id
stringlengths 7
16
| section
stringlengths 0
887
|
|---|---|
108hr5291ih
|
(F) An estimate of the level of United States financial assistance that would be sufficient to convince United States allies and people in the Islamic world that engaging in the struggle of ideas in the Islamic world is a top priority of the United States and that the United States intends to make a substantial and sustained commitment toward winning this struggle. 245.
|
108hr5291ih
|
United States policy toward dictatorships
(a) Finding
Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress finds that short-term gains enjoyed by the United States through cooperation with the world’s most repressive and brutal governments are too often outweighed by long-term setbacks for the stature and interests of the United States. (b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that— (1) United States foreign policy should promote the value of life and the importance of individual educational and economic opportunity, encourage widespread political participation, condemn indiscriminate violence, and promote respect for the rule of law,
|
108hr5291ih
|
openness in discussing differences among people, and tolerance for opposing points of view; and (2) the United States Government must prevail upon the governments of all predominantly Muslim countries, including those that are friends and allies of the United States, to condemn indiscriminate violence, promote the value of life, respect and promote the principles of individual education and economic opportunity, encourage widespread political participation, and promote the rule of law, openness in discussing differences among people, and tolerance for opposing points of view. 246.
|
108hr5291ih
|
Promotion of United States values through broadcast media
(a) Findings
Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress makes the following findings: (1) Although the United States has demonstrated and promoted its values in defending Muslims against tyrants and criminals in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, this message is not always clearly presented in the Islamic world. (2) If the United States does not act to vigorously define its message in the Islamic world, the image of the United States will be defined by Islamic extremists who seek to demonize the United States.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(3) Recognizing that many Arab and Muslim audiences rely on satellite television and radio, the United States Government has launched promising initiatives in television and radio broadcasting to the Arab world, Iran, and Afghanistan. (b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the United States must do more to defend and promote its values and ideals to the broadest possible audience in the Islamic world; (2) United States efforts to defend and promote these values and ideals are beginning to ensure that accurate expressions of these values reach large audiences in the Islamic world and should be robustly supported;
|
108hr5291ih
|
(3) the United States Government could and should do more to engage the Muslim world in the struggle of ideas; and (4) the United States Government should more intensively employ existing broadcast media in the Islamic world as part of this engagement. (c) Report on outreach strategy
(1) Report required
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the strategy of the United States Government for expanding its outreach to foreign Muslim audiences through broadcast media.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Content
The report shall include the following: (A) The initiatives of the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the public diplomacy activities of the Department of State with respect to outreach to foreign Muslim audiences. (B) An outline of recommended actions that the United States Government should take to more regularly and comprehensively present a United States point of view through indigenous broadcast media in countries with sizable Muslim populations, including increasing appearances by United States Government officials, experts, and citizens.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(C) An assessment of potential incentives for, and costs associated with, encouraging United States broadcasters to dub or subtitle into Arabic and other relevant languages their news and public affairs programs broadcast in the Muslim world in order to present those programs to a much broader Muslim audience than is currently reached. (D) Any recommendations the President may have for additional funding and legislation necessary to achieve the objectives of the strategy. (d) Authorizations of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the President to carry out United States Government broadcasting activities under the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 ( 22 U.S.C.
|
108hr5291ih
|
1431 et seq. ), the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6201 et seq. ), and the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 ( 22 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.
|
108hr5291ih
|
), and to carry out other activities under this section consistent with the purposes of such Acts, the following amounts: (1) International Broadcasting Operations
For International Broadcasting Operations— (A) $717,160,000 for fiscal year 2005; and (B) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2009.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Broadcasting Capital Improvements
For Broadcasting Capital Improvements— (A) $11,040,000 for fiscal year 2005; and (B) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2009. 247.
|
108hr5291ih
|
Use of United States scholarship and exchange programs in the Islamic world
(a) Findings
Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress makes the following findings: (1) Exchange, scholarship, and library programs are effective ways for the United States Government to promote internationally the values and ideals of the United States. (2) Exchange, scholarship, and library programs can expose young people from other countries to United States values and offer them knowledge and hope.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that the United States should expand its exchange, scholarship, and library programs, especially those that benefit people in the Arab and Muslim worlds. (c) Definitions
In this section: (1) Eligible country
The term eligible country means a country or entity in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, or Southeast Asia that— (A) has a sizable Muslim population; and (B) is designated by the Secretary of State as eligible to participate in programs under this section.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Secretary
Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term Secretary means the Secretary of State. (3) United States entity
The term United States entity means an entity that is organized under the laws of the United States, any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or any other territory or possession of the United States.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(4) United States sponsoring organization
The term United States sponsoring organization means a nongovernmental organization that is— (A) based in the United States; and (B) controlled by a citizen of the United States or a United States entity that is designated by the Secretary, pursuant to regulations, to carry out a program authorized by subsection (e). (d) Expansion of educational and cultural exchanges
(1) Purpose
The purpose of this subsection is to provide for the expansion of international educational and cultural exchange programs between the United States and eligible countries.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Specific programs
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary is authorized to conduct or initiate programs in eligible countries as follows: (A) Fulbright exchange program
(i) Increased number of awards
The Secretary is authorized to substantially increase the number of awards under the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program. (ii) International support for fulbright program
The Secretary shall work to increase support for the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program in eligible countries in order to enhance academic and scholarly exchanges with those countries.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(B) Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships
The Secretary is authorized to substantially increase the number of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships awarded to candidates from eligible countries. (C) Sister institutions programs
The Secretary is authorized to facilitate the establishment of sister institution programs between cities and municipalities and other institutions in the United States and in eligible countries in order to enhance mutual understanding at the community level.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(D) Library training exchanges
The Secretary is authorized to develop a demonstration program, including training in the library sciences, to assist governments in eligible countries to establish or upgrade the public library systems of such countries for the purpose of improving literacy. (E) International Visitors Program
The Secretary is authorized to expand the number of participants from eligible countries in the International Visitors Program.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(F) Youth ambassadors
(i) In general
The Secretary is authorized to establish a youth ambassadors program for visits by middle and secondary school students from eligible countries to the United States to participate in activities, including cultural and educational activities, that are designed to familiarize participating students with United States society and values. (ii) Visits
The visits of students who are participating in the youth ambassador program under clause (i) shall be scheduled during the school holidays in the home countries of the students and may not exceed 4 weeks.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(iii) Criteria
Students selected to participate in the youth ambassador program shall reflect the economic and geographic diversity of eligible countries. (G) Education reform
The Secretary is authorized— (i) to expand programs that seek to improve the quality of primary and secondary school systems in eligible countries; and (ii) in order to foster understanding of the United States, to promote civic education through teacher exchanges, teacher training, textbook modernization, and other efforts.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(H) Promotion of religious FREEDOM
The Secretary is authorized to establish a program to promote dialogue and exchange among leaders and scholars of all faiths from the United States and eligible countries. (I) Bridging the digital divide
The Secretary is authorized to establish a program to help foster access to information technology among underserved populations and by civil society groups in eligible countries. (J) People-to-people diplomacy
The Secretary is authorized to expand efforts to promote United States public diplomacy interests in eligible countries through cultural, arts, entertainment, sports and other exchanges.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(K) College scholarships
(i) In general
The Secretary is authorized to establish a program to offer scholarships to permit individuals to attend eligible colleges and universities. (ii) Eligibility for program
To be eligible for the scholarship program, an individual shall be a citizen or resident of an eligible country who has graduated from a secondary school in an eligible country.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(iii) Eligible college or university defined
In this subparagraph, the term eligible college or university means a college or university that is organized under the laws of the United States, a State, or the District of Columbia, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education, and primarily located in, but not controlled by, an eligible country. (L) Language training program
The Secretary is authorized to provide travel and subsistence funding for students who are United States citizens to travel to eligible countries to participate in immersion training programs in languages used in such countries and to develop regulations governing the provision of such funding.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(e) Secondary school exchange program
(1) In general
The Secretary is authorized to establish an international exchange visitor program, modeled on the Future Leaders Exchange Program established under the FREEDOM Support Act ( 22 U.S.C. 5801 et seq. ), for eligible students to— (A) attend public secondary school in the United States; (B) live with a host family in the United States; and (C) participate in activities designed to promote a greater understanding of United States and Islamic values and culture. (2) Eligible student defined
In this subsection,
|
108hr5291ih
|
the term eligible student means an individual who— (A) is a national of an eligible country; (B) is at least 15 years of age but not more than 18 years and 6 months of age at the time of enrollment in the program; (C) is enrolled in a secondary school in an eligible country; (D) has completed not more than 11 years of primary and secondary education, exclusive of kindergarten; (E) demonstrates maturity, good character, and scholastic aptitude, and has the proficiency in the English language necessary to participate in the program;
|
108hr5291ih
|
(F) has not previously participated in an exchange program in the United States sponsored by the Government of the United States; and (G) is not prohibited from entering the United States under any provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq. ) or any other provision of law related to immigration and nationality.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(3) Compliance with visa requirements
An eligible student may not participate in the exchange visitor program authorized by paragraph (1) unless the eligible student has the status of nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(J) ). (4) Broad participation
Whenever appropriate, the Secretary shall make special provisions to ensure the broadest possible participation in the exchange visitor program authorized by paragraph (1), particularly among females and less advantaged citizens of eligible countries.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(5) Designated exchange visitor program
The exchange visitor program authorized by paragraph (1) shall be a designated exchange visitor program for the purposes of section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 ( 8 U.S.C. 1372 ). (6) Regular reporting to the Secretary
If the Secretary utilizes a United States sponsoring organization to carry out the exchange visitor program authorized by paragraph (1), such United States sponsoring organization shall report regularly to the Secretary on the progress it has made to implement such program.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(f) Report on expediting visas for participants in exchange, scholarship, and visitors programs
(1) Requirement
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report on expediting the issuance of visas to individuals who are entering the United States for the purpose of participating in a scholarship, exchange, or visitor program authorized in subsection (d) or (e) without compromising the security of the United States.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Recommendations
The report required by paragraph (1) shall include— (A) the recommendations of the Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security, if any, for methods to expedite the processing of requests for such visas; and (B) a proposed schedule for implementing any recommendations described in subparagraph (A). (g) Authorization of appropriations
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for educational and cultural exchange programs for fiscal year 2005, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of State $60,000,000 to carry out programs under this section. 248.
|
108hr5291ih
|
International Youth Opportunity Fund
(a) Findings
Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress makes the following findings: (1) Education that teaches tolerance, the dignity and value of each individual, and respect for different beliefs is a key element in any global strategy to eliminate Islamist terrorism. (2) Education in the Middle East about the world outside that region is weak. (3) The United Nations has rightly equated literacy with freedom.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(4) The international community is moving toward setting a concrete goal of reducing by half the illiteracy rate in the Middle East by 2010, through the implementation of education programs targeting women and girls and programs for adult literacy, and by other means. (5) To be effective, the effort to improve education in the Middle East must also include— (A) support for the provision of basic education tools, such as textbooks that translate more of the world’s knowledge into local languages and local libraries to house such materials; and (B) more vocational education in trades and business skills.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(6) The Middle East can benefit from some of the same programs to bridge the digital divide that already have been developed for other regions of the world. (b) International Youth Opportunity Fund
(1) Establishment
(A) In general
The President shall establish an International Youth Opportunity Fund (hereafter in this section referred to as the Fund ). (B) International participation
The President shall seek the cooperation of the international community in establishing and generously supporting the Fund.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Purpose
The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide financial assistance for the improvement of public education in the Middle East, including assistance for the construction and operation of primary and secondary schools in countries that have a sizable Muslim population and that commit to sensibly investing their own financial resources in public education. (3) Eligibility for assistance
(A) Determination
The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall determine which countries are eligible for assistance through the Fund.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(B) Criteria
In determining whether a country is eligible for assistance, the Secretary shall consider whether the government of that country is sensibly investing financial resources in public education and is committed to promoting a system of education that teaches tolerance, the dignity and value of each individual, and respect for different beliefs.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(4) Use of funds
Financial assistance provided through the Fund shall be used for expanding literacy programs, providing textbooks, reducing the digital divide, expanding vocational and business education, constructing and operating public schools, establishing local libraries, training teachers in modern education techniques, and promoting public education that teaches tolerance, the dignity and value of each individual, and respect for different beliefs.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(c) Report
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall jointly prepare and submit to Congress a report on the improvement of education in the Middle East. (2) Content
Reports submitted under this subsection shall include the following: (A) A general strategy for working with eligible host governments in the Middle East toward establishing the International Youth Opportunity Fund and related programs. (B) A listing of countries that are eligible for assistance under such programs.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(C) A description of the specific programs initiated in each eligible country and the amount expended in support of such programs. (D) A description of activities undertaken to close the digital divide and expand vocational and business skills in eligible countries. (E) A listing of activities that could be undertaken if additional funding were provided and the amount of funding that would be necessary to carry out such activities. (F) A strategy for garnering programmatic and financial support from international organizations and other countries in support of the Fund and activities related to the improvement of public education in eligible countries.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the President for the establishment of the International Youth Opportunity Fund, in addition to any amounts otherwise available for such purpose, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2005 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. 249.
|
108hr5291ih
|
Report on the use of economic policies to combat terrorism
(a) Findings
Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress makes the following findings: (1) While terrorism is not caused by poverty, breeding grounds for terrorism are created by backward economic policies and repressive political regimes. (2) Policies that support economic development and reform also have political implications, as economic and political liberties are often linked.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(3) The United States is working toward creating a Middle East Free Trade Area by 2013 and implementing a free trade agreement with Bahrain, and free trade agreements exist between the United States and Israel and the United States and Jordan. (4) Existing and proposed free trade agreements between the United States and Islamic countries are drawing interest from other countries in the Middle East region, and Islamic countries can become full participants in the rules-based global trading system, as the United States considers lowering its barriers to trade with the poorest Arab countries.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that— (1) a comprehensive United States strategy to counter terrorism should include economic policies that encourage development, open societies, and opportunities for people to improve the lives of their families and to enhance prospects for their children’s future; (2) 1 element of such a strategy should encompass the lowering of trade barriers with the poorest countries that have a significant population of Arab or Muslim individuals; (3) another element of such a strategy should encompass United States efforts to promote economic reform in countries that have a significant population of Arab or Muslim individuals,
|
108hr5291ih
|
including efforts to integrate such countries into the global trading system; and (4) given the importance of the rule of law in promoting economic development and attracting investment, the United States should devote an increased proportion of its assistance to countries in the Middle East to the promotion of the rule of law. (c) Report
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the efforts of the United States Government to encourage development and promote economic reform in countries that have a significant population of Arab or Muslim individuals.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Content
The report required under this subsection shall describe— (A) efforts to integrate countries with significant populations of Arab or Muslim individuals into the global trading system; and (B) actions that the United States Government, acting alone and in partnership with other governments in the Middle East, can take to promote intra-regional trade and the rule of law in the region. 250. Middle East Partnership Initiative
(a) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2005 $200,000,000 for the Middle East Partnership Initiative.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(b) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that, given the importance of the rule of law and economic reform to development in the Middle East, a significant portion of the funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a) should be made available to promote the rule of law in the Middle East. 251. Comprehensive coalition strategy for fighting terrorism
(a) Findings
Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress makes the following findings: (1) Almost every aspect of the counterterrorism strategy of the United States relies on international cooperation.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Since September 11, 2001, the number and scope of United States Government contacts with foreign governments concerning counterterrorism have expanded significantly, but such contacts have often been ad hoc and not integrated as a comprehensive and unified approach. (b) International contact group on counterterrorism
(1) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that the President— (A) should seek to engage the leaders of the governments of other countries in a process of advancing beyond separate and uncoordinated national counterterrorism strategies to develop with those other governments a comprehensive coalition strategy to fight Islamist terrorism;
|
108hr5291ih
|
and (B) to that end, should seek to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with the leaders of governments providing leadership in global counterterrorism efforts and governments of countries with sizable Muslim populations, to be used as a ready and flexible international means for discussing and coordinating the development of important counterterrorism policies by the participating governments.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(2) Authority
The President is authorized to establish an international counterterrorism policy contact group with the leaders of governments referred to in paragraph (1) for purposes as follows: (A) To develop in common with such other countries important policies and a strategy that address the various components of international prosecution of the war on terrorism, including policies and a strategy that address military issues, law enforcement, the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence, issues relating to interdiction of travel by terrorists, counterterrorism-related customs issues, financial issues, and issues relating to terrorist sanctuaries.
|
108hr5291ih
|
(B) To address, to the extent (if any) that the President and leaders of other participating governments determine appropriate, such long-term issues as economic and political reforms that can contribute to strengthening stability and security in the Middle East.
|
108hr5063ih
|
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Recognition of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in the Federal Workers’ Compensation Act. 2. Findings
Congress finds the following: (1) Medical services and supplies provided by physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are not included in the definition of medical, surgical, and hospital services and supplies, in the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act ( 5 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.
|
108hr5063ih
|
), PAs and NPs are not included in the definition of physician in such Act, and claims signed by PAs and NPs have been denied by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs of the Department of Labor. (2) In some rural areas where PAs and NPs are the only full-time providers of care, injured Federal workers may have to travel more than 100 miles to receive care that is reimbursable.
|
108hr5063ih
|
(3) In some cases, Federal workers have been advised to use hospital emergency rooms for non-emergency care, rather than receiving care after-hours at local clinics where PAs or NPs are the only health care professionals on-site. (4) PAs and NPs are legally regulated in all fifty States, the District of Columbia, and Guam. Forty-eight States, the District of Columbia, and Guam authorize physicians to delegate prescriptive privileges to the PAs they supervise, and forty-nine States, the District of Columbia, and Guam authorize NPs to prescribe medications under their own signature.
|
108hr5063ih
|
(5) PAs and NPs work in virtually every area of medicine and surgery and are covered providers within Medicare, Tri-Care, and most private insurance plans. PAs and NPs are also employed by the Federal Government to provide medical care, including by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Public and Indian Health Services. (6) Amending the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act to recognize PAs and NPs as covered providers will bring this Act in line with the overwhelming majority of State workers’ compensation programs, which recognize PAs and NPs as covered providers.
|
108hr5063ih
|
(7) The exclusion of PAs and NPs from the category of covered providers under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act limits patients’ access to medical care, services, and supplies, disrupts continuity of care, and creates unnecessary costs for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. 3.
|
108hr5063ih
|
Inclusion of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
(a) Inclusion
Section 8101 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting after chiropractors, the following: physician assistants, nurse practitioners, ; and (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting after chiropractors, the following: physician assistants, nurse practitioners,. (b) Effective date
The amendment made by this section shall apply beginning on the first day of the first Federal fiscal year quarter that begins on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
|
108hr4057ih
|
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Samaritan Initiative Act of 2004. 2. Samaritan initiative
Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 11136 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: H Samaritan Initiative
495. Purpose
The purpose of the Samaritan Initiative is to authorize competitive grants for coordinated comprehensive housing, treatment, and support services to chronically homeless persons to accomplish the following objectives: (1) To reduce the prevalence of chronic homelessness.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) To support promising strategies to move chronically homeless persons in urban and rural communities from the streets to safe, permanent housing. (3) To provide for integrated systems of services to improve the effectiveness of programs serving chronically homeless persons. (4) To promote self-sufficiency and recovery among chronically homeless persons. (5) To encourage programs serving chronically homeless persons to promote access to Federal, State, and local non-homeless specific programs of assistance for which such persons are eligible. 495A.
|
108hr4057ih
|
Grant authority and administration
(a) In general
The participating Federal agencies shall enter into an agreement among the agencies to make and administer competitive grants to eligible entities, including faith-based and community-based organizations, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle for the purpose of providing treatment and support services that are coordinated with housing for chronically homeless persons. (b) Administrative responsibility
(1) In general
The agreement authorized under subsection (a) shall designate the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as the administering Secretary.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) Delegations
No provision of this subtitle shall be construed as limiting the ability of the participating Federal agencies to delegate, assign, or share administrative responsibilities as the participating Federal agencies may determine to be necessary or appropriate. (c) Coordination among participating federal agencies
The administering Secretary shall coordinate with other participating Federal agencies to implement and administer the grant program established under this subtitle. (d) Interagency implementation and monitoring team
The participating Federal agencies shall establish an interagency implementation and monitoring team to review and conduct oversight of program grantees under this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
Each participating Federal agency shall appoint appropriate designees to serve on the implementation and monitoring team. (e) Coordination requirements
(1) In general
In carrying out the grant program under this subtitle, the interagency implementation and monitoring team shall establish uniform or coordinated requirements, standards, procedures, and timetables to the maximum extent feasible and appropriate. (2) Applicability
The general principle set forth in paragraph (1) shall be implemented by the interagency implementation and monitoring team with respect to— (A) application procedures and grant requirements, including those providing for— (i) a single consolidated application form;
|
108hr4057ih
|
and (ii) a single timetable, location, and procedure for filing of a consolidated application; (B) criteria for award of grants; (C) a coordinated process for review and approval or denial of the consolidated application; (D) establishment of performance standards and measures of performance outcomes, including— (i) the requirement that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development attempt to quantify the reduction in chronic homelessness; and (ii) the requirement that, where applicable, the grantees utilize a Homeless Management Information System; (E) oversight, including monitoring, audits, and evaluations of grantees,
|
108hr4057ih
|
and requirements for annual reports by grantees; and (F) other factors that the interagency implementation and monitoring team determines are necessary or appropriate. (3) Performance assessment
(A) Subject to paragraph (1), the interagency implementation and monitoring team shall establish such performance standards, performance measures, and annual reporting requirements and make such performance reviews and audits as may be necessary or appropriate for the following purposes: (i) To determine whether a grantee has carried out its activities in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable requirements of this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(ii) To assess the effectiveness of a grantee in accomplishing the objectives of this subtitle. (iii) Other such purposes as the interagency implementation and monitoring team may deem significant with respect to the performance assessment of a grantee. (B) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide program monitoring and evaluation services and staff to participating Federal agencies. In such cases, participating Federal agencies may reimburse such Secretary, as appropriate.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(f) Provisions and requirements applicable to grants under this subtitle
(1) In general
A grantee under this subtitle shall establish and operate a system of assistance to chronically homeless persons that identifies such persons and provides to such persons access to affordable permanent housing that is coordinated with appropriate treatment and support.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) Required grantee activities
A grantee under this subtitle shall carry out, directly or through arrangements with a network of other entities, the following: (A) Housing activities
Eligible activities specified in section 495B(a) that ensure the placement of chronically homeless persons in safe, affordable, permanent housing. (B) Treatment and support activities
Eligible activities specified in section 495C(a) to address the multiple physical health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment needs of chronically homeless persons who are eligible for or residents in housing under section 495B(a).
|
108hr4057ih
|
(C) Service coordination
Activities, including those coordinated with local planning bodies, that promote the access of eligible chronically homeless persons to a range of services that contribute to self-sufficiency, recovery, employment, stability in housing, and access to health care. (D) Administration
Administrative and planning activities, including the development and implementation of comprehensive plans for housing and services at the grantee level with costs not to exceed 6 percent of total costs of carrying out the program under this subtitle. (E) Other services
Such services and activities as the participating Federal agencies may find necessary and appropriate.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(3) Criteria for grant award
The criteria for the award of grants under this subtitle shall include the following: (A) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the unique characteristics of chronically homeless persons. (B) The adequacy of the applicant’s approach in addressing the needs of the chronically homeless. (C) The capacity of the applicant to carry out and sustain required activities. (D) Where services are to be provided through a network of entities, the adequacy of the qualifications of such entities and the stated willingness of such entities to collaborate and participate in carrying out proposed activities.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(E) The extent to which the applicant has been involved in Federal, State, or local non-homeless specific programs of assistance that could provide additional assistance to eligible chronically homeless persons. (F) The commitment and the demonstrated ability of the applicant to enumerate the reduction in the number of chronically homeless persons. (G) Such additional criteria as the participating Federal agencies may deem significant or necessary with respect to the applicant’s potential success in carrying out the purpose of this subtitle. (4) Initial term of grant
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each grant shall be for an initial term of 3 years.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(5) Grant renewal
The participating Federal agencies may award on a competitive basis a renewal grant under this subtitle for additional 3-year terms, subject to the grantee’s continued qualification for the grant as determined by the participating Federal agencies. The amount of a renewal grant under this paragraph may be up to 50 percent of the cost of the program. (6) Federal matching
(A) In general
A grant under this subtitle shall be available to pay the Federal share of the costs incurred by the grantee for activities under this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(B) Federal share
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Federal share shall be 75 percent of the cost of the program for the first year of the grant, 75 percent for the second year, and 50 percent for each succeeding year, including each year of a renewal grant term under paragraph (5). (C) Non-federal share
The non-Federal share of costs incurred by the grantee may be in cash or in-kind, as appropriate.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(7) Geographic distribution
The participating Federal agencies shall ensure that consideration is given to geographic distribution (such as urban and rural areas) in the awarding of grants under subsection (a). (8) Disclosure
Section 12(a) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act ( 42 U.S.C. 3537a(a) ) shall not apply to this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(g) Authorization of appropriations
(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, of which— (A) $50,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (B) $10,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services; and (C) Up to $10,000,000 is authorized from the amounts to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for treatment of homeless veterans under Medical Care to carry out section 495D.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008. (h) Authority to consolidate funds
(1) In general
For purposes of carrying out the program under this subtitle, in accordance with the agreement under subsection (a), the participating Federal agencies are authorized to transfer to the administering Secretary funds appropriated for use under this subtitle, and the administering Secretary may receive such funds.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) Construction
In the event that, notwithstanding subsection (g), funds are not appropriated for use in accordance with this subtitle to one or more participating Federal agencies in any fiscal year, paragraph (1) shall not be construed to require a participating Federal agency that has been provided with budget authority pursuant to subsection (g) in a fiscal year to use such budget authority to fund grants for activities that are not in accordance with the primary mission of such participating Federal agency.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(i) Technical assistance and support
In addition to funds otherwise provided for agency administrative costs, up to 2 percent of amounts appropriated for the activities under this subtitle may be used by the participating Federal agencies for administrative costs, including to— (1) provide technical assistance to applicants and grantees; and (2) provide support and assistance in selecting and assessing projects to carry out the purpose of this subtitle, including any preparation necessary for such selection and assessment. 495B.
|
108hr4057ih
|
Housing activities
(a) Eligible housing activities
Subject to the provisions of section 495A, a grant under this subtitle shall be used for activities in support of permanent housing for chronically homeless persons, including the following: (1) Provision of housing
(A) Acquisition
The acquisition of occupancy-ready real property. (B) Rehabilitation
The minor rehabilitation of real property for housing. (C) Operating costs
The costs of operating a housing project, including salaries and benefits, maintenance, insurance, utilities, replacement reserve accounts, and furnishings.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(D) Leasing
Leasing of an existing structure or structures, or portions thereof to provide housing. (E) Housing counseling
The costs of counseling and advice services with respect to property maintenance, financial management, and other such matters as may be appropriate to assist chronically homeless persons in obtaining housing. (2) Rental assistance
Project-based or tenant-based rental assistance for chronically homeless persons, which assistance shall be provided to the extent practicable in the manner provided under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 ( 42 U.S.C. 1437f ).
|
108hr4057ih
|
(3) Other activities
Such other activities as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines to be appropriate. (b) Program requirements for housing activities
(1) Requirements concerning real property
(A) Use restriction
Each grantee under this subtitle shall ensure that permanent housing projects for chronically homeless persons that are acquired or rehabilitated with grant amounts under this subtitle are used for such persons for not less than 10 years.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(B) Housing quality
Each grantee under this subtitle shall ensure that housing assisted with grant amounts provided under this subtitle is decent, safe, and sanitary and complies with all applicable State and local housing codes, building codes, and licensing requirements in the jurisdiction in which the housing is located.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(C) Prevention of undue benefit
Subject to the provisions of section 495A(e), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may prescribe such terms and conditions as such Secretary considers necessary to prevent grantees from unduly benefiting from the sale or other disposition of projects, other than a sale or other disposition resulting in the use of a project for the direct benefit of chronically homeless persons. (2) Homeless management information system
Each grantee shall be required to provide such information to the appropriate administrator of the local homeless management information system, as is necessary for the implementation and operation of homeless management information systems.
|
108hr4057ih
|
495C. Treatment and support services
Subject to the provision of section 495A, a grant under this subtitle shall be used to provide treatment and support services, which may include the following: (1) Primary health services
Primary health services, including the following: (A) Physician and other services
Health services related to family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, or gynecology that are furnished by physicians and where appropriate, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives. (B) Diagnostic services
Diagnostic laboratory and radiological services.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(C) Preventive services
Preventive health services. (D) Emergency services
Emergency medical services. (E) Access to pharmaceutical services
Access to pharmaceutical services.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) Alcohol and drug abuse services
Services or activities designed to prevent, deter, reduce, or eliminate substance abuse or addictive behaviors, including a comprehensive range of personal and family counseling methods, early interventions, methadone treatment for opiate abusers, or detoxification for alcohol and other drug abusers, and treatment services such as intake and assessment, behavioral therapy and counseling, clinical and case management, pharmacotherapies, and self-help and peer support activities.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(3) Mental health and counseling services
Mental health and counseling services, including services and activities that apply therapeutic processes to personal, family, or situational problems in order to bring about a positive resolution of the problem or improved individual functioning or circumstances, including crisis interventions, individual supportive therapy, and prescription of psychotropic medications or explanations about the use and management of medications. (4) Outreach and engagement
Outreach services including extending services or help to homeless persons to develop a relationship of trust and engage such persons into appropriate service programs.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(5) Information and referral
Services or activities designed to provide information about services and assistance provided through public and private programs, including Federal, State and local non-homeless targeted programs that provide or financially support the provision of medical, social, educational, or other related services, and a brief assessment of client needs to facilitate appropriate referrals. (6) Case management
Case management services and activities, including the arrangement, coordination, monitoring, and delivery of services to meet the needs of individuals who are homeless, including individual service plan development, counseling, monitoring, securing and coordinating services.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(7) Other services
Such other services as the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines appropriate. 495D. Veterans’ benefits
Subject to the provisions of section 495A, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to provide eligible veterans with case management services. 495E. Authority of other federal agencies to participate under this subtitle
Federal agencies, in addition to the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs, may participate under the provisions of this subtitle to the extent funds are appropriated to each agency for purposes of participating under the provisions of this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
495F. Definitions
For purposes of this subtitle, the following definitions shall apply— (1) Administering secretary
The term administering Secretary shall mean the Secretary designated as responsible for administration of the grant program under this subtitle by the agreement authorized in section 495A(a). (2) Chronically homeless person
The term chronically homeless person means an unaccompanied disabled individual who has been sleeping in one or more places not meant for human habitation or in one or more emergency homeless shelters for over one year or who has had four or more periods of homelessness over three years.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(3) Disabled individual
The term disabled individual means an individual whose ability to work or perform one or more activities of daily living is limited due to— (A) a diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability, or chronic physical illness or disability; or (B) the co-occurrence of two or more of these conditions. (4) Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means a State, unit of general local government, public housing agency, local workforce investment board and private nonprofit organization, including a faith-based or community-based organization.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(5) Eligible veteran
The term eligible veteran means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. (6) Homeless management information system
The term Homeless Management Information System shall mean a computerized data collection application maintained by an eligible entity, that— (A) enumerates the homeless population within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity and the number of homeless individuals that received services from the eligible entity; and (B) captures information on the characteristics and service needs of homeless individuals.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(7) Interagency implementation and monitoring team
The term interagency implementation and monitoring team shall mean a group of representatives appointed by each participating Federal agency, which shall coordinate among each other in implementing the provisions of this subtitle in accordance with subsection 495A(d) and which shall coordinate the review and oversight of program grantees under this subtitle. (8) Participating federal agency
The term participating Federal agency shall mean the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs, or any other Federal agency that may receive appropriations for purposes of participating under the provisions of this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(9) Private nonprofit organization
The term private nonprofit organization means a private organization— (A) no part of the net earnings of which inures to benefits of any member, founder, contributor, or individual; (B) that has a voluntary board; and (C) that has an accounting system or a designated fiscal agent in accordance with requirements established by the participating Federal agencies. (10) Public housing agency
The term public housing agency has the same meaning as in section 3(b)(6) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 ( 42 U.S.C.
|
108hr4057ih
|
1437a(b)(6) ). (11) State
The term State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or any agency or instrumentality thereof that is established pursuant to legislation and designated by the chief executive officer to act on behalf of the State with regard to provisions of this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(12) Unit of general local government
The term unit of general local government means— (A) a city, town, township, county, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State; and (B) any agency or instrumentality thereof that is established pursuant to legislation and designated by the chief executive officer to act on behalf of the jurisdiction with regard to provisions of this subtitle.. 495.
|
108hr4057ih
|
Purpose
The purpose of the Samaritan Initiative is to authorize competitive grants for coordinated comprehensive housing, treatment, and support services to chronically homeless persons to accomplish the following objectives: (1) To reduce the prevalence of chronic homelessness. (2) To support promising strategies to move chronically homeless persons in urban and rural communities from the streets to safe, permanent housing. (3) To provide for integrated systems of services to improve the effectiveness of programs serving chronically homeless persons. (4) To promote self-sufficiency and recovery among chronically homeless persons.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(5) To encourage programs serving chronically homeless persons to promote access to Federal, State, and local non-homeless specific programs of assistance for which such persons are eligible. 495A. Grant authority and administration
(a) In general
The participating Federal agencies shall enter into an agreement among the agencies to make and administer competitive grants to eligible entities, including faith-based and community-based organizations, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle for the purpose of providing treatment and support services that are coordinated with housing for chronically homeless persons.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(b) Administrative responsibility
(1) In general
The agreement authorized under subsection (a) shall designate the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as the administering Secretary. (2) Delegations
No provision of this subtitle shall be construed as limiting the ability of the participating Federal agencies to delegate, assign, or share administrative responsibilities as the participating Federal agencies may determine to be necessary or appropriate. (c) Coordination among participating federal agencies
The administering Secretary shall coordinate with other participating Federal agencies to implement and administer the grant program established under this subtitle.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(d) Interagency implementation and monitoring team
The participating Federal agencies shall establish an interagency implementation and monitoring team to review and conduct oversight of program grantees under this subtitle. Each participating Federal agency shall appoint appropriate designees to serve on the implementation and monitoring team. (e) Coordination requirements
(1) In general
In carrying out the grant program under this subtitle, the interagency implementation and monitoring team shall establish uniform or coordinated requirements, standards, procedures, and timetables to the maximum extent feasible and appropriate.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(2) Applicability
The general principle set forth in paragraph (1) shall be implemented by the interagency implementation and monitoring team with respect to— (A) application procedures and grant requirements, including those providing for— (i) a single consolidated application form; and (ii) a single timetable, location, and procedure for filing of a consolidated application; (B) criteria for award of grants; (C) a coordinated process for review and approval or denial of the consolidated application; (D) establishment of performance standards and measures of performance outcomes,
|
108hr4057ih
|
including— (i) the requirement that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development attempt to quantify the reduction in chronic homelessness; and (ii) the requirement that, where applicable, the grantees utilize a Homeless Management Information System; (E) oversight, including monitoring, audits, and evaluations of grantees, and requirements for annual reports by grantees; and (F) other factors that the interagency implementation and monitoring team determines are necessary or appropriate.
|
108hr4057ih
|
(3) Performance assessment
(A) Subject to paragraph (1), the interagency implementation and monitoring team shall establish such performance standards, performance measures, and annual reporting requirements and make such performance reviews and audits as may be necessary or appropriate for the following purposes: (i) To determine whether a grantee has carried out its activities in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable requirements of this subtitle. (ii) To assess the effectiveness of a grantee in accomplishing the objectives of this subtitle.
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.