailed plan on how
this transfer will enhance program administration and
oversight, including improved procurement and contracting.
The Committee understands that there is an ongoing need for
Job Corps to serve more youth, upgrade training and education,
promote community revitalization, and improve overall job
placements for at-risk young adults. The Committee encourages
Job Corps to improve post-secondary education and credentialing
certifications; expand rebuilding efforts in depressed
neighborhoods; increase the capacity of participants to earn
state high school diplomas; assist in training in green
renovation; and increase local support and participation of
business and industry. Further, the Committee would encourage
Job Corps to explore forming partnerships with existing
organizations with similar goals that can assist in such
efforts.
The Committee has previously requested the Department to be
prepared to consider how to structure and announce a
competition for additional Job Corps center sites, particularly
focusing on unmet needs in rapidly growing metropolitan areas
currently without a Job Corps center. Within the Committee
recommendation, sufficient funds are available to initiate a
competition for a new Job Corps Center site during fiscal year
2010.
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $239,439,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 255,127,000
House allowance......................................... 257,127,000
Committee recommendation................................ 255,127,000
The Committee recommends $255,127,000 for this account,
including $44,971,000 in general revenue funding and
$210,156,000 to be expended from the Employment Security
Administration account of the unemployment trust fund.
For State grants, the bill provides $172,394,000, which
includes funding for the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program and
the Local Veterans Employment Representative Program.
For Federal administration, the Committee recommends
$35,313,000. The Committee supports the Transition Assistance
Program administered jointly with the Department of Defense,
which assists soon-to-be-discharged service members in
transitioning into the civilian workforce, and includes funding
to maintain this effective program.
The Committee recommends $2,449,000 for the National
Veterans Training Institute. This Institute provides training
to the Federal and State staff involved in the direct delivery
of employment and training related services to veterans.
The Committee recommends $35,330,000 for the Homeless
Veterans Program. The Committee also recommends $9,641,000 for
the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, the same as the
budget request.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $88,141,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 84,014,000
House allowance......................................... 84,014,000
Committee recommendation................................ 84,014,000
\1\Includes $6,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $84,014,000 for this account, the
same amount as the budget request. The bill includes
$78,093,000 in general funds and authority to transfer
$5,921,000 from the Employment Security Administration account
of the unemployment trust fund. In addition, an amount of
$327,000 is available by transfer from the black lung
disability trust fund. The comparable fiscal year 2009 amount
is $88,141,000, which includes $6,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This level provides
sufficient resources to cover built-in cost increases, as well
as augment program accountability activities and expand the
labor racketeering program.
The Office of the Inspector General [OIG] was created by
law to protect the integrity of departmental programs as well
as the welfare of beneficiaries served by those programs.
Through a comprehensive program of audits, investigations,
inspections, and program evaluations, the OIG attempts to
reduce the incidence of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement,
and to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
General Provisions
General provision bill language is included to:
Limit the use of Job Corps funding for compensation of an
individual that is not a Federal employee at a rate not to
exceed Executive Level I (sec. 101).
Provide for general transfer authority (sec. 102).
Prohibit funding for the procurement of goods and services
utilizing forced or indentured child labor in industries and
host countries already identified by the Labor Department in
accordance with Executive Order 13126 (sec. 103).
Require that funds available under section 414(c) of the
American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998
may only be used for training in occupations and industries for
which employers are using H-1B visas to hire foreign workers
(sec. 104).
Require the Secretary to award competitively funds
available for WIRED Grants, Career Pathways Innovation Fund,
and grants for job training for employment in high growth
industries (sec. 105).
Prohibit the Secretary from taking any action to alter the
procedure for redesignating local areas under subtitle B of
title I of the Workforce Investment Act (sec. 106).
Limit compensation from Federal funds to a rate not greater
than Executive Level II for any recipient or subrecipient of
funds under the heading, ``Employment and Training
Administration'' (sec. 107).
Allows the Secretary of Labor to transfer the
administration and appropriated funds of the Job Corps program
from the Office of the Secretary to the Employment and Training
Administration 15 days after the submission of a plan for such
transfer to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives and the Senate (sec. 108).
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $9,759,436,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 7,151,700,000
House allowance......................................... 7,331,817,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,263,799,000
\1\Includes $2,500,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee provides a program level of $7,263,799,000
for the Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA].
The Committee recommendation includes $7,238,799,000 in budget
authority and an additional $25,000,000 via transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable program level was $9,759,436,000,
including $2,500,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act funding. The budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$7,151,700,000.
HRSA activities support programs to provide healthcare
services for mothers and infants; the underserved, elderly,
homeless; migrant farm workers; and disadvantaged minorities.
This appropriation supports cooperative programs in community
health, AIDS care, healthcare provider training, and healthcare
delivery systems and facilities.
BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
The Committee provides $2,190,022,000 for the community
health centers program. The fiscal year 2009 comparable program
level was $4,190,022,000, including $2,000,000,000 in American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. The budget request for
fiscal year 2009 was $2,190,022,000. This group of programs
includes community health centers, migrant health centers,
healthcare for the homeless, and public housing health service
grants. The Committee continues to support strongly the ongoing
effort to increase the number of people who have access to
medical services at health centers.
Within the amount provided, the Committee has provided
$44,055,000 under the Federal Tort Claims Act [FTCA] for the
Health Centers program. The Committee has included bill
language making this funding available until expended and
allowing costs associated with the health centers tort
liability relief program to be paid from the fund. The
Committee intends that the fund be used to pay judgments and
settlements, occasional witness fees and expenses, and the
administrative costs of the program, which include the cost of
evaluating claims, defending claims, and conducting settlement
activities.
Child Maltreatment.--Parent training is a promising
strategy for preventing child maltreatment that should be
tested in primary care and other settings. The Committee
encourages HRSA to collaborate with the Administration for
Children and Families to ensure that community health centers
are eligible grantees for any parent training grants or
initiatives.
FTCA Coverage Guidance.--The Committee is pleased that HRSA
is drafting a policy manual for providers on the FTCA program.
The Committee encourages HRSA to survey centers to determine
the extent to which centers are purchasing private malpractice
insurance to fill a perceived gap for contract employees and
nonhealth center patients in nonhealth center settings where
reciprocal coverage between the health center and other
providers is customary. To the extent that this coverage is
unnecessary, the Committee expects HRSA to work with health
centers to understand the FTCA coverage and adjust their
supplemental coverage accordingly.
Mental Health.--Among the most prevalent health problems at
federally qualified health centers are mental disorders and
chronic illnesses. The Committee encourages HRSA to ensure that
health centers are aware that psychologists are eligible to
participate in the National Health Service Corps, which places
health professionals in underserved areas including health
centers.
Scope of Project Changes.--The Committee expects that the
Secretary will continue to approve community health centers'
proposed scope of project changes when necessary to ensure
access to needed specialty services or to meet the
comprehensive needs of special populations who may require care
in other types of healthcare settings.
Specialty Care Services.--The Committee applauds HRSA for
issuing a policy recognizing the importance of specialty care
services in addressing the often complex and diverse needs of
medically underserved populations and ensuring patient access
to a comprehensive continuum of care based on the special or
unique needs of the patient population.
Technical Assistance.--The Committee strongly supports
investments in health information technology at community
health centers, including the rapid adoption of electronic
health record. The Committee urges HRSA to coordinate with the
Office of National Coordinator for Health IT to ensure that
community health centers are fully integrated into community
systems of care. The Committee feels strongly that technical
assistance will be crucial to centers making this investment
and encourages HRSA to provide additional technical assistance
as new IT systems are implemented with Recovery Act
investments.
Workforce Recruitment.--The Committee recognizes that the
National Health Service Corps is an essential tool for
recruitment and retention of primary care health professionals
at Community, Migrant, Homeless, and Public Housing Health
Centers, especially given the recent expansion of the Health
Centers program. Given the dramatically increased investment
made in the National Health Service Corps in the Recovery Act,
the Committee urges HRSA to work with health centers to qualify
for additional NHSC slots to take maximum advantage of the
opportunity.
Native Hawaiian Health Care
The Committee again includes the legal citation in the bill
for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program. The Committee has
included sufficient funding so that healthcare activities
funded under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program can be
supported under the broader community health centers line. The
Committee expects that not less than last year's level be
provided for these activities in fiscal year 2010.
Free Clinics Medical Malpractice Coverage
The Committee provides $40,000 in funding for payments of
claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act to be made available
for free clinic health professionals as authorized by U.S.C.
title 42, section 233(o) of the Public Health Service Act. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $40,000 and the fiscal
year 2010 budget request included $40,000 for this program.
This appropriation continues to extend Federal Tort Claims Act
coverage to medical volunteers in free clinics in order to
expand access to healthcare services to low-income individuals
in medically underserved areas.
National Hansen's Disease Program
The Committee has included $16,109,000 for the National
Hansen's Disease Program. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level
was $16,109,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$16,109,000. The program consists of inpatient, outpatient,
long-term care, training, and research in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana; a residential facility at Carville, Louisiana; and
11 outpatient clinic sites in the continental United States and
Puerto Rico.
National Hansen's Disease Program Buildings and Facilities
The Committee provides $129,000 for buildings and
facilities. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $129,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $129,000 for
this program. This funding provides for the repair and
maintenance of buildings at the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease
Center.
Payment to Hawaii for Hansen's Disease Treatment
The Committee provides $1,976,000 for Hansen's Disease
services. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $1,976,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $1,976,000.
Payments are made to the State of Hawaii for the medical care
and treatment of persons with Hansen's Disease in hospital and
clinic facilities at Kalaupapa, Molokai, and Honolulu. Expenses
above the level of appropriated funds are borne by the State of
Hawaii.
BUREAU OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
National Health Service Corps: Field Placements
The Committee provides $42,000,000 for field placement
activities. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$99,736,000, including $60,000,000 in American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act funding. The budget request for fiscal year
2010 was $46,412,000.
The funds provided for this program are used to support the
activities of the National Health Service Corps in the field,
including travel and transportation costs of assignees,
training and education, recruitment of volunteers, and
retention activities. Salary costs of most new assignees are
paid by the employing entity.
National Health Service Corps: Recruitment
The Committee provides $100,000,000 for recruitment
activities. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$335,230,000, including $240,000,000 in American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act funding. The budget request for fiscal year
2010 was $122,588,000.
This program provides major benefits to students (full-cost
scholarships or sizable loan repayment) in exchange for an
agreement to serve as a primary care provider in a high-
priority federally designated health professional shortage
area. These funds should support multi-year, rather than
single-year, commitments.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
The Committee provides $460,098,000 for HRSA health
professions programs. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$591,226,000, including $198,500,000 in American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act funding. The budget request for fiscal year
2010 was $528,098,000.
Training for Diversity
Centers of Excellence
The Committee provides $24,602,000 for the Centers of
Excellence program, the same as the budget request for fiscal
year 2010. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$24,602,000, including $4,000,000 in American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act funding.
This program was established to fund institutions that
train a significant portion of the Nation's minority health
professionals. Funds are used for the recruitment and retention
of students, faculty training, and the development of plans to
achieve institutional improvements. The institutions that are
designated as centers of excellence are private institutions
whose mission is to train disadvantaged minority students for
service in underserved areas. Located in poor communities and
usually with little State funding, they serve the healthcare
needs of their patients, often without payment.
Health Careers Opportunity Program
The Committee provides $22,133,000 for the Health Careers
Opportunity Program, the same as the budget request. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable level was $22,133,000, including
$3,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
This program provides funds to medical and other health
professions schools for recruitment of disadvantaged students
and pre-professional school preparations.
Faculty Loan Repayment
The Committee provides $1,266,000 for the Faculty Loan
Repayment program, the same as the budget request. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable level was $2,466,000, including $1,200,000
in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
This program provides for the repayment of education loans
for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who are health
professions students or graduates, and who have agreed to serve
for not less than 2 years as a faculty member of a health
professions school.
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
The Committee provides $45,842,000 for the Scholarships for
Disadvantaged Students program, The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $85,842,000, including $40,000,000 in American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. The budget request for
fiscal year 2010 included $52,842,000 for this program.
This program provides grants to health professions schools
for student scholarships to individuals who are from
disadvantaged backgrounds and are enrolled as full-time
students in such schools.
Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry
The Committee provides $54,425,000 for Training in Primary
Care Medicine and Dentistry programs. The fiscal year 2009
comparable level is $96,025,000, including $47,600,000 in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. The budget for
fiscal year 2010 included $56,425,000 for this program. The
Committee has included bill language identifying no less than:
$29,205,000 for Family Medicine programs; $7,575,000 for
general dentistry programs; and $7,575,000 for pediatric
dentistry programs. Bill language has also been included to
clarify the terms of the dentistry loan repayment program.
Pediatric dentistry residency programs provide both
treatments for underprivileged children and training
opportunities to address the national shortage of pediatric
dentists. The Committee has included bill language allowing
funds to be used for faculty loan repayment. The Committee
encourages HRSA to communicate clearly to applicants that grant
funds can be utilized for faculty development and curriculum
enhancement, as well as program creation or expansion.
The Committee is concerned with the state of our Nation's
emergency medical system and the shortage of emergency
physicians. With increased fragmentation and overcrowding at
emergency departments nationwide, this shortage will have a
dire effect on patient safety. To better understand the impact
of this shortage on patient care, the Committee encourages HRSA
to examine current and future supply, demand, need and
requirements for residency-trained, board certified emergency
physicians.
The Committee continues to note the documented severe
dental access crisis in rural and other underserved areas. The
Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured notes that
``the supply of dentists, especially pediatric dentists, is
inadequate.'' In addition to the increased investment in dental
health training made by the Committee in this and previous
appropriation bills, the Committee is supportive of efforts by
States to develop licensure and universities to develop
curriculum for an advanced dental hygiene practitioner. The
Committee urges the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate the
effectiveness of master's level advanced dental hygiene
practitioner programs.
Interdisciplinary, Community-based Linkages
Area Health Education Centers
The Committee provides $32,540,000 for the Area Health
Education Centers program, the same as the fiscal year 2009
comparable level and the budget request for fiscal year 2010.
This program links university health science centers with
community health service delivery systems to provide training
sites for students, faculty, and practitioners. The program
supports three types of projects: core grants to plan and
implement programs; special initiative funding for schools that
have previously received Area Health Education Centers [AHEC]
grants; and model programs to extend AHEC programs with 50
percent Federal funding.
Allied Health and Other Disciplines
The Committee provides $15,890,000 for the Allied Health
and Other Disciplines program. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $13,890,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2010 was $23,890,000.
These programs seek to improve access, diversity, and
distribution of allied health practitioners to areas of need.
The program improves access to comprehensive and culturally
competent health care services for underserved populations. The
Committee recommendation is sufficient to continue the
Chiropractic-Medical School Demonstration Grant, and the dental
workforce programs authorized under section 340G of the Public
Health Service Act at the same levels as in fiscal year 2009.
The Committee has included additional funding for the
Graduate Psychology training programs to increase the grant
size, to reinstate the geropsychology component of the training
program, and to expand training sites.
Geriatric Education
The Committee provides $30,997,000 for Geriatric Education
programs, the same level as the fiscal year 2009 comparable
level. The budget request for fiscal year 2010 included
$41,997,000 for this program.
Geriatric programs include: Geriatric Education Centers,
the Geriatric Academic Career awards program, and the Geriatric
Training program for Physicians, Dentists, and Behavioral/
Mental Health Professionals program. The Committee intends that
all activities remain at last year's level.
The Committee encourages the Department to collaborate with
institutions of higher learning for the development of a dual
Doctor of Pharmacy/Nurse Practitioner degree to address the
growing need for specialty trained providers in the area of
gerontological health.
Health Professions Workforce Information and Analysis
The Committee is recommending $5,663,000 for health
professions workforce information and analysis. This program
was last funded in fiscal year 2005. The administration did not
request funds for this program. The program provides grants and
contracts to eligible entities to provide for the collection
and analysis of targeted information, research on high-priority
workforce questions, the development of analytic and research
infrastructure, and the conduct of program evaluation and
assessment.
Public Health, Preventive Medicine, and Dental Public Health Programs
The Committee provides $10,000,000 for these programs. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $19,500,000, including
$10,500,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
The budget request for fiscal year 2010 included $9,000,000 for
this program. The Committee intends that the increase over the
level in the fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations act
(Public Law 111-8) be used to expand fellowships and training
in the area of preventive medicine. The Committee urges HRSA to
prioritize programs that seek to incorporate integrative
medicine into residency training.
This program supports awards to schools of medicine,
osteopathic medicine, public health, and dentistry for support
of residency training programs in preventive medicine and
dental public health; and for financial assistance to trainees
enrolled in such programs.
Nursing Workforce Development Programs
The Committee provides $216,740,000 for the Nursing
Workforce Development programs. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $213,231,000, including $42,200,000 in American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. The budget request for
fiscal year 2010 was $263,403,000.
The Committee recognizes that efforts to alleviate the
Nation's shortage of Registered Nurses [RNs] must focus on
addressing the nurse faculty shortage. According to the latest
survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing,
more than 50,000 qualified applicants were turned away from
baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2008 due
primarily to a shortage of nurse faculty, including nearly
7,000 applicants to master's and doctoral programs. Supporting
programs that prepare more nurse educators is the key to
stabilizing the nursing workforce and reversing the RN
shortage.
The Committee recommends funding for the following
activities in the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Fiscal year
2009 2010 budget Committee
comparable request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced education nursing...................................... 64,438 64,438 64,438
Nurse education, practice and retention......................... 37,291 37,291 42,500
Nursing workforce diversity..................................... 19,307 16,107 16,107
Loan repayment and scholarship program.......................... 64,128 125,000 64,128
Comprehensive geriatric education............................... 4,567 4,567 4,567
Nursing faculty loan program.................................... 23,500 16,000 25,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within the allocation, the Committee encourages HRSA to
allocate funding for nurse anesthetist education at no less
than last year's level.
The increase provided for ``nurse education, practice and
retention'' is intended to establish a new initiative to train
nursing home aides and home health aides. Grants may be made to
colleges or community-based training programs for the
development, testing, and demonstration of training programs
on-campus, at alternative sites, and through telehealth
methodologies. The Committee notes that these occupations have
grown rapidly and are projected to continue that growth as
America's baby boom generation continues to age. A position in
either of these fields provides an entry level to the nursing
career ladder and a skill that is transportable to any job
market in the Nation. However, levels and types of training
programs vary widely. The Committee encourages HRSA to create a
plan for how best to improve the training in these fields and
report to the Committee no later than March 15, 2010.
Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Program
The Committee has provided $315,000,000 for the Children's
Hospitals Graduate Medical Education [GME] program. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable level was $310,000,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2010 was $310,000,000.
The program provides support for health professions
training in children's teaching hospitals that have a separate
Medicare provider number (``free-standing'' children's
hospitals). Children's hospitals are defined under Medicare as
those whose inpatients are predominantly under the age of 18.
The funds in this program are intended to make the level of
Federal Graduate Medical Education support more consistent with
other teaching hospitals, including children's hospitals that
share provider numbers with other teaching hospitals. Payments
are determined by formula, based on a national per-resident
amount. Payments support training of resident physicians as
defined by Medicare in both ambulatory and inpatient settings.
Patient Navigator
The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000 for the
Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Outreach
program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 was
$4,000,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$4,000,000 for this program.
The program provides demonstration grants to public or non-
profit health centers to help patients overcome barriers in the
health care system to prompt screening, referral, diagnosis,
and treatment services.
National Practitioner Data Bank
The Committee provides $19,750,000 for the national
practitioner data bank, the same as the fiscal year 2009
comparable level and the budget request for fiscal year 2010.
The Committee and the budget request assume that full funding
will be provided entirely through the collection of user fees
and will cover the full cost of operating the data bank. Bill
language is included to ensure that user fees are collected to
cover all costs of processing requests and providing such
information to data bank users.
Health Care Integrity and Protection Data Bank
The Committee provides $3,758,000 for the health care
integrity and protection data bank, the same as the fiscal year
2009 comparable level and the administration request for fiscal
year 2010. The Committee assumes that full funding will be
provided entirely through the collection of user fees and will
cover the full cost of operating the data bank. The data bank
is intended to collect, maintain, and report on certain actions
taken against healthcare providers, suppliers, and
practitioners.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant
The Committee provides $662,121,000 for the maternal and
child health [MCH] block grant, the same as the fiscal year
2009 comparable level and the budget request for fiscal year
2010.
The Maternal and Child Health Block Grant program provides
a flexible source of funding that allows States to target their
most urgent maternal and child health needs through development
of community-based networks of preventive and primary care that
coordinate and integrate public and private sector resources
and programs for pregnant women, mothers, infants, children,
and adolescents. The program supports a broad range of
activities including prenatal care, well child services and
immunizations, reducing infant mortality, preventing injury and
violence, expanding access to oral healthcare, addressing
racial and ethnic disparities and providing comprehensive care
for children, adolescents, and families through clinics, home
visits and school-based health programs.
Postpartum depression [PPD] is one of the most common and
frequently undiagnosed conditions associated with childbirth.
While postpartum depression is a widespread problem, there is
not sufficient research on the causes and possible treatments
for women suffering from this disorder. The Committee
encourages HRSA to prioritize the issue of PPD by raising
awareness, expanding research, and establishing grants for the
operation and coordination of cost-effective services to
afflicted women and their families.
The Committee recognizes that 1 in 4 school-aged children
has a vision problem significant enough to affect learning. The
Committee understands that the MCHB requires States to report
on a set of core performance measures and that these
performance measures, when successfully addressed, can lead to
better health outcomes. The Committee recommends that the MCHB
develop and report on the nationwide implementation of a State
title V core performance measure related to vision screening.
The Committee has included bill language identifying
$92,551,000 for the SPRANS set-aside. Within that total, the
Committee recommendation includes sufficient funding to
continue the set-asides for oral health, epilepsy, sickle cell,
first-time motherhood, doula programs, and fetal alcohol
syndrome at no less than last year's level.
Doula Programs.--The Committee intends that Doula
demonstration funding continue to be allocated evenly among
urban and rural settings, with an emphasis on breastfeeding
initiation and retention.
Epilepsy.--The Committee has provided funding to continue
outreach, technical assistance and State demonstration programs
which develop and implement systems of care to improve access
to comprehensive, coordinated healthcare and related services
for children and youth with epilepsy living in medically
underserved areas.
Hemophilia.--The Committee supports the work of the network
of hemophilia treatment centers through the Maternal and Child
Health Block Grant SPRANS program and recognizes the critical
role of the comprehensive disease management services provided
by the centers.
Oral Health.--The Committee has provided funding to
continue and expand early childhood oral health interventions
and prevention programs encompassing the medical/dental
interface, topical fluorides, school and community-based
sealant programs, and systems building with WIC, Head Start and
others.
Sickle Cell Anemia Program
The Committee provides $4,250,000 for the sickle cell
anemia demonstration program, the same as the fiscal year 2009
comparable level and the budget request for fiscal year 2010.
The Sickle Cell Service Demonstration Program provides grants
and contracts to help coordinate service delivery for
individuals with sickle cell disease, including genetic
counseling and testing; training of health professionals; and
identifying and establishing other efforts related to the
expansion and coordination of education, treatment, and
continuity of care programs for individuals with sickle cell
disease.
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
The Committee provides $9,877,000 for the traumatic brain
injury program, the same as the fiscal year 2009 comparable
level and the budget request for fiscal year 2010. The program
supports implementation and planning grants to States for
coordination and improvement of services to individuals and
families with traumatic brain injuries as well as protection
and advocacy. Such services can include: pre-hospital care,
emergency department care, hospital care, rehabilitation,
transitional services, education, employment, and long-term
support. The Committee includes no less than last year's
funding level for protection and advocacy services, as
authorized under section 1305 of Public Law 106-310.
The Committee is concerned by the high percentage of
traumatic brain injury funds being used for technical
assistance for the State grant portion of the program. The
Committee encourages HRSA to re-evaluate the proportion of
funds being committed to technical assistance and to ensure
that protection and advocacy programs receive the same quality
technical assistance as the State grant program.
Autism and Other Developmental Disorders
The Committee provides $48,000,000 for the autism and other
developmental disorders initiative. The fiscal year 2009
comparable level was $42,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010 was $48,000,000. The program supports
surveillance, early detection, education and intervention
activities on autism and other developmental disorders, as
authorized in the Combating Autism Act of 2006.
Within the funding provided for autism and other related
developmental disorders, an increase of no less than $2,000,000
is provided to continue and expand research on evidence-based
practices for interventions for individuals with autism and
other developmental disabilities, for development of guidelines
for those interventions, and for information dissemination. In
addition, an increase of no less than $2,000,000 is provided to
continue and expand the Leadership Education in Neuro-
developmental and Related Disabilities program.
Newborn Screening for Heritable Disorders
The Committee provides $10,013,000 for the newborn
heritable disorders screening program, as described in section
1109 of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008, the same
as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level and the fiscal year
2010 budget request.
Newborn screening is an essential public health function
provided to all newborns in the United States. The Committee is
aware that the number of conditions and the quality of programs
varies from State to State.
Congenital Disabilities Program
The Committee has provided $1,000,000 for the congenital
disabilities program, the same as the fiscal year 2009
comparable level and the fiscal year 2010 budget request.
The purpose of the program is to provide information and
support services to families receiving a positive test
diagnosis for down syndrome, spina bifida, dwarfism, or other
prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions. Grants may be
made to States, territories, localities, and nongovernmental
organizations with expertise in prenatally and postnatally
diagnosed conditions.
Funding may be used to collect and disseminate current
evidence-based information and to coordinate the provision of
supportive services to parents who receive a positive diagnosis
prenatally, at birth, or up to 1 year after the affected
child's birth. These services may include the expansion and
further development of national and local peer-support
programs; the creation of a telephone hotline which would
provide parents with information on the physical,
developmental, educational, and psychosocial aspects of the
condition; and awareness and education programs for the
healthcare providers who provide, interpret, and inform parents
of the results of positive test diagnoses for congenital
disabilities.
Healthy Start
The Committee provides $105,372,000 for the healthy start
infant mortality initiative. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $102,372,000 and the same as the budget request.
The healthy start initiative was developed to respond to
persistently high rates of infant mortality in this Nation. The
initiative was expanded in fiscal year 1994 by a special
projects program, which supported an additional seven urban and
rural communities to implement infant mortality reduction
strategies and interventions. The Children's Health Act of 2000
fully authorized this initiative as an independent program. The
Committee urges HRSA to give preference to current and former
grantees with expiring or recently expired project periods.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention
The Committee provides $19,000,000 for universal newborn
hearing screening and early intervention activities, the same
as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level and the budget request
for fiscal year 2010 for this program.
The Committee expects HRSA to coordinate projects funded
with this appropriation with projects related to early hearing
detection and intervention by the National Center on Birth
Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the National Institute
on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Emergency Medical Services for Children
The Committee provides $22,000,000 for emergency medical
services for children. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level
and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 were $20,000,000.
The program supports demonstration grants for the delivery of
emergency medical services to acutely ill and seriously injured
children.
Now marking 25 years since its creation, the EMSC program
makes funding available to every State EMS office to improve
emergency care for children, as well as funding critical
research and dissemination of best practices. The Committee
commends the program's efforts to improve the evidence base for
pediatric emergency care in the pre-hospital and emergency
department settings and to drive the rapid translation of new
science into professional practice.
HIV/AIDS BUREAU
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME
Ryan White AIDS Programs
The Committee provides $2,273,421,000 for Ryan White AIDS
programs. The recommendation includes $25,000,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $2,238,421,000 and
the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $2,292,414,000.
Next to the Medicaid program, the Ryan White AIDS programs
are the largest Federal investment in the care and treatment of
people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. These
programs provide a wide range of community-based services,
including primary and home healthcare, case management,
substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and
nutritional services.
Within the total provided, the Committee intends that Ryan
White AIDS activities that are targeted to address the growing
HIV/AIDS epidemic and its disproportionate impact upon
communities of color, including African-Americans, Latinos,
Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and
Pacific Islanders continue with at least the level of funding
provided in fiscal year 2009.
Emergency Assistance
The Committee provides $663,082,000 for emergency
assistance grants to eligible metropolitan areas
disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the same
as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level. The budget request
for fiscal year 2010 included $671,075,000.
Grants are provided to metropolitan areas meeting certain
criteria. Two-thirds of the funds are awarded by formula and
the remainder is awarded through supplemental competitive
grants.
The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2009 comparable
level included a provision directing funds to particular
metropolitan areas facing dramatic cuts as a result of the
changes to the Ryan White formula. The Committee has not
continued this provision in fiscal year 2010.
Comprehensive Care Programs
The Committee provides $1,253,791,000 for HIV healthcare
and support services. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$1,223,791,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$1,253,791,000. Funds are awarded to States to support HIV
service delivery consortia, the provision of home and
community-based care services for individuals with HIV disease,
continuation of health insurance coverage for low-income
persons with HIV disease and support for State AIDS drug
assistance programs [ADAP].
The Committee continues to be encouraged by the progress of
anti-retroviral therapy in reducing the mortality rates
associated with HIV infection and in enhancing the quality of
life of patients on medication. The Committee includes bill
language providing $835,000,000 for AIDS medications in the
AIDS Drug Assistance Program [ADAP]. The fiscal year 2009
comparable level was $815,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010 was $835,000,000.
Early Intervention Services
The Committee provides $206,877,000 for early intervention
grants. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $201,877,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $211,877,000.
Funds are awarded competitively to primary healthcare
providers to enhance healthcare services available to people at
risk of HIV and AIDS. Funds are used for comprehensive primary
care, including counseling, testing, diagnostic, and
therapeutic services.
Children, Youth, Women, and Families
The Committee provides $76,845,000 for grants for
coordinated services and access to research for women, infants,
children, and youth, the same as the fiscal year 2009
comparable level and the budget request for 2010.
Funds are awarded to community healthcenters, family
planning agencies, comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and
treatment centers, federally qualified health centers under
section 1905(1)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act, county and
municipal health departments and other nonprofit community-
based programs that provide comprehensive primary healthcare
services to populations with or at risk for HIV disease.
AIDS Dental Services
The Committee provides $13,429,000 for AIDS Dental
Services, the same as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level.
The budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $15,429,000.
This program provides grants to dental schools, dental
hygiene schools, and postdoctoral dental education programs to
assist with the cost of providing unreimbursed oral healthcare
to patients with HIV disease.
AIDS Education and Training Centers
The Committee provides $34,397,000 for the AIDS education
and training centers [AETC's]. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $34,397,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2010 included $38,397,000.
AIDS education and training centers train healthcare
practitioners, faculty, and students who care for AIDS patients
outside of the traditional health professions education venues,
and support curriculum development on diagnosis and treatment
of HIV infection for health professions schools and training
organizations.
The Committee encourages the AETCs to continue to
prioritize interactive training that demonstrates effectiveness
in changing clinician behavior. Funding may be used for
existing regional and national centers to conduct clinical
training and support workforce development to help meet the
program's performance goal to maintain the proportion of
racial/ethnic minority healthcare providers participating in
the AETC intervention programs. In addition, the Committee
recognizes the growing shortage of primary care health
professionals trained in HIV care and treatment in the country.
HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS BUREAU
Organ Donation and Transplantation
The Committee provides $26,049,000 for organ donation and
transplantation activities. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $24,049,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2010 was $24,049,000.
Funds support a scientific registry of organ transplant
recipients and the National Organ Procurement and
Transplantation Network to match donors and potential
recipients of organs. A portion of the appropriated funds may
be used for education of the public and health professionals
about organ donations and transplants, and to support agency
staff providing clearinghouse and technical assistance
functions.
The Committee commends HRSA and the United Network for
Organ Sharing [UNOS] for working with the pulmonary
hypertension [PH] community to address concerns regarding the
allocation of lungs for transplantation in PH patients. The
Committee encourages UNOS to continue its dialogue with the PH
community to monitor concerns regarding the methodology used to
determine transplantation eligibility for PH patients.
The Committee is aware that the number of Americans
awaiting organ transplants has recently climbed to more than
100,000, the first time this threshold has been exceeded. After
years of progress in reducing the organ transplant waiting
lists, there is now an upward trend in the number of Americans
waiting for an organ for transplant. The Committee therefore
requests a report on additional initiatives and programs that
would help the Division reach its stated goal of a 75 percent
organ donation conversion rate. The Committee is particularly
interested in best practices in the balancing of organ donation
and advanced directives for palliative care. The Committee
requests that HRSA complete this report no later than March 15,
2010.
National Cord Blood Inventory
The Committee has provided $11,983,000 for the National
Cord Blood Inventory, which is the successor of the National
Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank program. The fiscal year 2009
comparable level was $11,983,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010 was $11,983,000. The purpose of this program
is to provide funds to cord blood banks to build an inventory
of the highest quality cord blood units for transplantation.
C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program
The Committee provides $23,517,000 for the C.W. Bill Young
Cell Transplantation Program, which is the successor of the
National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. This is the same level as
the fiscal year 2009 comparable level for the Registry and the
budget request for fiscal year 2010.
Office of Pharmacy Affairs
The Committee provides $2,970,000 for the Office of
Pharmacy Affairs. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level for
this program was $1,470,000 and the budget request for fiscal
year 2010 was $2,970,000. The Office of Pharmacy Affairs
promotes access to clinically and cost effective pharmacy
services among safety-net clinics and hospitals that
participate in the 340B Drug Pricing program. Section 340B of
the Public Health Service Act requires drug manufacturers to
provide discounts or rebates to a specified set of HHS assisted
programs and hospitals that meet the criteria in the Social
Security Act for serving a disproportionate share of low income
patients. These funds will be used to help resolve deficiencies
that could not be addressed within resources available for the
normal operations of the office. Specifically, these
deficiencies include non-compliance with the 340B pricing
requirements and errors and omissions in the office's covered
entity database.
The Committee encourages HRSA to review carefully the
proposed guidance for the 340B drug program, ``Regarding
Section 602 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 Definition
of Patient'' published by the previous administration on
January 12, 2007. The Committee is aware that safety net
facilities will be dramatically affected by the
administration's efforts to reform the health system and any
changes to the drug program should be reviewed in light of the
system that emerges from the health reform debate.
Poison Control Centers
The Committee provides $30,314,000 for Poison Control
Center activities. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$28,314,000, as was the budget request for fiscal year 2010.
The Poison Control program currently supports a mix of
grantees: most grantees serve entire States; a few grantees
serve multi-State regions; and, in a handful of cases, more
than one grantee serves a single State. In allocating funds,
the Committee has provided sufficient resources to continue the
current approach of allocating funding to all certified centers
based on service population.
State Health Access Grants
The Committee provides $75,000,000 for State Health Access
Grants, the same as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level and
the budget request for fiscal year 2010. This program gives
grants to States to create plans and develop programs to expand
access to healthcare coverage. The Committee encourages HRSA to
work with States to ensure that State plans are not in conflict
with any changes to the larger health system that may emerge
from the current health reform debate.
RURAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Rural Healthcare Services Outreach Grants
The Committee provides $55,450,000 for rural health
outreach grants. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$53,900,000, and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$55,450,000. This program supports projects that demonstrate
new and innovative models of outreach in rural areas such as
integration and coordination of health services. The Committee
has included $800,000 for the Community Health Integration
Models demonstration program authorized by section 123 of the
Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
Rural Health Research
The Committee provides $9,700,000 for the Rural Health
Research program, the same as the fiscal year 2009 comparable
level and the budget request for fiscal year 2010. The funds
provide support for the Office of Rural Health Policy to be the
focal point for the Department's efforts to improve the
delivery of health services to rural communities and
populations. Funds are used for rural health research centers,
the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health, and a
reference and information service.
Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants
The Committee provides $41,200,000 for rural hospital
flexibility grants. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$39,200,000, as was the budget request for fiscal year 2010.
Under this program, HRSA works with the States to provide
support and technical assistance to Critical Access Hospitals
to focus on quality and performance improvement and to
integrate emergency medical services. Of the amount provided,
the Committee includes $39,200,000 to continue the Small Rural
Hospital Improvement Grant Program, as authorized by section
1820(g)(3) of the Social Security Act and Public Law 107-116
and outlined in House Report 107-342. The program provides
support for small rural hospitals and focuses on quality
improvement and adoption of health information technology.
The Committee is aware that the Department of Veterans
Affairs, through its Rural Health Initiative, is committed to
better serving veterans residing in remote and rural areas.
This initiative gives the Secretary of the Department of
Veterans Affairs the resources and latitude to collaborate with
other Federal or community providers, including rural hospitals
serving a large number of veterans. The Committee is strongly
supportive of this collaboration and understands that one of
the largest barriers to this effort is the lack of electronic
medical records that are interoperable with the VISTA system.
For that reason, the Committee has included $2,000,000 for
grants authorized under section 1820(g)(6) of the Social
Security Act to provide telehealth equipment and to develop
electronic health records that are compatible with the VISTA
system. The Committee encourages HRSA to coordinate with the
Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that this equipment
furthers the goal of treating the illnesses and disabilities of
our Nation's veterans. The Committee is particularly concerned
with ensuring that veterans receive appropriate mental
healthcare.
Delta Health Initiative
The Committee has included $40,000,000 for the Delta Health
Initiative as authorized in section 219 of division G of Public
Law 110-161.
Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices
The Committee provides $1,751,000 for rural and community
access to emergency devices, the same as the fiscal year 2009
comparable level and the budget request for fiscal year 2010
did not include funding for this program. This appropriation
provides funding for both the rural program under section 413
of the Public Health Service Act and the community access
demonstration under section 313. The Committee expects that
fiscal year 2010 funding be equally divided between urban and
rural communities.
Funding will be used to purchase automated external
defibrillators, place them in public areas where cardiac
arrests are likely to occur and train lay rescuers and first
responders in their use.
State Offices of Rural Health
The Committee provides $10,450,000 for the State Offices of
Rural Health. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$9,201,000. The budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$9,450,000.
The State Offices of Rural Health program helps the States
strengthen rural healthcare delivery systems by allowing them
to better coordinate care and improve support and outreach in
rural areas.
Black Lung Clinics
The Committee provides $7,200,000 for black lung clinics,
the same as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level and the
budget request for fiscal year 2010. This program funds clinics
that treat respiratory and pulmonary diseases of active and
retired coal miners, steel mill workers, agricultural workers,
and others with occupationally related respiratory and
pulmonary impairments. These clinics reduce the incidence of
high-cost inpatient treatment for these conditions.
Radiation and Exposure Screening and Education Program
The Committee provides $1,952,000 for activities authorized
by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 comparable level and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010. This program provides grants for the
education, prevention, and early detection of radiogenic
cancers and diseases resulting from exposure to uranium during
its mining and milling at nuclear test sites.
Native and Rural Alaskan Healthcare
The Committee provides $10,000,000 for the Denali
Commission. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$19,642,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 did not
include funding for this program. These funds support the
construction and renovation of health clinics, hospitals and
social service facilities in rural Alaska, as authorized by
Public Law 106-113, to help remote communities in Alaska
develop critically needed health and social service
infrastructure for which no other funding sources are
available, thereby providing health and social services to
Alaskans in remote rural communities as they are in other
communities throughout the country. The Committee expects the
Denali Commission to allocate funds to a mix of rural hospital,
clinic, long-term care and social service facilities, rather
than focusing exclusively on clinic funding.
Family Planning
The Committee provides $317,491,000 for the title X family
planning program. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$307,491,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$317,491,000.
Title X grants support primary healthcare services at
clinics nationwide. About 85 percent of family planning clients
are women at or below 150 percent of poverty level. Title X of
the Public Health Service Act, which established the family
planning program, authorizes the provision of a broad range of
acceptable and effective family planning methods and preventive
health services to individuals, regardless of age or marital
status. This includes FDA-approved methods of contraception.
The Committee urges HRSA to use the increased funds to
augment the awards for existing grantees to offset the rising
cost of providing healthcare services. In addition, the
Committee encourages HRSA to increase funding to the regional
training centers.
The Committee remains concerned that programs receiving
title X funds ought to have access to these resources as
quickly as possible. The Committee again instructs the
Department to distribute to the regional offices all of the
funds available for family planning services no later than 60
days following enactment of this bill. The Committee intends
that the regional offices should retain the authority for the
review, award and administration of family planning funds, in
the same manner and timeframe as in fiscal year 2006. The
Committee intends that at least 90 percent of funds
appropriated for title X activities be for clinical services
authorized under section 1001 of the act. The Committee further
expects the Office of Family Planning to spend any remaining
year-end funds in section 1001 activities.
Healthcare-related Facilities and Activities
The Committee provides $157,092,000 for the construction
and renovation (including equipment) of healthcare-related
facilities and other healthcare-related activities. In fiscal
year 2009, $310,470,000 was provided and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010 did not include funding for these activities.
The Committee expects HRSA to use no more than 1 percent of
the funds allocated for projects for agency administrative
expenses. These funds are to be used for the following projects
and in the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adams State College, Alamosa, CO, for facilities and $125,000
equipment related to nurse training..................
Advocates for a Healthy Community, Springfield, MO, 500,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, 1,000,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, 2,000,000
for training dental health care workers..............
Alivio Medical Center, Chicago, IL, for facilities and 500,000
equipment............................................
Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, for 300,000
equipment............................................
Allied Services Foundation, Clarks Summit, PA, for 100,000
rehabilitation equipment.............................
Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
AMDEC Foundation, New York, NY, for facilities and 100,000
equipment relating to medical research...............
American Optometric Association, Alexandria, VA, to 500,000
expand vision screening programs.....................
American Optometric Association, Saint Louis, MO, to 90,000
expand vision screening programs in Iowa.............
American Prosthodontic Society Foundation, Osceola 100,000
Mills, PA, for scholarships and program costs related
to training in prosthetic dentistry and clinical
prosthodontics.......................................
American Red Cross, Columbus, OH, for purchase of 200,000
vehicles to serve rural areas........................
American Red Cross Southeastern MI Blood Services 200,000
Region, Detroit, MI, for blood donation programs.....
Anchorage Project Access, Anchorage, AK, for health 125,000
care coordination and supplies.......................
Anna Jacques Hospital, Newburyport, MA, for health 200,000
information technology...............................
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, for 100,000
facilities and equipment related to rural health.....
Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, for 240,000
facilities and equipment at the Marshallese Health
Clinic...............................................
Asher Community Health Center, Fossil, OR, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Association for Utah Community Health, Salt Lake City, 1,350,000
UT, for facilities and equipment.....................
Autism New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, for an autism patient 100,000
navigator project....................................
Avis Goodwin Community Health Center, Dover, NH, for 125,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Baptist Health System, Jacksonville, FL, for equipment 100,000
Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc, Belmont, OH, 200,000
for facilities and equipment related to the emergency
department...........................................
Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 200,000
for facilities and equipment at a nursing facil- ity
Bay Area Medical Center, Marinette, WI, for health 900,000
information technology...............................
Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, DE, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 100,000
for the development of health profession training
programs.............................................
Bergen Regional Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, for 300,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Big Springs Medical Association, Inc dba Missouri 1,000,000
Highlands Health Care, Ellington, MO, for facilities
and equipment........................................
Billings Clinic, Billings, MT, for facilities and 250,000
equipment............................................
Bingham Memorial Hospital, Blackfoot, ID, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
BioInnovation Institute of Akron, Akron, OH, for 400,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Bi-State Primary Care Association, Montpelier, VT, for 125,000
facilities, equipment and expansion of outreach and
education programs...................................
Blackstone Valley Community Health Care Inc, 500,000
Pawtucket, RI, for facilities and equipment..........
Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, for facilities and 150,000
equipment............................................
Boulder City Hospital, Boulder City, NV, for 1,000,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, for facilities 310,000
and equipment........................................
Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, for 500,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Brown University, Providence, RI, for facilities and 116,000
equipment relating to medical education..............
Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, for equipment 200,000
relating to Alzheimer's disease......................
CARD Clinic, Libby, MT, for facilities and equipment.. 200,000
CarePartners Foundation, Asheville, NC, for health 300,000
information systems including equipment..............
Caribou Memorial Hospital, Soda Springs, ID, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Caring Health Center, Inc, Springfield, MA, for 150,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Cassia Regional Medical Center, Burley, ID, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Castleton State College, Castleton, VT, for a nursing 100,000
program, including equipment.........................
Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center, 100,000
Pittsburgh, PA, for equipment........................
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, for 655,000
equipment and supplies for the Institute for
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research....................
Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport, LA, for 400,000
facilities and equipment in health sciences..........
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, NE, for 400,000
facilities and equipment at the acute care hospital..
Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC, for 125,000
facilities and equipment at the Health Sciences
Simulation Lab.......................................
Central Washington Hospital, Wenatchee, WA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Charles A Dean Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, 250,000
Greenville, ME, for facilities and equipment.........
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Cherry Street Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI, for 400,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Children's Health Fund, New York, NY, for facilities 150,000
and equipment at the South Bronx Health Center for
Children and Families................................
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Children's Hospital of KidsPeace, Orefield, PA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 100,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, for facilities 250,000
and equipment........................................
Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, for 500,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, Eau Claire, WI, for 50,000
electronic health record equipment and implementa-
tion.................................................
Chippewa Valley Hospital, Durand, WI, for electronic 400,000
health record equipment and implementation...........
City of Anchorage, AK, for facilities and equipment 125,000
relating to public health............................
City of Ketchikan, AK, for facilities and equipment at 1,000,000
Ketchikan General Hospital...........................
City of New Orleans, LA, for facilities and equipment 750,000
at a hospital in New Orleans East....................
City of Pendleton, OR, for facilities and equipment at 150,000
the Women Veterans Trauma Rehabilitation Cen- ter...
City of Philadelphia, PA, for equipment to develop an 125,000
Electronic Parental Care Registry....................
City of West Wendover, NV, for equipment for the West 160,000
Wendover Medical Clinic..............................
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las 1,300,000
Vegas, NV, for equipment.............................
Codman Square Health Center, Dorchester, MA, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Plummer, ID, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring, NY, for 500,000
equipment............................................
College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, MN, to implement 200,000
an electronic health record system...................
Colorado State University--Pueblo, Pueblo, CO, for 100,000
facilities and equipment related to nurse training...
Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus, IN, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Commonwealth Medical Education, Scranton, PA, for 250,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Community Health Center's Inc, Middletown, CT, for 225,000
residency training for nurse practitioners...........
Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, 125,000
Bomoseen, VT, for equipment..........................
Community Health Center's, Inc, Middletown, CT, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Community Health Integrated Partnership, Inc, Glen 150,000
Burnie, MD, to implement an electronic health record
system...............................................
Community Medical Center, Missoula, MT, for facilities 150,000
and equipment........................................
Community Medical Center, Toms River, NJ, for 150,000
equipment............................................
Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, 310,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Connecticut State University System, Hartford, CT, for 275,000
a nursing education program..........................
Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Cornerstone Care, Greensboro, PA, for outreach and 100,000
supplies to expand dental care.......................
Corry Memorial Hospital Association, Corry, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Cove-Union-Powder Medical Association, Union, OR, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Curators of the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 750,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Wellesley Hills, MA, for 150,000
equipment............................................
Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, for 200,000
facilities and equipment at Center for Biomedical
Imaging in Oncology..................................
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Delaware State University, Dover, DE, for facilities 100,000
and equipment related to public health training......
Delta Dental of Iowa, Ames, IA, for the Rural Dental 150,000
Health Initiative....................................
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, for facilities 750,000
and equipment........................................
DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, for medical 100,000
education laboratory upgrades, including the purchase
of equipment.........................................
Devereux Foundation, Rockledge, FL, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
Dillard University, New Orleans, LA, for facilities 150,000
and equipment at the Gentilly Center for Health
Disparities and Disease Prevention...................
Drake University, Des Moines, IA, for equipment and 400,000
laboratory supplies for health sciences education....
Drew Memorial Hospital, Monticello, AR, for equipment. 100,000
East End Health Alliance, Greenport, NY, to implement 500,000
an electronic health record system...................
Easter Seals, Chicago, IL, for facilities and 250,000
equipment at a center for autism research............
Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, for 200,000
equipment to establish an Advanced Dental Hygiene
Practitioner program.................................
Elk Regional Health Center, St Marys, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Ellwood City Hospital, Ellwood City, PA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Erie County Medical Center Corporation, Buffalo, NY, 300,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Latrobe, PA, to 100,000
implement an electronic health record system.........
Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Diego, CA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA, for facilities and 200,000
equipment at a rural community health center.........
Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT, for the 750,000
Hospital-National Guard Training Collaborative,
including equipment..................................
Franciscan Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, for 150,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Free Clinics of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, for coordination 350,000
of care..............................................
Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus 100,000
Foundation, Lake Success, NY, for a New Jersey mobile
eye care screening initiative........................
Fulton County Medical Center, McConnellsburg, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, WI, for facilities 500,000
and equipment at the Health Occupations Laboratory...
Geisinger Health System, Harrisburg, PA, for equipment 100,000
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, for 100,000
health professions training..........................
Goodall Hospital, Sanford, ME, for facilities and 250,000
equipment............................................
Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, for facilities and 200,000
equipment............................................
Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT, for facilities and 310,000
equipment............................................
Gritman Medical Center, Moscow, ID, for facilities and 200,000
equipment............................................
Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA, for equipment......... 100,000
Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX, for 150,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, for facilities and 310,000
equipment............................................
Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, for facilities and 250,000
equipment............................................
Healthy Connections Network, Akron, OH, for the Access 150,000
to Care Initiative...................................
Helping Kids Clinic, Las Vegas, NV, for medical 100,000
supplies and supportive services.....................
Hidalgo County Judge's Office, Edinburg, TX, for a 150,000
mobile health unit...................................
Holy Spirit Healthcare System, Camp Hill, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Hormel Institute, Austin, MN, for facilities and 500,000
equipment related to bioscience......................
Hospital Cooperative, Pocatello, ID, for electronic 200,000
medical records......................................
Houston Community College, Houston, TX, for health 250,000
professions training.................................
Howard Community College, Columbia, MD, for facilities 1,000,000
and equipment related to healthcare workforce
training.............................................
Hunter Health Clinic, Wichita, KS, for facilities and 300,000
equipment............................................
Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI, for facilities and 150,000
equipment............................................
Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, TX, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Intermountain Healthcare Foundation, Salt Lake City, 250,000
UT, for facilities and equipment.....................
Iowa CareGivers Association, Des Moines, IA, for 300,000
training and support of certified nurse assistants...
Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, Des Moines, IA, to 500,000
establish Lean healthcare services in collaboration
with Pittsburgh Regional Health......................
Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, for the 1,000,000
Southern Institute for Mental Health Advocacy,
Research, and Training...............................
Jellico Community Hospital, Jellico, TN, for 500,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, to 100,000
expand web-based training programs...................
Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS, 400,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Kadlec Medical Center, Richland, WA, for facilities 500,000
and equipment to expand the pediatric center.........
Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, Visalia, CA, for 500,000
facilities and equipment for the Kaweah Delta Health
Care District........................................
Kennesaw State University Foundation, Inc, Kennesaw, 200,000
GA, for facilities and equipment.....................
Kent County Memorial Hospital, Warwick, RI, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Kiddazzle Dental Network, Inc, Lake Oswego, OR, for 100,000
equipment and supplies related to pediatric dental
services.............................................
Kiowa County Hospital, Greensburg, KS, for facilities 400,000
and equipment........................................
Laboure College, Dorchester, MA, to develop and expand 200,000
nursing education programs...........................
Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Inc, Burlington, MA, for 300,000
facilities and equipment relating to the emergency
department...........................................
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, 100,000
for equipment........................................
Lanai Community Health Center, Lanai City, HI, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Lane Community College, Eugene, OR, for equipment for 100,000
nurse training.......................................
Lane Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge, LA, for 300,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY, for facilities and 500,000
equipment relating to health professions training....
Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, for equipment.. 100,000
Lewis and Clark County, Helena, MT, for facilities and 100,000
equipment at the City-County Health Depart- ment....
Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID, for health 100,000
professions training.................................
Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI, for 300,000
health training equipment............................
Maine State Board of Nursing, Augusta, ME, for nursing 150,000
education and workforce data collection, analysis and
planning.............................................
Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT, for 120,000
medical diagnostic and treatment equipment...........
Maniilaq Association, Kotzebue, AK, for facilities and 500,000
equipment............................................
Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, to expand services 300,000
for children and adolescents with developmental
disabilities.........................................
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, for a dental 800,000
health outreach program, including supplies..........
Maui Economic Development Board, Kihei, HI, for health 100,000
education at the Lanai'I Women's Initiative..........
Maui Medical Center, Wailuku, HI, for facilities and 100,000
equipment at the Simulation Center...................
Meadville Medical Center, Meadville, PA, for equipment 100,000
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Gulfport, MS, for the 475,000
Stroke Education and Prevention Community Net- work.
Mena Regional Health System, Mena, AR, for facilities 300,000
and equipment........................................
Mercer County Commission, Princeton, WV, for 4,000,000
facilities and equipment at the Health Department....
Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, for facilities 500,000
and equipment........................................
Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX, for a mobile 150,000
medical unit.........................................
Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC, for facilities 400,000
and equipment........................................
Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE, for 300,000
facilities and equipment relating to healthcare train-
ing................................................
Metropolitan Family Health Network, Jersey City, NJ, 100,000
for equipment........................................
Metropolitan State University, St Paul, MN, to expand 150,000
nursing education....................................
Middlesex Community College, Lowell, MA, for 150,000
facilities and equipment at a dental hygiene clinic..
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc, Milwaukee, WI, for 350,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, WI, for outreach 200,000
and supplies to expand dental care...................
Minot State University, Minot, ND, for its Great 700,000
Plains Autism Treatment Program to serve children
with autism spectrum disorders.......................
Misericordia University, Dallas, PA, for facilities 100,000
and equipment for the College of Health Sciences.....
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Choctaw, MS, for 175,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Mississippi Blood Services, Jackson, MS, for 300,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Mississippi Primary Health Care Association, Jackson, 700,000
MS, for facilities and equipment.....................
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 750,000
for biomedical engineering facilities and equip-
ment.................................................
Missouri Coalition for Primary Health Care, Jefferson 750,000
City, MO, for facilities and equipment...............
Molokai Ohana Health Center, Kaunakakai, HI, for 750,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, for 200,000
facilities and equipment at the emergency depart-
ment.................................................
Montana Tech, Butte, MT, to expand health informatics 100,000
training, including equipment........................
Morgan Hospital and Medical Center, Martinsville, IN, 100,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, for nurse 100,000
training equipment...................................
Murray State University, Breathitt Veterinary Center, 100,000
Hopkinsville, KY, for facilities and equipment.......
Navos, Seattle, WA, for facilities and equipment at a 500,000
mental health center.................................
Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV, for cancer 500,000
education, outreach and support needs across the
State of Nevada......................................
Nevada State College, Henderson, NV, to expand nursing 500,000
education, including equipment.......................
New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, 750,000
NY, for facilities and equipment.....................
Norman Regional Health System, Norman, OK, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, 125,000
for the development of nurse training programs.......
North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene, ID, for health 100,000
professions training.................................
NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville, AR, 460,000
for expanding a nurse training program, including
equipment............................................
Northwest Community Health Care, Pascoag, RI, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, Seattle, WA, for 250,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, 500,000
MS, for facilities and equipment.....................
Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, for 100,000
health information technology........................
Oglala Sioux Tribe, Pine Ridge, SD, for facilities and 800,000
equipment relating to emergency medicine.............
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 200,000
Columbus, OH, for facilities and equipment...........
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, 200,000
OK, for facilities and equipment.....................
Orange County Government, Orlando, FL, for facilities 200,000
and equipment........................................
Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, 150,000
Seattle, WA, for equipment...........................
Palmer College, Davenport, IA, and the Myrna Brind 400,000
Center of Integrative Medicine in Philadelphia, PA,
to develop a model integrative health care program
for the treatment of pain............................
Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, TX, for 150,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Pen Bay Healthcare, Rockport, ME, for health 500,000
professions training.................................
Phoebe Putney Health System, Albany, GA, for health 100,000
care services for students...........................
PinnacleHealth System, Harrisburg, PA, for equipment.. 100,000
Pioneer Valley Life Science Institute, Springfield, 300,000
MA, for medical research equipment and technology....
Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg, PA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment relating to cancer..........
Preferred Health Care, Lancaster, PA, for health 100,000
information technology...............................
Primary Care Association of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, to 1,850,000
provide service enhancements and outreach............
Providence St Mary Medical Center, Walla Walla, WA, 250,000
for cancer treatment equipment.......................
Providence Community Health Centers, Providence, RI, 400,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Centers, Seattle, WA, 650,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Renown Health, Reno, NV, for nursing programs, 390,000
including professional development...................
Resurrection Health Care, Chicago, IL, for equipment.. 400,000
Rhode Island Free Clinic, Providence, RI, for 100,000
supportive services and supplies.....................
Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, for equipment.. 100,000
Rice University, Houston, TX, for facilities and 300,000
equipment............................................
Riverside County Regional Medical Center, Moreno 100,000
Valley, CA, for a rural mobile health clinic.........
Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, SD, for facilities and 600,000
equipment relating to emergency medical ser- vices..
Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, PA, for equipment... 100,000
Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH, for facilities 800,000
and equipment........................................
Saint Barnabas Health Care System Foundation, West 300,000
Orange, NJ, for health information technology........
Saint Francis Hospital Foundation, Wilmington, DE, for 175,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, CT, for equipment 175,000
at the School of Pharmacy............................
Saint Luke's Health System, Boise, ID, for expansion 100,000
of services for children.............................
Saint Luke's Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, 100,000
PA, for equipment....................................
Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, CT, for facilities 310,000
and equipment........................................
Saint Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT, to implement an 150,000
electronic health record system......................
Saint Vincent Healthcare Foundation, Billings, MT, for 350,000
facilities and equipment for the Montana Pediatric
Project..............................................
Samuel U Rodgers Health Center Inc, Kansas City, MO, 1,500,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Schuylkill Health System, Pottsville, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, for equipment 100,000
relating to dental health education..................
Shands Healthcare, Gainesville, FL, for equipment..... 100,000
Sharon Regional Health System, Sharon, PA, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA, for facilities and 200,000
equipment............................................
Sierra County, Truth or Consequences, NM, for 125,000
facilities and equipment at the Sierra Vista Hospital
Signature Healthcare, Brockton, MA, for equipment..... 100,000
Skagit Valley Hospital, Mount Vernon, WA, for 350,000
equipment............................................
South Shore Hospital, Weymouth, MA, for equipment..... 300,000
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, for a 500,000
nursing education program, including equipment.......
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, for 300,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis, TN, 400,000
for health professions training......................
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Spartanburg, 500,000
SC, for professional development.....................
SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis, 1,000,000
MO, for facilities and equipment.....................
Saint Bernard's Development Foundation, Jonesboro, AR, 300,000
for equipment and supplies for the Flo and Phil Jones
Hospice House........................................
Saint Claire Regional Medical Center, Morehead, KY, 100,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Saint Joseph Health System, Tawas City, MI, for 100,000
equipment............................................
Saint Joseph Hospital, Nashua, NH, for facilities and 400,000
equipment............................................
Saint Joseph's Mercy Health Foundation, Hot Springs, 200,000
AR, for equipment....................................
Saint Jude Children's Medical Center, Memphis, TN, for 3,111,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Saint Mary's Hospital, Passaic, NJ, for facilities and 550,000
equipment............................................
Saint Vincent Charity and Saint John West Shore 400,000
Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, for facilities and equip-
ment.................................................
State of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, for facilities, 2,000,000
equipment and training related to medical surge
capacity and mass casualty events....................
Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, 200,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation, Inc, Daytona Beach, 100,000
FL, for facilities and equipment.....................
Straub Hospital Burn Center, Honolulu, HI, for 150,000
equipment............................................
Suffolk County Department of Health Services, 200,000
Hauppauge, NY, to implement an electronic health
record system........................................
Susquehanna Health, Williamsport, PA, for equipment... 100,000
Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, for 150,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Texas Health Institute, Austin, TX, for facilities and 150,000
equipment............................................
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El 400,000
Paso, TX, for facilities and equipment...............
Texas Tech University Paul L Foster School of 100,000
Medicine, El Paso, TX, for facilities and equipment..
Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, for facilities 300,000
and equipment........................................
The Manor, Jonesville, MI, for facilities and 150,000
equipment at the Treatment and Counseling Center.....
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, 100,000
PA, for facilities and equipment.....................
Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV, for facilities 750,000
and equipment at the Gerontology Center..............
Town of Gilbert, Gilbert, WV, for facilities and 3,000,000
equipment for a primary health care center...........
TriHealth, Cincinnati, OH, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
Trinitas Health Foundation, Elizabeth, NJ, for 400,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Tulsa Fire Department, Tulsa, OK, for equipment....... 100,000
Tyrone Hospital, Tyrone, PA, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, for health 200,000
information technology...............................
Union Hospital, Terre Haute, IN, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
University Medical Center at Brackenridge, Austin, TX, 150,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Las 1,200,000
Vegas, NV, for facilities and equipment for the
Women's Care and Birth Center........................
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, for facilities 10,250,000
and equipment........................................
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little 300,000
Rock, AR, for facilities and equipment at the
Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute..............
University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 600,000
for facilities and equipment at the School of Medi-
cine.................................................
University of Colorado--Denver, Aurora, CO, to expand 100,000
physician training in rural areas....................
University of Georgia, Athens, GA, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, 200,000
to expand medical education..........................
University of Hawaii School of Nursing-Manoa, 200,000
Honolulu, HI, for nursing education, including equip-
ment................................................
University of HI at Hilo, HI, for a nurse training 350,000
program..............................................
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, for facilities and 1,000,000
equipment at the College of Public Health............
University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa 2,000,000
City, IA, for facilities and equipment for the
Institute for Biomedical Discovery...................
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, for facilities and 250,000
equipment............................................
University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, 2,000,000
KY, for data base design and equipment...............
University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, 1,300,000
KY, for facilities and equipment.....................
University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, 2,000,000
KY, to expand a heart disease prevention initiative
in rural Kentucky....................................
University of Louisville Research Foundation, 1,000,000
Louisville, KY, for facilities and equipment.........
University of Louisville Research Foundation, 1,000,000
Louisville, KY, for facilities and equipment.........
University of Louisville Research Foundation, 2,500,000
Louisville, KY, for facilities and equipment.........
University of Louisville Research Foundation, 800,000
Louisville, KY, for health professions training and
facilities and equipment.............................
University of Maine at Augusta, Augusta, ME, for 350,000
facilities and equipment.............................
University of Mississippi, University, MS, for 1,500,000
facilities and equipment.............................
University of Mississippi, University, MS, for the 600,000
Center for Thermal Pharmaceutical Processing,
including facilities and equipment...................
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 8,000,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, for 750,000
facilities and equipment at the Center for Molecular
Medicine.............................................
University of North Alabama, Florence, AL, for nursing 100,000
education and equipment..............................
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 300,000
Greensboro, NC, for telespeech initiative including
purchase of equipment................................
University of North Texas, Denton, TX, for facilities 350,000
and equipment........................................
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, for 100,000
equipment relating to cancer diagnostics and
treatment............................................
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, for nursing and 100,000
allied health programs, including the purchase of
equipment............................................
University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, for health 100,000
information systems including equipment..............
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, for 300,000
facilities and equipment.............................
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 500,000
for a relapse prevention program, including for
facilities and equipment.............................
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 2,750,000
for facilities and equipment.........................
University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, 1,000,000
for health professions training......................
University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, for 350,000
facilities and equipment.............................
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 150,000
TX, for facilities and equipment.....................
University of Texas Health Science Center at San 300,000
Antonio, TX, for facilities and equipment............
University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 300,000
TX, for facilities and equipment.....................
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 500,000
Houston, TX, for facilities and equipment............
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, for health 1,500,000
information technology...............................
Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, for 500,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, for 500,000
facilities and equipment related to outbreak
management...........................................
Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, for 100,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, to 600,000
expand Monticello Health Education and Screening
Initiative...........................................
Utah Personalized Health Care Institute at the 100,000
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, to establish
a personalized medicine infrastructure...............
Utah Valley University, Orem, UT, for health 350,000
professions development and equipment................
Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert, OH, for facilities 100,000
and equipment........................................
Vermont State Colleges, Randolph Center, VT, for 700,000
equipment to expand nursing programs.................
Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment to expand nursing programs..
Visiting Nurse Services, Indianapolis, IN, for 100,000
facilities and equipment and health professions
training.............................................
Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI, for facilities and 300,000
equipment for the nursing school.....................
Wake County, Raleigh, NC, for facilities and equipment 300,000
Wake Health Services, Inc, Raleigh, NC, for health 300,000
information systems including equipment..............
Washington County, Plymouth, NC, for facilities and 300,000
equipment............................................
Washington State University, Spokane, WA, for 900,000
facilities and equipment for the College of Nursing..
Wesley College, Dover, DE, for renovation and 200,000
equipping of the nursing school......................
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, 4,000,000
Charleston, WV, for facilities and equipment relating
to healthcare training...............................
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, for 1,500,000
construction of a Multiple Sclerosis Center..........
West Virginia University Health Sciences, Morgantown, 1,000,000
WV, for facilities and equipment.....................
Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, for 150,000
equipment............................................
Wichita County Health Center, Leoti, KS, for 150,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Windemere Rehabilitation Facility, Oak Bluffs, MA, for 250,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Woman's Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA, for facilities and 100,000
equipment to expand the neonatal intensive care unit.
Wood River Health Services, Hope Valley, RI, for 200,000
facilities and equipment.............................
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Yakima, WA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment to expand the pediatric
center...............................................
York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA, for nursing 100,000
education programs, including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Yukon-Kuskokwim Heath Corporation, Bethel, AK, for 1,000,000
facilities and equipment.............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telehealth
The Committee provides $8,200,000 for telehealth
activities. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$9,050,000, including $1,500,000 in Recovery Act funding. The
budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $8,200,000. The
telehealth program funded through the Office for the
Advancement of Telehealth promotes the effective use of
technologies to improve access to health services for people
who are isolated from healthcare and distance education for
health professionals.
The Committee has included additional funding to support
telehealth network grants, telehealth demonstrations, and
telehomecare pilot projects; and to facilitate cooperation
between health licensing boards or various States to develop
and implement policies that will reduce statutory and
regulatory barriers to telehealth.
The Committee requests a report by March 15, 2010 on the
level of cooperation among health licensing boards, the best
models for such cooperation and the barriers to cross-state
licensing arrangements.
Program Management
The Committee provides $147,052,000 for program management
activities for fiscal year 2010. The fiscal year 2009
comparable level was $142,024,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010 was $147,052,000.
The Committee was pleased to learn that HRSA has named a
Chief Dental Officer. The Committee has provided funding to
establish the Office of Oral Health and provide leadership and
oversight of HRSA dental programs.
HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $2,847,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,847,000
House allowance......................................... 2,847,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,847,000
The Committee provides $1,000,000 to liquidate obligations
from loans guaranteed before 1992, the same level as the fiscal
year 2009 comparable level and the budget request for fiscal
year 2010. For administration of the HEAL program including the
Office of Default Reduction, the Committee provides $2,847,000,
the same level as the fiscal year 2009 comparable level and the
budget request for fiscal year 2010.
The HEAL program insures loans to students in the health
professions. The Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, changed the
accounting of the HEAL program. One account is used to pay
obligations arising from loans guaranteed prior to 1992. A
second account was created to pay obligations and collect
premiums on loans guaranteed in 1992 and after. Administration
of the HEAL program is separate from administration of other
HRSA programs.
VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM TRUST FUND
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $118,519,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 122,410,000
House allowance......................................... 122,410,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,410,000
The Committee provides that $122,410,000 be released from
the vaccine injury compensation trust fund in fiscal year 2010,
of which $6,502,000 is for administrative costs. The total
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $118,519,000 and the
total budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $122,410,000.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation program provides
compensation for individuals with vaccine-associated injuries
or deaths. Funds are awarded to reimburse medical expenses,
lost earnings, pain and suffering, legal expenses, and a death
benefit. The vaccine injury compensation trust fund is funded
by excise taxes on certain childhood vaccines.
COVERED COUNTERMEASURE PROCESS FUND
Appropriations, 2009....................................................
Budget estimate, 2010................................... $5,000,000
House allowance......................................... 5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,000,000
The Committee provides $5,000,000 for the administration of
the Covered Countermeasure Process fund and for costs under the
Smallpox Emergency Personal Protection Act of 2003. The fiscal
year 2010 budget request was $5,000,000.
The Covered Countermeasure Process fund provides
compensation for individuals injured from the manufacture,
administration or use of countermeasures that the Secretary has
declared necessary to respond to a public health threat. Funds
are available until expended.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
DISEASE CONTROL, RESEARCH, AND TRAINING
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $6,969,959,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 6,698,818,000
House allowance......................................... 6,644,831,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,828,810,000
\1\Includes $300,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee provides a program level of $6,828,810,000
for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. The
Committee recommendation includes $6,733,377,000 in budget
authority and an additional $40,075,000 via transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable program level is $6,969,959,000, including
$300,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding
and the program level budget request for fiscal year 2010 is
$6,698,818,000.
The activities of the CDC focus on several major
priorities: provide core public health functions; respond to
urgent health threats; monitor the Nation's health using sound
scientific methods; build the Nation's health infrastructure to
insure our national security against bioterrorist threats;
assure the Nation's preparedness for emerging infectious
diseases and potential pandemics; promote women's health; and
provide leadership in the implementation of nationwide
prevention strategies to encourage responsible behavior and
adoption of lifestyles that are conducive to good health.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The Committee recommends $1,978,204,000 for infectious
disease related programs at the CDC. The fiscal year 2009
comparable level was $2,247,827,000, including $300,000,000 in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The budget
request for fiscal year 2010 was $2,019,622,000. The Committee
recommendation includes $8,905,000 in transfers available under
section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The Coordinating Center for Infectious Disease includes:
zoonotic, vector borne, and enteric diseases; preparedness,
detection and control of infectious diseases; HIV/AIDS, viral
hepatitis, STD and TB prevention; and immunization and
respiratory diseases.
Zoonotic, Vector Borne, and Enteric Diseases
The Committee has included $67,638,000 for fiscal year 2010
for this Center. The fiscal year 2009 level was $67,978,000 and
the 2010 budget request was $73,122,000. This Center provides
outbreak investigation, infection control and scientific
evaluations of zoonotic, vector borne and enteric diseases; and
conducts food-borne illness surveillance and investigation.
The Committee directs the CDC to include in its annual
budget justification an itemized expenditure of funds for each
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] research project or activity in
the following five functional expense categories: surveillance
and epidemiology; clinical assessment and evaluation; objective
diagnosis and pathophysiology; treatment and intervention; and
education, including the CFS marketing campaign and healthcare
provider education. The justification should include a
breakdown of intramural and extramural spending and should
reflect funding mechanisms used for extramural support, such as
contracts, cooperative agreements and grants.
The Committee recognizes that the CDC has accumulated a
vast amount of research data related to CFS. This data has
great potential to facilitate continuing research. The
Committee directs the CDC to report to the Committee by May 1,
2010 on the possibility of and barriers to making this data
public in a way that preserves the privacy of research
participants. The Committee feels strongly that scientists
working on CFS would benefit from access to the epidemiologic,
clinical and laboratory data from studies conducted by the CFS
research program.
Preparedness, Detection and Control of Infectious Diseases
The Committee has included $162,426,000 for fiscal year
2010 for this Center. The comparable level for fiscal year 2009
was $157,426,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010
was $168,741,000. This Center builds epidemiology and
laboratory capacity and provides technical assistance to
identify and monitor infectious diseases.
Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee remains concerned
by the emergence of life-threatening antimicrobial resistant
pathogens in hospital and community settings. The Committee is
pleased that CDC has set up a surveillance network similar to a
sentinel surveillance system and encourages CDC to continue
making such systems easy to use and compatible with the
emergence of health information technology.
Lyme Disease.--The Committee encourages the CDC to expand
its activities related to developing sensitive and more
accurate diagnostic tools and tests for Lyme disease including
the timely evaluation of emerging diagnostic methods and
improving utilization of diagnostic testing to account for the
multiple clinical manifestations of acute and chronic Lyme
disease; to expand its epidemiological research activities on
tick-borne diseases [TBDs] to include an objective to determine
the long-term course of illness for Lyme disease; to improve
surveillance and reporting of Lyme and other TBDs in order to
produce more accurate data on the prevalence of the Lyme and
other TBDs; to evaluate the feasibility of developing a
national reporting system on Lyme including laboratory
reporting; and to expand prevention of Lyme and TBDs through
increased community-based public education and creating a
physician education program that includes the full spectrum of
scientific research on the diseases.
Syringe Re-use.--The Committee remains concerned about the
re-use of syringes and other infection control errors. The
Committee is pleased that the CDC Healthcare Infection Control
Practices Advisory Committee is at work developing additional
infection control guidance specifically for outpatient settings
and that the CDC is planning to convene meetings with academia
and industry to explore the development of ``fail safe''
systems and products. In addition, the Committee continues to
support the CDC's education and outreach campaign. The
Committee requests that the CDC report to the Committee on the
progress of those efforts by April 15, 2010.
HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
The Committee has included $1,028,680,000 for the
activities at this Center in fiscal year 2010. The fiscal year
2009 level was $1,006,375,000 and the 2010 budget request was
$1,060,299,000. The Committee has included funding for the
following activities at the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIV/AIDS........................................................ 691,861 744,914 711,045
Viral Hepatitis................................................. 18,316 18,367 18,367
Tuberculosis.................................................... 143,870 144,268 144,268
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis Testing.--The Committee encourages the CDC to
expand testing and continue to validate interventions focused
on the mother-child transmission issue and other efforts
targeted on the prevention of the hepatitis B virus in the
Asian-American community where currently 1 in 10 individuals
are infected with the hepatitis B virus.
HIV/AIDS.--Within the amount made available for HIV/AIDS,
increases over last year's level have been provided for the
President's proposals on service integration, data collection
and additional testing. All other activities, including the
Early Diagnosis and Screening program have been included at the
2009 level. The Committee again notes that the Early Diagnosis
and Screening funds may be awarded to States newly eligible for
the program in fiscal year 2010. No State may be eligible for
more than $1,000,000. The Committee intends that the amounts
that have not been awarded by May 31, 2010 shall be awarded for
other HIV testing programs. The Committee commends the
Department for the prioritization of the domestic HIV/AIDS
testing among African-Americans. The Committee requests a
comprehensive report on the progress of this initiative to date
to be included in fiscal year 2011 budget justification. The
Committee continues to be supportive of CDC's promotion of
rapid HIV tests in its HIV/AIDS testing activities.
Infertility Prevention Program.--The Committee has included
additional funding for the Infertility Prevention program.
Microbicides.--The Committee requests the CDC continue to
include information in the fiscal year 2011 budget
justification on the amount of anticipated and actual funding
it allocates to activities related to research and development
of microbicides for HIV prevention. The Committee urges CDC to
work with NIH, USAID, and other appropriate agencies to develop
processes for coordinated investment and prioritization for
microbicide development, approval, and access.
Prostatitis.--Up to 20 percent of chronic prostatitis may
be due to sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] that go
undiagnosed. The Committee encourages the CDC to consider
updating the sexually transmitted disease guidelines with a new
focus on the prostate as a reservoir for hidden infection. The
Committee recommends that the National Center for Infectious
Disease work with other centers in the CDC with special
expertise to test for all microbial life and their relation to
prostatic disease and to examine prostatic fluid, semen, and
prostatic tissue pathology for other theories of causation.
Viral Hepatitis.--The Committee expects the CDC to put
forward a professional judgment budget for viral hepatitis no
later than August 15, 2010.
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
The Committee has included a program level of $719,460,000
for the activities of this Center in fiscal year 2010. The
comparable level for fiscal year 2009 was $1,016,048,000
including $300,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act funding. The budget request for fiscal year 2010 included
$717,460,000 for this Center. The Committee recommendation
includes $8,905,000 in transfers available under section 241 of
the Public Health Service Act.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for the
following activities in the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 317 Immunization Program................................ 795,901 496,847 496,847
Program Operations.............................................. 61,458 61,621 63,621
Vaccine Tracking............................................ 4,738 4,747 4,747
National Immunization Survey................................ 12,794 12,864 12,864
Influenza....................................................... 158,689 158,992 158,992
Pandemic Influenza.......................................... 156,046 156,344 156,344
Seasonal Influenza.......................................... 2,643 2,648 2,648
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee is concerned by the lack of research on the
impact of administering multiple vaccines within the first 2
years of life. The Committee directs that no less than
$2,000,000 of the funds appropriated for vaccine safety be used
for research on the possible health effects of multiple
vaccinations.
The Committee is concerned that the number of doses of
routinely recommended childhood vaccines in the pediatric
vaccine stockpile of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has consistently remained well below the 6-month
supply that is required under current law. The Committee
understands that this target represents a significantly larger
investment than is currently made under the Vaccines for
Children program. The Committee is pleased that the CDC has
formed a workgroup to review the stockpile target amounts to
determine an appropriate supply target for each type of
vaccine. The Committee requests that CDC include in that review
a timetable for meeting the agreed-upon targets.
The Committee continues to be pleased that CDC provides
funding to States or local organizations that receive section
317 immunization grant funds to develop community adolescent
and adult immunization planning demonstrations to achieve 90
percent immunization coverage for vaccines routinely
recommended for adolescents and adults, and encourages CDC to
continue to support these efforts. These models should include
existing and new efforts planned within existing resources; new
activities needed and estimates for those needs. The Committee
expects a status report by February 1, 2010, on these
demonstrations.
The Committee is also pleased with the report on estimated
funding needs of the section 317 immunization program that CDC
provided, and requests that the report be updated and submitted
next year by February 1, 2010, to reflect fiscal year 2011 cost
estimates. The updated report also should include an estimate
of optimum State and local operations funding as well as CDC
operations funding needed relative to current levels to conduct
and support childhood, adolescent and adult programs. This
estimate should include the cost of vaccine administration;
surveillance and assessment of changes in immunization rates;
vaccine storage, handling and quality assurance; implementation
of centralized vaccine distribution and other vaccine business
improvement practices; needs to support provider and public
outreach and education on new vaccines; identification of
barriers to immunization and strategies to address such
barriers; maintenance, utilization, and enhancement of
Immunization Information Systems including integration with
public health preparedness and other electronic medical record
systems; innovative strategies to increase coverage rates in
hard-to-reach populations and geographic pockets of need;
vaccine safety and other non-vaccine resource needs of a
comprehensive immunization program. While the Committee
understands that the 317 program does not pay administration
fees, it is nonetheless an authorized expenditure, and the
Committee continues to request that this estimate be included
in the report.
Federal and State programs vary greatly on the
reimbursement rates for vaccine administration for children,
adolescents, and adults. The updated report should include
information from the National Vaccine Advisory Financing
Workgroup's Report on Vaccine Financing on what the most
appropriate immunization administration reimbursement rate
would be to optimize immunization rates, whether or not they
are administered through the section 317 program. The report
should include whether an antigen-based vaccine administration
system would remove the financial disincentive for combination
vaccines and increasing the use of combination vaccines. In
addition, the Committee requests that the 317 report also
include a discussion of specific strategies to reduce barriers
and increase adult immunization rates in the United States.
As CDC implements the $300,000,000 supplemental for the
section 317 program that was included under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Committee requests an update
in the fiscal year 2011 budget justification as to how the
funds are being spent, what populations are being targeted in
what venues, and what impact the increased funding is having on
increasing immunization rates.
HEALTH PROMOTION
The Coordinating Center for Health Promotion includes the
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, Health
Promotion and Genomics and the National Center for Birth
Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION, HEALTH PROMOTION, AND GENOMICS
The Committee has recommended $946,348,000 for chronic
disease prevention, health promotion and genomics. The
comparable level for fiscal year 2009 was $881,686,000 and the
budget request for 2010 was $896,239,000. Within the total
provided, the following amounts are available for the following
categories of funding:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart Disease and Stroke........................................ 54,096 54,221 56,221
Delta Health Intervention................................... 3,000 3,007 5,000
Diabetes........................................................ 65,847 65,998 65,998
Cancer Prevention and Control................................... 340,300 341,081 380,234
Breast and Cervical Cancer.................................. 205,853 206,326 220,000
WISEWOMAN............................................... 19,528 19,573 21,000
Cancer Registries........................................... 46,366 46,472 50,000
Colorectal Cancer........................................... 38,974 39,063 50,000
Comprehensive Cancer........................................ 16,348 16,386 25,000
Johanna's Law............................................... 6,791 6,807 6,807
Ovarian Cancer.............................................. 5,402 5,414 6,000
Prostate Cancer............................................. 13,245 13,275 14,000
Skin Cancer................................................. 1,876 1,880 2,500
Geraldine Ferraro Cancer Education Program.................. 4,666 4,677 4,677
Cancer Survivorship Resource Center......................... 779 781 1,250
Arthritis and Other Chronic Diseases............................ 25,245 25,303 26,294
Arthritis................................................... 13,287 13,318 13,318
Epilepsy.................................................... 7,958 7,976 7,976
National Lupus Patient Registry............................. 4,000 4,009 5,000
Tobacco......................................................... 106,164 106,408 115,000
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity........................ 44,300 44,402 44,991
Health Promotion................................................ 28,541 27,103 30,408
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.................. 7,300 7,316 7,316
Community Health Promotion.................................. 6,453 6,468 6,468
Sleep Disorders......................................... 859 861 861
Mind-Body Institute......................................... 1,500 .............. 1,500
Glaucoma.................................................... 3,511 3,519 3,519
Visual Screening Education.................................. 3,222 3,229 3,229
Alzheimer's Disease......................................... 1,688 1,692 2,000
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.................................. 684 686 686
Interstitial Cystitis....................................... 658 660 660
Excessive Alcohol Use....................................... 1,500 1,503 3,000
Chronic Kidney Disease...................................... 2,025 2,030 2,030
School Health................................................... 57,636 62,780 57,645
Healthy Passages............................................ 3,485 3,493 3,493
Food Allergies.............................................. 496 497 497
Safe Motherhood/Infant Health................................... 44,777 49,891 44,782
Pre Term Birth.............................................. 2,000 2,005 2,005
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome................................ 207 207 207
Oral Health..................................................... 13,044 13,074 15,000
Prevention Centers.............................................. 31,132 31,203 35,000
Healthy Communities............................................. 22,771 22,823 22,823
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health................ 35,553 39,644 39,644
Genomics........................................................ 12,280 12,308 12,308
Primary Immune Deficiency Syndrome.......................... 3,100 3,107 3,107
Public Health Genomics...................................... 9,180 9,201 9,201
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alzheimer's Disease.--The Committee has included $2,000,000
to expand community education demonstration projects to
additional high-risk populations, including the Hispanic/Latino
population; expand and enhance the population-based
surveillance system for cognitive health; develop interventions
that will improve the coordination of care for those with
cognitive impairment and co-existing chronic disease; and
develop and disseminate information to the general public and
primary care physicians about early detection of Alzheimer's
disease.
Cancer.--Approximately 1.4 million people are expected to
be diagnosed with cancer this year. However, cancer death rates
in the United States have actually dropped each year since
1990. The Committee is aware that there are almost 12 million
Americans alive who have survived a cancer diagnosis. The
Committee feels strongly that early detection is the best
chance Americans have in fighting cancer. For that reason, the
Committee has included a cancer initiative--an additional
$40,000,000 meant to expand screening programs, outreach and
education programs, resources for cancer survivors, and
registries that help scientists search for better treatments.
Within these funds, the Committee directs the CDC to look for
ways to reduce disparities in cancer screening.
The Committee is aware of the passage of the Conquer
Childhood Cancer Act, which requires the CDC to track the
epidemiology of pediatric cancer in a comprehensive nationwide
registry. The Committee is aware that the current cancer
registry program contains data on pediatric cancer. Therefore,
the Committee requests that the CDC provide the subcommittee
with a briefing on the options for developing a registry that
can comply with the statute while taking advantage of the
investments already made by the subcommittee. The briefing
should include associated costs, barriers to its development,
and how best to maximize the scientific benefit of a nationwide
registry to researchers in the field of pediatric cancer.
Chronic Kidney Disease.--The Committee supports continued
planning for capacity and infrastructure at CDC for a kidney
disease program and a CKD surveillance system. The Committee is
pleased that CDC convened an expert panel on CKD, and
encourages CDC to prioritize and begin implementation of the
recommendations.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.--The Committee is
pleased that the CDC has taken initial steps to collect COPD-
related data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey and in the National Health Interview Survey.
Coordination.--The Committee recognizes that many of CDC's
chronic disease prevention programs include nutrition and
physical activity interventions. The Committee encourages
enhanced coordination among these programs and expects CDC to
report within 90 days of enactment on its efforts to coordinate
the goals of its chronic disease prevention and health
promotion programs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis.--The Committee is aware of the
Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein
Thrombosis [DVT] and Pulmonary Embolism [PE]. The Committee
encourages the CDC to consider creating a coordinated plan to
reduce the prevalence of DVT and PE nationwide.
Diabetes.--The Committee urges that resources be put toward
vital activities within the Division of Diabetes Translation,
such as: public health surveillance; translating research
findings into clinical and public health practice; developing
and maintaining State-based diabetes prevention and control
programs; and supporting outreach and education.
Diabetes in Native Americans/Native Hawaiians.--The high
incidence of diabetes among Native American, Native Alaskan,
and Native Hawaiian populations persists. The Committee is
pleased with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
efforts to target this population, in particular, to assist the
leadership of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Basin Islander
communities. It is important to incorporate traditional healing
concepts and to develop partnerships with community health
centers. The Committee encourages CDC to build on all its
historical efforts in this regard.
Diabetes and Women's Health.--The Committee is concerned by
the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the
onset of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through
prevention methods, obstetricians and other women's healthcare
providers and their patients are often unaware of the woman's
later risk and need for follow-up and preventive measures. Less
than one-half of women with gestational diabetes receive
recommended glucose testing at a postpartum visit. The
Committee encourages the CDC to promote education and awareness
among both patients and providers.
Epilepsy.--The Committee encourages the CDC to develop
national outcome measurement protocols to evaluate the impact
public health programs have on employment, school, social life,
and general well being. The findings of these measures will
help families understand the relationships between medications
and co-morbid conditions and epilepsy, and will help to build a
platform for a national call to action for additional training
for schools, employers, first responders and adult day care
providers. In addition, the Committee encourages CDC to
establish Regional Epilepsy Epidemiology Centers of Excellence
to conduct greater surveillance of the causes and prevalence of
epilepsy, particularly among pediatric, elderly and veteran
populations and those suffering from related disorders such as
autism, mental retardation, brain tumor, stroke, traumatic
brain injury and a variety of genetic syndromes. The Committee
encourages CDC to share data collected from this initiative
with the National Institutes of Health and the Departments of
Defense and Veterans Administration.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information.--The Committee is
pleased by the report from the CDC outlining the status of the
food allergy and anaphylaxis information center and requests
that the report be updated in the fiscal year 2011 budget
justification.
Heart Disease and Stroke.--The Committee supports the CDC's
effort to work collaboratively with States to establish a
cardiovascular disease surveillance system to monitor and track
these disorders at the National, State, and local levels.
The Mississippi Delta Region experiences some of the
Nation's highest rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes,
hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and stroke. The Committee
recognizes CDC's expertise in implementing research and
programs to prevent the leading causes of death and disability.
The Committee has provided a total of $5,000,000 to expand
CDC's background community assessment of health and related
social and environmental conditions in the Delta.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.--The Committee continues to
support CDC's inflammatory bowel disease epidemiology study and
is pleased with the research done to date. The Committee
encourages the CDC to consider the establishment of a pediatric
patient registry.
Interstitial Cystitis.--The Committee is pleased with CDC's
education and awareness campaigns on interstitial cystitis.
Funding is included to continue education outreach activities
to healthcare providers.
Lupus.--The Committee remains committed to the objective of
developing reliable epidemiological data on the incidence and
prevalence of all forms of lupus among various ethnic and
racial groups. The Committee has included additional funding to
continue to expand the CDC National Lupus Patient Registry and
address the epidemiological gaps among Hispanics/Latinos, Asian
Americans, and Native Americans.
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.--Within the
total provided, the Committee has included no less than
$500,000 to continue a study by the Institute of Medicine [IOM]
that will examine and provide recommendations regarding front-
of-package nutrition symbols. These should include, but not be
limited to, a review of systems being used by manufacturers,
supermarkets, health organizations, and governments in the
United States and abroad and the overall merits of front-label
nutrition icons, the advantages and disadvantages of various
approaches, and the potential benefits of a single,
standardized front-label food guidance system regulated by the
Food and Drug Administration. Based upon its work, the IOM
should recommend one or several of the systems, along with
means of maximizing the use and effectiveness of front-label
symbols, that it has identified as best able to promote
consumers' health.
National Youth Fitness and Health Study.--Prior to the
NCYFS in the mid-1980s, the United States had conducted a
decennial, national fitness studies in the mid-1950s, mid-
1960s, and mid-1970s. After a more than 20 year gap, the
Committee believes that repeating and enhancing this survey is
a critical investment that can make a difference in improving
the health of our Nation's youth.
Obesity.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the
built environment to promoting healthy behaviors. The Committee
encourages the CDC to work with the Secretary of
Transportation, CDC grantees and local transit officials to
coordinate the goals of population level prevention programs
with transportation projects and infrastructure that support
healthy lifestyles and enhanced physical activity.
Office of Smoking and Health.--The Committee recognizes
that efforts to reduce smoking and the health consequences of
tobacco use are among the most effective and cost-effective
investments in prevention that can be made. The Committee is
pleased with the work underway to expand the Environmental
Health Laboratory's effort to analyze tobacco products and
cigarette smoke based on the increase provided in fiscal years
2008 and 2009. The Committee expects the Office of Smoking and
Health [OSH] to transfer no less than $4,000,000 above last
year's transfer level to the Environmental Health Laboratory to
support this work. The Committee notes that this transfer is to
be provided by OSH to the lab in a manner that supplements and
in no way replaces existing funding for tobacco-related
activities. The Committee urges that the Office on Smoking and
Health, as well as the Environmental Health Laboratory, provide
assistance and coordinate with the new Center for Tobacco
Products at the FDA.
In addition, the Committee recognizes the effectiveness of
State and national counter-marketing campaigns in reducing
youth tobacco use and is aware of the diminishing resources at
the State level for such efforts. The Committee has provided an
increase for tobacco prevention activities to support expanded
counter marketing programs.
Oral Health.--The Committee has included funding to prevent
oral diseases recognizes that to effectively reduce disparities
in oral disease will require additional, sustained investments
in proven strategies at the State and local levels. The
Committee has provided funding for States to strengthen their
capacities to assess the prevalence of oral diseases and the
associated health burden, to target resources and interventions
and prevention programs to the underserved, and to evaluate
changes in policies and programs. The Committee encourages the
CDC to advance efforts to reduce the health disparities and
burden from oral diseases, including those that are linked to
chronic diseases.
Physical Fitness in Underserved Communities.--The Committee
is particularly concerned by the disparity in obesity rates for
African-American and Hispanic/Latino children. The Committee
encourages CDC to promote school-based and after-school
programs that combine physical fitness and nutrition education,
and appeal to children in underserved communities.
Preterm Birth.--The Committee encourages the CDC to expand
epidemiological research on the causes and prevention of
preterm birth and to establish systems for the collection of
maternal-infant clinical and biomedical information to link
with the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System in an
effort to identify ways to prevent preterm birth and reduce
racial disparities.
Prevention Research Centers.--The Committee has included
increased funding to support additional Comprehensive Centers.
Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases.--The Committee remains
strongly supportive of this program and believes it has
demonstrated success in identifying--and moving into
treatment--persons with undiagnosed diseases that pose a public
health threat.
Psoriasis.--The Committee is concerned that there is a lack
of epidemiological and longitudinal data on individuals with
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, including children and
adolescents. The Committee encourages CDC to undertake data
collection efforts in order to better understand the co-
morbidities associated with psoriasis, examine the relationship
of psoriasis to other public health concerns such as the high
rate of smoking and obesity among those with the disease, and
gain insight into the long-term impact and treatment of these
two conditions. The Committee encourages the CDC to examine and
develop options and recommendations for psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis data collection, including a registry.
Scleroderma.--The Committee continues to encourage CDC to
undertake steps to increase awareness in the public and larger
healthcare community to allow for earlier diagnosis and
treatment.
Underage Drinking Risk Monitoring Program.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of monitoring risk factors which
science has demonstrated contribute to youth drinking, and
therefore has included additional funding for the CDC to
develop and continue its work to monitor and report on the
level of risk faced by youth from exposure to alcohol
advertising.
Vision Screening and Education Program.--The Committee
supports the development of eye disease surveillance and
evaluation systems so that our Nation has much-needed
epidemiological data to formulate and evaluate strategies to
prevent and reduce vision loss and eye disease.
BIRTH DEFECTS, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, DISABILITY AND HEALTH
The Committee has included $144,850,000 for birth defects,
developmental disabilities, disability and health in fiscal
year 2010. The comparable level for 2009 was $138,022,000 and
the 2010 budget request was $142,016,000.
Within the total provided, the following amounts are
provided for the following categories of funding:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.................... 42,059 42,176 42,494
Birth Defects............................................... 21,123 21,182 21,500
Craniofacial Malformation................................... 1,750 1,755 2,000
Fetal Death................................................. 844 846 846
Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia................................ 246 247 247
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome...................................... 10,112 10,140 10,140
Folic Acid.................................................. 2,818 2,826 2,826
Infant Health............................................... 8,006 8,028 8,028
Human Development and Disability................................ 76,106 79,928 82,444
Disability and Health....................................... 13,572 13,611 13,611
Charcot Marie Tooth Disorders............................... .............. .............. 1,000
Limb Loss................................................... 2,898 2,906 2,906
Tourette Syndrome........................................... 1,744 1,749 1,749
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention.................... 10,858 10,888 10,888
Muscular Dystrophy.......................................... 6,274 6,291 6,291
Healthy Athletes............................................ 5,519 5,534 5,534
Paralysis Resource Center................................... 5,727 7,748 7,748
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.................... 1,746 1,751 1,751
Fragile X................................................... 1,900 1,905 1,905
Spina Bifida................................................ 5,468 5,483 7,000
Autism...................................................... 20,400 22,061 22,061
Blood Disorders................................................. 19,857 19,912 19,912
Hemophilia.................................................. 17,155 17,203 17,203
Thallasemia................................................. 1,860 1,865 1,865
Diamond Blackfan Anemia..................................... 516 517 517
Hemachromatosis............................................. 326 327 327
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.--The Committee
continues to support the AD/HD activities of the CDC, including
support to maintain and expand education and outreach.
Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.--The Committee is aware
that, despite available genetic tests, congenital muscular
dystrophy [CMD] is often misdiagnosed and medical care is
variable. The Committee encourages the CDC to consider
expanding on existing infrastructure such as the MD Star Net,
to track diagnosis, care and prognosis in the CMDs.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorders.--The Committee has included
funding to establish a national CMT resource center within the
CDC.
Craniofacial Malformation.--The Committee has included
additional funding to support the continued analysis of data
from the quality of life surveys of children with oral clefts
completed in 2008. The Committee expects the increased funding
to be used to further evaluate the health-related quality of
life of children with oral clefts including the effect of
residual impairment (speech, hearing, eating, facial
appearance). Specifically, quality of life should include the
behavioral and emotional health of the child, issues related to
separation anxiety, and the impact of residual impairment on
the family.
Fragile X.--The Committee encourages the CDC to focus its
efforts on identifying ongoing needs, effective treatments and
positive outcomes for families by increasing epidemiological
research, surveillance, screening efforts, and the introduction
of early interventions and support for individuals living with
Fragile X Syndrome and Associated Disorders. The Committee
commends the CDC's current collaboration with NICHD and the
newly formed Fragile X Clinical & Research Consortium. The
Committee encourages the CDC to focus funds within the Fragile
X program on the continued growth and development of
initiatives that support health promotion activities and foster
rapid, high-impact translational research practice for the
successful treatment of Fragile X Syndrome and Associated
Disorders, including ongoing collaborative activities with the
Fragile X Clinical & Research Consortium. The Committee directs
the CDC to provide to the Committee a progress report on all
Fragile X activities in the fiscal year 2011 budget
justification.
Hemophilia.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the
CDC hemophilia program. This program remains an essential part
of CDC's blood disorders programs and needs to be maintained,
in order to respond to increasing needs of men and women with
bleeding and clotting disorders.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.--The Committee
encourages the CDC to consider establishing a resource center
to increase identification of people affected with HHT, and
increase knowledge, education and outreach of this largely
preventable condition. In addition, the Committee encourages
the CDC to create a multi-center clinical database to collect
and analyze data, support epidemiology studies, provide
surveillance, train healthcare professionals and improve
outcomes and quality of life for those with HHT.
Infant Mortality.--The Committee is concerned that declines
in infant mortality have stalled in the United States. Each
year 12 percent of babies are born too early, and 8 percent are
born with low birth-weight, putting them at higher risk for
infant death and for developmental disabilities. The Committee
notes that many experts believe that prenatal care, which
usually begins during the first 3 months of a pregnancy, comes
too late to prevent many serious maternal and child health
problems. The Committee encourages CDC to study how best to
communicate important health information with women who are
contemplating starting or expanding their family.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee encourages CDC to increase
awareness of Marfan syndrome among the general public and
healthcare providers.
Paralysis.--The Committee has included additional funding
to support the efforts to expand a paralysis resource center,
quality of life program and access to activity-based
rehabilitation.
Spina Bifida.--The increase provided for the National Spina
Bifida Program in fiscal year 2010 shall be used to support the
implementation of the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry to
improve the efficiency and quality of care in the Nation's
spina bifida clinics.
Thalassemia.--The Committee continues to support the
thalassemia program, and encourages the CDC to work closely
with the patient community to maximize the impact of this
program.
HEALTH INFORMATION AND SERVICE
The Coordinating Center for Health Information and Services
includes the National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS], a
National Center for Health Marketing, and a National Center for
Public Health Informatics.
The Committee recommends a program level of $291,784,000
for Health Information and Service related activities at the
CDC, the same as the 2010 budget request. The fiscal year 2009
comparable program level was $279,356,000. The Committee
intends that all activities be funded at the budget request
level.
Health Statistics
CDC's statistics give context and perspective on which to
base important public health decisions. By aggregating the
experience of individuals, CDC gains a collective understanding
of health, collective experience with the health care system,
and public health challenges. NCHS data are used to create a
basis for comparisons between population groups or geographic
areas, as well as an understanding of how trends in health can
change and develop over time.
The Committee commends the NCHS for fulfilling its mission
as the Nation's premier health statistics agency and for
ensuring the credibility and integrity of the data it produces.
In particular, the Committee congratulates the agency for its
timely release of critical data and encourages it to continue
making information, including data from the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] and the National Health
Interview Study [HIS], accessible to the public as soon as
possible.
Integrity.--The Committee is concerned by cuts to sample
sizes within the core surveys of the NCHS. The Committee
expects NCHS to protect core surveys without comprising data
quality or accessibility, particularly with regard to minority
populations. Further cuts to the sample sizes of these surveys
could compromise our ability to monitor health disparities.
Nutritional Monitoring.--The Committee strongly supports
national nutrition monitoring activities, continuously
conducted jointly between the CDC and the Agricultural Research
Service. This data collection supports management
decisionmaking and research needed to address and improve the
crisis of obesity, nutrition-related diseases, physical
inactivity, food insecurity, and the poor nutritional quality
of the American diet, as well as provide the data needed to
protect the public against environmental pathogens and
contaminants.
Vital Statistics.--The Committee is supportive of the CDC's
effort to assist health departments as they transition to
electronic systems to collect data on vital statistics; however
the Committee remains concerned about the integration of these
systems into the larger transition to electronic health
records. The Committee directs the CDC to submit a plan to the
Committee by January 15, 2011 on the optimal design of a
national vital statistics system and the steps needed to
achieve that design. The report should include any barriers to
integrating vital statistics collection into a patient's
electronic record.
Public Health Informatics
Information systems and information technology are critical
to the practice of public health. CDC activities reflect
ongoing efforts to build a national network of public health
information systems that will enhance public health partner
capabilities in detection and monitoring, surveillance, data
analysis and interpretation, and other public health
activities.
The Committee believes that the widespread adoption of
electronic health record systems provides a unique opportunity
to integrate public health surveillance activities into the
fabric of our medical system. The Committee looks to the public
health informatics center to explore innovative approaches to
integrate systems; build intelligent interfaces between
clinical health systems and public health; work collaboratively
with local, State, territorial, and other Federal agencies to
build federated, integrated and shared solutions; and provide
thought leadership and service within the CDC and throughout
public health through innovative science and research to build
greater healthcare informatics capacity for the Nation. The
Committee strongly supports President Obama's call for
innovation and openness in Government technology policy and
expects the public health informatics center to evaluate and
improve technology tools throughout the CDC according to that
standard.
Health Marketing
CDC links directly with the people whose health it is
trying to improve. This activity uses commercial, nonprofit,
and public service marketing practices to better understand
people's health-related needs and preferences; to motivate
changes in behaviors; and to enhance CDC's partnerships with
public and private organizations to more effectively accomplish
health protection and improvement.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND INJURY PREVENTION
The Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury
Prevention includes the National Center for Environmental
Health, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,
and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
The Committee recommends $338,786,000 for environmental
health and injury prevention related activities at the CDC. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $330,657,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $335,016,000.
Environmental Health
Many of the public health successes that were achieved in
the 20th century can be traced to innovations in environmental
health practices. However, emerging pathogens and environmental
toxins continue to pose risks to our health and significant
challenges to public health. The task of protecting people's
health from hazards in their environment requires a broad set
of tools. First among these tools are surveillance and data
collection to determine which substances in the environment are
getting into people and to what degree. It also must be
determined whether or not these substances are harmful to
humans, and at what level of exposure. The Committee recommends
$190,171,000 for Environmental Health in fiscal year 2010. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable funding level was $185,415,000 and
the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $186,401,000. The
Committee recommendation includes funding for the following
activities:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Health Laboratory................................. 42,735 42,962 42,962
Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program................. 6,878 6,915 6,915
Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immuno. Diseases...... 983 988 988
Environmental Health Activities................................. 77,299 77,710 81,480
Environmental Health........................................ 15,075 15,153 16,367
Arctic Health............................................... 292 294 ..............
Safe Water.................................................. 7,199 7,237 7,237
Volcanic Emissions.......................................... 98 99 500
Environmental and Health Outcome Tracking Network........... 31,143 31,309 31,309
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry...................... 5,000 5,027 7,000
Climate Change.............................................. 7,500 7,540 7,540
Polycythemia Vera (PV) Cluster.............................. 5,000 5,027 5,027
International Emergency & Refugee Health.................... 5,992 6,024 6,500
Asthma.......................................................... 30,760 30,924 30,924
Healthy Homes (formerly Childhood Lead Poisoning)............... 34,621 34,805 34,805
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry.--The Committee is
pleased with CDC's work toward developing a nationwide ALS
registry that will estimate the incidence and prevalence,
promote a better understanding of the disease, and provide data
that will be useful for research on improving disease
management and developing standards of care. The Committee
believes that a registry that includes other neurodegenerative
disorders will provide a key resource for efforts to
understanding the biology and epidemiology of ALS. The
Committee intends that funds be used to design a registry that
will be of use to biomedical researchers working in the field.
Asthma.-- The Committee urges the CDC to work with States
and the asthma community to implement evidence-based best
practices for policy interventions, with specific emphasis on
indoor and outdoor air pollution, which will reduce asthma
morbidity and mortality.
Biomonitoring.--The Committee is aware of the potential
connection between environmental hazards and the incidence and
distribution of chronic disease. Environmental hazards have
been linked to birth defects and diseases such as asthma and
cancer. The Committee applauds CDC's biomonitoring activities.
Biomonitoring is a direct measure of people's exposure to toxic
substances in the environment. Information obtained from
biomonitoring helps public health officials determine which
population groups are at high risk for exposure and adverse
health effects, assess public health interventions, and monitor
exposure trends over time.
Built Environment.--The Committee recognizes the importance
of the built environment to promoting healthy behaviors. The
Committee encourages CDC to work with the Secretary of
Transportation and encourages CDC grantees to work with local
transit officials to coordinate the goals of population level
prevention programs with transportation projects that support
healthy lifestyles and enhanced physical activity.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Screening.--The Committee commends
CDC for supporting the development of point-of-care screening
devices. The Committee continues to encourage CDC to develop
and promote the use of these types of screening tools.
Climate Change.--The Committee notes that the potential
health effects of climate change include injuries and
fatalities related to severe weather events and heat waves;
changes in infectious disease patterns; changes in allergic
symptoms; respiratory and cardiovascular disease; and
nutritional and water shortages. The Committee has included no
less than last year's level for the development of climate
change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Health Impact Assessment.--The Committee strongly supports
the adoption of health impact assessments and urges the CDC to
develop a tool that would lend itself to widespread
dissemination of this critical model.
International Emergency and Refugee Health.--The Committee
supports efforts to apply evidence-based public health
strategies to mitigate the impact of conflict and other
humanitarian emergencies on civilian populations around the
world. Such populations are the most desperately in need of
basic public health services, including water and sanitation,
adequate nutrition, and protection from communicable diseases
and war-related injuries. The Committee has included funding in
the Environmental Health Activities line for CDC to expand
these critical efforts in international emergency and refugee
health. Particular emphasis for this program should be placed
on supporting the utilization and further development of
information systems and the public health data that
decisionmakers need to improve program efficacy in humanitarian
settings.
National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.--The
Committee recognizes the important role of the Environmental
and Health Outcome Tracking Network in understanding the
relationship between environmental exposures and the incidence
and distribution of disease, including potential health effects
related to climate change. Health tracking, through the
integration of environmental and health outcome data, enables
public health officials to better target preventive services so
that health care providers can offer better care, and the
public will be able to develop a clear understanding of what is
occurring in their communities and how overall health can be
improved. The Committee is pleased that the National
Environmental and Health Outcome Tracking Network is launching
in 2009 and supports the continued development of the Network.
Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Disease.--The Committee has been pleased that this program has
supported pilot projects in the States and has led to the
identification, treatment and cure of patients with this fatal
disease.
Volcanic Emissions.--The Committee has included additional
funding to continue to study the impact of potentially toxic
volcanic emissions. In particular, preexisting respiratory
conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema
seem to be particularly susceptible to the effects of sulfur
dioxide. The acute and long-term impact that these emissions
have on both the healthy and pre-disposed residents warrants
further study. The increase provided in fiscal year 2010 is for
the establishment of a research center that embraces a multi-
disciplinary approach in studying the short-and long-term
health effects of the volcanic emissions.
Injury Prevention and Control
CDC is the lead Federal agency for injury prevention and
control. Programs are designed to prevent premature death and
disability and reduce human suffering and medical costs caused
by: fires and burns; poisoning; drowning; violence; lack of
bicycle helmet use; lack of seatbelt and proper baby seat use;
and other injuries. The national injury control program at CDC
encompasses non-occupational injury and applied research in
acute care and rehabilitation of the injured. Funds are
utilized for both intramural and extramural research as well as
assisting State and local health agencies in implementing
injury prevention programs. The Committee recognizes the vital
role CDC serves as a focal point for all Federal injury control
activities.
The Committee recommends $148,615,000 for injury prevention
and control activities at the CDC. The comparable fiscal year
2009 funding level was $145,242,000. The budget request for
2010 was $148,615,000. The Committee recommendation includes
funding for all activities at the level indicated in the
President's budget request.
Child Maltreatment.--Studies show the serious impact of
adverse childhood experiences on lifelong physical and mental
health. The Committee encourages the CDC to consider developing
a network of researchers and research institutions to foster
research, training, and dissemination of best practices on the
prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of child abuse
and neglect.
Injury Control Research Centers.--The Committee has
included funding to support core operations, conduct the
research necessary to fill gaps in the evidence base for
developing and evaluating new injury control interventions and
improve translation of effective interventions, conduct
training of injury control professionals, and undertake other
programmatic activities to reduce the burden of injury.
National Violent Death Reporting System.--The Committee
urges the CDC to continue to develop and implement this injury
reporting system.
Trauma Centers.--The Committee encourages the CDC to expand
its capacity to collect and exchange information on trauma
centers, including information on best practices to ensure
long-term patient recovery and reintegration into work force,
and information in inter and intrastate reimbursement of
services at trauma centers.
Violence Against Women.--The Committee encourages the CDC
to increase research on the psychological sequelae of violence
against women and expand research on special populations and
their risk for violence, including adolescents, older women,
ethnic and racial minorities, women with disabilities,
immigrant women, and other affected populations.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
The Committee recommends a program level of $371,576,000
for occupational safety and health programs. The fiscal year
2009 program level was $360,059,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2010 was $368,388,000. Sufficient funding has been
provided to maintain staffing levels at the Morgantown facility
and increase research funding at that facility.
The CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health [NIOSH] is the only Federal agency responsible for
conducting research and making recommendations for the
prevention of work-related illness and injury. The NIOSH
mission spans the spectrum of activities necessary for the
prevention of work-related illness, injury, disability, and
death by gathering information, conducting scientific
biomedical research (both applied and basic), and translating
the knowledge gained into products and services that impact
workers in settings from corporate offices to construction
sites to coal mines. The Committee recommendation includes
funding for the following activities at the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Education and Research Centers.................................. 23,497 23,740 25,000
Personal Protective Technology.................................. 17,042 17,218 17,218
Pan Flu Preparedness for Healthcare Workers................. 3,000 3,031 3,031
Healthier Workforce Centers..................................... 4,030 4,072 6,000
National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA).................... 111,644 117,406 117,406
World Trade Center Health....................................... 70,000 70,723 70,723
Mining Research................................................. 50,000 50,516 50,516
Other Occupational Safety and Health Research................... 83,846 84,713 84,713
Miners Choice............................................... 641 648 648
National Mesothelioma Registry and Tissue Bank.............. 1,014 1,024 1,024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee is concerned by recent reports that N95
respirators do not provide an adequate level of protection
against airborne viruses. The Committee is aware of reports
that facemasks with an antimicrobial coating and that use
antimicrobial technology are shown to have a greater efficacy
rate. The Committee encourages the CDC to conduct a study
regarding disposable NIOSH approved respirator facemasks,
comparing the effectiveness against virus by facemasks with and
without antimicrobial coating and antimicrobial technology. The
report should also include recommendations as to whether U.S.
stockpiles should include facemasks with antimicrobial coatings
and at what level.
GLOBAL HEALTH
The Committee recommends $332,779,000 for global health-
related activities at the CDC in fiscal year 2010. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable level was $308,824,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2010 was $319,134,000. The Office of
Global Health leads and coordinates CDC's global programs to
promote health and prevent disease in the United States and
abroad, including ensuring rapid detection and response to
emerging health threats. The Committee recommendation includes
funding for the following activities in the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global AIDS Program............................................. 118,863 118,979 118,979
Global Immunization Program..................................... 143,326 153,475 153,876
Polio Eradication........................................... 101,500 101,599 102,000
Global Immunization......................................... 41,826 51,876 51,876
Global Disease Detection........................................ 33,723 33,756 37,000
Global Malaria Program.......................................... 9,396 9,405 9,405
Other Global Health............................................. 3,516 3,519 13,519
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIDS and Malaria Programs.--The Committee commends the
efforts of the CDC's Global AIDS and Global Malaria Programs in
implementing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
[PEPFAR] and the President's Malaria Initiative. The Committee
encourages global AIDS and malaria program activities beyond
PEPFAR and PMI countries.
Global Disease Detection.--The Committee believes that the
recent emergence and the ongoing evolution of H1N1 highlight
the need for the Global Disease Detection Centers. For that
reason, the Committee has included additional funding for new
centers.
Immunization Activities.--The bill provides not less than
$102,000,000 for CDC's global polio eradication activities. In
addition, the Committee included full funding of the
President's initiative around global measles inoculation.
Malaria.--The CDC plays a critical role in the fight
against malaria by performing much of the ``downstream''
research that links basic science with the actual interventions
tested and delivered to those in need, and CDC has been
critical in developing and evaluating the tools being used
today to combat malaria. As the threat of drug and pesticide
resistance increases, the Committee urges the CDC to continue
to perform malaria research leading to new drugs and tools that
will be available to replace current interventions once they
are no longer effective.
Non-Communicable Diseases.--The Committee is concerned
about the growing threat posed by non-communicable diseases to
the health status of low-and middle-income countries. The
Committee has included additional funding for CDC to expand its
work in this area, with a particular focus on tobacco control
and injury prevention. As the global tobacco burden begins to
shift away from high-income countries, 7 out of 10 tobacco-
related deaths are expected to occur in the developing world by
2030. The Committee urges CDC to work with low- and middle-
income countries to enhance research and surveillance
activities through the Global Tobacco Surveillance System,
improve design of national tobacco control programs, and
strengthen related laboratory capacity. In addition, the
Committee encourages CDC to expand research and programmatic
efforts related to global injury and violence prevention to
help reduce the 5 million annual deaths associated with injury
and violence worldwide.
Workforce.--The Committee is aware that workforce deficits
threaten to undermine public health gains in many parts of the
developing world today. The Committee strongly supports CDC's
efforts to build sustainable public health workforce capacity
in developing countries through programs like the Field
Epidemiology (and Laboratory) Training Program and the
Sustainable Management Development Program, which work in
partnership with Ministries of Health to tailor applied
epidemiology, laboratory and management programs to meet local
needs. The Committee has provided increased funding to
accelerate these efforts and to strengthen CDC workforce
capacity to support other essential global health programs.
TERRORISM
The Committee provides $1,550,858,000 for CDC terrorism
preparedness activities. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level
was $1,514,657,000 and the administration requested
$1,546,809,000 for these activities in fiscal year 2010. The
Committee recommendation includes funding for the following
activities in the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bioterrorism Cooperative Agreement.............................. 700,465 714,949 714,949
Centers for Public Health Preparedness.......................... 30,000 30,013 30,013
Advanced Practice Centers....................................... 5,261 5,263 5,263
All Other State and Local Capacity.............................. 10,870 10,875 10,875
Upgrading CDC Capacity.......................................... 120,744 120,795 120,744
Anthrax......................................................... 7,875 .............. 4,100
BioSense........................................................ 34,389 34,404 34,404
Quarantine...................................................... 26,507 26,518 26,518
Real-time Lab Reporting......................................... 8,239 8,243 8,243
Strategic National Stockpile.................................... 570,307 595,749 595,749
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthrax.--The Committee has included $2,700,000 for the
anthrax vaccine dose reduction study and $1,400,000 to continue
the vaccine safety military medical records data mining
activities.
BioSense.--The Committee strongly supports the new
direction being taken by the BioSense program, in particular
the movement towards an open, distributed computing model. An
open, distributed model encourages collaboration among
geographically distributed organizations and provides a very
efficient framework for creating mutually beneficial solutions.
The Committee urges the CDC to ensure that biosurveillance
systems interconnect with electronic medical record [EMR]
systems effectively.
State and Local Capacity.--The Committee continues to
recognize that bioterrorism events and other public health
emergencies will occur at the local level and will require
local capacity, preparedness and initial response.
State-by-State Preparedness Data.--The Committee commends
CDC for releasing Public Health Preparedness: Strengthening
CDC's Emergency Response. The Committee is pleased that the
report provides an overview of public health preparedness
activities and details accomplishments and challenges. The
Committee expects the Department to collect and review State-
by-State data on benchmarks and performance measures developed
pursuant to the provisions of the Pandemic and All-Hazards
Preparedness Act (Public Law 109-417) and to detail how
preparedness funding is spent in each State. The Committee
further expects that as the Department collects and evaluates
state pandemic response plans, the results of these evaluations
will be made available to the Committee and to the public.
Strategic National Stockpile.--The Committee urges the
Department to prioritize updating and restocking on an ongoing
basis, including replenishing material used during the ongoing
H1N1 outbreak. The Committee supports stockpiling medical
supplies, including syringes. The Committee requests a
professional judgment recommendation as to the level of funding
needed to acquire the necessary equipment, medicines and
supplies.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
Public Health Research.--The Committee has provided
$31,170,000 to fund the Public Health Research program. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $31,000,000 and 2010
budget request was $31,170,000. The Committee is strongly
supportive of public health and prevention research, which
bridges the gap between medical research discoveries and
behaviors that people adopt by identifying the best strategies
for detecting new diseases, assessing the health status of
populations, motivating healthy lifestyles, communicating
effective health promotion messages, and acquiring and
disseminating information in times of crisis.
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
The Committee provides $204,101,000 for public health
improvement and leadership activities at the CDC. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable level was $209,136,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2010 was $188,586,000.
The Committee recommendation includes funding for the
following activities in the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 budget recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leadership and Management....................................... 149,332 149,986 149,986
Director's Discretionary Fund................................... 2,948 2,948 5,000
Public Health Workforce Development............................. 34,859 35,652 40,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, the Committee has included sufficient funding
for the following projects in the following amounts for fiscal
year 2010:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIDS Community Resources, Inc., Syracuse, NY, for HIV/AIDS $300,000
education and prevention..................................
Center for International Rehabilitation, Washington, DC, 150,000
for the disability rights monitor program.................
Community Health Centers in Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, for the 200,000
Childhood Rural Asthma Project............................
County of Essex, Newark, NJ, for diabetes prevention and 125,000
management program for severely mentally ill individuals..
East Carolina University, Chapel Hill, NC, for a racial 300,000
disparities and cardiovascular disease initiative.........
Eastern Maine Health Systems, Brewer, ME, for emergency 640,000
preparedness planning and equipment.......................
Healthy People Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative, Clarks 100,000
Summit, PA, for obesity prevention and education programs.
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA, 750,000
for facilities and equipment to support the Institute for
Novel Vaccine and Anti-Microbial Design...................
Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Honolulu, HI, for outreach, 150,000
screening and education related to renal disease..........
Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, Visalia, CA, for a 100,000
comprehensive asthma management program...................
La Familia Medical Center, Santa Fe, NM, for diabetes 100,000
education and outreach....................................
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge, LA, to expand 300,000
early detection cancer screening..........................
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Scranton, PA, for a 100,000
regional cancer registry..................................
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, for the 200,000
development of a comprehensive diabetic program...........
Ohio University, Athens, OH, for diabetes outreach and 200,000
education in rural areas..................................
PE4life Foundation, Kansas City, MO, for expansion and 300,000
assessment of PE4life programs across Iowa................
Pednet Coalition, INC, Columbia, MO, for obesity prevention 500,000
programs..................................................
Penn State University, Milton S Hershey Medical Center, 100,000
Hershey, PA, for a stroke prevention program..............
South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, for research 150,000
on health promotion.......................................
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, New York, NY, for 500,000
outreach, patient education and registries................
State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 1,200,000
Baltimore, MD, for the Unified Oral Health Education
Message Campaign..........................................
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, to 300,000
develop an environmental health informatics data- base...
University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, to 800,000
establish a diabetes management program...................
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, to 850,000
support and expand public health education and outreach
programs..................................................
Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo, IA, for FirePALS, a school- 150,000
based injury prevention program...........................
Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, for 100,000
blood pressure and obesity screening programs, including
training of healthcare professionals......................
Yale New Haven Health Center, New Haven, CT, for the 150,000
Connecticut Center for Public Health Preparedness.........
Youth & Family Services, Inc., Rapid City, SD, for a health 300,000
promotion program for young men...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disability.--The Committee encourages the CDC to create an
Office of Disability and Health in the Director's office. The
office would perform functions and carry out responsibilities
akin to those currently undertaken by the Office of Minority
Health and the Office of Women's Health.
Leadership and Management Savings.--The Committee strongly
believes that as large a portion as possible of CDC funding
should go to programs and initiatives that improve the health
and safety of Americans. To facilitate this goal, any savings
in leadership and management may be reallocated to the
Director's Discretionary Fund upon notification of the
Committee.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
The Committee has provided $102,034,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2010 budget request for the Preventive Health and
Health Services Block grant. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $102,000,000.
The block grant provides funding for primary prevention
activities and health services that address urgent health
problems in local communities. This flexible source of funding
can be used to target concerns where other funds do not exist
or where they are inadequate to address the extent of the
health problem. The grants are made to the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, 2 American Indian tribes, and 8 U.S.
territories.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Committee has provided $108,300,000 for the
continuation of CDC's Buildings and Facilities Master Plan in
Atlanta, Georgia. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level was
$151,500,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 was
$30,000,000.
The Committee has again provided bill language to allow CDC
to enter into a single contract or related contracts for the
full scope of development and construction of facilities and
instructs CDC to utilize this authority, when necessary, in
constructing the Atlanta facilities.
The Committee intends that $30,000,000 be used for
nationwide repairs and improvements; and $78,300,000 shall be
for the planning and construction of buildings on the Chamblee
campus.
BUSINESS SERVICES AND SUPPORT
The Committee provides $372,662,000 for business services
support functions at the CDC. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level was $359,877,000 and the administration requested
$372,662,000 for fiscal year 2010. These funds will be used to
support CDC-wide support functions.
National Institutes of Health
The Committee recommends an overall funding level for the
National Institutes of Health [NIH] of $30,758,788,000, the
same as the budget request. This amount is $441,764,000 more
than the regular fiscal year 2009 level, not including the
$10,380,703,000 appropriated in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act [ARRA].
The Committee understands that the recommended fiscal year
2010 funding level falls below the amount needed to keep up
with biomedical inflation, and that the NIH could face severe
financial pressures in fiscal year 2011. But the Committee
notes that the record-high increase for the NIH in the ARRA
greatly mitigates the need for more funding than the
administration requested in fiscal year 2010. While additional
funding for the NIH could help ease the budgetary pressures in
fiscal year 2011, that alone is not a sufficient reason to go
beyond the administration's budget request in fiscal year 2010,
especially when many other important programs in this bill that
did not receive increases in the ARRA face immediate pressures
of their own.
The Committee rejects the administration's proposals to
earmark an increase of $268,000,000 for research on cancer and
an increase of $19,000,000 for research on autism. The
devastating effects of cancer and autism are well known, and
additional federally supported research in these areas is
certainly warranted. However, the President's plan would set a
dangerous precedent. The Committee has long subscribed to the
view that funding levels for individual diseases should be
determined without political interference. If Congress were to
earmark funds for cancer and autism, advocates for a multitude
of other health problems would justifiably demand similar
treatment. In the long run, no one's interest would be served
if Members of Congress with no professional expertise in
medical research were asked to make funding decisions about
hundreds of diseases and health conditions.
The Committee also notes that the proposed increases for
cancer and autism research total $287,000,000 of the
$441,764,000 overall proposed increase for NIH. It is hard to
justify to those whose lives have been touched by heart
disease, diabetes, COPD, Alzheimer's disease and stroke, to
name a few other high-morbidity diseases, that research in just
two areas deserves almost two-thirds of all the new funding in
fiscal year 2010.
The Committee recommends $549,066,000 for the Common Fund,
the same amount as the budget request. The fiscal year 2009
level was $541,133,000.
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $6,225,490,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 5,150,170,000
House allowance......................................... 5,150,170,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,054,099,000
\1\Includes $1,256,517,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,054,099,000
for the National Cancer Institute [NCI]. The budget request was
$5,150,170,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$6,225,490,000, including $1,256,517,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In general, the Committee urges the Institute to put a high
priority on developing early detection tools and treatments for
those cancers that remain most lethal; supporting behavioral,
health services, and other research geared to better apply what
is known about cancer prevention and early detection;
addressing cancer-related health disparities; and promoting
pain and symptom management, as well as other palliative and
psychosocial care research aimed at improving quality of life
for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.
Asian/Pacific Islanders.--The Committee notes that Asian
and Pacific Islanders have a high incidence of stomach and
liver cancers compared to Caucasians, and it urges the NCI to
focus on the special needs of this population.
Cancer Metabolism.--The Committee encourages the NCI to
support more research on cancer metabolism, specifically how
cancer cells become addicted to using more nutrients than
normal cells to ensure their survival and growth. Research
targeting these metabolic pathways could have a profound and
broad effect on cancer cell survival and tumor growth, and
ultimately cancer treatment.
Gastrointestinal [GI] Cancer.--The Committee encourages the
NCI to put a higher priority on GI cancers in people age 40 and
under, giving emphasis particularly to late-stage cancers for
which curative treatment options are unavailable. In addition,
the Committee requests the NCI to consider developing an
interconnected gastrointestinal cancer biorepository with
consistent, interoperable systems for collection, storage,
annotation, and information sharing.
Hematology.--The Committee is aware of efforts being made
by the Institute's Office of Latin American Cancer Program
Development, in conjunction with the American Society of
Hematology, to train physicians and scientists in the
development of clinical trials and collaborative research
networks focused on blood cancers. The Committee encourages
international programs such as this, which will improve
research mechanisms and access to novel treatments for cancer
patients.
Human Papillomavirus [HPV] Vaccine and Cervical Cancer.--
The Committee urges the NCI to fund research, including
registry-based tools, that will allow for the identification of
the most cost-effective management strategies for cervical
cancer screening in communities where HPV vaccines are being
implemented and to identify the circumstances where current
screening protocols fail.
Liver Cancer.--The Committee supports a stronger focus on
liver cancer, which continues to be one of the fastest growing
cancers in the Nation during a time when the overall incidence
of cancer has stabilized. The Committee urges that new
interventions and treatments, as well as new methods for early
detection and prognosis, be aggressively pursued.
Lung Cancer.--The Committee recognizes that lung cancer
survival rates are too low, at 15 percent, and it urges the NCI
to expand its research into improving lung cancer diagnosis and
treatment.
Melanoma.--The Committee encourages the NCI to work with
advocates and researchers to fund the areas of research
identified by the recently developed strategic research plan on
melanoma and to use all available mechanisms to target research
in those areas. The Committee is aware of recent successes in
the therapy of rare forms of melanoma that were the result of
basic research on the genetic signature of melanomas, and
encourages NCI to include melanoma in The Cancer Genome Atlas
consortium to establish a comprehensive map of genetic changes
that will point to new therapies for the most common types of
melanoma and help identify new markers for classification,
detection and risk assessment. The Committee also urges the NCI
to promote alliances between industry and academia in the field
of melanoma research to foster laboratory and clinical trial
consortia that will develop individualized therapies that
target pathways or stimulate the patients' own defense system.
The continuing increase in melanoma incidence should spur new
efforts to prevent melanoma among high-risk individuals and
reach populations at risk for early diagnosis when melanoma is
still curable by surgery. Accordingly, the Committee encourages
the NCI to explore the feasibility of a screening program for
melanoma, including focused screening of high-risk individuals.
The Committee requests the NCI to report to the Committees on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate
by July 1, 2010, on steps it has taken to implement these
strategic investments in melanoma research.
Neuroblastoma.--The Committee urges continued support for
research on high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly as it relates
to the development and clinical testing of new therapies for
relapse patients.
Pancreatic Cancer.--While there has been a continuing
decline in mortality rates for many types of cancer, the number
of Americans dying of cancer of the pancreas continues to rise.
Despite its highly lethal nature, less than 2 percent of NCI's
budget is devoted to what is now the fourth leading cause of
cancer-related death. The Committee last year urged the NCI to
launch a pancreatic cancer-specific research and training
initiative. This will require a sustained and targeted effort
designed to foster prioritized research immediately as well as
build a cadre of researchers over the longer term. To further
these efforts, the Committee strongly urges the NCI to develop
an action plan for the use of fiscal year 2010 funds and to
describe its progress in the fiscal year 2011 congressional
budget justification.
Pediatric Cancer.--The Committee urges the NCI to further
expand and intensify pediatric cancer research, including
laboratory research to identify and evaluate potential
therapies, preclinical testing, and clinical trials through
cooperative clinical trials groups. Such research should
include research on the causes, prevention, diagnosis,
recognition, treatment, and late effects of pediatric cancer.
Reproductive Scientists Development Program.--The Committee
urges the NCI to continue its partnership with the NICHD with
regard to training the next generation of gynecologic cancer
researchers.
Social Psychology Research.--The Committee applauds the
NCI's efforts to incorporate innovative social psychological
theories into cancer prevention research, and it encourages
additional work in this area.
NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $3,778,273,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,050,356,000
House allowance......................................... 3,123,403,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,066,827,000
\1\Includes $762,584,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $3,066,827,000 for
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI]. The
budget request was $3,050,356,000. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $3,778,273,000, including $762,584,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
Atrial Fibrillation.--The Committee urges the NHLBI to
convene a scientific workshop to identify evidence-based best
practices for the identification and management of atrial
fibrillation, and to disseminate the findings of the workshop
to the patient and healthcare provider community.
Cardiovascular Diseases.--The Committee believes that an
increased investment in funding and resources to combat
cardiovascular diseases is important to capitalize on progress
when scientific discoveries are on the horizon and to help
prepare for the increased prevalence of these diseases in aging
populations. The Committee recommends that a significant
portion of the additional funds provided for the NHLBI be
devoted to cardiovascular research and to continue to implement
priorities outlined in its Division of Cardiovascular Diseases
Strategic Plan.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD].--The
Committee continues to applaud the NHLBI's efforts to raise
public awareness of COPD. The Committee notes that only 15
States have developed COPD Action Plans, and it urges the NHLBI
to continue to work with the remaining States to develop plans
as appropriate.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia [DBA].--The Committee understands
that DBA's recent identification as the first human disorder
linked to a ribosomal protein deficiency has led to
breakthrough discoveries indicating that decreased expression
of ribosomal proteins can have pathogenic consequences within
bone marrow and during development of other tissues. The
Committee commends the NHBLI for its attention to this
important area of disease research and encourages efforts to
further investigate the role of ribosomal proteins in DBA and
related marrow failure diseases.
Heart Rhythm Disorders.--The Committee notes that more
research is needed to understand the causes of heart rhythm
disorders and to develop more effective treatments. The
Committee urges the NHBLI to intensify its investments in basic
research, clinical investigations and trials.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome [MDS].--The Committee strongly
urges the NHLBI, working with the NCI, NIDDK, and NIA, to
develop a plan to implement the MDS research agenda that was
developed in November 2008.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM].--The Committee supports
both intramural and extramural means of expanding research on
LAM and urges the NHLBI to use all available mechanisms as
appropriate, including facilitating access to human tissues, to
stimulate a broad range of clinical and basic LAM research. The
Committee commends the NHLBI for supporting the multicenter
international LAM efficacy of sirolimus [MILES] trial, and
further encourages the support of intramural and extramural
phase I and phase II clinical treatment trials to capitalize on
the LAM patient populations that the NHLBI and the Rare Lung
Disease Consortium have assembled. The Committee is also aware
of the potential benefit of establishing regional LAM centers,
and suggests the NHLBI consider supporting these activities.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee encourages the Institute to
continue its support for the Pediatric Heart Network study of
the drug Losartan, and advance research on surgical outcomes
for Marfan syndrome patients who undergo different procedures
to repair compromised aortas and valves.
Pulmonary Hypertension.--The Committee acknowledges the
difficulties in establishing a pulmonary hypertension [PH]
Clinical Research Network and encourages the NHLBI to
prioritize support and renewal of the two PH clinical trials
currently funded by the Institute.
Sarcoidosis.--The Committee is concerned that little
progress has been made in understanding the cause of
sarcoidosis, for which there are no effective treatments
options. The Committee strongly encourages the NHLBI to place a
high priority on sarcoidosis by intensifying its investments in
basic research, clinical investigations and trials.
Severe Asthma.--Research funded by the NHLBI has led to
dramatic improvements in the treatment of mild asthma, but
severe asthma remains poorly understood. The European Union has
undertaken a major initiative on severe asthma, and the
Committee believes that the NHLBI should expand its focus on
severe asthma as well, especially among women and African-
Americans. The Committee encourages the NHLBI to work with the
National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities and
the Office of Research on Women's Health to solicit
investigator-initiated research on this topic and to pursue
initiatives that will complement and encourage collaboration
with the European Union consortium on severe asthma.
Sickle Cell Disease.--The Committee supports NHLBI's
request for information to identify sites with sufficient
research infrastructure and patient population to undertake
clinical studies in hemoglobinopathies with an emphasis on
sickle cell disease and thalassemia. This research network,
along with the surveillance system and disease registry under
development with the CDC, will improve knowledge and lead to
better treatments for sickle cell disease and other
hemaglobinopathies. The Committee requests that NHLBI provide
an update on the network in the fiscal year 2011 congressional
budget justification.
Sleep Disorders.--The Committee applauds the Institute's
investment in sleep-related research through the National
Center on Sleep Disorders Research. The Committee notes the
growing understanding of the link between sleep and
cardiovascular health, and it encourages further research to
better understand and modify the link between sleep disorders
and cardiovascular disease. The Committee is also aware that
NHLBI research has demonstrated that adolescents who get too
little sleep are at greater risk of high blood pressure. The
NHLBI is encouraged to partner with other institutes to expand
research on the benefits of sleep to learning and healthy
development of young people.
Specialized Centers of Clinically Oriented Research.--The
Committee encourages the continued use of Specialized Centers
of Clinically Oriented Research [SCCOR] as a mechanism to
foster the translation of multidisciplinary basic research to
improve clinical care.
Thalassemia.--Thalassemia, or Cooley's anemia, is a fatal
genetic blood disease. NHLBI has operated the Thalassemia
Clinical Research Network for 9 years to advance the science of
treating this disease. The Committee strongly encourages NHLBI
to renew its focus on this disease, which has implications for
other blood-related disorders and assure that research
continues to advance treatments and find a cure.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $504,471,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 408,037,000
House allowance......................................... 417,032,000
Committee recommendation................................ 409,241,000
\1\ Includes $101,819,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $409,241,000 for the
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [NIDCR].
The budget request was $408,037,000. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $504,471,000, including $101,819,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
Future of Dental Science.--The Committee has learned that
U.S. dental schools now receive less than half of the NIDCR
extramural budget. The Committee encourages NIDCR to work
closely with schools of dentistry to foster a more intensive
research component to dental education, with the goal of
cultivating and retaining dental students who have an interest
in research.
Oral Health Disparities.--The Committee commends NIDCR for
continuing a progressive health disparities research portfolio.
Saliva.--The Committee is pleased to see the progress that
continues to be made in the field of salivary diagnostics,
especially regarding the creation of an online data sharing
network for saliva biomarkers.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder [TMJD].--The Committee
appreciates that progress has been made in understanding some
genetic and gender differences in sensitivity to pain, the role
of hormones in modulating pain responses, and the unique
anatomical and musculoskeletal characteristics of the
temporomandibular joint. Similarly, the Committee looks forward
to the results of the current prospective study exploring risk
factors for the onset of TMJD. However, minimal progress has
been made in understanding the causes of TMJD and mechanisms
that might explain the presence of many co-morbid conditions
with TMJD that are also associated with pain, such as chronic
headache, vulvodynia, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial
cystitis, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome,
fibromyalgia and generalized pain syndromes. Resolution of TMJD
problems is further hampered by inadequate diagnostics,
ineffective and even harmful treatments, and the failure to
develop effective medications to treat this and other chronic
pain conditions. Therefore, the Committee requests the NIDCR to
take the lead in developing a comprehensive 5-year TMJD
research plan that articulates the strategies and goals
necessary to resolve the issues that have plagued TMJD studies
over the decades. The plan should include research to develop
definitive diagnostic criteria; support an updated
epidemiology, including a count of co-morbid conditions;
examine genetic and other factors that increase risk for TMJD;
and support endocrine, immune and nervous system research on
pain mechanisms and treatments. The plan's research goals
should incorporate the appropriate mix of basic, clinical and
translational science, recruitment of scientists from the
pertinent disciplines, and meaningful training programs to
enlarge the pool of investigators and indicate what funding
mechanisms should be employed.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $2,206,731,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,781,494,000
House allowance......................................... 1,824,251,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,790,518,000
\1\Includes $445,393,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,790,518,000 for
the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases [NIDDK]. The budget request was $1,781,494,000. The
fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $2,206,731,000, including
$445,393,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Chronic Hepatitis B.--The Committee commends the NIDDK for
establishing a Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network and
conducting a consensus development conference on the management
and treatment of hepatitis B. The Committee urges that the
Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network increase the focus on
pregnant women and pediatric cases of hepatitis B and further
urges that a research plan be developed to address the research
priorities identified by the consensus development conference,
especially in understanding the nature of the different
clinical categories of hepatitis B and of fibrosis and
cirrhosis, and developing new medical interventions for the
management of hepatitis B and the diseases with which it is
associated, including fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Chronic Hepatitis C.--The Committee urges a continuing
focus on the development of new treatments for hepatitis C.
Chronic Pediatric Kidney Disease.--The Committee
appreciates NIDDK's support of two prospective multicenter
pediatric nephrology studies, as requested by the Committee in
fiscal year 2009. Beginning in fiscal year 2010, the Committee
urges NIDDK to initiate two additional prospective multicenter
pediatric nephrology translational studies or treatment trials
over the next 2 years. These collaborative studies offer the
best opportunity to systematically gain new knowledge about
children being treated for kidney disease, and to use this
knowledge to improve care and reduce future costs.
Diabetes Prevention Program.--The Committee encourages the
NIDDK's efforts to expand community research applications of
the successful diet and exercise interventions of the Diabetes
Prevention Program trial. The NIDDK is encouraged to partner
with other institutes and centers to enhance similar community
research networks.
Digestive Diseases.--The Committee urges the NIDDK to
prioritize and implement the recommendations of the National
Commission on Digestive Diseases' recently completed Long-Range
Research Plan for Digestive Diseases.
Endoscopy and Obesity-Related Research.--While bariatric
surgery is an important option for patients with medical
complications from obesity, the Committee notes the emergence
of less-invasive, endoscopic techniques to induce weight-loss
without the risk of surgery. The Committee urges the NIDDK to
fund studies comparing bariatric surgery with endoscopic
interventions and support the development of novel endoscopic
therapies for diabetes management through weight reduction.
Fatty Liver Disease (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis).--The
Committee commends the NIDDK's recent efforts to address fatty
liver disease and urges the Institute to convene a consensus
development conference to confirm best practices and to
identify additional research priorities.
Fecal Incontinence.--The Committee is pleased with NIDDK's
actions to establish a public and professional awareness
campaign for fecal incontinence in collaboration with patient
organizations.
Glomerular Disease Research.--The Committee urges the NIDDK
to collaborate with the NCMHD to support expanded research on
glomerular disease and its effects on minorities and the
specific implications of the link between the MYH9 gene and the
high prevalence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis among
African Americans.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD].--The Committee encourages
support for the IBD research agenda detailed in the National
Commission on Digestive Diseases report. The committee also
encourages NIDDK to prioritize and expand research in the area
of pediatric disease in collaboration with the IBD patient and
professional community.
Interstitial Cystitis [IC].--The Committee is concerned by
the significant drop in overall funding for interstitial
cystitis, with both the ending of the IC Clinical Trials
Network [ICCRN] and the conclusion of an IC-specific basic
science initiative. The Committee notes that this drop occurs
at a time when a RAND epidemiology study of IC concluded that
the prevalence of this disease is close to 4 million Americans,
nearly fourfold the original estimates. Therefore, the
Committee urges the NIDDK to resume the ICCRN as well as a
dedicated IC-specific investment in basic science.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.--The Committee commends NIDDK for
its expansion of the research portfolio on irritable bowel
syndrome.
Kidney Disease.--The Committee urges the NIDDK to
prioritize research on: the relationship between kidney disease
and its leading causes, particularly diabetes, hypertension,
and obesity; methods for prevention; and appropriate and
effective therapies that improve disheartening mortality
statistics. In particular, the Committee urges the NIDDK to
emphasize research support for acute kidney injury, diabetic
nephropathy, glomerular disease, hypertension, transplantation,
and kidney-related cardiovascular toxicity. Additional
resources are needed to support the development of new disease
biomarkers and imaging technologies, which are critical for the
management of kidney diseases; implement the necessary
infrastructure for disease-specific registries and clinical
trials networks to better allow investigators to bridge the gap
from the bench to the bedside; and track data on patient race
and ethnicity to understand the overwhelming disparities
related to morbidity and mortality of kidney disease among
underrepresented minority patients. The Committee requests an
update on these priorities in the fiscal year 2011
congressional budget justification.
Liver Disease.--The Committee urges the NIDDK to redouble
its efforts to address the recommendations in the Action Plan
on Liver Research developed in 2005.
Pelvic Pain.--The Committee recognizes that there is a
growing population of patients with chronic pelvic pain,
chronic prostatitis and urogenital pain, and it urges the NIDDK
to collaborate with the ORWH, NIAID, NIAMS, NINDS, and NICHD to
establish a dedicated center for research and education on
urologic/urogenital chronic pelvic pain and chronic prostatitis
syndromes that will focus specifically on interstitial cystitis
and vulvodynia, and related co-morbid disorders.
Polycystic Kidney Disease [PKD].--The Committee urges the
NIDDK to plan the future strategic direction of PKD research,
expand the number of PKD researchers and strengthen current
efforts, which include multiple clinical trials and the
development of treatments. The Committee also encourages the
NIDDK to look at the feasibility of establishing a core
repository of laboratory animals for renal cystic diseases like
PKD, which will help lower research costs and enhance
scientific discoveries in this burgeoning area of translational
research.
Urological Diseases.--The Committee is disappointed that
the NIDDK has not established a separate branch for urological
diseases research. The Committee requests the Institute to
provide an update in the fiscal year 2011 congressional budget
justification on how it will move forward to strengthen
urological diseases research, and to prepare a trans-NIH Action
Plan for Urological Disease Research.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,996,256,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,612,745,000
House allowance......................................... 1,650,253,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,620,494,000
\1\Includes $402,912,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,620,494,000 for
the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
[NINDS]. The budget request was $1,612,745,000. The fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $1,996,256,000, including $402,912,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
Chiari.--The Committee notes that a research conference
titled ``Chiari Malformation: State of the Research and New
Directions'' was convened in November 2008 to identify the
current state of knowledge and identify key areas of research.
The Committee encourages aggressive measures toward
implementing these recommendations, including but not limited
to: using advanced engineering and imaging analysis to develop
an objective diagnostic test for symptomatic chiari;
understanding the genetic basis of chiari; and increasing focus
on pediatric patients, including symptoms, optimal treatments,
and quality of life issues.
Dystonia.--The Committee is pleased with the Institute's
support of additional dystonia research grants through its
program announcement mechanism, particularly its collaboration
with NICHD, NICDC, and NIEHS.
Epilepsy.--The Committee applauds the work of the
Interagency Epilepsy Working Group, led by the NINDS, and
recommends that the membership be expanded to include
representatives from the many other institutes and centers that
fund epilepsy research, as well as representatives from the
Department of Defense, Food and Drug Administration and patient
advocacy organizations. The Committee also recommends that the
Interagency Epilepsy Working Group use the 2007 NINDS Epilepsy
Research Benchmarks to develop a strategic plan for
multidisciplinary approaches to finding a cure for epilepsy. In
particular, the Committee urges the NINDS to focus attention on
epileptogenesis, co-morbidities, and sudden unexplained death
in epilepsy.
Frontotemporal Dementia [FTD].--Although FTD is a
relatively common cause of dementia, particularly among younger
individuals, a disproportionately small amount of research
funding is devoted to it. The Committee requests the NINDS to
help develop a minimum data set for FTD, including clinical,
biomarker, genetic, and pathologic data, and a national
repository for such data. The Committee further urges the NINDS
to initiate funding for drug discovery efforts that focus on
specific targets relevant to treating the mechanisms underlying
brain degeneration due to frontotemporal dementia.
Mucopolysaccharidosis [MPS].--The Committee commends the
Institute's efforts to collaborate with the Lysosomal Storage
Disease Network by participating in scientific conferences on
lysosomal storage disorders, and it encourages continued
collaborations with the goal of better understanding and
treating MPS disorders.
Stroke.--The Committee recommends that a significant
portion of the additional funds provided for the NINDS will be
devoted to expand current stroke studies, support promising and
new stroke initiatives, and to implement priorities in its
Stroke Progress Review Group Report.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $5,815,860,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 4,760,295,000
House allowance......................................... 4,859,502,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,777,457,000
\1\Includes $1,113,288,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $4,777,457,000 for
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
[NIAID]. The budget request was $4,760,295,000. The fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $5,815,860,000, including $1,113,288,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009. Included in these funds is $300,000,000 to be transferred
to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and
Tuberculosis. The fiscal year 2009 transfer amount was also
$300,000,000.
Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee is encouraged by
NIAID's commitment to address antimicrobial resistance and
related product (antibacterials, diagnostics, and vaccines)
research through its clearance of council-approved concepts in
May 2008 and September 2008. The Committee urges the NIAID to
quickly translate these concepts into funding mechanisms.
Chronic Hepatitis B.--The Committee understands that
although there are now a number of medications approved for the
treatment of hepatitis B, they are of limited therapeutic value
since they mostly target the same virus functions. The
Committee urges additional research on different courses of
treatment as well as ways to support efforts to identify new
cellular and viral antiviral targets and develop new strategies
for intervention. In addition, special attention to the
problems associated with co-infections of hepatitis B with
hepatitis C and HIV is needed.
Drug-resistant Tuberculosis [TB].--The Committee urges the
NIAID to expand and intensify research into developing new
diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines to halt the spread of drug-
resistant TB.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD].--The Committee applauds
NIAID for its continued leadership on IBD and encourages
support for the IBD research agenda detailed in the NIH
National Commission on Digestive Diseases report. The Committee
also prioritizes expanded research in the area of pediatric
disease in collaboration with the IBD community and NIDDK.
Lyme Disease.--The Committee encourages the NIAID to
sponsor a scientific conference on Lyme and other tick-borne
diseases that would represent the broad spectrum of scientific
views on Lyme disease and include input from individuals with
Lyme disease. The Committee also encourages NIH to intensify
research that will increase understanding of the full range of
Lyme disease processes and the physiology of Borrelia
burgdorferi, including the mechanisms of persistent infection,
and research that may lead to the development of more sensitive
and accurate diagnostic tests for Lyme disease capable of
distinguishing between active and past infections.
Malaria.--The Committee is aware that NIAID-funded
scientists recently decoded the genome of Plasmodium vivax, the
malaria-causing parasite most common in Asia and Latin America.
This achievement is expected to significantly advance
scientific understanding in several areas key to malaria
control and prevention, including drug resistance. The
Committee urges the NIAID to allocate additional resources to
malaria research, and by doing so help ensure that new tools
are available when current interventions begin to lose their
effectiveness. In addition, the Committee encourages NIAID to
expand its current support for public-private partnerships
involved in the research and development of antimalarial drugs.
Microbicides.--Encouraging results from a recent NIH
Microbicide Trials Network safety and effectiveness study of
the microbicide candidate PRO2000 showed that the product was
30 percent more effective than any other arm of the study in
preventing HIV. While data from this study are not definitive
and results from additional trials are needed to confirm these
findings, they support the concept that a microbicide could
prevent HIV infection. The Committee urges the NIH to work with
USAID, CDC, and other appropriate agencies to develop processes
for coordinated investment and prioritization for microbicide
development, approval, and access.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria [NTM].--The Committee commends
the NIAID for its planning meetings regarding NTM, outreach to
the NTM patient community, and leading NTM treatment center.
The Committee recommends further collaboration with the NHLBI,
CDC, the advocacy community and other Federal agencies to
provide leadership that will enhance diagnostic and treatment
options as well as medical and surgical outcomes through the
stimulation of multi-center clinical trials and promotion of
health care provider education.
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP].--The Committee is aware
there are currently seven clinical trials testing the safety
and effectiveness of PrEP, an experimental HIV prevention
strategy using antiretroviral drugs in HIV negative people, and
that PrEP is considered among the most promising of potential
HIV prevention interventions now being studied. These clinical
trials are expected to report results starting in 2010. The
Committee urges the NIAID to begin developing a research plan
to prepare for the range of possible outcomes.
Scleroderma.--The Committee commends the NIAID for its
support of scleroderma research through the Autoimmune Centers
of Excellence program and the Stem Cell Transplantation for
Autoimmune Diseases Consortium, and requests an update in the
fiscal year 2011 congressional budget justification.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $2,502,989,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,023,677,000
House allowance......................................... 2,069,156,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,031,886,000
\1\Includes $505,188,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $2,031,886,000 for
the National Institute of General Medical Sciences [NIGMS]. The
budget request was $2,023,677,000. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $2,502,989,000, including $505,188,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
Basic Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Blueprint.--
The Committee is pleased that the NIGMS will co-chair with the
NIA the development of a new blueprint to coordinate and
augment research on basic behavioral and social science.
Modeling Social Behavior.--The Committee is pleased that
the NIGMS is supporting research on the modeling of social
behavior, which will clarify the process by which individual
interactions lead to collective group behaviors. However, the
Committee remains concerned that the NIGMS is still not funding
investigator-initiated research by behavioral scientists, as it
is authorized to do so by way of its statute and multiple
congressional requests.
EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,622,337,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,313,674,000
House allowance......................................... 1,341,120,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,316,822,000
\1\Includes $327,443,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,316,822,000 for
the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development [NICHD]. The budget request was
$1,313,674,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$1,622,337,000, including $327,443,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Chromosome Abnormalities.--The Committee urges the NIH to
convene a state of the science meeting on chromosome
abnormalities involving multiple contiguous genes, for the
purpose of creating a plan to collect data regarding dosage-
sensitive and dosage-insensitive genes, and to establish
phenotyping and genotyping standards for data collection. The
Committee also encourages the NIH to create funding mechanisms
to support independent investigators whose work could provide
pilot data or insight into future directions for the study of
chromosome abnormalities, particularly those involving
chromosome 18.
Demographic Research.--The Committee urges the NICHD to
continue its support of trans-NIH behavioral and social
research initiatives on disasters and health outcomes to
develop more data on the consequences of natural and man-made
disasters for the health of children and vulnerable groups.
Further, the Committee encourages the NICHD to continue its
investment in large-scale data sets, such as the New Immigrant
Study and National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health,
because of their value and accessibility to researchers
worldwide. Finally, the Committee urges the Institute to
continue research on (1) how the structure and characteristics
of the work environment affect child and family health and
well-being and (2) how health and well-being in the early years
(including before birth) affect health and well-being later in
life.
Fetal Origins of Adult Disease.--The Committee urges the
NIH to continue its research to pinpoint the connections and
causations between maternal obesity, diabetes, and heart
disease and low birthweight babies, as well as other likely
causes of poor infant health.
First Pregnancy Complications.--The Committee commends
NICHD for identifying complications in nulliparous (first
pregnancy) women as an important area requiring further
research, and it urges the Institute to move forward with
initiatives to identify predictors, especially with
interventions, to improve the outcome for first pregnancies and
to lower the risk of subsequent pregnancies.
Hormonal Contraception in Obese Women.--The Committee urges
continued and increased funding for research into the efficacy
and safety of hormonal contraceptives among overweight and
obese women.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research
Centers.--The Committee recognizes the contributions of the
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities Research Centers [IDDRCs] toward understanding why
child development goes awry, discovering ways to prevent
developmental disabilities, and discovering treatments and
interventions to improve the lives of people with developmental
disabilities and their families. However, the Committee
continues to be concerned that the IDDRC network does not have
sufficient resources to sustain the progress made in these
critical areas and is especially concerned with the cuts in
support for recently funded centers. The Committee urges NICHD
to restore these reductions and, to the extent possible,
provide additional resources to the IDDRCs.
Late Preterm Births.--The NICHD is encouraged to expand its
research on the causes of late preterm births and to facilitate
research into better management and identification of
interventions for their prevention.
Learning and School Readiness.--The Committee recognizes
the importance of NICHD research in establishing the basic
scientific foundation of the development of children's reading,
math and science skills, and it encourages continued work in
this area.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network.--The Committee notes
that the NICHD Maternal Fetal Medicine Units [MFMU] Network has
improved obstetrical practice by identifying new therapies and
practices that are not useful. The Committee urges the NICHD to
adequately fund the network so that therapies and preventive
strategies that have significant impact on the health of
mothers and their babies will not be delayed.
Pediatric Research Acceleration.--There is a significant
need to enhance the level of NIH support for biomedical
research focused on diseases and conditions that affect the
pediatric population. The Committee is aware of a promising
proposal to leverage limited additional resources through
multiple research consortia that would enhance the
infrastructure needed to accelerate basic and translational
pediatric research. The Committee encourages the NIH to support
this networked consortia model.
Preterm Birth.--The Committee encourages the NICHD to
expand research on preterm birth as outlined in the research
agenda produced at the 2008 Surgeon General's Conference on
Preterm Birth.
Rehabilitation Research.--The Committee encourages the
Institute's National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
[NCMRR] to work with the Office of the Director to engage in
greater collaboration with other relevant NIH institutes and
centers in order to leverage the Federal investment in
rehabilitation and disability research and enhance the
translation of such research to clinical application. The
Committee also commends the NCMRR for its focus on determining
the most effective treatments for traumatic brain injury [TBI].
Given the comorbidity of TBI and behavioral problems,
agitation, anger and memory loss, the NCMRR is encouraged to
include behavioral interventions for TBI treatment in future
trials as well.
Vulvodynia.--The Committee remains concerned with the lack
of progress in expanding research efforts on vulvodynia in
recent years, and it strongly urges that the NICHD employ a
full range of award mechanisms to substantially increase the
number of awards for vulvodynia studies in fiscal year 2010. In
addition, new research indicates that chronic vulvovaginal pain
is also highly prevalent in the adolescent population and has
been documented in children as young as 4 years of age;
therefore, the Committee urges that consideration be given to
collecting data on vulvodynia and related pain conditions in
the National Children's Study. The Committee notes the lack of
vulvodynia experts on peer-review panels and again encourages
the Director to work with the Center for Scientific Review and
other institutes and centers to ensure their adequate
representation. The Committee also calls upon the Institute to
continue efforts with the ORWH on the vulvodynia educational
campaign. Finally, the Committee notes that vulvodynia coexists
with other persistent pain conditions, including interstitial
cystitis, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint and muscles
disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, and chronic
fatigue syndrome. The Committee calls upon the NICHD to
collaborate with the Office of the Director on a trans-NIH
research initiative that will support studies aimed at
identifying common etiological pathways among these disorders,
with the goal of developing therapeutic targets.
NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $862,577,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 695,789,000
House allowance......................................... 713,072,000
Committee recommendation................................ 700,158,000
\1\Includes $174,097,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $700,158,000 for the
National Eye Institute [NEI]. The budget request was
$695,789,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$862,577,000, including $174,097,000 available in the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Age-related Macular Degeneration [AMD].--The Committee
commends NEI for its research into the cause, prevention, and
treatment of AMD, including the identification of gene variants
associated with an increased risk for the condition, initial
safety trials of a protective version of the gene variant as a
means to treat and even preempt the disease, and ongoing work
in the second phase of its Age-related Eye Disease Study
[AREDS]. The Committee also recognizes NEI research into the
Robo4 protein pathway as another means to prevent and reverse
AMD.
Diabetic Eye Disease.--The Committee applauds the NEI for
the collaborative efforts of the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical
Research Network to test innovative treatments for diabetic eye
disease. The Institute is encouraged to expand and extend the
network by increasing the number of clinical trials with new
drugs and therapeutics that can treat and prevent diabetic
retinopathy.
Genetic Basis of Eye Disease.--The Committee congratulates
the NEI on its leadership in elucidating the basis of
devastating eye diseases such as AMD, retinitis pigmentosa, and
glaucoma, and recognizes the progress that has been made in
understanding the underlying disease mechanisms and developing
appropriate treatments. The Committee commends NEI's leadership
on the human gene therapy clinical trial for neurodegenerative
eye disease Leber Congenital Amaurosis, in which the initial
safety study demonstrated vision improvement in young adults.
The Committee also applauds NEI's initiation of its Human
Genetics Collaboration [NEIGHBOR] study into the genetic basis
of glaucoma.
Neuro-ophthalmic Network.--The Committee recognizes NEI's
initiation of its Neuro-Ophthalmology Research Disease
Investigator Consortium [NORDIC] to initially study the impact
of increased intracranial pressure on vision and the impact of
thyroid eye disease. The Committee encourages the Institute to
expand this network as appropriate. It also recognizes that the
NEI has already begun coordinating with the Department of
Defense's Vision Center of Excellence on the potential
applicability of NORDIC findings for traumatic brain injury
patients.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $830,877,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 684,257,000
House allowance......................................... 695,497,000
Committee recommendation................................ 683,149,000
\1\Includes $168,057,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $683,149,000 for the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences [NIEHS].
The budget request was $684,257,000. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $830,877,000, including $168,057,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
The NIEHS receives a larger percentage increase in this
bill than other institutes and centers because its allocation
includes $9,000,000 to support a new initiative on
nanotechnology safety research, as requested by the
administration.
Alternative Methods of Testing.--The Committee remains
concerned by the slow pace at which Federal agencies have moved
to adopt regulations that would replace, reduce, or refine the
use of animals in testing. The Committee therefore urges the
NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative
Toxicological Methods [NICEATM] and the Interagency
Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods
[ICCVAM] to hold workshops on the challenges of incorporating
alternative methods and the difficulty of obtaining high-
quality data for validating alternative methods. NICEATM/ICCVAM
are also urged to establish timetables for completion of all
validation reviews that are currently under way.
Translational Research.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of translational research programs and applauds the
NIEHS's investment in clinical research through the Disease
Investigation Through Specialized Clinically Oriented Ventures
in Environmental Research [DISCOVER].
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,354,099,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,093,143,000
House allowance......................................... 1,119,404,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,099,409,000
\1\Includes $273,303,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,099,409,000 for
the National Institute on Aging [NIA]. The budget request was
$1,093,143,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$1,354,099,000, including $273,303,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Alzheimer's Disease.--The Committee was disappointed to
learn that the NIH is spending far less on Alzheimer's disease
than was previously believed. Under the historical method of
tracking NIH spending, the funding level was believed to be
$645,000,000 in fiscal year 2007; the revised categorization
method put the total for that year at $411,000,000. In light of
the growing burden that Alzheimer's disease is placing on
society, the Committee believes greater resources are clearly
warranted. In particular, the Committee strongly urges the NIA
to devote more funding to clinical studies, including studies
of individuals who are genetically predisposed to develop
early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and renewal of the Alzheimer
Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, including biomarker
development studies. The NIA is urged to work collaboratively
with the NINDS and NIMH to speed the translation of research
findings into more effective treatments and prevention
strategies.
Community Interventions.--The NIA is encouraged to
strengthen its portfolio of community studies to identify and/
or evaluate promising interventions to reduce biological risk,
chronic conditions, or improve outcomes relating to disability.
Demographic and Economic Research.--The Committee is aware
that in 2010 the NIA will be making 5-year awards as part of
its Demography of Aging Centers and Roybal Centers for Research
on Applied Gerontology programs. The Committee urges the NIA,
with support from the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social
Science Research and Office of AIDS Research, to fund at least
the existing number of centers, and more if possible. In
addition, the Committee encourages the NIA to substantially
increase the minority sample size of the Health and Retirement
Study to understand the impact of the economic downturn on pre-
retirees and retirees.
Geroscience.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
the emerging interdisciplinary research approach known as
geroscience. Given the size of the aging baby boomer population
and the incidence of chronic disease in an aging society, it is
critical to devote increased resources to understanding the
connection between aging and disease. The Committee also
believes that more resources should be dedicated to studies on
prevention (such as exercise and diet) as well as other
interdisciplinary approaches to understanding extended health
span and healthy aging interventions that delay and prevent
chronic disease.
Interdisciplinary Behavioral Research.--The Committee
encourages the NIA to promote joint efforts with other
institutes to explore the interface of behavior, neuroscience,
and epidemiology in studies of normal aging. One such area is
affective neuroscience, with particular emphasis on the ways in
which basic psychological processes such as emotional
regulation, motivation, and executive function contribute to
health and functioning over the life span.
Kidney Disease.--The Committee encourages the NIA to
support research that studies the basic biology of the aging
processes in the kidney, the science of how aging impacts
kidney injury and repair, and how chronic kidney disease [CKD]
differs in the elderly compared to a younger population.
Additional research should consider how age impacts CKD
progression in comparison to the impact of other risk factors
and how cognitive impairment and frailty are impacted by CKD
treatment, including dialysis.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $657,598,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 530,825,000
House allowance......................................... 543,621,000
Committee recommendation................................ 533,831,000
\1\Includes $132,726,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $533,831,000 for the
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases [NIAMS]. The budget request was $530,825,000. The
fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $657,598,000, including
$132,726,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee encourages NIAMS to
continue its support of collaborative, multi-investigator
research related to Marfan syndrome and partner with the NHLBI
in support of the Pediatric Heart Network's clinical trial on
Marfan syndrome.
Mucopolysaccharidosis [MPS].--The Committee commends NIAMS
for taking the lead role in supporting the 1st Advances in Rare
Bone Diseases Scientific Conference.
Scleroderma.--The Committee commends NIAMS for its support
of research on scleroderma through the National Family Registry
for Scleroderma and the Center of Research Translation. The
Committee requests an update on these activities as part of the
Institute's fiscal year 2011 congressional budget
justification.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $510,243,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 413,026,000
House allowance......................................... 422,308,000
Committee recommendation................................ 414,755,000
\1\Includes $102,984,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $414,755,000 for the
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders [NIDCD]. The budget request was $413,026,000. The
fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $510,243,000, including
$102,984,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Brain Plasticity.--The Committee continues to support
research on functional changes of synapses of the auditory
pathways and cortex following hearing loss, and how these
changes limit hearing capability, even with hearing aids or
cochlear implants. Also recommended are investigations in
animal models of neural mechanisms responsible for demonstrated
auditory deficits following hearing loss.
Cytomegolovirus.--The Committee supports more research into
the pathogenesis and treatment of cytomegalovirus, a leading
cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss.
Hair Cell Regeneration and Stem Cells.--The NIDCD should
continue building on new approaches for regenerating lost hair
cells, including developing technology for gene transfer and
gene vector generation, and testing the viability of
regenerated cells in animal models at the levels of nucleic
acids and proteins. Comparative research on responses to hair
cell damage in regenerating and nonregenerating species is also
urged. The Committee encourages the NIDCD to expand and support
stem cell research in the auditory system, with areas of focus
to include the use of stem cells to replace lost hair cells and
peripheral neurons via transplantation; integration of stem
cells into sensory epithelium; and innervation/re-innervation
of the partially deaf or deaf cochlea. The Committee continues
to encourage further studies to correlate hair cell
replenishment with improved hearing.
Hereditary Hearing Loss.--The Committee applauds the
NIDCD's efforts to identify and understand the structure,
function and regulation of genes whose mutation results in
deafness and other communication disorders. It recommends
continuation of such studies, with increased emphasis on the
genetics of complex hearing loss and Menieres disease.
Noise and Environmentally Induced Hearing Loss.--Of
particular concern to the Committee is the epidemic proportion
of noise-induced hearing loss in the military, a situation that
will increase as veterans age. The Committee encourages the
NIDCD to support critical research into prevention of hearing
loss from noise trauma in military environments, as well as
studies of post-exposure treatment. The Committee commends the
NIDCD for its efforts to raise public awareness of the
omnipresent threats to the auditory system posed by
environmental noise. It advocates continued dissemination of
information emphasizing dangers to hearing from workplace
noise, recreational activities and loud consumer products, and
describing ways to protect hearing during exposure, through
such means as the ``It's a Noisy Planet'' and ``Wise Ear''
campaigns, and the NIDCD website and publications. The
Committee also understands the potentially deleterious effects
of environmental pollutants in water and air on the inner ear,
and urges the NIDCD to support studies of the impact of such
chemicals as lead and mercury, and carbon monoxide, on hearing,
especially during prenatal and early postnatal development.
Finally, the Committee encourages the NIDCD to continue and
enhance support of behavioral research on ways to prevent or
lessen the cumulative damage to hearing caused by environmental
noise.
Presbycusis.--The Committee urges the NIDCD to continue its
support of physiological and neurological studies of the
peripheral and central mechanisms of presbycusis. Studies of
inner ear development pointing the way for regenerating cells
lost in presbycusis are also urged.
Specific Language Impairment.--The Committee recommends
that the NIDCD expand research on the pathophysiology of
specific language impairment.
Tinnitus.--The Committee recommends that the NIDCD expand
its research into causal mechanisms underlying peripheral and
central tinnitus and pursue research devoted to preventions,
treatments, and cures of this prevalent disorder.
Translational Research.--The Committee urges the
continuation of research activities and clinical trials
relative to prevention and treatments of hearing loss from
noise, drugs, aging and genetic causes, and translation of
these studies to therapies. Efforts should include studies of
agents to treat acoustic trauma and exposure to ototoxicants,
including animal and clinical trials of antioxidants, and
studies of mechanisms to manipulate cellular pathways to
protect against or prevent sensory cell and neuron loss.
Clinical trials relevant to Meniere's disease, sudden deafness
and autoimmune inner ear disease, including trials of newer
rheumatic drugs delivered directly to the ear, are also
encouraged.
Vestibular Research.--The Committee recommends developing
better intervention strategies and clinical trials to improve
the diagnosis and treatment of vertigo and balance disorders.
Research on vestibular compensation is encouraged.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $177,756,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 143,749,000
House allowance......................................... 146,945,000
Committee recommendation................................ 144,262,000
\1\Includes $35,877,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $144,262,000 for the
National Institute of Nursing Research [NINR]. The budget
request was $143,749,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $177,756,000, including $35,877,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Preparing Nurse Faculty.--The Committee recognizes that the
NINR is integral to the future of the Nation's healthcare
system and plays a vital role in educating the next generation
of nurse researchers who will serve as nurse faculty in nursing
schools.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $564,081,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 455,149,000
House allowance......................................... 466,308,000
Committee recommendation................................ 457,887,000
\1\Includes $113,851,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $457,887,000 for the
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA]. The
budget request was $455,149,000. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $564,081,000, including $113,851,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
Behavior Change Research.--The Committee encourages the
NIAAA to support interdisciplinary research that integrates
biomedical, psychological, and social science perspectives on
mechanisms of behavior change.
Dissemination of Research Findings.--The Committee
encourages NIAAA to continue its leadership role by
disseminating science-based, user-friendly information on the
health effects of alcohol use.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,293,915,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,045,384,000
House allowance......................................... 1,069,583,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,050,091,000
\1\Includes $261,156,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,050,091,000 for
the National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. The budget request
was $1,045,384,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$1,293,915,000, including $261,156,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Adolescent Brain Development.--The Committee encourages
NIDA to continue its emphasis on adolescent brain development
to better understand how developmental processes and outcomes
are affected by drug exposure, the environment, and genetics.
Anti-drug Campaign Research.--The Committee urges NIDA to
support behavioral research on message framing to help tailor
the most effective anti-drug use media campaigns.
Behavioral Research and Cognitive Development.--The
Committee commends NIDA's continued support of behavioral
research on the relationship between cognitive development and
childhood experience, especially in children gestationally
exposed to drugs, and encourages further research to better
understand the complex relations among socioeconomic status,
cognitive development and life experience.
Blending Research and Practice.--The Committee applauds
NIDA for its collaborative Blending Initiative with SAMHSA, an
effort to translate research into practice and incorporate
bidirectional feedback from multiple stakeholders to make the
best drug abuse and addiction treatments available to those who
need them.
Effectiveness Research.--The Committee encourages NIDA to
continue its investment in effectiveness research so that
proven models of addiction treatment and prevention can be
further refined.
Prescription Drug Abuse.--The Committee continues to urge
NIDA to support research aimed at reducing prescription drug
abuse, especially among our Nation's youth, and at developing
pain medications with reduced abuse liability.
Pulmonary Hypertension.--The Committee encourages NIDA to
support research aimed at assessing the growing frequency of
pulmonary hypertension in patients who abuse methamphetamines.
Raising Awareness of the Medical Community.--The Committee
commends NIDA for raising the awareness of physicians of the
potential impact of substance abuse on their patients'
illnesses and outcomes. Specifically, NIDA has created the
Centers of Excellence for Physician Information and developed a
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
initiative. The Committee understands that these projects will
serve as national models to support the advancement of
addiction awareness in primary care practices.
State Substance Abuse Agency Infrastructure Grants.--The
Committee continues to support NIDA's State substance abuse
agency infrastructure grants, which help States conduct
research to create, implement, expand, and/or sustain science-
based improvement in the publicly funded prevention and
treatment system.
Teens and Drug Abuse.--The Committee commends NIDA for its
educational efforts to raise awareness among teens regarding
the harmful health effects associated with drugs of abuse.
Examples include the ``After the Party'' public service
campaign and Chat Day, which enabled youth from across the
country to ask questions of leading addiction science
professionals. The Committee encourages NIDA to continue the
expansion of these efforts.
Tobacco Addiction.--The Committee recognizes that while
significant declines in smoking have been achieved in recent
decades, too many Americans, particularly youth, remain
addicted to tobacco products. The Committee applauds the recent
progress of NIDA-supported researchers toward identifying
genetic factors that contribute to nicotine dependence and
affect the efficacy of smoking cessation treatments, and it
urges NIDA to continue developing much-needed evidence-based
treatments, medications, and prevention strategies to combat
nicotine addiction.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,817,280,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,474,676,000
House allowance......................................... 1,502,266,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,475,190,000
\1\Includes $366,789,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,475,190,000 for
the National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH]. The budget
request was $1,474,676,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
level was $1,817,280,000, including $366,789,000 available in
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Children's Mental Health.--The Committee applauds the NIMH
for its focus on identifying early risk factors and effective
interventions for a variety of emotional and mental disorders
among children.
HIV/AIDS Behavioral Research.--The Committee supports
additional research on how to change the behaviors that lead to
HIV acquisition, transmission, and disease progression, and how
to maintain protective behaviors once they are adopted, with a
better understanding of the social and cultural factors that
may impact different populations.
Immigrant Health.--The Committee recognizes that immigrants
experience unique stresses, prejudice and poverty, and can be
considered at risk for health, emotional, and behavioral
problems as well as, in the case of children, learning and
academic difficulties. To address this, the Committee urges the
NIMH to direct research on the adaptation, development, health,
and mental health needs of diverse immigrant populations.
NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $629,402,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 509,594,000
House allowance......................................... 520,311,000
Committee recommendation................................ 511,007,000
\1\Includes $127,035,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $511,007,000 for the
National Human Genome Research Institute [NHGRI]. The budget
request was $509,594,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $629,402,000, including $127,035,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Gene-environment Interactions.--The Committee encourages
the NHGRI to continue its emphasis on the development of real-
time environmental monitoring technologies, and the advancement
of tools to measure psychosocial stress and its influence on
gene expression.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $386,145,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 312,687,000
House allowance......................................... 319,217,000
Committee recommendation................................ 313,496,000
\1\Includes $77,937,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $313,496,000 for the
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
[NIBIB]. The budget request was $312,687,000. The fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $386,145,000, including $77,937,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $2,836,351,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,252,044,000
House allowance......................................... 1,280,031,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,256,926,000
\1\Includes $1,610,088,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,256,926,000 for
the National Center for Research Resources [NCRR]. The budget
request was $1,252,044,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $2,836,351,000, including $1,610,088,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The NCRR receives a larger percentage increase under the
Committee's recommendation than other institutes and centers
because some of the costs of the Clinical and Translational
Science Awards [CTSAs] program will shift to the NCRR from the
Common Fund. The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$473,600,000 for the CTSAs in fiscal year 2010, divided as
follows: $448,355,000 from the NCRR, compared with $430,642,000
in fiscal year 2009; and $25,245,000 from the Common Fund, down
from $53,224,000 in fiscal year 2009. The fiscal year 2009
total for CTSAs was $483,866,000.
Human Tissue Supply.--The Committee remains interested in
matching the increased needs of NIH grantees and intramural and
university-based researchers who rely upon human tissues and
organs to study human diseases and search for cures. The
Committee encourages the NCRR to increase support for nonprofit
organizations that supply human tissue.
Infrastructure Projects.--The Committee is concerned that
schools of dentistry may not be receiving adequate
infrastructure funding from the NCRR. The Committee encourages
the NCRR to explore ways of ensuring an equitable distribution
of infrastructure funding among various scientific programs.
Institutional Development Awards [IDeA].--The Committee has
provided $228,862,000, the same as the budget request, for the
IDeA program authorized by section 402(g) of the Public Health
Service Act. The fiscal year 2009 funding level was
$224,043,000.
Primate Research.--The Committee believes that nonhuman
primates are extremely important models for conducting research
to help understand and treat conditions such as heart disease,
hypertension, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, kidney disease,
Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. In addition,
nonhuman primate research is necessary for pursuing an HIV/AIDS
vaccine and enhancing the Nation's emerging infectious disease
and biodefense response capabilities. Therefore, the Committee
appreciates the efforts of the National Primate Research Center
[NPRC] directors to outline a 5-year initiative to address the
upgrades and program expansions required to meet the demanding
nonhuman primate research needs of the Nation, and encourages
the NCRR to work with the NPRCs to ensure that they are
provided with the resources necessary to contribute to the
overall effectiveness of the Federal investment in biomedical
research.
Research Centers in Minority Institutions.--The Committee
continues to recognize the critical role played by minority
institutions at both the graduate and undergraduate level in
addressing the health research and training needs of minority
populations. The Research Centers in Minority Institutions
[RCMI] program impacts significantly on these issues. The
Committee encourages the NIH to strengthen the research
environment at minority institutions so that they may fully
engage in and build upon NIH initiatives. Specifically, the
Committee recommends NCRR supplemental funds be directed to
high-impact, high-risk research activities within the RCMI
program such as creating an integrated translational research
network to help reduce health disparities.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $157,199,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 127,241,000
House allowance......................................... 129,953,000
Committee recommendation................................ 127,591,000
\1\Includes $31,728,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $127,591,000 for the
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
[NCCAM]. The budget request was $127,241,000. The fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $157,199,000, including $31,728,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
NATIONAL CENTER ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $258,040,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 208,844,000
House allowance......................................... 213,316,000
Committee recommendation................................ 209,508,000
\1\Includes $52,081,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $209,508,000 for the
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
[NCMHD]. The budget request was $208,844,000. The fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $258,040,000, including $52,081,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
The Committee commends the National Center on Minority
Health and Health Disparities for its leadership in addressing
the longstanding problem of health status disparities in
minority and medically underserved populations. The Committee
also commends NCMHD for its successful Project EXPORT
initiative, which sponsors multidisciplinary and
interdisciplinary research into some of the most prevalent and
debilitating diseases affecting health disparity populations.
Glomerular Disease Research.--The Committee notes the
recently discovered link between the MYH9 gene and the high
prevalence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis among African
Americans. The Committee urges the NCMHD to collaborate with
the NIDDK to support expanded research on this condition's
effect on minorities and the specific implications of this
genealogical linkage.
Severe Asthma.--The Committee encourages the NCMHD to work
with the NHLBI to expand and strengthen research on severe
asthma in minority populations.
Urban Indians.--The Committee is aware of the need for
greater focus on the health of urban Indians, a group known to
experience serve health disparities in such areas as diabetes,
alcohol-related deaths and sudden infant death syndrome. The
Committee encourages the NCMHD to put a priority on addressing
the needs of this population.
JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDY IN THE HEALTH
SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $86,061,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 69,227,000
House allowance......................................... 70,780,000
Committee recommendation................................ 69,409,000
\1\Includes $17,370,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $69,409,000 for the
Fogarty International Center [FIC]. The budget request was
$69,227,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$86,061,000, including $17,370,000 available in the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Depression.--The Committee urges the FIC to work with other
institutes, particularly the NIMH, to combat the enormous
worldwide incidence of depression.
Global Health Research Training and Workforce Capacity.--
The Committee commends FIC for its continuing work to
strengthen biomedical research capacity in the developing
world, and by doing so advance the global efforts against
malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and other health issues
that disproportionately impact the developing world. The
Committee appreciates that having a trained and expert local
workforce as well as a research infrastructure for them to use
has significant benefits for efforts to research and combat
diseases of global priority. The Committee also recognizes that
expanding in-country research capacity will complement
associated U.S. efforts to improve global health.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $422,614,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 342,547,000
House allowance......................................... 350,785,000
Committee recommendation................................ 344,617,000
\1\Includes $83,643,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $344,617,000 for the
National Library of Medicine [NLM]. The budget request was
$342,547,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$422,614,000, including $83,643,000 available in the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These amounts include
$8,200,000 made available from program evaluation funds. Of the
funds provided, $4,000,000 is for improvement of information
systems, to remain available until expended.
Medline Plus Magazines.--The Committee is pleased that NLM
has expanded the distribution of NIH MedlinePlus magazine and
recently began testing a new bilingual version of the magazine,
NIH MedlinePlus Salud, with good results. The Committee calls
on NLM to increase the distribution of these important sources
of consumer health information to reach all physician offices,
federally qualified health centers, hospitals, libraries and
free-standing health clinics.
Native Hawaiian Resources.--The Committee urges the NLM to
work with Native Hawaiian organizations to provide support in
the areas of biomedicine and healthcare.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $2,583,701,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,182,777,000
House allowance......................................... 1,168,704,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,182,777,000
\1\Includes $1,336,837,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,182,777,000 for
the Office of the Director [OD]; this amount is the same as the
budget request. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$2,583,701,000, including $1,336,837,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Conflicts of Interest.--The Committee remains deeply
concerned about the lack of oversight and disclosure involving
conflicts of interest among extramural investigators who are
funded by the NIH. The Committee is aware that the comment
period for the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on this
topic recently ended, but many steps remain in the process to
ensure more transparency of funds, better systems for managing
any conflicts, and stronger compliance by institutions. While
it is important to craft the regulations thoughtfully, there is
also no reason for undue delays, considering how long HHS has
known that changes are needed. Therefore, the Committee
includes bill language requiring that HHS publish the final
regulations by May 1, 2010. The Committee also requests HHS,
within 30 days of enactment of this act, to provide to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
and the Senate a schedule for meeting that deadline.
National Children's Study.--Unlike the past 2 years, the
Committee bill does not include a specific amount of funding
for the National Children's Study [NCS]. The NIH informed the
Committee for several years that the total cost of the NCS
would be approximately $3,100,000,000. Later estimates
conducted internally at the NIH put the total figure
significantly higher, but the NIH did not provide the revised
estimate to the Committee until recently, despite the
Committee's strong interest in and support of the initiative.
The Committee considers this withholding of information to be a
serious breach of trust. The NIH now plans to extend the pilot
phase of the NCS and postpone a final decision about whether to
proceed with the full study until more is known about whether
it is possible to achieve the original objectives of the NCS
without drastically exceeding the budget that was initially
presented to the Congress. The Committee welcomes that
decision. However, given the lack of transparency involved with
the study so far, the Committee believes it should have the
most up-to-date information possible before settling on a
specific funding level, if any, for the NCS, and thus will
delay that decision until conference.
Reprogrammings.--The Committee is aware that there has been
some confusion surrounding the reprogramming limitation
established in section 516 of this bill, especially regarding
the term ``program, project or activity.'' The Committee wishes
to clarify that ``program, project or activity'' applies to all
sub-mechanisms and stand-alone activities in institute and
center mechanism tables, with the exception of the research
projects grants mechanism, in which case additional flexibility
is warranted and the restriction shall apply at the subtotal
level.
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research [OBSSR]
Systems Science Initiative.--The Committee acknowledges the
collaborative work of OBSSR with other institutes and centers
to encourage methodological advances in systems science and
help cutting-edge areas of behavioral and social sciences
research evolve and advance.
Office of Rare Diseases [ORD]
Glomerular Disease.--The Committee is aware of
opportunities to increase collaborative research efforts
regarding the glomerular disease focal segmental
glomerulosclerosis [FSGS], and encourages the ORD to consider
FSGS for inclusion in its Rare Disease Clinical Research
Consortia Program.
Human Tissue Supply.--The Committee understands that
obtaining human tissues for research for the more than 7,000
rare diseases known today has been a major barrier to expand
research aimed to treat and cure rare diseases. The Committee
encourages the ORD to increase support for nonprofit
organizations that supply human tissue to study rare diseases.
Neurodegeneration With Brain Iron Accumulation [NBIA].--The
Committee urges the ORD to put a higher priority on research
involving NBIA, a disease for which there is no treatment or
cure.
Porphyria.--The Committee encourages the ORD to develop an
agenda for basic and clinical research for the treatment of
porphyria, to devote dedicated resources for this purpose, and
to consult with patient stakeholder organizations when
considering the development of the research agenda.
Office of Research on Women's Health [ORWH]
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS].--The Committee urges the
ORWH to strengthen the network of investigators funded under
the fiscal year 2007 CFS neuroimmune research initiative by
stimulating new research initiatives and building multicenter
collaborations. The Committee again urges the NIH to establish
an intramural CFS research program with relevant areas of
scientific expertise to study disease pathophysiology, identify
biomarkers, objective diagnostic tools and better therapeutic
approaches. The Committee urges the NIH to ensure that study
sections responsible for reviewing grants on CFS include
experts who are qualified in the appropriate disciplines.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS].--The Committee is pleased
with the ORWH's increased focus on IBS.
Stroke in Women.--The Committee urges increased research
into new therapies for stroke in women as well as ways to
enhance vascular health of all Americans, including
observational research on differences in the way men and women
present with stroke symptoms; research addressing how stroke
influences the likelihood and severity of cognitive impairment
in women; a clinical trial of carotid endarterectomy and
angioplasty/stenting in women; studies of differences in how
men and women respond to antiplatelet agents for recurrent
stroke prevention; basic science research to address unique
brain cell death and repair mechanisms in females; and clinical
and basic research on hormone physiology and its impact on
women's vascular health.
Vulvodynia.--The Committee calls upon the ORWH to allocate
sufficient additional resources to the educational outreach
campaign on vulvodynia, launched in 2007, to ensure that
materials are more widely disseminated to the public, patient,
and medical communities, as well as federally funded health
centers and college health clinics. The Committee also notes
that 5 years have passed since the last NIH vulvodynia
conference, and requests that the ORWH convene, with the
support of relevant institutes and centers, a research
conference on vulvodynia in fiscal year 2010.
Multi-institute Research Initiatives
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis [ALS].--The Committee
encourages NIH to continue to pursue collaborations and
partnerships with voluntary health associations to advance
basic, translational, and clinical research into ALS. Support
for NIH translational research, the Office of Rare Diseases,
SBIR grants and investment in cross-cutting, trans-NIH
programs, including those that support high-risk, high-reward
initiatives, are among the priorities through which NIH can
create significant opportunities to advance ALS and other rare
disease research. The success in advancing spinal muscular
atrophy [SMA] research through NIH's translational programs,
specifically the SMA Project, provides a model for what can be
accomplished via these initiatives. The Committee encourages
NIH to undertake similar efforts for ALS that can accelerate
the development of therapeutic candidates for the treatment of
the disease.
Basic Behavioral Research.--The Committee is pleased that
the NIH leadership has launched an initiative to develop a
basic behavioral research blueprint modeled after the
Neuroscience Blueprint to help ensure funding of the basic
behavioral research necessary to advancing and improving health
outcomes. The Committee notes that an April 2008 report from
NIH indicated that basic behavioral research is funded in 13 of
the 27 NIH institutes and centers. The Committee continues to
be concerned, however, that the NIH, after many years of
encouragement from this Committee, has not assigned scientific
leadership for this research portfolio to an appropriate
institute or center, such as the NIGMS. The Committee believes
that a basic behavioral research portfolio spanning multiple
institutes and centers will be strongly facilitated by
establishing permanent scientific leadership in a lead
institute.
Bone Diseases.--The Committee urges the NIH to accelerate
and expand research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases
and related manifestations, such as cancer and bone loss
leading to increased morbidity, mortality and disability. The
Committee encourages more research on the pathophysiology of
bone loss in diverse populations, with the goal of developing
targeted therapies to improve bone density, quality and
strength, assessment of microarchitecture and bone remodeling
rates to more accurately determine fracture risk, as well as
anabolic approaches to increase bone mass, novel molecular and
cell-based therapies for bone and cartilage regeneration.
Because the causes, symptoms and treatments of osteoporosis and
related bone diseases cross scientific boundaries and impact
various populations by age and gender, the Committee encourages
continued collaboration among NIAMS, NCI, NIA, NICHHD, NIDCR,
NIDDK, NINDS and NIBIB. The Committee also urges NIH to expand
genetics and other research on diseases such as osteogenesis
imperfecta and Paget's disease and other rare bone diseases
such as fibrous dysplasia, osteoporosis, fibrodysplasia
ossificans progressive, melhoreostosis, and X-linked
hypophosphatemic rickets. Finally, the Committee encourages the
NIA to conduct research aimed at translating basic and animal
studies into novel therapeutic approaches to prevent age-
related bone loss.
Career Development Awards.--The Committee supports the
preservation of the K-12 and K-23 awards to ensure a diverse
pool of highly trained clinical researchers. Both types of
awards focus on patient-oriented clinical investigation.
Class B Animal Dealers.--A recent study by the National
Academies, ``Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random
Source Dogs and Cats in Research,'' found that while some
random-source dogs and cats may be necessary and desirable for
research that is funded by the NIH, Class B dealers are not
necessary to supply such animals for NIH-funded research. The
Committee therefore expects the NIH to phase out, as quickly as
possible, the use of any of its funds for the purchase of, or
research on, dogs or cats obtained from those USDA-licensed
Class B dealers who acquire dogs or cats from third parties
(i.e., individuals, dealers, breeders, and animal pounds) and
resell them. Specifically, the NIH should not award any new
grants or contracts that involve such animals and should
immediately begin supporting alternative sources of random
source animals from non-Class B dealers. The National Academies
recommended, and the Committee agrees, that the NIH should use
the request for proposal mechanism to acquire needed animals
and form cooperative agreements with private research animal
colonies. The Committee expects the NIH to address these
concerns with a degree of urgency that has been sorely lacking
in the 2 years since the Committee requested the National
Academies study. The Committee requests the NIH to submit a
report by April 1, 2010, to the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives and the Senate describing its
specific plans to follow these recommendations.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee commends the NIH for creating
the NIH Down Syndrome Working Group to develop the NIH Research
Plan for Down syndrome. However, the Committee is concerned
with the implementation of the plan since its release in
January 2008. The Committee requests that the NIH report to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
and the Senate by September 30, 2010, on the quantity and
dollar amount of Down syndrome research grants awarded since
the release of the plan, including those awarded through funds
made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
and how all such grants awarded meet the short- and long-term
goals of the plan. In addition, the Committee urges the NIH to
pursue public-private partnerships, when available, to help
leverage the overall research spent on Down syndrome.
Dystonia.--The intramural program at NIH continues to
advance research activities in dystonia, and the Committee
encourages continued support in this area of study.
Fibromyalgia.--The evaluation and treatment of patients
affected by fibromyalgia represent a disproportionate financial
burden on the national health care system in large part because
of a persistent lack of knowledge regarding the fundamental
pathophysiology underlying its complex symptoms. The Committee
urges the NIH, particularly the NIAMS and NINDS, to expand
their emphasis on fibromyalgia research, including animal
models of the disorder, basic science of the pathophysiology of
the disorder in humans, and the development of appropriate
clinical models of patient assessment and care. The Committee
also continues to urge the NIH to establish a center dedicated
to fibromyalgia and related disorders and to support the
convening of an international symposium on fibromyalgia.
Fragile X.--The Committee commends the NIH for developing
the NIH Research Plan on Fragile X Syndrome and Associated
Disorders. The Director is encouraged to dedicate sufficient
resources to implement this plan with the guidance of the
recently established Fragile X Research Coordinating Group, and
in collaboration with the NICHD Fragile X Research Centers, as
well as the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium.
Priorities should include clinical trials of therapies for
treatment of Fragile X syndrome and translational research that
shows significant promise of a safe and effective treatment for
Fragile X syndrome and associated disorders. The Committee
congratulates the NIH and its private foundation partners for
providing a Small Business Innovation Research grant to fund
Fragile X drug development, and it encourages more efforts of
this kind. Finally, the Committee urges the NIH, working with
the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium, to convene a
consensus conference on translational research opportunities in
fiscal year 2010.
Headache Disorders.--The Committee notes that NIH-funded
research efforts on headache disorders have not been
commensurate with their enormous disease burden. The Committee
strongly urges the NINDS to solicit grant applications for
fundamental and translational research on headache disorders
and to recruit new investigators to the field. The Committee
also urges the establishment of a screening program for
therapies for headache disorders comparable in scope to the
Anticonvulsant Screening Program [ASP]. The Center for
Scientific Review is encouraged to provide fair peer review by
ensuring that applications submitted in the area of headache
research will be considered by study sections that include
members who are principally headache research scientists. The
Committee commends the NINDS for recently initiating a process
towards defining headache disorders research benchmarks and
requests an update on the progress of this program in the
fiscal year 2011 congressional budget justification. The
Committee also requests an update on the status of NIH
intramural research programs related to headache disorders.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Disease.--Research on the
lymphatic system is multidisciplinary and does not conform
easily to the mission of any one institute or center. This
situation has contributed to its relative neglect as an
investigative focus. In an attempt to rectify this historical
neglect, the Trans-NIH Working Group was convened in September
2007 to provide recommendations to the participating institutes
and centers for further direction in lymphatic research. The
Committee is discouraged by the lack of progress made with
respect to these recommendations and encourages aggressive
measures to work toward their implementation, including but not
limited to: the creation of centralized core facilities for
experimental molecular and diagnostic lymphatic imaging, the
development and standardization of research reagents, and the
generation of virtual networks to facilitate basic,
translational, and clinical research; the development of
techniques for the quantitative and molecular imaging of
lymphatic function, lymphatic malformations, and lymph nodes;
the creation of interdisciplinary programs to train new
investigators in lymphatic research; the creation of patient
registries and a lymphatic disease tissue bank; the generation
and characterization of animal models to foster and facilitate
investigations in lymphatic biology; and the identification of
suitable panels of biomarkers for lymphatic disease. The
Committee again commends the NHLBI for taking a leadership role
in the Trans-NIH Coordinating Committee and for engaging
consultative expertise, and it encourages the continuation of
these efforts in concert with the other relevant institutes and
centers.
Mitochondrial Disease.--The Committee is aware that the
study of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction presents a
number of unique research challenges and opportunities, and is
by its nature a cross-cutting enterprise. Accordingly, the
Committee applauds the Director for efforts to date to promote
trans-NIH research on mitochondrial disease. The Committee
expects that the Director will continue to treat mitochondrial
disease research as a high priority area within the resources
provided in the Common Fund, including through expanded efforts
to advance fundamental understanding of mitochondrial function
and variation, improved detection and analysis of mitochondrial
proteins, and the accelerated application of systems biology
and computational modeling approaches.
Neurofibromatosis [NF].--NF is an important research area
for multiple NIH institutes. Recognizing NF's connection to
many of the most common forms of cancer, the Committee
encourages the NCI to substantially increase its NF research
portfolio in pre-clinical and clinical trials by applying newly
developed and existing drugs. The Committee also encourages the
NCI to support NF centers, virtual centers, SPORE programs,
pre-clinical mouse consortiums, patient databases, and tissue
banks, and to work together with other NIH institutes and
Government agencies in doing so. The Committee also urges
additional focus from the NHLBI, given NF's involvement with
hypertension and congenital heart disease. The Committee
encourages the NINDS to continue to aggressively explore NF's
implications for conditions such as spinal cord injury,
learning disabilities and memory loss. In addition, the
Committee continues to encourage the NICHD to expand funding of
clinical trials for NF patients in the area of learning
disabilities, including the creation of NF centers involved
with treating and curing these disabilities. NF2 accounts for
approximately 5 percent of genetic forms of deafness; the
Committee therefore encourages the NIDCD to expand its NF2
research portfolio.
NIH-DOE Collaborations.--The Committee applauds the
successes that have been achieved when the NIH has collaborated
with the Department of Energy's National Laboratories,
including the Human Genome Project, advances in bioinformatics,
and breakthroughs in atomic resolution structural biology. The
Committee strongly encourages the NIH Director and directors of
the institutes and centers to pursue additional opportunities
for sustained collaboration in research and development.
Obesity and Asthma/Allergy.--Studies have documented that
the incidence of asthma is 50 percent more common among those
who are overweight or obese. More recently, obesity has been
linked to food allergies as well. The Committee is pleased that
the NHLBI is collaborating with the NICHD in support of a
consortium to evaluate methods to treat and prevent obesity.
The Committee believes that the link between obesity and food
allergy/asthma should be explored through this resource and
that additional investigator-initiated research should be
fostered through other institutes and centers, including the
NIAID, NIEHS, NIDDK, NHGRI and NCMHD.
Overlapping Chronic Disorders.--The Committee notes that
millions of Americans suffer with one or more of the following
chronic disorders: chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis,
fibromyalgia, headache, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel
syndrome, temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders and
vulvodynia. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that these
conditions frequently co-exist or overlap, yet all are poorly
understood. Progress in treating these prevalent, life-altering
disorders has been hindered by their complex genetics and
heterogeneous etiologies; however, studying related or
clinically overlapping chronic conditions can yield unique
biological insight into the mechanisms underlying common
disease. The Committee calls upon the Director to coordinate,
with all relevant institutes and centers, a trans-NIH research
initiative in fiscal year 2010 that will support studies aimed
at identifying common etiological pathways, with the goal of
identifying potential therapeutic targets. The Committee also
requests that the Director hold a conference in fiscal year
2010 that will bring together a wide range of basic and
clinical researchers from multiple specialties, as well as
professional and patient advocacy organizations, to present and
discuss the latest scientific discoveries and develop future
research recommendations. The Committee requests an update on
progress made in this area in the fiscal year 2011
congressional budget justification.
Pain Research.--The Committee is disappointed with the pace
at which NIH is expanding and improving pain research in
general, and in particular with the slow startup of the Pain
Progress Review Group. The Committee urges the NIH to
invigorate the NIH Pain Consortium and focus its efforts on
identifying and filling important gaps in the pain research
agenda, not simply showcasing the relatively small amount of
work currently being done in this area. The Committee also
urges the NIH to work with the Departments of Defense and
Veterans Affairs to coordinate their respective research
efforts on pain conditions afflicting troops returning from the
current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Psoriasis.--The Committee is encouraged by NIAMS' support
of a CORT grant and of a strong follow-up study to the GAIN
grant. The Committee recognizes that researchers are
identifying genes that control immune pathways involved in
psoriasis and giving promise to identifying and developing a
permanent method of control for psoriasis and, eventually, a
cure. The Committee recognizes that additional genetics,
immunology and clinical research focused on understanding the
mechanisms of psoriasis are needed, and it encourages NIAMS and
NIAID to study the genetic susceptibility of psoriasis, develop
animal models of psoriasis, identify and examine immune cells
and inflammatory processes involved in psoriasis, and elucidate
psoriatic arthritis specific genes and other biomarkers. The
Committee also recognizes the mounting evidence of co-
morbidities associated with psoriasis and the 50 percent higher
risk of mortality for people with severe psoriasis. The
Committee urges the NHLBI to consider these factors in its
research, specifically that individuals with severe psoriasis
have an increased risk of heart attack, independent of other
major risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity,
and that for people in their 40's and 50's with severe
psoriasis, the risk of heart attack is more pronounced. The
Committee also urges the NIDDK to consider in its research that
diabetes is more prevalent for patients with severe psoriasis
than for those with mild disease. The Committee encourages the
NIMH to conduct research to better understand why it is
estimated that as many as 52 percent of psoriasis patients
report clinically significant psychiatric symptoms and that
individuals with psoriasis are twice as likely to have thoughts
of suicide.
Rehabilitation Research.--The Committee urges the Director
to take administrative steps to work with the National Center
for Medical Rehabilitation Research [NCMRR] and other relevant
NIH institutes and centers to enhance and increase
collaboration and support for medical rehabilitation and
disability research across the NIH. The Committee believes that
rehabilitation and disability research is well-suited for the
type of cross-disciplinary, translational research that the OD
has made a priority in recent years. Medical rehabilitation
research on traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke
and amputation could all benefit from this approach.
Sex Differences.--For many disorders, the sex of the
patient influences disease etiology, natural history, diagnosis
and treatment alternatives and outcomes. One of the fields
where such differences are most pronounced is neuroscience. The
Committee encourages each of the 15 institutes involved in the
NIH Neuroscience Blueprint to analyze their blueprint research
portfolios to ensure sex is included as a variable, when
appropriate, and to require that all reported results include
sex-specific analysis. The Committee requests an update on
these efforts in the fiscal year 2011 congressional budget
justification.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee encourages the NIDDK, NICHD,
and NINDS to study the causes and care of the neurogenic
bladder in order to improve the quality of life of children and
adults with spina bifida; to support research to address issues
related to the treatment and management of spina bifida and
associated secondary conditions, such as hydrocephalus; and to
invest in understanding the myriad co-morbid conditions
experienced by children with spina bifida, including those
associated with paralysis and developmental delay.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--Given the near-term
scientific opportunity for an effective treatment, the
Committee encourages the Director to establish a trans-NIH
working group on SMA composed of NINDS, NICHD, and NIAMS, as
well as other relevant institutes, to ensure ongoing support of
SMA research and drug development, including vitally needed
support for clinical research efforts in the field. In
particular, the Committee encourages the NINDS to plan for each
of the successive stages of SMA research, including preclinical
testing of multiple compounds and the necessary clinical trials
infrastructure that is needed on a national and coordinated
level to ensure effective treatment studies; it encourages the
NICHD to support large-scale pilot studies that support the
development of a national newborn screening program for SMA;
and it encourages NIAMS to take an active role in research that
would provide a better understanding of the effects of SMA-
linked mutations on muscle as well as research that could
provide therapeutic benefit through actions on muscle. On a
related matter, the Committee is concerned by the lack of
progress made towards the development of a pan-ethnic carrier
screening program for SMA. The Committee strongly encourages
the NHGRI, NICHD, and NINDS to work collaboratively to develop
specific recommendations and guidelines for providers and
patients on such a screening program, and it urges the
institutes to partner with the relevant professional societies
and the advocacy community in this effort. The Committee
expects an update on these activities in the fiscal year 2011
congressional budget justification.
Stem Cell Research.--The Committee is pleased that stem
cell research was included as a special emphasis area in the
NIH Challenge Grant program, a special initiative supported by
ARRA funds to focus on health and science problems amenable to
significant progress within a 2-year timeframe. The Committee
also welcomes the recent release of guidelines for the use of
human embryonic stem cells [hESC] with NIH funds, but is
concerned that implementing the guidelines will delay the
funding of ARRA awards to support hESC and thus frustrate
congressional intent to expedite this important area of
research. Therefore, the Committee encourages the NIH to allow
full 2-year funding of stem cell research awards with ARRA
funds in fiscal year 2010.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee is
encouraged by the potential of NIH-funded TSC research to
reveal a better understanding not only of TSC, but more
prevalent disorders such as autism, epilepsy and cancer.
Because of the ``gateway'' potential of TSC research into these
disorders, the Committee encourages a significant expansion of
TSC research at all relevant institutes, and stronger
coordination of this effort through the Trans-NIH TSC
Coordinating Committee. In particular, the Committee encourages
expanded research at the NICHD, NINDS, NIMH, and ORD targeted
on the role of the TSC1/2 genes and the mTOR pathway in the
mechanisms of epilepsy, autism and mental health issues.
Furthermore, the NINDS, NIAMS, NICHD, NHLBI, NIDDK, NCI, ORD,
and NHGRI are urged to collaborate on the mechanisms of tumor
growth and drug target testing in preclinical models of TSC,
TSC/polycystic kidney disease and lymphangioleiomyomatosis
[LAM]. Finally, the Committee encourages all relevant NIH
institutes to support clinical trials for the manifestations of
TSC and LAM: epilepsy, autism, developmental delay,
neurocognitive and mental health issues, and tumor growth in
the kidneys, brain, skin, heart, liver and eyes.
OFFICE OF AIDS RESEARCH
The Office of AIDS Research [OAR] coordinates the
scientific, budgetary, legislative, and policy elements of the
NIH AIDS research program. The Committee recommendation does
not include a direct appropriation for the OAR. Instead,
funding for AIDS research is included within the appropriation
for each institute, center, and division of the NIH. The
recommendation also includes a general provision which directs
that the funding for AIDS research, as determined by the
Director of the National Institutes of Health and the OAR, be
allocated directly to the OAR for distribution to the
institutes consistent with the AIDS research plan. The
recommendation also includes a general provision permitting the
Director of the NIH and the OAR to shift up to 3 percent of
AIDS research funding among institutes and centers throughout
the year if needs change or unanticipated opportunities arise.
The Committee includes bill language permitting the OAR to
use up to $8,000,000 for construction or renovation of National
Primate Research Centers. This is the same as the fiscal year
2009 level and the budget request.
The Committee notes that the NCI has made numerous
important breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS and supports the allocation
of additional funding to the NCI for research into developing
an HIV/AIDS vaccine.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $625,581,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 125,581,000
House allowance......................................... 100,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 125,581,000
\1\Includes $500,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $125,581,000 for NIH
buildings and facilities; this amount is the same as the budget
request. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $625,581,000,
including $500,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $3,466,491,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,525,467,000
House allowance......................................... 3,551,023,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,561,367,000
The Committee recommends $3,561,367,000 for the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] for
fiscal year 2010. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is
$3,466,491,000 and the administration request is
$3,525,467,000. The recommendation includes $131,585,000 in
transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. SAMHSA is responsible for supporting mental health
programs and alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and
treatment services throughout the country, primarily through
categorical grants and block grants to States.
The Committee has provided funding for programs of regional
and national significance under each of the three SAMHSA
centers: mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and
substance abuse prevention. Separate funding is available for
the children's mental health services program, projects for
assistance in transition from homelessness, the protection and
advocacy program, data collection activities undertaken by the
Office of Applied Studies and the two block grant programs: the
community mental health services block grant and the substance
abuse prevention and treatment block grant.
CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $969,152,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 985,819,000
House allowance......................................... 1,008,182,000
Committee recommendation................................ 988,269,000
The Committee recommends $988,269,000 for mental health
services. The comparable level for fiscal year 2009 is
$969,152,000 and the administration request is $985,819,000.
The recommendation includes $21,039,000 in transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act. Included in
the recommendation is funding for programs of regional and
national significance, the community mental health services
block grant to the States, children's mental health services,
projects for assistance in transition from homelessness, and
protection and advocacy services for individuals with mental
illnesses.
PROGRAMS OF REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Committee recommends $346,252,000 for programs of
regional and national significance. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2009 is $344,438,000 and the administration request
is $335,802,000. Programs of regional and national significance
[PRNS] address priority mental health needs through developing
and applying best practices, offering training and technical
assistance, providing targeted capacity expansion grants, and
changing the delivery system through family, client-oriented
and consumer-run activities.
Within the total provided for CMHS programs of regional and
national significance, the Committee recommendation includes
funding for the following activities:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Budget activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPACITY:
Co-Occurring State Incentive Grant.......................... 3,173 3,611 3,173
Seclusion & Restraint....................................... 2,449 2,449 2,449
Youth Violence Prevention................................... 94,502 94,502 94,502
Safe Schools/Healthy Students........................... 84,320 84,320 84,320
College Emergency Preparedness...................... 2,237 2,237 2,237
School Violence......................................... 10,182 10,182 10,182
National Child Traumatic Stress Network..................... 38,000 38,000 40,000
Children and Family Programs................................ 9,194 9,194 9,194
Mental Health Transformation Activities..................... 5,912 5,912 5,912
Consumer and Family Network Grants.......................... 6,236 6,236 6,236
Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grants......... 26,012 26,012 26,012
Project LAUNCH Wellness Initiative.......................... 20,000 20,000 25,000
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration.............. 7,000 7,000 9,000
Suicide Lifeline............................................ 5,522 4,484 5,522
Garrett Lee Smith--Youth Suicide State Grants............... 29,738 29,738 29,738
Garrett Lee Smith--Youth Suicide Campus Grants.............. 4,975 4,975 4,975
American Indian/Native Suicide Prevention................... 2,944 2,944 2,944
Homelessness Prevention Programs............................ 32,250 32,250 32,250
Older Adult Programs........................................ 4,814 4,814 4,814
Minority AIDS............................................... 9,283 9,283 9,283
Criminal and Juvenile Justice Programs...................... 6,684 6,684 6,684
===============================================
SCIENCE AND SERVICE:
Garrett Lee Smith--Suicide Prevention Resource Center....... 4,957 4,957 4,957
Mental Health Systems Transformation Activities............. 9,349 9,949 9,349
National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.. 544 544 544
SAMHSA Health Information Network........................... 1,920 1,920 1,920
Consumer & Consumer Support Technical Assistance Centers.... 1,927 1,927 1,927
Minority Fellowship Program................................. 4,083 4,083 4,083
Disaster Response........................................... 1,054 1,054 1,054
Homelessness................................................ 2,306 2,306 2,306
HIV/AIDS Education.......................................... 974 974 974
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Trauma.--The Committee reiterates its strong support
for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative [NCTSI].
Within the total for PRNS, the Committee provides $40,000,000
under section 582 of the Public Health Service Act to support
grants to the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
[NCCTS] and academic, clinical, and community-based centers for
the purposes of developing knowledge of best practices,
offering trauma training to child-serving providers, and
providing mental health services to children and families
suffering from PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. The
Committee directs that the $2,000,000 provided over the
comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level be given directly to
the NCCTS to strengthen its authority and capacity to
coordinate the analysis and reporting of child-, family-, and
center-level outcome and other data collected through the NCTSN
core data set. These activities will support the efforts of the
NCCTS to improve evidence-based practices, raise the standard
of trauma care in all child-serving systems, and inform public
health policies for all families affected by trauma.
Foster Youth and Older Adopted Children.--The Committee is
concerned that no funding in SAMHSA is specifically aimed at
addressing the needs of foster youth and older children who are
adopted. This is particularly alarming given that foster youth
suffer depression, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress
disorder, and substance abuse at disproportionately high rates.
While the Committee recognizes that these populations are
served to a limited degree by some existing programs with
broader missions, SAMHSA should consider innovative ways of
recognizing and addressing the unique needs of these youth.
Homeless Services.--The Committee has provided funding at
last year's level for grants to fund mental health, substance
use, and other essential services in housing focused on ending
homelessness. It is the Committee's intent that these grants
provide services linked to permanent supportive housing for
chronically homeless individuals and families, as well as other
housing programs targeted to homeless families, youth, and
individuals.
Minority Fellowships.--The Committee notes that the
demographics of our society are changing dramatically.
Minorities represent 30 percent of the population and are
projected to increase to 40 percent by 2025. Yet only 23
percent of recent doctorates in psychology, social work and
nursing were awarded to minorities. The Committee encourages
SAMHSA to increase funding for the minority fellowship program
in order to train an increasing number of culturally competent
mental health professionals. Increased funding is also needed
given the recent expansion of eligibility for this program to
include additional professions.
Persons with Disabilities.--The Committee urges SAMHSA to
expand and improve its commitment to support services for
persons with co-occurring or multiple disabilities. In
addition, SAMHSA should enhance its monitoring of compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act within agencies and
departments served by its block grants in order to ensure
meaningful access to services and treatments by all
individuals, including persons with co-occurring or multiple
disabilities.
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery.--The Committee
notes that the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery [SOAR]
program has been successful in connecting people with
disabilities experiencing homelessness with Federal disability
benefits and appropriate supportive services, such as housing,
medical benefits, and vocational training. SAMHSA is encouraged
to continue funding the SOAR program within the programs of
regional and national significance, to apply this approach
nationally with adequate technical assistance and to share
lessons learned to assist other disadvantaged populations.
Trauma Services.--The Committee acknowledges the efforts of
the Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Services
Branch to provide trauma services and support for children,
families, and providers through the outstanding and effective
National Child Traumatic Stress Network [NCTSN]. The Committee
supports NCTSN programs that promote the recovery of children,
families and communities impacted by a wide range of trauma,
including physical and sexual abuse, natural disasters,
terrorism, accidental or violent death of a loved one, life-
threatening injury and illness, and refugee and war experience.
SAMHSA, in collaboration with the NCTSN, to expand the national
impact of this important program and increase attention to the
needs of children and families affected by trauma, and those
who are working to support their recovery.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, Sioux $300,000
Falls, SD, for a program serving children with emotional
and behavioral disorders..................................
Cheyenne River Sioux, Eagle Butte, SD, for youth suicide 100,000
and substance abuse prevention programs...................
KidsPeace National Centers of New England, Ellsworth, ME, 150,000
for the programmatic funding necessary to facilitate the
expansion of the KidsPeace Graham Lake Autism Day
Treatment Unit............................................
Oregon Partnership, Portland, OR, to provide suicide 300,000
prevention services to soldiers and military families.....
Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, SD, for suicide prevention 300,000
programs..................................................
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, for mental health 100,000
services for disabled veterans............................
Volunteers of America, Wilkes-Barre, PA, for trauma 100,000
recovery mental health services to children and famil-
ies.......................................................
Youth Dynamics, Inc., Billings, MT, for a training program 100,000
to help meet the mental health needs of those living in
rural or frontier States..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
The Committee recommends $420,774,000 for the community
mental health services block grant, which is the same as the
comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the administration
request. The recommendation includes $21,039,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The community mental health services block grant
distributes funds to 59 eligible States and territories through
a formula based upon specified economic and demographic
factors. Grant applications must include an annual plan for
providing comprehensive community mental health services to
adults with a serious mental illness and children with a
serious emotional disturbance.
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Committee recommends $120,316,000 for the children's
mental health services program. The comparable fiscal year 2009
level for this activity is $108,373,000 and the administration
requested $125,316,000. This program provides grants and
technical assistance to support a network of community-based
services for children and adolescents with serious emotional,
behavioral or mental disorders. Grantees must provide matching
funds, and services must be coordinated with the educational,
juvenile justice, child welfare and primary health care
systems.
PROJECTS FOR ASSISTANCE IN TRANSITION FROM HOMELESSNESS [PATH]
The Committee recommends $65,047,000 for the PATH Program.
The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $59,687,000 and the
administration request is $68,047,000. PATH provides outreach,
mental health, case management and other community support
services to individuals with serious mental illness who are
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The PATH program
makes a significant difference in the lives of homeless persons
with mental illnesses. PATH services eliminate the revolving
door of episodic inpatient and outpatient hospital care.
Multidisciplinary teams address client needs within a continuum
of services, providing needed stabilization so that mental
illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse and medical issues
can be addressed. Aid is provided to enhance access to housing,
rehabilitation and training, and other needed supports, so that
homeless people can return to secure and stable lives.
PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY
The Committee recommends $35,880,000 for the protection and
advocacy for individuals with mental illness [PAIMI] program.
This amount is the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009
level and the administration request. This program helps ensure
that the rights of mentally ill individuals are protected while
they are patients in all public and private facilities, or
while they are living in the community, including their own
homes. Funds are allocated to States according to a formula
based on population and relative per capita incomes.
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $2,192,933,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,238,647,000
House allowance......................................... 2,240,090,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,269,897,000
The Committee recommends $2,269,897,000 for substance abuse
treatment programs. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is
$2,192,933,000 and the administration request is
$2,238,647,000. The recommendation includes $87,796,000 in
transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. This appropriation funds substance abuse treatment
programs of regional and national significance and the
substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant to the
States.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee recommends $451,306,000 for programs of
regional and national significance [PRNS]. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 level is $414,342,000 and the administration
request is $460,056,000. The recommendation includes $8,596,000
in transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act.
Programs of regional and national significance include
activities to increase capacity by implementing service
improvements using proven evidence-based approaches as well as
science to services activities, which promote the
identification of practices thought to have potential for broad
service improvement.
Within the total provided for CSAT programs of regional and
national significance, the Committee recommendation includes
funding for the following activities:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Budget activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPACITY:
Co-occurring State Incentive Grants......................... 4,263 4,263 4,263
Opioid Treatment Programs/Regulatory Activities............. 8,903 8,903 8,903
Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral & Treatment [SBIRT]. 29,106 29,106 29,106
Targeted Capacity Expansion--General........................ 28,989 28,989 28,989
Pregnant & Postpartum Women................................. 16,000 16,000 16,000
Strengthening Treatment Access and Retention................ 1,775 1,775 1,775
Recovery Community Services Program......................... 5,236 5,236 5,236
Access to Recovery.......................................... 98,954 98,954 98,954
Children and Families....................................... 20,678 20,678 30,678
Treatment Systems for Homeless.............................. 42,750 42,750 42,750
Minority AIDS............................................... 65,988 65,988 65,988
Criminal Justice Activities................................. 37,635 87,635 67,635
Treatment Drug Courts................................... 23,882 58,882 43,882
Families Affected by Meth Abuse..................... .............. 5,000 5,000
Ex-Offender Re-Entry.................................... 8,200 23,200 18,200
Services Accountability..................................... 20,816 20,816 20,816
Prescription Drug Monitoring [NASPER]....................... 2,000 2,000 2,000
===============================================
SCIENCE AND SERVICE:
Addiction Technology Transfer Centers....................... 9,081 9,081 9,081
Seclusion and Restraint..................................... 20 20 20
Minority Fellowship Program................................. 547 547 547
Special Initiatives/Outreach................................ 2,400 2,400 2,400
Information Dissemination................................... 4,553 4,553 4,553
National Registry of Evidence-based Programs & Practices.... 893 893 893
SAMHSA Health Information Network........................... 4,255 4,255 4,255
Program Coordination and Evaluation......................... 5,214 5,214 5,214
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adolescent Treatment.--Within the total for Children and
Families, the Committee has provided an increase of $10,000,000
for evidence-based adolescent substance abuse treatment. The
Committee is aware that effective and accessible treatment
services for adolescents with substance use disorders are
urgently needed. Only 9 percent of adolescents aged 12-17 years
with an illicit drug problem receive treatment; similarly, only
7 percent of adolescents with an alcohol problem receive
treatment. Many of the treatment programs designed for adults
do not address the unique cognitive or developmental needs
faced by adolescents. The Committee finds the lack of treatment
options for adolescents disturbing, since a number of
approaches show promising results. The Committee intends that
the increase provided be used for treatment approaches that
have been shown in rigorous evaluations to be effective for
adolescents, that are implemented with fidelity to the original
model and that address geographic areas with unmet needs.
HIV Testing.--The Committee understands that SAMHSA has
established a goal of providing HIV tests to 80 percent of
clients accessing the services of its HIV/AIDS grantees. The
Committee requests that SAMHSA provide an update on its
progress toward meeting this goal in its fiscal year 2011
budget justification.
Substance Abuse Testing.--The Committee commends SAMHSA for
its effort to revise its drug testing policies and update its
alternative testing matrix. Advances in science may offer an
alternative to testers including sweat, hair and oral fluid
testing. The Committee requests that SAMHSA provide an update
on the status of these policy deliberations in its fiscal year
2011 budget justification.
Substance Use and Mental Disorders of Persons with HIV.--
According to the nationally representative HIV Cost and
Services Utilization Study, almost half of persons with HIV/
AIDS screened positive for illicit drug use or a mental
disorder, including depression and anxiety disorder.
Unfortunately, health care providers fail to notice mental
disorder and substance use problems in almost half of patients
with HIV/AIDS, and mental health and substance use screening is
not common practice in primary care settings. Several
diagnostic mental health and substance use screening tools are
currently available for use by non-mental health staff. The
Committee encourages SAMHSA to collaborate with HRSA to train
health care providers to screen HIV/AIDS patients for mental
health and substance use problems.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chesterfield County, VA, for a pretrial diversion program $100,000
for non-violent defendents with mental illness and
substance abuse addiction.................................
City of Farmington, NM, to provide evidence-based substance 150,000
abuse treatment to public inebriates......................
Mercy Recovery Center, Westbrook, ME, for residential 1,000,000
treatment programs........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
The Committee recommends $1,818,591,000 for the substance
abuse prevention and treatment [SAPT] block grant. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $1,778,591,000, the same
as the budget request. The recommendation includes $79,200,000
in transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. The block grant provides funds to States to
support alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment, and
rehabilitation services. Funds are allocated to the States
according to formula. State plans must be submitted and
approved annually.
The Committee remains aware of the collaborative work by
SAMHSA and State substance abuse directors to implement
outcomes data collection and reporting through the National
Outcome Measures [NOMs] initiative. The Committee is pleased
that States continue to make progress in reporting NOMs data
through the SAPT block grant. According to SAMHSA, all States
voluntarily report substance abuse outcome data. State
substance abuse agencies reported significant results in a
number of areas--including abstinence from alcohol and illegal
drug use; criminal justice involvement; employment; and stable
housing. The Committee encourages SAMHSA to continue working
with State substance abuse agencies in order to continue to
help States address technical issues and promote State-to-State
problem-solving solutions.
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $201,003,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 198,259,000
House allowance......................................... 200,009,000
Committee recommendation................................ 200,459,000
The Committee recommends $200,459,000 for programs to
prevent substance abuse. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level
is $201,003,000 and the administration request is $198,259,000.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee has provided $200,459,000 for programs of
regional and national significance [PRNS]. The Center for
Substance Abuse Prevention [CSAP] is the sole Federal
organization with responsibility for improving accessibility
and quality of substance abuse prevention services. Through the
PRNS, CSAP supports: development of new practice knowledge on
substance abuse prevention; identification of proven effective
models; dissemination of science-based intervention
information; State and community capacity building for
implementation of proven, effective substance abuse prevention
programs; and programs addressing new needs in the prevention
system.
Within the total provided for CSAP programs of regional and
national significance, the Committee recommendation includes
funding for the following activities:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Budget activity 2009 Fiscal year Committee
comparable 2010 request recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPACITY:
Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant........ 110,003 110,003 111,777
Grants to States & Territories.......................... 100,670 98,337 100,111
State and Community Performance Initiative.............. 9,333 11,666 11,666
Mandatory Drug Testing...................................... 5,206 5,206 5,206
Minority AIDS............................................... 41,385 41,385 41,385
Methamphetamine............................................. 1,774 1,774 ..............
Program Coordination/Data Coordination and Consolidation Cen- 6,300 6,300 6,300
ter.......................................................
Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking [STOP Act]...... 7,000 7,000 7,000
National Adult-Oriented Media Public Service Campaign... 1,000 1,000 1,000
Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants............ 5,000 5,000 5,000
Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee on the 1,000 1,000 1,000
Prevention of Underage Drinking........................
SCIENCE AND SERVICE:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder............................. 9,821 9,821 9,821
Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies....... 8,511 8,511 8,511
Best Practices Program Coordination......................... 4,789 4,789 4,789
National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.. 650 650 650
SAMHSA Health Information Network........................... 2,749 2,749 2,749
Minority Fellowship Program................................. 71 71 71
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recognizes the importance of the 20 percent
prevention set-aside within the SAPT block grant. The Committee
urges SAMHSA to promote maximum flexibility in the use of
prevention set-aside funds in order to allow each State to
employ prevention strategies that match State and local
circumstances.
The Committee expects CSAP to focus its prevention efforts
on stopping substance use before it starts, with a major focus
on environmental and population-based strategies, due to the
cost effectiveness of these approaches. The Committee also
encourages CSAP to utilize the community coalition enhancement
grant model, pioneered in the Sober Truth on Preventing
Underage Drinking [STOP] Act, as a guide for its prevention
programs. This model builds on the existing, effective and
data-driven community-based coalition infrastructure. It is
also a cost-effective way of investing Federal funds in efforts
to deal with substance use prevention issues at the community
level in order to get maximum results.
Performance Enhancing Drugs.--The Committee is aware of the
use and abuse of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs
by young people. The Committee encourages CSAP to focus
attention on this problem and highlight prevention programs
that prevent the use of these drugs.
Underage Drinking Prevention.--The Committee encourages
SAMHSA, along with other members of the Federal Interagency
Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking
to explore additional ways to combat underage alcohol use, as
described in the Surgeon General's 2007 Call to Action to
Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. Possibilities include the
collection of data regarding the enforcement of underage
drinking laws, as well as the development, testing and
provision of incentives for States to adopt a uniform data
system for reporting State enforcement data.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, $100,000
Inc., Doylestown, PA, to expand drug and alcohol
prevention programs.......................................
Hamakua Health Center, Honokaa, HI, for a youth anti-drug 200,000
program...................................................
Maryland Association of Youth Services Bureaus, Greenbelt, 100,000
MD, for prevention and diversion services to youth and
their families............................................
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, for 100,000
evidence-based prevention programs in schools and
communities to reduce youth substance abuse...............
Waimanlo Health Center, Waimanalo, HI, for a youth anti- 200,000
drug program..............................................
West Virginia Prevention Resource Center, South Charleston, 1,500,000
WV, for drug abuse prevention.............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The Committee recommends $101,947,000 for program
management activities of the agency, the same as the
administration request. The comparable level for fiscal year
2009 is $100,131,000. The recommendation includes $22,750,000
in transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act.
The program management activity includes resources for
coordinating, directing, and managing the agency's programs.
Program management funds salaries, benefits, space, supplies,
equipment, travel, and departmental overhead required to plan,
supervise, and administer SAMHSA's programs.
ST. ELIZABETH'S HOSPITAL
The Committee recommendation includes $795,000, the same as
the administration request, to further remediate the West
Campus of St. Elizabeth's Hospital. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2009 is $772,000.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Appropriations, 2009...................................\1\$1,072,053,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 372,053,000
House allowance......................................... 372,053,000
Committee recommendation................................ 372,053,000
\1\ Includes $700,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $372,053,000 for the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], which is the same as
the administration request. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2009 is $1,072,053,000, which includes $700,000,000
provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The Committee recommendation is funded entirely from transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was
established in 1990 to enhance the quality, appropriateness,
and effectiveness of health services, as well as access to such
services. In order to fulfill this mission, AHRQ conducts,
supports and disseminates scientific and policy-relevant
research on topics such as reducing medical errors, eliminating
health care disparities, the use of information technology, and
the comparative effectiveness of drugs and medical procedures.
AHRQ-supported research provides valuable information to
researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers and patients on
ways to improve our Nation's health system and make health care
more affordable.
HEALTH COSTS, QUALITY, AND OUTCOMES
The Committee provides $314,053,000 for research on health
costs, quality and outcomes [HCQO]. The recommendation is the
same as the administration request. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 is $1,014,053,000, which includes
$700,000,000 provided for comparative effectiveness research in
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The HCQO
research activity is focused upon improving clinical practice,
improving the health care system's capacity to deliver quality
care, and tracking progress toward health goals through
monitoring and evaluation.
Of the amount provided for HCQO, the Committee recommends
$27,645,000 for health information technology [IT]. The
administration requested $44,820,000 for this activity. The
Committee notes that $2,000,000,000 was provided in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the Office of the
National Coordinator for Health IT for accelerating the
adoption of electronic health records and other technology.
The Committee has redirected $17,175,000 from AHRQ's health
IT portfolio in order to fund investigator-initiated research.
The Committee values AHRQ for its unique role in research
relating to comparative effectiveness, patient safety and the
prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Yet the
Committee notes that while funding for these specific
priorities has increased in recent years, AHRQ's investigator-
initiated research activity has languished. New and original
research on other topics in AHRQ's portfolio, such as research
on health disparities, health care financing and organization,
as well as access and coverage, could yield important
contributions to health care reform. The Committee believes
that in order to support innovative research that leads to
improvements in health care delivery, AHRQ must prioritize
investigator-initiated research. The Committee has provided
$23,596,000 within HCQO for this purpose and urges AHRQ to use
these funds to develop a more balanced research agenda,
supporting all aspects of health care research outlined in its
statutory mission.
Building the Next Generation of Researchers.--The Committee
is deeply concerned about declines in the number of, and
funding for, training grants for the next generation of
researchers. The Committee urges AHRQ to provide greater
support to pre- and post-doctoral training grants and
fellowships to ensure America stays competitive in the global
research market.
Comparative Effectiveness Research.--The Committee
encourages AHRQ to expand the Evidence-based Practice Centers
to focus on a broad range of interventions affecting health,
including non-clinical programs and interventions,
organizational and system characteristics, as well as policies
and regulations.
Diabetes.--The Committee notes that appropriate management
of hemoglobin A1c can reduce the risk of complications of
diabetes. Yet several quality measurement programs such as CMS'
Physician Quality Reporting Initiative do not reward
appropriate management of hemoglobin A1c due to the lack of
consensus on a methodology for developing outcomes-focused
measures. The Committee urges AHRQ to advance the development
of an appropriate A1c management quality measure, possibly
through support of organizations that have large A1c databases,
such as the Veterans Administration system, or one of AHRQ's
Accelerating Change and Transformation in Organizations and
Networks [ACTION] partners.
Lyme Disease.--The Committee encourages AHRQ to create a
comprehensive clearinghouse of peer-reviewed tick-borne
diseases literature that will include literature on persistent
infection, appropriately organized for use by the scientific
community, treating physicians, and the public.
Moving Research Into Practice.--Health services research
has great potential to improve health and health care when
widely disseminated and used. The Committee supports AHRQ's
research translation activities, including practice-based
research centers and learning networks that are designed to
better understand health care delivery and move the best
available research and decisionmaking tools into health care
practice. The Committee encourages AHRQ to expand these
programs.
Quality in Endoscopy.--Gastrointestinal [GI] endoscopic
procedures, such as colonoscopy, and other outpatient
procedural services represent a significant portion of
healthcare spending, yet little attention has been focused on
quality improvement. The Committee encourages AHRQ to validate
already published quality measures for procedural services and
to identify best practices that can improve patient outcomes.
Collection of procedure and outcomes data from healthcare
providers will be an important part of the effort to improve
the quality of procedural services such as GI endoscopy.
Restoring Innovation and Competitiveness.--The Committee is
pleased that AHRQ is working to address the decline in
investigator-initiated research opportunities through its
Innovations Research Portfolio. The Committee provides funding
for AHRQ to expand this grant making program to advance
discovery and the free marketplace of ideas, and urges AHRQ to
provide more opportunities for investigator-initiated research
through its other core programs, including the Effective Health
Care Program.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders.--The
Committee is aware that temporomandibular joint and muscle
disorders [TMJDs] affect over 35 million people in the United
States. Symptoms of this disorder range from mild discomfort to
severe pain that causes limitations in speaking, chewing and
swallowing. Health care practitioners have amassed over 50
treatments for TMJDs with virtually no evidence of safety or
efficacy based on randomized controlled clinical trials. The
Committee urges AHRQ to conduct a study of the per-patient cost
and efficacy/effectiveness of treatments for TMJDs, focusing on
developments after a similar study was prepared in 2001.
MEDICAL EXPENDITURES PANEL SURVEYS
The Committee provides $55,300,000 for medical expenditures
panel surveys [MEPS], which is the same as the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2009 and the administration
request. MEPS collects detailed information annually from
families regarding health care use and expenditures, private
and public health insurance coverage, and the availability,
costs and scope of health insurance benefits. The data from
MEPS is used in the development of economic models projecting
the costs and savings of proposed changes in policy, as well as
estimates of the impact of policy changes on payers, providers,
and patients.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
The Committee recommends $2,700,000 for program support.
This amount is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2009 and the administration request. This activity
supports the overall management of the agency.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID
Appropriations, 2009
$189,855,034,000
Budget estimate, 2010
220,962,473,000
House allowance
220,962,473,000
Committee recommendation................................ 220,962,473,000
The Committee recommends $220,962,473,000 for Grants to
States for Medicaid, the same amount as the administration's
request. This amount excludes $71,700,038,000 in fiscal year
2009 advance appropriations for fiscal year 2010. In addition,
$86,789,382,000 is provided for the first quarter of fiscal
year 2011, as requested by the administration.
The Medicaid program provides medical care for eligible
low-income individuals and families. It is administered by each
of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and
the territories. Federal funds for medical assistance are made
available to the States according to a formula, which
determines the appropriate Federal matching rate for State
program costs. This matching rate is based upon the State's
average per capita income relative to the national average, and
shall be no less than 50 percent and no more than 83 percent.
The Committee notes that methadone is a highly addictive
psychostimulant that is used to treat patients with substance
abuse problems, including opiate addiction. In a number of
States, methadone treatment is funded by Federal dollars under
the Medicaid program. The Committee requests that CMS provide a
report to the Committee detailing the total Federal Medicaid
dollars spent in each State to fund methadone treatment. Such
report should include a list of services and prescription drugs
related to methadone treatment funded by Medicaid dollars in
each State.
PAYMENTS TO HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS
Appropriations, 2009
$197,744,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010
207,231,070,000
House allowance......................................... 207,296,070,000
Committee recommendation................................ 207,231,070,000
The Committee recommends $207,231,070,000 for Payments to
Healthcare Trust Funds, the same amount as the administration's
request. This entitlement account includes the general fund
subsidy to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust
Fund for Medicare part B benefits and for Medicare part D drug
benefits and administration, plus other reimbursements to the
Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for part A benefits and
related administrative costs that have not been financed by
payroll taxes or premium contributions. The Committee has
provided $153,060,000,000 for the Federal payment to the
Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. This payment
provides matching funds for premiums paid by Medicare part B
enrollees. The Committee further provides $53,180,000,000 for
the general fund share of benefits paid under Public Law 108-
173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003. The Committee includes bill language
requested by the administration providing indefinite authority
for paying the General Revenue portion of the part B premium
match and provides resources for the part D drug benefit
program in the event that the annual appropriation is
insufficient. The recommendation also includes $414,000,000 for
hospital insurance for the uninsured. The Committee also
recommends $272,000,000 for Federal uninsured benefit payment.
This payment reimburses the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for
the cost of benefits provided to Federal annuitants who are
eligible for Medicare. The Committee recommendation includes
$338,070,000 to be transferred to the Hospital Insurance Trust
Fund as the general fund share of CMS Program Management
administrative expenses. The Committee recommendation also
includes $484,000,000 to be transferred to the Supplementary
Insurance Trust Fund as the general fund share of part D
administrative expenses. The Committee recommendation includes
$311,000,000 in reimbursements to the Health Care Fraud and
Abuse Control [HCFAC] fund.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $3,305,386,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,465,500,000
House allowance......................................... 3,463,362,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,431,500,000
The Committee recommends $3,431,500,000 for CMS program
management. The administration requested $3,465,500,000. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $3,305,386,000.
Research, Demonstrations, and Evaluations
The Committee recommends $38,978,000 for research,
demonstrations, and evaluation activities.
CMS research and demonstration activities facilitate
informed rational Medicare and Medicaid policy choices and
decisionmaking. These studies and evaluations include projects
to measure the impact of Medicare and Medicaid policy analysis
and decisionmaking, projects to measure the impact of Medicare
and Medicaid on healthcare costs, projects to measure patient
outcomes in a variety of treatment settings, and projects to
develop alternative strategies for reimbursement, coverage, and
program management.
The Committee notes the significant health care quality
improvements and cost savings made possible by Medicare
Demonstration Projects. In order to determine how
demonstrations for beneficiaries with high cost conditions can
be effective on a larger scale, the Committee suggests that
funds for Research, Development and Evaluations be used for
programs that have proven successful by meeting quality and
savings targets.
The Committee has included $2,500,000 for Real Choice
Systems Change Grants for Community Living to States to fund
initiatives that establish enduring and systemic improvements
in long-term services and supports.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bi-State Primary Care, Concord, NH, for primary care $650,000
workforce recruitment.....................................
Bi-State Primary Care Association, Concord, NH, to support 600,000
uncompensated care to treat uninsured and underinsured
patients..................................................
Iowa Dental Association, Johnston, IA, for a children's 250,000
dental home demonstration project in Scott County.........
University of Mississippi, University, MS, for the 500,000
Medication Use and Outcomes Research Group................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Operations
The Committee recommends $2,347,862,000 for Medicare
operations. The administration requested $2,363,862,000; the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 was
$2,265,715,000.
The Medicare operations line item covers a broad range of
activities including claims processing and program safeguard
activities performed by Medicare contractors. These contractors
also provide information, guidance, and technical support to
both providers and beneficiaries. In addition, this line item
includes a variety of projects that extend beyond the
traditional fee-for-service arena.
The Committee recommendation includes $65,600,000 for CMS
Medicare contracting reform activities and includes bill
language that extends the availability of those funds until
September 30, 2011.
The Committee recommendation includes $35,681,000 for
contract costs for the Healthcare Integrated General Ledger
Accounting System and includes bill language that extends the
availability of those funds until September 30, 2011.
State Survey and Certification
The Committee recommends $346,900,000 for Medicare State
survey and certification activities, which is the same as the
administration's request. The fiscal year 2009 funding level
was $293,128,000.
Survey and certification activities ensure that
institutions and agencies providing care to Medicare and
Medicaid beneficiaries meet Federal health, safety, and program
standards. On-site surveys are conducted by State survey
agencies, with a pool of Federal surveyors performing random
monitoring surveys.
The Committee has not included language, requested by the
administration, which authorizes the Secretary to charge fees
associated with the cost of conducting revisits of certain
healthcare facilities.
Federal Administration
The Committee recommends $697,760,000 for Federal
administration costs, which is the same as the budget request.
The fiscal year 2009 funding level was $641,351,000.
The Committee continues to be concerned that many seniors
do not have a good understanding of the benefits covered, and
not covered, under the Medicare program. In particular, studies
have indicated that a majority of adults who are 45 or older
overestimate Medicare coverage for long-term care. The
Committee commends CMS for its efforts in establishing the
National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care information.
The Committee directs CMS to include in the next
publication of ``Medicare & You'' information regarding the
importance of writing and updating advance directives and
living wills.
The Committee applauds CMS for its leadership in clearly
outlining the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program
policies regarding routine HIV testing and HIV screening in its
June 2009 letter to State health officials. The policies are
consistent with HIV testing guidelines issued in 2006 by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Committee commends CMS for collaborating with AHRQ to
develop a transparent process to build consensus within the
research community to support which appropriate outcomes
measures or standards should be used in clinical trials to
support research of rehabilitative treatments. The Committee
believes that once these outcomes have been identified and good
research, such as randomized controlled trials, are underway,
patients can be admitted to proper rehabilitation settings
without the concern of reimbursement issues.
The Committee urges CMS to conduct a demonstration project
to identify effective Medication Therapy Management Program
models for low-income Medicare part D enrollees living with
HIV/AIDS. The demonstration project should emphasize evidence-
based prescribing, prospective medication management,
technological innovation and outcome reporting.
The Committee has repeatedly requested that CMS develop
objective admissibility criteria for long-term acute care
hospitals [LTACHs]. In 2007 Congress passed legislation
requiring HHS to make recommendations for such criteria by June
2009 and placed a moratorium on certain regulations relating to
LTACHs until 2010.
With no admissibility criteria forthcoming, legislation has
been introduced to extend the moratoria for another 2 years.
The Committee urges CMS to adopt workable admissibility
criteria as soon as possible. The Committee reaffirms its
belief that long-term acute care hospitals are an important
part of the Medicare continuum of care.
In previous reports, the Committee has recognized the
efficacy of using interactive video technology as a means of
providing intensive behavioral health services to individuals
with serious emotional and behavioral challenges, such as
autism and other at-risk populations. Such demonstration
projects supported by the Committee involved the use of
interactive video technology as an in-home service delivery
model that enabled live training, consultation, and support
directly into the home when and where it was needed for
children with autism and their families.
One of the most serious obstacles to the integration of
telemedicine, especially for intensive behavioral health
services, is the absence of comprehensive reimbursement
policies. The Committee urges CMS to analyze the efficacy of
telehealth technology and recommend adequate and appropriate
reimbursement policies under Medicaid and urges coordination
with those entities that have successfully completed
demonstration projects supported by the Committee. The
Committee requests that CMS provide a report on this to the
Committees on Appropriation no later than 180 days after
enactment of this act.
HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $198,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 311,000,000
House allowance......................................... 311,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 311,000,000
The Committee recommends $311,000,000, to be transferred
from the Medicare trust funds, for healthcare fraud and abuse
control activities. This amount, in addition to the
$1,483,683,000 in mandatory monies for these activities, will
provide a total of $1,467,000,000 for healthcare fraud and
abuse control activities in fiscal year 2010.
The Committee encourages CMS to invest in efforts to apply
data mining and warehousing methodologies to detect fraud,
waste, and abuse. Data mining is increasingly being used to
extract relevant information from large data bases, like those
maintained by CMS. The Committee has included funds for CMS to
expand its efforts, begun in 2006, to link Medicare claims and
public records data and to initiate new demonstration projects
using data mining technologies. The Committee requests that CMS
make recommendations to the Committee on how linking CMS data
might be used to enhance the Medicare and Medicaid Integrity
Programs to reduce fraud and abuse and to better screen
providers.
Reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid
continues to be a top priority of the Committee. The Committee
has held a number of hearings on fraud and abuse issues over
the past 10 years and expects to begin holding more hearings on
this issue over the next 12 months.
Administration for Children and Families
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT
PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $3,316,699,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,571,509,000
House allowance......................................... 3,571,509,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,571,509,000
The Committee recommends $3,571,509,000 be made available
in fiscal year 2010 for payments to States for child support
enforcement and family support programs. The Committee
recommendation is the same as the budget request under current
law. The Committee also has provided $1,100,000,000 in advance
funding for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 for the child
support enforcement program, the same as the budget request.
These payments support the States' efforts to promote the
self-sufficiency and economic security of low-income families.
These funds also support efforts to locate noncustodial
parents, determine paternity when necessary, and establish and
enforce orders of support.
LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2009...................................\1\$5,100,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,200,000,000
House allowance......................................... 5,100,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,100,000,000
\1\Provided in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 110-329).
The Committee recommends $5,100,000,000 for fiscal year
2010 for the low income home energy assistance program
[LIHEAP]. This is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2009, which was provided in the Consolidated
Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations
Act of 2009. The administration requested $3,200,000,000 for
this program. LIHEAP is made up of two components: the State
grant program and a contingency fund.
The Committee recommendation includes $4,509,672,000 for
the State grant program, the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009. The administration requested
$2,410,000,000 for this program. The Committee has continued
the formula used in fiscal year 2009 to distribute funds to
States. LIHEAP grants are awarded to States, territories,
Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to assist low-income
households in meeting the costs of home energy. States have
great flexibility in determining payment levels and the types
of payments provided, such as cash payments to individuals,
payments to vendors and direct provision of fuel. Funds are
distributed by formula based in part on each State's share of
home energy expenditures by low-income households.
The Committee recommends $590,328,000 for the contingency
fund, the same as the comparable funding level for fiscal year
2009. The administration request is $790,000,000. The
contingency fund may be used to provide additional assistance
to one or more States adversely affected by extreme heat or
cold, significant price increases, or other causes of energy-
related emergencies.
REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2009.................................... \1\$715,442,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 740,657,000
House allowance......................................... 714,968,000
Committee recommendation................................ 730,657,000
\1\Includes $82,000,000 in Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2009 funding
(Public Law 111-32).
The Committee recommends $730,657,000 for refugee and
entrant assistance. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2009 is $715,442,000, which includes $82,000,000 in
funding from the Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2009. The
budget request is $740,657,000.
The refugee and entrant assistance program is designed to
assist States in their efforts to assimilate refugees, asylees,
Cuban and Haitian entrants, and adults and minors who are
trafficking victims, into American society as quickly and
effectively as possible. The program funds State-administered
transitional and medical assistance, the voluntary agency
matching grant program, programs for victims of trafficking and
torture, employment and social services, targeted assistance,
and preventive health. This appropriation enables States to
provide 8 months of cash and medical assistance to eligible
refugees and entrants, a variety of social and educational
services, as well as foster care for refugee and entrant
unaccompanied minors.
The Committee recommends $353,332,000 for transitional and
medical assistance, including State administration and the
voluntary agency program. The Committee notes that the number
of refugees is increasing, approaching for the first time since
2001 the refugee ceiling of 80,000 set by the State Department.
In addition, current economic conditions are making it more
difficult for refugees and other entrants to find and maintain
employment. As a result refugees are accessing cash and medical
assistance for longer periods of time. The Committee is
concerned that the administration request for transitional and
medical assistance may not be adequate to provide the full 8
months of benefits for which refugees are eligible. At the same
time, the Committee understands that increased estimates of
unaccompanied alien children [UAC] needing care and placement
due to the implementation of the Wilberforce Trafficking
Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 [TVPRA] have
thus far failed to materialize. Therefore the Committee has
redirected $16,120,000 from the UAC activity to fund the
increased costs of refugee cash and transitional medical
assistance.
The Committee recommendation also includes: $9,814,000 for
victims of trafficking; $154,005,000 for social services;
$4,748,000 for preventive health; and $48,590,000 for targeted
assistance.
For unaccompanied children, pursuant to section 462 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Committee recommends
$149,351,000. Funds provided are for the care and placement of
unaccompanied alien children [UAC] who are apprehended in the
United States by the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] or
other law enforcement agencies. The Committee believes that the
recommendation, together with funding provided in the
Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2009 and available through
fiscal year 2011, is sufficient for ORR to meet its increased
roles and responsibilities relating to the care and custody of
unaccompanied children as a result of the TVPRA.
The Committee recommends $10,817,000 to treat and assist
victims of torture. These funds provide medical and
psychological treatment, social and legal services and
rehabilitation for survivors of torture in their home countries
as they attempt to rebuild their lives in the United States.
The Committee is concerned that only international victims
of trafficking are eligible for funds provided in ORR.
Therefore the Committee urges the administration to include
funds in its fiscal year 2011 budget request for section 202(d)
and 203(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2005 to protect domestic victims of
trafficking.
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR THE CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
Appropriations, 2009...................................\1\$4,127,081,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,127,081,000
House allowance......................................... 2,127,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,127,081,000
\1\Includes $2,000,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $2,127,000,000 for the child care
and development block grant, the same as the administration
request. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is
$4,127,081,000 which includes $2,000,000,000 provided in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The child care and development block grant supports grants
to States to provide low-income families with financial
assistance for child care; for improving the quality and
availability of child care; and for establishing or expanding
child development programs.
The Committee has continued specific set-asides in bill
language that provide targeted resources to specific policy
priorities: $18,960,000 for resource and referral programs, as
well as school-aged child care activities; $9,910,000 for child
care research and evaluation activities; and $271,401,000 for
child care quality activities, including $99,534,000
specifically for infant care quality. These quality funds are
provided in addition to the 4 percent quality earmark
established in the authorizing legislation. The Committee has
included additional quality funds because of the considerable
research showing the importance to child development and school
readiness of serving children in high quality child care
settings, which include adequately compensated, nurturing
providers who are specially trained in child development.
The Committee recommendation for resource and referral
activities includes $1,000,000 to continue support for a
national toll-free hotline that assists families in accessing
local information on child care options and that provides
consumer education materials.
The Committee supports the emphasis on improving the
quality of infant and toddler care through the child care and
development block grant. As the Secretary develops strategies
for improving the quality of infant and toddler care,
particularly in family, friend and neighbor care settings, the
Committee encourages the Secretary to invest in proven family
support approaches that utilize uniquely designed materials for
informal in-home care providers.
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $1,700,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,700,000,000
House allowance......................................... 1,700,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,700,000,000
The Committee recommends $1,700,000,000 for fiscal year
2010 for the social services block grant [SSBG]. This is the
same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. The SSBG is a flexible source of
funding that allows States to provide a diverse array of
services to low-income children and families, the disabled and
the elderly.
The Committee regards SSBG as a critical source of funding
for services that protect children from neglect and abuse,
including providing foster and respite care, as well as related
services for children and families, persons with disabilities,
and older adults. The Committee recognizes the importance of
this program, especially in providing mental health and
counseling services to underserved populations, and recommends
continued usage and flexibility of these funds for such
purposes.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2009..................................\1\$12,451,111,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 9,459,559,000
House allowance......................................... 9,436,951,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,310,465,000
\1\Includes $3,150,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $9,310,465,000 for fiscal year
2010 for children and families services programs. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is
$12,451,111,000, which includes $3,150,000,000 provided in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [ARRA]. The
budget request is $9,459,559,000. The recommendation includes
$5,762,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act.
This appropriation provides funding for programs for
children, youth, and families, the developmentally disabled,
and Native Americans, as well as Federal administrative costs.
Head Start
The Committee recommends $7,234,783,000 for Head Start, the
same as the administration request. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 is $9,212,786,000, which includes
$2,100,000,000 in funding provided in ARRA.
Head Start provides comprehensive development services for
low-income children and families that emphasize cognitive and
language development, socio-emotional development, physical and
mental health, and parent involvement to enable each child to
develop and function at his or her highest potential. At least
10 percent of enrollment opportunities in each State are made
available to children with disabilities.
The Committee recommendation is sufficient to allow Head
Start to serve approximately 978,000 children, including an
increase of 69,000 children served as a result of the funding
provided in ARRA. The Committee has included bill language
requested by the administration that clarifies the calculation
of the Head Start base grant for fiscal year 2010.
The Head Start Bureau shall continue to provide the
Committee with the number and cost of buses purchased, by
region, with Head Start funds in the annual congressional
budget justification.
Family Treatment.--The Committee is aware of collaborative
efforts between some Head Start grantees and family treatment
centers. In these programs, Head Start and Early Head Start
services are provided to children that reside with their
mothers in residential treatment facilities serving women
impacted by substance abuse as well as mental illness,
homelessness and domestic violence. The Committee believes that
locating Head Start services in such facilities could yield
promising outcomes for at-risk families by improving mother-
child bonding and attachment, as well as focusing attention on
the children's social-emotional and developmental growth. The
Committee urges the Head Start Bureau to highlight these
collaborative programs as promising models for other grantees
to replicate.
Vision Screening.--The Committee recognizes that vision
disorders are the leading cause of impaired health in childhood
and is concerned that, while Head Start currently requires
children to be screened for vision problems, there are no
procedures for training, tracking, or even conducting these
screenings. This lack of a national uniform standard continues
to cause many Head Start enrollees to fall through the cracks.
The Committee supports the expansion of the efforts of the
Office of Head Start to ensure that all Head Start enrollees
receive vision screening services and other resources available
to them in their community.
Consolidated Runaway and Homeless Youth Program
The Committee recommends $97,234,000 for the consolidated
runaway and homeless youth program. This is the same as the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 and the budget
request. This program consists of the basic center program,
which provides temporary shelter, counseling, and after-care
services to runaway and homeless youth under age 18 and their
families, and the transitional living program, which is
targeted to older youth ages 16 to 21.
Basic centers and transitional living programs provide
services to help address the needs of some of the estimated 1.3
million to 2.8 million runaway and homeless youth, many of whom
are running away from unsafe or unhealthy living environments.
These programs have been proven effective at lessening rates of
family conflict and parental abuse, as well as increasing
school participation and the employment rates of youth.
Runaway Youth Prevention Program
The Committee recommends $17,721,000 for the runaway youth
prevention program. This is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This
competitive grant program awards funds to private nonprofit
agencies for the provision of services to runaway, homeless,
and street youth. Funds may be used for street-based outreach
and education, including treatment, counseling, provision of
information, and referrals for these youths, many of whom have
been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual
abuse.
Child Abuse Programs
The Committee recommends $109,294,000 for child abuse
programs. The comparable level for fiscal year 2009 is
$109,981,000 and the administration request is $107,569,000.
The recommendation includes $26,535,000 for State grants,
$41,070,000 for discretionary activities, and $41,689,000 for
community-based child abuse prevention. These programs seek to
improve and increase activities which identify, prevent, and
treat child abuse and neglect through State grants, technical
assistance, research, demonstration, and service improvement.
The Committee recommendation includes $13,500,000 within
child abuse discretionary activities for the third year of the
home visitation initiative. This is the same as the comparable
level for fiscal year 2009 and the administration request. This
program provides competitive grants to States to encourage
investment of existing funding streams into evidence-based home
visitation models. The Committee continues to direct the
Administration for Children and Families [ACF] to ensure that
States use the funds to support models that have been shown, in
well-designed randomized controlled trials, to produce sizable,
sustained effects on important child outcomes such as abuse and
neglect.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addison County Parent Child Center, Middlebury, VT, to $100,000
support and expand parental education activi- ties..
County of Contra Costa, Martinez, CA, for an 200,000
initiative for children and adolescents exposed to
domestic violence....................................
Klingberg Family Centers, Hartford, CT, for child 125,000
abuse prevention and intervention services...........
Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries, Medford, OR, 100,000
to provide early childhood development and education
for children at risk of abuse and neglect............
Parents Anonymous, Inc., Claremont, CA, for a national 500,000
parent helpline to prevent child abuse and neglect...
Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, Montpelier, VT, to expand 500,000
the SAFE-T Prevention Program........................
Wynona's House, Newark, NJ, for a child sexual abuse 200,000
intervention program.................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abandoned Infants Assistance
The Committee recommends $11,628,000 for abandoned infants
assistance, which is the same as the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This program
provides grants to public and private community and faith-based
organizations to develop, implement, and operate demonstration
projects that prevent the abandonment of infants and young
children impacted by substance abuse and HIV. Funds may be used
to provide respite care for families and caregivers, allow
abandoned infants and children to reside with their natural
families or in foster care, and carry out residential care
programs for abandoned infants and children who are unable to
reside with their families or be placed in foster care.
Child Welfare Services
The Committee recommends $281,744,000 for child welfare
services. This is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This program helps
State and tribal public welfare agencies improve their child
welfare services with the goal of keeping families together.
States and tribes provide a continuum of services that: prevent
child neglect, abuse, or exploitation; allow children to remain
with their families, when appropriate; promote the safety and
permanence of children in foster care and adoptive families;
and provide training and professional development to the child
welfare workforce.
Child Welfare Training
The Committee recommends $27,207,000 for child welfare
training, the same as the administration request. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $7,207,000.
These discretionary grants are awarded to institutions of
higher learning and other nonprofit organizations for
demonstration projects that encourage experimental and
promising types of child welfare services, as well as projects
that improve education and training programs for child welfare
service providers.
The Committee recommendation includes $20,000,000 as
requested by the administration to fund innovative strategies
that improve outcomes for children in long-term foster care.
The Committee recognizes that achieving permanency for children
in foster care is a systemic problem, and that children in care
for extended periods of time can have significant behavioral,
mental, and physical health problems. This funding will provide
incentives to grantees to identify and implement evidence-based
approaches that increase permanent placements for these
children.
Adoption Opportunities
The Committee recommends $26,379,000 for adoption
opportunities, which is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This program
funds demonstration grants that eliminate barriers to adoption
and help find permanent homes for children who would benefit by
adoption, particularly children with special needs.
Adoption Incentives
The Committee recommends $39,500,000 for adoption
incentives, which is the same as the budget request. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $36,500,000.
This program provides incentive funds to States to encourage an
increase in the number of adoptions of children from the foster
care system. The recommendation will fully fund adoption
incentives earned by States under current law.
Adoption Awareness
The Committee recommends $12,953,000 for adoption
awareness, which is the same as the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This program
consists of two activities: the infant adoption awareness
program and the special needs adoption awareness program.
The infant adoption awareness program provides grants for
the training of health center staff to inform pregnant women
about adoption and to make referrals on request to adoption
agencies. Within the Committee recommendation, $10,058,000 is
available for this purpose.
The special needs adoption program provides for the
planning, development, and operation of a national campaign to
inform the public about the adoption of children with special
needs. The Committee recommendation includes $2,895,000 for
this activity.
Compassion Capital Fund
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
the Compassion Capital Fund. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2009 is $47,688,000. The administration proposed to
eliminate funding for this program. The Committee has not
provided funding for this program due to concerns that it lacks
accountability and adequate performance measures.
Strengthening Communities Fund
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
the Strengthening Communities Fund. The administration
requested $50,000,000 for this activity. The Committee notes
that $50,000,000 was provided for this new program in ARRA, and
available until September 30, 2010, to help communities
affected by the economic downturn.
Social Services Research
The Committee recommends $9,637,000 for social services
research, which includes $5,762,000 in transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $20,260,000
and the budget request is $5,762,000. These funds support
research and evaluation of programs that are cost-effective,
that increase the stability and economic independence of
American families, and that contribute to healthy development
of children and youth.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
211 Maine, Inc., Portland, ME, to provide for $150,000
telephone connections to community health and social
services.............................................
AVANCE, Inc., San Antonio, TX, for a parent-child 200,000
education program....................................
Campus Kitchens Project, Washington DC, for services 75,000
to the homeless community............................
Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies, 200,000
Wethersfield, CT, for a Family Development Network...
Connecting for Children and Families, Inc., 300,000
Woonsocket, RI, to provide training and assistance to
economically challenged families.....................
Erie Neighborhood House, Chicago, IL, for an 250,000
initiative addressing the needs of low-income
children with emotional or behavioral difficulties...
Friends Association for Care and Protection of 100,000
Children, West Chester, PA, for emergency services
for homeless families................................
Horizons for Homeless Children, Boston, MA, for 100,000
continued development of programs for homeless
children.............................................
Michigan Association of United Ways, Lansing, MI, to 200,000
provide work supports through a statewide 2-1-1
system...............................................
Provo City, UT, for a mentoring program for at-risk 350,000
families.............................................
SingleStop USA, New York, NY, to help low-income 150,000
families and individuals in New Jersey access
available services...................................
TLC for Children and Families, Inc, Olathe, KS, for 200,000
youth transitional living programs...................
United Methodist Children's Home of Alabama and West 100,000
Florida, Selma, AL, for expansion and related
expenses for children's services.....................
United Way, Anchorage, AK, for the Alaska 2-1-1 100,000
referral system......................................
United Way of Central Maryland, Baltimore, MD, to 800,000
provide social services through the 2-1-1 Maryland
Program..............................................
United Way of the Capital Area, Jackson, MS, for 2-1-1 400,000
Mississippi..........................................
Washington Asset Building Coalition, Olympia, WA, to 100,000
expand financial education and counseling services to
low-income residents.................................
Washington Information Network, Renton, WA, to improve 100,000
and expand 2-1-1 referral services...................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Developmental Disabilities
The Committee recommends $187,855,000 for programs
administered by the Administration on Developmental
Disabilities [ADD]. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2009 is $183,855,000, the same as the administration
request.
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities supports
community-based delivery of services which promote the rights
of persons of all ages with developmental disabilities.
Developmental disability is defined as severe, chronic
disability attributed to mental or physical impairments
manifested before age 22, which causes substantial limitations
in major life activities. The ADD also provides funding for
election assistance for individuals with disabilities. This
program is for individuals with any type of disability.
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $75,816,000
for State and Territorial Councils. These important entities
work to develop, improve, and expand the system of services and
supports for people with developmental disabilities. By
engaging in activities such as training, public education,
capacity-building and advocating for change in State policies,
Councils on Developmental Disabilities support the inclusion
and integration of individuals with developmental disabilities
in all aspects of community life.
The Committee recommends $41,024,000 for protection and
advocacy grants. This formula grant program provides funds to
States to establish protection and advocacy systems to protect
the legal and human rights of persons with developmental
disabilities who are receiving treatment, services, or
rehabilitation.
The Committee recommends $17,410,000 for disabled voter
services. Of these funds, $12,154,000 is to promote disabled
voter access and $5,256,000 is for disabled voters protection
and advocacy systems. The election assistance for individuals
with disabilities program was authorized in the Help America
Vote Act of 2002. The program enables grantees to make polling
places more accessible and increase participation in the voting
process of individuals with disabilities.
The Committee recommends $14,162,000 for projects of
national significance to assist persons with developmental
disabilities. This program funds grants and contracts that
develop new technologies and demonstrate innovative methods to
support the independence, productivity, and integration into
the community of persons with developmental disabilities.
The Committee recommends $39,443,000 for the University
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities [UCEDDs],
a network of 67 university-based centers that provide
interdisciplinary education, conduct research, and develop
model services for children and adults with disabilities. The
Centers serve as the major vehicle to translate disability-
related research into community practice and to train the next
cohort of future professionals who will provide services and
supports to an increasingly diverse population of people with
disabilities. The Committee recommendation will support
training initiatives for new and emerging needs, such as
developing effective services for people with autism spectrum
disorder, as well as partnerships with minority-serving
institutions to focus research, training and services on
minority populations with disabilities.
The Committee is aware that individuals with autism, their
families and other caregivers need a trusted source of
information about evidence-based interventions, services, and
protocols that can assist individuals with autism and other
developmental disabilities. The Committee encourages the
Secretary to establish a national autism family resource and
information center, which could provide individuals living with
autism and their families the information they need to access
needed services.
Native American Programs
The Committee recommends $49,023,000 for Native American
programs. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is
$47,023,000, the same as the budget request. The Administration
for Native Americans [ANA] assists tribal and village
governments, Native Indian institutions and organizations to
support and develop stable, diversified local economies. In
promoting social and economic self-sufficiency, ANA provides
financial assistance through direct grants for individual
projects, training and training, and research and demonstration
programs.
The Committee recommends that $12,000,000 of the total
provided to ANA be available to fund activities authorized
under section 803C(b)(7)(A)-(C) of the Native American Programs
Act, as amended by the Esther Martinez Native American
Languages Preservation Act of 2006. The Committee expects that
no less than $4,000,000 of this funding be allocated to
language immersion programs.
Community Services
The Committee recommends $775,313,000 for community
services programs. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2009 is $1,775,313,000, which includes $1,000,000,000 provided
in ARRA. The administration requested $765,313,000 for this
activity.
Within the funds provided, the Committee recommends
$700,000,000 for the community services block grant [CSBG],
which is the same as the administration request. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 funding level is $1,700,000,000, which
includes $1,000,000,000 provided in ARRA. The CSBG is used to
make formula grants to States and Indian tribes to provide a
wide range of services and activities to alleviate causes of
poverty in communities and to assist low-income individuals in
becoming self-sufficient.
Several other discretionary programs are funded from this
account. Funding for these programs is recommended at the
following levels for fiscal year 2010: community economic
development, $36,000,000; individual development accounts,
$24,025,000; job opportunities for low-income individuals,
$5,288,000; and rural community facilities, $10,000,000. The
administration proposed to eliminate funding for rural
community facilities.
In order to support the work of Community Development
Corporations, the Committee encourages the Office of Community
Services to implement technical assistance authority authorized
under section 680 (a)(2))(E) of the Community Services Block
Grant Act.
Domestic Violence Hotline
The Committee recommends $3,209,000 for the national
domestic violence hotline, which is the same as the comparable
fiscal year 2009 level and the administration request. This
activity funds the operation of a national, toll-free, 24-
hours-a-day telephone hotline to provide information and
assistance to victims of domestic violence.
Family Violence Prevention and Services
The Committee recommends $127,776,000 for the family
violence prevention and services program, which includes
battered women's shelters. This is the same as the comparable
amount for fiscal year 2009 and the administration request.
These funds support community-based projects which operate
shelters and provide assistance for victims of domestic
violence and their dependents. Grantees use funds to provide
counseling, self-help, and referral services to victims and
their children.
Mentoring Children of Prisoners
The Committee recommends $49,314,000 for mentoring children
of prisoners, which is the same as the comparable amount for
fiscal year 2009 and the administration request. This program
provides competitive grants to community organizations to
create and sustain mentoring relationships between children of
prisoners and adults in their community. Research indicates
that mentoring programs can help children with incarcerated
parents reduce their drug and alcohol use, improve their
relationships and academic performance, and reduce the
likelihood that they will initiate violence.
Independent Living Training Vouchers
The Committee recommends $45,351,000 for independent living
training vouchers, which is the same as the comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding level and the administration request. This
program supports vouchers of up to $5,000 per year for post-
secondary educational and training for foster care youth up to
21 years of age. This program increases the likelihood that
individuals who age out of the foster care system will be
better prepared to live independently and contribute
productively to society.
Disaster Human Services Case Management
The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000, the same
as the administration request, for a new program to provide
disaster human case management services. This program will
ensure that States have the capacity to meet social service
needs during disasters such as Hurricane Katrina by helping
disaster victims prepare recovery plans, referring them to
service providers and FEMA contacts in order to identify needed
assistance, and providing ongoing support and tracking through
the recovery process.
Abstinence Education
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
community-based abstinence education. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2009 is $99,114,000. The administration did not
request funding for this program. The Committee has redirected
funding from this program to a new initiative in the Office of
the Secretary that will fund a range of evidence-based programs
that reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,
including HIV. The Committee notes that programs formerly
receiving abstinence education funding are eligible for funding
under this new initiative, provided they meet the evidence-
based criteria.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
The Committee recommendation does not include funding in
ACF for the President's teen pregnancy prevention initiative.
The administration requested $114,455,000 for this activity.
The Committee applauds the administration for developing a new
teen pregnancy proposal that focuses on evidence-based,
effective interventions. The Committee has funded this
initiative in the Office of the Secretary due to the public
health expertise necessary to implement evidence-based
approaches to reducing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV.
Faith-based Center
The Committee recommends $1,376,000 for the operation of
the Department's Center for Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives. This amount is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 and the budget request.
Program Administration
The Committee recommends $206,930,000 for program
administration. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2009 is $196,930,000 and the administration request is
$217,624,000.
The Committee recommendation provides $1,000,000 to be
transferred to the National Commission on Children and
Disasters, which is preparing a report to the President and
Congress on its recommendations to address the needs of
children as they relate to preparation for, response to and
recovery from emergencies and disasters.
PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $408,311,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 408,311,000
House allowance......................................... 408,311,000
Committee recommendation................................ 408,311,000
The Committee recommends $408,311,000 for promoting safe
and stable families. This is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 and the administration request. The
recommendation consists of $345,000,000 in mandatory funds
authorized by the Social Security Act and $63,311,000 in
discretionary appropriations.
Funds available through the promoting safe and stable
families [PSSF] program support activities that can prevent
family crises from emerging which might require the temporary
or permanent removal of a child from his or her own home.
Grants allow States to operate coordinated programs of family
preservation services, time-limited family reunification
services, community-based family support services, and adoption
promotion and support services.
PAYMENTS FOR FOSTER CARE AND PERMANENCY
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $5,409,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 5,532,000,000
House allowance......................................... 5,532,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,532,000,000
The Committee recommends $5,532,000,000 for payments for
foster care and permanency, an appropriated entitlement which
includes funding for the foster care, adoption assistance,
guardianship assistance, and independent living programs. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is
$5,409,000,000. In addition, the Committee recommendation
provides $1,850,000,000 for an advance appropriation for the
first quarter of fiscal year 2011. The Committee recommendation
provides the full amount requested under current law.
The foster care program, authorized under title IV-E of the
Social Security Act, provides Federal reimbursement to States
and tribes for maintenance payments to families and
institutions caring for eligible foster children. Funds are
matched at the Federal medical assistance percentage [FMAP]
rate for each State. Funding is also provided for
administrative costs for the management of the foster care
program, as well as training costs for foster care workers and
parents.
The adoption assistance program provides funds to States
for maintenance payments and the nonrecurring costs of adoption
for children with special needs. The goal of this program is to
facilitate the adoption of hard-to-place children in permanent
homes, and thus prevent long, inappropriate stays in foster
care. As in the foster care program, State administrative and
training costs are eligible under this program for Federal
reimbursement subject to a matching rate.
Public Law 110-351, the Fostering Connections to Success
and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, created a new IV-E
guardianship assistance program. This program gives States and
tribes an option under their IV-E foster care programs to
provide assistance payments to relatives taking legal
guardianship of eligible children who have been in foster care.
The independent living program provides services to foster
children under 18 and foster youth ages 18-21 to help them make
the transition to independent living by engaging in a variety
of services including educational assistance, life skills
training and health services. States are awarded grants based
on their share of the number of children in foster care,
subject to a matching requirement.
Administration on Aging
AGING SERVICES PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2009...................................\1\$1,593,843,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,493,843,000
House allowance......................................... 1,530,881,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,495,038,000
\1\Includes $100,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,495,038,000
for the Administration on Aging [AoA]. The comparable fiscal
year 2009 level is $1,593,843,000, which includes $100,000,000
appropriated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009. The administration requested $1,493,843,000 for this
agency.
Supportive Services and Senior Centers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $361,348,000
for supportive services and senior centers. This amount is the
same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. The supportive services program
provides formula grants to States and territories to fund
activities that help seniors remain in their homes for as long
as possible. This program funds a wide range of social services
such as multipurpose senior centers, adult day care,
transportation, and in-home assistance such as personal care
and homemaker assistance. State agencies on aging award funds
to designated area agencies on aging that, in turn, make awards
to local services providers. All individuals age 60 and over
are eligible for services, although, by law, priority is given
to serving those who are in the greatest economic and social
need, with particular attention to low-income minority older
individuals, older individuals with limited English
proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.
Preventive Health Services
The Committee recommends $21,026,000 for preventive health
services, which is the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009
level and the administration request. The preventive health
services program funds activities that help seniors stay
healthy and avoid chronic disease, thus reducing the need for
more costly medical interventions. Services provided include
health screenings, physical fitness, medication management, and
information and outreach regarding healthy behaviors.
Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans
The Committee recommends $22,383,000 for grants to States
for protection of vulnerable older Americans. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 level is $21,383,000, the same as the
administration request. Within the Committee recommendation,
$17,327,000 is for the ombudsman services program and
$5,056,000 is for the prevention of elder abuse program. Both
programs provide formula grants to States to prevent the abuse,
neglect, and exploitation of older individuals. The ombudsman
program focuses on the needs of residents of nursing homes and
other long-term care facilities, while elder abuse prevention
targets its message to the elderly community at large.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The Committee recommends $154,220,000 for the national
family caregiver support program, which is the same as the
comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the administration
request. Funds appropriated for this activity establish a
multifaceted support system in each State for family
caregivers, allowing them to care for their loved ones at home
for as long as possible. States may use funding to include the
following five components into their program: information to
caregivers about available services; assistance to caregivers
in gaining access to services; caregiver counseling and
training; respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily
relieved from their caregiving responsibilities; and limited
supplemental services that fill remaining service gaps.
Native American Caregiver Support Program
The Committee recommendation includes $6,389,000 to carry
out the Native American caregiver support program. This amount
is the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. The program assists tribes in providing
multifaceted systems of support services for family caregivers
and for grandparents or older individuals who are relative
caregivers.
Congregate and Home-delivered Nutrition Services
For congregate nutrition services, the Committee recommends
an appropriation of $434,269,000, the same as the
administration request. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level
is $499,269,000, which includes $65,000,000 appropriated in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For home-
delivered meals, the Committee recommends $214,459,000, the
same as the administration request. The comparable fiscal year
2009 level is $246,459,000, which includes $32,000,000
appropriated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
These programs address the nutritional needs of older
individuals. Projects funded must make home-delivered and
congregate meals available at least once a day, 5 days a week,
and each meal must meet a minimum of one-third of daily dietary
requirements. While States receive separate allotments of funds
for congregate meals, home-delivered meals and supportive
services, they have flexibility to transfer funds between these
programs.
Nutrition Services Incentives Program
The Committee recommendation includes $161,015,000 for the
nutrition services incentives program [NSIP]. This amount is
the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. This program augments funding for
congregate and home-delivered meals provided to older adults.
Funds provided under this program are dedicated exclusively to
the provision of meals. NSIP rewards effective performance by
States and tribal organizations in the efficient delivery of
nutritious meals to older individuals through the use of cash
or commodities.
Aging Grants to Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations
The Committee recommends $27,208,000 for grants to Native
Americans, the same as the administration request. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $30,208,000, which
includes $3,000,000 appropriated in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under this program, awards are made
to eligible organizations based on their share of Native
American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiians aged 60 and over.
These tribal organizations assure that a broad range of
supportive services, nutrition services, information, and
assistance are available.
Program Innovations
The Committee recommends $14,244,000 for program
innovations. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is
$18,172,000 and the administration request is $13,049,000.
These funds support activities that expand public understanding
of aging and the aging process, apply social research and
analysis to improve access to and delivery of services for
older individuals, test innovative ideas and programs to serve
older individuals, and provide technical assistance to agencies
that administer the Older Americans Act.
The Committee has provided $1,000,000 to continue support
for a 24-hour call center that provides Alzheimer family
caregivers with professional care consultation and crisis
intervention.
The Committee continues to support funding at no less than
last year's level for national programs scheduled to be
refunded in fiscal year 2010 that address a variety of issues,
including elder abuse, Native American issues, and legal
services.
Civic Engagement.--The Committee strongly supports the
multigenerational and civic engagement activities authorized
under section 417 of the Older Americans Act. The Committee is
aware of a program using older volunteers as tutors that has
significantly improved the reading skills of students, as well
as improved the mental and physical health of volunteers. The
Committee encourages AoA to continue its work in advancing the
field of civic engagement for older Americans by partnering
with organizations with proven experience in creating
innovative opportunities for older Americans to serve their
communities.
Older Adults and Mental Health.--The Committee recognizes
that older adults are among the fastest growing subgroups of
the U.S. population. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of older
adults have a mental or behavioral health problem. Older white
males (age 85 and over) currently have the highest rates of
suicide of any group in the United States. The Committee
acknowledges the importance of addressing the mental and
behavioral health needs of older adults and encourages AoA to
implement the provisions related to mental and behavioral
health that were signed into law as part of the Older Americans
Act Amendments of 2006.
Transportation.--The Committee is aware of the rapidly
growing need for transportation services for older Americans.
In order to expand resources to meet this need, the Committee
encourages AoA to fund section 416 of the Older Americans Act.
Such funding could support successful, entrepreneurial models
of economically sustainable transportation that supplement
publicly funded services by accessing private resources and
voluntary local community support, and that do not rely on
Federal or other public financial assistance after 5 years.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gallagher Outreach Program Inc, Sunnyside, NY, for $200,000
outreach and social services to elderly Irish
immigrants...........................................
Jewish Family Services of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 300,000
for community-based caregiver services...............
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, for 100,000
services at a naturally occurring retirement
community............................................
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc., Rochester, NY, 100,000
for activities to prevent elder abuse................
Mosaic, Garden City, KS, for the legacy senior 300,000
services initiative..................................
PACE Greater New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, to provide 100,000
seniors with alternatives to institutionalized care.
Washoe County Senior Services, Carson City, NV, for 95,000
the RSVP Home Companion Senior Respite Care Program..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aging Network Support Activities
The Committee recommends $44,283,000 for aging network
support activities, the same as the administration request. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $41,694,000. The Committee
recommendation includes funding at the administration request
level for the Eldercare Locator, which is a toll-free,
nationwide directory assistance service for older Americans and
their caregivers. Established in 1991, the service links over
100,000 callers annually to an extensive network of resources
for aging Americans and their caregivers.
The Committee recommendation includes $30,589,000 to
continue national implementation of health and long-term care
programs which seek to allow seniors to remain healthy and live
independently in their own communities for as long as possible.
These programs, formerly known as the Choices for Independence
program, include nursing home diversion, aging and disability
resource centers, and evidence-based disease prevention
activities. Funds are also included, as requested by the
administration, for an evaluation that will test the impacts
and outcomes of these programs.
Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States
The Committee recommends a funding level of $11,464,000 for
Alzheimer's disease demonstration grants to States, which is
the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. This program provides competitively
awarded matching grants to States to encourage program
innovation and coordination of public and private services for
individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The
Committee urges the AoA to continue this program with a focus
on early intervention and chronic care management, particularly
among underserved populations.
Lifespan Respite Care
The Committee recommends $2,500,000 for the Lifespan
Respite Care program, the same as the comparable fiscal year
2009 level and the administration request. The Committee
provides funding for this program in AoA, rather than the
Office of the Secretary as requested by the administration,
since administrative responsibility for the program has been
tranferred to AoA. The Lifespan Respite Care program provides
grants to States to expand respite care services to family
caregivers, improve the local coordination of respite care
resources, and improve access and quality of respite care
services, thereby reducing family caregiver strain.
The Committee recognizes the essential role of family
caregivers who provide a significant proportion of our Nation's
health and long-term care for the chronically ill and aging.
Respite care can provide family caregivers with relief
necessary to maintain their own health, bolster family
stability and well-being, and avoid or delay more costly
nursing home or foster care placements. The Committee urges AoA
to ensure that State agencies and Aging and Disability Resource
Centers use the funds to serve all age groups, chronic
conditions and disability categories equitably and without
preference.
Program Administration
The Committee recommends $20,230,000 for program
administration. The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is
$18,696,000 and the administration request is $21,230,000.
These funds support salaries and related expenses for program
management and oversight activities.
Office of the Secretary
GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $393,276,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 407,049,000
House allowance......................................... 402,452,000
Committee recommendation................................ 483,779,000
The Committee recommends $483,779,000 for general
departmental management [GDM]. The comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level was $393,276,000. The administration requested
$407,049,000 for this activity. The Committee recommendation
includes the transfer of $5,851,000 from Medicare trust funds,
which is the same as the administration request. In addition,
for research and evaluation activities the Committee recommends
$64,211,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act.
This appropriation supports those activities that are
associated with the Secretary's role as policy officer and
general manager of the Department. It supports certain health
activities performed by the Office of Public Health and
Science, including the Office of the Surgeon General. GDM funds
also support the Department's centralized services carried out
by several Office of the Secretary staff divisions, including
personnel management, administrative and management services,
information resources management, intergovernmental relations,
legal services, planning and evaluation, finance and
accounting, and external affairs.
The Office of the Surgeon General, in addition to its other
responsibilities, provides leadership and management oversight
for the PHS Commissioned Corps, including the involvement of
the Corps in departmental emergency preparedness and response
activities.
The Committee has included $14,813,000 for the
transformation of the Commissioned Corps. This activity
provides for the development of training and career development
programs for officers, as well as policies and systems that
ensure the rapid response of the Corps in public health and
medical emergencies.
The Committee recommendation includes $7,000,000 to
continue the health diplomacy initiative. Funds will be used to
invest in public health and diplomacy abroad by improving
health systems, delivering direct patient care and training the
health workforce in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Committee has again included $1,000,000 for the
Secretary to implement section 399CC of the Public Health
Service Act (as enacted in the Combating Autism Act, Public Law
109-416) related to administration of the Interagency Autism
Coordinating Committee. These funds are to be transferred to
the National Institute of Mental Health. The Committee
previously has supported demonstration projects using
interactive video technology as a means of providing intensive
behavioral health services to individuals with autism. Such
demonstration projects involved the use of interactive video
technology as an in-home service delivery model that enabled
live training, consultation, and support directly into the home
when and where it was needed for children with autism and their
families. The Committee urges the coordinating committee to
analyze the efficacy of telehealth technology to deliver
services to children with autism.
The Committee is extremely frustrated with the lack of
cooperation and communication from the Department regarding the
implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Committee provided the Secretary with maximum flexibility
in ARRA, with the expectation that the Department would work
collaboratively with the Committee as it developed spending
plans for ARRA funding. This has not been the case. In
addition, the Committee is disappointed that the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Legislation has failed to share
information with the Committee in a timely manner. For these
reasons, the Committee has not included requested staffing
increases for departmental initiatives and has limited funding
for the Assistant Secretary for Legislation.
Adolescent Health.--The Committee recommendation includes
$2,000,000 to establish and support the Office of Adolescent
Health [OAH], as authorized under section 1708 of the Public
Health Service Act. The Office did not receive funding in
fiscal year 2009. The Office shall be responsible for
coordinating activities of the Department with respect to
adolescent health, including coordinating program design and
support, trend monitoring and analysis, research projects, and
the training of healthcare professionals. The Office is also
charged with carrying out demonstration projects to improve
adolescent health.
The Committee expects that, in the context of national
health reform and the renewed commitment to health promotion
and disease prevention, the Secretary will place this office
within the Office of Public Health and Science, as authorized.
The Committee expects the Director of the Office to coordinate
efforts among HRSA, CMS, CDC, and SAMHSA to reduce health risk
exposure and behaviors among adolescents, particularly low-
income adolescents, and to better manage and treat their health
conditions. The Committee has also tasked OAH with implementing
a new initiative supporting evidence-based teen pregnancy
prevention approaches.
The Committee has provided funding to establish this office
due to its concern about the historic lack of funding and focus
at the highest level of the Department on the significant unmet
and often interrelated health needs of adolescents. The
Committee recognizes that health problems that emerge during
adolescence have important consequences for adult morbidity and
mortality. The Committee also notes that adverse experiences in
childhood or adolescence, such as physical or emotional abuse,
trauma or violence, have powerful impacts on the physical and
mental health of adults. Research has shown that chronic stress
experienced early in life has been associated with increased
risk of heart disease, smoking, drug use, obesity, and
autoimmune disorders.
The Committee is especially troubled by the lack of
priority given to the substance abuse and mental health needs
of adolescents. Most mental, emotional, and behavioral
disorders have their roots in childhood and adolescence: half
of all lifetime cases of mental, emotional, and behavioral
disorders start by age 14 and three-fourths start by age 24.
The lack of attention paid to addressing these disorders is all
the more disturbing since a number of interventions exist that
have been shown in rigorous evaluations to impact risk and
protective factors among young people. The Committee expects
that OAH will coordinate with the administrator of SAMHSA on a
strategy to implement the recommendations included in the
Institute of Medicine report ``Preventing Mental, Emotional,
and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People.'' Specifically,
the Committee expects OAH to support the design and
prioritization of evidence-based prevention and promotion
programs that address mental, emotional, and behavioral
disorders. The Office shall also support research and
evaluations in areas where the evidence-base is lacking or
needs improvement.
Cleanup in Libby, Montana.--The Committee finds that the
Department has not developed a clear process for identifying
long-term health risks in Libby, Montana. Cleanup efforts to
date have not adequately removed visible vermiculite and known
public health risks. The Committee also recognizes that full
community involvement in decisionmaking is critical to long-
term cleanup. The Committee directs the Secretary to coordinate
with the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] to identify the
asbestos exposure risks associated with superfund cleanup in
Libby and its impact on long-term healthcare needs in the
community. The Department is requested to report back to the
Committee on currently known health risks, the process for
determining a baseline risk assessment in adults and children
in the community and cleanup activities that will be conducted
while a record of decision is being determined. The Committee
encourages the Department to review previous decisions
regarding the declaration of a public health emergency in
Libby.
Emergency Care.--The Committee is concerned that
overcrowded emergency departments compromise patient safety and
threaten access to emergency care. The Committee urges the
Secretary to review the state of emergency care in the United
States and to identify barriers contributing to delays in
timely processing of hospital patients requiring admission as
inpatients who initially sought care through the emergency
department, as well as to examine available evidence of best
practices to improve patient flow within hospitals.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health.--The
Committee notes that healthcare disparities affecting lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] persons have been
recognized by various Federal agencies, including SAMHSA, HRSA,
and NIH. The Committee encourages the Department to establish
and fund an office focusing on LGBT health in order to
strategically track and address health disparities experienced
by LGBT individuals.
Lyme Disease.--The Committee urges the Secretary to improve
interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap
regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases. The Secretary
is encouraged to advise relevant Federal agencies on priorities
related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases, identify future
research needs, and involve CDC, NIH, FDA, and other agencies
in the development of a more accurate system of diagnosing and
reporting of Lyme disease.
Sexualization of Girls.--The Committee recognizes that
throughout U.S. culture, female children, adolescents, and
adults are frequently depicted and treated in a sexualized
manner that objectifies them. Research links sexualization with
three of the most common mental health problems of female
children, adolescents, and adults: eating disorders, depression
or depressed mood, and low self-esteem. The Committee
encourages the Department to fund media literacy and youth
empowerment programs to prevent and counter the effects of the
sexualization of female children, adolescents, and adults.
The recommendation includes bill language providing funding
for the following activities in the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Transportation Association of America, $950,000
Washington, DC, for technical assistance to human
services transportation providers on ADA requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
The Committee recommendation includes $104,455,000 for an
initiative to reduce teen pregnancy and improve adolescent
reproductive health. The recommendation includes $4,455,000 in
transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. The administration requested $114,455,000 for this
activity within the Administration for Children and Families
[ACF].
The Committee is alarmed that America's teen birth rate,
already high compared to other developed nations, increased in
2006 and 2007 following large declines from 1991 to 2005. Teen
childbearing costs taxpayers at least $9,000,000,000 annually
due to increased healthcare, child welfare and public
assistance costs. According to a recent report by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, other negative health
outcomes for adolescents, such as the rates of AIDS and
syphilis cases, may also be increasing. For these reasons, the
Committee believes that a new initiative focusing on improving
the reproductive health and wellbeing of young people is
urgently needed.
The Committee recommendation includes $75,000,000 to fund
programs that have been proven in rigorous evaluations to
impact teen pregnancy or the behaviors associated with teen
pregnancy prevention. It is the Committee's intent that a wide
range of evidence-based programs should be eligible for funding
under this initiative, including those that do not have teen
pregnancy reduction as their original goal. As one example, the
Committee notes that a foster care program for severely
delinquent teens has been shown to produce a sizeable,
statistically significant decrease in female youths' teen
pregnancy rates. The Committee also provides $25,000,000 to
expand the number of evidence-based programs by developing and
testing models with promising outcomes. The recommendation also
includes $4,455,000 for rigorous evaluations of teen pregnancy
programs. The Committee intends that programs funded under this
initiative will stress the value of abstinence and provide age-
appropriate information to youth that is scientifically and
medically accurate.
The Committee directs the newly established Office of
Adolescent Health to administer this program in collaboration
with ACF, CDC, and the Office of Population Affairs. The
Committee has funded this program within the Office of the
Secretary to highlight the urgent need to reduce teen
pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among
adolescents. While ACF has valuable experience working with
faith-based and community organizations, the Committee believes
this program must also have a public health component. The
Committee also believes that strong leadership by the Secretary
should be an essential part of this important initiative.
Placing this initiative within the Office of the Secretary will
allow the Department to utilize the expertise of its operating
divisions with responsibility for youth development, social
service and public health, all of which are necessary for this
initiative to succeed.
Adolescent Family Life
The Committee has provided $16,658,000 for the Adolescent
Family Life [AFL] program. The administration requested
$29,778,000, the same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level.
The AFL program evaluates integrated approaches to the delivery
of comprehensive services to pregnant and parenting teens. The
Committee recommendation includes funding for AFL care
demonstration grants. The Committee has not included funding
for prevention demonstration grants, as well as bill language
requested by the administration allowing the AFL program to
fund teen pregnancy prevention programs. The Committee has
provided funding for a teen pregnancy prevention initiative in
the newly created Office of Adolescent Health. The Committee
encourages the Office of Population Affairs to provide its
public health expertise to OAH for the implementation of this
new program.
Minority Health
The Committee recommends $55,956,000 for the Office of
Minority Health, the same as the administration request. The
Office of Minority Health [OMH] focuses on strategies designed
to decrease the disparities and to improve the health status of
racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States.
OMH establishes goals and coordinates all departmental activity
related to improving health outcomes for disadvantaged and
minority individuals. OMH supports several initiatives,
including demonstration projects (the Minority Community Health
Partnership HIV/AIDS, the Bilingual/Bicultural Service, and the
Youth Empowerment Program) as well as the Center for Linguistic
and Cultural Competency in Health Care, and the Family and
Community Violence Prevention Program.
The Committee has included $5,283,000 for programs focused
on the improvement of geographic minority health and health
disparities for rural disadvantaged minority populations. Funds
are available to: increase awareness on healthcare issues
impacting and effective interventions for these populations;
increase access to quality healthcare; increase access to
quality healthcare personnel available to provide services to
these populations; improve healthcare outcomes; and develop a
model that can be replicated to address national policies and
programs to improve the health of these rural disadvantaged
minority communities. This model should include research,
health services, education/awareness, and health information
components, with priority given to existing programs with prior
funding, that are located in areas with the most need, and that
can provide recommendations on projects that benefit the health
of minority and rural populations.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 to
continue the national health provider education program on
lupus. The Committee is pleased that OMH is working with the
Surgeon General and the Office of Women's Health to implement
this program, with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis for
those with lupus and reducing disparities in care.
Office of Women's Health
The Committee recommends $33,746,000 for the Office of
Women's Health. This amount is the same as the comparable
fiscal year 2009 level and the administration request. The
Office of Women's Health [OWH] develops, stimulates, and
coordinates women's health research, healthcare services, and
public and health professional education and training across
HHS agencies. It advances important crosscutting initiatives
and develops public-private partnerships, providing leadership
and policy direction, and initiating and synthesizing program
activities to redress the disparities in women's health. The
Committee commends the work of OWH and its important leadership
in advancing and coordinating a comprehensive women's health
agenda throughout HHS.
The Committee understands the importance of advancing the
health of women by promoting health screening and prevention;
improving access to care; and cultivating women's health
research, professional development and education of new
providers. From 1996 to 2006, the National Centers of
Excellence in Women's Health served as a resource for clinical,
educational and outreach programs, and achieved these goals in
a cost-effective manner before the elimination of their funding
in 2007. The Committee urges OWH to re-examine the benefits of
the Centers of Excellence in Women's Health and their potential
to reduce health disparities.
HIV/AIDS in Minority Communities
To address high-priority HIV prevention and treatment needs
of minority communities heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS, the
Committee recommends $51,891,000. This is the same as the
comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the administration
request. These funds are available to key operating divisions
of the Department with capability and expertise in HIV/AIDS
services to assist minority communities with education,
community linkages, and technical assistance.
Afghanistan
The Committee recommendation includes $5,789,000 for the
Afghanistan Health Initiative, the same as the comparable
fiscal year 2009 level and the administration request. Funds
will be used in partnership with the Department of Defense for
medical training activities at the Rabia Balkhi Women's
Hospital in Kabul, and for support of maternal and child health
throughout Afghanistan.
Embryo Donation and Adoption
The Committee has provided $4,200,000 for the Department's
embryo donation and adoption awareness activities, which is the
same as the comparable fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. The Committee has again included bill
language allowing funds appropriated for embryo donation and
adoption activities to be available to pay medical and
administrative costs deemed necessary to facilitate embryo
donations and adoptions.
OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $64,604,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 71,147,000
House allowance......................................... 71,147,000
Committee recommendation................................ 71,147,000
The Committee provides $71,147,000 for the Office of
Medicare Hearings and Appeals, the same as the administration
request. The comparable fiscal year 2009 amount was
$64,604,000.
The Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals is responsible
for hearing Medicare appeals at the administrative law judge
level, which is the third level of Medicare claims appeals.
This office began to process Medicare appeals in 2005. Prior to
that time, appeals had been processed by the Social Security
Administration under an interagency agreement with the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This function was
transferred to the Office of the Secretary by the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Appropriations, 2009...................................\1\$2,061,231,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 61,342,000
House allowance......................................... 61,342,000
Committee recommendation................................ 61,342,000
\1\Includes $2,000,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee makes available $61,342,000 to the Office of
the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
[ONCHIT], the same as the administration request. The fiscal
year 2009 funding level was $2,061,231,000, including
$2,000,000,000 available in the American Reinvestment and
Recovery Act of 2009.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health
Information Technology is responsible for promoting the use of
electronic health records in clinical practice, coordinating
Federal health information systems and collaborating with the
private sector to develop standards for a nationwide
interoperable health information technology infrastructure.
The Committee applauds the work of ONCHIT in furthering
interoperable Emergency Health Records [EHRs]. During
emergencies, timely access to critical health information is
essential for providing effective patient care. The Committee
encourages ONCHIT to study the connectivity of emergency
departments to community providers through EHRs.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2009.................................... \1\$62,279,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 50,279,000
House allowance......................................... 50,279,000
Committee recommendation................................ 50,279,000
\1\Includes $17,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,279,000
for the Office of Inspector General [OIG], the same as the
administration request. In addition to discretionary funds
provided in this act, the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 and the Deficit Reduction Act of
2005 both contain permanent appropriations for the Office of
Inspector General. The total funds provided to the OIG from
this bill and other permanent appropriations are $252,484,000
in fiscal year 2010.
The Office of Inspector General conducts audits,
investigations, and evaluations of the programs administered by
the Department of Health and Human Services Operating and Staff
Divisions, including the recipients of HHS's grant and contract
funds. In doing so, the OIG addresses issues of waste, fraud,
and abuse and makes re recommendations to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs and operations.
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $40,099,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 41,099,000
House allowance......................................... 41,099,000
Committee recommendation................................ 41,099,000
The Committee recommends $41,099,000 for the Office for
Civil Rights [OCR], which is the same as the administration's
request. The recommendation includes the transfer of $3,314,000
from the Medicare trust funds.
The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing
civil rights-related statutes in healthcare and human services
programs. To enforce these statutes, OCR investigates
complaints of discrimination, conducts program reviews to
correct discriminatory practices, and implements programs to
generate voluntary compliance among providers and constituency
groups of health and human services.
RETIREMENT PAY AND MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $434,694,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 474,557,000
House allowance......................................... 474,557,000
Committee recommendation................................ 474,557,000
The Committee provides an estimated $474,557,000 for
retirement pay and medical benefits for commissioned officers
of the U.S. Public Health Service, the same as the
administration request.
This account provides for retirement payments to U.S.
Public Health Service officers who are retired for age,
disability, or length of service; payments to survivors of
deceased officers; medical care to active duty and retired
members and dependents and beneficiaries.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND
Appropriations, 2009...................................\1\$9,097,795,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,678,569,000
House allowance......................................... 2,100,649,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,621,154,000
\1\Includes $50,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding and $7,650,000 in Supplemental
Appropriation Act, 2009 funding (Public Law 111-32).
The Committee provides $2,621,154,000 to the Public Health
and Social Services Emergency Fund. The Pandemic Preparedness
and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, enacted into law in December
2006, created the new position of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response. The administration requested
$2,678,569,000. The comparable fiscal year 2009 amount was
$9,097,795,000, including $7,650,000,000 available in the
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 and $50,000,000 available
in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As
requested, the Committee bill includes a one-time transfer of
all remaining balances in the Project BioShield Special Reserve
Fund from the Department of Homeland Security to this account.
The amount to be transferred is estimated to be $1,569,000,000.
This appropriation supports the activities of the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and other
activities within the Office of the Secretary to prepare for
the health consequences of bioterrorism and other public health
emergencies, including pandemic influenza, and to support the
Department's cyber-security efforts.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response [ASPR]
The Committee recommendation includes $2,139,928,000 for
activities administered by ASPR. The budget request is
$2,154,928,000; the fiscal year 2009 comparable level is
$788,191,000. These funds will support the Department's efforts
to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies,
including acts of terrorism.
The Committee commends HHS for its efforts to enhance the
Nation's capacity to respond to the threat of deliberate
bioterrorism attacks as well as the threat of infectious
diseases. Critical to responding to such threats is the
availability of effective biologic drugs and vaccines. Because
of the considerable capital necessary and the uncertainty of
the commercial market for public health and biodefense
biologics, implementing a public-private partnership to develop
and manufacture such drugs and vaccines may provide that
capacity in the most cost-effective manner. The Committee
requests that the Secretary study the feasibility of such a
plan and report back to the Committee with the results of that
study before next year's budget hearings.
Hospital Preparedness.--The Committee's recommendation
includes $426,000,000 for hospital preparedness grants, the
same as the budget request. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
level is $393,585,000. The program provides funding to States
and localities to enhance hospital preparedness to respond to
public health emergencies. The recommendation is consistent
with the fiscal year 2009 budget proposal to align Federal and
State funding cycles.
Advanced Research and Development.--The Committee has
included bill language, proposed by the administration, to
transfer $305,000,000 from the Project BioShield Special
Reserve Fund advance appropriations provided in the Department
of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004 to fund Advanced
Research and Development. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
amount was $275,000,000. The Committee encourages BARDA to
invest greater amounts in promising clinical diagnostic
technologies so that the Nation can limit the catastrophic
effects of any pandemic by immediate and accurate triage of
potentially sick individuals at ports, borders, schools,
hospitals, clinics, and all other points of care and entry.
Transfer of Project BioShield Funding.--The Committee has
included bill language, proposed by the administration, to
transfer all remaining balances from the Project BioShield
Strategic Reserve Fund [SRF] from the Department of Homeland
Security [DHS] to HHS. The Committee expects that HHS will
continue to work with DHS to ensure a coordinated approach to
the acquisition of medical countermeasures. The Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act appropriated
$5,592,000,000 to DHS in fiscal year 2004 for the Project
BioShield SRF to procure and stockpile emergency medical
countermeasures against a bioterrorism event. The funds are
available thru fiscal year 2013.
The Committee is concerned that development of promising
medical countermeasures intended to protect first responders
and the general population from the dangers of exposure to
radiation following a nuclear or dirty bomb radiological event
is being delayed because the private investor market fears the
lack of a long-term and stable Government market. The Committee
recognizes that both HHS and DOD have made significant
investment in the development of these medical countermeasures,
but little is being done to encourage private investment in
these products. The Committee urges the Secretary to work with
the private investor market so that they better understand the
Department's plans for Project BioShield funding.
Other Activities.--The Committee recommendation includes
the following amounts for the following activities within the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response:
--Operations/Preparedness and Emergency Operations--
$43,412,000;
--National Disaster Medical System--$56,037,000;
--Bioshield Management--$22,364,000;
--Medical Countermeasures Dispensing--$10,000,000. Funding
will support the development of a ``first strike''
capability for direct residential delivery of medical
countermeasures using the U.S. Postal Service;
--Global Medicine, Science, and Public Health--$8,748,000;
and
--Policy, Strategic Planning and Communications--$4,367,000.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Resources and Technology
The Committee recommendation includes $40,000,000 for
information technology cyber-security. The administration
requested $50,000,000. These funds will build on work started
in fiscal year 2009 with the $50,000,000 for IT security in HHS
provided in the Recovery Act.
Office of Public Health and Science
The Committee recommendation includes $12,581,000 for the
medical reserve corps program, the same as the administration
request.
Office of the Secretary
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.--The Committee
recommendation includes $354,167,000 for pandemic influenza
preparedness activities, the same as the administration
request. Funds are available until expended for a variety of
activities including purchase of pre-pandemic vaccine for
stockpiling, vaccine development, the purchase of antivirals
and the research and development of diagnostic tests. The
Committee requests monthly reports updating the status of
actions taken and funds obligated for these no-year funds.
The Committee continues to strongly support efforts to
strengthen the Federal Government's ability to respond to
pandemic influenza. The Committee has not specified how these
no-year funds are to be used, and is broadly supportive of
plans for vaccine development and purchase, antiviral
procurement, and research and development of diagnostics.
However, the Committee encourages HHS to identify and support
new technologies that might have the potential to enhance our
response to a pandemic, and to be open to using the provided
flexibility to make strategic investments in these potentially
paradigm shifting technologies.
The Committee again encourages HHS and CDC to continue to
support public and professional education, media awareness, and
outreach programs related to the annual flu vaccine. The
Committee strongly encourages CDC and HHS to aggressively
implement initiatives for increasing influenza vaccine demand
to match the increased domestic vaccine production and supply
resulting from pandemic preparedness funding. Developing a
sustainable business model for vaccine production will go a
long way toward making vaccine available when needed.
The Committee notes that the Department has reached its
goal of purchasing 50 million courses of antiviral drugs for
the Federal portion of the antiviral stockpile. The Committee
is concerned that States have only purchased 22 million
courses, falling short of the goal of achieving State
stockpiles of 31 million courses. The Committee also notes that
some States have expressed concerns that the effectiveness of
antiviral treatment may be compromised by the development of
resistance by the pathogen. The Committee urges the Department
to re-examine the concept of shared responsibility in light of
State gaps in antiviral stockpiling and to reassess what is
currently stockpiled in light of recent research on combination
therapy.
The Committee understands that reusable protective masks
that kill, on contact, viruses such as H1N1, are available in
both adult and children's sizes. The Committee further
understands that masks presently in the stockpile must be
changed four times a day whereas the reusable masks can be used
up to 28 days. The Committee requests that HHS report back to
the Committee within 60 days of enactment of this act on (1)
the current number of masks in the stockpile and (2) whether
the Department has investigated the value of stockpiling
reusable masks.
Parklawn Replacement.--The Committee has included
$69,585,000 to support build-out costs for the Parklawn
Building replacement and relocation expenses, as well as
repositioning HHS within the Parklawn Building under a short-
term lease extension.
Office of Security and Strategic Information.--The
Committee has included $4,893,000 for the Office of Security
and Strategic Information.
General Provisions
The Committee recommendation continues a provision placing
a $50,000 ceiling on official representation expenses (sec.
201).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision which
limits the assignment of certain public health personnel (sec.
202).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision limiting
the use of certain grant funds to pay individuals more than an
annual rate of executive level I (sec. 203).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
restricting the Secretary's use of taps for program evaluation
activities unless a report is submitted to the Appropriations
Committees of the House and Senate on the proposed use of funds
(sec. 204).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
authorizing the transfer of up to 2.4 percent of Public Health
Service funds for evaluation activities (sec. 205).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
restricting transfers of appropriated funds and requires a 15-
day notification to both the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees (sec. 206).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
permitting the transfer of up to 3 percent of AIDS funds among
Institutes and Centers by the Director of NIH and the Director
of the Office of AIDS Research at NIH (sec. 207).
The Committee recommendation retains language which
requires that the use of AIDS research funds be determined
jointly by the Director of the National Institutes of Health
and the Director of the Office of AIDS Research and that those
funds be allocated directly to the Office of AIDS Research for
distribution to the Institutes and Centers consistent with the
AIDS research plan (sec. 208).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
regarding requirements for family planning applicants (sec.
209).
The Committee recommendation retains language which states
that no provider services under title X of the PHS Act may be
exempt from State laws regarding child abuse (sec. 210).
The Committee recommendation retains language which
restricts the use of funds to carry out the Medicare Advantage
Program if the Secretary denies participation to an otherwise
eligible entity (sec. 211).
The Committee recommendation retains language which
prohibits the Secretary from withholding substance abuse
treatment funds (sec. 212).
The Committee recommendation modifies a provision which
facilitates the expenditure of funds for international health
activities (sec. 213).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
authorizing the Director of the National Institutes of Health
to enter into certain transactions to carry out research in
support of the NIH Common Fund (sec. 214).
The Committee continues a provision that permits the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to transfer funds that
are available for Individual Learning Accounts to ``Disease
Control, Research, and Training'' (sec. 215).
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
allowing use of funds to continue operating the Council on
Graduate Medical Education (sec. 216).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
permitting the National Institutes of Health to use up to
$2,500,000 per project for improvements and repairs of
facilities (sec. 217).
The Committee recommendation includes a provision that
transfers funds from NIH to HRSA and AHRQ, to be used for
National Research Service Awards (sec. 218).
The Committee recommendation modifies a provision
concerning conflicts of interest among extramural investigators
receiving grants from the National Institutes of Health (sec.
219).
TITLE III
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Education for the Disadvantaged
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $28,760,086,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 16,431,132,000
House allowance......................................... 15,938,215,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,891,132,000
\1\Includes $13,000,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$15,891,132,000 for education for the disadvantaged. The budget
request was $16,431,132,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $28,760,086,000, including $13,000,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [ARRA].
The programs in the Education for the Disadvantaged account
help ensure that poor and low-achieving children are not left
behind in the Nation's effort to raise the academic performance
of all children and youth. Funds appropriated in this account
primarily support activities in the 2010-2011 school year.
Grants to Local Educational Agencies
Title I grants to local educational agencies [LEAs] provide
supplemental education funding, especially in high-poverty
areas, for local programs that provide extra academic support
to help raise the achievement of eligible students or, in the
case of schoolwide programs, help all students in high-poverty
schools meet challenging State academic standards.
The Committee recommends $13,792,401,000 for this program.
The budget request was $12,992,401,000, a cut of $1,500,000,000
below the amount in the fiscal year 2009 education
appropriations bill. Counting the $10,000,000,000 provided for
title I grants to LEAs in the ARRA, the total fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $24,492,401,000.
The Committee is well aware of concerns that maintaining or
exceeding the fiscal year 2009 level in fiscal year 2011 could
be more difficult if funding drops in the fiscal year 2010
appropriations bill. But the Committee notes that the record-
high increase for title I in the ARRA greatly mitigates the
need for title I funding in fiscal year 2010. While additional
funding in this bill could help ease the budgetary pressures in
fiscal year 2011, that alone is not a sufficient reason to
fully restore the administration's proposed cut, especially
when districts face many other immediate needs besides title I,
such as school building repairs.
Restoring or exceeding the base amount for title I in the
fiscal year 2009 education appropriations bill will be one of
the Committee's highest priorities in fiscal year 2011.
Title I grants are distributed through four formulas:
basic, concentration, targeted, and education finance incentive
grant [EFIG].
For title I basic grants, including up to $4,000,000
transferred to the Census Bureau for poverty updates, the
Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,897,946,000. The
budget request was $5,097,946,000, and the fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $6,597,946,000.
For concentration grants, the Committee recommends
$1,365,031,000, the same as the budget request and the fiscal
year 2009 level.
The Committee recommends $3,264,712,000, the same as the
budget request and the amount in the fiscal year 2009 education
appropriations bill, for grants through the targeted formula.
Including funds provided in the ARRA, the total fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $8,264,712,000.
The Committee recommends $3,264,712,000, the same as the
budget request and the amount in the fiscal year 2009 education
appropriations bill, for grants through the EFIG formula.
Including funds provided in the ARRA, the total fiscal year
2009 appropriation was $8,264,712,000.
Of the funds available for title I grants to LEAs, up to
$4,000,000 shall be available on October 1, 2009, not less than
$2,947,225,000 will become available on July 1, 2010, and
$10,841,176,000 will become available on October 1, 2010. The
funds that become available on July 1, 2010, and October 1,
2010, will remain available for obligation through September
30, 2011.
William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program
The Committee recommends no funding for the Even Start
program, as did the budget request. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $66,454,000.
The Even Start program provides grants for family literacy
programs that serve disadvantaged families with children under
8 years of age and adults eligible for services under the Adult
Education and Family Literacy Act.
School Improvement Grants
The Committee recommendation includes $545,633,000 for the
School Improvement Grants program. This is the same amount that
was provided in the fiscal year 2009 education appropriations
bill; counting the $3,000,000,000 provided in the ARRA, the
total fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $3,545,633,000. The
budget request was $1,515,633,000.
The Committee requests that the Department assist States in
encouraging LEAs to use their school improvement funds on those
programs that are proven to be effective in rigorous research.
The Committee includes bill language that makes two key
changes to the program. First, the language specifies that
States that receive School Improvement Grants funds must spend
40 percent of their allocations on school improvement
activities in middle and high schools in that State, unless the
State educational agency determines that all middle and high
schools can be served with a lesser amount.
Second, the language expands the number of schools that may
receive funds through the program. The program currently serves
only those schools that receive assistance under part A of
title I and that have not made adequate yearly progress for at
least 2 years. The bill language allows schools to be eligible
if they are title I-eligible and have not made adequate yearly
progress for at least 2 years or are in the State's lowest
quintile of performance based on proficiency rates.
These changes apply to School Improvement Grants funds in
both the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bill and the ARRA.
Early Childhood Grants
The Committee recommends no funding for Early Childhood
Grants, a new program proposed by the administration. The
budget request was $500,000,000.
This program would provide formula grants to States based
on their proportional share of title I, part A funds received
by their LEAs. States would then provide matching grants to
LEAs that used the ARRA title I funds for early childhood
programs.
Early Learning Challenge Fund
The Committee recommends no funding for the Early Learning
Challenge Fund, a new program proposed by the administration.
The budget request was $300,000,000.
This program would provide grants to States for the
development of a statewide infrastructure of integrated early
learning supports and services for children, from birth through
age 5.
The Committee is aware that the administration is seeking
mandatory funding for this program through another legislative
vehicle, and has therefore decided not to recommend funding for
this purpose in this appropriations bill.
Gulf Coast Recovery Grants
The Committee includes $30,000,000, the same as the budget
request, for Gulf Coast Recovery Grants. This new program will
provide competitive awards to LEAs located in counties (or
parishes) in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas that were
designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as
counties eligible for individual assistance because of damage
caused by Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, or Gustav. Funds will be
used to improve education through such activities as replacing
instructional materials and equipment; paying teacher
incentives; constructing, modernizing, or renovating school
buildings; beginning or expanding Advanced Placement or other
rigorous instructional curricula; starting or expanding charter
schools; and supporting after-school or extended learning time
activities.
Early Reading First
The Committee recommendation does not include any funds for
the Early Reading First program. The budget request was
$162,549,000 and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$112,549,000.
Early Reading First provides competitive grants to school
districts and nonprofit groups to support activities in
existing preschool programs that are designed to enhance the
verbal skills, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, pre-
reading skills, and early language development of children ages
3 through 5.
Rather than fund two separate literacy programs--one
focusing on preschool and the other focusing on grades K-12--
the Committee believes it makes more sense to fund a single,
comprehensive program that addresses the needs of children from
birth through high school. Therefore, the Committee
recommendation eliminates Early Reading First and shifts this
funding to a revamped Striving Readers program, described
below.
Striving Readers
The Committee recommends $262,920,000 for a revamped
Striving Readers initiative. The budget request was
$370,371,000 and the fiscal year 2009 level was $35,371,000.
This program currently supports grants to develop,
implement, and evaluate reading interventions for middle or
high school students reading significantly below grade level.
The budget request proposed adding a new component to the
program, Early Literacy Grants.
The Committee has been highly aware of the need for a new
approach to Federal literacy programs since the failure of
Reading First, which was mismanaged in the early years of the
program and produced disappointing results in an evaluation
overseen by the Institute of Education Sciences. Therefore, the
Committee includes bill language that authorizes a new
comprehensive program to advance literacy skills, including
language development, reading and writing. Instead of multiple,
discrete programs that are targeted to children of different
ages, this new program will serve all students, including
English language learners and students with disabilities, from
birth through grade 12.
Of the total amount, $10,000,000 will be distributed by
formula to States to create or support a State literacy team.
After funds are set aside for schools funded by the Bureau of
Indian Affairs and for the outlying areas, up to 5 percent of
the remaining funds may be used for national activities, and
the rest would be used for competitive grants to State
educational agencies. States will be required to distribute not
less than 95 percent of their funds as subgrants to LEAs, or in
the case of early literacy, to LEAs or other entities providing
early childhood care and education. State subgrants must be
allocated as follows: at least 15 percent to serve children
from birth through age 5, 40 percent to serve students in
kindergarten through grade 5, and 40 percent to serve students
in middle and high school, through grade 12.
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
The Committee recommends $19,145,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program.
This program provides competitive awards to LEAs to acquire
school library media resources, including books and advanced
technology; facilitate resource-sharing networks among schools
and school libraries; provide professional development for
school library media specialists; and provide students with
access to school libraries during nonschool hours.
Migrant Education Program
The Committee recommends $394,771,000 for the migrant
education program. This amount is the same as the budget
request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation.
The title I migrant education program authorizes grants to
State educational agencies for programs to meet the special
educational needs of the children of migrant agricultural
workers and fishermen. This appropriation also supports
activities to improve interstate and intrastate coordination of
migrant education programs, as well as identifying and
improving services to the migrant student population.
Neglected and Delinquent
The Committee recommends $50,427,000 for the title I
neglected and delinquent program. This amount is the same as
the budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation.
This program provides financial assistance to State
educational agencies for education services to neglected and
delinquent children and youth in State-run institutions and for
juveniles in adult correctional institutions. States are
authorized to set aside at least 15 percent, but not more than
30 percent, of their neglected and delinquent funds to help
students in State-operated institutions make the transition
into locally operated programs and to support the successful
re-entry of youth offenders, who are age 20 or younger and have
received a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent.
Evaluation
The Committee recommends $9,167,000, the same as the budget
request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the
evaluation of title I programs.
Evaluation funds are used to support large-scale national
surveys that examine how the title I program is contributing to
student academic achievement. Funds also are used to evaluate
State assessment and accountability systems and analyze the
effectiveness of educational programs supported with title I
funds.
High School Graduation Initiative
The Committee recommends $50,000,000, the same as the
budget request, for a High School Graduation Initiative under
title I, part H of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
This program provides competitive grants to LEAs or State
educational agencies to implement effective high school
graduation and reentry strategies in schools and districts that
serve students in grades 6 through 12 and have annual school
dropout rates that are above their State's average.
Special Programs for Migrant Students
These programs include the High School Equivalency Program
[HEP] and College Assistance Migrant Program [CAMP], which were
funded separately in the fiscal year 2009 appropriations bill
at $18,682,000 and $15,486,000, respectively, for a total of
$34,168,000. The Committee recommends $36,668,000, the same as
the budget request, in fiscal year 2010.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, which
reauthorized these programs, added a new provision allowing the
Department to reserve up to one-half of 1 percent of the funds
appropriated between the two programs for outreach, technical
assistance, and professional development activities. In
addition, under the reauthorization, if the total amount
appropriated is below $40,000,000, the remaining funds are to
be distributed between the two programs in the same proportion
as the amounts available for each program the previous year.
HEP projects are 5-year grants to institutions of higher
education and other nonprofit organizations to recruit migrant
students ages 16 and over and provide the academic and support
services needed to help them obtain a high school equivalency
certificate and subsequently gain employment, win admission to
a post-secondary institution or a job-training program, or join
the military. Projects provide counseling, health services,
stipends, and placement assistance.
CAMP projects are 5-year grants to institutions of higher
education and nonprofit organizations to provide tutoring,
counseling, and financial assistance to migrant students during
their first year of post-secondary education.
School Renovation
The Committee includes $700,000,000 for school renovation,
a new program, to be allocated under the terms and conditions
of S. 1121, as introduced in the Senate on May 21, 2009. The
budget request did not include any funds for this purpose.
Safe, modern, healthy school buildings are essential to
creating an environment where students can reach their academic
potential. Yet too many students in the United States,
particularly those most at risk of being left behind, attend
school in facilities that are old, overcrowded and run-down.
The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2000
that the Nation's elementary and secondary schools required
approximately $127,000,000,000 to repair or upgrade their
facilities. A 2008 analysis by the American Federation of
Teachers found that the Nation's school infrastructure needs
total an estimated $254,600,000,000.
While the condition of public school buildings is primarily
a State and local responsibility, the Federal Government can
and should help, especially when it comes to closing
disparities between affluent and disadvantaged school
districts. This program will provide grants for the repair,
renovation, and construction of elementary and secondary
schools, including early learning facilities at elementary
schools. Funding will be allocated by formula to the States,
which will award the grants competitively. Districts that have
higher percentages of poor children and/or plan to make use of
``green'' practices will receive a priority.
In addition to improving the learning environment for
students, this program will provide a stimulus to the economy
by creating jobs in every State for workers in the construction
industry, as well as architects and engineers. It will also
spur school districts to make their facilities more
environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. According to the
2006 report ``Greening America's Schools: Costs and Benefits,''
green schools use an average of 33 percent less energy than
conventionally built schools, and generate financial savings of
about $70 per square foot.
Districts that receive Federal funding will be required to
provide a local match; States may use a sliding scale for
poorer communities. This approach has proven enormously
successful in Iowa. Since 1998, the Iowa Demonstration
Construction Grant Program has provided $121,000,000 in Federal
assistance to over 300 school districts for school repair and
construction. That Federal investment has leveraged more than
$600,000,000 of additional local funding.
Impact Aid
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,365,718,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,265,718,000
House allowance......................................... 1,290,718,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,265,718,000
\1\Includes $100,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,265,718,000 for
impact aid. This is the same amount as the budget request. The
fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $1,365,718,000, including
$100,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Impact aid provides financial assistance to school
districts for the costs of educating children when enrollments
and the availability of revenues from local sources have been
adversely affected by the presence of Federal activities.
Children who reside on Federal or Indian lands generally
constitute a financial burden on local school systems because
these lands do not generate property taxes--a major revenue
source for elementary and secondary education in most
communities. In addition, realignments of U.S. military forces
at bases across the country often lead to influxes of children
into school districts without producing the new revenues
required to maintain an appropriate level of education.
The Committee bill retains language that provides for
continued eligibility for students affected by the deployment
or death of their military parent, as long as these children
still attend the same school district.
The Committee notes that for some years there have been
long delays in processing payments in the impact aid program.
For example, as of mid-July, the fiscal year 2006 payments for
Federal property still had not yet been finalized. Delays are
also routine in the construction and payments for children with
disabilities programs. Such delays exacerbate the fiscal
problems many federally affected districts already face because
of budget shortfalls resulting from a decline in State and
local revenues. The Committee requests an explanation for the
delays and recommendations on how the payment process can be
improved in the fiscal year 2011 congressional budget
justification.
Basic Support Payments.--The Committee recommends
$1,128,535,000 for basic support payments. This is the same as
the fiscal year 2009 level and the budget request. Under this
statutory formula, payments are made on behalf of all
categories of federally connected children, with a priority
placed on making payments first to heavily impacted school
districts and providing any remaining funds for regular basic
support payments.
Payments for Children with Disabilities.--The Committee
bill includes $48,602,000, the same as the budget request and
the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for payments for children
with disabilities. Under this program, additional payments are
made for certain federally connected children eligible for
services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Facilities Maintenance.--The Committee recommends
$4,864,000, the same as the fiscal year 2009 appropriation and
the budget request, for facilities maintenance. This activity
provides funding for emergency repairs and comprehensive
capital improvements to certain school facilities owned by the
Department of Education and used by local educational agencies
to serve federally connected military dependent students. Funds
appropriated for this purpose are available until expended.
Construction.--The Committee recommends $17,509,000, the
same as the budget request, for the construction program. The
comparable level in fiscal year 2009 was $117,509,000,
including $100,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009. Formula and competitive grants are
authorized to be awarded to eligible LEAs for emergency repairs
and modernization of school facilities.
The fiscal year 2008 and 2009 appropriations for this
activity stipulated that funds were to be provided on a
competitive basis only. For fiscal year 2010, the Committee
recommendation includes bill language that would require all
construction grants to be awarded on a formula basis.
Payments for Federal Property.--The Committee recommends
$66,208,000, the same as the budget request and the fiscal year
2009 appropriation, for this activity. These payments
compensate local educational agencies in part for revenue lost
due to the removal of Federal property from local tax rolls.
School Improvement Programs
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $6,082,016,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 5,182,181,000
House allowance......................................... 5,244,644,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,197,316,000
\1\Includes $720,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $5,197,316,000 for
school improvement programs. The budget request was
$5,182,181,000. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$6,082,016,000, including $720,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality
The Committee recommends $2,947,749,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for
State grants for improving teacher quality.
The appropriation for this program primarily supports
activities associated with the 2010-2011 academic year. Of the
funds provided, $1,266,308,000 will become available on July 1,
2010, and $1,681,441,000 will become available on October 1,
2010. These funds will remain available for obligation through
September 30, 2011.
States and LEAs may use the funds for a range of activities
related to the certification, recruitment, professional
development, and support of teachers and administrators.
Activities may include reforming teacher certification and
licensure requirements, addressing alternative routes to State
certification of teachers, recruiting teachers and principals,
and implementing teacher mentoring systems, teacher testing,
merit pay, and merit-based performance systems. These funds may
also be used by districts to hire teachers to reduce class
sizes.
Mathematics and Science Partnerships
The Committee recommends $178,978,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 level and the budget request, for the
mathematics and science partnerships program. These funds will
be used to improve the performance of students in the areas of
math and science by bringing math and science teachers in
elementary and secondary schools together with scientists,
mathematicians, and engineers to increase the teachers'
subject-matter knowledge and improve their teaching skills. The
Department awards grants to States by a formula based on the
number of children aged 5 to 17 who are from families with
incomes below the poverty line. States then are required to
make grants competitively to eligible partnerships, which must
include an engineering, math or science department of an
institution of higher learning and a high-need LEA.
Educational Technology State Grants
The Committee recommends $100,000,000, the same as the
budget request, for educational technology State grants. The
fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $919,872,000, including
$650,000,000 available from the ARRA.
The educational technology State grants program supports
efforts to integrate technology into curricula to improve
student learning. Funds flow by formula to States and may be
used for the purchase of hardware and software, teacher
training on integrating technology into the curriculum, and
efforts to use technology to improve communication with
parents, among other related purposes.
Although the Committee's recommended level is substantially
below the amount in the fiscal year 2009 education
appropriations bill, the Committee notes that States are
expected to have significant educational technology funds
remaining from the ARRA allocations.
The Committee bill retains language allowing States to
award up to 100 percent of their funds competitively.
Supplemental Education Grants
The Committee recommendation includes $17,687,000, the same
as the budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation,
for supplemental education grants to the Republic of Marshall
Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. This grant
program was authorized by the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003. These funds will be transferred from
the Department of Education to the Secretary of the Interior
for grants to these entities. The Committee bill includes
language that allows up to 5 percent to be used by the FSM and
RMI to purchase oversight and technical assistance, which may
include reimbursement of the Departments of Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education for such services.
21st Century Community Learning Centers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$1,131,166,000, the same as the budget request and the fiscal
year 2009 level, for the 21st Century Community Learning
Centers program.
Funds are allocated to States by formula, which in turn,
award at least 95 percent of their allocations to local
educational agencies, community-based organizations and other
public and private entities. Grantees use these resources to
establish or expand community learning centers that provide
activities offering significant extended learning
opportunities, such as before- and after-school programs,
recreational activities, drug and violence prevention, and
family literacy programs for students and related services to
their families. Centers must target their services on students
who attend schools that are eligible to operate a schoolwide
program under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act or serve high percentages of students from low-income
families.
State Assessments and Enhanced Assessment Instruments
The Committee recommends $410,732,000 for State assessments
and enhanced assessment instruments. This is the same amount as
the fiscal year 2009 appropriation and the budget request.
This program has two components. The first provides formula
grants to States to pay the cost of developing standards and
assessments required by the No Child Left Behind Act. The
Committee provides $400,000,000, the same as the fiscal year
2009 level and the budget request, for this purpose.
Under the second component--grants for enhanced assessment
instruments--appropriations in excess of the State assessment
program are used for a competitive grant program designed to
support efforts by States to improve the quality and fairness
of their assessment systems. The Committee recommendation for
the second component is $10,732,000, the same as the budget
request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation.
The Committee urges the Department to continue to place a
high priority on grant applications that aim to improve the
quality of State assessments for students with disabilities and
students with limited English proficiency, and to ensure the
most accurate means of measuring their performance on these
assessments.
Javits Gifted and Talented Education
The Committee recommends $7,463,000, the same as the fiscal
year 2009 appropriation, for the Javits Gifted and Talented
Students Education Program. The budget request included no
funds for this purpose. Funds are used for awards to State and
local educational agencies, institutions of higher education,
and other public and private agencies for research,
demonstration, and training activities designed to enhance the
capability of elementary and secondary schools to meet the
special educational needs of gifted and talented students.
Foreign Language Assistance
The Committee recommends $28,000,000 for the foreign
language assistance program. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2009 was $26,328,000, the same as the budget
request.
Funds from this program support competitive grants to
increase the quality and quantity of foreign language
instruction. At least 75 percent of the appropriation must be
used to expand foreign language education in the elementary
grades. The Committee has included bill language that prohibits
foreign language assistance program funds from being used for
the foreign language incentive program. The Committee also
includes bill language that sets aside $9,729,000 for 5-year
grants to LEAs, in partnership with institutions of higher
education, for the establishment or expansion of articulated
programs of study in critical-need languages. The amount set
aside for this purpose in fiscal year 2009 was $7,360,000.
The Committee is concerned that this program is unavailable
to the poorest schools because grant recipients must provide a
50 percent match from non-Federal sources. The Committee,
therefore, strongly urges the Secretary to use his ability to
waive the matching requirement for qualifying schools and to
increase awareness of this accommodation among the affected
school population.
Education for Homeless Children and Youth
For carrying out education activities authorized by title
VII, subtitle B of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act, the Committee recommends $65,427,000, the same as the
budget request. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$135,427,000, including $70,000,000 provided in the ARRA.
This program provides assistance to each State to support
an office of the coordinator of education for homeless children
and youth, to develop and implement State plans for educating
homeless children, and to make subgrants to LEAs to support the
education of those children. Grants are made to States based on
the total that each State receives in title I grants to LEAs.
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youths
Program, State educational agencies must ensure that homeless
children and youth have equal access to the same free public
education, including a public preschool education, as is
provided to other children and youth.
Training and Advisory Services
For training and advisory services authorized by title IV
of the Civil Rights Act, the Committee recommends $6,989,000,
the same as the budget request. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $9,489,000.
The funds provided will support awards to operate the 10
regional equity assistance centers [EACs]. Each EAC provides
services to school districts upon request. Activities include
disseminating information on successful practices and legal
requirements related to nondiscrimination on the basis of race,
color, sex, or national origin in education programs.
Education for Native Hawaiians
For programs for the education of Native Hawaiians, the
Committee recommends $34,315,000. The budget request was
$33,315,000, the same amount as the fiscal year 2009
appropriation. The Committee bill includes language requiring
that at least $1,500,000 of the funds be used for construction
and renovation of facilities at public schools serving a
predominantly Native Hawaiian student body.
The Committee bill includes language stipulating that
$1,500,000 shall be used for a grant to the Center of
Excellence at the University of Hawaii School of Law, for the
Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence. This
repository houses a compilation of historical and cultural
documents that facilitates preservation and examination of laws
of great significance to Native Hawaiians.
The Committee bill also includes language stipulating that
$500,000 shall be used under title VIII, part Z of the Higher
Education Act for the Henry K. Giugni Memorial Archives at the
University of Hawaii.
Alaska Native Educational Equity
The Committee recommends $33,315,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 level and the budget request, for the Alaska
Native educational equity assistance program.
These funds address the severe educational handicaps of
Alaska Native schoolchildren. Funds are used for the
development of supplemental educational programs to benefit
Alaska Natives. The Committee bill includes language that
allows funding provided by this program to be used for
construction. The Committee expects the Department to use some
of these funds to address the construction needs of rural
schools.
Rural Education
The Committee recommends $178,382,000 for rural education
programs. The budget request was $173,382,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 appropriation.
The Committee expects that rural education funding will be
equally divided between the Small, Rural Schools Achievement
Program, which provides funds to LEAs that serve a small number
of students, and the Rural and Low-Income Schools Program,
which provides funds to LEAs that serve concentrations of poor
students, regardless of the number of students served.
Comprehensive Centers
The Committee recommends $57,113,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 level, for the
comprehensive centers program.
These funds have provided support to a network of 21
comprehensive centers that are operated by research
organizations, agencies, institutions of higher education or
partnerships thereof, and provide training and technical
assistance on various issues to States, LEAs, and schools as
identified through needs assessments undertaken in each region.
The system also currently includes 16 regional centers, which
are charged with providing intensive technical assistance to
State educational agencies to increase their capacity to assist
LEAs and schools with meeting the goals of No Child Left
Behind, and 5 content centers, which are organized by topic
area.
Indian Education
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $122,282,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 122,282,000
House allowance......................................... 132,282,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,282,000
The Committee recommends $122,282,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for
Indian Education programs.
Grants to Local Education Agencies
For grants to local educational agencies, the Committee
recommends $99,331,000, the same as the fiscal year 2009
funding level and the budget request.
These funds provide financial support to elementary and
secondary school programs that serve Indian students, including
preschool children. Funds are awarded on a formula basis to
local educational agencies, schools supported and operated by
the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Education, and
in some cases directly to Indian tribes.
Special Programs for Indian Children
The Committee recommends $19,060,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 funding level and the budget request, for
special programs for Indian children.
Funds are used for demonstration grants to improve Indian
student achievement through early childhood education and
college preparation programs, and for professional development
grants for training Indians who are preparing to begin careers
in teaching and school administration.
National Activities
The Committee recommends $3,891,000, the same as the budget
request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for national
activities. Funds will be used to expand efforts to improve
research, evaluation, and data collection on the status and
effectiveness of Indian education programs.
State Fiscal Stabilization Fund
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $53,600,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 100,000,000
House allowance......................................... 3,000,000
Committee recommendation................................................
\1\Funds provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommendation does not include any funds for
the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. The budget request was
$100,000,000 and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$53,600,000,000, all of which was made available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act [ARRA] of 2009.
Funding in the budget request would be used to continue the
What Works and Innovation Fund, which was created in the ARRA.
This fund provides grants to LEAs, as well as partnerships
between nonprofit organizations and LEAs or schools, to support
extraordinary achievement, demonstrated success, and promising
innovation, and to help the grantees expand their work and
serve as models of best practices. The Committee believes that
the $650,000,000 provided in the ARRA for this purpose makes
additional funding in fiscal year 2010 unnecessary.
Innovation and Improvement
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $1,196,425,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,439,949,000
House allowance......................................... 1,347,363,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,234,787,000
\1\Includes $200,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (Public Law 111-5) funding.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,234,787,000 for
programs within the innovation and improvement account. The
budget request was $1,439,949,000. The fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $1,196,425,000, including $200,000,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009.
Troops-to-Teachers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,389,000,
the same as the fiscal year 2009 appropriation and the budget
request, to support the Defense Department's Troops-to-Teachers
program.
This program helps recruit and prepare retiring and former
military personnel to become highly qualified teachers serving
in high-poverty school districts. The Secretary of Education
transfers program funds to the Department of Defense for the
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support to
provide assistance, including stipends or bonuses, to eligible
members of the armed forces so that they can obtain teacher
certification or licensing. In addition, the program helps
these individuals find employment in a school.
Transition to Teaching
The Committee recommends $43,707,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the
Transition to Teaching program.
This program provides grants to help support efforts to
recruit, train, and place nontraditional teaching candidates
into teaching positions and to support them during their first
years in the classroom. In particular, this program is intended
to attract mid-career professionals and recent college
graduates. Program participants are placed in high-need schools
in high-need LEAs.
National Writing Project
The Committee recommends $27,000,000 for the National
Writing Project. The budget request was $24,291,000, the same
as the fiscal year 2009 level.
These funds are awarded to the National Writing Project, a
nonprofit organization that supports and promotes K-16 teacher
training programs in the effective teaching of writing.
Teaching of Traditional American History
The Committee recommends $118,952,000 for the teaching of
traditional American history program. This is the same amount
as the fiscal year 2009 level and the budget request.
This program supports competitive grants to LEAs, and funds
may be used only to undertake activities that are related to
American history, and cannot be used for social studies
coursework. Grant awards are designed to augment the quality of
American history instruction and to provide professional
development activities and teacher education in the area of
American history. Grants are awarded for 3 years, with 2
additional years allowed for grantees that are performing
effectively.
The Committee bill retains language that allows the
Department to reserve up to 3 percent of funds appropriated for
this program for national activities.
School Leadership
The Committee recommends $29,220,000, the same as the
budget request, for the school leadership program. The fiscal
year 2009 level was $19,220,000. The program provides
competitive grants to assist high-need LEAs to recruit and
train principals and assistant principals through activities
such as professional development and training programs. The
Committee continues to recognize the critical role that
principals and assistant principals play in creating an
environment that fosters effective teaching and high academic
achievement for students.
Advanced Credentialing
The Committee recommends $10,649,000 for the advanced
credentialing program. This is the same as the fiscal year 2009
appropriation and the budget request.
The Committee includes bill language directing all of the
funding for this program to the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards. Funds available assist the board's work in
providing financial support to States for teachers applying for
certification, increasing the number of minority teachers
seeking certification and developing outreach programs about
the advanced certification program.
Teach for America
The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for Teach for America
[TFA], a nonprofit organization that recruits outstanding
recent college graduates who commit to teach for 2 years in
underserved communities. The budget request was $15,000,000.
The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was $14,893,500, funded
through the Fund for the Improvement of Education.
In 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act amended the
Higher Education Act of 1965 to include authority for the Teach
for America program. The purpose of the program is to enable
TFA to implement and expand its program for recruiting,
selecting, training, and supporting new teachers. With these
funds, the grantee is required to: (1) provide highly qualified
teachers to serve in high-need local educational agencies in
urban and rural communities; (2) pay the costs of recruiting,
selecting, training, and supporting new teachers; and (3) serve
a substantial number and percentage of underserved students.
Charter Schools
The Committee recommends a total of $256,031,000 for the
support of charter schools. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $216,031,000. The budget request was $268,031,000.
The Committee allocates the recommended funding as follows:
$232,949,000 for charter school grants, $14,782,000 for the
State facilities program, and $8,300,000 for the credit
enhancement for charter schools facilities program.
The budget request includes $244,949,000 for charter school
grants, and the same amount as the Committee recommendation for
the latter two programs.
The Charter Schools grants program supports the planning,
development, and initial implementation of charter schools.
State educational agencies that have the authority under State
law to approve charter schools are eligible to compete for
grants. If an eligible SEA does not participate, charter
schools from the State may apply directly to the Secretary.
Under the State facilities program, the Department awards
5-year competitive grants to States that operate per-pupil
facilities aid programs for charters schools. Federal funds are
used to match State-funded programs in order to provide charter
schools with additional resources for charter school facilities
financing.
The credit enhancement program provides assistance to help
charter schools meet their facility needs. Funds are provided
on a competitive basis to public and nonprofit entities, to
leverage non-Federal funds that help charter schools obtain
school facilities through purchase, lease, renovation, and
construction.
The Committee includes new bill language that allows the
Secretary to reserve funds to make multiple awards to charter
management organizations and other entities for the replication
and expansion of successful charter school models.
Voluntary Public School Choice
The Committee recommends $25,819,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the
voluntary public school choice program.
This program supports efforts by States and school
districts to establish or expand state- or district-wide public
school choice programs, especially for parents whose children
attend low-performing public schools.
Magnet Schools Assistance
The Committee recommends $104,829,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the
magnet schools assistance program.
This program supports grants to local educational agencies
to establish and operate magnet schools that are part of a
court-ordered or federally approved voluntary desegregation
plan. Magnet schools are designed to attract substantial
numbers of students from different social, economic, ethnic,
and racial backgrounds. Grantees may use funds for planning and
promotional materials, teacher salaries, and the purchase of
computers and other educational materials and equipment.
Fund for the Improvement of Education
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $200,209,000
for the Fund for the Improvement of Education [FIE]. The fiscal
year 2009 appropriation was $250,370,000, and the budget
request was $188,836,000.
Within programs of national significance, the Committee
includes bill language requiring that $1,000,000 be used for a
clearinghouse that would provide information on planning,
designing, financing, building, maintaining, and operating
safe, healthy, high-performance educational facilities. The
Committee also provides $6,000,000 for Reach Out and Read, a
literacy program; $500,000 for the National History Day
program; $5,000,000 for Communities in Schools, a dropout
prevention program; $5,000,000 for full-service community
schools demonstration grants; and additional funding for data
quality and evaluation initiatives and peer review.
The Committee also includes $5,000,000 for other activities
that the Secretary may use at his discretion. The budget
request included $5,000,000 for digital professional
development grants, $37,000,000 for history, civics and
government grants, and $5,000,000 for readiness readiness
grants, while proposing to eliminate several related existing
programs, such as Close Up, Civic Education, and Ready to
Teach. Since the Committee rejected most of those proposed
eliminations, it does not provide funding specifically for any
of the three competitive grant programs described in this
paragraph above. However, the $5,000,000 provided for other
activities may be used for those purposes if the Secretary
wishes.
Within the total amount for FIE, the Committee
recommendation also includes funding for several separately
authorized programs.
The Committee recommends $25,000,000 for the contract to
Reading Is Fundamental Inc. [RIF] to provide reading-motivation
activities. RIF, a private nonprofit organization, helps
prepare young children and motivate older children to read,
through activities including the distribution of books. The
budget request was $24,803,000, the same as the fiscal year
2009 appropriation.
The Committee recommends $10,700,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the Ready to Teach program.
The budget request did not include any funds for this program,
but set aside $5,000,000 for digital professional development
grants within FIE, as described above. Ready to Teach
encompasses funding for competitive awards to one or more
nonprofit entities, for the purpose of continuing to develop
telecommunications-based programs to improve teacher quality in
core areas. It also includes digital educational programming
grants, which encourage community partnerships among local
public television stations, State and local educational
agencies, and other institutions to develop and distribute
digital instructional content based on State and local
standards.
The Committee recommends $9,000,000 for the Education
through Cultural and Historical Organizations [ECHO] Act of
2001. The budget request was $8,754,000, the same as the fiscal
year 2009 appropriation. Programs authorized under ECHO provide
a broad range of educational, cultural, and job training
opportunities for students from communities in Alaska, Hawaii,
Massachusetts, and Mississippi.
The Committee has included $40,000,000 for arts in
education. The budget request was $38,166,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 appropriation. The recommendation includes
$9,200,000 for VSA arts, a national organization that supports
the involvement of persons with disabilities in arts programs,
and $6,838,000 for the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts. Additional funds are provided for professional
development, model arts programs and evaluation activities.
The Committee recommends $39,254,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for
parental information and resource centers, which provide
training, information, and support to parents, State and local
education agencies, and other organizations that carry out
parent education and family involvement programs.
The Committee includes $2,423,000, the same as the budget
request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for the women's
educational equity program. This program supports projects that
assist in the local implementation of gender equity policies
and practices.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,447,000 for
activities authorized by the Excellence in Economic Education
Act. This is the same amount as the budget request and the
fiscal year 2009 appropriation. These funds will support a
grant to a nonprofit educational organization to promote
economic and financial literacy among kindergarten through 12th
grade students.
In addition, the Committee recommends $6,913,000, the same
as the budget request, for the mental health integration in
schools program. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$5,913,000. This program supports grants to or contracts with
State educational agencies, local educational agencies or
Indian tribes to increase student access to mental healthcare
by linking schools with their local mental health systems.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3D School, Petal, MS, for a model dyslexia $250,000
intervention program.................................
Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, to support the 200,000
Adelphi University Institute for Math and Science
Teachers.............................................
Army Heritage Center Foundation, Carlisle, PA, for 100,000
history education programs...........................
Avant-Garde Learning Foundation, Anchorage, AK, for 500,000
educational activities...............................
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, Anchorage, AK, for 100,000
a mentoring demonstration project....................
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Inc., 100,000
Pittsburgh, PA, for mentoring programs...............
Billings Public Schools, Billings, MT, for career 100,000
training in construction technology, including the
purchase of equipment................................
Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Reno, NV, to 175,000
develop an Internet safety program in schools........
Brehm Preparatory School, Carbondale, IL, to support 250,000
the development of a national database for learning
disabilities education and research at Brehm Prep
School...............................................
Brockton Area Private Industry Council, Inc., 100,000
Brockton, MA, for workforce development programs for
at-risk youth........................................
Bushnell, Hartford, CT, for the PARTNERS Art Education 100,000
Program..............................................
Caddo Parish School Board, Shreveport, LA, for 100,000
equipment and technology upgrades....................
Calcasieu Parish School Board, Lake Charles, LA, for 100,000
equipment and technology upgrades....................
CentroNia, Takoma Park, MD, to expand pre-K services 500,000
and train early education teachers...................
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL, to provide 300,000
professional development to upper elementary and
middle school science teachers.......................
Children's Home of Easton, PA, for tutoring and 125,000
mentoring at-risk youth during summer................
City of Los Angeles, CA, for the LA's BEST afterschool 900,000
enrichment program...................................
City of Racine, WI, for an afterschool and summer 200,000
program for children and their parents...............
City of San Jose, CA, for early childhood education 300,000
improvement..........................................
City of Vernonia School District, Vernonia, OR, for 150,000
technology and equipment.............................
City Year New Hampshire, Stratham, NH, to expand 254,000
education and youth development programs.............
City Year Rhode Island, Providence, RI, for a school- 100,000
based initiative to improve the conditions that lead
to student success and increase the graduation rate..
Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, to create 600,000
a school for highly gifted students..................
Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, to expand 600,000
instructional support for English-language learners..
Cleveland Municipal School District, Cleveland, OH, to 100,000
improve math and language skills through music
education............................................
Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center, 100,000
Vancouver, WA, to expand a summer school program that
prepares high school students to pursue postsecondary
education and green careers, including the purchase
of equipment.........................................
County of Butte, Oroville, CA, for the Literacy is for 150,000
Everyone family literacy program.....................
County of Monterey, Salinas, CA, for the Silver Star 1,000,000
Gang Prevention and Intervention program.............
Creative Visions, Des Moines, IA, for a dropout 200,000
prevention program...................................
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot, ND, for an 475,000
elementary school program that targets high-risk
students.............................................
Darden School Foundation, Charlottesville, VA, to 150,000
improve rural, chronically low-performing schools in
southwest Virginia...................................
Davidson Academy of Nevada, Reno, NV, for math and 400,000
science curriculum development.......................
Delaware Department of Education, Dover, DE, to train 100,000
school leaders within the Vision 2015 network........
Delaware Department of Technology and Information, 100,000
Dover, DE, to improve Internet access to Delaware
schools, including the purchase of equipment.........
Delta Arts Alliance, Inc., Drew, MS, for arts 100,000
education and curriculum development.................
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, for music 300,000
education in rural areas.............................
Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines, IA, to expand 750,000
pre-kindergarten programs............................
East Side Community Learning Center Foundation, 100,000
Wilmington, DE, to support supplemental education and
enrichment programs for high-needs students..........
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Evansville, 100,000
IN, for education programs including equip- ment....
Falcon School district 49, Falcon, CO, to support a 100,000
science, technology, engineering and math [STEM]
education program....................................
FAME, Inc., Wilmington, DE, to prepare minority 125,000
students for college and encourage them to pursue
careers in science, engineering, and math............
Family, Inc., Council Bluffs, IA, to support a home 400,000
visitation program for young children and their
families.............................................
Golden Apple Foundation, Chicago, IL, to recruit and 350,000
train math and science teachers through summer
institutes across Illinois...........................
Grand County School District, Moab, UT, to career and 100,000
technical education programs including the purchase
of equipment.........................................
Harford County, Belair, MD, for a science, technology, 400,000
engineering and math education program, including the
purchase of equipment................................
Homeless Children's Education Fund, Pittsburgh, PA, 100,000
for afterschool programs.............................
I Won't Cheat Foundation, Salt Lake City, UT, for an 250,000
anti-steroid education program and awareness campaign
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, for 100,000
curriculum development and teacher training..........
Indianapolis Public Schools, Indianapolis, IN, for 100,000
education programs including equipment...............
Inquiry Facilitators Inc., Bernalillo, NM, for 200,000
facilitating student and teacher involvement in a
robotics competition.................................
Iowa Association of School Boards, Des Moines, IA, for 3,550,000
continuation and expansion of the SKILLS Iowa program
Iowa Department of Education, Des Moines, IA, to 7,000,000
continue the Harkin Grant program....................
Iowa State Education Association, Des Moines, IA, to 133,000
educate teachers and students on international trade.
Ishpeming Public Schools, Ishpeming, MI, to provide 100,000
wiring and technology upgrades.......................
Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, for education 100,000
programs including the purchase of equipment.........
Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, for Mississippi 500,000
Learning Institute to improve reading and literacy
instruction..........................................
Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY, for music 400,000
education programs...................................
JFYNetworks, Boston, MA, for the expansion of math, 150,000
science, and language arts educational pro- grams...
Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc., Boston, MA, for 100,000
expanding the Jumpstart Connecticut mentoring pro-
gram.................................................
Kauai Economic Development Board, Lihue, HI, for 700,000
science, technology, engineering and math educa-
tion.................................................
Kanawha County Schools, Charleston, WV, for the 500,000
continuation and expansion of Skills West Virginia...
Lafourche Parish School Board, Thibodaux, LA, for 100,000
equipment and tech upgrades..........................
LOOKBOTHWAYS, Port Townsend, WA, to create a 300,000
curriculum to teach children and youth Internet
safety skills.......................................
Los Alamos National Lab Foundation, Espanola, NM, for 100,000
recruitment and training of math and science teachers
Los Angeles Universal Preschool, Los Angeles, CA, to 150,000
expand a preschool and teacher training pro- gram...
Lyon County School District, Yerington, NV, to expand 350,000
distance education, including professional
development and the purchase of equipment............
Massachusetts 2020, Boston, MA, for the continued 200,000
development of an extended learning time initia-
tive.................................................
Maui Economic Development Board, Kihei, HI, for 800,000
engaging girls and historically underrepresented
students in science, technology, engineering, and
math [STEM] education................................
Meeting Street, Providence, RI, for early childhood 300,000
education for at-risk children.......................
Meskwaki Settlement School, Sac & Fox Tribe of the 500,000
Mississippi in Iowa, Tama, IA, for a culturally based
education curriculum.................................
Mississippi Building Blocks, Ridgeland, MS, for 500,000
establishment of a statewide early childhood literacy
program..............................................
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 200,000
for economic education in K-12 settings..............
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 100,000
for enhancing K-12 science and mathematics
preparation..........................................
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 500,000
for the development of an early childhood teacher
education delivery system............................
Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS, for 200,000
Science and Mathematics on the Tennessee-Tombigbee
Waterway.............................................
Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS, for 550,000
expansion of educational outreach for at-risk youth.
Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute, Mississippi 200,000
State, MS, for program development for Mississippi
Rural Voices.........................................
Montgomery/Cleveland Avenue YMCA, Montgomery, AL, for 100,000
after-school and weekend programs....................
National Braille Press, Boston, MA, for the 200,000
development and deployment of portable Braille
devices for blind school-aged children...............
National Council of La Raza, Washington, DC, to 500,000
improve the quality and availability of early
childhood education..................................
New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY, for a teacher 500,000
training program.....................................
North Carolina Mentoring Partnership, Raleigh, NC, for 100,000
mentoring at-risk youth..............................
Nye County School District, Pahrump, NV, to improve 225,000
science programs in rural middle schools, including
the purchase of laboratory equipment.................
Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education, 100,000
Portsmouth, OH, to prepare students for careers and
educational opportunities in science, technology,
math, and engineering................................
Orchestra Iowa Music Education, Cedar Rapids, IA, to 400,000
support a music education program....................
Orem City, UT, for curriculum expansion including the 100,000
purchase of equipment................................
Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development, 500,000
Pago Pago, America Samoa, for program development....
Piney Woods School, Piney Woods, MS, for science and 150,000
technology curriculum development....................
Polynesian Voyaging Society, Honolulu, HI, for 300,000
educational programs.................................
Project HOME, Philadelphia, PA, for afterschool 100,000
programs.............................................
Save the Children, Albuquerque, NM, for a New Mexico 150,000
rural literacy and afterschool program...............
Save the Children, Washington, DC, for afterschool 100,000
programs in Mississippi..............................
Save the Children, Fernley, NV, to expand the Nevada 250,000
Rural Literacy Program, including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, to expand a 150,000
hands-on medical science program for elementary
school students......................................
Semos Unlimited, Santa Fe, NM, to develop and produce 100,000
Hispanic learning materials..........................
South Salt Lake City, UT, to establish education 100,000
programs to expand ESL classes at the Villa Franche
apartment complex....................................
Sunrise Children's Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, for 300,000
early childhood education services...................
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, to expand an 300,000
afterschool program..................................
Terrebonne Parish School Board, Houma, LA, for 100,000
equipment and technology upgrades....................
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, for the National 165,000
Institute for Twice-Exceptionality...................
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, for 750,000
developing a center on early childhood education.....
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 200,000
for gifted education programs at the Frances Karnes
Center for Gifted Studies............................
Urban Assembly New York Harbor High School, Brooklyn, 150,000
NY, for a marine science and marine technology
program..............................................
Utah Valley University, Orem, UT, to establish an 250,000
entrepreneurship program for high school students....
Washoe County School District, Reno, NV, to support 500,000
instructional coaches for K-12 teachers..............
Washoe County School District, Reno, NV, to expand a 500,000
new teacher mentoring program........................
Weber State University, Ogden, UT, for teacher 500,000
education and curriculum development.................
West New York Board of Education, West New York, NJ, 150,000
to launch an alternative fuel education program,
including the purchase of equipment..................
West Valley City, UT, to expand an at-risk youth 100,000
afterschool program..................................
WhizKids Foundation, Inc., Cambridge, MA, to expand 100,000
math, science, and engineering programs for primary
school students......................................
YMCA Espanola Teen Center, Los Alamos, NM, to provide 125,000
academic and enrichment support for at-risk youth...
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, for 150,000
supporting and developing charter and district-run
public schools in New Orleans through teacher
education, leadership preparation, applied research
and policy, in cooperation with Tulane University....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teacher Incentive Fund
The Committee recommendation includes $300,000,000 for the
Teacher Incentive Fund [TIF] program. The budget request was
$487,270,000, and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation was
$297,270,000, including $200,000,000 provided in the ARRA.
The goals of TIF are to improve student achievement by
increasing teacher and principal effectiveness; reform
compensation systems to reward gains in student achievement;
increase the number of effective teachers teaching low-income,
minority, and disadvantaged students, and students in hard-to-
staff subjects; and create sustainable performance-based
compensation systems.
The Committee includes bill language that will improve the
program in several ways and help prevent some of the problems
that have plagued earlier attempts to implement performance-
based pay systems. The Committee notes, for example, that
performance-based compensation systems tend to work better when
those people who are directly affected by the incentives are
involved in the design of the systems; therefore, the bill adds
a new provision requiring grantees to demonstrate that their
compensation systems are developed with the input of teachers
and school leaders. Likewise, the Committee adds new bill
language requiring grantees to submit a plan for sustaining
their programs financially once the grant period has expired,
and allowing grantees to develop or improve systems and tools
that would enhance the quality and success of the compensation
system, such as high-quality teacher evaluations and tools to
measure growth in student achievement. The Committee also
includes new language requested by the administration that will
allow grantees to use TIF funds to provide performance-based
compensation to all staff in a school, rather than to teachers
and principals only.
The Committee urges the Department to award grants for
short-term planning for the development of performance-based
compensation systems as well as for implementation. Recognizing
that such systems should be aligned with other educational
improvement efforts, in awarding grants the Committee urges the
Department to give priority to those applications that
demonstrate a link between proposed projects and the
instructional strategy or other key reforms undertaken by the
relevant schools or LEAs.
The ARRA required a portion of the funds provided for TIF
in that act to be used for a rigorous national evaluation of
ARRA-funded projects. The evaluation will be conducted by the
Institute of Education Sciences [IES]. The Committee urges the
IES to include grants awarded in this bill as well, and to
examine school- and district-level factors that contribute to
the results of funded projects as part of the evaluation.
Finally, the Committee includes a general provision in this
bill that prohibits the obligation of funds for new TIF awards
prior to the submission of an impact evaluation plan to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
and the Senate.
National Teacher Recruitment Campaign
The Committee recommendation does not include any funds for
the National Teacher Recruitment Campaign. The budget request
was $30,000,000. No funds for this program were provided in
fiscal year 2009.
The administration proposed that the Education Department,
working with public and private, nonprofit partners, would use
the proposed funds to reach out to potential candidates for
teaching positions, provide information on routes they can take
to enter the profession, and provide assistance in navigating
those routes.
Ready-to-Learn Television
The Committee recommendation includes $28,500,000 for the
Ready-to-Learn Television program. The budget request was
$25,416,000, the same as the fiscal year 2009 appropriation.
Ready-to-Learn Television supports the development and
distribution of educational television programming designed to
improve the readiness of preschool children to enter
kindergarten and elementary school. The program also supports
the development, production, and dissemination of educational
materials designed to help parents, children, and caregivers
obtain the maximum advantage from educational programming. The
Committee expects the increase over fiscal year 2009 to be used
for Ready to Learn outreach programs by the Corporation for
Public Broadcasting.
Close Up Fellowships
The Committee recommendation includes $1,942,000, the same
as the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for Close Up
Fellowships. The budget request did not include any funds for
this purpose.
These funds are provided to the Close Up Foundation of
Washington, DC, which offers fellowships to students from low-
income families and their teachers to enable them to spend 1
week in Washington attending seminars and meeting with
representatives of the three branches of the Federal
Government.
Advanced Placement
The Committee recommends $43,540,000 for Advanced Placement
[AP] programs. This is the same amount as the budget request
and the fiscal year 2009 level.
These funds support two programs, the Advanced Placement
Test Fee program and the Advanced Placement Incentive [API]
program, the purpose of both of which is to aid State and local
efforts to increase access to Advanced Placement [AP] and
International Baccalaureate [IB] classes and tests for low-
income students. Under the test fee program, the Department
makes awards to State educational agencies to enable them to
cover part or all of the cost of test fees of low-income
students who are enrolled in an AP or IB class and plan to take
an AP or IB test. Under the API program, the Department makes
3-year competitive awards to State educational agencies, LEAs,
or national nonprofit educational entities to expand access for
low-income individuals to AP programs through activities
including teacher training, development of pre-Advanced
Placement courses, coordination and articulation between grade
levels to prepare students for academic achievement in AP or IB
courses, books and supplies, and participation in online AP or
IB courses.
Under statute, the Department must give priority to funding
the test fee program. The budget request estimates that
$15,374,000 will be needed to fund that program; the remaining
funds will support continuations for API grants.
Promise Neighborhoods
The Committee recommends $10,000,000, the same as the
budget request, for the Promise Neighborhoods program. This is
a new program.
Competitive grants will be awarded to nonprofit, community-
based organizations for the development of comprehensive
neighborhood programs designed to combat the effects of poverty
and improve educational and life outcomes for children and
youth, from birth through college. Each Promise Neighborhood
grantee will serve a high-poverty urban neighborhood or rural
community.
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $690,370,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 413,608,000
House allowance......................................... 395,753,000
Committee recommendation................................ 438,061,000
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities
The Committee recommends a total of $438,061,000 for
activities to promote safe schools and citizenship education.
The budget request was $413,608,000 and the fiscal year 2009
appropriation was $690,370,000.
State Grants.--The Committee recommends eliminating the
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities State grant program,
as did the budget request. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $294,759,000. This formula-based State grant program
provides resources to Governors, State educational agencies,
and local educational agencies for developing and implementing
activities that help create and maintain safe and drug-free
learning environments in and around schools.
The Committee agrees with the budget request that, in most
States, the program spreads funding too thinly at the local
level to support high-quality interventions in schools that
need the most help. The Committee recommends reallocating much
of this funding to national activities that can be better
targeted.
National Activities.--The Committee recommendation includes
$224,978,000 for the national activities portion of the Safe
and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program. The budget
request was $250,896,000 and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $140,264,000.
The Committee recommendation includes $81,000,000 for a new
initiative proposed by the administration to support new
approaches to assisting schools foster a safe, secure, and
drug-free learning environment. The budget request for this
program was $100,000,000.
This program will award competitive grants in two areas:
(1) reducing the number of suspensions and expulsions related
to disruptive behavior and nonviolent offenses and to reducing
the amount of time teachers spend on disciplining students for
engaging in disruptive behavior and on other minor nonviolent
offenses, and (2) reducing the amount of serious violent crime
in schools (including on school grounds, as well as crimes
affecting students on the way to and from school), and reducing
the amount of serious violent crime among school-aged youth in
the community.
The Committee includes $7,000,000, the same as the budget
request, for initiatives in emergency preparedness for
institutions of higher education, such as: the dissemination of
information about emergency management planning tailored to the
needs of higher education; training, technical assistance, risk
assessment and grant funding to IHEs to support emergency
management and campus public safety agencies and programs on
their campuses; the acquisition of software and hardware
necessary to implement best practices in emergency planning and
response; and other related activities.
The Committee recommends no funds for Project SERV (School
Emergency Response to Violence), which provides education-
related services to LEAs and institutions of higher education
in which the learning environment has been disrupted due to a
violent or traumatic crisis. Project SERV funds are available
until expended. The budget request was $5,000,000. No funds
were appropriated for this purpose in fiscal year 2009. The
Committee believes that no additional funds are required in
fiscal year 2010, given the amount of unobligated funds that
have been carried over from previous years.
The Committee recommendation includes $830,000, the same as
the budget request, for a program to identify, and provide
recognition of, promising and model alcohol and drug abuse
prevention and education programs in higher education.
The Committee recommendation also includes funds for school
emergency preparedness, Safe Schools/Healthy Students,
postsecondary education drug and violence prevention, and other
activities.
Alcohol Abuse Reduction
The Committee recommends $32,712,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2009 appropriation, for
grants to LEAs to develop and implement programs to reduce
underage drinking in secondary schools.
Mentoring
The Committee recommends no funding for mentoring programs,
as did the budget request. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $47,264,000. Funds have been used to support mentoring
programs and activities for children who are at risk of failing
academically, dropping out of school, getting involved in
criminal or delinquent activities, or who lack strong positive
role models.
Character Education
The Committee recommendation includes $11,912,000 for the
design and implementation of character education programs. This
is the same amount as the fiscal year 2009 appropriation. The
budget request did not include any funds for this program.
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling
The Committee recommends $55,000,000 to establish or expand
counseling programs in elementary and secondary schools. The
fiscal year 2009 funding level was $52,000,000, the same as the
budget request. As authorized, at least $40,000,000 must be
used to support elementary school counseling programs.
Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress Program
The Committee recommendation includes $80,000,000 to help
LEAs and community-based organizations initiate, expand and
improve physical education programs for students in grades K-
12. The budget request was $78,000,000, the same as the fiscal
year 2009 appropriation. This funding will help schools and
communities improve their structured physical education
programs for students and help children develop healthy
lifestyles to combat the national epidemic of obesity.
Civic Education
The Committee recommends $33,459,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2009 level, to improve the quality of civics and
government education, to foster civic competence and
responsibility, and to improve the quality of civic and
economic education through exchange programs with emerging
democracies. The budget request proposed to eliminate this
program and instead provide competitive awards for history,
civics, and government grants within the Fund for the
Improvement of Education.
The Committee recommends $20,076,000 for the We the People
programs, including $2,957,000 to continue the comprehensive
program to improve public knowledge, understanding, and support
of American democratic institutions, which is a cooperative
project among the Center for Civic Education, the Center on
Congress at Indiana University, and the Trust for
Representative Democracy at the National Conference of State
Legislatures. The bill also includes $13,383,000 for the
Cooperative Education Exchange program.
English Language Acquisition
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $730,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 730,000,000
House allowance......................................... 760,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 750,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $750,000,000
for English language acquisition. The budget request was
$730,000,000, the same as the fiscal year 2009 appropriation.
The Department makes formula grants to States based on each
State's share of the Nation's limited-English-proficient and
recent immigrant student population. The program is designed to
increase the capacity of States and school districts to address
the needs of these students. The Committee includes bill
language requiring that 6.5 percent of the appropriation be
used to support national activities, which include professional
development activities designed to increase the number of
highly qualified teachers serving limited English proficient
students; a National Clearinghouse for English Language
Acquisition and Language Instructional Programs; and evaluation
activities. National activities funds shall be available for 2
years.
The Committee bill also includes language requested by the
administration that requires the Secretary to use the annual 3-
year estimates provided by the Census Bureau in order to
determine the State allocations. Under the authorizing statute,
the Department would use 1-year estimates, which are not as
reliable and produce more volatility in the allocations from
year to year. Fiscal year 2009 appropriations language directed
the Secretary to use a 3-year average for those States that
would otherwise receive greater than a 10 percent reduction
from their previous year's allocation. Under the Committee
bill, the same data set would be used for all States.
Special Education
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $24,779,677,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 12,579,677,000
House allowance......................................... 12,579,677,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,587,856,000
\1\Includes $12,200,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $12,587,856,000 for special
education programs authorized by the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] and the Special Olympics
Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004. The fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $24,779,677,000, which includes $12,200,000,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The
budget request includes $12,579,677,000 for such programs.
Grants to States
The Committee recommends $11,505,211,000 for special
education grants to States, as authorized under part B of the
IDEA, which is the same amount as proposed in the budget
request. The fiscal year 2009 funding level is $22,805,211,000,
which includes $11,300,000,000 available in the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
This program provides formula grants to assist States,
outlying areas, and other entities in meeting the costs of
providing special education and related services for children
with disabilities. States pass along most of these funds to
local educational agencies, but may reserve some for program
monitoring, enforcement, technical assistance, and other
activities.
The appropriation for this program primarily supports
activities associated with the 2010-2011 academic year. Of the
funds available for this program, $2,912,828,000 will become
available on July 1, 2010 and $8,592,383,000 will become
available on October 1, 2010. These funds will remain available
for obligation until September 30, 2011.
The budget request proposes language capping the Department
of the Interior set-aside at the prior year level, adjusted by
the lower of the increase in inflation or the change in the
appropriation for grants to States. This provision also would
prevent a decrease in the amount to be transferred in case the
funding for this program decreases or does not change. The
Committee bill includes the requested language.
Preschool Grants
The Committee recommends $374,099,000 for preschool grants,
the same amount as the budget request. The fiscal year 2009
funding level is $774,099,000, which includes $400,000,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The
preschool grants program provides formula grants to States to
assist them in making available special education and related
services for children with disabilities aged 3 through 5.
States distribute the bulk of the funds to local educational
agencies. States must serve all eligible children with
disabilities aged 3 through 5 and have an approved application
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Grants for Infants and Families
The Committee recommends $439,427,000 for the grants for
infants and families program under part C of the IDEA, the same
amount as proposed in the budget request. The fiscal year 2009
funding level is $939,427,000, which includes $500,000,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This
program provides formula grants to States, outlying areas and
other entities to implement statewide systems of coordinated,
comprehensive, multidisciplinary interagency programs to make
available early intervention services to all children with
disabilities, ages 2 and under, and their families.
State Personnel Development
The Committee recommends $48,000,000 for the State
personnel development program, which is the same amount as the
comparable fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This
program focuses on the professional development needs in States
by requiring that 90 percent of funds be used for professional
development activities. The program supports grants to State
educational agencies to help them reform and improve their
personnel preparation and professional development related to
early intervention, educational and transition services that
improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Technical Assistance and Dissemination
The Committee recommends $50,228,000 for technical
assistance and dissemination. The comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level and the budget request are $48,549,000 for these
activities. This program supports awards for technical
assistance, model demonstration projects, the dissemination of
useful information and other activities. Funding supports
activities that are designed to improve the services provided
under IDEA. The Committee intends for the technical assistance
for children who are both blind and deaf to be funded at
$12,350,000, an increase of $1,000,000 over the budget request.
The Committee appreciates the vital services, guidance, and
critical information regarding disabilities in children and
youth, educational best practices and IDEA provided to families
and professionals through the information, referral, and
dissemination center.
Personnel Preparation
The Committee recommends $90,653,000 for the personnel
preparation program, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding level and the budget request. Funds support
competitive awards to help address State-identified needs for
personnel who are qualified to work with children with
disabilities, including special education teachers and related
services personnel. The program has requirements to fund
several other broad areas including training for leadership
personnel and personnel who work with children with low
incidence disabilities, and providing enhanced support for
beginning special educators.
Parent Information Centers
The Committee recommends $28,028,000 for parent information
centers. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level and the
budget request both are $27,028,000. This program makes awards
to parent organizations to support parent training and
information centers, including community parent resource
centers. These centers provide training and information to meet
the needs of parents of children with disabilities living in
the areas served by the centers, particularly underserved
parents, and parents of children who may be inappropriately
identified.
Technology and Media Services
The Committee recommends $44,115,000 for technology and
media services. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level
and the budget request both are $38,615,000 for such
activities. This program makes competitive awards to support
the development, demonstration, and use of technology, and
educational media activities of value to children with
disabilities.
The Committee recommendation includes $13,250,000 for
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Inc. [RFB&D]. These funds
support the continued development, production, and circulation
of accessible educational materials.
The Committee also recommends $1,500,000 for support of the
Reading Rockets program, administered by the Greater Washington
Educational Television Association.
Special Olympics
The Committee recommendation includes $8,095,000 for
Special Olympics education activities, the same amount as the
fiscal year 2009 level and budget request. Under the Special
Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, the Secretary is
authorized to provide financial assistance to Special Olympics
for activities that promote the expansion of Special Olympics
and for the design and implementation of education activities
that can be integrated into classroom instruction and are
consistent with academic content standards.
The Committee bill allows funds to be used to support
Special Olympics National and Winter Games, as proposed in the
budget request.
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $4,067,762,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,500,735,000
House allowance......................................... 3,504,305,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,507,322,000
\1\Includes $680,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $3,507,322,000 for rehabilitation
services and disability research. The fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $4,067,762,000, which includes $680,000,000 available
in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The budget
request includes $3,500,735,000 for programs in this account.
The authorizing statute for programs funded in this
account, except for those authorized under the Assistive
Technology Act, expired September 30, 2004. The program
descriptions provided below assume the continuation of current
law.
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants
The Committee recommends $3,084,696,000 for vocational
rehabilitation grants to States, the same amount as proposed in
the budget request. The Committee recommends the full amount
authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for this mandatory
funding stream. The fiscal year 2009 funding level is
$3,514,635,000, which includes $540,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Basic State grant funds assist States in providing a range
of services to help persons with physical and mental
disabilities prepare for and engage in meaningful employment.
Authorizing legislation requires States to give priority to
persons with the most significant disabilities. Funds are
allotted to States based on a formula that takes into account
population and per capita income. States must provide a 21.3
percent match of Federal funds, except the State's share is 50
percent for the cost of construction of a facility for
community rehabilitation program purposes.
The Rehabilitation Act requires that no less than 1 percent
and not more than 1.5 percent of the appropriation in fiscal
year 2009 for vocational rehabilitation State grants be set
aside for grants for Indians. Service grants are awarded to
Indian tribes on a competitive basis to help tribes develop the
capacity to provide vocational rehabilitation services to
American Indians with disabilities living on or near
reservations.
Client Assistance State Grants
The Committee recommends $13,000,000 for the client
assistance State grants program. The comparable fiscal year
2009 funding level and the budget request both are $11,576,000
for authorized activities.
The client assistance program funds State formula grants to
assist vocational rehabilitation clients or client applicants
in understanding the benefits available to them and in their
relationships with service providers. Funds are distributed to
States according to a population-based formula, except that
increases in minimum grants are guaranteed to each of the 50
States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and
guaranteed to each of the outlying areas, by a percentage not
to exceed the percentage increase in the appropriation. States
must operate client assistance programs in order to receive
vocational rehabilitation State grant funds.
The Committee is particularly interested in the increase
being utilized to assure that services provided under the
Rehabilitation Act comply with all requirements related to
integrated settings and competitive wages.
Training
The Committee recommends $37,766,000 for training
rehabilitation personnel, the same amount as the comparable
fiscal year 2009 funding level and the budget request.
The purpose of this program is to ensure that skilled
personnel are available to serve the rehabilitation needs of
individuals with disabilities. It supports training,
traineeships, and related activities designed to increase the
numbers of qualified personnel providing rehabilitation
services. The program awards grants and contracts to States and
public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including
institutions of higher education, to pay all or part of the
cost of conducting training programs. Long-term, in-service,
short-term, experimental and innovative, and continuing
education programs are funded, as well as special training
programs and programs to train interpreters for persons who are
deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind.
Demonstration and Training Programs
The Committee bill includes $9,031,000 for demonstration
and training programs for persons with disabilities. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level is $9,594,000 and the
budget request includes $6,506,000 for authorized activities.
This program awards grants to States and nonprofit agencies and
organizations to develop innovative methods and comprehensive
services to help individuals with disabilities achieve
satisfactory vocational outcomes. Demonstration programs
support projects for individuals with a wide array of
disabilities.
The Committee recommends continued support for parent
training and information centers. The Committee expects the
Rehabilitation Services Administration to coordinate with the
Office of Special Education Programs in carrying out this
activity.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Federation for the Blind Technology and $1,000,000
Employment Center, Huntington, WV, to expand the
capacity of the AFB-TECH center for development of
technology for the blind.............................
Camp High Hopes, Sioux City, IA, for a year-round camp 300,000
for children with disabilities.......................
Deaf Blind Service Center, Seattle, WA, for training 200,000
programs and materials for support service providers
who assist deaf blind individuals with employment and
independent living...................................
Elwyn, Inc., Aston, PA, for job training and education 100,000
programs for individuals with disabilities...........
Enable America, Inc., Tampa, FL, for civic/citizenship 600,000
demonstration project for disabled adults............
Intellectual Disabilities Education Association, Inc., 225,000
Bridgeport, CT, for IDEA Learning Center programming.
Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere, Wilkes- 100,000
Barre, PA, for vocational services and program
support..............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
The Committee recommends $2,239,000 for migrant and
seasonal farmworkers, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding level and the budget request.
This program provides grants for comprehensive
rehabilitation services to migrant and seasonal farm workers
with disabilities and their families. The size of the grants is
limited to 90 percent of the costs of the projects. Projects
also develop innovative methods for reaching and serving this
population. The program emphasizes outreach, specialized
bilingual rehabilitation counseling, and coordination of
vocational rehabilitation services with services from other
sources.
Recreational Programs
The Committee provides $2,474,000 for recreational
programs, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level and the budget request.
Recreational programs help finance activities such as
sports, music, dancing, handicrafts, and art to aid in the
employment, mobility, and socialization of individuals with
disabilities. Grants are awarded to States, public agencies,
and nonprofit private organizations, including institutions of
higher education. Grants are awarded for a 3-year period with
the Federal share at 100 percent for the first year, 75 percent
for the second year, and 50 percent for the third year.
Programs must maintain the same level of services over the 3-
year period.
Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights
The Committee recommends $18,101,000 for protection and
advocacy of individual rights. The comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level and the budget request both are $17,101,000 for
this purpose.
This program provides grants to agencies to protect and
advocate for the legal and human rights of persons with
disabilities who are not eligible for protection and advocacy
services available through the Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act or the Protection and
Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act.
Projects with Industry
The Committee recommends $19,197,000 for projects with
industry, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level and the budget request.
The projects with industry [PWI] program promotes greater
participation of business and industry in the rehabilitation
process. PWI provides training and experience in realistic work
settings to prepare individuals with disabilities for
employment in the competitive job market. Post-employment
support services are also provided. The program supports grants
to a variety of agencies and organizations, including
corporations, community rehabilitation programs, labor and
trade associations, and foundations.
Supported Employment State Grants
The Committee recommends $29,181,000 for the supported
employment State grant program, the same amount as the
comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level and the budget
request.
This program assists the most severely disabled individuals
by providing the ongoing support needed to obtain competitive
employment. Short-term vocational rehabilitation services are
augmented with extended services provided by State and local
organizations. Federal funds are distributed on the basis of
population.
Independent Living State Grants
The Committee recommends $23,450,000 for independent living
State grants, the same amount as the budget request. The fiscal
year 2009 funding level is $41,650,000, which includes
$18,200,000 available from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.
The independent living State formula grants program
provides funding to improve independent living services,
support the operation of centers for independent living,
conduct studies and analysis, and provide training and
outreach.
Independent Living Centers
The Committee recommends $80,266,000 for independent living
centers, the same amount as the budget request. The fiscal year
2009 funding level is $164,766,000, which includes $87,500,000
available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
These funds support consumer-controlled, cross-disability,
nonresidential, community-based centers that are designed and
operated within local communities by individuals with
disabilities. These centers provide an array of independent
living services.
Independent Living Services for Older Blind Individuals
The Committee provides $34,151,000 for independent living
services to older blind individuals, the same amount as the
budget request. The fiscal year 2009 funding level is
$68,451,000, which includes $34,300,000 available from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Through this program, assistance is provided to persons
aged 55 or older to adjust to their blindness, continue living
independently and avoid societal costs associated with
dependent care. Services may include the provision of
eyeglasses and other visual aids, mobility training, Braille
instruction and other communication services, community
integration, and information and referral. These services help
older individuals age with dignity, continue to live
independently, and avoid significant societal costs associated
with dependent care. The services most commonly provided by
this program are daily living skills training, counseling, the
provision of low-vision devices community integration,
information and referral, communication devices, and low-vision
screening.
Program Improvement Activities
The Committee recommends $852,000 for program improvement
activities, the same amount as the budget request. The fiscal
year 2009 amount was $622,000. In fiscal year 2010, funds will
continue to support technical assistance efforts to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation
program and improve accountability efforts.
Evaluation
The Committee recommends $1,217,000 for evaluation
activities, the same amount as the budget request. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level is $1,447,000 for
such activities.
These funds support evaluations of the impact and
effectiveness of programs authorized by the Rehabilitation Act.
The Department awards competitive contracts for studies to be
conducted by persons not directly involved with the
administration of Rehabilitation Act programs.
Helen Keller National Center
The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for the Helen Keller
National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 funding level and the budget request both are
$8,362,000 for this purpose.
The Helen Keller National Center consists of a national
headquarters in Sands Point, New York, with a residential
training and rehabilitation facility where deaf-blind persons
receive intensive specialized services; a network of 10
regional field offices that provide referral and counseling
assistance to deaf-blind persons; and an affiliate network of
agencies. The center serves approximately 120 persons with
deaf-blindness at its headquarters facility and provides field
services to approximately 2,000 individuals and families and
approximately 1,000 organizations.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
The Committee recommends $110,741,000 for the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research [NIDRR],
the same amount as the budget request. The comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding level is $107,741,000 for authorized
activities.
NIDRR develops and implements a comprehensive and
coordinated approach to the conduct of research, demonstration
projects, and related activities that enable persons with
disabilities to better function at work and in the community,
including the training of persons who provide rehabilitation
services or who conduct rehabilitation research. The Institute
awards competitive grants to support research in federally
designated priority areas, including rehabilitation research
and training centers, rehabilitation engineering research
centers, research and demonstration projects, and dissemination
and utilization projects. NIDRR also supports field-initiated
research projects, research training, and fellowships.
The Committee strongly supports the mission of NIDRR, which
includes research in the interrelated domains of health and
function, employment, and participation and community living.
The Committee believes the Interagency Committee on
Disability Research, currently led by NIDRR, needs to more
effectively carry out its mission, including assessing gaps in
and coordinating existing or planned research, and meeting its
required reporting requirements in a timely manner.
The budget proposes $3,000,000 to support demonstration of
promising models to serve students with intellectual
disabilities. Instead, the Committee has provided $14,000,000
for model comprehensive transition and postsecondary education
programs for students with intellectual disabilities, as
authorized in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, within the
Higher Education account.
The Committee notes that the Americans with Disabilities
Act Amendments Act of 2008 and related regulations will require
sustained training and technical resources from the disability
and business technical assistance center program and requests
that NIDRR consider ways to ensure that training and technical
assistance services continue to be available during this period
of change.
The Committee encourages NIDRR to use a portion of the
increase proposed in the budget to enhance support for the
disability and business technical assistance center program.
The Committee also strongly urges NIDRR to reconsider the
current requirement for centers to dedicate limited direct
service resources for research, which, given the modest 15
percent requirement, may not add significantly to the research
base, but does divert critical direct service resources away
from needed training and technical assistance that will more
effectively meet the goal of the Americans with Disabilities
Act [ADA]. If NIDRR believes that supporting research on the
ADA is a priority, the Committee encourages NIDRR to use a
portion of its requested increase for research in this area.
Assistive Technology
The Committee recommends $30,960,000 for assistive
technology, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level and the budget request.
The Assistive Technology program is designed to improve
occupational and educational opportunities and the quality of
life for people of all ages with disabilities through increased
access to assistive technology services and devices. The
program supports various activities that help States to develop
comprehensive, consumer-responsive statewide programs that
increase access to, and the availability of, assistive
technology devices and services.
The Committee recommendation includes $25,660,000 for State
grant activities authorized under section 4, $4,300,000 for
protection and advocacy systems authorized by section 5, and
$1,000,000 for technical assistance activities authorized under
section 6.
Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $22,599,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 22,599,000
House allowance......................................... 22,599,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,600,000
The Committee recommends $24,600,000 to help support the
American Printing House for the Blind [APH]. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 funding level and budget request both are
$22,599,000 for this purpose.
The American Printing House for the Blind provides
educational materials to students who are legally blind and
enrolled in programs below the college level. The Federal
subsidy provides approximately 70 percent of APH's total sales
income. Materials are distributed free of charge to schools and
States through per capita allotments based on the total number
of students who are blind. Materials provided include textbooks
and other educational aids in braille, large type, and recorded
form and computer applications. Appropriated funds may be used
for staff salaries and expenses, as well as equipment purchases
and other acquisitions consistent with the purpose of the Act
to Promote the Education of the Blind.
In addition to its ongoing activities, the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act assigned to the American
Printing House for the Blind the responsibility of establishing
and maintaining a National Instructional Materials Access
Center.
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $64,212,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 68,437,000
House allowance......................................... 68,437,000
Committee recommendation................................ 68,437,000
The Committee recommends $68,437,000 for the National
Technical Institute for the Deaf [NTID], the same amount as
proposed in the budget request. The comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level is $64,212,000. Within the Committee
recommendation, $5,400,000 is available for improvements to the
campus infrastructure of NTID.
The Institute, located on the campus of the Rochester
Institute of Technology, was created by Congress in 1965 to
provide a residential facility for postsecondary technical
training and education for persons who are deaf. NTID also
provides support services for students who are deaf, trains
professionals in the field of deafness, and conducts applied
research. At the discretion of the Institute, funds may be used
for the Endowment Grant program.
GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $124,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 120,000,000
House allowance......................................... 120,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 126,000,000
The Committee recommends $126,000,000 for Gallaudet
University. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level is
$124,000,000 and the budget request includes $120,000,000 for
the university.
Gallaudet University is a private, nonprofit institution
offering undergraduate and continuing education programs for
students who are deaf, as well as graduate programs in fields
related to deafness for students who are hearing and deaf. The
university conducts basic and applied research related to
hearing impairments and provides public service programs for
the deaf community.
The Model Secondary School for the Deaf serves as a
laboratory for educational experimentation and development,
disseminates curricula, materials, and models of instruction
for students who are deaf, and prepares adolescents who are
deaf for postsecondary academic or vocational education or the
workplace. The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School develops
and provides instruction for children from infancy through age
15.
The budget request includes $2,000,000 earmarked in bill
language for construction-related activities connected to soil
instability and associated building damage on campus. The
Committee recommendation includes $8,000,000 and requested bill
language for these and related activities.
Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $1,944,348,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,018,447,000
House allowance......................................... 2,016,447,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,018,447,000
The Committee recommends a total of $2,018,447,000 for
career, technical and adult education, the same amount as the
budget request. The comparable funding level in fiscal year
2009 is $1,944,348,000. The recommendation consists of
$1,271,694,000 for career and technical education, $641,567,000
for adult education and $105,186,000 for other activities.
Career and Technical Education
The Committee recommends $1,271,694,000 for career and
technical education, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding level and the budget request.
State Grants.--The Committee recommends $1,160,911,000 for
State grants, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year
2009 funding level and the budget request. Funds provided under
the State grant program assist States, localities, and outlying
areas to expand and improve their programs of career and
technical education and provide equal access to career and
technical education for populations with special needs. Persons
assisted range from secondary students in prevocational courses
through adults who need retraining to adapt to changing
technological and labor market conditions. Funds are
distributed according to a formula based on State population
and State per capita income, with special provisions for small
States and a fiscal year 1998 base guarantee.
Under the Indian and Hawaiian Natives programs, competitive
grants are awarded to federally recognized Indian tribes or
tribal organizations and to organizations primarily serving and
representing Hawaiian Natives for services that are in addition
to services such groups are eligible to receive under other
provisions of the Perkins Act.
Of the funds available for this program, $369,911,000 will
become available on July 1, 2010 and $791,000,000 will become
available on October 1, 2010. These funds will remain available
for obligation until September 30, 2011.
Tech-prep Education State Grants.--The Committee recommends
$102,923,000 for tech-prep programs, the same amount as the
comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level and the budget
request. This program is designed to link academic and career
and technical education and to provide a structural link
between secondary schools and postsecondary education
institutions. Funds are distributed to the States through the
same formula as the State grant program. States then make
planning and demonstration grants to consortia of local
educational agencies and postsecondary institutions to develop
and operate model 4-year programs that begin in high school and
provide students with the mathematical, science, communication,
and technological skills needed to earn a 2-year associate
degree or 2-year certificate in a given occupational field.
National Programs.--The Committee recommends $7,860,000 for
national research programs and other national activities, the
same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level
and the budget request.
Funds will be used to support the national research center
on career and technical education, as well as activities
designed to improve the quality of performance data States
collect and report to the Department.
ADULT EDUCATION
The Committee recommends $641,567,000 for adult education,
the same amount as the budget request. The comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding is $567,468,000. The authorizing statute for
adult education programs expired on September 30, 2004.
Descriptions of these programs provided below assume the
continuation of current law.
The Committee recognizes the importance of the Adult
Education and Family Literacy Act programs. To ensure that
funding for these programs is benefiting as many students as
possible, the Committee requests that the Department evaluate
and report on whether the amount of funding for State grants
that is allowed to be set aside for State leadership activities
and State program administration is appropriate and how these
set-asides impact the assistance reaching students. The
Committee expects the Department to include the requested
information in the fiscal year 2011 budget justification.
Adult Education State Programs.--For adult education State
programs, the Committee recommends $628,221,000, the same
amount as the budget request. The comparable fiscal year 2009
funding level is $554,122,000. These funds are used by States
for programs to enable economically disadvantaged adults to
acquire basic literacy skills, to enable those who so desire to
complete a secondary education, and to make available to adults
the means to become more employable, productive, and
responsible citizens.
The Committee recommendation continues the English literacy
and civics education State grants set-aside within the adult
education State grants appropriation. Within the total,
$75,000,000 is available to help States or localities affected
significantly by immigration and large limited-English
populations to implement programs that help immigrants acquire
English literacy skills, gain knowledge about the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship, and develop skills that will
enable them to navigate key institutions of American life.
Within the Committee recommendation, up to $46,000,000 is
available to be distributed to States that did not receive
their full allocations in fiscal years 2003 through 2008 due to
an administrative error. The Committee bill includes language
authorizing the allocation of these funds on this basis, as
well as providing the authority to the Secretary to hold
harmless States that were overpaid over these years. This
language was proposed in the budget request.
National Leadership Activities.--The Committee recommends
$13,346,000 for national leadership activities, the same amount
as the budget request. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2009 is $6,878,000.
Under this program, the Department supports applied
research, development, dissemination, evaluation, and program
improvement activities to assist States in their efforts to
improve the quality of adult education programs.
The Committee supports the Department's review of
activities supported by the National Institute for Literacy as
a means to identify the professional development, technical
assistance, and other services to adult learners and the adult
education community that need to be continued. The Committee
encourages the Department to take special note of the national
discussion lists; Bridges to Practice/Learning to Achieve
program; regional resource centers; and teacher, student and
administrator databases among the various activities that
should be supported. In addition, the Committee encourages the
Office of Vocational and Adult Education to work with the
Institute of Education Sciences to explore how best to support
the research needs of the adult education field, including
through possible dedicated funding for an adult education-
focused research grant competition and establishment of an
adult education and literacy research and development center.
National Institute for Literacy.--The Committee does not
recommend continued funding for the National Institute for
Literacy, as proposed in the budget request. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 funding level is $6,468,000. The Institute
provides national leadership on issues related to literacy,
coordinates literary services and policy, and serves as a
national resource for adult education and literacy programs.
The center also engages in a variety of capacity-building
activities that support the development of State, regional, and
national literary services.
Smaller Learning Communities
The Committee recommends $88,000,000 for this program, the
same amount as proposed in the budget request and available in
fiscal year 2009. This program supports competitive grants to
local educational agencies to enable them to create smaller
learning communities in large schools. Funds are available to
study, research, develop and implement strategies for creating
smaller learning communities, as well as professional
development for staff. Two types of grants are made under this
program: planning grants, which help LEAs plan smaller learning
communities, and implementation grants, which help create or
expand such learning environments.
State Grants for Incarcerated Youth Offenders
The Committee recommends $17,186,000 for education and
training for incarcerated individuals, the same amount as
fiscal year 2009 and the budget request. This program provides
grants to State correctional education agencies to assist and
encourage incarcerated youth to acquire functional literacy,
life and job skills, through the pursuit of a postsecondary
education certificate or an associate of arts or bachelor's
degree. Grants also assist correction agencies in providing
employment counseling and other related services that start
during incarceration and continue through prerelease and while
on parole. Under current law, each student is eligible for a
grant of not more than $3,000 annually for tuition, books, and
essential materials, and not more than $300 annually for
related services such as career development, substance abuse
counseling, parenting skills training, and health education. In
order to participate in a program, a student must be no more
than 35 years of age and be eligible to be released from prison
within 7 years. An individual may receive, for a period not to
exceed 7 years, of which 2 years may be devoted to study in
remedial or graduate education.
Student Financial Assistance
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $36,470,973,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 19,296,809,000
House allowance......................................... 19,634,905,000
Committee recommendation................................ 19,296,809,000
\1\Includes $17,314,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$19,296,809,000 for student financial assistance. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable amount is $36,470,973,000, including
$17,314,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the budget request provides
$19,269,809,000 for this purpose. Program authorities and
descriptions assume the continuation of current law.
Federal Pell Grant Program
For Pell Grant awards in the 2010/2011 academic year, the
Committee recommends $17,495,000,000 to increase the maximum
discretionary Pell Grant award level to $4,860. Additional
mandatory funding provided in the College Cost Reduction and
Access Act would increase this maximum award by $690, to a
total of $5,550.
Pell Grants provide need-based financial assistance that
helps low- and middle-income undergraduate students and their
families defray a portion of the costs of post-secondary
education and vocational training. Awards are determined
according to a statutory need analysis formula that takes into
account a student's family income and assets, household size,
and the number of family members, excluding parents, attending
post-secondary institutions. Pell Grants are considered the
foundation of Federal post-secondary student aid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
The Committee recommends $757,465,000 for Federal
supplemental educational opportunity grants [SEOG], the same as
the fiscal year 2009 level and the same as the budget request.
This program provides funds to post-secondary institutions for
need-based grants to undergraduate students. Institutions must
contribute 25 percent toward SEOG awards, which are subject to
a maximum grant level of $4,000. School financial aid officers
have flexibility to determine student awards, though they must
give priority to Pell Grant recipients with exceptional need.
Federal Work-study Programs
The Committee bill provides $980,492,000 for the Federal
work-study program, the same amount as the budget request. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 level was $1,180,492,000, including
$200,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
This program provides grants to more than 3,300
institutions to help an estimated 800,000 undergraduate,
graduate, and professional students meet the costs of post-
secondary education through part-time employment. Work-study
jobs must pay at least the Federal minimum wage and
institutions must provide at least 25 percent of student
earnings. Institutions also must use at least 7 percent of
their grants for community service jobs.
Federal Perkins Loans
The Federal Perkins loan program supports student loan
revolving funds built up with capital contributions to nearly
1,900 participating institutions. Institutions use these
revolving funds, which also include Federal capital
contributions [FCC], institutional contributions equal to one-
third of the FCC, and student repayments, to provide low-
interest (5 percent) loans that help financially needy students
pay the costs of post-secondary education.
The administration has proposed to restructure the Perkins
Loan program as a mandatory credit program, with nearly
$6,000,000,000 a year in new loan volume--six times the current
Perkins volume.
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program [LEAP]
For the LEAP program, the Committee recommends $63,852,000,
the same amount as the comparable funding level for fiscal year
2009 and the budget request.
The LEAP program provides a Federal match to States as an
incentive for providing need-based grant and work-study
assistance to eligible post-secondary students.
Student Aid Administration
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $813,402,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 870,402,000
House allowance......................................... 870,402,000
Committee recommendation................................ 870,402,000
\1\Includes $60,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $870,402,000 for the Student Aid
Administration account, for activities funded under this
account, as reauthorized by the Higher Education Reconciliation
Act of 2005, the same amount as the budget request. The fiscal
year 2009 comparable amount is $813,402,000, including
$60,000,000 available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009. These funds are available until expended. That act
reclassified most of the administrative costs of the Student
Aid Account that were classified as mandatory spending through
fiscal year 2006.
Funds appropriated for the Student Aid Administration
account will support the Department's student aid management
expenses. The Office of Federal Student Aid and Office of
Postsecondary Education have primary responsibility for
administering Federal student financial assistance programs.
Higher Education
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $2,200,150,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 2,050,191,000
House allowance......................................... 2,294,882,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,106,749,000
\1\Includes $100,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,106,749,000
for higher education programs. The administration requested
$2,050,191,000 and the fiscal year 2009 level was
$2,200,150,000, including $100,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for programs in this
account.
Aid for Institutional Development
The Committee recommends $542,943,000, the same as the
administration's request. The fiscal year 2009 appropriation
was $507,088,000.
Strengthening Institutions.--The Committee bill recommends
$84,000,000, the same as the administration's request. The part
A program supports competitive, 1-year planning and 5-year
development grants for institutions with a significant
percentage of financially needy students and low educational
and general expenditures per student in comparison with similar
institutions. Applicants may use part A funds to develop
faculty, strengthen academic programs, improve institutional
management, and expand student services. Institutions awarded
funding under this program are not eligible to receive grants
under other sections of part A or part B.
Hispanic-serving Institutions.--The Committee recommends
$97,919,000, the same as the administration's request, for
competitive grants to institutions at which Hispanic students
make up at least 25 percent of enrollment. Institutions
applying for title V funds must meet the regular part A
requirements. Funds may be used for acquisition, rental or
lease of scientific or laboratory equipment, renovation of
instructional facilities, development of faculty, support for
academic programs, institutional management, and purchase of
educational materials. Title V recipients are not eligible for
other awards provided under title III, parts A and B.
Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and
Universities.--The Committee recommends $250,000,000, the same
as the administration's request, for part B grants. The part B
strengthening historically black colleges and universities
[HBCU] program makes formula grants to HBCUs that may be used
to purchase equipment, construct and renovate facilities,
develop faculty, support academic programs, strengthen
institutional management, enhance fundraising activities,
provide tutoring and counseling services to students, and
conduct outreach to elementary and secondary school students.
The minimum allotment is $500,000 for each eligible
institution. Part B recipients are not eligible for awards
under part A.
Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions.--
The Committee recommends $61,425,000, the same as the
administration's request, for the part B, section 326 program.
The section 326 program provides 5-year grants to strengthen
historically black graduate institutions [HBGIs]. Grants may be
used for any part B purpose and to establish an endowment.
Strengthening Predominately Black Institutions [PBI].--The
Committee recommends $7,875,000 for this part A program, the
same amount as the budget request. This section 318 program
provides 5-year grants to PBIs to plan and implement programs
to enhance the institutions' capacity to serve more low- and
middle-income Black American students. Funding is allocated
among PBIs based on the number of Pell Grant recipients
enrolled, the number of graduates, and the percentage of
graduate who are attending a baccalaureate degree-granting
institution or a graduate or professional school in degree
programs in which Black American students are underrepresented.
Strengthening Asian American and Native American Pacific
Islander-serving Institutions [AANAPISI].--The Committee
recommends $2,625,000 for this part A program, the same amount
as the budget request. This section 320 program provides
competitive grants to AANAPISIs that have an enrollment of
undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Asian
American or Native American Pacific Islander students. Grants
may be used to improve and their capacity to serve Asian
American and Native American Pacific Islander students and low-
income individuals.
Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving
Institutions.--The Committee recommends $12,158,000, the same
as the administration's request, for this program.
The purpose of this program is to improve and expand the
capacity of institutions serving Alaska Native and Native
Hawaiian students. Funds may be used to plan, develop, and
implement activities that encourage: faculty and curriculum
development; better fund and administrative management;
renovation and improvement of educational facilities; student
services; and the purchase of library and other educational
materials.
Strengthening Native American Nontribal-Serving
Institutions.--The Committee recommends $2,625,000 for the
program, the same as the administration's request.
Strengthening Tribally Controlled Colleges and
Universities.--The Committee recommends $24,316,000 for this
program. Tribal colleges and universities rely on a portion of
the funds provided to address developmental needs, including
faculty development, curriculum, and student services.
International Education and Foreign Language Studies
The bill includes a total of $118,881,000 for international
education and foreign language programs, which is the same as
the administration request and the comparable fiscal year 2009
level.
The Committee bill includes language allowing funds to be
used to support visits and study in foreign countries by
individuals who plan to utilize their language skills in world
areas vital to the United States national security in the
fields of government, international development, and the
professions. Bill language also allows up to 1 percent of the
funds provided to be used for program evaluation, national
outreach, and information dissemination activities. This
language is continued from last year's bill and was proposed in
the budget request.
Domestic Programs.--The Committee recommends $102,335,000
for domestic program activities related to international
education and foreign language studies, including international
business education, under title VI of the HEA. This is the same
as the fiscal year 2009 level and the request. Domestic
programs include national resource centers, undergraduate
international studies and foreign language programs,
international research and studies projects, international
business education projects and centers, American overseas
research centers, language resource centers, foreign language
and area studies fellowships, and technological innovation and
cooperation for foreign information access.
Overseas Programs.--The bill includes $14,709,000 for
overseas programs authorized under the Mutual Educational and
Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, popularly known as the
Fulbright-Hays Act, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and
the administration request. Under these overseas programs,
grants are provided for group and faculty research projects
abroad, doctoral dissertation research abroad, and special
bilateral projects. Unlike other programs authorized by the
Fulbright-Hays Act and administered by the Department of State,
these Department of Education programs focus on training
American instructors and students in order to improve foreign
language and area studies education in the United States.
Institute for International Public Policy.--The Committee
bill recommends $1,837,000 for the Institute for International
Public Policy, the same as the administration request. This
program is designed to increase the number of minority
individuals in foreign service and related careers by providing
a grant to a consortium of institutions for undergraduate and
graduate level foreign language and international studies. An
institutional match of 50 percent is required.
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
The Committee recommends $85,624,000 for the Fund for the
Improvement of Postsecondary Education [FIPSE]. FIPSE
stimulates improvements in education beyond high school by
supporting exemplary, locally developed projects that have
potential for addressing problems and recommending improvements
in postsecondary education.
Within the funds provided, the Committee has included
sufficient funds to create a consortium of institutions of
higher learning that offer interdisciplinary programs which
focus on poverty. This activity was authorized in the recent
reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Erma Byrd Scholarships.--Within the total, the Committee
recommendation includes $1,500,000 to continue the Erma Byrd
Scholarships program.
Training for Realtime Writers.--Within the total, the
Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the Training
for Realtime Writers program authorized by section 872 of the
Higher Education Act. This program provides grants to
institutions of higher education to establish programs to train
realtime writers. Eligible activities include curriculum
development, student recruitment, distance learning, mentoring,
and scholarships. The program places a priority on encouraging
individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in realtime
writing. More than 30 million Americans are considered deaf or
hard of hearing and many require captioning services to
participate in mainstream activities and gain access to
emergency broadcasts. Federal law requires that all television
broadcasts be closed captioned, yet the Committee has been
informed that a shortage of trained captioners is creating a
barrier to full quality captioning of realtime television
programming such as news, weather and emergency messaging.
Off-campus Community Service Program.--Within, the total,
the Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for the off-
campus community service program authorized under section 447
of the Higher Education Act.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIB College of Business, Des Moines, IA, to continue $400,000
recruiting and training captioners and court
reporters and to provide scholarships to students....
Alcorn State University, Alcorn, MS, for graduate 300,000
level curriculum development.........................
Assumption College, Worcester, MA, for the acquisition 100,000
of educational equipment and information technology..
Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, to design, create, 150,000
and implement open source educational materials for
use in introductory college courses..................
University of Illinois at Urbana--Champaign, Urbana, 150,000
IL, to design, create, and implement open-source
educational materials for use in introductory college
courses..............................................
Blackburn College, Carlinville, IL, for science 225,000
education programs and laboratory upgrades, including
the purchase of equipment............................
Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, MS, for the 100,000
purchase of math and science equipment...............
Blue Mountain Community College, Pendleton, OR, to 100,000
expand post-secondary education including college
preparatory, advanced degree and continuing education
programs.............................................
Brescia University, Owensboro, KY, for education 500,000
programs including the purchase of equipment.........
Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA, for support 200,000
for students with disabilities.......................
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, for 100,000
Internet-based foreign language programs.............
Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA, for science 100,000
education programs, including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Center for Empowered Living and Learning, Denver, CO, 300,000
for an education program on terrorism................
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA, for the 100,000
Center for Environmental Sciences and Sustainability.
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, for 200,000
supportive services to degree-seeking veterans.......
College Success Foundation, Washington, DC, for 500,000
mentoring and scholarships...........................
Colorado State University--Pueblo, Pueblo, CO, for 125,000
STEM programs, including equipment...................
Command and General Staff College Foundation, 250,000
Leavenworth, KS, for curriculum and course
development for a homeland security masters degree
program..............................................
Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA, 100,000
to support technical and career postsecondary
education programs...................................
Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, RI, for a 200,000
transition to college program........................
Community College System of New Hampshire, Concord, 500,000
NH, to purchase equipment and technology to modernize
the teaching of nursing..............................
County of Greensville, Emporia, VA, for equipment and 400,000
technology upgrades at the Southside Virginia
Education Center.....................................
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, for teacher 300,000
training in science and curriculum development.......
Dickinson State University, Dickinson, ND, for its 600,000
Theodore Roosevelt Center............................
Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM, for 100,000
educational equipment and technology infrastructure..
Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, WA, for an 100,000
advanced materials and manufacturing training center,
including educational equipment......................
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate, Boston, 1,000,000
MA, for facilities, equipment, and program
development, and may include support for an endowment
Emerson College, Boston, MA, for educational equipment 100,000
and technology infrastructure........................
Emmanuel College, Boston, MA, for educational 200,000
equipment and technology infrastructure to support
the Center for Science Education.....................
Endicott College, Beverly, MA, for educational 150,000
equipment and technology infrastructure..............
Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, to expand 325,000
environmental and sustainability education
opportunities to colleges and universities statewide.
Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Johnstown, NY, to 200,000
establish a Center for Engineering and Technology....
Goodwin College, East Hartford, CT, for an 175,000
environmental studies program........................
Gordon College, Wenham, MA, for educational equipment 200,000
and technology infrastructure........................
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 100,000
Harrisburg, PA, for curriculum development and for
laboratory upgrades, including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Hawaii Community College, Hilo, HI, for supportive 500,000
services and classroom courses to prepare students
unprepared for postsecondary education...............
Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA, to create 100,000
a skilled supply chain management sector workforce by
training education and workforce partners who work
with students and other individuals about the
opportunities available in this field................
Huntingdon College, Montgomery, AL, for teacher 100,000
training.............................................
Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, KS, for the 250,000
purchase of equipment................................
Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville, IA, for a 400,000
training program in construction technology and wind
turbine technology, including equipment..............
Iowa Valley Community College District, Marshalltown, 400,000
IA, for a training program in agricultural and
renewable energy technology, including the purchase
of equipment.........................................
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Northwest 100,000
Region, Indianapolis, IN, for education programs
including equipment..................................
Jones County Junior College, Ellisville, MS, for 200,000
purchase of equipment and technology upgrades........
Junior College District of Metropolitan Kansas City, 500,000
MO, for purchase of equipment and technology upgrades
for the radiological technology laboratory...........
Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, MI, for 200,000
equipment relating to the Wind Turbine Technician
Academy..............................................
Keene State College, Keene, NH, for curriculum 100,000
development and educational equipment for the
Monadnock Biodiesel Collaborative....................
Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA, for laboratory 100,000
upgrades to a science center, including the purchase
of equipment.........................................
Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown, SD, for 150,000
educational equipment related to fire training.......
Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown, SD, for 500,000
educational equipment for the Energy Technology
Program..............................................
Lakes Region Community College, Concord, NH, for 125,000
curriculum development and educational equipment for
the Energy Services and Technology program...........
Leeward Community College, Pearl City, HI, to provide 400,000
college preparatory education for Filipino stu-
dents................................................
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, for development of 150,000
the National Center for Teachers and School Leaders
program..............................................
Lincoln University, Lincoln University, PA, for 100,000
college preparation programs.........................
Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH, for 200,000
education programs including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Loras College, Dubuque, IA, for science education 200,000
equipment............................................
Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, to 400,000
establish The Center for Music and Arts
Entrepreneurship & Music Industry Studies............
Lyndon State College, Lyndonville, VT, for a center 300,000
for rural students...................................
Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA, for education programs 100,000
and support services for individuals with
disabilities.........................................
Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 750,000
for professional development.........................
Midway College, Inc., Midway, KY, for facilities and 100,000
equipment............................................
Miles Community College, Miles City, MT, for 100,000
curriculum development and educational equipment
relating to bioenergy................................
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Office of 200,000
the Chancellor, St. Paul, MN, for career and
education services to veterans.......................
Minot State University, Minot, ND, to establish a 950,000
Center for Community Research and Service............
Mississippi College, Clinton, MS, to support dyslexia 250,000
education and training...............................
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, for 1,000,000
technology, equipment, and educational materials.....
Mott Community College, Flint, MI, for the Center for 200,000
Advanced Manufacturing...............................
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, for a civic 100,000
engagement and service learning program..............
National Labor College, George Meany Center for Labor 400,000
Studies, Silver Spring, MD, for the Adult Learning
Program..............................................
Nazareth College, Rochester, NY, for educational 300,000
equipment and technology upgrades relating to math
and science education................................
Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar, IA, for a 300,000
training program in renewable energy technology......
Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, 2,400,000
for the purchase of equipment........................
Pearl River Community College, Poplarville, MS, for 200,000
instructional technology including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA, for 100,000
educational equipment relating to science............
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, for 400,000
education programs...................................
Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock, AR, for 100,000
library improvements, including equipment, program
costs and collections................................
Rhode Island College Foundation, Providence, RI, for 200,000
educational equipment relating to science............
Rockford College, Rockford, IL, for technology 300,000
upgrades and educational equipment...................
Security on Campus, Inc., King of Prussia, PA, for a 100,000
campus crime and emergency response training program.
Simpson College, Indianola, IA, for the creation of 500,000
the John C. Culver Public Policy Center..............
Snow College, Ephraim, UT, for health professions 600,000
education programs...................................
Southern Arkansas University Tech, Camden, AR, for 150,000
curriculum development and educational equipment in
the Aerospace Manufacturing program..................
St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI, for science 800,000
education, which may include equipment...............
Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, for science 100,000
education programs and laboratory upgrades, including
the purchase of equipment............................
Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS, for rural nursing and 350,000
education programs...................................
Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, NV, to 600,000
establish an online degree program for nontraditional
students.............................................
University of Massachusetts--Boston, Boston, MA, for 200,000
educational equipment to support a developmental
science research center..............................
University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR, 250,000
for educational equipment, technology and wiring
relating to energy and environmental education.......
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, for 100,000
curriculum development and educational equipment
relating to information technology...................
University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA, for equipment and 400,000
technology for its aviation degree program...........
University of Hawaii at Hilo Clinical Pharmacy 1,500,000
Training Program, Hilo, HI, for clinical pharmacy
training program and applied rural science program...
University of Hawaii School of Law, Honolulu, HI, for 400,000
the health policy center.............................
University of Massachusetts--Lowell, Lowell, MA, for a 200,000
cooperative education program........................
University of Montana--Mike & Maureen Mansfield 100,000
Center, Missoula, MT, to establish the Institute for
Leadership and Public Service to fulfill the purposes
of the Mansfield Center, including the creation of an
endowment............................................
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, to 500,000
identify and address the educational needs of
veterans with disabilities...........................
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 200,000
for curriculum and professional development at
University of Southern Mississippi--Gulf Coast campus
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 100,000
for teacher training at the Center for Economic
Education............................................
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 500,000
for the development of a student retention initia-
tive.................................................
University of Virginia Center for Politics, 100,000
Charlottesville, VA, to develop interactive civic
lessons for high school students.....................
University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, for 200,000
education programs for veterans......................
Urban College, Boston, MA, to support higher education 500,000
programs serving low-income and minority students....
Utah State University, Logan, UT, to establish a land- 750,000
grant education and research network.................
Valley City State University, Valley City, ND, for the 475,000
Great Plains STEM Education Center...................
Voices of September 11th, New Canaan, CT, to continue 100,000
the 9/11 Living Memorial Project.....................
Weber State University, Ogden, UT, for outreach web- 750,000
based nursing program, including the purchase of
equipment............................................
Weber State University, Ogden, UT, for curriculum 100,000
development..........................................
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT, for 600,000
a nationally accredited online-competency based
College of Health Professionals......................
Western Kentucky University Research Foundation, 2,000,000
Bowling Green, KY, for equipment purchase............
Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT, to expand 500,000
distance learning technology including the purchase
of equipment.........................................
Wheelock College, Boston, MA, to develop a higher 100,000
education access program for early childhood
educators............................................
Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, for science, 100,000
technology, engineering, and mathematics equipment...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students
with Intellectual Disabilities
The Committee recommendation includes $14,000,000 for the
Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Education Model
Demonstration Grants as authorized by section 769 of the Higher
Education Act. These funds will be used to award competitive
grants to postsecondary institutions to establish model
programs to help students with intellectual disabilities
transition to and complete college. The programs will focus on
academic enrichment; socialization; independent living; and
integrated work experiences and career skills that lead to
gainful employment for individuals with intellectual
disabilities. The Committee recommends that the grants awarded
under this competition be a minimum of $1,000,000 for each year
of the award period.
Legal Assistance Loan Repayment Program
The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for the Legal
Assistance Loan Repayment Program, as authorized by section
428L of the Higher Education Act, which authorizes student loan
repayment assistance for civil legal assistance lawyers. The
Legal Assistance Loan Repayment Program addresses the serious
problem facing legal services across the country in recruitment
and retention of qualified attorneys who provide invaluable
legal assistance to our Nation's neediest citizens, including
the elderly, persons with disabilities, persons impacted by
natural disaster victims and victims of domestic violence.
Minority Science and Engineering Improvement
The Committee recommends $9,006,000 for the Minority
Science and Engineering Improvement program [MSEIP], the same
as the administration request. The comparable fiscal year 2009
level is $8,577,000. Funds are used to provide discretionary
grants to institutions with minority enrollments greater than
50 percent to purchase equipment, develop curricula, and
support advanced faculty training. Grants are intended to
improve science and engineering education programs and increase
the number of minority students in the fields of science,
mathematics, and engineering.
Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Institutions
The Committee recommends $7,773,000 for tribally controlled
postsecondary vocational institutions, the same as the fiscal
year 2009 level and the administration's request. This program
provides grants for the operation and improvement of two
tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions to
ensure continued and expanding opportunities for Indian
students.
Federal TRIO Programs
The Committee recommends $848,089,000 for Federal TRIO
Programs, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration's request.
TRIO programs provide a variety of services to improve
postsecondary education opportunities for low-income
individuals and first-generation college students: Upward Bound
offers disadvantaged high school students academic services to
develop the skills and motivation needed to continue their
education; Student Support Services provides remedial
instruction, counseling, summer programs and grant aid to
disadvantaged college students to help them complete their
postsecondary education; Talent Search identifies and counsels
individuals between ages 11 and 27 regarding opportunities for
completing high school and enrolling in postsecondary
education; Educational Opportunity Centers provide information
and counseling on available financial and academic assistance
to low-income adults who are first-generation college students;
and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
supports research internships, seminars, tutoring, and other
activities to encourage disadvantaged college students to
enroll in graduate programs.
The Committee recognizes that supportive services aimed at
increasing retention and graduation of low-income students in
college are an important complement to student financial aid--
particularly the Pell Grant program. Many such retention
services are supported by the Federal TRIO Program's Student
Support Services effort. The Committee intends that the funds
provided will maintain the number of Student Support Services
programs.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
[GEARUP]
The Committee recommends $313,212,000 for GEARUP, the same
as the fiscal year 2009 level and the administration's request.
Under this program funds are used by States and
partnerships of colleges, middle and high schools, and
community organizations to assist middle and high schools
serving a high percentage of low-income students. Services
provided help students prepare for and pursue a postsecondary
education.
Byrd Honors Scholarships
The Committee recommends $42,000,000 for the Byrd Honors
scholarship program. The fiscal year 2009 comparable amount and
the budget request is $40,642,000.
The Byrd Honors scholarship program is designed to promote
student excellence and achievement and to recognize
exceptionally able students who show promise of continued
excellence. Funds are allocated to State education agencies
based on each State's school-aged population. The State
education agencies select the recipients of the scholarships in
consultation with school administrators, teachers, counselors,
and parents. The funds provided will support a new cohort of
first-year students in 2010, and continue support for the 2007,
2008, and 2009 cohorts of students in their fourth, third and
second years of study, respectively.
Javits Fellowships
The Committee recommends $9,687,000 for the Javits
Fellowships program, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and
the budget request.
The Javits Fellowships program provides fellowships of up
to 4 years to students of superior ability who are pursuing
doctoral degrees in the arts, humanities, and social sciences
at any institution of their choice. Each fellowship consists of
a student stipend to cover living costs, and an institutional
payment to cover each fellow's tuition and other expenses. The
Committee bill includes language proposed in the budget that
stipulates that funds provided in the fiscal year 2010
appropriation support fellowships for the 2011-2012 academic
year.
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need
The Committee recommends $31,030,000 for graduate
assistance in areas of national need, the same as the fiscal
year 2009 level and the budget request. This program awards
competitive grants to graduate academic departments and
programs for fellowship support in areas of national need as
determined by the Secretary. The Secretary designated the
following areas of national need: biology, chemistry, computer
and information sciences, engineering, mathematics, physics,
and nursing. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and
academic excellence, and seek the highest degree in their
fields.
Teacher Quality Partnership Program
The Committee recommends $48,000,000 for the teacher
quality partnership program. The fiscal year 2009 comparable
amount is $150,000,000, including $100,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The budget request
proposed $50,000,000 within the Innovation and Improvement
account.
Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,034,000
for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School [CCAMPIS]
program, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and the
administration request. CCAMPIS was established in the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998 to support the efforts of a
growing number of nontraditional students who are struggling to
complete their college degrees at the same time that they take
care of their children. Discretionary grants of up to 4 years
are made to institutions of higher education to support or
establish a campus-based childcare program primarily serving
the needs of low-income students enrolled at the institution.
Demonstration Projects To Ensure Quality Higher Education for Students
With Disabilities
The Committee recommends $6,755,000 for this program, the
same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level
and the budget request. This program's purpose is to ensure
that students with disabilities receive a high-quality
postsecondary education. Grants are made to support model
demonstration projects that provide technical assistance and
professional development activities for faculty and
administrators in institutions of higher education.
Underground Railroad Program
The Committee recommendation includes $1,945,000 for the
Underground Railroad Program, the same as the fiscal year 2009
level and the budget request. The administration did not
request funding for this program. The program was authorized by
the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 and was funded for the
first time in fiscal year 1999. Grants are provided to
research, display, interpret, and collect artifacts relating to
the history of the underground railroad. Educational
organizations receiving funds must demonstrate substantial
private support through a public-private partnership, create an
endowment fund that provides for ongoing operation of the
facility, and establish a network of satellite centers
throughout the United States to share information and teach
people about the significance of the Underground Railroad in
American history.
GPRA/Higher Education Act Program Evaluation
The Committee recommends $609,000 for data collection
associated with the Government Performance and Results Act data
collection and to evaluate programs authorized by the Higher
Education Act, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and the
budget request. These funds are used to comply with the
Government Performance and Results Act, which requires the
collection of data and evaluation of Higher Education programs
and the performance of recipients of Higher Education funds.
B.J. Stupak Olympic Scholarships
The Committee recommendation includes $977,000 for B.J.
Stupak Scholarships, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and
the budget request.
Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program
The Committee recommendation includes $3,000,000 for the
Thurgood Marshall Educational Opportunity Program, the same as
the fiscal year 2009 level and the budget request.
Under this program, funds help low-income, minority, or
disadvantaged college students with the information,
preparation, and financial assistance to enter and complete law
school study. The Higher Education Act stipulates that the
Secretary make an award to or contract with the Council on
Legal Education Opportunity to carry out authorized activities.
BA Degrees in STEM and Critical Foreign Languages
The Committee recommendation includes $1,092,000 for this
activity, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and the budget
request.
Under this program grants are awarded on a competitive
basis, to eligible recipients to implement teacher education
programs that promote effective teaching skills and lead to a
baccalaureate degree in science, technology, engineering,
mathematics, or a critical foreign language with concurrent
teacher certification.
MA Degrees in STEM and Critical Foreign Languages
The Committee recommendation includes $1,092,000 for this
activity, the same as the fiscal year 2009 level and the budget
request.
Under this program grants are awarded, on a competitive
basis, to eligible recipients to develop and implement part-
time master's degree programs in science, technology,
engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign language
education for teachers in order to enhance the teacher's
content knowledge and teaching skill.
Howard University
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $234,977,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 234,977,000
House allowance......................................... 234,977,000
Committee recommendation................................ 234,977,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $234,977,000
for Howard University, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2009 funding and the budget request. Howard University is
located in the District of Columbia and offers undergraduate,
graduate, and professional degrees through 12 schools and
colleges. The university also administers the Howard University
Hospital, which provides both inpatient and outpatient care, as
well as training in the health professions. Federal funds from
this account support approximately 50 percent of the
university's projected educational and general expenditures,
excluding the hospital. The Committee recommends, within the
funds provided, not less than $3,600,000 shall be for the
endowment program.
Howard University Hospital.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee recommends $28,946,000 for the Howard University
Hospital, the same amount as the fiscal year 2009 funding level
and the budget request. The hospital serves as a major acute
and ambulatory care center for the District of Columbia and
functions as a major teaching facility attached to the
university. The Federal appropriation provides partial funding
for the hospital's operations.
College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $461,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 461,000
House allowance......................................... 461,000
Committee recommendation................................ 461,000
Federal Administration.--The Committee bill includes
$461,000 for Federal administration of the CHAFL program, the
same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level
and the budget request.
These funds will be used to reimburse the Department for
expenses incurred in managing the existing CHAFL loan portfolio
during fiscal year 2010. These expenses include salaries and
benefits, travel, printing, contracts (including contracted
loan servicing activities), and other expenses directly related
to the administration of the CHAFL program.
Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program
Account
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $10,354,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 20,582,000
House allowance......................................... 20,582,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,354,000
The Committee recommends $10,354,000 for the Historically
Black College and University [HBCU] Capital Financing Program.
The fiscal year 2009 funding level is $10,354,000 and the
budget request includes $20,582,000 for this activity.
The budget proposes $20,582,000 to pay for the subsidy
costs of up to $178,221,000 in guaranteed loan authority under
this program. The Committee has provided $10,000,000 for loan
subsidy costs and slightly modified bill language.
The HBCU Capital Financing Program makes capital available
to HBCUs for construction, renovation, and repair of academic
facilities by providing a Federal guarantee for private sector
construction bonds. Construction loans will be made from the
proceeds of the sale of the bonds.
Institute of Education Sciences
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $867,175,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 689,256,000
House allowance......................................... 664,256,000
Committee recommendation................................ 679,256,000
\1\Includes $250,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $679,256,000 for the Institute of
Education Sciences. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $867,175,000, which includes $250,000,000 available in
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The budget request
includes $689,256,000 for authorized activities. This account
supports education research, data collection and analysis
activities, and the assessment of student progress.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION
The Committee recommends $211,196,000 for education
research, development and national dissemination activities.
The comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is $167,196,000 and the
budget request includes $224,196,000 for these activities.
Funds are available for obligation for 2 fiscal years. These
funds support research, development, and dissemination
activities that are aimed at expanding fundamental knowledge of
education and promoting the use of research and development
findings in the design of efforts to improve education.
STATISTICS
The Committee recommends $108,521,000 for data gathering
and statistical analysis activities of the National Center for
Education Statistics [NCES], the same amount as the budget
request. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level is
$98,521,000.
The NCES collects, analyzes, and reports statistics on
education in the United States. Activities are carried out
directly and through grants and contracts. The Center collects
data on educational institutions at all levels, longitudinal
data on student progress, and data relevant to public policy.
The NCES also provides technical assistance to State and local
education agencies and postsecondary institutions.
REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES
The Committee recommends $70,650,000 to continue support
for the regional educational laboratories, the same amount as
the budget request. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $67,569,000. Program funds support a network of 10
laboratories that are responsible for promoting the use of
broad-based systemic strategies to improve student achievement.
The Committee recommends additional funds for the laboratories
to increase their capacity to provide timely responses to
requests for assistance on issues of urgent regional need.
The Committee is pleased that the research, development,
dissemination, and technical assistance activities carried out
by the regional educational laboratories will be consistent
with the standards for scientifically based research prescribed
in the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002. The Committee
continues to believe that the laboratories, working
collaboratively with the comprehensive centers and Department-
supported technical assistance providers, have an important
role to play in helping parents, States, and school districts
improve student achievement as called for in No Child Left
Behind. In particular, the Committee intends for the
laboratories and their technical assistance provider partners
to provide products and services that will help States and
school districts utilize the school improvement funds available
in the Education for the Disadvantaged account to support
school improvement activities that are supported by
scientifically based research.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Committee recommends $73,585,000 for research and
innovation in special education. The fiscal year 2009 level and
the budget request both are $70,585,000. The National Center
for Special Education Research addresses gaps in scientific
knowledge in order to improve special education and early
intervention services and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and
children with disabilities. Funds provided to the center are
available for obligation for 2 fiscal years.
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDIES AND EVALUATIONS
The Committee recommends $11,460,000 for special education
studies and evaluations, the same amount as the budget request.
The comparable fiscal year 2009 level is $9,460,000.
This program supports competitive grants, contracts, and
cooperative agreements to assess the implementation of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Funds also will be
used to evaluate the effectiveness of State and local efforts
to deliver special education services and early intervention
programs. Funds are available for obligation for 2 fiscal
years.
STATEWIDE DATA SYSTEMS
The Committee recommendation includes $65,000,000 for
statewide data systems, the same amount as the budget request.
The fiscal year 2009 level is $315,000,000, which includes
$250,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.
This program supports competitive grants to State
educational agencies to enable such agencies to design,
develop, and implement statewide, longitudinal data systems to
manage, analyze, disaggregate, and use individual student data.
These systems may incorporate workforce and postsecondary
education information. Funds are available for obligation for 2
fiscal years.
The Committee bill allows $10,000,000 to be used for
statewide data coordinators, and other activities to improve
the State's capability to use, report and maintain high-quality
data in their systems. The bill also allows the Department to
use funds to coordinate data collection and reporting with
private sector initiatives, in order to help reduce the
reporting burden on States and schools, while improving data
accuracy and maintaining access to the data for research
purposes. In addition, the budget proposes, and the bill
includes, language to allow Statewide data systems to include
information on children of all ages.
ASSESSMENT
The Committee recommends $138,844,000 for assessment, the
same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level
and the budget request.
These funds provide support for the National Assessment of
Educational Progress [NAEP], a congressionally mandated
assessment created to measure the educational achievement of
American students. The primary goal of NAEP is to determine and
report the status and trends over time in educational
achievement, subject by subject. In 2002, the Department began
paying for State participation in biennial reading and
mathematics assessments in grades 4 and 8.
Within the funds appropriated, the Committee recommends
$8,723,000 for the National Assessment Governing Board [NAGB],
the same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2009 funding
level and budget request. The NAGB is responsible for
formulating policy for NAEP.
Departmental Management
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $433,482,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 456,500,000
House allowance......................................... 452,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 452,200,000
The Committee recommends $452,200,000 for program
administration. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding level
is $433,482,000 and the budget request includes $456,500,000
for this purpose.
Funds support personnel compensation and benefits, travel,
rent, communications, utilities, printing, equipment and
supplies, automated data processing, and other services
required to award, administer, and monitor approximately 180
Federal education programs. Support for program evaluation and
studies and advisory councils is also provided under this
activity.
The budget request includes $8,200,000 for building
renovations of the Mary E. Switzer building. The Committee
recommends $8,200,000 for this purpose and makes the funds
available until expended, as proposed in the budget request.
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $96,826,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 103,024,000
House allowance......................................... 103,024,000
Committee recommendation................................ 103,024,000
The Committee recommends $103,024,000 for the Office for
Civil Rights [OCR], the same amount as the budget request. The
comparable fiscal year 2009 amount is $96,826,000.
The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for the
enforcement of laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age in
all programs and institutions funded by the Department of
Education. To carry out this responsibility, OCR investigates
and resolves discrimination complaints, monitors desegregation
and equal educational opportunity plans, reviews possible
discriminatory practices by recipients of Federal education
funds, and provides technical assistance to recipients of funds
to help them meet civil rights requirements.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $68,539,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 60,053,000
House allowance......................................... 60,053,000
Committee recommendation................................ 60,053,000
\1\Includes $14,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 funding (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $60,053,000 for the Office of the
Inspector General, the same amount as the budget request. The
fiscal year 2009 amount is $68,539,000, which includes
$14,000,000 available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act.
The Office of the Inspector General has the authority to
investigate all departmental programs and administrative
activities, including those under contract or grant, to prevent
and detect fraud and abuse, and to ensure the quality and
integrity of those programs. The Office investigates alleged
misuse of Federal funds, and conducts audits to determine
compliance with laws and regulations, efficiency of operations,
and effectiveness in achieving program goals.
General Provisions
The Committee bill contains language which has been
included in the bill since 1974, prohibiting the use of funds
for the transportation of students or teachers in order to
overcome racial imbalance (sec. 301).
The Committee bill contains language included in the bill
since 1977, prohibiting the involuntary transportation of
students other than to the school nearest to the student's home
(sec. 302).
The Committee bill contains language which has been
included in the bill since 1980, prohibiting the use of funds
to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer
and meditation in public schools (sec. 303).
The Committee bill includes a provision giving the
Secretary of Education authority to transfer up to 1 percent of
any discretionary funds between appropriations (sec. 304).
The Committee continues a provision that allows the
outlying areas to consolidate funds under title V of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (sec. 305).
The Committee includes a new provision that prohibits the
obligation of funds in this act for new awards under the
Teacher Incentive Fund prior to the submission of an impact
evaluation plan to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Senate (sec. 306).
The Committee bill includes a new provision that makes
technical changes to the Innovation Fund within the State
Fiscal Stabilization Fund established in section 14007 of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (sec. 307).
The Committee bill includes a new provision concerning
school libraries that amends the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965, as added by this bill by reference to S.
1121 (sec. 308).
The Committee bill includes a new provision that extends
for 2 years an impact aid provision concerning the North
Chicago school district (sec. 309).
TITLE IV
RELATED AGENCIES
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $5,094,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 5,396,000
House allowance......................................... 5,396,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,396,000
The Committee recommends $5,396,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or
Severely Disabled, the same as the fiscal year 2010 budget
request. The fiscal year 2009 comparable level is $5,094,000.
The Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or
Severely Disabled was established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day
Act of 1938 as amended. Its primary objective is to increase
the employment opportunities for people who are blind or have
other severe disabilities and, whenever possible, to prepare
them to engage in competitive employment.
Corporation for National and Community Service
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $1,090,866,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 1,149,016,000
House allowance......................................... 1,059,016,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,157,016,000
The Committee recommends $1,157,016,000 for the Corporation
for National and Community Service in fiscal year 2010. The
fiscal year 2009 comparable level was $1,090,866,000, including
$201,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
The budget for fiscal year 2010 included $1,149,016,000.
The Corporation for National and Community Service, a
Corporation owned by the Federal Government, was established by
the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 to enhance
opportunities for national and community service and provide
national service education awards. The Corporation makes grants
to States, institutions of higher education, public and private
nonprofit organizations, and others to create service
opportunities for students, out-of-school youth, and adults.
DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS
The Committee recommends $321,269,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the domestic volunteer service programs of the Corporation
for National and Community Service. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2009 was $374,835,000, including $65,000,000 in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. The
administration request for fiscal year 2010 was $318,832,000.
The Corporation administers programs authorized under the
Domestic Volunteer Service Act including: the Volunteers in
Service to America Program [VISTA]; the Foster Grandparent
Program [FGP]; the Senior Companion Program [SCP]; and the
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program [RSVP].
VISTA
The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for the Volunteers in
Service to America [VISTA] Program. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 was $161,050,000, including
$65,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
The budget request for fiscal year 2010 was $97,932,000.
VISTA, created in 1964 under the Economic Opportunity Act,
provides capacity building for small community-based
organizations. VISTA volunteers raise resources for local
projects, recruit and organize volunteers, and establish and
expand local community-based programs in housing, employment,
health, and economic development activities.
National Senior Volunteer Corps
The Committee recommends $221,269,000 for the National
Senior Volunteer Corps programs. The comparable level in fiscal
year 2009 was $213,785,000. The fiscal year 2010 budget request
was $220,900,000.
The Committee has included the following activities in the
following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
------------------------------------ Committee
Programs 2010 President's recommendation
2009 comparable request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retired Senior Volunteer Program.......................... $58,642 $63,000 $63,000
Foster Grandparent........................................ 108,999 110,900 111,269
Senior Companion.......................................... 46,144 47,000 47,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The maximum total dollars which may be used in fiscal year
2010 for Grants.gov/eGrants support, Training and Technical
Assistance, and Recruitment and Retention activities shall not
exceed the amount enacted for these activities in fiscal year
2009.
The CNCS shall comply with the directive that use of funds
appropriated for FGP, RSVP, SCP, and VISTA shall not be used to
fund demonstration activities. The Committee has not included
funding for senior demonstration activities.
The Committee directs that any assignments made under
section 1708 of the Serve America Act relating to programs
authorized under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act shall be
published in the Federal Register and following normal
procedure allow for a 90-day comment period. Furthermore, the
Committee directs the Corporation to detail any such
assignments in its annual budget justification.
NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
The Committee recommends $543,047,000 for the programs
authorized under the National Community Service Act of 1990.
The comparable level for fiscal year 2009 was $459,729,000,
including $89,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
funding. The administration request for fiscal year 2010 was
$538,847,000. The Committee recommendation includes the
following activities at the following amounts:
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year--
------------------------------------ Committee
Programs 2010 budget recommendation
2009 comparable request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AmeriCorps State and National............................. $360,196 $372,547 $372,547
AmeriCorps NCCC........................................... 27,500 26,300 29,000
Learn and Serve America................................... 37,459 39,500 40,000
State Commission Grants................................... 11,790 16,000 17,000
Innovation, Demonstration and Assistance.................. 18,893 65,500 65,500
Training and Technical Assistance......................... ................ 8,000 8,000
Disability Grants......................................... 4,913 5,000 5,000
Evaluation................................................ 3,891 6,000 6,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Americorps State and National
The Committee is strongly supportive of the President's
goal to support 100,000 AmeriCorps members and has included
funding to increase the number of members from 75,000 non-
Recovery Act members in fiscal year 2009 to over 85,000 in
fiscal year 2010.
The Committee directs the Corporation to include a 5-year
detail of member service in the annual congressional budget
justification. The detail should include the number of members,
grant cost, and Trust cost broken out by both program [VISTA,
NCCC, State, and National, et cetera) and by level of service
(full time, part time, quarter time, et cetera).
The Committee notes that by 2020, the number of Americans
over 55 will increase to more than 95 million, a jump of 64
percent in two decades. Baby boomers, Americans born between
1946 and 1964, are ready to tackle some of America's most
pressing challenges, including school drop-out, elder care,
community improvement, and environmental conservation. The
Committee requests that the Corporation for National and
Community Service study the participation of Americans 55 and
older under subtitle C and to catalog barriers to recruiting
more seniors.
Innovation, Demonstration, and Assistance Activities
Within the funds provided for the Innovation account, the
Committee has included $50,000,000 for the Social Innovation
fund authorized under section 1807 of the SERVE America Act.
The Committee recommendation also includes $2,000,000 for the
nonprofit capacity building program authorized under section
1809 of the SERVE America Act.
In addition, $8,000,000 is included for the Volunteer
Generation Fund authorized under section 198P of the SERVE
America Act. The Committee intends that funds allocated to
competitive grants authorized under subsection (d)(1)(b) of
such section be made available to State Commissions or
organizations working in partnership with State or local
governments for identifying and enrolling eligible individuals
and families into already existing Federal, State, and local
benefit programs or to direct individuals to other existing
programs, for example, housing, legal, and/or financial
counseling.
All other activities are included at the President's
request level.
National Civilian Community Corps
The Committee recommendation has sufficient funding to
increase the Corps size at the Nation's NCCC centers. The Corps
has proved invaluable in responding to natural disasters
including Hurricane Katrina and the floods in the Midwest, yet
the Corps is currently operating at only 80 percent of its
capacity.
NATIONAL SERVICE TRUST
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $197,000,000
for the National Service Trust. The comparable level for fiscal
year 2009 was $171,075,000, including $40,000,000 in American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The administration request
for fiscal year 2010 was $195,637,000.
The Committee notes that the funding level recommended is
sufficient to support more than 85,000 members in fiscal year
2010, an increase of more than 13,000 members from the non-
Recovery Act members in fiscal year 2009. The Committee intends
that, effective October 1, 2009, the Segal Education Award will
increase from $4,725 to $5,350 to align it with the maximum
level of Pell Grants during the 2009-2010 award year.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $88,000,000
for the Corporation's salaries and expenses. The comparable
level for fiscal year 2009 was $77,715,000, including
$6,000,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The
administration request for fiscal year 2010 was $88,000,000.
The Committee directs that the Corporation must fund all
staffing needs from the salaries and expenses account.
The salaries and expenses appropriation provides funds for
staff salaries, benefits, travel, training, rent, advisory and
assistance services, communications and utilities expenses,
supplies, equipment, and other operating expenses necessary for
management of the Corporation's activities under the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,700,000 for
the Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2009 was $7,512,000 and the administration request
for fiscal year 2010 was $7,700,000.
The goals of the Office of Inspector General are to
increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness and to
prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Committee has included two administrative provisions:
language requiring the Corporation to notify the Committee 15
days prior to any significant changes to program requirements
or policy (sec. 401) and language requiring that donations
supplement and not supplant operations (sec. 402).
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Appropriations, 2010.................................... $420,000,000
Appropriations, 2011.................................... 430,000,000
Budget estimate, 2012................................... 440,000,000
House allowance......................................... 440,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 450,000,000
The Committee recommends $450,000,000 be made available for
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], as an advance
appropriation for fiscal year 2012. The comparable funding
level provided last year was $430,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
The budget request includes $440,000,000 in advance funds for
fiscal year 2012.
In addition, the Committee recommends $36,000,000 be made
available in fiscal year 2010 for the conversion to digital
broadcasting, $1,409,000 more than the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2009 and the same as the budget request.
The Committee is concerned by the effect of the economic
downturn on the donations that support public broadcasting
stations nationwide. The Committee supports the aggressive
transition to digital broadcasting, however, the Committee
understands that capital projects are not the highest priority
when basic operations are threatened. The Committee has
included $10,000,000 for emergency operations support at the
discretion of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The
Committee urges the Corporation to prioritize the stations with
the highest need.
Further, the Committee recommendation includes $25,000,000
in fiscal year 2010 for the final installment of the radio
interconnection system replacement project, $1,642,000 less
than the comparable level in fiscal year 2009 and equal to the
budget request.
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $45,476,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 46,303,000
House allowance......................................... 47,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 46,303,000
The Committee recommends $46,303,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service [FMCS]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 was $45,476,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2010 includes
$46,303,000 for this program.
The FMCS was established by Congress in 1947 to provide
mediation, conciliation, and arbitration services to labor and
management. FMCS is authorized to provide dispute resolution
consultation and training to all Federal agencies.
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $8,653,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 9,858,000
House allowance......................................... 9,858,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,858,000
The Committee recommends $10,858,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 was $8,653,000
and the fiscal year 2010 budget request includes $9,858,000.
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
provides administrative trial and appellate review of legal
disputes under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
The five-member Commission provides review of the Commission's
administrative law judge decisions.
The Committee is concerned that the backlog of cases in the
Commission's Office of Administrative Law Judges has increased
by greater than 400 percent over historical levels. The
Committee understands that this backlog is largely due to the
fact that the rate of contested citations has more than
quadrupled since passage of the MINER Act of 2006. The
Committee has included additional funding to reduce the backlog
by engaging additional judges and support staff, and continuing
the transition to an electronic case management system. The
Committee directs that the fiscal year 2011 budget
justification include data on the number of new cases
submitted, the number of cases decided and the current number
of cases pending.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
OFFICE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARIES: GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $274,840,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 265,556,000
House allowance......................................... 275,688,000
Committee recommendation................................ 275,056,000
The Committee recommends $275,056,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $274,840,000
and the administration request for fiscal year 2010 is
$265,556,000.
The Committee recommendation includes $172,000,000 for the
Library Services Grants to States; $4,000,000 for Native
American Libraries; $975,000 for Native American and Native
Hawaiian Museums; and $17,134,000 for administration. All other
activities are included at no less than last year's level.
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
providing funding for the following activities in the following
amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, for assessments and $200,000
educational programming..............................
Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Cape Cod, MA, for the 100,000
continued development of exhibits and educational
programs.............................................
Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, IA, for 500,000
library services, including RFID upgrade.............
City of Hagerstown, MD, to restore and display the 150,000
Doleman collection...................................
Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, IA, for 500,000
exhibits.............................................
Eagle Mountain City, UT, for the purchase of equipment 100,000
Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland, OH, for 200,000
education, outreach, and exhibits....................
Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke, MA, for educational 100,000
equipment and technology infrastructure..............
Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for the Blind 100,000
and Print Handicapped, Inc., Des Moines, IA, for the
upgrade of tuner receivers and the purchase of
equipment............................................
Louisiana Children's Museum, New Orleans, LA, to 250,000
establish an early childhood and parenting pro- gram
McLean County Fiscal Court, Calhoun, KY, for equipment 100,000
and technology at Livermore Library..................
Mississippi Children's Museum, Jackson, MS, for 300,000
installation, exhibits, and educational programming..
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston, 100,000
MS, for archive of newspaper and digital me- dia....
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, 100,000
Jackson, MS, for science education exhibits and
outreach programs....................................
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, 500,000
Dubuque, IA, for exhibits relating to the Mississippi
River................................................
Robert Russa Moton Museum, Farmville, VA, to develop 100,000
and install exhibitions on civil rights..............
Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL, for technology 250,000
and equipment........................................
Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, Washington, DC, for 1,000,000
exhibitions..........................................
University of Mississippi, University, MS, for 450,000
preserving and digitizing recordings in the modern
political library archives...........................
University of Mississippi, University, MS, for the 300,000
American Music Archives..............................
Washington National Opera, Washington, DC, for set 200,000
design, installation, and performing arts at
libraries and schools................................
Witte Museum, San Antonio, TX, for the South Texas 150,000
Heritage Center equipment and program development....
World Food Prize, Des Moines, IA, for exhibits........ 750,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $11,403,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 11,800,000
House allowance......................................... 11,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,800,000
The Committee recommends $11,800,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission [MedPAC]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $11,403,000
and the administration request for fiscal year 2010 is
$11,800,000.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission was established by
Congress as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law
105-933). Congress merged the Physician Payment Review
Commission with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission
to create MedPAC.
National Council on Disability
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $3,206,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 3,271,000
House allowance......................................... 3,271,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,271,000
The Committee recommends $3,271,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the National Council on Disability. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 is $3,206,000 and the administration
request for fiscal year 2010 is $3,271,000.
The Council is mandated to make recommendations to the
President, the Congress, the Rehabilitation Services
Administration, and the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research on the public issues of concern to
individuals with disabilities. The Council gathers information
on the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the
Americans with Disabilities Act and looks at emerging policy
issues as they affect persons with disabilities and their
ability to enter or re-enter the Nation's work force and to
live independently.
National Labor Relations Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $262,595,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 283,400,000
House allowance......................................... 283,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 283,400,000
The Committee recommends $283,400,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the National Labor Relations Board [NLRB]. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $262,595,000 and the
administration request for fiscal year 2010 is $283,400,000.
The NLRB is a law enforcement agency that adjudicates
disputes under the National Labor Relations Act. The mission of
the NLRB is to carry out the statutory responsibilities of the
National Labor Relations Act as efficiently as possible and in
a manner that gives full effect to the rights afforded to
employees, unions, and employers under the act.
National Mediation Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $12,992,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 13,434,000
House allowance......................................... 12,992,000
Committee recommendation................................ 13,934,000
The Committee recommends $13,934,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the National Mediation Board [NMB]. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 is $12,992,000 and the
administration request for fiscal year 2010 is $13,434,000.
The National Mediation Board protects interstate commerce
as it mediates labor-management relations in the railroad and
airline industries under the Railway Labor Act. The Board
mediates collective bargaining disputes, determines the choice
of employee bargaining representatives through elections, and
administers arbitration of employee grievances.
The Committee remains concerned by the backlog of
arbitration cases and urges the administration to work
aggressively to eliminate this backlog. The Committee intends
the additional funding over the administration's budget to be
used to increase the number of arbitration cases heard and
closed.
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $11,186,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 11,712,000
House allowance......................................... 11,712,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,712,000
The Committee recommends $11,712,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $11,186,000
and the administration request for fiscal year 2010 is
$11,712,000.
The Commission serves as a court to justly and
expeditiously resolve disputes between the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration [OSHA] and employers charged with
violations of health and safety standards enforced by OSHA.
Railroad Retirement Board
DUAL BENEFITS PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $72,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 64,000,000
House allowance......................................... 64,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 64,000,000
The Committee recommends $64,000,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Dual Benefits Payments Account. Of these funds,
$3,000,000 is from income taxes on vested dual benefits. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is $72,000,000
and the administration request for fiscal year 2010 is
$64,000,000.
This appropriation provides for vested dual benefit
payments authorized by the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, as
amended by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981. This
separate account, established for the payment of dual benefits,
is funded by general fund appropriations and income tax
receipts of vested dual benefits.
FEDERAL PAYMENTS TO THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $150,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 150,000
House allowance......................................... 150,000
Committee recommendation................................ 150,000
The Committee recommends $150,000 for fiscal year 2010 for
interest earned on nonnegotiated checks, the same as the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 and the
administration request.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $105,463,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 109,073,000
House allowance......................................... 109,073,000
Committee recommendation................................ 109,073,000
The Committee recommends $109,073,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the administration of railroad retirement/survivor benefit
programs. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2009 is
$105,463,000 and the administration request for fiscal year
2010 is $109,073,000.
The Board administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and
unemployment-sickness insurance benefit programs for the
Nation's railroad workers and their families. This account
limits the amount of funds in the railroad retirement and
railroad unemployment insurance trust funds that may be used by
the Board for administrative expenses.
The Committee has included language to prohibit funds from
the railroad retirement trust fund from being spent on any
charges over and above the actual cost of administering the
trust fund, including commercial rental rates.
LIMITATION ON THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $7,806,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 8,186,000
House allowance......................................... 8,186,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,186,000
The Committee recommends $8,186,000 for fiscal year 2010
for the Office of the Inspector General. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2009 is $7,806,000 and the administration
request for fiscal year 2010 is $8,186,000.
The Committee has deleted language prohibiting funds from
being transferred from the Railroad Retirement Board to the
Office of the Inspector General. The Committee expects the
relationship between the Board and the Inspector General to be
guided by the laws governing each.
Social Security Administration
PAYMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS
Appropriations, 2009.................................... $20,406,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 20,404,000
House allowance......................................... 20,404,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,404,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $20,404,000
for payments to Social Security trust funds, the same amount as
the budget request. The comparable fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $20,406,000. This amount reimburses the old age and
survivors and disability insurance trust funds for special
payments to certain uninsured persons, costs incurred
administering pension reform activities, and the value of the
interest for benefit checks issued but not negotiated. This
appropriation restores the trust funds to the same financial
position they would have been in had they not borne these costs
and were properly charged to the general funds.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $31,471,537,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 34,742,000,000
House allowance......................................... 34,742,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 34,742,000,000
\1\Includes $1,000,000,000 in administrative funding available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$34,742,000,000 for supplemental security income, the same
amount as the budget request. This is in addition to the
$15,400,000,000 appropriated last year as an advance for the
first quarter of fiscal year 2010. The fiscal year 2009 funding
level is $31,471,537,000, which includes $1,000,000,000 in
administrative funding provided in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. The Committee also recommends an advance
appropriation of $16,000,000,000 for the first quarter of
fiscal year 2011 to ensure uninterrupted benefits payments. The
program level supported by the Committee recommendation is
$50,142,000,000, the same amount proposed in the budget
request.
These funds are used to pay benefits under the SSI Program,
which was established to ensure a Federal minimum monthly
benefit for aged, blind, and disabled individuals, enabling
them to meet basic needs. It is estimated that more than 7
million persons will receive SSI benefits each month during
fiscal year 2010. In many cases, SSI benefits supplement income
from other sources, including Social Security benefits. The
funds are also used to reimburse the Social Security trust
funds for the administrative costs for the program with a final
settlement by the end of the subsequent fiscal year as required
by law, to reimburse vocational rehabilitation agencies for
costs incurred in successfully rehabilitating SSI recipients
and for research and demonstration projects.
Beneficiary Services
The Committee recommends $49,000,000 for beneficiary
services, as proposed in the budget request. The comparable
fiscal year 2009 funding level is $3,000,000. This amount is
available for payments to Employment Networks for successful
outcomes or milestone payments under the Ticket to Work program
and for reimbursement of State vocational rehabilitation
agencies and alternate public or private providers.
Research and Demonstration Projects
The Committee recommendation includes $49,000,000 for
research and demonstration projects conducted under sections
1110, 1115 and 1144 of the Social Security Act, the same amount
as proposed in the budget request. The comparable fiscal year
2009 funding level is $35,000,000.
This amount will support SSA's efforts to strengthen its
policy evaluation capability and implement outreach activities
to certain low-income individuals who may be eligible for
assistance with medical expenses. These funds also will enable
SSA to focus on: retirement and disability policy research,
effective return-to-work strategies for disabled beneficiaries
and activities that maintain and strengthen the capacity of SSA
to analyze data and respond to information requests from the
Congress.
Administration
The Committee recommendation includes $3,442,000,000 for
payment to the Social Security trust funds for the SSI
Program's share of SSA's base administrative expenses, the same
amount as proposed in the budget request. The fiscal year 2009
amount is $4,206,537,000, which includes $1,000,000,000
available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $11,453,500,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 11,446,500,000
House allowance......................................... 11,446,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,446,500,000
\1\Includes $1,000,000,000 in funds available in the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends a program funding level of
$11,446,500,000 for the limitation on administrative expenses,
the same amount as proposed in the budget request. The fiscal
year 2009 funding level is $11,453,500,000, which includes
$1,000,000,000 in funds available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.
This account provides resources from the Social Security
trust funds to administer the Social Security retirement and
survivors and disability insurance programs, and certain Social
Security health insurance functions. As authorized by law, it
also provides resources from the trust funds for certain
nontrust fund administrative costs, which are reimbursed from
the general funds. These include administration of the
supplemental security income program for the aged, blind, and
disabled; work associated with the Pension Reform Act of 1984;
and the portion of the annual wage reporting work done by the
Social Security Administration for the benefit of the Internal
Revenue Service. The dollars provided also support automated
data processing activities and fund the State disability
determination services which make initial and continuing
disability determinations on behalf of the Social Security
Administration. Additionally, the limitation provides funding
for computer support, and other administrative costs.
The Committee recommendation includes $10,800,500,000 for
routine operating expenses of the agency, as well as the
resources related to program integrity activities and those
derived from the user fees discussed below.
The budget request includes bill language earmarking not
less than $273,000,000 of funds available within this account
for continuing disability reviews and redeterminations of
eligibility under Social Security's disability programs. An
additional $485,000,000 earmark for continuing disability
reviews, redeterminations of eligibility and asset verification
activities also was proposed in the budget request. The
Committee recommendation includes the requested resources and
earmarking language.
Social Security Advisory Board
The Committee has included not less than $2,300,000 within
the limitation on administrative expenses account for the
Social Security Advisory Board for fiscal year 2010.
User Fees
In addition to other amounts provided, the Committee
recommends $161,000,000 for administrative activities funded
from user fees. Of this amount, $160,000,000 is derived from
fees paid to SSA by States that request SSA to administer State
SSI supplementary payments. The remaining $1,000,000 will be
generated from a fee payment process for non-attorney
representatives of claimants.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2009\1\................................. $100,127,000
Budget estimate, 2010................................... 102,682,000
House allowance......................................... 102,682,000
Committee recommendation................................ 102,682,000
\1\Includes $2,000,000 available in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
The Committee recommends $102,682,000 for activities for
the Office of the Inspector General, the same amount as the
budget request. The fiscal year 2009 funding level is
$100,127,000, which includes $2,000,000 available in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The recommendation
includes a general fund appropriation of $29,000,000 together
with an obligation limitation of $73,682,000 from the Federal
old-age and survivors insurance trust fund and the Federal
disability insurance trust fund.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommendation includes provisions which:
authorize transfers of unexpended balances (sec. 501); limit
funding to 1 year availability unless otherwise specified (sec.
502); limit lobbying and related activities (sec. 503); limit
official representation expenses (sec. 504); prohibit funding
of any program to carry out distribution of sterile needles for
the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug (sec. 505);
clarify Federal funding as a component of State and local grant
funds (sec. 506); limit use of funds for abortion (sec. 507 and
sec. 508); restrict human embryo research (sec. 509); limit the
use of funds for promotion of legalization of controlled
substances (sec. 510); prohibits the use of funds to promulgate
regulations regarding the individual health identifier (sec.
511); limits use of funds to enter into or review contracts
with entities subject to the requirement in section 4212(d) of
title 38, United States Code, if the report required by that
section has not been submitted (sec. 512); prohibits transfer
of funds made available in this act to any department, agency,
or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, except as otherwise
provided by this or any other act (sec. 513); prohibits Federal
funding in this act for libraries and elementary and secondary
schools unless they are in compliance with the Children's
Internet Protection Act (sec. 514 and sec. 515); maintains a
procedure for reprogramming of funds (sec. 516); prohibits
candidates for scientific advisory committees from having to
disclose their political activities (sec. 517); requires the
Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education
to submit a report on the number and amounts of contracts,
grants, and cooperative agreements awarded by the Departments
on a noncompetitive basis (sec. 518); continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for a grant or contract exceeding
$5,000,000 unless the prospective contractor or grantee, makes
certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability (sec.
519); and delays by several months scheduled minimum wage
increases in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands (sec. 520).
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee report on
general appropriations bills identify each Committee amendment
to the House bill ``which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.''
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
and activities which currently lack authorization: No Child
Left Behind Act; Workforce Investment Act; Homeless Veterans
Reintegration Program; Title VII of the Public Health Service
Act; Universal Newborn Hearing Screening; Ryan White AIDS
programs; Organ Transplantation; Denali Commission; Family
Planning; Rural Health programs; Nurse Reinvestment Act; Public
Health Improvement Act; Traumatic Brain Injury Program;
Emergency Medical Services for Children; Black Lung Program;
Healthy Start; Telehealth; Health Professions Education
Partnership Act; Children's Health Act; Women's Health Research
and Prevention Amendments of 1998; Bioterrorism; Birth Defects
Prevention, Preventive Health Amendments of 1993; Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Programs, except for Stop Act
programs; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program; Refugee and Entrant
Assistance programs; Child Abuse Prevention; Adoption
Opportunities; Adoption Awareness; Child Care and Development
Block Grant; Family violence programs; Developmental
Disabilities programs; Voting Access for Individuals with
Disabilities; Native American Programs; Community Services
Block Grant; Rural Facilities; Individual Development Accounts;
Community Economic Development; Alzheimer's Disease
Demonstration Grants; Title V of the Public Health Services
Act; Adolescent Family Life; Office of Minority Health; Office
of Disease Prevention Services; Rehabilitation Services and
Disability Research, except sections 4, 5, and 6 of the
Assistive Technology Program; Institute of Education Sciences;
Corporation for Public Broadcasting; and National Council on
Disability.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on July 30, 2009,
the Committee ordered reported H.R. 3293, making appropriations
for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and
Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, with an amendment
in the nature of a substitute, with the bill subject to further
amendment and consistent with the budget allocation, by a
recorded vote of 29-1, a quorum being present. The vote was as
follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Inouye Mr. Brownback
Mr. Byrd
Mr. Leahy
Mr. Harkin
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Kohl
Mrs. Murray
Mr. Dorgan
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Lautenberg
Mr. Nelson
Mr. Pryor
Mr. Tester
Mr. Specter
Mr. Cochran
Mr. Bond
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Gregg
Mr. Bennett
Mrs. Hutchison
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Mr. Voinovich
Ms. Murkowski
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or a joint resolution repealing or amending any
statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or part thereof
which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a comparative print
of that part of the bill or joint resolution making the
amendment and of the statute or part thereof proposed to be
amended, showing by stricken through type and italics, parallel
columns, or other appropriate typographical devices the
omissions and insertions which would be made by the bill or
joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by the
committee.''
U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' CARE, KATRINA RECOVERY, AND IRAQ
ACCOUNTABILITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007, PUBLIC LAW 110-28
TITLE VIII--FAIR MINIMUM WAGE AND TAX RELIEF
Subtitle A--Fair Minimum Wage
SEC. 8101. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Fair Minimum Wage Act of
2007''.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 8103. APPLICABILITY OF MINIMUM WAGE TO AMERICAN SAMOA AND THE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS.
(a) * * *
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(A) * * *
(B) increased by $0.50 an hour (or such
lesser amount as may be necessary to equal the
minimum wage under section 6(a)(1) of such
Act), beginning 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act and each year thereafter
until the minimum wage applicable to the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
under this paragraph is equal to the minimum
wage set forth in such section, except that,
beginning in 2010 and each year thereafter,
such increase shall occur on September 30; and
(2) * * *
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(C) increased by $0.50 an hour (or such
lesser amount as may be necessary to equal the
minimum wage under section 6(a)(1) of such
Act), beginning 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act and each year thereafter
until the minimum wage applicable to American
Samoa under this paragraph is equal to the
minimum wage set forth in such section, except
that, beginning in 2010 and each year
thereafter, such increase shall occur on
September 30.
* * * * * * *
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009, PUBLIC LAW 111-5
TITLE XIV--STATE FISCAL STABILIZATION FUND
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE
SEC. 14007. INNOVATION FUND.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(3) Basis for awards.--The Secretary shall make
awards to eligible entities [that have made significant
gains in closing the achievement gap as described in
subsection (b)(1)--
[(A) to allow such eligible entities to
expand their work and serve as models for best
practices;
[(B) to allow such eligible entities to
work in partnership with the private sector and
the philanthropic community; and
[(C) to identify and document best
practices that canbe shared, and taken to scale
based on demonstrated success.]
(3) Purpose of awards.--The Secretary shall make
awards to eligible entities in order to identify,
document, and bring to scale innovative best practices
based on demonstrated success, to allow such eligible
entities to--
(A) expand their work and serve as models
for best practices; and
(B) work in partnership with the private
sector and the philanthropic community.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for such an award, an
eligible entity shall--
[(1)](1)(A) have significantly closed the
achievement gaps between groups of students described
in section 1111(b)(2) of the ESEA (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(2)); or
[(2) have exceeded the State's annual measurable
objectives consistent with such section 1111(b)(2) for
2 or more consecutive years or have demonstrated
success in significantly increasing student academic
achievement for all groups of students described in
such section through another measure, such as measures
described in section 1111(c)(2) of the ESEA;]
(B) have demonstrated success in significantly
increasing student academic achievement for all groups
of students described in such section;
[(3)] (2) have made significant improvement in
other areas, such as graduation rates or increased
recruitment and placement of high-quality teachers and
school leaders, as demonstrated with meaningful data;
and
[(4)] (3) demonstrate that [they have established
partnerships] it has established one or more
partnerships with the private sector, which may include
philanthropic organizations, and that the private
sector will provide matching funds in order to help
bring results to scale.
(c) Special Rule.--In the case of an eligible entity that
includes a nonprofit organization, the eligible entity shall be
considered to have met the eligibility requirements of
[paragraphs (1), (2), (3) of subsection (b) if such nonprofit
organization has a record of meeting such requirements]
paragraphs (1)(A) or (1)(B) and (2) of subsection (b) if the
nonprofit organization has a record of significantly improving
student achievement, attainment, or retention and shall be
considered to have met the requirements of subsection (b)(3) if
it demonstrates that it will meet the requirement relating to
private-sector matching.
(d) Subgrants.--In the case of an eligible entity that is a
partnership described in subsection (a)(1)(B), the partner
serving as the fiscal agent may make subgrants to one or more
of the other entities in the partnership.
* * * * * * *
CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008, PUBLIC LAW 110-161
DIVISION G--DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND
EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008
TITLE III
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
General Provisions
Sec. 307. (a) Notwithstanding section 8013(9)(B) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, North Chicago
Community Unit School District 187, North Shore District 112,
and Township High School District 113 in Lake County, Illinois,
and Glenview Public School District 34 and Glenbrook High
School District 225 in Cook County, Illinois, shall be
considered local educational agencies as such term is used in
and for purposes of title VIII of such Act for fiscal years
2008 [and 2009] through 2011.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, federally
connected children (as determined under section 8003(a) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who are in
attendance in the North Shore District 112, Township High
School District 113, Glenview Public School District 34, and
Glenbrook High School District 225 described in subsection (a),
shall be considered to be in attendance in the North Chicago
Community Unit School District 187 described in subsection (a)
for purposes of computing the amount that the North Chicago
Community Unit School District 187 is eligible to receive under
subsection (b) or (d) of such section for fiscal years 2008 and
[and 2009] through 2011 if--
* * * * * * *
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
---------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount of Committee Amount of
allocation bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations
to its subcommittees of amounts in the budget resolution
for 2010: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and related agencies:
Mandatory............................................... 554,596 554,596 554,813 \1\554,813
Discretionary........................................... 160,354 163,100 217,248 \1\218,842
Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation:
2010.................................................... ........... ........... ........... \2\626,332
2011.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 64,117
2012.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 15,112
2013.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 3,554
2014 and future years................................... ........... ........... ........... 670
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 362,307 NA 319,488
2010.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
Consistent with the funding recommended in the bill for continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security
Income [SSI] redeterminations, control of healthcare fraud and abuse, reviews of improper unemployment
insurance payments, and low income home energy assistance, and in accordance with subparagraphs A, C, and D of
section 401(c)(2) and section 401(c)(3) of Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 (111th Congress), the Committee
anticipates that the Budget Committee will file a revised section 302(a) allocation for the Committee on
Appropriations reflecting an upward adjustment of $2,746,000,000 in budget authority plus associated outlays.
DISCLOSURE OF CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the
purse. The Committee believes strongly that Congress should
make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money.
As defined in Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the
Senate, the term ``congressional directed spending item'' means
a provision or report language included primarily at the
request of a Senator, providing, authorizing, or recommending a
specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit
authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan,
loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure
with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality
or congressional district, other than through a statutory or
administrative, formula-driven, or competitive award process.
For each item, a Member is required to provide a
certification that neither the Member nor the Senator's
immediate family has a pecuniary interest in such
congressionally directed spending item. Such certifications are
available to the public on the website of the Senate Committee
on Appropriations (www.appropriations.senate.gov/senators.cfm).
Following is a list of congressionally directed spending
items included in the Senate recommendation discussed in this
report, along with the name of each Senator who submitted a
request to the Committee of jurisdiction for each item so
identified. Neither the Committee recommendation nor this
report contains any limited tax benefits or limited tariff
benefits as defined in rule XLIV.
CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency Account Project Funding Requesting member
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... 3D School, Petal, MS, for a model dyslexia intervention $250,000 Cochran, Wicker
program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, to support the Adelphi $200,000 Schumer
University Institute for Math and Science Teachers.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Army Heritage Center Foundation, Carlisle, PA, for history $100,000 Specter
education programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Avant-Garde Learning Foundation, Anchorage, AK, for $500,000 Murkowski, Begich
educational activities.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, Anchorage, AK, for a $100,000 Murkowski
mentoring demonstration project.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Inc., $100,000 Specter
Pittsburgh, PA, for mentoring programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Billings Public Schools, Billings, MT, for career training in $100,000 Tester
construction technology, including the purchase of equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Reno, NV, to develop $175,000 Reid
an Internet safety program in schools.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Brehm Preparatory School, Carbondale, IL, to support the $250,000 Durbin
development of a national database for learning disabilities
education and research at Brehm Prep School.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Brockton Area Private Industry Council, Inc., Brockton, MA, $100,000 Kennedy, Kerry
for workforce development programs for at-risk youth.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Bushnell, Hartford, CT, for the PARTNERS art education program $100,000 Dodd, Lieberman
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Caddo Parish School Board, Shreveport, LA, for equipment and $100,000 Vitter
technology upgrades.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Calcasieu Parish School Board, Lake Charles, LA, for equipment $100,000 Vitter
and technology upgrades.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... CentroNia, Takoma Park, MD, to expand pre-K services and train $500,000 Mikulski, Cardin
early education teachers.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL, to provide professional $300,000 Durbin
development to upper elementary and middle school science
teachers.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Children's Home of Easton, PA, for tutoring and mentoring at- $125,000 Specter, Casey
risk youth during summer.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... City of Los Angeles, CA, for the LA's BEST afterschool $900,000 Feinstein
enrichment program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... City of Racine, WI, for an afterschool and summer program for $200,000 Kohl
children and their parents.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... City of San Jose, CA, for early childhood education $300,000 Feinstein
improvement.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... City of Vernonia School District, Vernonia, OR, for technology $150,000 Wyden, Merkley
and equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... City Year New Hampshire, Stratham, NH, to expand education and $254,000 Gregg
youth development programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... City Year Rhode Island, Providence, RI, for a school-based $100,000 Whitehouse, Reed
initiative to improve the conditions that lead to student
success and increase the graduation rate.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, to create a $600,000 Reid
school for highly gifted students.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, to expand $600,000 Reid
instructional support for English-language learners.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Cleveland Municipal School District, Cleveland, OH, to improve $100,000 Voinovich
math and language skills through music education.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center, Vancouver, $100,000 Murray
WA, to expand a summer school program that prepares high
school students to pursue postsecondary education and green
careers, including the purchase of equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... County of Butte, Oroville, CA, for the Literacy is for $150,000 Boxer
Everyone family literacy program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... County of Monterey, Salinas, CA, for the Silver Star Gang $1,000,000 Feinstein
Prevention and Intervention program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Creative Visions, Des Moines, IA, for a dropout prevention pro- $200,000 Harkin
gram.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot, ND, for an elementary $475,000 Conrad, Dorgan
school program that targets high-risk students.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Darden School Foundation, Charlottesville, VA, to improve $150,000 Warner, Webb
rural, chronically low-performing schools in southwest
Virginia.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Davidson Academy of Nevada, Reno, NV, for math and science $400,000 Ensign
curriculum development.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Delaware Department of Education, Dover, DE, to train school $100,000 Carper, Kaufman
leaders within the Vision 2015 network.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Delaware Department of Technology and Information, Dover, DE, $100,000 Kaufman, Carper
to improve Internet access to Delaware schools, including the
purchase of equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Delta Arts Alliance, Inc., Drew, MS, for arts education and $100,000 Cochran
curriculum development.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, for music education in $300,000 Cochran
rural areas.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines, IA, to expand pre- $750,000 Harkin
kindergarten programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... East Side Community Learning Center Foundation, Wilmington, $100,000 Carper, Kaufman
DE, to support supplemental education and enrichment programs
for high-needs students.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Evansville, IN, for $100,000 Lugar
education programs including equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Falcon School district 49, Falcon, CO, to support a science, $100,000 Mark Udall, Bennet
technology, engineering and math [STEM] education program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... FAME, Inc., Wilmington, DE, to prepare minority students for $125,000 Kaufman, Carper
college and encourage them to pursue careers in science,
engineering, and math.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Family, Inc., Council Bluffs, IA, to support a home visitation $400,000 Harkin, Grassley
program for young children and their families.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Golden Apple Foundation, Chicago, IL, to recruit and train $350,000 Durbin, Burris
math and science teachers through summer institutes across
Illinois.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Grand County School District, Moab, UT, to career and $100,000 Bennett
technical education programs including the purchase of
equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Harford County, Belair, MD, for a science, technology, $400,000 Mikulski
engineering and math education program, including the
purchase of equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Homeless Children's Education Fund, Pittsburgh, PA, for $100,000 Specter
afterschool programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... I Won't Cheat Foundation, Salt Lake City, UT, for an anti- $250,000 Bennett
steroid education program and awareness campaign.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, for curriculum $100,000 Lugar
development and teacher training.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Indinanapolis Public Schools, Indianapolis, IN, for education $100,000 Lugar
programs including equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Inquiry Facilitators Inc., Bernalillo, NM, for facilitating $200,000 Bingaman, Tom Udall
student and teacher involvement in a robotics competition.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Iowa Association of School Boards, Des Moines, IA, for $3,550,000 Harkin
continuation and expansion of the SKILLS Iowa program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Iowa Department of Education, Des Moines, IA, to continue the $7,000,000 Harkin
Harkin grant program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Iowa State Education Association, Des Moines, IA, to educate $133,000 Grassley, Harkin
teachers and students on international trade.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Ishpeming Public Schools, Ishpeming, MI, to provide wiring and $100,000 Levin, Stabenow
technology upgrades.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, for education programs $100,000 Collins, Snowe
including the purchase of equipment.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, for Mississippi $500,000 Cochran, Wicker
Learning Institute to improve reading and literacy
instruction.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY, for music education $400,000 Harkin
programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... JFYNetworks, Boston, MA, for the expansion of math, science, $150,000 Kennedy, Kerry
and language arts educational programs.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc., Boston, MA, for expanding $100,000 Dodd
the Jumpstart Connecticut mentoring program.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Kanawha County Schools, Charleston, WV, for the continuation $500,000 Byrd
and expansion of Skills West Virginia.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Kauai Economic Development Board, Lihue, HI, for science, $700,000 Inouye, Akaka
technology, engineering, and math education.
Dept. of Education................. Elementary & Secondary Education.......... Lafourche Parish School Board, Thibodaux, LA, for equipment $100,000 Vitter
and tech upgrades.
Dept. of Educat
