[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11649-S11687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mr. REED:
S. 1624. A bill to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery
Management Council; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Rhode Island
Fishermen's Fairness Act of 2003. This legislation would address a
serious flaw in our Nation's regional fisheries management system by
adding Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
(MAFMC), which currently consists of representatives from New York, New
Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
The MAFMC manages the following 13 species, all of which are landed
in Rhode Island: Illex squid, loligo squid, Atlantic mackerel, black
sea bass, bluefish, butterfish, monkfish, scup, spiny dogfish, summer
flounder, surfclam, ocean quahog, and tilefish.
In 2001, the most recent year for which final data are available,
Rhode Island fishermen brought in over 21 percent of MAFMC landings by
weight--more than any of the MAFMC member States except New Jersey,
which is responsible for about 56 percent of total MAFMC landings. In
fact, with the exception of New Jersey, Rhode Island's total 2001 MAFMC
landings, 44.1 million pounds, nearly equaled those of all other MAFMC
member States combined, 45.9 million pounds.
If Rhode Island fishermen are responsible for a large percentage of
overall MAFMC landings, these species make up an even larger proportion
of landings within Rhode Island every year. Between 1995 and 2002,
MAFMC species represented between 29 percent and 58 percent of all
finfish landed in Rhode Island annually, for an average of 43 percent
of total landings by weight. In eight of the years between 1990 and
2002, squid, Illex and loligo, was the number one finfish landed in
Rhode Island, with a value of between $13 million and $20 million
annually.
Yet Rhode Island has no voice in the management of these species.
Following council tradition and Federal fisheries law, the Rhode
Island Fishermen's Fairness Act would create two seats on the MAFMC for
Rhode Island: one seat nominated by the Governor of Rhode Island and
appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, and a second seat filled by
Rhode Island's principal State official with marine fishery management
responsibility. The MAFMC would increase in size from 21 voting members
to 23.
There is a precedent for this proposed legislation. In 1996, North
Carolina's representatives in Congress succeeded in adding that State
to the MAFMC through an amendment to the Sustainable Fisheries Act.
Like Rhode Island, a significant proportion of North Carolina's landed
fish species were managed by the MAFMC, yet the State had no vote on
the council. Today, Rhode Island's share of total landings for species
managed by the MAFMC is more than six times greater than that of North
Carolina.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to restore a measure of
equity to the fisheries management process by passing the Rhode Island
Fishermen's Fairness Act. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the
legislation be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 1624
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ADDITION OF RHODE ISLAND TO THE MID-ATLANTIC
FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL.
Section 302(a)(1)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(a)(1)(B)) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``Rhode Island,'' after ``Virginia,'';
(2) by inserting ``Rhode Island,'' after ``except North
Carolina,'';
(3) by striking ``21'' and inserting ``23''; and
(4) by striking ``13'' and inserting ``14''.
______
By Mr. ALLARD:
S. 1625. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow small
business employers a credit against income tax for certain expenses for
long-term training of employees in highly skilled small business
trades; to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to introduce
today a
[[Page S11650]]
bill to provide a tax credit for apprenticeship training programs for
various construction trades recognized by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS), including masonry, electrical contract work, plumbing
and heating and a host of other important vocations.
There are several reasons why I believe this legislation is necessary
for apprenticeship training in these trades. First and foremost, these
are highly skilled trades requiring many years of training. Second,
there is a significant shortage of workers in these trades; in fact it
is my understanding that many contractors often have to look outside
the country to find a craftsman trained in one of these particular
fields. Third, the average age of some of the workers in these crafts
is over 50 and we must make every effort to ensure that we retain and
recruit the most capable people in these jobs. And finally, many of
these industries are very capital intensive and it makes sense to me to
offer small businesses a short term tax credit to encourage
productivity and stimulate economic growth and job creation.
During the last Congress a similar bill was introduced in the House
of Representatives by Congressman Foley of Florida. Regrettably the
bill was not met with a great deal of enthusiasm, primarily due to the
price tag attached to it. The legislation I am introducing, the
Apprenticeship Training and Education Act of 2003, has been modified to
address budgetary concerns as well as the concerns of those in some of
the building trades that the apprenticeship training programs were
indeed legitimate ones that would ultimately produce certified
craftsmen. I greatly appreciate the assistance of the Mason Contractors
Association of America and the Independent Electrical Contractors in
crafting a bill that is fiscally responsible and credible.
I believe this tax credit will go a long way toward encouraging
companies with a certified apprenticeship program to hire and train new
workers. As the population of these workers continues to age and
decline, it is absolutely essential that we look for ways to attract
more, younger workers to what I believe to be excellent, high-paying
and high skilled jobs in these construction trades.
Under my bill, a tax credit of up to $10,000 per year for the first 2
years of a 4-year program would be provided and companies could hire
three new apprentices each year. The normal business deduction taken
for this expense would be offset by the amount of the tax credit. The
bill also specifically targets trades in the construction industry
recognized by the BLS and only those programs certified by a State's or
the Federal Department of Labor would qualify for the credit.
In my view there are many companies across the country that would
benefit tremendously from this tax credit. I commend this legislation
to my colleagues and urge them to cosponsor it with me. These are jobs
and trades to be proud of and I encourage other Members of this body to
promote the skills and education necessary to keep them viable in the
United States.
I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the
Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 1625
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Apprenticeship, Training,
and Employment Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR EXPENSES FOR LONG-TERM TRAINING OF
EMPLOYEES IN HIGHLY SKILLED SMALL BUSINESS
TRADES.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of
chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
business-related credits) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 45G. EXPENSES FOR LONG-TERM TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES IN
HIGHLY SKILLED SMALL BUSINESS TRADES.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the
case of a small business employer, the highly skilled trades
training credit determined under this section for the taxable
year is $10,000 for each employee (not to exceed 3 employees)
having a qualified training year ending with or within such
taxable year (whether or not such employee is an employee of
the taxpayer as of the close of such taxable year).
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Small business employer.--
``(A) In general.--The term `small business employer'
means, with respect to any taxable year, any employer who
qualifies during such taxable year as a specialty trade
contractor under subsector 238 of sector 23 contained in the
table under section 121.201 of title 13, Code of Federal
Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of
this section.
``(B) Controlled groups.--For purposes of subparagraph (A),
all persons treated as a single employer under subsection
(b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as a
single employer.
``(2) Qualified training year.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified training year' means
each year during the training period in which the employee
received at least 1,500 hours of training (including on-the-
job training and training at multi-employer training
facilities) from the taxpayer (or any predecessor) under a
qualified training program as an apprentice in any highly
skilled trade.
``(B) Highly skilled trades.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the term `highly skilled trades' means any specialty
trade specified under subsector 238 of sector 23 contained in
the table under section 121.201 of title 13, Code of Federal
Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of
this section. Such term shall not include any trade if the
customary apprenticeship period for such trade is less than 2
years.
``(C) Qualified training program.--
``(i) In general.--The term `qualified training program'
means a written plan of study and training for individuals
in, or entering into, highly skilled trades.
``(ii) Description of programs.--A plan under clause (i)
must be a program which meets the requirements of clause
(iii) and is either--
``(I) an apprenticeship program registered and certified
with the Secretary of Labor under section 1 of the National
Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50), or
``(II) a program licensed, registered, or certified by the
workforce investment board or apprenticeship agency or
council of a State or administered in compliance with
apprenticeship laws of a State.
``(iii) Requirements.--A program meets the requirements of
this clause if such program--
``(I) is accessible to individuals without discrimination
on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, or national
origin,
``(II) provides an overview of the trade, including the
history and modern developments in such trade,
``(III) provides related instruction of the fundamental,
intermediate, and advanced skills, techniques, and materials
of the trade,
``(IV) provides training in math, measurement, and
blueprint reading skills, if such skills are required in the
trade,
``(V) provides training on trade-specific tools and
equipment,
``(VI) provides trade specific safety and health training,
``(VII) provides on-the-job training which allows
performance of work under close supervision of an instructor
or skilled worker, and
``(VIII) provides periodic review and evaluation of
participants to demonstrate proficiency in skills, including
the use of tests and assessment of individual and group
projects.
``(3) Training period.--The term `training period' means,
with respect to an employee, the period--
``(A) beginning on the date that the employee begins
employment with the taxpayer as an apprentice in the highly
skilled trade, and
``(B) ending on the earlier of--
``(i) the date that such apprenticeship with the employer
ends, or
``(ii) the date which is 2 years after the date referred to
in subparagraph (A).
``(c) Coordination With Other Credits.--The amount of
credit otherwise allowable under sections 51(a) and 1396(a)
with respect to any employee shall be reduced by the credit
allowed by this section with respect to such employee.''.
(b) Credit Made Part of General Business Credit.--
Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by
striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (14), by striking
the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ``,
plus'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(16) in the case of a small business employer (as defined
in section 45G(b)), the highly skilled trades training credit
determined under section 45G(a).''.
(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--Section 280C of such Code is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Credit for Training Expenses for Employees in Highly
Skilled Small Business Trades.--No deduction shall be allowed
for that portion of the expenses otherwise allowable as a
deduction for the taxable year which is equal to the amount
of the credit determined for the taxable year under section
45G(a).''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart
D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45G. Expenses for long-term training of employees in highly
skilled small business trades.''.
[[Page S11651]]
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall apply to expenses paid or incurred in the taxable years
ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.
______
By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Gregg. and Mrs.
Murray):
S. 1627. A bill to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act of 1998,
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, as I consulted the morning weather reports,
the thought occurred to me that today's economic forecast sounds a lot
like the weather forecast. There is good reason to believe dramatic
change is on the way. Yet, unlike the weather, how dramatic the
economic change will be and how prepared we will be for it is in our
hands. While we can't do anything about the weather, we can do
something about helping America's workers get back to work.
We have already taken action to lay the groundwork for our economic
recovery. We have ensured the presence of more capital in our economy
which will lead to the creation of more jobs for our people. We have
also begun to deal with the changing face of our Nation's economy.
Because the kinds of jobs that will be available in the days to come
will be different from those that were highly valued just months ago,
we need to ensure that those who are looking for jobs find them. To do
that we must ensure they have the training they will need for these new
positions. We must also bring workforce supply and demand together to
ensure that our businesses have the skilled employees they need to
compete in a more global economy.
Workforce development is a powerful economic development tool. In
these challenging times, the reauthorization of the Workforce
Investment Act will give us an opportunity to improve the lives of
millions of our workers, and increase the strength of our businesses
and communities.
Legislation I am introducing today, the Workforce Investment Act
Amendments of 2003, along with my colleagues Senator Kennedy, Senator
Gregg and Senator Murray, will build upon the success of the Workforce
Investment Act while addressing its shortcomings.
In 1998 the Workforce Investment Act was enacted to create a
streamlined job training and employment system that would be responsive
to the needs of employers and workers. The system may be fairly new,
but we've already learned a great deal about its strengths and
weaknesses. These lessons reinforce what I learned as a small business
owner in Wyoming: real opportunity in America comes from the small
business sector; economic development and workforce development go hand
in hand; rural areas face unique workforce development challenges;
Washington cannot--and should not--determine state, local and
individual workforce needs; and overly burdensome administrative
requirements divert resources from serving customers.
Prior to coming to the Senate, my wife and I owned a small chain of
shoe stores. We were not shoe salesmen, we were shoe fitters. There is
a big difference. Shoe fitters listen to their customers and then meet
their need for footwear with something comfortable to wear. Some people
may be born salesmen, but they have to be trained to be shoe fitters.
We had a series of courses we put our employees through. Few people are
aware that slight changes can be made in a shoe to make it especially
comfortable as well as useful and attractive. They aren't aware of the
possibilities because they haven't been coming to see shoe fitters--
they've been dealing with salesmen.
We taught listening, needs questioning, and technical fitting. Any
staff person could advance through our training and begin filling foot
doctor's prescriptions. The value of the training was that it made our
stores special. We made sure our customers received the help they
needed--even though they didn't know to ask for it--because they didn't
know it was available.
Along the way we got to see some very special people achieve. One
young returning Vietnam vet became a store manager, then bought that
store--and later--bought a second store from us. Now he owns his own
building and is also in the motel business. Bill Schepeler of Miles
City, MT has and is playing a role in building three communities. I
also consider him to be one of my good friends. He went through a
workforce training program that we had approved in conjunction with the
federal government.
My wife has also served on several boards that dealt with training
and jobs and is currently on the Advisory Committee On Apprenticeship
of the Department of Labor. She and I know that real opportunity in
America comes from the small business sector where the American dream
can still happen.
This bipartisan legislation I am introducing today wil help keep the
American dream alive for millions of American workers. It will provide
workers with the training they need to find new or better jobs.
Our bill improves upon the existing one-stop career center delivery
system to ensure that it can respond quickly and effectively to the
changing needs of employers and workers in the new economy and address
the needs of hard-to-serve populations. The bill also better connects
the job training system with the private sector and with post-secondary
education and training, social services, and economic development
systems. Doing so will prepare the 21st century workforce for career
opportunities and skills in high-growing sectors. Our bill removes
barriers in the laws that have discouraged business involvement in
workforce training. As a result, job training and employment services
will be more demand-driven and responsive to the needs of employers,
both large and small.
One-stop career centers are the focal point of WIA's job training and
employment system. However, distance can create a barrier to delivering
job training and employment services in many rural and frontier areas,
like Wyoming. A job seeker or employer in Dubois, WY has to travel 150
miles round trip to get to the nearest one-stop center in Lander. It
isn't hard to understand the impact that traveling distances like that
can have on a trainee or business owner. If you live in a big city--
there's probably a facility just down the road--or a short bus ride
downtown. There is an answer to that problem--technology can
effectively remove the barrier created by distance. This legislation
will leverage technology to improve access to WIA services throughout
each state, including rural areas.
Some states and localities have found creative ways to overcome the
challenges imposed by current law. Wyoming has done a magnificent job
with the resources they have been allotted, and I commend their
ingenuity. With this legislation, we will give Wyoming and the other
states and localities the tools they need to help the unemployed or
underemployed.
I want to thank my colleagues on the HELP Committee for all their
work on this bipartisan Workforce Amendment Act. I also want to thank
the Department of Labor for their assistance. I look forward to working
with my colleagues and the administration to expeditiously address
outstanding issues and enact this vital legislation. A demand-driven,
flexible, and accountable system that works in all areas of the country
in all economic times is what we can achieve through the
reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.
We can't do anything to change the path of Hurricane Isabel. However,
we can do something to put our workers on the path to new and better
jobs. In fact, this bill means more than just jobs--it means good,
solid careers for the workers of this country.
I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the
Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 1627
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Workforce Investment Act
Amendments of 2003''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. References.
[[Page S11652]]
TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO TITLE I OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998
Subtitle A--Definitions
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Subtitle B--Statewide and Local Workforce Investment Systems
Sec. 111. Purpose.
Sec. 112. State workforce investment boards.
Sec. 113. State plan.
Sec. 114. Local workforce investment areas.
Sec. 115. Local workforce investment boards.
Sec. 116. Local plan.
Sec. 117. Establishment of one-stop delivery systems.
Sec. 118. Eligible providers of training services.
Sec. 119. Eligible providers of youth activities.
Sec. 120. Youth activities.
Sec. 121. Adult and dislocated worker employment and training
activities.
Sec. 122. Performance accountability system.
Sec. 123. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle C--Job Corps
Sec. 131. Job Corps.
Subtitle D--National Programs
Sec. 141. Native American programs.
Sec. 142. Migrant and seasonal farmworker programs.
Sec. 143. Veterans' workforce investment programs.
Sec. 144. Youth challenge grants.
Sec. 145. Technical assistance.
Sec. 146. Demonstration, pilot, multiservice, research, and multistate
projects.
Sec. 147. National dislocated worker grants.
Sec. 148. Authorization of appropriations for national activities.
Subtitle E--Administration
Sec. 151. Requirements and restrictions.
Sec. 152. Cost principles.
Sec. 153. Reports.
Sec. 154. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 155. Use of certain real property.
TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY ACT
Sec. 201. Short title; purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 204. Reservation of funds; grants to eligible agencies;
allotments.
Sec. 205. Performance accountability system.
Sec. 206. State administration.
Sec. 207. State distribution of funds; matching requirement.
Sec. 208. State leadership activities.
Sec. 209. State plan.
Sec. 210. Programs for corrections education and other
institutionalized individuals.
Sec. 211. Grants and contracts for eligible providers.
Sec. 212. Local application.
Sec. 213. Local administrative cost limits.
Sec. 214. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 215. National Institute for Literacy.
Sec. 216. National leadership activities.
Sec. 217. Integrated English literacy and civics education.
Sec. 218. Transition.
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW
Sec. 301. Wagner-Peyser Act.
TITLE IV--REHABILITATION ACT AMENDMENTS
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Technical amendments to table of contents.
Sec. 403. Purpose.
Sec. 404. Definitions.
Sec. 405. Administration of the Act.
Sec. 406. Carryover.
Subtitle A--Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Sec. 411. Declaration of policy; authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 412. State plans.
Sec. 413. Eligibility and individualized plan for employment.
Sec. 414. Vocational rehabilitation services.
Sec. 415. State rehabilitation council.
Sec. 416. Evaluation standards and performance indicators.
Sec. 417. State allotments.
Sec. 418. Client assistance program.
Sec. 419. Incentive grants.
Sec. 420. Vocational rehabilitation services grants.
Sec. 421. GAO studies.
Subtitle B--Research and Training
Sec. 431. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 432. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Sec. 433. Research and other covered activities.
Sec. 434. Rehabilitation research advisory council.
Subtitle C--Professional Development and Special Projects and
Demonstrations
Sec. 441. Training.
Sec. 442. Demonstration and training programs.
Sec. 443. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Sec. 444. Recreational programs.
Subtitle D--National Council on Disability
Sec. 451. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle E--Rights and Advocacy
Sec. 461. Architectural and transportation barriers compliance board.
Sec. 462. Protection and advocacy of individual rights.
Subtitle F--Employment Opportunities for Individuals With Disabilities
Sec. 471. Projects with industry authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 472. Services for individuals with significant disabilities
authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle G--Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent
Living
Sec. 481. State plan.
Sec. 482. Statewide independent living council.
Sec. 483. Independent living services authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 484. Program authorization.
Sec. 485. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which
Federal funding exceeds State funding.
Sec. 486. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which
State funding equals or exceeds Federal funding.
Sec. 487. Standards and assurances for centers for independent living.
Sec. 488. Centers for independent living authorization of
appropriations.
Sec. 489. Independent living services for older individuals who are
blind.
Sec. 490. Program of grants.
Sec. 491. Independent living services for older individuals who are
blind authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle H--Miscellaneous
Sec. 495. Helen Keller National Center Act.
TITLE V--TRANSITION AND EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 501. Transition provisions.
Sec. 502. Effective date.
SEC. 3. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this
Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
amendment or repeal shall be considered to be made to a
section or other provision of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.).
TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO TITLE I OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998
Subtitle A--Definitions
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
Section 101 (29 U.S.C. 2801) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (24);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4), (5)
through (16), (17), (18) through (23), (25) through (41), and
(42) through (53) as paragraphs (2) through (5), (7) through
(18), (20), (23) through (28), (29) through (45), and (47)
through (58), respectively;
(3) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) the following:
``(1) Accrued expenditures.--The term `accrued
expenditures' means charges incurred by recipients of funds
under this title for a given period requiring the provision
of funds for--
``(A) goods or other tangible property received;
``(B) services performed by employees, contractors,
subgrantees, subcontractors, and other payees; and
``(C) other amounts becoming owed under programs assisted
under this title for which no current services or performance
is required, such as annuities, insurance claims, and other
benefit payments.
(4) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)), by
striking ``Except in sections 127 and 132,'' and inserting
``Except in section 132,'';
(5) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) the following:
``(6) Business intermediary.--The term `business
intermediary' means an entity that brings together various
stakeholders with an expertise in an industry or business
sector.'';
(6) in paragraph (9) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)), by
inserting ``, including a faith-based organization,'' after
``nonprofit organization'';
(7) in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``not less than 50 percent of the cost of
the training'' and inserting ``a significant portion of the
cost of training as determined by the local board, taking
into account the size of the employer and such other factors
as the local board determines to be appropriate''; and
(ii) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) for customized training with employers in various
parts of the State, a significant portion of the cost of the
training, as determined by the Governor, taking into account
the size of the employer and such other factors as the
Governor determines appropriate.'';
(8) in paragraph (11) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(II), by striking ``section
134(c)'' and inserting ``section 121(e)'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and
inserting ``; or''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
[[Page S11653]]
``(E)(i) is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty,
who has been involuntarily separated with an honorable
discharge, from the Armed Forces, or who has received notice
of such separation;
``(ii) is the spouse or adult dependent of a member of the
Armed Forces who has experienced the loss of employment as a
direct result of relocation to accommodate a change in duty
station of such member; or
``(iii) is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on
active duty who meets the criteria described in paragraph
(13)(B).'';
(9) in paragraph (12)(A) (as redesignated by paragraph
(2))--
(A) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon and inserting
``or'';
(B) by striking ``(A)'' and inserting ``(A)(i)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) is the dependent spouse of a member of the Armed
Forces, whose family income is significantly reduced because
of a deployment, an activation, a transfer of duty station,
or the service-connected death or disability of the spouse;
and'';
(10) in paragraph (14)(A) (as redesignated by paragraph
(2)), by striking ``section 122(e)(3)'' and inserting
``section 122'';
(11) by inserting after paragraph (18) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) the following:
``(19) Hard-to-serve populations.--The term `hard-to-serve
populations' means populations of individuals who are hard-
to-serve, including displaced homemakers, low-income
individuals, Native Americans, individuals with disabilities,
older individuals, ex-offenders, homeless individuals,
individuals with limited English proficiency, individuals who
do not meet the definition of literacy in section 203,
individuals facing substantial cultural barriers, migrant and
seasonal farmworkers, individuals within 2 years of
exhausting lifetime eligibility under part A of title IV of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), and such
other groups as the Governor determines to be hard-to-
serve.'';
(12) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) the following:
``(21) Integrated training program.--The term `integrated
training program' means a program that combines occupational
skills training with language acquisition.
``(22) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 102(a)(1) (A) and (B) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a)(1)).'';
(13) in paragraph (29) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``higher of--'' and
all that follows through ``level, for an equivalent period''
and inserting ``poverty line for an equivalent period'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as
subparagraphs (E) through (G), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) receives or is eligible to receive a free or reduced
price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);'';
(14) in paragraph (34) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
by inserting ``, subject to section 121(b)(1)(C)'' after
``121(b)(1)'';
(15) by striking paragraph (37) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) and inserting the following:
``(37) Out-of-school youth.--The term `out-of-school youth'
means an out-of-school youth as defined in section
129(a)(1)(B).'';
(16) in paragraph (45) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
by striking ``, and the term means such Secretary for
purposes of section 503'';
(17) by inserting after paragraph (45) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) the following:
``(46) Self-sufficiency.--The term `self-sufficiency' has
the meaning given the term in section 134(a)(3)(A)(4)(x) and
section 134(e)(1)(A)(ix).'';
(18) in paragraph (48) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
by striking ``clause (iii) or (v) of section 136(b)(3)(A)''
and inserting ``section 136(b)(3)(A)(iii)'';
(19) in paragraph (57) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
by striking ``(or as described in section 129(c)(5))'' and
inserting ``(or as described in section 129(a)(2))''; and
(20) in paragraph (58) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)),
by striking ``established under section 117(h)'' and
inserting ``that may be established under section
117(h)(2)''.
Subtitle B--Statewide and Local Workforce Investment Systems
SEC. 111. PURPOSE.
Section 106 (29 U.S.C. 2811) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 106. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this subtitle are the following:
``(1)(A) Primarily, to provide workforce investment
activities, through statewide and local workforce investment
systems, that increase the employment, retention, self-
sufficiency, and earnings of participants, and increase
occupational skill attainment by participants.
``(B) As a result of the provision of the activities, to
improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare
dependency, increase self-sufficiency, and enhance the
productivity and competitiveness of the Nation.
``(2) To enhance the workforce investment system of the
Nation by strengthening one-stop centers, providing for more
effective governance arrangements, promoting access to a more
comprehensive array of employment and training and related
services, establishing a targeted approach to serving youth,
improving performance accountability, and promoting State and
local flexibility.
``(3) To provide workforce investment activities in a
manner that promotes the informed choice of participants and
actively involves participants in decisions affecting their
participation in such activities.
``(4) To provide workforce investment systems that are
demand-driven and responsive to the needs of all employers,
including small employers.
``(5) To provide workforce investment systems that work in
all areas of the Nation, including urban and rural areas.
``(6) To allow flexibility to meet State, local, regional,
and individual workforce investment needs.
``(7) To recognize and reinforce the vital link between
economic development and workforce investment activities.
``(8) To provide for accurate data collection, reporting,
and performance measures that are not unduly burdensome.
``(9) To address the ongoing shortage of essential skills
in the United States workforce related to both manufacturing
and knowledge-based economies to ensure that the United
States remains competitive in the global economy.
``(10) To equip workers with higher skills and contribute
to lifelong education.
``(11) To eliminate training disincentives for hard-to-
serve populations and minority workers, including effectively
utilizing community programs, services, and agencies.
``(12) To educate limited English proficient individuals
about skills and language so the individuals are employable.
``(13) To increase the employment, retention and earnings
of individuals with disabilities.''.
SEC. 112. STATE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS.
(a) Membership.--
(1) In general.--Section 111(b) (29 U.S.C. 2821(b)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (C) and
inserting the following:
``(C) representatives appointed by the Governor, who--
``(i) are the lead State agency officials with
responsibility for the programs and activities that are
described in section 121(b) and carried out by one-stop
partners, except that--
``(I) in any case in which no lead State agency official
has responsibility for such a program or activity, the
representative shall be a representative in the State with
expertise relating to such program or activity; and
``(II) in the case of the programs authorized under title I
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the representative shall
be the head of the designated State unit, as defined in
section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705);
``(ii) are the State agency officials responsible for
economic development;
``(iii) are representatives of all business in the State,
including small businesses, who--
``(I) are owners of businesses, chief executive or
operating officers of businesses, or other business
executives or employers with optimum policymaking or hiring
authority;
``(II) represent businesses with employment opportunities
that reflect employment opportunities in the State; and
``(III) are appointed from among individuals nominated by
State business organizations, business trade associations,
and local boards;
``(iv) is a chief elected official (representing cities and
counties, where appropriate)
``(v) are representatives of labor organizations, who have
been nominated by State labor federations; and
``(vi) are such other State agency officials and other
representatives as the Governor may designate.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (1)(C)(i)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1)(C)(iii)''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 111(c) (29 U.S.C.
2821(c)) is amended by striking ``subsection (b)(1)(C)(i)''
and inserting ``subsection (b)(1)(C)(iii)''.
(b) Functions.--Section 111(d) (29 U.S.C. 2811(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``development'' and
inserting ``development, implementation, and revision'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 134(c)'' and
inserting ``section 121(e)'';
(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) reviewing and providing comment on the State plans of
all one-stop partner programs, where applicable, in order to
provide effective strategic leadership in the development of
a high quality, comprehensive statewide workforce investment
system, including commenting at least once annually on the
measures taken pursuant to section 113(b)(3) of the Carl D.
Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (20
U.S.C 2323(b)(3)) and title II of this Act;
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as
paragraphs (5) through (10), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) development and review of statewide policies
affecting the coordinated provision of services through the
one-stop delivery systems described in section 121(e) within
the State, including--
[[Page S11654]]
``(A) the development of objective procedures and criteria
for use by local boards in assessing the effectiveness and
continuous improvement of one-stop centers under section
121(g);
``(B) the development of guidance for the allocation of
one-stop center infrastructure funds under section
121(h)(1)(B);
``(C) the development of--
``(i) statewide policies relating to the appropriate roles
and contributions of one-stop partner programs within the
one-stop delivery system, including approaches to
facilitating equitable and efficient cost allocation in the
one-stop delivery system;
``(ii) statewide strategies for providing effective
outreach to individuals, including hard-to-serve populations,
and employers who could benefit from services provided
through the one-stop delivery system; and
``(iii) strategies for technology improvements to
facilitate access to services provided through the one-stop
delivery system, in remote areas, and for individuals with
disabilities, which may be utilized throughout the State;
``(D) identification and dissemination of information on
best practices for effective operation of one-stop centers,
including use of innovative business outreach, partnerships,
and service delivery strategies, including for hard-to-serve
populations; and
``(E) such other matters as may promote statewide
objectives for, and enhance the performance of, the one-stop
delivery systems;'';
(6) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by
inserting ``and the development of Statewide criteria to be
used by chief elected officials for the appointment of local
boards and for use in certification of local boards
consistent with section 117'' after ``section 116'';
(7) in paragraph (6) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), by
striking ``sections 128(b)(3)(B) and 133(b)(3)(B)'' and
inserting ``sections 128(b)(3) and 133(b)(3)(B)'';
(8) in paragraph (8) (as redesignated by paragraph (4), by
striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(9) in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) by striking ``section 503'' and inserting ``section
136(i)(1)''; and
(B) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(10) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) increasing the availability of skills training,
employment opportunities, and career advancement for hard-to-
serve populations.''.
(c) Alternative Entity.--Section 111(e) (29 U.S.C. 2811(e))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``For'' and inserting
``Subject to paragraph (3), for''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Failure to meet performance measures.--If a State
fails to meet the State adjusted levels of performance
established pursuant to section 136, the Secretary may
require the State to establish a State board in accordance
with subsections (a), (b), and (c) in lieu of the alternative
entity established under paragraph (1).''.
(d) Sunshine Provision.--Section 111(g) (29 U.S.C. 2822(g))
is amended--
(1) by inserting ``, and modifications to the State plan,''
before ``prior''; and
(2) by inserting ``, and modifications to the State plan''
after ``the plan''.
(e) Authority To Hire Staff.--Section 111 (29 U.S.C. 2811))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Authority To Hire Staff.--The State board may hire
staff to assist in carrying out the functions described in
subsection (d) using funds allocated under section
127(b)(1)(C) and section 132(b).''.
SEC. 113. STATE PLAN.
(a) Planning Cycle.--Section 112(a) (29 U.S.C. 2822(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``5-year strategy'' and inserting ``4-year
strategy''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``At the end of the
first 2-year period of the 4-year State plan, the State board
shall review and, as needed, amend the 4-year State plan to
reflect labor market and economic conditions. In addition,
the State shall submit a modification to the State plan at
the end of the first 2-year period of the State plan, which
may include redesignation of local areas pursuant to section
116(a) and the levels of performance under sections 136 for
the third and fourth years of the plan.''.
(b) Contents.--Section 112(b) (29 U.S.C. 2822(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (8)(A)--
(A) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(xi) programs authorized under title II of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) (relating to Federal
old-age, survivors, and disability insurance benefits), title
XVI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.) (relating to
supplemental security income), title XIX of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) (relating to medicaid), and title XX of
such Act (relating to block grants to States for social
services), programs authorized under title VII of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796 et seq.), and
programs carried out by State agencies relating to mental
retardation and developmental disabilities; and'';
(2) by striking paragraph (10) and inserting the following:
``(10) a description of how the State will use funds the
State received under this subtitle to leverage other Federal,
State, local, and private resources, in order to maximize the
effectiveness of such resources, expand resources for the
provision of education and training services, and expand the
participation of businesses, employees, and individuals in
the Statewide workforce investment system, including a
description of incentives and technical assistance the State
will provide to local areas for such purposes;'';
(3) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``sections
128(b)(3)(B) and 133(b)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``sections
128(b)(3) and 133(b)(3)(B)'';
(4) in paragraph (14), by striking ``section 134(c)'' and
inserting ``section 121(e)'';
(5) in paragraph (17)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (iii)--
(I) by inserting ``local'' before ``customized training'';
and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in clause (iv), by striking ``homemakers),'' and all
that follows through ``disabilities)'' and inserting ``hard-
to-serve populations and individuals training for
nontraditional employment''; and
(iii) by adding after clause (iv) the following:
``(v) how the State will serve the employment and training
needs of individuals with disabilities, consistent with
section 188 and Executive Order 13217 (42 U.S.C. 12131 note;
relating to community-based alternatives for individuals with
disabilities), including the provision of outreach, intake,
the conduct of assessments, service delivery, the development
of performance measures, and the training of staff; and'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(6) in paragraph (18)(D)--
(A) by striking ``youth opportunity grants'' and inserting
``youth challenge grants authorized under section 169 and
other federally funded youth programs''; and
(B) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(19) a description of how the State will utilize
technology to facilitate access to services in remote areas,
which may be utilized throughout the State;
``(20) a description of the State strategy for coordinating
workforce investment activities and economic development
activities;
``(21) a description of the State strategy and assistance
needed for ensuring regional cooperation;
``(22) a description of how the State will use funds the
State receives under this subtitle to--
``(A) implement innovative programs and strategies designed
to meet the needs of all businesses in the State, including
small businesses, which may include incumbent worker training
programs, sectoral and industry cluster strategies, regional
skills alliances, career ladder programs, utilization of
effective business intermediaries, and other business
services and strategies that better engage employers in
workforce activities and make the statewide workforce
investment system more relevant to the needs of State and
local businesses, consistent with the purposes of this Act;
and
``(B) provide incentives and technical assistance to assist
local areas in more fully engaging large and small employers
in local workforce development activities, to make the
workforce investment system more relevant to the needs of
area businesses, and to better coordinate workforce
investment and economic development efforts to contribute to
the economic well being of the local area, as determined
appropriate by the local board;
``(23) a description of the State strategy for ensuring
cooperation between transportation providers, including
public transportation providers, and workforce investment
activities;
``(24) a description of how the State will assist local
areas in assuring physical and programmatic assessability for
individuals with disabilities at one-stop centers;
``(25) a description of the process and methodology that
will be used by the State board to--
``(A) review statewide policies and provide guidance on the
coordinated provision of services through the one-stop
delivery system described in section 121;
``(B) establish, in consultation with chief elected
officials and local boards, procedures and objective criteria
for use by local boards in periodically assessing the
effectiveness and continuous improvement of one-stop centers
and one-stop delivery systems as described in section 121(g);
and
``(C) determine one-stop partner program contributions
for--
``(i) the costs of the infrastructure of one-stop centers
under section 121(h)(2); and
``(ii) the formula for allocating the funds described in
section 121(h)(2) to local areas; and
``(26) a description of the State strategy for ensuring
that activities carried out under this title are placing men
and women in jobs, education, or training that lead to
comparable pay.''.
(c) Modifications to Plan.--Section 112(d) (29 U.S.C.
2822(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``5-year period'' and inserting ``4-year
period''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``In addition, the
State shall submit the modifications to the State plan
required under subsection (a), and under circumstances
prescribed by the Secretary that are due to changes in
Federal law that significantly affect elements of the State
plan.''.
SEC. 114. LOCAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AREAS.
(a) Designation of Areas.--
[[Page S11655]]
(1) Considerations.--Section 116(a)(1)(B) (29 U.S.C.
2831(a)(1)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) The extent to which such local areas will promote
maximum effectiveness in the administration and provision of
services.''.
(2) Automatic designation.--Section 116(a)(2) (29 U.S.C.
2831(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Automatic designation.--
``(A) In general.--The Governor shall approve a request for
designation as a local area that is submitted prior to the
submission of the State plan, or of a modification to the
State plan relating to area designation, from any area that--
``(i) is a unit of general local government with a
population of 500,000 or more, except that after the initial
2-year period following such designation pursuant to this
clause that occurs after the date of enactment of the
Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2003, the Governor
shall only be required to approve a request for designation
from such area if such area--
``(I) performed successfully; and
``(II) sustained fiscal integrity;
``(ii) was a local area under this title for the preceding
2-year period, if such local area--
``(I) performed successfully; and
``(II) sustained fiscal integrity; or
``(iii) is served by a rural concentrated employment
program grant recipient, except that after the 2-year period
following any such designation under the initial State plan
submitted after the date of enactment of the Workforce
Investment Act Amendments of 2003, the Governor shall only be
required to approve a request for designation under this
clause if such area--
``(I) performed successfully; and
``(II) sustained fiscal integrity.
``(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph:
``(i) Performed successfully.--The term `performed
successfully' means that the local area involved is not
subject to sanctions under section 136(h)(2) due to the
failure to meet the levels of performance establish under
section 136(c) for 2 consecutive years.
``(ii) Sustained fiscal integrity.--The term `sustained
fiscal integrity' means that the Secretary has not made a
formal determination during the preceding 2-year period that
either the grant recipient or the administrative entity of
the area misexpended funds provided under this title due to
willful disregard of the requirements of the Act involved,
gross negligence, or failure to comply with accepted
standards of administration.''.
(3) Conforming amendments.--Section 116(a) (29 U.S.C.
2831(a)) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (3);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraph
(3) and (4), respectively;
(C) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(B))--
(i) by striking ``(including temporary designation)''; and
(ii) by striking ``(v)'' and inserting ``(vi)''; and
(D) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(B))--
(i) by striking ``under paragraph (2) or (3)'' and
inserting ``under paragraph (2)''; and
(ii) by striking the second sentence.
(b) Single Local Area States.--Section 116(b) (29 U.S.C.
2831(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Single Local Area States.--
``(1) Continuation of previous designation.--
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), the Governor of any State
that was a single local area for purposes of this title as of
July 1, 2002, may continue to designate the State as a single
local area for purposes of this title if the Governor
identifies the State as a local area in the State plan under
section 112(b)(5).
``(2) Redesignation.--The Governor may redesignate the
State as a single local area if, prior to the submission of
the State plan or modification to such plan so designating
the State, no local area meeting the requirements for
automatic designation under subsection (a)(2) requests such
designation as a separate local area.
``(3) Effect on local plan.--In any case in which a State
is designated as a local area pursuant to this subsection,
the local plan prepared under section 118 for the area shall
be submitted to the Secretary for approval as part of the
State plan under section 112.''.
(c) Regional Planning.--Section 116(c) (29 U.S.C. 2831(c))
is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Planning.--
``(A) In general.--As part of the process for developing
the State plan, a State may require regional planning by
local boards for a designated region in the State. The State
may require the local boards for a designated region to
participate in a regional planning process that results in
the establishment of regional performance measures for
workforce investment activities authorized under this
subtitle. The State, after consultation with local boards and
chief elected officials, may require the local boards for the
designated region to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of
a single regional plan that incorporates local plans for each
of the local areas in the region, as required under section
118. The State may award regional incentive grants to the
designated regions that meet or exceed the regional
performance measures pursuant to section 134(a)(2)(C).
``(B) Technical assistance.--If the State requires regional
planning as provided in subparagraph (A), the State shall
provide technical assistance and labor market information to
such local areas in the designated regions to assist with
such regional planning and subsequent service delivery
efforts.'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``information about the
skill requirements of existing and emerging industries and
industry clusters,'' after ``information about employment
opportunities and trends,''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following:
``Such services may be required to be coordinated with
regional economic development services and strategies.''.
SEC. 115. LOCAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS.
(a) Composition.--Section 117(b) (29 U.S.C. 2832(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking subclause (II) and inserting
the following:
``(II) collectively, represent businesses with employment
opportunities that reflect the employment opportunities of
the local area, and include representatives of businesses
that are in high-growth and emerging industries, and
representatives of all businesses, including small
businesses, in the local area; and'';
(B) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
``(ii)(I) a superintendent representing the local school
districts involved or another high-level official from such
districts;
``(II) the president or highest ranking official of an
institution of higher education serving the local area; and
``(III) an administrator of local entities providing adult
education and literacy activities in the local area;'';
(C) in clause (iv), by inserting ``, hard-to-serve
populations,'' after ``disabilities''; and
(D) by striking clause (vi) and inserting the following:
``(vi) if the local board does not establish a youth
council, representatives with experience serving out-of-
school youth, particularly out-of-school youth facing
barriers to employment.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Special rule.--In the case that there are multiple
school districts or institutions of higher education serving
a local area, the representatives described in paragraph
(2)(A)(ii) shall be appointed from among individuals
nominated by regional or local educational agencies,
institutions, or organizations representing such agencies or
institutions.''.
(b) Authority of Board Members.--Section 117(b)(3) (29
U.S.C. 2832(b)(3)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting ``and representation''
after ``Authority''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``The members of
the board shall represent diverse geographic sections within
the local area.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 117(c)(1)(C) (29 U.S.C.
2832 (c)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ``section
116(a)(2)(B)'' and inserting ``section 116(a)(2)(A)(ii)''.
(d) Functions.--Section 117(d) (29 U.S.C. 2832(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by inserting ``(except as provided in section 123(b))''
after ``basis''; and
(ii) by inserting ``where appropriate'' after ``youth
council''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Consumer choice requirements.--Consistent with
section 134(d)(3) and (d)(4), the local board shall work to
ensure there are sufficient providers of intensive services
and training services serving the local area in a manner that
maximizes consumer choice, including providers with expertise
in assisting individuals with disabilities.'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, and shall ensure the
appropriate use and management of the funds provided under
this subtitle for such programs, activities, and system''
after ``area'';
(3) in paragraph (8)--
(A) by inserting ``all'' before ``private sector'';
(B) by inserting ``, including small employers,'' after
``private sector employers''; and
(C) by striking the period and inserting ``, taking into
account the unique needs of small businesses.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Technology improvements.--The local board shall
develop strategies for technology improvements to facilitate
access to services, in remote areas, for services authorized
under this subtitle and carried out in the local area.''.
(e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 117(f)(2) (29 U.S.C.
2832(f)(2)) is amended by striking ``described in section
134(c)''.
(f) Authority To Establish Councils and Elimination of
Requirement for Youth Councils.--Section 117(h) (29 U.S.C.
2832(h)) is amended to read as follows:
``(h) Councils.--The local board may establish or continue
councils to provide information and advice to assist the
local board in carrying out activities under this title. Such
councils may include--
``(1) a council composed of one-stop partners to advise the
local board on the operation of the one-stop delivery system
involved;
``(2) a youth council composed of experts and stakeholders
in youth programs to advise the local board on youth
activities; and
``(3) such other councils as the local board determines are
appropriate.''.
(g) Alternative Entity Provision.--Section 117(i)(1) (29
U.S.C. 2832(i)(1)) is amended--
[[Page S11656]]
(1) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) was in existence on August 7, 1998, pursuant to State
law; and'';
(2) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C).
SEC. 116. LOCAL PLAN.
(a) Planning Cycle.--Section 118(a) (29 U.S.C. 2833(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``5-year'' and inserting ``4-year''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``At the end of the
first 2-year period of the 4-year plan, the local board shall
review and, as needed, amend the 4-year plan to reflect labor
market and economic conditions.''.
(b) Contents.--Section 118(b) (29 U.S.C. 2833(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) a description of how the local board will facilitate
access to services provided through the one-stop delivery
system, in remote areas, including facilitating access
through the use of technology; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) a description of how the local board will ensure
physical and programmatic assessability for individuals with
disabilities at one-stop centers;'';
(2) in paragraph (9), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(3) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (14); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) a description of how the local board will coordinate
workforce investment activities carried out in the local area
with economic development activities carried out in the local
area;
``(11) a description of the strategies and services that
will be initiated in the local area to more fully engage all
employers, including small employers, in workforce
development activities, to make the workforce investment
system more relevant to the needs of area businesses, and to
better coordinate workforce investment and economic
development efforts, which may include the implementation of
innovative initiatives such as incumbent worker training
programs, sectoral and industry cluster strategies, regional
skills alliances, career ladder programs, utilization of
effective business intermediaries, and other business
services and strategies designed to meet the needs of area
employers and contribute to the economic well being of the
local area, as determined appropriate by the local board,
consistent with the purposes of this Act;
``(12) a description of how the local board will expand
access to education and training services for eligible
individuals who are in need of such services through--
``(A) the utilization of programs funded under this title ;
and
``(B) the increased leveraging of resources other than
those provided under this title, including tax credits,
private sector-provided training, and other Federal, State,
local, and private funding sources that are brokered through
the one-stop centers for training;
``(13) a description of how the local board will coordinate
workforce investment activities carried out in the local area
with the provision of transportation, including public
transportation, in the local area; and''.
SEC. 117. ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE-STOP DELIVERY SYSTEMS.
(a) One-Stop Partners.--
(1) Required partners.--Section 121(b)(1) (29 U.S.C.
2841(b)(1)) is amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) Roles and responsibilities of one-stop partners.--
Each entity that carries out a program or activities
described in subparagraph (B) shall--
``(i) provide access through the one-stop delivery system
to the programs and activities carried out by the entity,
including making the core services described in section
134(d)(2) that are applicable to the program of the entity
available at the comprehensive one-stop centers (in addition
to any other appropriate locations);
``(ii) use a portion of the funds available to the program
of the entity to maintain the one-stop delivery system,
including payment of the infrastructure costs of one-stop
centers in accordance with subsection (h);
``(iii) enter into the local memorandum of understanding
with the local board relating to the operation of the one-
stop system that meets the requirements of subsection (c);
``(iv) participate in the operation of the one-stop system
consistent with the terms of the memorandum of understanding,
the requirements of this title, and the requirements of the
Federal laws authorizing the programs carried out by the
entity; and
``(v) provide representation on the State board to the
extent provided under section 111.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking clause (v);
(ii) by redesignating clauses (vi) through (xii) as clauses
(v) through (xi), respectively;
(iii) in clause (x) (as redesignated by clause (ii)), by
striking ``and'' at the end;
(iv) in clause (xi) (as redesignated by clause (ii)), by
striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(xii) programs authorized under part A of title IV of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), subject to
subparagraph (C).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Determination by the governor.--
``(i) In general.--An entity that carries out programs
referred to in subparagraph (B)(xii) shall be included in the
one-stop partners for the local area, as a required partner,
for purposes of this title unless the Governor of the State
provides the notification described in clause (ii).
``(ii) Notification.--The notification referred to in
clause (i) is a notification that--
``(I) is made in writing of a determination by the Governor
not to include such entity in the one-stop partners described
in clause (i); and
``(II) is provided to the Secretary and the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.''.
(2) Additional partners.--
(A) In general.--Section 121(b)(2)(A) (29 U.S.C.
2841(b)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--With the approval of the local board and
chief elected official, in addition to the entities described
in paragraph (1), other entities that carry out a human
resource program described in subparagraph (B) may be a one-
stop partner and carry out the responsibilities described in
paragraph (1)(A).''.
(B) Additional partners.--Section 121(b)(2)(B) (29 U.S.C.
2841(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
(i) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (v)
and (vi), respectively; and
(ii) by striking clauses (i) through (iii) and inserting
the following:
``(i) employment and training programs administered by the
Social Security Administration, including the Ticket to Work
and Self-Sufficiency program established under section 1148
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19);
``(ii) programs carried out in the local area for
individuals with disabilities, including programs carried out
by State agencies relating to mental retardation and
developmental disabilities, Statewide Independent Living
Councils established under section 705 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796d), and centers for independent
living defined in section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 796a);
``(iii) employment and training programs carried out by the
Small Business Administration;
``(iv) programs authorized under section 6(d)(4) of the
Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4));''.
(b) Local Memorandum of Understanding.--
(1) Contents of memorandum.--Section 121(c)(2)(A) (29
U.S.C. 2841(c)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
``(A) provisions describing--
``(i) the services to be provided through the one-stop
delivery system consistent with the requirements of this
section, including the manner in which the services will be
coordinated through such system;
``(ii) how the costs of such services and the operating
costs of such system will be funded to provide a stable and
equitable funding stream for ongoing one-stop system
operations, including the funding of the infrastructure costs
of one-stop centers in accordance with subsection (h);
``(iii) methods of referral of individuals between the one-
stop operator and the one-stop partners for appropriate
services and activities;
``(iv) methods to ensure the needs of hard-to-serve
populations are addressed in accessing services through the
one-stop system; and
``(v) the duration of the memorandum of understanding and
the procedures for amending the memorandum during the term of
the memorandum, and assurances that such memorandum shall be
reviewed not less than once every 2-year period to ensure
appropriate funding and delivery of services; and''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 121(d)(2) (29 U.S.C.
2841(d)(2)) is amended by striking ``section 134(c)'' and
inserting ``section 121(e)''.
(d) Provision of Services.--
(1) Elimination of provisions concerning established
systems.--Section 121 (29 U.S.C. 2841) is amended by striking
subsection (e).
(2) Redesignation.--Subtitle B of title I is amended--
(A) in section 134 (29 U.S.C. 2864), by redesignating
subsection (c) as subsection (e); and
(B) by transferring that subsection (e) so that the
subsection appears after subsection (d) of section 121.
(3) One-stop delivery systems.--Paragraph (1) of section
121(e) (29 U.S.C. 2841(e)) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))
is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (d)(2)''
and inserting ``section 134(d)(2)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (d)'' and inserting ``section
134(d)'';
(ii) by striking ``individual training accounts'' and
inserting ``career scholarship accounts''; and
(iii) by striking ``subsection (d)(4)(G)'' and inserting
``section 134(d)(4)(G)'';
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``subsection (e)'' and
inserting ``section 134(e)'';
(D) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``section 121(b)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(E) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``information
described in section 15'' and inserting ``data, information,
and analysis described in section 15(a)''.
[[Page S11657]]
(e) Continuous Improvement of One-Stop Centers.--Section
121 (29 U.S.C. 2841) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Continuous Improvement of One-Stop Centers.--
``(1) In general.--The State board, in consultation with
chief local elected officials and local boards, shall
establish procedures and objective criteria for use by local
boards in periodically assessing the effectiveness, physical
and programmatic accessibility, and continuous improvement of
one-stop centers and one-stop delivery systems.
``(2) Criteria.--The procedures and criteria developed
under this subsection shall include minimum standards
relating to the scope and degree of service coordination
achieved by the one-stop delivery system with respect to the
programs administered by the one-stop partners at the one-
stop centers, consistent with the guidance provided by the
Governor and by the State board, in consultation with the
chief elected official and local boards, for such partners'
participation under subsections (h)(1)(B) and subsection (i),
respectively, and such other factors relating to the quality,
accessibility, and effectiveness of the one-stop delivery
system as the State board determines appropriate.
``(3) Local boards.--Consistent with the criteria developed
by the State, the local board may develop additional criteria
of higher standards to respond to local labor market and
demographic conditions and trends.
``(h) Funding of One-Stop Infrastructure and Other Costs.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Options for infrastructure funding.--
``(i) Local options.--The local board, chief elected
officials, and one-stop partners in a local area may choose
to fund the costs of the infrastructure of one-stop centers
through--
``(I) alternative methods described in the local memorandum
of understanding, if one-stop partners, the local board, and
chief elected official agree to such alternative methods; or
``(II) the State infrastructure funding mechanism described
in paragraph (2).
``(ii) Failure to reach agreement on funding methods.--If,
as of July 1, 2004, the local board, chief elected official,
and one-stop partners in a local area fail to reach agreement
on methods of funding the infrastructure costs of one-stop
centers, the State infrastructure funding mechanism described
in paragraph (2) shall be applicable to such local area.''.
``(B) Guidance for infrastructure funding.--In addition to
carrying out the requirements relating the State mechanism
for one-stop center infrastructure funding described in
paragraph (2), the Governor, after consultation with chief
local elected official, local boards, and the State board,
and consistent with the guidelines provided by the State
board under subsection (i), shall provide--
``(i) guidelines for State administered one-stop partner
programs in determining such program's contributions to and
participation in the one-stop delivery system, including
funding for the costs of infrastructure as described in
paragraph (4), negotiated pursuant to the local memorandum of
understanding under subsection (b); and
``(ii) guidance to assist local areas in identifying
equitable and stable alternative methods of funding of the
costs of the infrastructure of one-stop centers in local
areas.
``(2) State one-stop infrastructure funding.--
``(A) Partner contributions.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, but subject to clause (iii), a portion determined under
clause (ii) of the Federal funds provided to the State and
areas within the State under the Federal laws authorizing the
programs described in subsection (b) and administered by one-
stop partners for a fiscal year shall be provided to the
Governor from such programs to assist in paying the costs of
infrastructure of one-stop centers in those local areas of
the State not funded under the option described in paragraph
(1)(B)(i)(I).
``(ii) Determination of governor.--
``(I) In general.--Subject to subclause (II) and clause
(iii), the Governor, after consultation with chief local
elected officials, local boards, and the State board, shall
determine the portion of funds to be provided under clause
(i) by each one-stop partner from each program described in
clause (i). In making such determination, the Governor shall
consider the proportionate use of the one-stop centers
pursuant to clause (i)(II) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) by
each partner, the costs of administration for purposes not
related to one-stop centers for each partner, and other
relevant factors described in paragraph (3). The Governor
shall exclude from such determination the portion of funds
and use of one-stop centers attributable to the programs of
one-stop partners for those local areas of the State where
the infrastructure of one-stop centers is funded under the
option described in paragraph (1)(B)(i)(I).
``(II) Special rule.--In a State in which the State
constitution places policymaking authority that is
independent of the authority of the Governor in an entity or
official with respect to the funds provided for adult
education and literacy activities authorized under title II
and for postsecondary vocational and technical education
activities authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational
and Technical Education Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.),
or vocational rehabilitation services offered under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), the
determination described in subclause (I) with respect to the
programs authorized under that title and that Act shall be
made by the Governor and the appropriate entity or official
with such independent policymaking authority.
``(III) Appeal by one-stop partners.--The Governor shall
establish a procedure for the one-stop partner administering
a program described in subsection (b) to appeal a
determination regarding the portion of funds to be
contributed under this paragraph on the basis that such
determination is inconsistent with the criteria described in
the State plan or with the requirements of this paragraph.
Such procedure shall ensure prompt resolution of the appeal.
``(iii) Limitations.--
``(I) Provision from administrative funds.--The funds
provided under this paragraph by each one-stop partner shall
be provided only from funds available for the costs of
administration under the program administered by such
partner, and shall be subject to the program limitations with
respect to the portion of funds under such program that may
be used for administration.
``(II) Cap on required contributions.--
``(aa) WIA formula programs and employment service.--The
portion of funds required to be contributed under this
paragraph by the programs authorized under chapters 4 and 5
of this title and under the Wagner-Peyser Act shall not be in
excess of 3 percent of the amount of Federal funds provided
to carry out each such program in the State for a fiscal
year.
``(bb) Other one-stop partners.--The portion of funds
required to be contributed under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) by a
one-stop partner from a program described in subsection
(b)(1) other than the programs described under item (aa)
shall not be in excess of 1 and \1/2\ percent of the amount
of Federal funds provided to carry out such program in the
State for a fiscal year.
``(cc) Special rule.--Notwithstanding items (aa) and (bb),
an agreement, including local memorandums of understanding,
entered into prior to the date of enactment of the Workforce
Investment Act Amendments of 2003 by an entity regarding
contributions under this title that permits the percentages
described in such items to be exceeded, may continue to be in
effect until terminated by the parties.
``(dd) Vocational rehabilitation.--Notwithstanding items
(aa) and (bb), an entity administering a program under title
I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.)
shall not be required to provide, for the purposes of this
paragraph, an amount in excess of--
``(AA) 0.75 percent of the amount provided for such program
in the State for the second program year that begins after
the date of enactment of the Workforce Investment Act
Amendments of 2003;
``(BB) 1.0 percent of the amount provided for such program
in the State for the third program year that begins after
such date;
``(CC) 1.25 percent of the amount provided for such program
in the State for the fourth program year that begins after
such date; and
``(DD) 1.5 percent of the amount provided for such program
in the State for the fifth and each succeeding program year
that begins after such date.
``(III) Federal direct spending programs.--An entity
administering a program funded with direct spending as
defined in section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8))
shall not be required to provide, for purposes of this
paragraph, an amount in excess of the amount determined to be
equivalent to the cost of the proportionate use of the one-
stop centers for such program in the State.
``(IV) Native american programs.--Native American programs
established under section 166 shall not be subject to the
provisions of this subsection or subsection (i). The method
for determining the appropriate portion of funds to be
provided by such Native American programs to pay for the
costs of infrastructure of a one-stop center certified under
subsection (g) shall be determined as part of the development
of the memorandum of understanding under subsection (c) for
the one-stop center and shall be stated in the memorandum.
``(B) Allocation by governor.--From the funds provided
under subparagraph (A), the Governor shall allocate the funds
to local areas in accordance with the formula established
under subparagraph (C) for the purposes of assisting in
paying the costs of infrastructure of one-stop centers.
``(C) Allocation formula.--The State board shall develop a
formula to be used by the Governor to allocate the funds
provided under subparagraph (A) to local areas not funding
infrastructure costs under the option described in paragraph
(1)(B)(i)(II). The formula shall be based on factors
including the number of one-stop centers in a local area, the
population served by such centers, the services provided by
such centers, and other factors relating to the performance
of such centers that the State board determines are
appropriate.
``(D) Costs of infrastructure.--In this subsection, the
term `costs of infrastructure', used with respect to a one-
stop center, means the nonpersonnel costs that are necessary
for the general operation of the one-stop center, including
the rental costs of the
[[Page S11658]]
facilities, the costs of utilities and maintenance, equipment
(including adaptive technology for individuals with
disabilities), and technology to facilitate remote access to
the one-stop center's strategic planning activities, and
common outreach activities.
``(i) Other Funds.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to the funds provided to
carry out subsection (h), a portion of funds made available
under Federal law authorizing the programs described in
subsection (b) and administered by one-stop partners, or the
noncash resources available under such programs, shall be
used to pay the additional costs relating to the operation of
the one-stop delivery system involved that are not paid from
the funds provided under subsection (h), as determined in
accordance with paragraph (2), to the extent not inconsistent
with the Federal law involved. Such costs shall include the
costs of the provision of core services described in section
134(d)(2) applicable to each program and may include--
``(A) costs of infrastructure, as defined in subsection
(h), that are in excess of the amount of funds provided under
subsection (h); and
``(B) common costs that are in addition to the costs of
infrastructure that are not paid from the funds provided
under subsection (h).
``(2) Determination and guidance.--The method for
determining the appropriate portion of funds and noncash
resources to be provided by each program under paragraph (1)
for a one-stop center shall be determined as part of the
development of the memorandum of understanding under
subsection (c) for the one-stop center and shall be stated in
the memorandum. The State board shall provide guidance to
facilitate the determination of an appropriate allocation of
the funds and noncash resources in local areas.''.
SEC. 118. ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF TRAINING SERVICES.
Section 122 (29 U.S.C. 2842) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 122. IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF TRAINING
SERVICES.
``(a) In General.--The Governor, after consultation with
the State board, shall establish criteria and procedures
regarding the eligibility of providers of training services
described in section 134(d)(4) (referred to in this section
as `training services') to receive funds provided under
section 133(b) for the provision of training services.
``(b) Criteria.--
``(1) In general.--The criteria established by the Governor
pursuant to subsection (a) shall take into account--
``(A) the performance of providers of training services
with respect to the performance measures described in section
136 or other appropriate measures of performance outcomes for
those individuals receiving training services under this
subtitle (taking into consideration the characteristics of
the population served and relevant economic conditions);
``(B) the need to ensure access to training services
throughout the State, including any rural areas;
``(C) the information such providers are required to report
to State agencies with respect to Federal and State programs
(other than the program carried out under this subtitle),
including partner programs;
``(D) the requirements for State licensing of providers of
training services, and the licensing status of each provider
of training services if applicable;
``(E) to the extent practicable, encouraging the use of
industry recognized standards and certification;
``(F) the ability to provide training services to hard-to-
serve populations, including individuals with disabilities;
and
``(G) such other factors as the Governor determines are
appropriate to ensure--
``(i) the quality of services provided;
``(ii) the accountability of the providers;
``(iii) that the one-stop centers in the State will ensure
that such providers meet the needs of local employers and
participants;
``(iv) the informed choice of participants under chapter 5;
and
``(v) that the collection of information required is not
unduly burdensome or costly to providers.
``(2) Information and renewal.--The criteria established by
the Governor shall require that a provider of training
services submit appropriate, accurate, and timely information
to the State for purposes of carrying out subsection (d). The
criteria shall also provide for annual review and renewal of
eligibility under this section for providers of training
services.
``(3) Local criteria.--A local board in the State may
establish criteria in addition to the criteria established by
the Governor, or may require higher levels of performance
than required under the criteria established by the Governor,
for purposes of determining the eligibility of providers of
training services to receive funds described in subsection
(a) to provide the services in the local areas involved.
``(c) Procedures.--The procedures established under
subsection (a) shall identify the application process for a
provider of training services to become eligible to receive
funds provided under section 133(b) for the provision of
training services, and identify the respective roles of the
State and local areas in receiving and reviewing the
applications and in making determinations of such eligibility
based on the criteria established under this section. The
procedures shall also establish a process for a provider of
training services to appeal a denial or termination of
eligibility under this section, that includes an opportunity
for a hearing and prescribes appropriate time limits to
ensure prompt resolution of the appeal.
``(d) Information To Assist Participants in Choosing
Providers.--
``(1) In general.--In order to facilitate and assist
participants in choosing employment and training activities
under chapter 5 and in choosing providers of training
services, the Governor shall ensure that an appropriate list
of providers determined to be eligible under this section in
the State, accompanied by appropriate information provided by
providers of training in the State in accordance with
subsection (b) and such other information as the Governor
determines is appropriate, including information on program
costs for participants in applicable programs, is provided to
the one-stop delivery system in the State. The list and the
information shall be made available to such participants and
to members of the public through the one-stop delivery system
in the State.
``(2) Special rule.--An entity that carries out programs
under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
`National Apprenticeship Act', 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29
U.S.C. 50 et seq.) shall be included on the list of eligible
providers described in paragraph (1) for so long as such
entity remains certified by the Department of Labor.
``(e) Enforcement.--
``(1) In general.--The criteria and procedures established
under this section shall provide the following:
``(A) Intentionally supplying inaccurate information.--Upon
a determination that a provider of training services, or
individual providing information on behalf of the provider,
intentionally supplied inaccurate information under this
section, the eligibility of such provider to receive funds
under chapter 5 shall be terminated for a period of time that
is not less than 2 years.
``(B) Substantial violations.--Upon a determination that a
provider of training services substantially violated any
requirement under this title, the eligibility of such
provider to receive funds under the program involved may be
terminated, or other appropriate action may be taken.
``(C) Repayment.--A provider of training services whose
eligibility is terminated under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall
be liable for the repayment of funds received under chapter 5
during a period of noncompliance described in such paragraph.
``(2) Construction.--Paragraph (1) shall be construed to
provide remedies and penalties that supplement, but do not
supplant, other civil and criminal remedies and penalties.''.
``(f) Agreements With Other States.--States may enter into
agreements, on a reciprocal basis, to permit eligible
providers of training services to accept career scholarship
accounts provided in another State.
``(g) Opportunity To Submit Comments.--In establishing
criteria, procedures, and information required under this
section, the Governor shall provide an opportunity for
interested members of the public to make recommendations and
submit comments regarding such criteria, procedures, and
information.
``(h) Transition Period for Implementation.--The
requirements of this section shall be implemented not later
than December 31, 2004. In order to facilitate early
implementation of this section, the Governor may establish
transition procedures under which providers eligible to
provide training services under chapter 5 of this title as
such chapter was in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2003
may continue to be eligible to provide such services until
December 31, 2004, or until such earlier date as the Governor
determines appropriate.
``(i) On-the-Job Training or Customized Training
Exception.--
``(1) In general.--Providers of on-the-job training or
customized training shall not be subject to the requirements
of subsections (a) through (h).
``(2) Collection and dissemination of information.--A one-
stop operator in a local area shall collect such performance
information from on-the-job training and customized training
providers as the Governor may require, determine whether the
providers meet such performance criteria as the Governor may
require, and disseminate information identifying providers
that meet the criteria as eligible providers, and the
performance information, through the one-stop delivery
system. Providers determined to meet the criteria shall be
considered to be identified as eligible providers of training
services.''.
SEC. 119. ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
Section 123 (29 U.S.C. 2843) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 123. ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--From the funds allocated under section
128(b) to a local area, the local board for such area shall
award grants or contracts on a competitive basis to providers
of youth activities identified based on the criteria in the
State plan described in section 112 and shall conduct
oversight with respect to such providers.
``(b) Exceptions.--A local board may award grants or
contracts on a sole-source basis if such board determines
there is an insufficient number of eligible providers of
youth activities in the local area involved (such as a rural
area) for grants and contracts to be awarded on a competitive
basis under subsection (a).''.
[[Page S11659]]
SEC. 120. YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
(a) State Allotments.--Section 127 (29 U.S.C. 2852) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``opportunity'' and
inserting ``challenge''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Allotment Among States.--
``(1) Youth activities.--
``(A) Youth challenge grants.--
``(i) In general.--For each fiscal year in which the amount
appropriated under section 137(a) exceeds $1,000,000,000, the
Secretary shall reserve a portion of the amount to provide
youth challenge grants and other activities under section 169
(relating to youth challenge grants) and provide youth
activities under section 167 (relating to migrant and
seasonal farmworker programs).
``(ii) Portion.--The portion referred to in clause (i)
shall equal, for a fiscal year--
``(I) except as provided in subclause (II), the difference
obtained by subtracting $1,000,000,000 from the amount
appropriated under section 137(a) for the fiscal year; or
``(II) for any fiscal year in which the amount is
$1,250,000,000 or greater, $250,000,000.
``(iii) Youth activities for farmworkers.--The Secretary
shall reserve the greater of $10,000,000 or 4 percent of the
portion described in clause (i) for a fiscal year to provide
youth activities under section 167.
``(iv) Native americans.--From the remainder of the amount
appropriated under section 137(a) for each fiscal year the
Secretary shall reserve not more than 1\1/2\ percent of such
amount to provide youth activities under section 166
(relating to native Americans).
``(B) Outlying areas.--
``(i) In general.--From the amount made available under
subsection (a)(2) for each fiscal year the Secretary shall
reserve not more than \1/4\ of 1 percent of the amount
appropriated under section 137(a) for the fiscal year to
provide assistance to the outlying areas to carry out youth
activities and statewide workforce investment activities.
``(ii) Limitation for freely associated states.--
``(I) Competitive grants.--The Secretary shall use funds
described in clause (i)(II) to award grants to Guam, American
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and
the Freely Associated States to carry out youth activities
and statewide workforce investment activities.
``(II) Award basis.--The Secretary shall award grants
pursuant to subclause (I) on a competitive basis and pursuant
to the recommendations of experts in the field of employment
and training, working through the Pacific Region Educational
Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii.
``(III) Assistance requirements.--Any Freely Associated
State that desires to receive assistance under this
subparagraph shall submit an application to the Secretary and
shall include in the application for assistance--
``(aa) information demonstrating that the Freely Associated
State will meet all conditions that apply to States under
this title;
``(bb) an assurance that, notwithstanding any other
provision of this title, the Freely Associated State will use
such assistance only for the direct provision of services;
and
``(cc) such other information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(IV) Administrative costs.--The Secretary may provide not
more than 5 percent of the funds made available for grants
under subclause (I) to pay the administrative costs of the
Pacific Region Educational Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii,
regarding activities assisted under this clause.
``(iii) Additional requirement.--The provisions of Public
Law 95-134, permitting the consolidation of grants by the
outlying areas, shall not apply to assistance provided to
those areas, including the Freely Associated States, under
this subparagraph.
``(C) States.--
``(i) In general.--From the remainder of the amount
appropriated under section 137(a) for a fiscal year that
exists after the Secretary determines the amounts to be
reserved under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary shall
allot to the States--
``(I) an amount of the remainder that is less than or equal
to the total amount that was allotted to States for fiscal
year 2003 under section 127(b)(1)(C) of this Act (as in
effect on the day before the date of enactment of the
Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2003), in accordance
with the requirements of such section 127(b)(1)(C); and
``(II) the amount of the remainder, if any, in excess of
the amount referred to in subclause (I), in accordance with
clause (ii).
``(ii) Formula.--Subject to clauses (iii) and (iv), of the
amount described in clause (i)(II)--
``(I) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative number of individuals in the civilian labor force
who are ages 16 through 21 in each State, compared to the
total number of individuals in the civilian labor force who
are ages 16 through 21 in all States;
``(II) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of
the relative number of unemployed individuals in each State,
compared to the total number of unemployed individuals in all
States; and
``(III) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of
the relative number of disadvantaged youth who are ages 16
through 21 in each State, compared to the total number of
disadvantaged youth who are ages 16 through 21 in all States.
``(iii) Minimum and maximum percentages.--
``(I) Minimum percentage.--The Secretary shall ensure that
no State shall receive an allotment percentage under this
subparagraph for a fiscal year that is less than 90 percent
of the allotment percentage of the State for the preceding
fiscal year.
``(II) Maximum percentage.--Subject to subclause (I), the
Secretary shall ensure that no State shall receive an
allotment percentage under this subparagraph for a fiscal
year that is more than 130 percent of the allotment
percentage of the State for the preceding fiscal year.
``(iv) Small state minimum allotment.--Subject to clause
(iii), the Secretary shall ensure that no State shall receive
an allotment under this subparagraph that is less than the
total of--
``(I) \3/10\ of 1 percent of $1,000,000,000 of the
remainder described in clause (i) for the fiscal year; and
``(II) if the remainder described in clause (i) for the
fiscal year exceeds $1,000,000,000, \2/5\ of 1 percent of the
excess.
``(2) Definitions.--For the purposes of paragraph (1):
``(A) Allotment percentage.--The term `allotment
percentage', used with respect to fiscal year 2004 or a
subsequent fiscal year, means a percentage of the remainder
described in paragraph (1)(C)(i) that is received by the
State involved through an allotment made under this
subsection for the fiscal year. The term, used with respect
to fiscal year 2003, means the percentage of the amounts
allotted to States under this chapter (as in effect on the
day before the date of enactment of the Workforce Investment
Act Amendments of 2003) that is received by the State
involved for fiscal year 2003.
``(B) Disadvantaged youth.--Subject to paragraph (3), the
term `disadvantaged youth' means an individual who is age 16
through 21 who received an income, or is a member of a family
that received a total family income, that, in relation to
family size, does not exceed the poverty line.
``(C) Freely associated states.--The term `Freely
Associated States' means the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic
of Palau.
``(3) Special rule.--For purposes of the formula specified
in paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall, as appropriate and
to the extent practicable, exclude college students and
members of the Armed Forces from the determination of the
number of disadvantaged youth.''.
(b) Reallotment.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 127(c) (29 U.S.C. 2852(c)) is
amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Amount.--The amount available for reallotment for a
program year is equal to the amount by which the unexpended
balance at the end of the program year prior to the program
year for which the determination is made exceeds 30 percent
of the total amount of funds available to the State under
this section during such prior program year (including
amounts allotted to the State in all prior program years that
remained available). For purposes of this paragraph, the
unexpended balance is the amount that is the difference
between--
``(A) the total amount of funds available to the State
under this section during the program year prior to the
program year for which the determination is made (including
amounts allotted to the State in all prior program years that
remained available); and
``(B) the accrued expenditures during such prior program
year.'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``for the prior program year'' and
inserting ``for the program year for which the determination
is made''; and
(ii) by striking ``such prior program year'' and inserting
``such program year'';
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible State means a State that does not have an amount
available for reallotment under paragraph (2) for the program
year for which the determination under paragraph (2) is
made.''; and
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``obligation'' and
inserting ``expenditure''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph
(1)(C) shall take effect for the later of--
(A) the program year that begins after the date of
enactment of this Act; or
(B) program year 2004.
(c) Within State Allocations.--
(1) Reservation for statewide activities.--Section 128(a)
(29 U.S.C. 2853(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Reservations for Statewide Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Governor of a State shall reserve
not more than 15 percent of each of the amounts allotted to
the State under section 127(b)(1)(C) and paragraphs (1)(B)
and (2)(B) of section 132(b) for a fiscal year for statewide
workforce investment activities.
``(2) Use of funds.--Regardless of whether the reserved
amounts were allotted under section 127(b)(1)(C), or under
paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B) of section 132(b), the Governor
may use the reserved amounts to carry out statewide youth
activities under section 129(b) or
[[Page S11660]]
statewide employment and training activities, for adults or
dislocated workers, under section 134(a).''.
(2) Within state allocation.--Section 128(b) (29 U.S.C.
2853(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Within State Allocations.--
``(1) In general.--Of the amount allotted to the State
under section 127(b)(1)(C) and not reserved under subsection
(a)(1)--
``(A) a portion equal to not less than 80 percent of such
amount shall be allocated by the Governor to local areas in
accordance with paragraph (2); and
``(B) a portion equal to not more than 20 percent of such
amount may be allocated by the Governor to local areas in
accordance with paragraph (3).
``(2) Established formula.--
``(A) In general.--Of the portion described in paragraph
(1)(A), the Governor shall allocate--
``(i) 33\1/3\ percent on the basis of the relative number
of individuals in the civilian labor force who are ages 16
through 21 in each local area, compared to the total number
of individuals in the civilian labor force who are ages 16
through 21 in all local areas in the State;
``(ii) 33\1/3\ percent on the basis of the relative number
of unemployed individuals in each local area, compared to the
total number of unemployed individuals in all local areas in
the State; and
``(iii) 33\1/3\ percent on the basis of the relative number
of disadvantaged youth who are ages 16 through 21 in each
local area, compared to the total number of disadvantaged
youth who are ages 16 through 21 in all local areas in the
State.
``(B) Minimum and maximum percentages.--
``(i) Minimum percentage.--The Governor shall ensure that
no local area shall receive an allocation percentage under
this paragraph for a fiscal year that is less than 90 percent
of the allocation percentage of the local area for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(ii) Maximum percentage.--Subject to clause (i), the
Governor shall ensure that no local area shall receive an
allocation percentage under this paragraph for a fiscal year
that is more than 130 percent of the allocation percentage of
the local area for the preceding fiscal year.
``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Allocation percentage.--The term `allocation
percentage', used with respect to fiscal year 2004 or a
subsequent fiscal year, means a percentage of the portion
described in paragraph (1)(A) that is received by the local
area involved through an allocation made under this paragraph
for the fiscal year. The term, used with respect to fiscal
year 2003, means the percentage of the amounts allocated to
local areas under this chapter (as in effect on the day
before the date of enactment of the Workforce Investment Act
Amendments of 2003) that is received by the local area
involved for fiscal year 2003.
``(ii) Disadvantaged youth.--The term `disadvantaged youth'
means an individual who--
``(I) is age 16 through 21;
``(II) is not a college student or member of the Armed
Forces; and
``(III) received an income, or is a member of a family that
received a total family income, that, in relation to family
size, does not exceed the poverty line.
``(3) Youth discretionary allocation.--The Governor may
allocate the portion described in paragraph (1)(B) to local
areas where there are a significant number of eligible youth,
after consultation with the State board and local board.
``(4) Local administrative cost limit.--
``(A) In general.--Of the amount allocated to a local area
under this subsection and section 133(b) for a fiscal year,
not more than 10 percent of the amount may be used by the
local board involved for the administrative costs of carrying
out local workforce investment activities under this chapter
or chapter 5.
``(B) Use of funds.--Funds made available for
administrative costs under subparagraph (A) may be used for
the administrative costs of any of the local workforce
investment activities described in this chapter or chapter 5,
regardless of whether the funds were allocated under this
subsection or section 133(b).''.
(3) Reallocation.--
(A) Amendment.--Section 128(c) (29 U.S.C. 2853(c)) is
amended--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2)(A) or (3)
of'';
(ii) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Amount.--The amount available for reallocation for a
program year is equal to the amount by which the unexpended
balance at the end of the program year prior to the program
year for which the determination is made exceeds 30 percent
of the total amount of funds available to the local area
under this section during such prior program year (including
amounts allocated to the local area in all prior program
years that remained available). For purposes of this
paragraph, the unexpended balance is the amount that is the
difference between--
``(A) the total amount of funds available to the local area
under this section during the program year prior to the
program year for which the determination is made (including
amounts allocated to the local area in all prior program
years that remained available); and
``(B) the accrued expenditures during such prior program
year.'';
(iii) by amending paragraph (3)--
(I) by striking ``subsection (b)(3)'' each place it appears
and inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(II) by striking ``for the prior program year'' and
inserting ``for the program year for which the determination
is made'';
(III) by striking ``such prior program year'' and inserting
``such program year''; and
(IV) by striking the last sentence; and
(iv) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible local area means a local area that does not have an
amount available for reallocation under paragraph (2) for the
program year for which the determination under paragraph (2)
is made.''.
(B) Effective date.--The amendments made by subparagraph
(A) shall take effect for the later of--
(i) the program year that begins after the date of
enactment of this Act; or
(ii) program year 2004.
(d) Youth Participant Eligibility.--Section 129(a) (29
U.S.C. 2854(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Youth Participant Eligibility.--
``(1) Eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible to participate in
activities carried out under this chapter during any program
year an individual shall, at the time the eligibility
determination is made, be an out-of-school youth or an in-
school youth.
``(B) Out-of-school youth.--In this section the term `out-
of-school youth' means an individual who is--
``(i) not younger than age 16 (subject to paragraph (3))
nor older than age 21; and
``(ii) one of the following:
``(I) A school dropout.
``(II) A youth who is within the age for compulsory school
attendance, but has not attended school for at least 1 school
year calendar quarter.
``(III) A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its
equivalent who is--
``(aa) deficient in basic skills, including limited English
proficiency;
``(bb) a low-income individual; and
``(cc) not attending any school; or
``(IV) Subject to the juvenile justice system or ordered by
a court to an alternative school.
``(V) A low-income individual who is pregnant or parenting
and not attending any school.
``(VI) A youth who is not attending school or a youth
attending an alternative school, who is homeless, a runaway,
a foster child, a child eligible for assistance under section
477 of the Social Security Act, or in an out-of-home
placement.
``(C) In-school youth.--In this section the term `in-school
youth' means an individual who is--
``(i) not younger than age 14 nor older than age 21;
``(ii) a low-income individual; and
``(iii) one or more of the following:
``(I) Deficient in basic literacy skills, including limited
English proficiency.
``(II) Homeless, a runaway, a foster child, a child
eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social
Security Act, or in an out-of-home placement.
``(III) Pregnant or parenting.
``(IV) An offender (other than an individual described in
subparagraph (B)(ii)(IV)).
``(V) An individual who requires additional assistance to
complete an educational program, or to secure or hold
employment.
``(2) Exception.--Not more than 5 percent of the
individuals assisted under this section in each local area
may be individuals who are not low-income with respect to
individuals for whom low-income is a requirement for
eligibility under this section.
``(3) Limitations on activities for in-school youth.--
``(A) In general.--For any program year, not more than 60
percent of the funds available for statewide activities that
serve youth under subsection (b), and not more than 60
percent of funds available to local areas under subsection
(c), may be used to provide activities for in-school youth
meeting the requirements of paragraph (1)(B).
``(B) Exception.--A State that receives a minimum allotment
under section 127(b)(1) in accordance with section
127(b)(1)(C)(iv)(II) or under section 132(b)(1) in accordance
with section 132(b)(1)(B)(iv)(II) may increase the percentage
described in subparagraph (A) for a local area in the State,
if--
``(i) after an analysis of the eligible youth population in
the local area, the State determines that the local area will
be unable to use at least 40 percent of the funds available
for activities that serve youth under subsection (b) to serve
out-of-school youth due to a low number of out-of-school
youth; and
``(ii)(I) the State submits to the Secretary, for the local
area, a request including a proposed reduced percentage for
purposes of subparagraph (A), and the summary of the eligible
youth population analysis; and
``(II) the request is approved by the Secretary.
``(4) Consistency with compulsory school attendance laws.--
In providing assistance under this section to an individual
who is required to attend school under applicable State
compulsory school attendance laws, the priority in providing
such assistance shall be for the individual to attend school
regularly.''.
[[Page S11661]]
(e) Statewide Activities.--Section 129(b) (29 U.S.C.
2854(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Statewide Activities.--
``(1) In general.--Funds reserved by a Governor for a State
as described in sections 128(a) and 133(a)(1) shall be used,
regardless of whether the funds were allotted to the State
under section 127(b)(1)(C) or under paragraph (1) or (2) of
section 132(b) for statewide activities, which may include--
``(A) conducting--
``(i) evaluations under section 136(e) of activities
authorized under this chapter and chapter 5 in coordination
with evaluations carried out by the Secretary under section
172;
``(ii) research; and
``(iii) demonstration projects;
``(B) providing incentive grants to local areas for
regional cooperation among local boards (including local
boards in a designated region as described in section
116(c)), for local coordination of activities carried out
under this title, and for exemplary performance by local
areas under section 136(i)(2);
``(C) providing technical assistance and capacity building
activities to local areas, one-stop operators, one-stop
partners, and eligible providers, including the development
and training of staff, the development of exemplary program
activities, the provision of technical assistance to local
areas that fail to meet local performance measures described
in section 136(c), and the provision of technology to
facilitate remote access to services provided through one-
stop delivery systems;
``(D) operating a fiscal and management accountability
information system under section 136(f);
``(E) carrying out monitoring and oversight of activities
carried out under this chapter and chapter 5, which may
include a review comparing the services provided to male and
female youth;
``(F) providing additional assistance to local areas that
have high concentrations of eligible youth;
``(G) supporting the development of alternative programs
and other activities that enhance the choices available to
eligible youth and encourage such youth to reenter secondary
education, enroll in postsecondary education and advanced
training, and obtain career path employment; and
``(H) supporting the provision of core services described
in section 134(d)(2) in the one-stop delivery system in the
State;
``(2) Limitation.--Not more than 5 percent of the funds
allotted to a State under section 127(b)(1)(C) shall be used
by the State for administrative activities carried out under
this subsection or section 134(a).
``(3) Prohibition.--No funds described in this subsection
may be used to develop or implement education curricula for
school systems in the State.''.
(f) Local Elements and Requirements.--
(1) Program design.--Section 129(c)(1) (29 U.S.C.
2854(c)(1)) is amended--
(A) in the matter that precedes subparagraph (A), by
striking ``paragraph (2)(A) or (3), as appropriate, of'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``are directly linked
to 1 or more of the performance measures relating to this
chapter under section 136, and that'' after ``for each
participant that''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) as clauses
(ii) through (v), respectively;
(ii) by inserting before clause (ii) (as redesignated by
clause (i)) the following:
``(i) activities leading to the attainment of a secondary
school diploma or its equivalent, or another recognized
credential;'';
(iii) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by clause (i)), by
inserting ``and advanced training'' after ``opportunities'';
(iv) in clause (iii) (as redesignated by clause (i))--
(I) by inserting ``instruction based on State academic
content and student academic achievement standards
established under section 1111 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311)'' after
``academic''; and
(II) by inserting ``that lead to the attainment of
recognized credentials'' after ``learning''; and
(v) by striking clause (v) (as redesignated by clause (i))
and inserting the following:
``(v) effective connections to all employers, including
small employers, in sectors of the local and regional labor
markets that are experiencing high growth in employment
opportunities.''.
(2) Program elements.--Section 129(c)(2) (29 U.S.C.
2854(c)(2)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``secondary school,
including dropout prevention strategies'' and inserting ``the
requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent (including recognized alternative standards for
individuals with disabilities) or for another recognized
credential, including dropout prevention strategies'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, with a priority
on exposing youth to technology and nontraditional jobs''
before the semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``during nonschool
hours'';
(D) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(E) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) on-the-job training opportunities;
``(L) opportunities to acquire financial literacy skills;
``(M) entrepreneurial skills training and microenterprise
services; and
``(N) information about average wages for a range of jobs
available in the local area, including technology jobs.''.
(3) Additional requirements.--Section 129(c)(3)(A) (29
U.S.C. 2854(c)(3)(A)) is amended in the matter preceding
clause (i) by striking ``or applicant who meets the minimum
income criteria to be considered an eligible youth''.
(4) Priority and exceptions.--Section 129(c) (29 U.S.C.
2854(c)) is amended by striking paragraphs (4) and (5).
(5) Prohibitions and linkages.--Section 129(c) (29 U.S.C.
2854(c)), as amended by paragraph (4), is further amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively;
(B) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(A))--
(i) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B);
and
(C) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)),
by striking ``youth councils'' and inserting ``local
boards''.
SEC. 121. ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
ACTIVITIES.
(a) State Allotments.--
(1) Reservations.--Section 132(a)(2)(A) is amended by
striking ``national emergency grants'' and inserting
``national dislocated worker grants''.
(2) Allotment among states.--Section 132(b) (29 U.S.C.
2862(b)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), by striking ``section
127(b)(1)(B)'' and all that follows and inserting ``section
127(b)(1)(D).'';
(B) by striking paragraph (1)(B)(ii) and inserting the
following:
``(ii) Formula.--Subject to clauses (iii) and (iv), of the
remainder--
``(I) 40 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative number of unemployed individuals in areas of
substantial unemployment in each State, compared to the total
number of unemployed individuals in areas of substantial
unemployment in all States;
``(II) 25 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative number of individuals in the civilian labor force in
each State, compared to the total number of such individuals
in all States; and
``(III) 35 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the
relative number of disadvantaged adults in each State,
compared to the total number of disadvantaged adults in all
States, except as described in clause (iii).'';
(C) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking ``section
116(a)(2)(B)'' and inserting ``section 116(a)(2)(A)(ii)'';
and
(D) in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by striking ``section
127(b)(1)(B)'' and all that follows and inserting ``section
127(b)(1)(D).''.
(3) Reallotment.--Section 132(c) (29 U.S.C. 2862(c)) is
amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Amount.--The amount available for reallotment for a
program year for programs funded under subsection (b)(1)(B)
(relating to adult employment and training) and subsection
(b)(2)(B) (relating to dislocated worker employment and
training), respectively, is equal to the amount by which the
unexpended balance at the end of the program year prior to
the program year for which the determination is made exceeds
30 percent of the total amount of funds available to the
State under subsection (b)(1)(B) or (b)(2)(B), respectively,
during such prior program year (including amounts allotted to
the State in all prior program years under such provisions
that remained available). For purposes of this paragraph, the
unexpended balance is the amount that is the difference
between--
``(A) the total amount of funds available to the State
under subsection (b)(1)(B) or (b)(2)(B), respectively, during
the program year prior to the program year for which the
determination is made (including amounts allotted to the
State in all prior program years under such provisions that
remained available); and
``(B) the accrued expenditures from such total amount of
funds available under subsection (b)(1)(B) or (b)(2)(B),
respectively, during such prior program year.'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``under this section for such activities
for the prior program year'' and inserting ``under subsection
(b)(1)(B) or (b)(2)(B), as appropriate, for the program year
for which the determination is made''; and
(ii) by striking ``under this subsection for such
activities for such prior program year'' and inserting
``under subsection (b)(1)(B) or (b)(2)(B), as appropriate,
for such program year'';
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible State means--
``(A) with respect to funds allotted under subsection
(b)(1)(B), a State that does not have an amount of such funds
available for reallotment under paragraph (2) for the program
year for which the determination under paragraph (2) is made;
and
``(B) with respect to funds allotted under subsection
(b)(2)(B), a State that does not have an amount of such funds
available for reallotment under paragraph (2) for the program
year for which the determination under paragraph (2) is
made.''; and
[[Page S11662]]
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``obligation'' and
inserting ``expenditure''.
(4) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (3)
shall take effect for the later of--
(A) the program year that begins after the date of
enactment of this Act; or
(B) program year 2004.
(b) Within State Allocations.--
(1) Allocation.--Section 133(b)(5)(B)(ii) (29 U.S.C.
2863(b)(5)(B)(ii)) is amended by striking ``section 134(c)''
and inserting ``section 121(e)''.
(2) Reallocation.--Section 133(c) (29 U.S.C. 2863(c)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, and under subsection
(b)(2)(B) for dislocated worker employment and training
activities,'' after ``activities'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Amount.--The amount available for reallocation for a
program year for programs funded under paragraphs (2)(A) and
(3) of subsection (b) (relating to adult employment and
training) and subsection (b)(2)(B) (relating to dislocated
worker employment and training), respectively, is equal to
the amount by which the unexpended balance at the end of the
program year prior to the program year for which the
determination is made exceeds 30 percent of the total amount
of funds available to the local area under paragraphs (2)(A)
and (3) of subsection (b), or subsection (b)(2)(B),
respectively, during such prior program year (including
amounts allocated to the local area in all prior program
years under such provisions that remained available). For
purposes of this paragraph, the unexpended balance is the
amount that is the difference between--
``(A) the total amount of funds available to the local area
under paragraphs (2)(A) and (3) of subsection (b), or
subsection (b)(2)(B), respectively, during the program year
prior to the program year for which the determination is made
(including amounts allotted to the local area in all prior
program years under such provisions that remained available);
and
``(B) the accrued expenditures from such total amount of
funds available under paragraphs (2)(A) and (3) of subsection
(b), or subsection (b)(2)(B), respectively, during such prior
program year.'';
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Reallocation.--In making reallocations to eligible
local areas of amounts available pursuant to paragraph (2)
for a program year, the Governor shall allocate to each
eligible local area within the State--
``(A) with respect to amounts that are available for
reallocation under paragraph (2) that were allocated under
paragraphs (2)(A) or (3) of subsection (b), an amount based
on the relative amount allocated to such local area under
paragraphs (2)(A) or (3) of subsection (b), as appropriate,
for the program year for which the determination is made, as
compared to the total amount allocated to all eligible local
areas under paragraphs (2)(A) or (3) of subsection (b), as
appropriate, of such program year; and
``(B) with respect to amounts that are available for
reallocation under paragraph (2) that were allocated under
subsection (b)(2)(B), an amount based on the relative amount
allocated to such local area under subsection (b)(2)(B) for
the program year for which the determination is made, as
compared to the total amount allocated to all eligible local
areas under subsection (b)(2)(B) for such program year.'';
and
(D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, an
eligible local area means--
``(A) with respect to funds allocated under paragraphs
(2)(A) or (3) of subsection (b), a local area that does not
have an amount of such funds available for reallocation under
paragraph (2) for the program year for which the
determination under paragraph (2) is made; and
``(B) with respect to funds allocated under subsection
(b)(2)(B), a local area that does not have an amount of such
funds available for reallocation under paragraph (2) for the
program year for which the determination under paragraph (2)
is made.''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (2)
shall take effect for the later of--
(A) the program year that begins after the date of
enactment of this Act; or
(B) program year 2004.
(c) Use of Funds for Employment and Training Activities.--
(1) Statewide employment and training activities.--
(A) Statewide rapid response activities.--Section
134(a)(2)(A) (29 U.S.C. 2864(a)(2)(A)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(A) Statewide rapid response activities.--
``(i) In general.--A State shall carry out statewide rapid
response activities using funds reserved by a Governor for a
State under section 133(a)(2). Such activities shall
include--
``(I) provision of rapid response activities, carried out
in local areas by the State or by an entity designated by the
State, working in conjunction with the local boards and the
chief elected officials for the local areas; and
``(II) provision of additional assistance to local areas
that experience disasters, mass layoffs, or plant closings,
or other events that precipitate substantial increases in the
number of unemployed individuals, carried out in local areas
by the State, working in conjunction with the local boards
and the chief elected officials for the local areas.
``(ii) Use of unexpended funds.--Funds reserved under
section 133(a)(2) to carry out this subparagraph that remain
unexpended after the first program year for which such funds
were allotted may be used by the Governor to carry out
statewide activities authorized under subparagraphs (B) and
(C) in addition to activities under this subparagraph.''.
(B) Statewide employment and training activities.--Section
134(a)(2) (29 U.S.C. 2864(a)(2)) is amended by striking
subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
``(B) Statewide employment and training activities.--Funds
reserved by a Governor for a State under sections 128(a)(1)
and 133(a)(1) and not used under paragraph (1)(A) shall be
used for statewide employment and training activities,
including--
``(i) disseminating--
``(I) the State list of eligible providers of training
services, including eligible providers of nontraditional
training services;
``(II) information identifying eligible providers of on-
the-job training and customized training;
``(III) performance information and program cost
information, as described in subsections (e) and (h) of
section 122; and
``(IV) information on physical and programmatic
assessability for individuals with disabilities;
``(ii) conducting evaluations under section 136(e) of
activities authorized under this chapter and chapter 5 in
coordination with evaluations carried out by the Secretary
under section 172;
``(iii) providing incentive grants to local areas in
recognition of exceptional achievement relating to--
``(I) regional cooperation among local boards (including
local boards in a designated region as described in section
116(c));
``(II) expanded local coordination of programs and
activities carried out as part of a comprehensive workforce
investment system, including--
``(aa) coordination of employment services under the
Wagner-Peyser Act and core activities under this title; and
``(bb) partner programs described in section 121;
``(III) exemplary performance by local areas as described
in section 136(i)(2); and
``(IV) providing expanded access to education and training
services, especially through increased leveraging of
resources other than those provided through programs under
this title;
``(iv) providing technical assistance and capacity building
to local areas, one-stop operators, one-stop partners, and
eligible providers, including the development and training of
staff, the development of exemplary program activities, and
the provision of technical assistance to local areas that
fail to meet local performance measures described in section
136(c), which may include the development and training of
staff to provide opportunities for hard-to-serve populations
to enter high-wage, high-skilled, and nontraditional
occupations;
``(v) operating a fiscal and management accountability
system under section 136(f); and
``(vi) carrying out monitoring and oversight of activities
carried out under this chapter and chapter 4.''.
(C) Allowable statewide employment and training
activities.--Section 134(a)(3)(A) (29 U.S.C. 2864(a)(3)(A) is
amended to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--A State may use funds reserved as
described in sections 128(a) and 133(a)(1) (regardless of
whether the funds were allotted to the State under section
127(b)(1) or paragraph (1) or (2) of section 132(b)) to carry
out additional statewide employment and training activities,
which may include--
``(i) implementing innovative programs and strategies
designed to meet the needs of all businesses in the State,
including small businesses, which may include incumbent
worker training programs, sectoral and industry cluster
strategies and partnerships, including regional skills
alliances, career ladder programs, micro-enterprise and
entrepreneurial training and support programs, utilization of
effective business intermediaries, activities to improve
linkages between the one-stop delivery systems in the State
and all employers (including small employers), in the State
and other business services and strategies that better engage
employers in workforce activities and make the workforce
investment system more relevant to the needs of State and
local businesses, consistent with the purposes of this Act;
``(ii) developing strategies for effectively serving hard-
to-serve populations and for coordinating programs and
services among one-stop partners;
``(iii) implementing innovative programs for displaced
homemakers, which for purposes of this subparagraph may
include an individual who is receiving public assistance and
is within 2 years of exhausting lifetime eligibility under
part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601
et seq.);
``(iv) developing strategies for ensuring that activities
carried out under this section are placing men and women in
jobs, education, and training that lead to comparable pay;
``(v) implementing programs to increase the number of
individuals training for and placed in nontraditional
employment;
[[Page S11663]]
``(vi) carrying out activities to facilitate remote access
to services, including training services described in
subsection (d)(4), provided through a one-stop delivery
system, including facilitating access through the use of
technology;
``(vii) supporting the provision of core services described
in subsection (d)(2) in the one-stop delivery system in the
State;
``(viii) coordinating with the child welfare system to
facilitate services for children in foster care and those who
are eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social
Security Act;
``(ix) activities--
``(I) to improve coordination between workforce investment
activities carried out within the State involved and economic
development activities;
``(II) to improve coordination between employment and
training assistance and child support services and assistance
provided by State and local agencies carrying out part D of
title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.);
``(III) to improve coordination between employment and
training assistance and cooperative extension programs
carried out by the Department of Agriculture; and
``(IV) to develop and disseminate workforce and labor
market information;
``(x) conducting--
``(I) research; and
``(II) demonstration projects; and
``(xi) adopting, calculating, or commissioning a minimum
self-sufficiency standard that specifies the income needs of
families, by family size, the number and ages of children in
the family, and sub-State geographical considerations.''.
(2) Required local employment and training activities.--
(A) Allocated funds.--Section 134(d)(1) (29 U.S.C.
2864(d)(1)) is amended--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``described in subsection
(c)'';
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iii) in clause (iv), by striking the period and inserting
a semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) to designate a dedicated business liaison in the
local area who may be funded with funds provided under this
title or from other sources to establish and develop
relationships and networks with large and small employers and
their intermediaries; and
``(vi) in order to avoid duplication of services and
enhance coordination of services, to require the colocation
of employment services provided under the Wagner-Peyser Act
at the comprehensive one-stop centers.''.
(B) Core services.--Section 134(d)(2) (29 U.S.C.
2864(d)(2)) is amended--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``paragraph (1)(A)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``under this
subtitle'' and inserting ``under the programs described in
section 121(b) and administered by one-stop partners,
consistent with the requirements of such programs'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) labor exchange services, including--
``(i) job search and placement assistance and, in
appropriate cases, career counseling, including--
``(I) exposure to high wage, high skill jobs; and
``(II) nontraditional employment; and
``(ii) appropriate recruitment and other business services
for all employers, including small employers, in the local
area, which may include services described in this
subsection, including information and referral to specialized
business services not traditionally offered through the one-
stop delivery system;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E)(iii)--
(I) by inserting ``, career ladders,'' after ``earnings'';
and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(v) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) by striking ``and program cost information''; and
(II) by striking ``described in section 123'';
(vi) by striking subparagraph (H) and inserting the
following:
``(H) provision of accurate information, in formats that
are usable and understandable to all one-stop customers,
relating to the availability of supportive services or
assistance, including childcare, child support, medical or
child health assistance under title XIX or XXI of the Social
Security Act, benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, the
earned income tax credit under section 32 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and assistance under a State program
funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act
and other supportive services and transportation provided
through funds made available under such part, available in
the local area, and referral to such services or assistance
as appropriate;''; and
(vii) in subparagraph (J), by striking
``for--'' and all that follows through ``(ii) programs'' and
inserting ``for programs''.
(C) Intensive services.--Section 134(d)(3) (29 U.S.C.
2864(d)(3)) is amended--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Eligibility.--Except as provided in clause (ii),
funds allocated to a local area for adults under paragraph
(2)(A) or (3), as appropriate, of section 133(b), and funds
allocated to the local area for dislocated workers under
section 133(b)(2)(B), shall be used to provide intensive
services to adults and dislocated workers, respectively--
``(I) who are unemployed and who, after an interview,
evaluation, or assessment, have been determined by a one-stop
operator or one-stop partner to be--
``(aa) unlikely or unable to obtain employment, that leads
to self-sufficiency or wages comparable to or higher than
previous employment, through core services described in
paragraph (2); and
``(bb) in need of intensive services in order to obtain
employment that leads to self-sufficiency or wages comparable
to or higher than previous employment; or
``(II) who are employed, but who, after an interview,
evaluation, or assessment are determined by a one-stop
operator or one-stop partner to be in need of intensive
services to obtain or retain employment that leads to self-
sufficiency.
``(ii) Special rule.--A new interview, evaluation, or
assessment of a participant is not required under clause (i)
if the one-stop operator or one-stop partner determines that
it is appropriate to use a recent assessment of the
participant conducted pursuant to another education or
training program.''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in clause (v), by striking ``for participants seeking
training services under paragraph (4)''; and
(II) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) Internships and work experience.
``(viii) Literacy activities relating to basic work
readiness, and financial literacy activities.
``(ix) Out-of-area job search assistance and relocation
assistance.
``(x) English language acquisition and integrated training
programs.''.
(D) Training services.--Section 134(d)(4) (29 U.S.C.
2864(d)(4)) is amended--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Eligibility.--Except as provided in clause (ii),
funds allocated to a local area for adults under paragraph
(2)(A) or (3), as appropriate, of section 133(b), and funds
allocated to the local area for dislocated workers under
section 133(b)(2)(B), shall be used to provide training
services to adults and dislocated workers, respectively--
``(I) who, after an interview, evaluation, or assessment,
and case management, have been determined by a one-stop
operator or one-stop partner, as appropriate, to--
``(aa) be unlikely or unable to obtain or retain
employment, that leads to self-sufficiency or wages
comparable to or higher than previous employment, through the
intensive services described in paragraph (3);
``(bb) be in need of training services to obtain or retain
employment that leads to self-sufficiency or wages comparable
to or higher than previous employment; and
``(cc) have the skills and qualifications to successfully
participate in the selected program of training services;
``(II) who select programs of training services that are
directly linked to the employment opportunities in the local
area or region involved or in another area to which the
adults or dislocated workers are willing to commute or
relocate;
``(III) who meet the requirements of subparagraph (B); and
``(IV) who are determined to be eligible in accordance with
the priority system in effect under subparagraph (E).
``(ii) Special rule.--A new interview, evaluation, or
assessment of a participant is not required under clause (i)
if the one-stop operator or one-stop partner determines that
it is appropriate to use a recent assessment of the
participant conducted pursuant to another education or
training program.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``Except'' and
inserting ``Notwithstanding section 479B of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087uu) and except'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D)--
(I) in clause (viii), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(II) in clause (ix), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the following:
``(x) English language acquisition and integrated training
programs.'';
(iv) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) in clause (ii), by striking ``referred to in subsection
(c), shall make available--'' and all that follows and
inserting ``shall make available a list of eligible providers
of training services, and accompanying information, in
accordance with section 122(d).'';
(II) in the heading of clause (iii), by striking
``Individual training accounts'' and inserting ``Career
scholarship accounts'';
(III) in clause (iii)--
(aa) by striking ``identifying information'' and inserting
``accompanying information'';
(bb) by striking ``clause (ii)(I)'' and inserting ``clause
(ii)''; and
(cc) by striking ``individual training account'' and
inserting ``career scholarship account''; and
(IV) by adding the following clause after clause (iii):
``(iv) Coordination.--Each local board may, through one-
stop centers, coordinate career scholarship accounts with
other Federal, State, local, or private job training programs
or sources to assist the individual in obtaining training
services.''; and
(v) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``individual
training accounts'' and inserting ``career scholarship
accounts'';
(II) in clause (i), by striking ``individual training
accounts'' and inserting ``career scholarship accounts'';
[[Page S11664]]
(III) in clause (ii)--
(aa) by striking ``individual training account'' and
inserting ``career scholarship account''; and
(bb) in subclause (II), by striking ``individual training
accounts'' and inserting ``career scholarship accounts'';
(cc) in subclause (II), by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(dd) in subclause (III), by striking the period and
inserting '``; or''; and
(ee) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) the local board determines that it would be most
appropriate to award a contract to an institution of higher
education in order to facilitate the training of multiple
individuals in high-demand occupations, if such contract does
not limit customer choice.''; and
(IV) in clause (iv)--
(aa) by redesignating subclause (IV) as subclause (V); and
(bb) by inserting after subclause (III) the following:
``(IV) Individuals with disabilities.''.
(3) Permissible activities.--Section 134(e) (29 U.S.C.
2864(e)) is amended--
(A) by striking the matter preceding paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(e) Permissible Local Employment and Training
Activities.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Activities.--Funds allocated to a local area for
adults under paragraph (2)(A) or (3), as appropriate, of
section 133(b), and funds allocated to the local area for
dislocated workers under section 133(b)(2)(B), may be used to
provide, through the one-stop delivery system involved--
``(i) customized screening and referral of qualified
participants in training services described in subsection
(d)(4) to employment;
``(ii) customized employment-related services to employers
on a fee-for-service basis;
``(iii) customer support to enable members of hard-to-serve
populations, including individuals with disabilities, to
navigate among multiple services and activities for such
populations;
``(iv) technical assistance and capacity building for
serving individuals with disabilities in local areas, and by
one-stop operators, one-stop partners, and eligible
providers, including the development and training of staff,
the provision of outreach, intake, assessments, and service
delivery, and the development of performance measures;
``(v) employment and training assistance provided in
coordination with child support enforcement activities of the
State and local agencies carrying out part D of title IV of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
``(vi) activities to improve coordination between
employment and training assistance and child support services
and assistance provided by State and local agencies carrying
out part D of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
651 et seq.);
``(vii) activities to improve coordination between
employment and training assistance and cooperative extension
programs carried out by the Department of Agriculture;
``(viii) activities to facilitate remote access to services
provided through a one-stop delivery system, including
facilitating access through the use of technology;
``(ix) activities--
``(I) to improve coordination between workforce investment
activities carried out within the local area involved and
economic development activities; and
``(II) to improve services and linkages between the local
workforce investment system including the local one-stop
delivery system, and all employers, including small employers
in the local area, through services described under this
section, including subparagraph (B);
``(x) training programs for displaced homemakers and for
individuals training for nontraditional occupations, in
conjunction with programs operated in the local area;
``(xi) using a portion of the funds allocated under section
133(b), activities to carry out business services and
strategies that meet the workforce development needs of local
area employers, as determined by the local board, consistent
with the local plan under section 118, which services--
``(I) may be provided through effective business
intermediaries working in conjunction with the local board,
and may also be provided on a fee for service basis or
through the leveraging of economic development and other
resources as determined appropriate by the local board; and
``(II) may include--
``(aa) identifying for and disseminating to business,
educators, and job seekers, information related to the
workforce, economic and community development needs, and
opportunities of the local economy;
``(bb) development and delivery of innovative workforce
investment services and strategies for area businesses, which
may include sectoral, industry cluster, regional skills
alliances, career ladder, skills upgrading, skill standard
development and certification, apprenticeship, and other
effective initiatives for meeting the workforce development
needs of area employers and workers;
``(cc) participation in seminars and classes offered in
partnership with relevant organizations focusing on the
workforce-related needs of area employers and job seekers;
``(dd) training consulting, needs analysis, and brokering
services for area businesses, including the organization and
aggregation of training (which may be paid for with funds
other than those provided under this title), for individual
employers and coalitions of employers with similar interests,
products, or workforce needs;
``(ee) assistance to area employers in the aversion of
layoffs and in managing reductions in force in coordination
with rapid response activities;
``(ff) the marketing of business services offered under
this Act, to appropriate area employers, including small and
mid-sized employers;
``(gg) information referral on concerns affecting local
employers; and
``(hh) other business services and strategies designed to
better engage employers in workforce development activities
and to make the workforce investment system more relevant to
the workforce development needs of area businesses, as
determined by the local board to be consistent with the
purposes of this Act; and
``(xii) activities to adjust the self-sufficiency standards
for local factors, or activities to adopt, calculate, or
commission a self-sufficiency standard that specifies the
income needs of families, by family size, the number and ages
of children in the family, and sub-State geographical
considerations.
``(B) Work support activities for low-wage workers.--
``(i) In general.--Funds allocated to a local area for
adults under paragraph (2)(A) or (3), as appropriate, of
section 133(b), and funds allocated to the local area for
dislocated workers under section 133(b)(2)(B), may be used to
provide, through the one-stop delivery system involved, work
support activities designed to assist low-wage workers in
retaining and enhancing employment. The one-stop partners
shall coordinate the appropriate programs and resources of
the partners with the activities and resources provided under
this subparagraph.
``(ii) Activities.--The activities described in clause (i)
may include the provision of activities described in this
section through the one-stop delivery system in a manner that
enhances the opportunities of such workers to participate in
the activities, such as the provision of activities described
in this section during nontraditional hours and the provision
of on-site child care while such activities are being
provided.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
``(2) Supportive services.--Funds allocated to a local area
for adults under paragraph (2)(A) or (3), as appropriate, of
section 133(b), and funds allocated to the local area for
dislocated workers under section 133(b)(2)(B), may be used to
provide supportive services to adults and dislocated workers,
respectively--''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Incumbent worker training programs.--
``(A) In general.--The local board may use up to 10 percent
of the funds allocated to the local area involved under
section 133(b) to pay for the Federal share of the cost of
providing training through an incumbent worker training
program carried out in accordance with this paragraph. The
Governor or State board may make recommendations to the local
board regarding incumbent worker training with statewide
impact.
``(B) Training activities.--The training program for
incumbent workers carried out under this paragraph shall be
carried out by the local board in conjunction with the
employers or groups of employers of such workers for the
purpose of assisting such workers in obtaining the skills
necessary to retain employment or avert layoffs.
``(C) Employer share required.--
``(i) In general.--Employers participating in the program
carried out under this paragraph shall be required to pay the
non-Federal share of the costs of providing the training to
incumbent workers of the employers. The local board shall
establish the non-Federal share of such costs, which may
include in kind contributions. The non-Federal share shall
not be less than--
``(I) 10 percent of the costs, for employers with 50 or
fewer employees;
``(II) 25 percent of the costs, for employers with more
than 50 employees but fewer than 100 employees; and
``(III) 50 percent of the costs, for employers with 100 or
more employees.
``(ii) Calculation of employer share.--The non-Federal
share paid by such an employer may include the amount of the
wages paid by the employer to a worker while the worker is
attending a training program under this paragraph.''.
SEC. 122. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.
(a) State Performance Measures.--
(1) Indicators of performance.--Section 136(b)(2)(A) (29
U.S.C. 2871(b)(2)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i)--
(i) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking ``
and (for participants who are eligible youth age 19 through
21) for youth activities authorized under section 129'';
(ii) by striking subclause (III) and inserting the
following:
``(III) increases in earnings from unsubsidized employment;
and''; and
(iii) in subclause (IV), by striking ``, or by
participants'' and all that follows through ``unsubsidized
employment''; and
(B) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
``(ii) Core indicators for eligible youth.--The core
indicators of performance
[[Page S11665]]
for youth activities authorized under section 129 shall
consist of--
``(I) entry into employment, education or advanced
training, or military service;
``(II) attainment of secondary school diplomas or their
recognized equivalents, and postsecondary certificates; and
``(III) literacy or numeracy gains.''.
(2) Additional indicators.--Section 136(b)(2)(C) (29 U.S.C.
2871(b)(2)(C)) is amended to read as follows:
``(C) Additional indicators.--A State may identify in the
State plan additional indicators for workforce investment
activities under this subtitle, including indicators
identified in collaboration with State business and industry
associations, with employee representatives where applicable,
and with local boards, to measure the performance of the
workforce investment system in serving the workforce needs of
business and industry in the State.''.
(3) Levels of performance.--Section 136(b)(3)(A) (29 U.S.C.
2871(b)(3)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (iii)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``for first 3 years'';
(ii) by striking ``and the customer satisfaction indicator
of performance, for the first 3'' and inserting ``described
in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(A) and the customer
satisfaction indicator of performance, for the first 2''; and
(iii) by inserting at the end the following: ``Agreements
on levels of performance for each of the core indicators of
performance for the third and fourth program years covered by
the State plan shall be reached prior to the beginning of the
third program year covered by the State plan, and
incorporated as a modification to the State plan.'';
(B) in clause (iv)--
(i) in subclause (II)--
(I) by striking ``taking into account'' and inserting ``and
shall ensure that the levels involved are adjusted, using
objective statistical methods, based on'';
(II) by inserting ``(such as differences in unemployment
rates and job losses or gains in particular industries)''
after ``economic conditions'';
(III) by inserting ``(such as indicators of poor work
history, lack of work experience, educational or occupational
skills attainment, dislocation from high-wage and benefit
employment, low levels of literacy or English proficiency,
disability status, homelessness, and welfare dependency)''
after ``program''; and
(IV) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subclause (III), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) the extent to which the levels involved will assist
the State in meeting the national goals described in clause
(v).'';
(C) by striking clause (v) and inserting the following:
``(v) Establishment of national goals.--In order to promote
enhanced performance outcomes on the performance measures and
to facilitate the process of reaching agreements with the
States under clause (iii) and to measure systemwide
performance for the one-stop delivery systems of the States,
the Secretary shall establish long-term national goals for
the adjusted levels of performance for that systemwide
performance to be achieved by the programs assisted under
chapters 4 and 5 on the core indicators of performance
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2).
Such goals shall be established in accordance with the
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 in
consultation with the States and other appropriate
parties.''; and
(D) in clause (vi)--
(i) by striking ``or (v)''; and
(ii) by striking ``with the representatives described in
subsection (i)'' and inserting ``with the States and other
interested parties''.
(b) Local Performance Measures.--Section 136(c)(3) (29
U.S.C 2871(c)(3))--
(1) by striking ``shall take into account'' and inserting
``shall ensure such levels are adjusted based on'';
(2) by inserting ``(characteristics such as unemployment
rates and job losses or gains in particular industries)''
after ``economic''; and
(3) by inserting ``(characteristics such as indicators of
poor work history, lack of work experience, educational and
occupational skills attainment, dislocation from high-wage
and benefit employment, low levels of literacy or English
proficiency, disability status, homelessness, and welfare
dependency)'' after ``demographic''.
(c) Report.--Section 136(d) (29 U.S.C. 2871(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
``In the case of a State or local area that chooses to expend
funds under section 134(a)(3)(A)(i) or 134(e)(1)(A)(vii),
respectively, the report also shall include the amount of
such funds so expended and the percentage that such funds are
of the funds available under section 134;
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``(excluding participants who received only
self-service and informational activities)''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) by inserting ``noncustodial parents with child support
obligations, homeless individuals,'' after ``displaced
homemakers,''; and
(ii) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) the number of participants served and the cost per
participant; and
``(H) the amount of adult and dislocated worker funds spent
on--
``(i) core, intensive, and training services, respectively;
and
``(ii) services provided under section 134(a)(3)(A)(i) or
134(e)(1)(A)(iii), if applicable.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Data validation.--In preparing the reports described
in this subsection, the States shall establish procedures,
consistent with guidelines issued by the Secretary, to ensure
that the information contained in the reports is valid and
reliable.''.
(d) Sanctions for State.--Section 136(g) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``If such failure
continues for a second consecutive year'' and inserting ``If
a State performs at less than 80 percent of the adjusted
level of performance for a core indicator of performance
described in subsection (b)(2)(A) for 2 consecutive years
with respect to the same indicator of performance''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 503'' and
inserting ``subsection (i)(1)''.
(e) Sanctions for Local Area.--Section 136(h)(2)(A) (29
U.S.C. 2871(h)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``If
such failure continues for a second consecutive year'' and
inserting ``If a local area performs at less than 80 percent
of the adjusted level of performance for a core indicator of
performance described in subsection (b)(2)(A) for 2
consecutive years with respect to the same indicator of
performance'';
(2) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' after the semicolon;
(3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
(4) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
``(iii) redesignate the local area in accordance with
section 116(a)(2); or''.
(f) Incentive Grants.--Section 136(i) (29 U.S.C. 2871(i))
is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Incentive Grants for States and Local Areas.--
``(1) Incentive grants for states.--
``(A) In general.--From funds appropriated under section
174(b) and made available under subsection (g)(2), the
Secretary may award incentive grants to States for exemplary
performance in carrying out programs under chapters 4 and 5.
``(B) Basis.--The Secretary shall award the grants on the
basis--
``(i) of the States meeting or exceeding the performance
measures established under subsection (b)(3)(A)(iii);
``(ii) of exemplary performance of the States in serving
hard-to-serve populations (including performance relating to
the levels of service provided and the performance outcomes
on such performance measures with respect to the
populations);
``(iii) of States that are effectively--
``(I) coordinating multiple systems into a more effective
workforce development system, including coordination of
employment services under the Wagner-Peyser Act and core
activities under this title as well as partner programs
described in section 121;
``(II) expanding access to training, including through
increased leveraging of resources other than those funded
through programs under this title; or
``(III) implementing innovative business and economic
development initiatives.
``(iv) of such other factors relating to the performance of
the States under this title as the Secretary determines are
appropriate.
``(C) Use of funds.--The funds awarded to a State under
this paragraph may be used to carry out any activities
authorized for States under chapters 4 and 5, title II of
this Act, and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical
Education Act of 1998, including demonstration projects and
innovative programs for hard-to-serve populations.
``(2) Incentive grants for local areas.--
``(A) In general.--From funds reserved under sections
128(a) and 133(a)(1), the Governor involved shall award
incentive grants to local areas for exemplary performance in
carrying out programs under chapters 4 and 5.
``(B) Basis.--The Governor shall award the grants on the
basis--
``(i) that the local areas met or exceeded the performance
measures established under subsection (c)(2) relating to
indicators described in subsection (b)(3)(A)(iii);
``(ii) of exemplary performance of the local areas in
serving hard-to-serve populations; or
``(iii) of States and local areas that are effectively--
``(I) coordinating multiple systems into a comprehensive
workforce development system, including coordination of
employment services under the Wagner-Peyser Act and core
activities under this title as well as partner programs
described in section 121;
``(II) expanding access to training, including through
increased leveraging of resources other than those funded
through programs under this title; or
``(III) implementing innovative business and economic
development initiatives.
``(C) Use of funds.--The funds awarded to a local area
under this paragraph may be used to carry out activities
authorized for local areas under chapters 4 and 5, and such
[[Page S11666]]
demonstration projects or innovative programs for hard-to-
serve populations as may be approved by the Governor.''.
(g) Use of Core Measures in Other Department of Labor
Programs.--Section 136 (29 U.S.C. 2871) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(j) Use of Core Indicators for Other Programs.--In
addition to the programs carried out under chapters 4 and 5,
and consistent with the requirements of the applicable
authorizing laws, the Secretary shall use the indicators of
performance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
subsection (b)(2) to assess the effectiveness of the programs
described in clauses (i), (ii), and (vi) of section
121(b)(1)(B) that are carried out by the Secretary.''.
(h) Previous Definitions of Core Indicators and Incentive
Grants.--Sections 502 and 503 (29 U.S.C. 9272 and 9273) are
repealed.
SEC. 123. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Youth Activities.--Section 137(a) (29 U.S.C. 2872(a))
is amended by striking ``such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003'' and inserting ``
such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2004
through 2009''.
(b) Adult Employment and Training Activities.--Section
137(b) (29 U.S.C. 2872(b)) is amended by striking ``such sums
as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting `` such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
(c) Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities.--
Section 137(c) (29 U.S.C. 2872(c)) is amended by striking
``such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
Subtitle C--Job Corps
SEC. 131. JOB CORPS.
(a) Eligibility.--Section 144(3) (29 U.S.C. 2884(3)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(F) A child eligible for assistance under section 477 of
the Social Security Act.''.
(b) Implementation of Standards and Procedures.--Section
145(a)(3) (29 U.S.C. 2885(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) child welfare agencies that are responsible for
children in foster care and children eligible for assistance
under section 477 of the Social Security Act.''.
(c) Industry Councils.--Section 154(b) (29 U.S.C. 2894(b))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``local and distant'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Employers outside of local area.--The industry
council may include, or otherwise provide for consultation
with, employers from outside the local area who are likely to
hire a significant number of enrollees from the Job Corps
center.
``(4) Special rule for single local area states.--In the
case of a single local area State designated under section
116(b), the industry council shall include a representative
of the State Board.''.
(d) Indicators of Performance.--Section 159 (29 U.S.C.
2983) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Performance indicators.--The Secretary shall annually
establish expected levels of performance for Job Corps
centers and the Job Corps program relating to each of the
core indicators of performance for youth activities
identified in section 136(b)(2)(A)(ii).'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``measures'' each place
it appears and inserting ``indicators''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking ``core performance
measures, as compared to the expected performance level for
each performance measure'' and inserting ``performance
indicators described in paragraph (1), as compared to the
expected level of performance established under paragraph (1)
for each performance measure''; and
(ii) in the second sentence, by striking ``measures'' each
place it appears and inserting ``indicators''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(2), in the first sentence, by
striking ``core performance measures'' and inserting
``indicators of performance''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 161 (29
U.S.C. 2901) is amended by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and
inserting ``2004 through 2009''.
Subtitle D--National Programs
SEC. 141. NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS.
(a) Advisory Council.--Section 166(h)(4)(C) (29 U.S.C.
2911(h)(4)(C)) is amended to read as follows:
``(C) Duties.--The Council shall advise the Secretary on
the operation and administration of the programs assisted
under this section, including the selection of the individual
appointed as head of the unit established under paragraph
(1).''.
(b) Assistance to Unique Native Populations in Alaska and
Hawaii.--Section 166(j) (29 U.S.C. 2911(j)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(j) Assistance to Unique Native Populations in Alaska and
Hawaii.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary is authorized to provide assistance to
unique native populations who reside in Alaska or Hawaii to
improve job training and workforce investment activities.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004.''.
(c) Performance Indicators.--Section 166 (29 U.S.C. 2911 is
amended by adding at the end the following':
``(c) Performance Indicators.--
``(1) Development of indicators.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Native American Employment and Training
Council, shall develop a set of performance indicators and
standards which shall be applicable to programs under this
section.
``(2) Special considerations.--Such performance indicators
and standards shall take into account--
``(A) the purposes of the programs under this section as
described in paragraph (a)(1);
``(B) the needs of the groups served by this section,
including the differences in needs among such groups in
various geographic service areas; and
``(C) the economic circumstances of the communities served,
including differences in circumstances among various
geographic service areas.''.
SEC. 142. MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKER PROGRAMS.
Section 167(d) (29 U.S.C. 2912(d)) is amended by inserting
``(including permanent housing)'' after ``housing''.
SEC. 143. VETERANS' WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PROGRAMS.
Section 168(a)(3)(C) (29 U.S.C. 2913(a)(3)(C)) is amended
by striking ``section 134(c)'' and inserting ``section
121(e)''.
SEC. 144. YOUTH CHALLENGE GRANTS.
Section 169 (29 U.S.C. 2914) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 169. YOUTH CHALLENGE GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--Of the amounts reserved by the Secretary
under section 127(a)(1)(A) for a fiscal year--
``(1) the Secretary shall use not less than 80 percent to
award competitive grants under subsection (b); and
``(2) the Secretary may use not more than 20 percent to
award discretionary grants under subsection (c).
``(b) Competitive Grants to States and Local Areas.--
``(1) Establishment.--From the funds described in
subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall award competitive
grants to eligible entities to carry out activities
authorized under this subsection to assist eligible youth in
acquiring the skills, credentials, and employment experience
necessary to achieve the performance outcomes for youth
described in section 136
``(2) Eligible entity.--In this subsection, the term
`eligible entity' means--
``(A) a State or consortium of States;
``(B) a local board or consortium of local boards;
``(C) a recipient of a grant under section 166 (relating to
Native American programs); or
``(D) a public or private entity (including a consortium of
such entities) with expertise in the provision of youth
activities, applying in partnership with a local board or
consortium of local boards.
``(3) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require,
including--
``(A) a description of the activities the eligible entity
will provide to eligible youth under this subsection, and how
the eligible entity will collaborate with State and local
workforce investments systems established under this title in
the provision of such activities;
``(B) a description of the programs of demonstrated
effectiveness on which the provision of the activities under
subparagraph (A) are based, and a description of how such
activities will expand the base of knowledge relating to the
provision of activities for youth;
``(C) a description of the State, local, and private
resources that will be leveraged to provide the activities
described under subparagraph (A) in addition to funds
provided under this subsection, and a description of the
extent of the involvement of employers in the activities;
``(D) the levels of performance the eligible entity expects
to achieve with respect to the indicators of performance for
youth specified in section 136(b)(2)(A)(ii); and
``(E) an assurance that the State board of each State in
which the proposed activities are to be carried out had the
opportunity to review the application, and including the
comments, if any, of the affected State boards on the
application, except that this subparagraph shall not apply to
an eligible entity described in paragraph (2)(C).
``(4) Factors for award.--
``(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this subsection
the Secretary shall consider--
``(i) the quality of the proposed activities;
``(ii) the goals to be achieved;
``(iii) the likelihood of successful implementation;
``(iv) the extent to which the proposed activities are
based on proven strategies or the extent to which the
proposed activities will expand the base of knowledge
relating to the provision of activities for youth;
[[Page S11667]]
``(v) the extent of collaboration with the State and local
workforce investment systems in carrying out the proposed
activities;
``(vi) the extent of employer involvement in the proposed
activities;
``(vii) whether there are other Federal and non-Federal
funds available for similar activities to the proposed
activities, and the additional State, local, and private
resources that will be provided to carry out the proposed
activities; and
``(viii) the quality of proposed activities in meeting the
needs of the youth to be served.
``(B) Equitable geographic distribution.--In awarding
grants under this subsection the Secretary shall ensure an
equitable distribution of such grants across geographically
diverse areas.
``(5) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
under this subsection shall use the grant funds to carry out
activities that are designed to assist youth in acquiring the
skills, credentials, and employment experience that are
necessary to succeed in the labor market, including the
activities identified in section 129.
``(B) Activities.--The activities carried out pursuant to
subparagraph (A) may include the following:
``(i) Training and internships for out-of-school youth in
sectors of the economy experiencing, or projected to
experience, high growth.
``(ii) Dropout prevention activities for in-school youth.
``(iii) Activities designed to assist special youth
populations, such as court-involved youth and youth with
disabilities.
``(iv) Activities combining remediation of academic skills,
work readiness training, and work experience, and including
linkages to postsecondary education, apprenticeships, and
career-ladder employment.
``(v) Activities, including work experience, paid
internships, and entrepreneurial training, in areas where
there is a migration of youth out of the areas.
``(C) Participant eligibility.--Youth who are 14 years of
age through 21 years of age, as of the time the eligibility
determination is made, may be eligible to participate in
activities carried out under this subsection.
``(6) Grant period.--The Secretary shall make a grant under
this subsection for a period of 2 years and may renew the
grant, if the eligible entity has performed successfully, for
a period of not more than 3 succeeding years.
``(7) Matching funds required.--The Secretary shall require
that an eligible entity that receives a grant under this
subsection provide non-Federal matching funds in an amount to
be determined by the Secretary that is not less than 10
percent of the cost of activities carried out under the
grant. The Secretary may require that such non-Federal
matching funds be provided in cash resources, noncash
resources, or a combination of cash and noncash resources.
``(8) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall reserve not more
than 3 percent of the funds described in subsection (a)(1) to
provide technical assistance to, and conduct evaluations of
(using appropriate techniques as described in section
172(c)), the projects funded under this subsection.
``(c) Discretionary Grants for Youth Activities.--
``(1) In general.--From the funds described in subsection
(a)(2), the Secretary may award grants to eligible entities
to provide activities that will assist youth in preparing
for, and entering and retaining, employment.
``(2) Eligible entity.--In this subsection, the term
`eligible entity' means a public or private entity that the
Secretary determines would effectively carry out activities
relating to youth under this subsection.
``(3) Equitable distribution to rural areas.--In awarding
grants under this subsection the Secretary shall ensure an
equitable distribution of such grants to rural areas.
``(4) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(5) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
under this subsection shall use the grant funds to carry
out--
``(i) activities that will assist youth in preparing for,
and entering and retaining, employment, including the
activities described in section 129 for out-of-school youth;
``(ii) activities designed to assist in-school youth to
stay in school and gain work experience;
``(iii) activities designed to assist youth in economically
distressed areas; and
``(iv) such other activities that the Secretary determines
are appropriate to ensure that youth entering the workforce
have the skills needed by employers.
``(B) Participant eligibility.--Youth who are 14 years of
age through 21 years of age, as of the time the eligibility
determination is made, may be eligible to participate in
activities carried out under this subsection.
``(6) Matching funds required.--The Secretary shall require
that an eligible entity that receives a grant under this
subsection provide non-Federal matching funds in an amount to
be determined by the Secretary that is not less than 10
percent of the cost of activities carried out under the
grant. The Secretary may require that such non-Federal
matching funds be provided in cash resources, noncash
resources, or a combination of cash and noncash resources.
``(7) Evaluations.--The Secretary may require that an
eligible entity that receives a grant under this subsection
participate in an evaluation of activities carried out under
this subsection, including an evaluation using the techniques
described in section 172(c).''.
SEC. 145. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 170 (29 U.S.C. 2915) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by--
(A) inserting ``the training of staff providing rapid
response services, the training of other staff of recipients
of funds under this title, the training of members of State
boards and local boards, peer review activities under this
title,'' after ``localities,''; and
(B) striking ``from carrying out activities'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``to implement the
amendments made by the Workforce Investment Act Amendments of
2003.'';
(2) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the
following: ``The Secretary shall also hire staff qualified to
provide the assistance described in paragraph (1).'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2), by striking the last sentence and
inserting ``Such projects shall be administered by the
Employment and Training Administration.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Best Practices Coordination.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) establish a system through which States may share
information regarding best practices with regard to the
operation of workforce investment activities under this Act;
``(2) evaluate and disseminate information regarding best
practices and identify knowledge gaps; and
``(3) commission research under section 172 to address
knowledge gaps identified under paragraph (2).''.
SEC. 146. DEMONSTRATION, PILOT, MULTISERVICE, RESEARCH, AND
MULTISTATE PROJECTS.
(a) Demonstration and Pilot Projects.--Section 171(b) (29
U.S.C. 2916(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``Under a'' and inserting ``Consistent with
the priorities specified in the'';
(B) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (E) and inserting
the following:
``(A) projects that assist national employers in connecting
with the workforce investment system established under this
title in order to facilitate the recruitment and employment
of needed workers for career ladder jobs and to provide
information to such system on skills and occupations in
demand;
``(B) projects that promote the development of systems that
will improve the maximum effectiveness of programs carried
out under this title;
``(C) projects that focus on opportunities for employment
in industries and sectors of industries that are
experiencing, or are likely to experience, high rates of
growth and jobs with wages leading to self-sufficiency;
``(D) projects that establish and implement innovative
integrated systems training programs targeted to dislocated,
disadvantaged incumbent workers that utilize equipment and
curriculum designed in partnership with local, regional, or
national industries that is computerized, individualized,
self-paced, and interactive that delivers skills and
proficiencies that are measurable to train workers for
employment in the operations, repair, and maintenance of
high-tech equipment that is used in integrated systems
technology;
``(E) projects carried out by States and local areas to
test innovative approaches to delivering employment-related
services;'';
(C) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(D) by striking subparagraph (H) and inserting the
following:
``(H) projects that provide retention grants to qualified
job training programs upon placement or retention of a low-
income individual trained by the program in employment with a
single employer for a period of 1 year, if such employment
provides the low-income individual with an annual salary that
is not less than twice the poverty line applicable to the
individual;
``(I) targeted innovation projects that improve access to
and delivery of employment and training services, with
emphasis given to projects that incorporate advanced
technologies to facilitate the connection of individuals to
the information and tools they need to upgrade skills; and
``(J) projects that promote the use of distance learning,
enabling students to take courses through the use of media
technology such as videos, teleconferencing computers, and
the Internet.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B).
(b) Multiservice Projects.--Section 171(c)(2)(B) (29 U.S.C.
2916(c)(2)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) Studies and reports.--
``(i) Net impact studies and reports.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct studies to
determine the net impacts of programs, services, and
activities carried out under this title.
``(II) Reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and
disseminate to the public reports containing the results of
the studies conducted under subclause (I).
[[Page S11668]]
``(ii) Study on resources available to assist out-of-school
youth.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of
Education, may conduct a study examining the resources
available at the Federal, State, and local levels to assist
out-of-school youth in obtaining the skills, credentials, and
work experience necessary to become successfully employed,
including the availability of funds provided through average
daily attendance and other methodologies used by States and
local areas to distribute funds.
``(iii) Study of industry-based certification and
credentials.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study
concerning the role and benefits of credentialing and
certification to businesses and workers in the economy and
the implications of certification to the services provided
through the workforce investment system. The study may
examine issues such as--
``(aa) the characteristics of successful credentialing and
certification systems that serve business and individual
needs;
``(bb) the relative proportions of certificates and
credentials attained with assistance from the public sector,
with private-sector training of new hires or incumbent
workers, and by individuals on their own initiative without
other assistance, respectively;
``(cc) the return on human capital investments from
occupational credentials and industry-based skill
certifications, including the extent to which acquisition of
such credentials or certificates enhances outcomes such as
entry into employment, retention, earnings (including the
number and amount of wage increases), career advancement, and
layoff aversion;
``(dd) the implications of the effects of skill
certifications and credentials to the types and delivery of
services provided through the workforce investment system;
``(ee) the role that Federal and State governments play in
fostering the development of and disseminating credentials
and skill standards; and
``(ff) the use of credentials by businesses to achieve
goals for workforce skill upgrading and greater operating
efficiency.
``(II) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall prepare and
submit to Congress a report containing the results of the
study conducted pursuant to subclause (I). Such report may
include any recommendations that the Secretary determines are
appropriate to include in such report relating to promoting
the acquisition of industry-based certification and
credentials, and the appropriate role of the Department of
Labor and the workforce investment system in supporting the
needs of business and individuals with respect to such
certification and credentials.
``(iv) Study of effectiveness of workforce investment
system in meeting business needs.--
``(I) In general.--Using funds available to carry out this
section jointly with funds available to the Secretary of
Commerce and Administrator of the Small Business
Administration, the Secretary, in coordination with the
Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Small
Business Administration, may conduct a study of the
effectiveness of the workforce investment system in meeting
the needs of business, with particular attention to the needs
of small business, including in assisting workers to obtain
the skills needed to utilize emerging technologies. In
conducting the study, the Secretary, in coordination with the
Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Small
Business Administration, may examine issues such as--
``(aa) methods for identifying the workforce needs of
businesses and how the requirements of small businesses may
differ from larger establishments;
``(bb) business satisfaction with the workforce investment
system, with particular emphasis on the satisfaction of small
businesses;
``(cc) the extent to which business is engaged as a
collaborative partner in the workforce investment system,
including the extent of business involvement as members of
State boards and local boards, and the extent to which such
boards and one-stop centers effectively collaborate with
business and industry leaders in developing workforce
investment strategies, including strategies to identify high
growth opportunities;
``(dd) ways in which the workforce investment system
addresses changing skill needs of business that result from
changes in technology and work processes;
``(ee) promising practices for serving small businesses;
``(ff) the extent and manner in which the workforce
investment system uses technology to serve business and
individual needs, and how uses of technology could enhance
efficiency and effectiveness in providing services; and
``(gg) the extent to which various segments of the labor
force have access to and utilize technology to locate job
openings and apply for jobs, and characteristics of
individuals utilizing such technology (such as age, gender,
race or ethnicity, industry sector, and occupational groups).
``(II) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall prepare and
submit to Congress a report containing the results of the
study described in clause (I). Such report may include any
recommendations the Secretary determines are appropriate to
include in such report, including ways to enhance the
effectiveness of the workforce investment system in meeting
the needs of business for skilled workers.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 171(d) (29 U.S.C.
2916(d)) is amended by striking the last sentence.
(d) Waiver Authority To Carry Out Demonstrations and
Evaluations.--Section 171 (29 U.S.C. 2916) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(d) Waiver Authority.--In carrying out demonstration,
pilot, multiservice, research, and multistate projects under
this section and evaluations under section 172, the Secretary
may waive any provisions of this section that the Secretary
determines would prevent the Secretary from carrying out such
projects and evaluations, except for provisions relating to
wage and labor standards such as nondisplacement protections,
grievance procedures and judicial review, and
nondiscrimination provisions.''.
(e) Next Generation Technologies.--Section 171 (29 U.S.C.
2916) is amended further by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Skill Certification Pilot Projects.--
``(1) Pilot projects.--In accordance with subsection (b)
and from funds appropriated pursuant to paragraph (10), the
Secretary of Labor shall establish and carry out not more
than 10 pilot projects to establish a system of industry-
validated national certifications of skills, including--
``(A) not more than 8 national certifications of skills in
high-technology industries, including biotechnology,
telecommunications, highly automated manufacturing (including
semiconductors), nanotechnology, and energy technology; and
``(B) not more than 2 cross-disciplinary national
certifications of skills in homeland security technology.
``(2) Grants to eligible entities.--In carrying out the
pilot projects, the Secretary of Labor shall make grants to
eligible entities, for periods of not less than 36 months and
not more than 48 months, to carry out the authorized
activities described in paragraph (7) with respect to the
certifications described in paragraph (1). In awarding grants
under this subsection the Secretary of Labor shall take into
consideration awarding grants to eligible entities from
diverse geographic areas, including rural areas.
``(3) Eligible entities.--
``(A) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection
the term `eligible entity' means an entity that shall work in
conjunction with a local board and shall include as a
principal participant one or more of the following:
``(i) A community college or consortium of community
colleges.
``(ii) An advanced technology education center.
``(iii) A local workforce investment board.
``(iv) A representative of a business in a target industry
for the certification involved.
``(v) A representative of an industry association, labor
organization, or community development organization.
``(B) History of demonstrated capability required.--To be
eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an
eligible entity shall have a history of demonstrated
capability for effective collaboration with industry on
workforce development activities that is consistent with the
goals of this Act.
``(4) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary of Labor at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
``(5) -Criteria.--The Secretary of Labor shall establish
criteria, consistent with paragraph (6), for awarding grants
under this subsection.
``(6) Priority.--In selecting eligible entities to receive
grants under this subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall
give priority to eligible entities that demonstrate the
availability of and ability to provide matching funds from
industry or nonprofit sources. Such matching funds may be
provided in cash or in kind.
``(7) Authorized activities.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
under this subsection shall use the funds made available
through the grant--
``(i) to facilitate the establishment of certification
requirements for a certification described in paragraph (1)
for an industry;
``(ii) to develop and initiate a certification program that
includes preparatory courses, course materials, procedures,
and examinations, for the certification; and
``(iii) to collect and analyze data related to the program
at the program's completion, and to identify best practices
(consistent with paragraph (8)) that may be used by local and
State workforce investment boards in the future.
``(B) Basis for requirements.--The certification
requirements shall be based on applicable skill standards for
the industry involved that have been developed by or linked
to national centers of excellence under the National Science
Foundation's Advanced Technological Education Program. The
requirements shall require an individual to demonstrate an
identifiable set of competencies relevant to the industry in
order to receive certification. The requirements shall be
designed to provide evidence of a transferable skill set that
allows flexibility and mobility of workers within a high
technology industry.
``(C) Relationship to training and education programs.--The
eligible entity shall ensure that--
[[Page S11669]]
``(i) a training and education program related to
competencies for the industry involved, that is flexible in
mode and timeframe for delivery and that meets the needs of
those seeking the certification, is offered; and
``(ii) the certification program is offered at the
completion of the training and education program.
``(D) Relationship to the associate degree.--The eligible
entity shall ensure that the certification program is
consistent with the requirements for a 2-year associate
degree.
``(E) Availability.--The eligible entity shall ensure that
the certification program is open to students pursuing
associate degrees, employed workers, and displaced workers.
``(8) Consultation.--The Secretary of Labor shall consult
with the Director of the National Science Foundation to
ensure that the pilot projects build on the expertise and
information about best practices gained through the
implementation of the National Science Foundation's Advanced
Technological Education Program.
``(9) Core components; guidelines; reports.--After
collecting and analyzing the data obtained from the pilot
programs, the Secretary of Labor shall--
``(A) establish the core components of a model high-
technology certification program;
``(B) establish guidelines to assure development of a
uniform set of standards and policies for such programs;
``(C) submit and prepare a report on the pilot projects to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce
of the House of Representatives; and
``(D) make available to the public both the data and the
report.
``(10) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 174(b),
there is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal
year 2004 to carry out this subsection.''.
(f) Integrated Workforce Training Programs for Adults With
Limited English Proficiency.--Section 171 (29 U.S.C. 2916) is
amended further by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Integrated Workforce Training Programs for Adults
With Limited English Proficiency.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Integrated workforce training.--The term `integrated
workforce training' means training that integrates
occupational skills training with language acquisition.
``(B) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Labor in consultation with the Secretary of Education.
``(2) Demonstration project.--In accordance with subsection
(b) and from funds appropriated pursuant to paragraph (11),
the Secretary shall establish and implement a national
demonstration project designed to both analyze and provide
data on workforce training programs that integrate English
language acquisition and occupational training.
``(3) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--In carrying out the demonstration
project, the Secretary shall make not less than 10 grants, on
a competitive basis, to eligible entities to provide the
integrated workforce training programs. In awarding grants
under this subsection the Secretary shall take into
consideration awarding grants to eligible entities from
diverse geographic areas, including rural areas.
``(B) Periods.--The Secretary shall make the grants for
periods of not less than 24 months and not more than 48
months.
``(4) Eligible entities.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an eligible entity shall work in conjunction
with a local board and shall include as a principal
participant one or more of the following:
``(i) An employer or employer association.
``(ii) A nonprofit provider of English language
instruction.
``(iii) A provider of occupational or skills training.
``(iv) A community-based organization.
``(v) An educational institution, including a 2- or 4-year
college, or a technical or vocational school.
``(vi) A labor organization.
``(vii) A local board.
``(B) Expertise.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an eligible entity shall have proven
expertise in--
``(i) serving individuals with limited English proficiency,
including individuals with lower levels of oral and written
English; and
``(ii) providing workforce programs with training and
English language instruction.
``(5) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(B) Contents.--Each application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) contain information, including capability statements,
that demonstrates that the eligible entity has the expertise
described in paragraph (4)(B); and
``(ii) include an assurance that the program to be assisted
shall--
``(I) establish a generalized adult bilingual workforce
training and education model that integrates English language
acquisition and occupational training, and incorporates the
unique linguistic and cultural factors of the participants;
``(II) establish a framework by which the employer,
employee, and other relevant members of the eligible entity
can create a career development and training plan that
assists both the employer and the employee to meet their
long-term needs;
``(III) ensure that this framework takes into consideration
the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the employee with
respect to both the current and economic conditions of the
employer and future labor market conditions relevant to the
local area; and
``(IV) establish identifiable measures so that the progress
of the employee and employer and the relative efficacy of the
program can be evaluated and best practices identified.
``(6) -Criteria.--The Secretary of Labor shall establish
criteria for awarding grants under this subsection.
``(7) Integrated workforce training programs.--
``(A) Program components.--
``(i) Required components.--Each program that receives
funding under this subsection shall--
``(I) test an individual's English language proficiency
levels to assess oral and literacy gains from the beginning
and throughout program enrollment;
``(II) combine training specific to a particular occupation
or occupational cluster, with--
``(aa) English language instruction, such as instruction
through English as a Second Language program, or English for
Speakers of Other Languages;
``(bb) basic skills instruction; and
``(cc) supportive services;
``(III) effectively integrate public and private sector
entities, including the local workforce investment system and
its functions, to achieve the goals of the program; and
``(IV) require matching or in-kind resources from private
and nonprofit entities.
``(ii) Permissible components.--The program may offer other
services, as necessary to promote successful participation
and completion, including work-based learning, substance
abuse treatment, and mental health services.
``(B) Goal.--Each program that receives funding under this
subsection shall be designed to prepare limited English
proficient adults for and place such adults in employment in
growing industries with identifiable career ladder paths.
``(C) Program types.--In selecting programs to receive
funding under this subsection, the Secretary shall select
programs that meet 1 or more of the following criteria:
``(i) A program that--
``(I) serves unemployed, limited English proficient
individuals with significant work experience or substantial
education but persistently low wages; and
``(II) aims to prepare such individuals for and place such
individuals in higher paying employment, defined for purposes
of this subparagraph as employment that provides at least 75
percent of the median wage in the local area.
``(ii) A program that--
``(I) serves limited English proficient individuals with
lower levels of oral and written fluency, who are working but
at persistently low wages; and
``(II) aims to prepare such individuals for and place such
individuals in higher paying employment, through services
provided at the worksite, or at a location central to several
worksites, during work hours.
``(iii) A program that--
``(I) serves unemployed, limited English proficient
individuals with lower levels of oral and written fluency,
who have little or no work experience; and
``(II) aims to prepare such individuals for and place such
individuals in employment through services that include
subsidized employment, in addition to the components required
in subparagraph (A)(i).
``(iv) A program that includes funds from private and
nonprofit entities.
``(D) Program approaches.--In selecting programs to receive
funding under this subsection, the Secretary shall select
programs with different approaches to integrated workforce
training, in different contexts, in order to obtain
comparative data on multiple approaches to integrated
workforce training and English language instruction, to
ensure programs are tailored to characteristics of
individuals with varying skill levels and to assess how
different curricula work for limited English proficient
populations. Such approaches may include--
``(i) bilingual programs in which the workplace language
component and the training are conducted in a combination of
an individual's native language and English;
``(ii) integrated workforce training programs that combine
basic skills, language instruction, and job specific skills
training; or
``(iii) sequential programs that provide a progression of
skills, language, and training to ensure success upon an
individual's completion of the program.
``(8) Evaluation by eligible entity.--Each eligible entity
that receives a grant under this subsection for a program
shall carry out a continuous program evaluation and an
evaluation specific to the last phase of the program
operations.
[[Page S11670]]
``(9) Evaluation by secretary.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an
evaluation of program impacts of the programs funded under
the demonstration project, with a random assignment,
experimental design impact study done at each worksite at
which such a program is carried out.
``(B) Data collection and analysis.--The Secretary shall
collect and analyze the data from the demonstration project
to determine program effectiveness, including gains in
language proficiency, acquisition of skills, and job
advancement for program participants.
``(C) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce
of the House of Representatives, and make available to the
public, a report on the demonstration project, including the
results of the evaluation.
``(10) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
technical assistance to recipients of grants under this
subsection throughout the grant periods.
``(11) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 174(b),
there is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal
year 2004 to carry out this subsection.''.
SEC. 147. NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 173 (29 U.S.C. 2918) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading and inserting the following:
``SEC. 173. NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS.'';
and
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``national emergency grants'' and inserting
``national dislocated worker grants'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) to a State or entity (as defined in subsection
(b)(1)(B)) to carry out subsection (d), including providing
assistance to eligible individuals;
``(5) to a State or entity (as defined in subsection
(b)(1)(B)) to carry out subsection (e), including providing
assistance to eligible individuals; and
``(6) to provide additional assistance to a State board or
local board where a higher than average demand for employment
and training services for dislocated members of the Armed
Forces, or spouses of members of the Armed Forces as
described in subsection (c)(2)(A)(iv), exceeds State and
local resources for providing such services, and where such
programs are to be carried out in partnership with the
Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs transition
assistance programs.''.
(b) Administration and Additional Assistance.--Section 173
(29 U.S.C. 2918) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as
subsections (b) through (f), respectively;
(3) by striking subsection (d) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)) and inserting the following:
``(d) Additional Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--From the amount appropriated and made
available to carry out this section for any program year, the
Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 to make grants
to States to provide employment and training activities under
section 134, in accordance with subtitle B.
``(2) Eligible states.--The Secretary shall make a grant
under paragraph (1) to a State for a program year if--
``(A) the amount of the allotment that would be made to the
State for the program year 2003 under the formula specified
in section 132(b)(1)(B) as such section was in effect on July
1, 2003, is greater than
``(B) the amount of the allotment that would be made to the
State for the program year under the formula specified in
section 132(b)(1)(B).
``(3) Amount of grants.--Subject to paragraph (1), the
amount of the grant made under paragraph (1) to a State for a
program year shall be based on the difference between--
``(A) the amount of the allotment that would be made to the
State for the program year 2003 under the formula specified
in section 132(b)(1)(B) as such section was in effect on July
1, 2003; and
``(B) the amount of the allotment that would be made to the
State for the program year under the formula specified in
section 132(b)(1)(B).'';
(4) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (4)(A)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (4)'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection (g)'' and
inserting ``subsection (e)'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``subsection (g)'' and
inserting ``subsection (e)'';
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``subsection (g)'' and
inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
(E) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)''; and
(ii) by striking ``subsection (c)(1)(B)'' and inserting
``subsection (b)(1)(B)''; and
(5) in subsection (f)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph
(2))--
(A) by striking ``paragraph (4)(B)'' and inserting
``paragraph (4)''; and
(B) by striking ``subsection (f)(1)(A)'' and inserting
``subsection (d)(1)(A)''.
SEC. 148. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL
ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 174(a)(1) (29 U.S.C. 2919(a)(1))
is amended by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and inserting
``2004 through 2009''.
(b) Reservations.--Section 174(b) (29 U.S.C. 2919(b)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(b) Technical Assistance; Demonstration and Pilot
Projects, Evaluations, Incentive Grants.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out sections 170
through 172 and section 136(i) such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009.''.
Subtitle E--Administration
SEC. 151. REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS.
Section 181(e) (29 U.S.C. 2931(e)) is amended by striking
``economic development activities,''.
SEC. 152. COST PRINCIPLES.
The matter preceding clause (i) of section 184(a)(2)(B) (29
U.S.C. 2934(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``section
134(a)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 134(a)(4)''.
SEC. 153. REPORTS.
Section 185(c) (29 U.S.C. 2935(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon``
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) shall have the option to submit or disseminate
electronically any reports, records, plans, or any other data
that are required to be collected or disseminated under this
Act.''.
SEC. 154. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Annual Report.--Section 189(d) (29 U.S.C. 2939(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) the negotiated levels of performance of the States,
the States' requests for adjustments of such levels, and the
adjustments of such levels that are made; and''.
(b) Program Year.--Section 189(g)(1)(B) (29 U.S.C.
2939(g)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The'' and inserting ``For fiscal years
preceding fiscal year 2005, the''; and
(2) by inserting ``such'' after ``any''.
(c) Availability.--Section 189(g)(2) (29 U.S.C. 2939(g)(2))
is amended, in the first sentence--
(1) by striking ``Funds'' and inserting ``Except as
otherwise provided in this paragraph, funds''; and
(2) by striking ``each State receiving'' and inserting
``each recipient of''.
(d) General Waivers.--Section 189(i)(4) (29 U.S.C.
2939(i)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Expedited requests.--The Secretary shall expedite
requests for waivers of statutory or regulatory requirements
that have been approved for a State pursuant to subparagraph
(B), provided the requirements of this section have been
satisfied.''.
SEC. 155. USE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY.
Section 193 (29 U.S.C. 2943) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 193. TRANSFER OF FEDERAL EQUITY IN STATE EMPLOYMENT
SECURITY AGENCY REAL PROPERTY TO THE STATES.
``(a) Transfer of Federal Equity.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, any Federal equity acquired in real
property through grants to States awarded under title III of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 501 et seq.) or under the
Wagner-Peyser Act is transferred to the States that used the
grants for the acquisition of such equity. The portion of any
real property that is attributable to the Federal equity
transferred under this section shall be used to carry out
activities authorized under title III of the Social Security
Act or the Wagner-Peyser Act. Any disposition of such real
property shall be carried out in accordance with the
procedures prescribed by the Secretary and the portion of the
proceeds from the disposition of such real property that is
attributable to the Federal equity transferred under this
section shall be used to carry out activities authorized
under title III of the Social Security Act or the Wagner-
Peyser Act.
``(b) Limitation on Use.--A State shall not use funds
awarded under title III of the Social Security Act or the
Wagner-Peyser Act to amortize the costs of real property that
is purchased by any State on or after the effective date of
this provision.''.
SEC. 156. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Section 1(b) (29 U.S.C. 9201 note) is amended--
(1) by striking the item relating to section 123 and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 123. Eligible providers of youth activities.'';
(2) by striking the item relating to section 169 and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 169. Youth challenge grants.'';
(3) by striking the item relating to section 193 and
inserting the following:
[[Page S11671]]
``Sec. 193. Transfer of Federal equity in State employment security
agency real property to the States.'';
(4) by striking the item relating to section 173 and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 173. National dislocated worker grants.'';
(5) by inserting after the item relating to section 212 the
following:
``Sec. 213. Incentive grants for States.'';
and
(6) by inserting after the item relating to section 243 the
following:
``Sec. 244. Integrated english literacy and civics education.''.
TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY ACT
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE; PURPOSE.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Adult
Education and Family Literacy Act Amendments of 2003''.
(b) Purpose.--Section 202 of the Adult Education and Family
Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9201) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``education.'' and
inserting ``education and in the transition to postsecondary
education; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) assist immigrants and other individuals with limited
English proficiency in improving their reading, writing,
speaking, and mathematics skills and acquiring an
understanding of the American free enterprise system,
individual freedom, and the responsibilities of
citizenship.''.
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
Section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9202) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``services or instruction below the postsecondary level'' and
inserting ``academic instruction and education services below
the postsecondary level that increase an individual's ability
to read, write, and speak in English and perform mathematics
skills''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (C)(i) and inserting the
following:
``(i) are basic skills deficient as defined in section
101;'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``activities described in
section 231(b)'' and inserting ``programs and services which
include reading, writing, speaking, or mathematics skills,
workplace literacy activities, family literacy activities,
English language acquisition activities, or other activities
necessary for the attainment of a secondary school diploma or
its State recognized equivalent'';
(3) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by inserting ``an organization that has demonstrated
effectiveness in providing adult education, that may
include'' after ``means'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``of demonstrated
effectiveness'';
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``of demonstrated
effectiveness''; and
(D) in subparagraph (I), by inserting ``or coalition''
after ``consortium'';
(4) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``literacy program'' and inserting
``language acquisition program'';
(B) by striking ``literacy program'' and inserting
``language acquisition program''; and
(C) by inserting ``reading, writing, and speaking'' after
``competence in'';
(5) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (18) as
paragraphs (8) through (19), respectively;
(6) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Essential components of reading instruction.--The
term `essential components of reading instruction' has the
meaning given the term in section 1208 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6368).''; and
(7) by striking paragraph (19), as redesignated by
paragraph (4), and inserting the following:
``(19) Workplace literacy program.--The term `workplace
literacy program' means an educational program designed to
improve the productivity of the workforce through the
improvement of literacy skills that is offered by an eligible
provider in collaboration with an employer or an employee
organization at a workplace, at an off-site location, or in a
simulated workplace environment.''.
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 205 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9204) is amended--
(1) by striking ``1999'' and inserting ``2004''; and
(2) by striking ``2003'' and inserting ``2009''.
SEC. 204. RESERVATION OF FUNDS; GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE AGENCIES;
ALLOTMENTS.
Section 211 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9211) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Reservation of Funds.--From the sum appropriated
under section 205 for a fiscal year, the Secretary--
``(1) shall reserve 1.5 percent to carry out section 242,
except that the amount so reserved shall not exceed
$10,000,000;
``(2) shall reserve 1.5 percent to carry out section 243,
except that the amount so reserved shall not exceed
$8,000,000;
``(3) shall make available, to the Secretary of Labor, 1.72
percent for incentive grants under section 136(i); and
``(4) shall reserve 12 percent of the amount that remains
after reserving funds under paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) to
carry out section 244.'';
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Qualifying Adult.--For the purpose of subsection
(c)(2), the term `qualifying adult' means an adult who--
``(1) is not less than 16 years of age;
``(2) is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
under the law of the State or outlying area;
``(3) does not have a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent (including recognized alternative
standards for individuals with disabilities); and
``(4) is not enrolled in secondary school.'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Award basis.--The Secretary shall award grants
pursuant to paragraph (1) on a competitive basis and pursuant
to recommendations from the Pacific Region Educational
Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``shall'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``shall be eligible
to receive a grant under this title until the date when an
agreement for the extension of the United States education
assistance under the Compact of Free Association for each of
the Freely Associated States becomes effective.''; and
(4) in subsection (f)--
(A) in the heading, by inserting ``Provisions'' after
``Hold-Harmless'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(C) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (c) and
subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), for fiscal year 2004 and
each succeeding fiscal year, no eligible agency shall receive
an allotment under this title that is less than 90 percent of
the allotment the eligible agency received for the preceding
fiscal year under this title.
``(2) 100 percent allotment.--An eligible agency shall
receive an allotment under this title that is equal to 100
percent of the allotment the eligible agency received for the
preceding fiscal year under this title if the eligible agency
received, for the preceding fiscal year, only an initial
allotment under subsection (c)(1) and did not receive an
additional allotment under subsection (c)(2).''.
SEC. 205. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.
Section 212 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9212) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), by striking ``additional
indicators of performance (if any)'' and inserting
``employment performance indicators'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``Demonstrated'' and
inserting ``Measurable'';
(II) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
``(ii) Placement in, retention in, or completion of,
postsecondary education or other training programs.''; and
(III) in clause (iii), by inserting ``(including recognized
alternative standards for individuals with disabilities)''
after ``equivalent'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A), the following:
``(B) Employment performance indicators.--An eligible
agency shall identify in the State plan individual
participant employment performance indicators, including
entry into unsubsidized employment, retention in unsubsidized
employment, and career advancement. The State workforce
investment board shall assist the eligible agency in
obtaining and using quarterly wage records to collect data
for such indicators, consistent with applicable Federal and
State privacy laws.'';
(iv) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated by clause (ii),
by inserting ``relevant'' after ``additional''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Indicators for workplace literacy programs.--Special
accountability measures may be negotiated for workplace
literacy programs.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i)(II), by striking ``in performance'' and
inserting ``the agency's performance outcomes in an
objective, quantifiable, and measurable form'';
(II) in clause (ii), by striking ``3 programs years'' and
inserting ``2 program years'';
(III) in clause (iii), by striking ``first 3 years'' and
inserting ``first 2 years'';
(IV) in clause (iii), by striking ``first 3 program years''
and inserting ``first 2 program years'';
(V) in clause (v), by striking ``4th and 5th'' and
inserting ``3rd and 4th'';
(VI) in clause (v), by striking ``to the fourth'' and
inserting ``to the third'';
(VII) in clause (v), by striking ``fourth and fifth'' and
inserting ``third and fourth''; and
(VIII) in clause (vi), by striking ``(II)'' and inserting
``(I)'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking the heading and inserting ``Levels of
employment performance'';
(II) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''; and
[[Page S11672]]
(III) by striking ``additional'' and inserting
``employment''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Alternative assessment systems.--Eligible agencies
may approve the use of assessment systems that are not
commercially available standardized systems if such systems
meet the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing
issued by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational
and Psychological Testing of the American Educational
Research Association, the American Psychological Association,
and the National Council on Measurement in Education.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``the Governor, the State legislature, and
the State workforce investment board'' after ``Secretary'';
and
(ii) by striking ``including'' and all that follows through
the period and inserting ``including the following:
``(A) Information on the levels of performance achieved by
the eligible agency with respect to the core indicators of
performance, and employment performance indicators.
``(B) The number and type of each eligible provider that
receives funding under such grant.
``(C) The number of enrollees 16 to 18 years of age who
enrolled in adult education not later than 1 year after
participating in secondary school education.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``eligible providers
and'' after ``available to''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Data Access.--The report made available under
paragraph (2) shall indicate which eligible agencies did not
have access to State unemployment insurance wage data in
measuring employment performance indicators.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Program Improvement.--
``(1) In general.--If the Secretary determines that an
eligible agency did not meet its adjusted levels of
performance for the core indicators of performance described
in subsection (b)(2)(A) for any program year, the eligible
agency shall--
``(A) work with the Secretary to develop and implement a
program improvement plan for the 2 program years succeeding
the program year in which the eligible agency did not meet
its adjusted levels of performance; and
``(B) revise its State plan under section 224, if
necessary, to reflect the changes agreed to in the program
improvement plan.
``(2) Further assistance.--If, after the period described
in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary has provided technical
assistance to the eligible agency but determines that the
eligible agency did not meet its adjusted levels of
performance for the core indicators of performance described
in subsection (b)(2)(A), the Secretary may require the
eligible agency to make further revisions to the program
improvement plan described in paragraph (1). Such further
revisions shall be accompanied by further technical
assistance from the Secretary.''.
SEC. 206. STATE ADMINISTRATION.
Section 221(1) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy
Act (20 U.S.C. 9221(1)) is amended by striking ``and
implementation'' and inserting ``implementation, and
monitoring''.
SEC. 207. STATE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS; MATCHING REQUIREMENT.
Section 222 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9222) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``82.5'' the first place such term appears
and inserting ``80''; and
(ii) by striking ``the 82.5 percent'' and inserting ``such
amount'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``not more than 12.5
percent'' and inserting ``not more than 15 percent''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$65,000'' and inserting
``$75,000''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``equal to'' and
inserting ``that is not less than''.
SEC. 208. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.
Section 223 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9223) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``to develop or enhance the adult education system of the
State'' after ``activities'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``instruction
incorporating'' and all that follows through the period and
inserting ``instruction incorporating the essential
components of reading instruction and instruction provided by
volunteers or by personnel of a State or outlying area.'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, including
development and dissemination of instructional and
programmatic practices based on the most rigorous research
available in reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, English
language acquisition programs, distance learning and staff
training'' after ``activities'';
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``monitoring and'';
(E) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following:
``(6) The development and implementation of technology
applications, translation technology, or distance learning,
including professional development to support the use of
instructional technology.''; and
(F) by striking paragraph (7) through paragraph (11) and
inserting the following:
``(7) Coordination with--
``(A) other partners carrying out activities authorized
under this Act;
``(B) existing support services, such as transportation,
child care, mental health services, and other assistance
designed to increase rates of enrollment in, and successful
completion of adult education and literacy activities, for
adults enrolled in such activities.
``(8) Developing and disseminating curricula, including
curricula incorporating the essential components of reading
instruction as they relate to adults.
``(9) The provision of assistance to eligible providers in
developing, implementing, and reporting measurable progress
in achieving the objectives of this subtitle.
``(10) The development and implementation of a system to
assist in the transition from adult basic education to
postsecondary education, including linkages with
postsecondary educational institutions.
``(11) Integration of literacy and English language
instruction with occupational skill training, and promoting
linkages with employers.
``(12) Activities to promote workplace literacy programs.
``(13) Activities to promote and complement local outreach
initiatives described in section 243(c)(2)(H).
``(14) In cooperation with efforts funded under sections
242 and 243, the development of curriculum frameworks and
rigorous content standards that--
``(A) specify what adult learners should know and be able
to do in the areas of reading and language arts, mathematics,
and English language acquisition; and
``(B) take into consideration the following:
``(i) State academic standards established under section
1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965.
``(ii) The current adult skills and literacy assessments
used in the State.
``(iii) The core indicators of performance established
under section 212(b)(2)(A).
``(iv) Standards and academic requirements for enrollment
in non-remedial, for-credit, courses in State supported
postsecondary education institutions.
``(v) Where appropriate, the basic and literacy skill
content of occupational and industry skill standards widely
used by business and industry in the State.
``(15) In cooperation with efforts funded under sections
242 and 243, development and piloting of--
``(A) new assessment tools and strategies that identify the
needs and capture the gains of students at all levels, with
particular emphasis on--
``(i) students at the lowest achievement level;
``(ii) students who have limited English proficiency; and
``(iii) adults with learning disabilities;
``(B) options for improving teacher quality and retention;
and
``(C) assistance in converting research into practice.
``(16) The development and implementation of programs and
services to meet the needs of adult learners with learning
disabilities or limited English proficiency.
``(17) Other activities of statewide significance that
promote the purpose of this title.''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``being State- or
outlying area-imposed'' and inserting ``being imposed by the
State or outlying area''.
SEC. 209. STATE PLAN.
Section 224 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9224) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking the heading and inserting ``4-Year Plans'';
and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5'' and inserting
``4'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and the role of
provider and cooperating agencies in preparing the
assessment'' after ``serve'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) a description of how the eligible agency will address
the adult education and literacy needs identified under
paragraph (1) in each workforce development area of the
State, using funds received under this subtitle, as well as
other Federal, State, or local funds received in partnership
with other agencies for the purpose of adult literacy as
applicable;'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``and measure'' after ``evaluate'';
(ii) by inserting ``and improvement'' after
``effectiveness''; and
(iii) by striking ``212'' and inserting ``212, including--
``(A) how the eligible agency will evaluate and measure
annually such effectiveness on a grant-by-grant basis; and
``(B) how the eligible agency--
``(i) will hold eligible providers accountable regarding
the progress of such providers in improving the academic
achievement of participants in adult education programs under
this subtitle and regarding the core indicators of
performance described in section 212(b)(2)(A); and
``(ii) will use technical assistance, sanctions, and
rewards (including allocation of grant funds based on
performance and termination of grant funds based on
performance)'';
[[Page S11673]]
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``will ensure the
improvement of'' and inserting ``improved'';
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (12) as
paragraphs (6) through (13), respectively;
(F) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) a description of how the eligible agency will improve
teacher quality, the professional development of eligible
providers, and instruction;'';
(G) in paragraph (6) (as redesignated by subparagraph (E)),
by striking ``who'' and all that follows through the
semicolon and inserting ``that--
``(A) offers flexible schedules and coordinates with
necessary Federal, State, and local support services (such as
child care, transportation, mental health services, and case
management) to enable individuals, including individuals with
disabilities or individuals with other special needs, to
participate in adult education and literacy activities; and
``(B) attempts to coordinate with support services that are
not provided under this subtitle prior to using funds for
adult education and literacy activities provided under this
subtitle for support services;'';
(H) in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(E)), by striking ``plan'' and inserting ``plan, which
process--
``(A) shall include the State Workforce Investment Board,
the Governor, State officials representing public schools,
community colleges, welfare agencies, agencies that provide
services to individuals with disabilities, other State
agencies that promote or operate adult education and literacy
activities, and direct providers of such adult literacy
services;
``(B) may include consultation with the State agency for
higher education, institutions responsible for professional
development of adult education and literacy education program
instructors, institutions of higher education,
representatives of business and industry, refugee assistance
programs, and community-based organizations, as defined in
section 101;'';
(I) in paragraph (11) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(E))--
(i) by inserting ``assess potential population needs and''
after ``will'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``students'' and
inserting ``individuals'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) the unemployed; and
``(F) those who are employed, but at levels below self-
sufficiency, as defined in section 101.'';
(J) in paragraph (12) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(E))--
(i) by inserting ``and how the plan submitted under this
subtitle is coordinated with the plan submitted by the State
under title I'' after ``eligible agency''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(K) in paragraph (13) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(E)), by striking ``231(c)(1).'' and inserting ``231(c)(1),
including--
``(A) how the State will build the capacity of
organizations that provide adult education and literacy
activities; and
``(B) how the State will increase the participation of
business and industry in adult education and literacy
activities;''; and
(L) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) a description of how the eligible agency will
consult with any State agency responsible for postsecondary
education to develop adult education programs and services
(including academic skill development and support services)
that prepare students to enter postsecondary education upon
completion of secondary school programs or their recognized
equivalent;
``(15) a description of how the eligible agency will
consult with the State agency responsible for workforce
development to develop adult education programs and services
that are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce;
and
``(16) a description of how the eligible agency will
improve the professional development of eligible providers of
adult education and literacy activities.'';
(3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``At a minimum, such revision shall occur every 2 years.'';
and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, the chief State
school officer, the State officer responsible for
administering community and technical colleges, and the State
Workforce Investment Board'' after ``Governor''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``comments'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``comments regarding
the State plan by the Governor, the chief State school
officer, the State officer responsible for administering
community and technical colleges, and the State Workforce
Investment Board, and any revision to the State plan, are
submitted to the Secretary.''.
SEC. 210. PROGRAMS FOR CORRECTIONS EDUCATION AND OTHER
INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS.
Section 225 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9225) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``basic education'' and
inserting ``adult education and literacy activities'';
(B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) by striking paragraph (3); and
(D) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); and
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``Definition of Criminal
Offender.--'' and inserting ``Definitions.--In this
section:''.
SEC. 211. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.
Section 231 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9241) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``workplace literacy
services'' and inserting ``workplace literacy programs''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``literacy'' and
inserting ``language acquisition'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``to be achieved
annually on the core indicators of performance and employment
performance indicators described in section 212(b)(2)'' after
``outcomes'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) the commitment of the eligible provider to be
responsive to local needs and to serve individuals in the
community who were identified by the assessment as most in
need of adult literacy services, including individuals who
are low-income, have minimal literacy skills, have learning
disabilities, or have limited English proficiency;'';
(C) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``, such as'' and all
that follows through the semicolon and inserting ``that
include the essential components of reading instruction;'';
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``research'' and
inserting ``the most rigorous research available'';
(E) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``, when appropriate and
based on the most rigorous research available,'' after ``real
life contexts'';
(F) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``education, job-
training, and social service'' after ``other available'';
(G) in paragraph (10)--
(i) by inserting ``coordination with Federal, State, and
local'' after ``schedules and''; and
(ii) by striking ``and transportation'' and inserting ``,
transportation, mental health services, and case
management'';
(H) in paragraph (11)--
(i) by inserting ``measurable'' after ``report'';
(ii) by striking ``eligible agency'';
(iii) by inserting ``established by the eligible agency''
after ``performance measures''; and
(iv) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(I) in paragraph (12), by striking ``literacy programs.''
and inserting ``language acquisition programs and civics
education programs;''; and
(J) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) the capacity of the eligible provider to produce
information on performance results, including enrollments and
measurable participant outcomes;
``(14) whether reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, and
English language acquisition instruction provided by the
eligible provider are based on the best practices derived
from the most rigorous research available;
``(15) whether the eligible provider's applications of
technology and services to be provided are sufficient to
increase the amount and quality of learning and lead to
measurable learning gains within specified time periods; and
``(16) the capacity of the eligible provider to serve adult
learners with learning disabilities.''.
SEC. 212. LOCAL APPLICATION.
Section 232 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9242) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``consistent with the requirements of this
subtitle'' after ``spent''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) each of the demonstrations required under section
231(e).''.
SEC. 213. LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST LIMITS.
Section 233 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9243) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) by inserting ``and professional'' after ``personnel'';
and
(B) by inserting ``development of measurable goals in
reading, writing, and speaking the English language, and in
mathematical computation,'' after ``development,''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``and professional'' after ``personnel'';
and
(B) by inserting ``development of measurable goals in
reading, writing, and speaking the English language, and in
mathematical computation,'' after ``development,''.
SEC. 214. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
Section 241(b) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy
Act (20 U.S.C. 9251(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) by striking ``adult education and literacy activities''
both places such terms appear and inserting ``activities
under this subtitle''; and
(B) by striking ``was'' and inserting ``were''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by inserting ``not more than'' after ``this subsection
for''; and
[[Page S11674]]
(B) by striking ``only''.
SEC. 215. NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY.
Section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9252) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``literacy'' and
inserting ``effective literacy programs for children, youth,
adults, and families'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and disseminates
information on'' after ``coordinates''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3)(A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) coordinating and participating in the Federal effort
to identify and disseminate information on literacy that is
derived from scientifically based research, or the most
rigorous research available and effective programs that serve
children, youth, adults, and families.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b)(3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Recommendations.--The Interagency Group, in
consultation with the National Institute for Literacy
Advisory Board (in this section referred to as the `Board')
established under subsection (e), shall plan the goals of the
Institute and the implementation of any programs to achieve
the goals. The Board may also request a meeting of the
Interagency Group to discuss any recommendations the Board
may make.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``to establish'' and inserting ``to
maintain'';
(II) in clause (i), by striking ``phonemic awareness,
systematic phonics, fluency, and reading comprehension'' and
inserting ``the essential components of reading
instruction'';
(III) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(IV) in clause (iv), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(V) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) a list of local adult education and literacy
programs;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) by striking ``reliable and replicable research'' and
inserting ``reliable and replicable research as defined by
the Institute of Education Sciences''; and
(II) by striking ``especially with the Office of
Educational Research and Improvement in the Department of
Education,'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``phonemic
awareness, systematic phonics, fluency, and reading
comprehension based on'' and inserting ``the essential
components of reading instruction and'';
(iv) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(J) to work cooperatively with the Department of
Education to assist States that are pursuing the
implementation of standards-based educational improvements
for adults through the dissemination of training, technical
assistance, and related support and through the development
and dissemination of related standards-based assessment
instruments; and
``(K) to identify rigorous research on the effectiveness of
instructional practices and organizational strategies
relating to literacy programs on the acquisition of skills in
reading, writing, English acquisition, and mathematics.'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Coordination.--In identifying the reliable and
replicable research the Institute will support, the Institute
shall use standards for research quality that are consistent
with those of the Institute of Education Sciences.'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``literacy programs'' and
inserting ``language acquisition programs'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``literacy programs'' and
inserting ``or have participated in or partnered with
workplace literacy programs'';
(iii) in clause (iv), by inserting ``, including adult
literacy research'' after ``research'';
(iv) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(v) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(viii) institutions of higher education.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) review the biennial report submitted to Congress
pursuant to subsection (k).''; and
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking the second sentence and
inserting the following: ``A recommendation of the Board may
be passed only by a majority of the Board's members present
at a meeting for which there is a quorum.''; and
(5) in subsection (k)--
(A) by striking ``Labor and Human Resources'' and inserting
``Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions''; and
(B) by striking ``The Institute shall submit a report
biennially to'' and inserting ``Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of the Adult Education and Family
Literacy Act Amendments of 2003, and biennially thereafter,
the Institute shall submit a report to''.
SEC. 216. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.
Section 243 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
(20 U.S.C. 9253) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 243. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and carry
out a program of national leadership activities to enhance
the quality of adult education and literacy programs
nationwide.
``(c) Permissive Activities.--The national leadership
activities described in subsection (a) may include the
following:
``(1) Technical assistance, including--
``(A) assistance provided to eligible providers in
developing and using performance measures for the improvement
of adult education and literacy activities, including family
literacy services;
``(B) assistance related to professional development
activities, and assistance for the purposes of developing,
improving, identifying, and disseminating the most successful
methods and techniques for providing adult education and
literacy activities, including family literacy services,
based on scientific evidence where available;
``(C) assistance in distance learning and promoting and
improving the use of technology in the classroom;
``(D) assistance in developing valid, measurable, and
reliable performance data, including data around employment
and employment outcome, and using performance information for
the improvement of adult education and literacy programs; and
``(E) assistance to help States, particularly low-
performing States, meet the requirements of section 212.
``(2) A program of grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements awarded on a competitive basis to national,
regional, or local networks of private nonprofit
organizations, public libraries, or institutions of higher
education to build the capacity of such networks' members to
meet the performance requirements of eligible providers under
this title and involve adult learners in program improvement.
``(3) Funding national leadership activities that are not
described in paragraph (1), either directly or through
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded on a
competitive basis to or with postsecondary educational
institutions, public or private organizations or agencies, or
consortia of such institutions, organizations, or agencies,
such as--
``(A) developing, improving, and identifying the most
successful methods and techniques for addressing the
education needs of adults, including instructional practices
using the essential components of reading instruction based
on the work of the National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development;
``(B) increasing the effectiveness of, and improving the
quality of, adult education and literacy activities,
including family literacy services;
``(C) carrying out research on national literacy basic
skill acquisition for adult learning, including estimating
the number of adults functioning at the lowest levels of
literacy proficiency;
``(D)(i) carrying out demonstration programs;
``(ii) disseminating best practices information, including
information regarding promising practices resulting from
federally funded demonstration programs; and
``(iii) developing and replicating best practices and
innovative programs, including--
``(I) the development of models for basic skill
certificates;
``(II) the identification of effective strategies for
working with adults with learning disabilities and with
adults with limited English proficiency;
``(III) integrated basic and workplace skills education
programs;
``(IV) coordinated literacy and employment services; and
``(V) postsecondary education transition programs;
``(E) providing for the conduct of an independent
evaluation and assessment of adult education and literacy
activities through studies and analyses conducted
independently through grants and contracts awarded on a
competitive basis, which evaluation and assessment shall
include descriptions of--
``(i) the effect of performance measures and other measures
of accountability on the delivery of adult education and
literacy activities, including family literacy services;
``(ii) the extent to which the adult education and literacy
activities, including family literacy services, increase the
literacy skills of adults (and of children, in the case of
family literacy services), lead the participants in such
activities to involvement in further education and training,
enhance the employment and earnings of such participants,
and, if applicable, lead to other positive outcomes, such as
reductions in recidivism in the case of prison-based adult
education and literacy activities;
``(iii) the extent to which the provision of support
services to adults enrolled in adult education and family
literacy programs increase the rate of enrollment in, and
successful completion of, such programs; and
``(iv) the extent to which different types of providers
measurably improve the skills of participants in adult
education and literacy programs;
``(F) supporting efforts aimed at capacity building of
programs at the State and local
[[Page S11675]]
levels such as technical assistance in program planning,
assessment, evaluation, and monitoring of activities carried
out under this subtitle;
``(G) collecting data, such as data regarding the
improvement of both local and State data systems, through
technical assistance and development of model performance
data collection systems;
``(H) supporting the development of an entity that would
produce and distribute technology-based programs and
materials for adult education and literacy programs using an
interconnection system (as defined in section 397 of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397)) and expand the
effective outreach and use of such programs and materials to
adult education eligible providers;
``(I) determining how participation in adult education and
literacy activities prepares individuals for entry into
postsecondary education and employment and, in the case of
prison-based services, has an effect on recidivism; and
``(J) other activities designed to enhance the quality of
adult education and literacy activities nationwide.''.
SEC. 217. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.
Chapter 4 of subtitle A of title II (29 U.S.C. 9251 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 244. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.
``(a) In General.--From funds made available under section
211(a)(4) for each fiscal year the Secretary shall award
grants to States, from allotments under subsection (b), for
integrated English literacy and civics education.
``(b) Allotment.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), from amounts
made available under section 211(a)(4) for a fiscal year the
Secretary shall allocate--
``(A) 65 percent to the States on the basis of a State's
need for integrated English literacy and civics education as
determined by calculating each State's share of a 10-year
average of the Immigration and Naturalization Service data
for immigrants admitted for legal permanent residence for the
10 most recent years; and
``(B) 35 percent to the States on the basis of whether the
State experienced growth as measured by the average of the 3
most recent years for which Immigration and Naturalization
Service data for immigrants admitted for legal permanent
residence are available.
``(2) Minimum.--No State shall receive an allotment under
paragraph (1) in an amount that is less than $60,000.''.
SEC. 218. TRANSITION.
The Secretary shall take such steps as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate to provide for the orderly
transition to the authority of the Adult Education and Family
Literacy Act (as amended by this title) from any authority
under provisions of the Adult Education and Family Literacy
Act (as such Act was in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
Amendments of 2003).
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW
SEC. 301. WAGNER-PEYSER ACT.
(a) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2(3) of the Wagner-
Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49a(3)) is amended by striking
``section 134(c)'' and inserting ``section 121(e)''.
(b) Colocation.--Section 3 of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29
U.S.C. 49b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) In order to avoid duplication of services and enhance
integration of services, employment services offices in each
State shall be colocated with comprehensive one-stop centers
established under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of
1998.''.
(c) Cooperative Statistical Program.--Section 14 of the
Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-1) is amended by striking
the section heading and all that follows through ``There''
and inserting the following:
``SEC. 14. COOPERATIVE STATISTICAL PROGRAM.
``There''.
(d) Workforce and Labor Market Information System.--Section
15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 15. WORKFORCE AND LABOR MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEM.'';
(2) by striking ``employment statistics system'' each place
it appears and inserting ``workforce and labor market
information system'';
(3) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``of employment
statistics'';
(4) in subsection (b)(2)(E)--
(A) in clause (i), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(C) by striking clause (iii);
(5) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the
following:
``(c) National Electronic Tools To Provide Services.--The
Secretary, in consultation with States, is authorized to
assist in the development of national electronic tools that
may be used to improve access to workforce information for
individuals through--
``(1) the one-stop delivery systems established under
section 121(e); and
``(2) such other delivery systems as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(d) Two-Year Plan.--The Secretary, working through the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, and in cooperation with the
States and with the assistance of the Employment and Training
Administration and other appropriate Federal agencies, shall
prepare a 2-year plan which shall be the mechanism for
achieving cooperative management of the nationwide workforce
and labor market information system described in subsection
(a) and the statewide workforce and labor market information
systems that comprise the nationwide system. The plan shall--
``(1) describe the steps the to be taken in the following 2
years to carry out the duties described in subsection (b)(2);
``(2) evaluate the performance of the system and recommend
needed improvements, with particular attention to the
improvements needed at the State and local levels; and
``(3) describe the involvement of States in the development
of the plan, pursuant to a process established by the
Secretary in cooperation with the States in accordance with
subsection (d).
``(e) Coordination With the States.--The Secretary, working
though the Bureau of Labor Statistics and in coordination
with the Employment and Training Administration, shall
consult at least annually with representatives of each of the
10 Federal regions of the Department of Labor, elected
(pursuant to a process established by the Secretary) by and
from the State workforce and labor market information
directors affiliated with the State agencies that perform the
duties described in subsection (e)(2).'';
(6) in subsection (e)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (G), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) by striking subparagraph (H); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (H);
and
(7) in subsection (g), by striking ``1999 through 2004''
and inserting ``2004 through 2009 to enable the Secretary to
carry out the provisions of this section through grants or
cooperative agreements with the States''.
TITLE IV--REHABILITATION ACT AMENDMENTS
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Rehabilitation Act
Amendments of 2003''.
SEC. 402. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Incentive Grants.--Section 1(b) of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 note) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 112 the following:
``Sec. 113. Incentive grants.''.
(b) Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who
Are Blind.--Section 1(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 U.S.C. 701 note) is amended by striking the items
relating to sections 752 and 753 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 752. Training and technical assistance.
``Sec. 753. Program of grants.
``Sec. 754. Authorization of appropriations.''.
SEC. 403. PURPOSE.
Section 2(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
701(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(F), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) to provide opportunities for employers and
rehabilitation service providers to provide meaningful input
at all levels of government to ensure successful employment
of individuals with disabilities.''.
SEC. 404. DEFINITIONS.
Section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705)
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``and
literacy services'' after ``supported employment''; and
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and literacy skills''
after ``educational achievements'';
(2) in paragraph (17)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) maintaining individuals with disabilities in, or
transitioning individuals with disabilities to, community-
based living.'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (24) through (28), (29)
through (34), and (35) through (39), as paragraphs (25)
through (29), (31) through (36), and (38) through (42),
respectively;
(4) by inserting after paragraph (23) the following:
``(24) Literacy.--The term `literacy' has the meaning given
the term in section 203 of the Adult Education and Family
Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9202).'';
(5) by inserting after paragraph (29), as redesignated by
paragraph (3), the following:
``(30) Post-employment service.--The term `post-employment'
service means a service identified in section 103(a) that
is--
``(A) provided subsequent to the achievement of an
employment outcome; and
``(B) necessary for an individual to maintain, regain, or
advance in employment, consistent with the individual's
strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities,
capabilities, interests, and informed choice.'';
(6) by inserting after paragraph (36), as redesignated by
paragraph (3), the following:
``(37) Student with a disability.--
``(A) In general.--The term `student with a disability'
means an individual with a disability who attends an
elementary school or secondary school and who--
[[Page S11676]]
``(i) is not younger than 14 years of age;
``(ii) is not older than 21 years of age;
``(iii) has been determined to be eligible under section
102(a) for assistance under title I; and
``(iv)(I) is eligible for, and receiving, special education
and related services under part B of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.); or
``(II) is an individual with a disability, for purposes of
section 504.
``(B) Students with disabilities.--The term `students with
disabilities' means more than 1 student with a disability.'';
and
(7) in paragraph (38)(A)(ii), as redesignated by paragraph
(3), by striking ``paragraph (36)(C)'' and inserting
``paragraph (39)(C)''.
SEC. 405. ADMINISTRATION OF THE ACT.
Section 12(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 709(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)'';
(2) by striking the semicolon and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) provide technical assistance to the designated State
units on developing successful partnerships with
employers;''.
SEC. 406. CARRYOVER.
Section 19 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
716) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``, section 509 (except as provided in
section 509(b))'';
(B) by striking ``or (C)''; and
(C) by striking ``752(b)'' and inserting ``753(b)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights.--
``(1) Appropriated amounts.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, any funds appropriated for a fiscal year to
carry out a grant program under section 509 (except as
provided in section 509(b)), including any funds reallotted
under such grant program, that are not obligated and expended
by recipients prior to the beginning of the succeeding fiscal
year shall remain available for obligation and expenditure by
such recipients during such succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) Program income.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, any amounts of program income received by recipients
under a grant program under section 509 that are not
obligated and expended by recipients prior to the beginning
of the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year in which such
amounts were received, shall remain available for obligation
and expenditure by such recipients during any of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.''.
Subtitle A--Vocational Rehabilitation Services
SEC. 411. DECLARATION OF POLICY; AUTHORIZATION OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 100(b)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 720(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''.
SEC. 412. STATE PLANS.
Section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
721(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking ``to employ and
advance in employment'' and inserting ``to recruit, employ,
and advance in employment'';
(2) in paragraph (8)(A), by adding at the end the
following:
``(iii) Services identified in individualized work plan.--
For purposes of clause (i), for an individual who receives
assistance under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency
Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19), comparable benefits and services
available under such program only include those benefits and
services identified in the individual's individualized work
plan developed by an employment network pursuant to such
section.'';
(3) in paragraph (11)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (D)(ii) and inserting the
following:
``(ii) transition planning by personnel of the designated
State agency and the State educational agency that will
facilitate the development and completion of the
individualized education programs under section 614(d) of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1414(d)) and, as appropriate, the development and completion
of the individualized plan for employment, in order to
achieve post-school employment outcomes of students with
disabilities;''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Coordination with ticket to work and self-sufficiency
program.--The State plan shall provide that the designated
State unit will coordinate activities with any other State
agency that administers a Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency
Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19).''; and
(4) in paragraph (20)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D);
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Information on assistance for beneficiaries of
assistance under title ii or xvi of the social security
act.--The State plan shall include an assurance that the
designated State agency will make available to individuals
entitled to benefits under title II or XVI of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq., 1381 et seq.) on the
basis of a disability or blindness, information on the
availability of--
``(i) medical assistance under the State medicaid program
under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et
seq.);
``(ii) benefits under the medicare program under title
XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.);
``(iii) assistance through benefits planning and assistance
programs under section 1149 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1320b-20) and protection and advocacy programs under
section 1150 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-21);
and
``(iv) medical assistance under other federally-funded
programs.
``(C) Information for individuals under the ticket to work
program.--The State plan shall include an assurance that the
designated State agency will make available to individuals
entitled to benefits under title II or XVI of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq., 1381 et seq.) on the
basis of a disability or blindness and eligible for
assistance under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency
Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19), general information regarding the
Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program and specific
information on how to contact the program manager of the
Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program to obtain
information on approved employment networks.''; and
(C) in subparagraph (D)(ii), as redesignated by
subparagraph (A)--
(i) in subclause (II), by inserting ``, to the maximum
extent possible,'' after ``point of contact''; and
(ii) in subclause (III), by striking ``or regain'' and
inserting ``regain, or advance in''.
SEC. 413. ELIGIBILITY AND INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT.
Section 102 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
722) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking the semicolon at the
end and inserting ``, including a listing of all the
community resources (including resources from organizations
of individuals with disabilities), to the maximum extent
possible, to assist in the development of such individual's
individualized plan for employment to enable the individual
to make informed and effective choices in developing the
individualized plan for employment;''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(II) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(III) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) for individuals entitled to benefits under title II
or XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.,
1381 et seq.) on the basis of a disability or blindness,
information on the availability of--
``(I) medical assistance under the State medicaid program
under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et
seq.);
``(II) benefits under the medicare program under title
XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.);
``(III) assistance through benefits planning and assistance
programs under section 1149 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1320b-20) and protection and advocacy programs under
section 1150 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-21);
and
``(IV) medical assistance under other federally-funded
programs; and
``(iv) for individuals entitled to benefits under title II
or XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.,
1381 et seq.) on the basis of a disability or blindness and
eligible for assistance under the Ticket to Work and Self-
Sufficiency Program established under section 1148 of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19), information--
``(I) on the options under the Ticket to Work and Self-
Sufficiency Program; and
``(II) on how to contact the program manager of the Ticket
to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program who has contact
information on approved employment networks, the benefits
planning and assistance programs in the area, and the
protection and advocacy programs in the area.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(E)--
(i) in clause (i)(II), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) amended, as necessary, to include the post-
employment services and service providers that are necessary
for the individual to maintain, regain, or advance in
employment, consistent with the individual's strengths,
resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities,
interests, and informed choice.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)(i)(I), by striking ``and personal
assistance services'' and inserting ``mentoring services, and
personal assistance services'';
(ii) in subparagraph (F)(ii), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) for a student with a disability, the description--
``(i) in paragraph (3)(A), may be a description of the
student's projected post-school employment outcome; and
``(ii) in paragraph (3)(B), shall include the specific
transition services (including, as appropriate, work
experience and mentoring activities) needed to achieve the
student's
[[Page S11677]]
employment outcome or projected employment outcome; and
``(I) for an individual who is receiving assistance under
the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established
under section 1148 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1320b-19), a list of services such individual receives from
an employment network other than the designated State
unit.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(7), by inserting ``that take into
consideration the informed choice of the individual,'' after
``plan development,''.
SEC. 414. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES.
Section 103(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
723(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``literacy services,''
after ``vocational adjustment services,'';
(2) in paragraph (17), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (18), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(19) mentoring services.''.
SEC. 415. STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL.
Section 105(b)(1)(A)(ix) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 U.S.C. 725(b)(1)(A)(ix)) is amended to read as follows:
``(ix) in a State in which 1 or more projects provide
services under section 121, not less than 1 representative of
the directors of the projects;''.
SEC. 416. EVALUATION STANDARDS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS.
Section 106(b)(2)(B)(i) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 U.S.C. 726(b)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by striking ``, if
necessary'' and all that follows through the semicolon and
inserting ``if the State has not improved its performance to
acceptable levels, as determined by the Commissioner, direct
the State to make further revisions to the plan to improve
performance, which may include allocating a higher proportion
of the State's resources for services to individuals with
disabilities if the State's spending on such services is low
in comparison to spending on such services in comparable
agencies in other States;''.
SEC. 417. STATE ALLOTMENTS.
Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
730) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Reallotment.--
``(1) Determination.--Not later than 45 days prior to the
end of the fiscal year, the Commissioner shall determine,
after reasonable opportunity for the submission to the
Commissioner of comments by the State agency administering or
supervising the program established under this title, that
any payment of an allotment to a State under section 111(a)
for any fiscal year will not be utilized by such State in
carrying out the purposes of this title.
``(2) Formula.--
``(A) In general.--As soon as practicable but not later
than the end of the fiscal year, the Commissioner shall
reallot the amount available under paragraph (1) to other
States, consistent with subparagraphs (B) and (C), for
carrying out the purposes of this title to the extent the
Commissioner determines such other State will be able to use
such additional amount during that fiscal year or the
subsequent fiscal year for carrying out such purposes.
``(B) Formula.--
``(i) Eligible states.--The Commissioner shall reallot the
amount available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year to
each State whose allotment under subsection (a) for such
fiscal year is less than such State's allotment under
subsection (a) for the immediately preceding fiscal year
increased by the percentage change in the funds available for
subsection (a) from the immediately preceding fiscal year.
``(ii) Amount.--
``(I) In general.--A State that is eligible to receive a
reallotment under clause (i) shall receive an amount for a
fiscal year from the amount available for reallotment under
paragraph (1) that is equal to the difference between--
``(aa) the amount such State received for such fiscal year;
and
``(bb) the amount such State was allotted under subsection
(a) for the immediately preceding fiscal year adjusted by the
percentage change in the funds available for subsection (a)
from the immediately preceding fiscal year.
``(II) Insufficient funds.--If the amount available for
reallotment under paragraph (1) is insufficient to provide
each State eligible to receive a reallotment with the amount
described in subclause (I), the amount reallotted to each
eligible State shall be determined by the Commissioner.
``(C) Remaining funds.--If there are funds remaining after
each State eligible to receive a reallotment under
subparagraph (B)(i) receives the amount described in
subparagraph (B)(ii), the Commissioner shall reallot the
remaining funds among the States requesting a reallotment.
``(3) Non-federal share.--The Commissioner shall reallot an
amount to a State under this subsection only if the State
will be able to make sufficient payments from non-Federal
sources to pay for the non-Federal share of the cost of
vocational rehabilitation services under the State plan for
the fiscal year for which the amount was appropriated.
``(4) Increase in allotment.--For the purposes of this
part, any amount made available to a State for any fiscal
year pursuant to this subsection shall be regarded as an
increase of such State's allotment (as determined under the
preceding provisions of this section) for such year.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c)(2) and inserting the
following:
``(2)(A) In this paragraph:
``(i) The term `appropriated amount' means the amount
appropriated under section 100(b)(1) for allotment under this
section.
``(ii) The term `covered year' means a fiscal year--
``(I) that begins after September 30, 2003; and
``(II) for which the appropriated amount exceeds the total
of--
``(aa) the appropriated amount for the preceding fiscal
year; and
``(bb) 0.1 percent of the appropriated amount for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(B) For each covered year, the sum referred to in
paragraph (1) shall be, as determined by the Secretary, the
lesser of--
``(i) the total of the sum reserved under this subsection
for the preceding fiscal year and 0.1 percent of the
appropriated amount for the covered year; and
``(ii) 1.5 percent of the appropriated amount for the
covered year.''.
SEC. 418. CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 112 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
732) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``States'' and inserting
``agencies designated under subsection (c)'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``The Secretary'' and
all that follows through the period and inserting the
following: ``After reserving funds under subparagraphs (E)
and (F), the Secretary shall allot the remainder of the sums
appropriated for each fiscal year under this section among
the agencies designated under subsection (c) within the
States on the basis of relative population of each State,
except that no such agency shall receive less than
$50,000.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``the designated
agencies located in'' after ``each to'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D)(i)--
(I) by inserting ``the designated agencies located in''
after ``$100,000 for''; and
(II) by inserting ``the designated agencies located in''
after ``$45,000 for''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(E)(i) Beginning on October 1, 2004, for any fiscal year
for which the amount appropriated to carry out this section
equals or exceeds $13,000,000, the Secretary shall reserve
funds appropriated under this section to make grants to the
protection and advocacy system serving the American Indian
Consortium to provide client assistance services in
accordance with this section. The amount of such grants shall
be the same amount as provided to territories under
subparagraph (B), as increased under clauses (i) and (ii) of
subparagraph (D).
``(ii) In this subparagraph:
``(I) The term `American Indian Consortium' has the meaning
given the term in section 102 of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42
U.S.C. 15002).
``(II) The term `protection and advocacy system' means a
protection and advocacy system established under subtitle C
of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and
Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).
``(F) For any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated
to carry out this section equals or exceeds $14,000,000, the
Secretary shall reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not
more than 2.2 percent of such amount to provide training and
technical assistance to the programs established under this
section. Such training and technical assistance shall be
coordinated with funds available under section
509(c)(1)(A).'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``State'' each place such term appears and
inserting ``designated agency''; and
(ii) by striking ``States'' each place such term appears
and inserting ``designated agencies''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Except as specifically
prohibited by or as otherwise provided in State law, the
Secretary shall pay'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall pay
directly'';
(3) in subsection (f), by striking ``State'' and inserting
``agency designated under subsection (c)''; and
(4) in subsection (h), by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''.
SEC. 419. INCENTIVE GRANTS.
Part B of title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 730 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 113. INCENTIVE GRANTS.
``(a) Authority.--The Commissioner is authorized to make
incentive grants to States that, based on the criteria
established under subsection (b)(1), demonstrate--
``(1) a high level of performance; or
``(2) a significantly improved level of performance as
compared to the previous reporting period or periods.
``(b) Criteria.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this section, the Commissioner shall
establish, and publish in the Federal Register, criteria for
making grant awards under subsection (a).
[[Page S11678]]
``(2) Development and evaluation standards.--The criteria
under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) be developed with input from State vocational
rehabilitation agencies and other vocational rehabilitation
stakeholders, including vocational rehabilitation consumers
and consumer organizations; and
``(B) be based upon the evaluation standards and
performance indicators established under section 106 and
other performance related measures that the Commissioner
determines to be appropriate.
``(c) Use of Funds.--A State that receives a grant under
subsection (a) shall use the grant funds for any approved
activities in the State's State plan submitted under section
101.
``(d) No Non-Federal Share Requirement.--The provisions of
sections 101(a)(3) and 111(a)(2) shall not apply to this
section.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2004
through 2009.''.
SEC. 420. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES GRANTS.
Section 121 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
741) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by inserting
``, consistent with such individuals' strengths, resources,
priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and
informed choice, so that such individuals may prepare for,
and engage in, gainful employment'' before the period at the
end; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) contains assurances that--
``(i) all decisions affecting eligibility for vocational
rehabilitation services, the nature and scope of available
services, and the provision of such services, will be made by
a representative of the tribal vocational rehabilitation
program; and
``(ii) such decisions will not be delegated to another
agency or individual.'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the first sentence and
inserting the following: ``An application approved under this
part that complies with the program requirements set forth in
the regulations promulgated to carry out this part shall be
effective for 5 years and shall be renewed for additional 5-
year periods if the Commissioner determines that the grantee
demonstrated acceptable past performance and the grantee
submits a plan, including a proposed budget, to the
Commissioner that the Commissioner approves that identifies
future performance criteria, goals, and objectives.''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) In allocating funds under this part, the Secretary
shall give priority to paying the continuation costs of
existing projects and may provide for increases in funding
for such projects as determined necessary.''.
SEC. 421. GAO STUDIES.
(a) Study on Title I and Ticket to Work.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study on the interaction of title I of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.) with
the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established
under section 1148 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1320b-19), including the impact of the interaction on
beneficiaries, community rehabilitation programs, and State
vocational rehabilitation agencies.
(2) Conduct of study.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States
shall consult with all participants in the Ticket to Work and
Self-Sufficiency Program, including the Social Security
Administration, the Rehabilitation Services Administration,
ticketholders, State agencies, community rehabilitation
programs (including employment networks and nonemployment
networks), protection and advocacy agencies, MAXIMUS, and
organizations representing the interests of ticketholders.
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this title, the Comptroller General of
the United States shall submit the study conducted pursuant
to this subsection to the appropriate committees of Congress.
(b) Study on the Allotment Formula.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study on the relationship between the
State allotment formula under section 110 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 730) and the ability of
States to provide vocational rehabilitation services in
accordance with the State's State plan under section 101 of
such Act.
(2) Conduct of study.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States
shall consult with appropriate entities.
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of this title, the Comptroller General of
the United States shall submit the study conducted pursuant
to this subsection to the appropriate committees of Congress.
Subtitle B--Research and Training
SEC. 431. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 201(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
761(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''.
SEC. 432. NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
RESEARCH.
Section 202(f)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 762(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``Federal
employees'' and inserting ``Department of Education
employees''.
SEC. 433. RESEARCH AND OTHER COVERED ACTIVITIES.
Section 204(c)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 764(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``$500,000'' and
inserting ``$750,000''.
SEC. 434. REHABILITATION RESEARCH ADVISORY COUNCIL.
Section 205(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
765(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The
Council also shall include a representative from the business
community who has experience with the vocational
rehabilitation system and hiring individuals with
disabilities.''.
Subtitle C--Professional Development and Special Projects and
Demonstrations
SEC. 441. TRAINING.
Section 302 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
772) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(i), by striking ``or
prosthetics and orthotics'' and inserting ``prosthetics and
orthotics, rehabilitation for the blind, or orientation and
mobility instruction''; and
(2) in subsection (i), by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''.
SEC. 442. DEMONSTRATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.
Section 303 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
773) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
(2) in subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by
striking ``fiscal years 1999 through 2003'' and inserting
``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Access to Telework.--
``(1) Definition of telework.--In this subsection, the term
`telework' means to work from home and other telework sites
with the assistance of a computer and with reasonable
accommodations, including the necessary equipment to
facilitate successful work from home and other telework
sites.
``(2) Authorization of program.--The Commissioner is
authorized to make grants to States and governing bodies of
American Indian tribes located on Federal and State
reservations (and consortia of such governing bodies) to pay
for the Federal share of the cost of establishing or
expanding a telework program.
``(3) Application.--A State that desires to receive a grant
under this subsection shall submit an application to the
Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Commissioner may require.
``(4) Use of funds.--A State that receives a grant under
this subsection shall establish or expand a telework program
that shall provide loans or other alternative financing
mechanisms to individuals with disabilities to enable such
individuals to purchase computers or other equipment,
including adaptive equipment, that facilitates work from home
and other telework sites so that such individuals are able to
telework.
``(5) Annual report.--
``(A) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this
subsection shall submit an annual report to the Commissioner.
``(B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall
include the following:
``(i) The characteristics of each individual with a
disability that receives a loan or other alternative
financing mechanism under the program, including information
about the individual such as the following:
``(I) Age.
``(II) Ethnicity.
``(III) Type of disability.
``(IV) Employment status at the time of application for a
loan or other alternative financing mechanism under this
subsection.
``(V) Whether the individual attempted to secure financial
support from other sources to enable the individual to
telework and, if so, a description of such sources.
``(VI) Whether the individual is working and, if so,
whether the individual teleworks, the occupation in which the
individual is working, the hourly salary the individual
receives, and the hourly salary of the individual prior to
receiving a loan or other alternative financing mechanism
under the program.
``(VII) Whether the individual has repaid the loan or other
alternative financing mechanism received under the program,
is in repayment status, is delinquent on repayments, or has
defaulted on the loan or other alternative financing
mechanism.
``(ii) Any other information that the Commissioner may
require.
``(6) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
establishing a telework program shall be 10 percent of the
cost.''.
SEC. 443. MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKERS.
Section 304(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
774(b)) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
SEC. 444. RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS.
Section 305 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
775) is amended--
[[Page S11679]]
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking ``construction of
facilities for aquatic rehabilitation therapy,''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''.
Subtitle D--National Council on Disability
SEC. 451. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 405 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
785) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
Subtitle E--Rights and Advocacy
SEC. 461. ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS
COMPLIANCE BOARD.
Section 502(j) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
792(j)) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
SEC. 462. PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.
Section 509 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
794e) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``was paid'' and
inserting ``was paid, except that program income generated
from the amount paid to an eligible system shall remain
available to such system for obligation during any succeeding
fiscal year''; and
(2) in subsection (l), by striking ``fiscal years 1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
2009''.
Subtitle F--Employment Opportunities for Individuals With Disabilities
SEC. 471. PROJECTS WITH INDUSTRY AUTHORIZATION OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 612 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
795a) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
SEC. 472. SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SIGNIFICANT
DISABILITIES AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 628 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
795n) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
Subtitle G--Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent
Living
SEC. 481. STATE PLAN.
Section 704 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C.
795c) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Promoting Full Access to Community Life.--The plan
shall describe how the State will provide independent living
services that promote full access to community life for
individuals with significant disabilities. The services shall
include, as appropriate, facilitating transitions from
nursing homes and other institutions, including institutions
serving individuals with cognitive disabilities, to
community-based residences, assisting individuals with
significant disabilities at risk of entering institutions to
remain in the community, and promoting home ownership among
individuals with significant disabilities.''.
SEC. 482. STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL.
Section 705(b)(5) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 796d(b)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
``(5) Chairperson.--The Council shall select a chairperson
from among the voting membership of the Council.''.
SEC. 483. INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AUTHORIZATION OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 714 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
796e-3) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
SEC. 484. PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.
Section 721 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C.
796f) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Allotments to States.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Additional appropriation.--The term `additional
appropriation' means the amount (if any) by which the
appropriation for a fiscal year exceeds the total of--
``(i) the amount reserved under subsection (b) for that
fiscal year; and
``(ii) the appropriation for fiscal year 2003.
``(B) Appropriation.--The term `appropriation' means the
amount appropriated to carry out this part.
``(C) Base appropriation.--The term `base appropriation'
means the portion of the appropriation for a fiscal year that
is equal to the lesser of--
``(i) an amount equal to 100 percent of the appropriation,
minus the amount reserved under subsection (b) for that
fiscal year; or
``(ii) the appropriation for fiscal year 2003.
``(2) Allotments to states from base appropriation.--After
the reservation required by subsection (b) has been made, the
Commissioner shall allot to each State whose State plan has
been approved under section 706 an amount that bears the same
ratio to the base appropriation as the amount the State
received under this subsection for fiscal year 2003 bears to
the total amount that all States received under this
subsection for fiscal year 2003.
``(3) Allotments to states of additional appropriation.--
From any additional appropriation for each fiscal year, the
Commissioner shall allot to each State whose State plan has
been approved under section 706 an amount equal to the sum
of--
``(A) an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of
the additional appropriation as the population of the State
bears to the population of all States; and
``(B) \1/56\ of 50 percent of the additional
appropriation.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Carryover Authority.--Any amount paid to an agency to
operate a center for independent living under this chapter
for a fiscal year and any amount of program income that
remains unobligated at the end of such year shall remain
available to such agency for obligation during the next 2
fiscal years for the purposes for which such amount was
paid.''.
SEC. 485. GRANTS TO CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING IN STATES
IN WHICH FEDERAL FUNDING EXCEEDS STATE FUNDING.
Section 722(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
796f-1(c)) is amended by striking ``by September 30, 1997''
and inserting ``during the preceding year''.
SEC. 486. GRANTS TO CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING IN STATES
IN WHICH STATE FUNDING EQUALS OR EXCEEDS
FEDERAL FUNDING.
Section 723(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
796f-2(c)) is amended by striking ``by September 30, 1997''
and inserting ``during the preceding year''.
SEC. 487. STANDARDS AND ASSURANCES FOR CENTERS FOR
INDEPENDENT LIVING.
Section 725(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
796f-4(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``disabilities.'' and
inserting ``disabilities, including maintaining individuals
with disabilities in, or transitioning individuals with
disabilities to, community-based living.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Promoting full access to community life.--The center
shall provide independent living services that promote full
access to community life for individuals with significant
disabilities. The services shall include, as appropriate,
facilitating transitions from nursing homes and other
institutions, including institutions serving individuals with
cognitive disabilities, to community-based residences,
assisting individuals with significant disabilities at risk
of entering institutions to remain in the community, and
promoting home ownership among individuals with significant
disabilities.''.
SEC. 488. CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING AUTHORIZATION OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 727 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
796f-6) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 1999 through
2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through 2009''.
SEC. 489. INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS
WHO ARE BLIND.
Chapter 2 of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 U.S.C. 796j et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 752 and 753 as sections 753
and 754, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 751 the following:
``SEC. 752. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Grants; Contracts; Other Arrangements.--For any
fiscal year for which the funds appropriated to carry out
this chapter exceed the funds appropriated to carry out this
chapter for fiscal year 2003, the Commissioner shall first
reserve from such excess, to provide training and technical
assistance to eligible entities for such fiscal year, not
less than 1.8 percent, and not more than 2 percent, of the
funds appropriated to carry out this chapter for the fiscal
year involved.
``(b) Allocation.--From the funds reserved under subsection
(a), the Commissioner shall make grants to, and enter into
contracts and other arrangements with, entities that
demonstrate expertise in the provision of services to older
individuals who are blind to provide training and technical
assistance with respect to planning, developing, conducting,
administering, and evaluating independent living programs for
older individuals who are blind.
``(c) Funding Priorities.--The Commissioner shall conduct a
survey of designated State agencies that receive grants under
section 753 regarding training and technical assistance needs
in order to determine funding priorities for grants,
contracts, and other arrangements under this section.
``(d) Review.--To be eligible to receive a grant or enter
into a contract or other arrangement under this section, an
eligible entity shall submit an application to the
Commissioner at such time, in such manner, containing a
proposal to provide such training and technical assistance,
and containing such additional information as the
Commissioner may require.
``(e) Prohibition on Combined Funds.--No funds reserved by
the Commissioner under this section may be combined with
funds appropriated under any other Act or part of this Act if
the purpose of combining funds is to make a single
discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment, unless
such funds appropriated under this chapter are separately
identified in such grant or payment and are used for the
purposes of this chapter.''.
SEC. 490. PROGRAM OF GRANTS.
Section 753 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
redesignated by section 489, is amended--
(1) in subsection (g), by inserting ``, or contracts
with,'' after ``grants to'';
(2) by striking subsection (h);
(3) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections
(h) and (i), respectively;
(4) in subsection (b), by striking ``section 753'' and
inserting ``section 754'';
[[Page S11680]]
(5) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 753'' and
inserting ``section 754''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (i)'' and inserting
``subsection (h)''; and
(ii) by striking ``subsection (j)'' and inserting
``subsection (i)'';
(6) in subsection (h), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (j)(4)'' and
inserting ``subsection (i)(4)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(vi), by adding ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii)(III), by striking ``; and''
and inserting a period; and
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(7) in subsection (i), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Minimum allotment.--
``(A) States.--In the case of the several States, the
District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
the amount referred to in paragraph (1)(A) for a fiscal year
is the greater of--
``(i) $350,000;
``(ii) an amount equal to the amount the State, the
District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
received to carry out this chapter for fiscal year 2003; or
``(iii) an amount equal to \1/3\ of 1 percent of the amount
appropriated under section 754, and not reserved under
section 752, for the fiscal year and available for allotments
under subsection (a).
``(B) Certain territories.--In the case of Guam, American
Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, the amount referred to in
paragraph (1)(A) for a fiscal year is $60,000.'';
(B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``section 753'' and
inserting ``section 754, and not reserved under section
752,''; and
(C) in paragraph (4)(B)(i), by striking ``subsection (i)''
and inserting ``subsection (h)''.
SEC. 491. INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS
WHO ARE BLIND AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 754 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
redesignated by section 489, is amended by striking ``fiscal
years 1999 through 2003'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004
through 2009''.
Subtitle H--Miscellaneous
SEC. 495. HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER ACT.
(a) General Authorization of Appropriations.--The first
sentence of section 205(a) of the Helen Keller National
Center Act (29 U.S.C. 1904(a)) is amended by striking ``1999
through 2003'' and inserting ``2004 through 2009''.
(b) Helen Keller National Center Federal Endowment Fund.--
The first sentence of section 208(h) of the Helen Keller
National Center Act (29 U.S.C. 1907(h)) is amended by
striking ``1999 through 2003'' and inserting ``2004 through
2009''.
TITLE V--TRANSITION AND EFFECTIVE DATE
SEC. 501. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.
The Secretary of Labor shall, at the discretion of the
Secretary, take such actions as the Secretary determines to
be appropriate to provide for the orderly implementation of
this Act.
SEC. 502. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, this Act and the
amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on the date of
enactment of this Act.
______
By Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Burns, Mr.
Sessions, Mr. Graham of South Carolina, Mr. Inhofe, Mr.
Roberts, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Craig, Mr. Allard, Mr.
Coleman, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Bunning, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. McConnell,
Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Voinovich, Mr.
Lott, Mr. Domenici, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. McCain, Mr. Kyl, Mr.
Ensign, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Allen, and
Mr. Chambliss):
S. 1628. A bill to prescribe the oath of renunciation and allegiance
for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act; to the Committee
on the Judiciary.
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, today is Citizenship Day. On this day
in 1787 the Constitution of the United States was signed. In 1952,
Congress passed a law designating Citizenship Day on this day with the
intent of recognizing those who had become American citizens during the
preceding year.
In the ceremony where an immigrant becomes a naturalized citizen of
this country, where he or she becomes a new American, he or she swears
an oath of renunciation and allegiance.
Last week, on September 11, I noted that the oath of allegiance is
currently a matter of mere Federal regulation and not a matter of law.
I said that Congress ought to enshrine the oath in law.
Today, on behalf of Mr. Burns, Mr. Sessions, and 30 Members of the
Senate, I rise to introduce legislation to do precisely that--to make
the current oath of allegiance the law of the land. Doing so will give
the oath of allegiance the same status enjoyed by other key symbols and
statements of being an American--the American flag, the Pledge of
Allegiance, the national anthem, and our national motto. All these
symbols and statements have been specifically approved by Congress and
are now a matter of law. The oath of allegiance ought to be treated
with the same dignity.
The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services--or BCIS--an
agency of the Department of Homeland Security, was recently planning to
change the oath of allegiance that immigrants take to become a citizen
of this Nation. While those changes seem now to be on hold, it seems
inappropriate to me that the BCIS, or any other Government agency, no
matter how well intentioned, should have the power to alter the oath
without congressional approval.
In the first 5 months of this fiscal year, 166,968 immigrants took
the oath and were naturalized as new citizens of this country.
The oath assumed its present form in the 1950s and was first adopted
in Federal regulations in 1929. But some of the language dates all the
way back to 1790.
Yesterday, I attended a naturalization ceremony for new citizens.
They were proud to take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
They were proud to become Americans. This is the oath they took to
become U.S. citizens--the oath which will become law if the bill I will
introduce today should pass and be signed by the President.
I quote:
I--and the citizen states his or her name--hereby declare,
on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure
all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate,
state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been
a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the
Constitution and laws of the United States of America against
all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true
faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on
behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I
will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the
United States when required by the law; that I will perform
work of national importance under civilian direction when
required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help
me God.
That is the oath of allegiance. That is quite an oath. It has
strength. It has clarity. It sounds as if it might have been written by
some rowdy patriots in Philadelphia or Williamsburg.
Yet, surprisingly, Congress has never voted on the content of this
oath. We have left it to Federal regulators. It is time to protect it.
This is a straightforward bill that simply codifies the oath of
allegiance as it presently stands. The bill I introduce today has, as I
mentioned, already attracted 30 cosponsors, including the distinguished
Senator from North Carolina who is presiding today.
I hope more Senators will join us in protecting this key statement on
what it means to become an American.
______
By Mr. DeWINE (for himself and Mr. Dodd):
S. 1629. A bill to improve the palliative and end-of-life care
provided to children with life-threatening conditions, and for other
purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments to talk
about a bill I will be introducing today, along with Senator Chris
Dodd, a bill that has to do with children. It is an issue that is
difficult to think about or talk about but one that is critical to many
children and their families in our Nation.
What I am taking about is what we do, or what we can do, when a child
develops a life-threatening or terminal illness. What I am talking
about is we need to make sure we do everything in our power to make
sick children as comfortable as possible and as happy as possible--
everything in our power to ease their suffering. What I am talking
about is the pressing need for comprehensive, compassionate, continuous
care for children who are facing death as a result of serious illness;
the need
[[Page S11681]]
to make palliative care available to any child who is seriously ill and
who might possibly be facing death.
No parent or family member ever expects a child to die. With today's
modern medicine and research advances, it is easy to think that only
older people die, but, tragically, we all know that is not the case.
That is why today, along with Senator Dodd and Congresswoman Pryce and
Congressman Murtha, we are introducing a bill, the Compassionate Care
for Children Act, 2003, in an effort to help ensure that very sick
children receive a continuum of care and that young lives do not end in
preventable pain or fear or sadness.
Every year, over 55,000 children die in the United States. Some
children will die suddenly and unexpectedly, in a car accident, by
drowning, or fire, or by choking. Some may even be murdered.
Others, though, thousands of children, will be diagnosed with life-
threatening illnesses or disease that might eventually, over a period
of time, take away their lives. Children with these kinds of illnesses
are in and out of hospitals and clinics. They receive chemotherapy and
radiation treatments. They might undergo multiple surgeries.
They might have nurses and doctors poking and prodding at them nearly
all the time. Some of these children are old enough to realize that
they might die if the treatments for their diseases might not work.
Others are too young to understand that reality.
One poor girl--Liza--knew she was going to die. Shortly after her
fourth birthday, she was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. For the
next year, Liza's parents explored every possible medical option for
her, and every possible treatment. They took her to doctor after doctor
after doctor, and they had access to the most cutting-edge therapies
available to treat Liza's disease. But nothing seemed to work. At the
age of 5, Liza began to ask her mother about what would come next, and
whether she would soon die after her bone marrow transplant--her last
chance for a cure--had failed.
Once the medical treatments had failed, hospitals has little else to
offer Liza. There was no discussion, tragically, about end-of-life care
at the hospital for this little child. No one wanted to admit that they
were out of treatment options, that there was no cure, that she wasn't
going to get better, have her life restored and her health restored,
and that she wasn't going to grow up and become an adult and have her
own children someday. There was no discussion of that. No one in that
hospital wanted to talk with Liza about death, even though this little
girl pleaded with them to do so.
Liza's mother told the Washington Post that Liza asked her oncologist
to tell her when death was near. This little 5-year-old girl asked her
doctor to tell her when she was going to die. Yet on the final night of
her life, as this little child lay dying in her mother's arms, near her
father and her older sister, Liza asked, ``Why didn't the doctor call
to tell me.''
Liza's parents were able to get some hospice care for their daughter
during the last 3 months of her life. Tragically, fewer than 10 percent
of children who die in the United States ever receive any sort of
hospice care. When children like Liza are terminally ill, parents are
forced to make decisions for their children under extremely emotional
and stressful conditions. The decisions that confront these parents are
ones that they never, of course, expected to have to make. Parents want
what is best for their children. They want their children to get better
and be healthy. They want their children to be pain free. They want
their children to receive comfort and care when they are sick.
God forbid that parents find out their children are very sick--so
sick they are never going to get better, so sick there are no more
treatments and no more cures, and so sick they know their children are
going to die. Those parents will try to do everything imaginable and
everything possible in their power to help their children and make them
comfortable, pain-free, and happy in their remaining days.
We have an obligation to help those parents achieve those goals.
Children with life-threatening diseases and illnesses require special
medical attention to make their shortened lives more comfortable. We
know that. Yet despite that knowledge, the fact is, current Federal law
and regulations do not take into consideration the special care needs
of a gravely ill or dying child. In fact, these Federal laws and
regulations get in the way of taking care of these children.
The legislation we are introducing today would help correct the
deficiencies in current law and help sick children facing possible
death live more comfortably and live with dignity and would help them
receive the comprehensive care they deserve and the comprehensive care
we would expect for our own children.
Let me take a few moments to explain what our bill actually does.
First, it offers grants so doctors and nurses can receive training
and education to enable them to better understand these issues and to
help them provide end-of-life care for these kids. The goal of these
grants is to improve the quality of care terminally ill children
receive. One of the ways we do this is to make sure doctors and nurses
truly understand these issues so they can provide the care and be
better informed.
Our bill also provides money for the National Institutes of Health to
conduct research in pain and symptom management in children. This
research is critically important to improve the type of care dying
children receive.
A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that
89 percent of children dying of cancer die experiencing ``a lot or a
great deal'' of pain and suffering.
This does not have to happen. We can change that, and we must. This
is simply not acceptable. Research has to be done so that children will
not suffer needlessly.
In addition to grants, the second piece of our bill changes the way
care is delivered to children with life-threatening illnesses. Right
now, doctors, hospitals, and parents have to overcome significant
insurance and eligibility barriers to enroll a dying child in hospice.
First, to qualify for hospice, a doctor must certify that a child has 6
months or less to live. The problem with this ``6-month rule'' is that
it is harder for a doctor to determine the life expectancy of a sick
child than it is to determine the life expectancy of a sick adult or
elderly person. A child dying of cancer, for example, may die in 6
months or 6 years, making that child ineligible for hospice care that
would ensure a comfortable life while that child is alive. It is very
difficult many times to estimate how long that child is going to live.
This very rigid 6-month predictability rule which denies care is very
inhumane for these kids. It is wrong, and we have to change that rule.
According to Dr. Joanne Hilden and Dr. Dan Tobin, ``Sick children are
still growing, which is a biological process very much like healing. So
when a child is diagnosed with illness such as cancer or heart disease,
he is much more likely to be cured than an adult.''
Simply put, diseases progress differently in children than adults,
and children with terminal diseases get lost in the health care system
designed for adults--a health care system that does not take into
consideration the special needs of children.
Furthermore, the current system does not allow a patient to receive
curative and palliative care simultaneously. In other words, current
law does not allow doctors to continue trying life-prolonging
treatments--treatments that could cure an illness or extend their life,
and also at the same time provide palliative care to that patient. In
other words, current law does not allow the assistance, the doctors to
go in to try to provide typical hospice care where you make that child
comfortable and do all the things to alleviate the pain and at the same
time you are still trying to save the child's life.
That is wrong. That is simply wrong. That presents a parent with a
horrible choice, a choice that no parent should have.
That is tragic. Palliative care offers a continuum of care, care that
involves counseling to families and patients about how to confront
death, care that involves making the patient comfortable in his or her
sickest hours, care that acknowledges that death is a real possibility.
[[Page S11682]]
Federal law requires a person who wishes to receive end-of-life care
to discontinue receiving curative or life-prolonging treatment. When a
child is involved, this means a parent must agree to no longer provide
curative treatment, treatment that could cure the child--that is
wrong--in order for their child to receive care and support for the
possible end of life.
This should not be an either/or decision for parents. I don't know of
any parent who would give up trying to cure a sick child when there was
any chance that child might be saved. They should not be put in this
position.
Current law places parents in impossible positions. We simply must
fix this. End-of-life care should be integrated with curative care so
that parents, children, and doctors have access to a range of benefits
and services. As I said earlier, palliative care should not be confined
to the dying. It should be available to any child who is seriously ill.
That is why our bill creates Medicare and private market
demonstration programs to remove these barriers, making it simpler and
easier for doctors and parents to make end-of-life decisions for
children. the demonstration program will allow children to receive
curative and palliative care concurrently. This means children can
continue to receive treatment and life-prolonging care while receiving
palliative care at the same time. The demonstration program also
removes the 6-month rule so children can receive palliative care
benefit at the time of diagnosis.
I take a moment to tell my colleagues about another girl, Rachel Ann.
Rachel Ann was a little girl who did receive palliative care from the
time she was diagnosed with a grave heart problem. Rachel Ann had a
heart that doctors describe as ``incompatible with life.'' Most babies
with heart malformations like Rachel Ann die within a matter of days
after birth. Rachel Ann's parents were devastated and distraught to see
their tiny baby connected to a sea of wire and tubes, clinging to life.
Rachel Ann's parents were referred to a pediatric hospice and decided
to bring their daughter home from the hospital so she could experience
life with her family, surrounded by parents, brothers, relatives and
church community at home. Rachel Ann's parents say she seemed truly
happy at home. She smiled and wiggled in response to voices and being
held. Her brothers doted on their baby sister.
Rachel Ann was able to spend her life at home in comfort with her
family. She lived for 42 days and her family was able to make every
single moment count. On Christmas day, after spending the morning with
her family, Rachel Ann passed away.
This is truly a tragic story. Fortunately, Rachel Ann and her family
were able to spend as much time together as possible with Rachel Ann as
comfortable as possible. Her brothers were able to know their sister
and to talk with hospice professionals about what was happening to her.
Rachel Ann's parents and grandparents also were able to talk about her
condition with hospice professionals and maintained an active role in
her care. There was a support system in place for this family.
The terminal illness of a child must be an incredibly difficult thing
to confront for a parent and a family. No one wants to think about
children dying. No one wants to believe that children suffer,
especially in this age of great medical advances. It is a horrible
situation. But it is one that we must face. We can always do more to
improve the care that our children receive. We should continue to
support research and finding cures for the diseases and illnesses from
which children suffer. But until those cures are found, and as long as
children die from these diseases, we must provide care and support for
a dying child. We have an obligation to provide that care and that
support.
The bill we will introduce later today will be an important step in
this direction. It will provide tools and support networks to help
grieving families in their time of need. It is the right thing to do. I
encourage my colleagues to join us in cosponsoring this important piece
of legislation.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be
printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the
Record, as follows:
S. 1629
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Children's
Compassionate Care Act of 2003''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--GRANTS TO EXPAND PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES AND
RESEARCH
Sec. 101. Education and training.
Sec. 102. Grants to expand pediatric palliative care.
Sec. 103. Health professions fellowships and residency grants.
Sec. 104. Model program grants.
Sec. 105. Research.
TITLE II--PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Sec. 201. Medicare pediatric palliative care demonstration projects.
Sec. 202. Private sector pediatric palliative care demonstration
projects.
Sec. 203. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--GRANTS TO EXPAND PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES AND
RESEARCH
SEC. 101. EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
Subpart 2 of part E of title VII of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 295 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 770(a) by inserting ``except for section
771,'' after ``carrying out this subpart''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 771. PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES EDUCATION AND
TRAINING.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary may award grants to
eligible entities to provide training in pediatric palliative
care and related services.
``(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--
``(1) In general.--In this section the term `eligible
entity' means a health care provider that is affiliated with
an academic institution, that is providing comprehensive
pediatric palliative care services, alone or through an
arrangement with another entity, and that has demonstrated
experience in providing training and consultative services in
pediatric palliative care including--
``(A) children's hospitals or other hospitals or medical
centers with significant capacity in caring for children with
life-threatening conditions;
``(B) pediatric hospices or hospices with significant
pediatric palliative care programs;
``(C) home health agencies with a demonstrated capacity to
serve children with life-threatening conditions and that
provide pediatric palliative care; and
``(D) any other entity that the Secretary determines is
appropriate.
``(2) Life-threatening condition defined.--In this
subsection, the term `life-threatening condition' has the
meaning given such term by the Secretary (in consultation
with hospice programs (as defined in section 1861(dd)(2) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(2))) and
academic experts in end-of-life care), except that the
Secretary may not limit such term to individuals who are
terminally ill (as defined in section 1861(dd)(3) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(3))).
``(c) Authorized Activities.--Grant funds awarded under
subsection (a) shall be used to--
``(1) provide short-term training and education programs in
pediatric palliative care for the range of interdisciplinary
health professionals and others providing such care;
``(2) provide consultative services and guidance to health
care providers that are developing and building comprehensive
pediatric palliative care programs;
``(3) develop regional information outreach and other
resources to assist clinicians and families in local and
outlying communities and rural areas;
``(4) develop or evaluate current curricula and educational
materials being used in providing such education and guidance
relating to pediatric palliative care;
``(5) facilitate the development, assessment, and
implementation of clinical practice guidelines and
institutional protocols and procedures for pediatric
palliative, end-of-life, and bereavement care; and
``(6) assure that families of children with life-
threatening conditions are an integral part of these
processes.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.''.
SEC. 102. GRANTS TO EXPAND PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE.
Part Q of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 280h et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 399Z-1. GRANTS TO EXPAND PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the
Administrator of the Health Resources and Services
Administration may award grants to eligible entities to
implement or expand pediatric palliative care programs for
children with life-threatening conditions.
[[Page S11683]]
``(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means--
``(1) children's hospitals or other hospitals with a
capacity and ability to care for children with life-
threatening conditions;
``(2) hospices with a demonstrated capacity and ability to
care for children with life-threatening conditions and their
families; and
``(3) home health agencies with--
``(A) a demonstrated capacity and ability to care for
children with life-threatening conditions; and
``(B) expertise in providing palliative care.
``(c) Authorized Activities.--Grant funds awarded under
subsection (a) shall be used to--
``(1) create new pediatric palliative care programs;
``(2) start or expand needed additional care settings, such
as respite, hospice, inpatient day services, or other care
settings to provide a continuum of care across inpatient,
home, and community-based settings;
``(3) expand comprehensive pediatric palliative care
services, including care coordination services, to greater
numbers of children and broader service areas, including
regional and rural outreach; and
``(4) support communication linkages and care coordination,
telemedicine and teleconferencing, and measures to improve
patient safety.
``(d) Application.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the
Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Administrator may require.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.''.
SEC. 103. PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE TRAINING AND RESIDENCY
GRANTS.
Part A of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 281 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 404F. PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE TRAINING AND RESIDENCY
GRANTS.
``(a) Establishment.--The Director of the National
Institutes of Health is authorized to award training grants
to eligible entities to expand the number of physicians,
nurses, mental health professionals, and appropriate allied
health professionals and specialists (as determined by the
Secretary) with pediatric palliative clinical training and
research experience.
``(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means--
``(1) a pediatric department of a medical school and other
related departments including--
``(A) oncology;
``(B) virology;
``(C) neurology; and
``(D) psychiatry;
``(2) a school of nursing;
``(3) a school of psychology and social work; and
``(4) a children's hospital or other hospital with a
significant number of pediatric patients with life-
threatening conditions.
``(c) Application.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the
Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Director may require.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.''.
SEC. 104. MODEL PROGRAM GRANTS.
Part Q of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 280h et seq.), as amended by section 102, is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399Z-2. MODEL PROGRAM GRANTS.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary may award grants to
eligible entities to enhance pediatric palliative care and
care for children with life-threatening conditions in general
pediatric or family practice residency training programs
through the development of model programs.
``(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section the term
`eligible entity' means a pediatric department of--
``(1) a medical school;
``(2) a children's hospital; or
``(3) any other hospital with a general pediatric or family
practice residency program that serves a significant number
of pediatric patients with life-threatening conditions.
``(c) Application.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the
Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Administrator may require.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.''.
SEC. 105. RESEARCH.
(a) Pain and Symptom Management.--The Director of the
National Institutes of Health (in this section referred to as
the ``Director'') shall provide translational research grants
to fund research in pediatric pain and symptom management
that will utilize existing facilities of the National
Institutes of Health including--
(1) pediatric pharmacological research units;
(2) the general clinical research centers; and
(3) other centers providing infrastructure for patient
oriented research.
(b) Eligible Entities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Director may award grants for the conduct of research to--
(1) children's hospitals or other hospitals serving a
significant number of children with life-threatening
conditions;
(2) pediatric departments of medical schools;
(3) institutions currently participating in National
Institutes of Health network of pediatric pharmacological
research units; and
(4) hospices with pediatric palliative care programs and
academic affiliations.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000, to
remain available until expended.
TITLE II--PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
SEC. 201. MEDICARE PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE DEMONSTRATION
PROJECTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Care coordination services.--The term ``care
coordination services'' means services that provide for the
coordination of, and assistance with, referral for medical
and other services, including multidisciplinary care
conferences, coordination with other providers involved in
care of the eligible child, patient and family caregiver
education and counseling, and such other services as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate in order to facilitate
the coordination and continuity of care furnished to an
individual.
(2) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration
project'' means a demonstration project established by the
Secretary under subsection (b)(1).
(3) Eligible child.--The term ``eligible child'' means an
individual with a life-threatening condition who is entitled
to benefits under part A of the medicare program and who is
under 18 years of age.
(4) Eligible provider.--The term ``eligible provider''
means--
(A) a pediatric palliative care program that is a public
agency or private organization (or a subdivision thereof)
which--
(i)(I) is primarily engaged in providing the care and
services described in section 1861(dd)(1) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(dd)(1)) and makes such services
available (as needed) on a 24-hour basis and which also
provides counseling (including bereavement counseling) for
the immediate family of eligible children;
(II) provides for such care and services in eligible
children's homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short-term
inpatient basis, directly or under arrangements made by the
agency or organization, except that--
(aa) the agency or organization must routinely provide
directly substantially all of each of the services described
in subparagraphs (A), (C), and (H) of such section
1861(dd)(1);
(bb) in the case of other services described in such
section 1861(dd)(1) which are not provided directly by the
agency or organization, the agency or organization must
maintain professional management responsibility for all such
services furnished to an eligible child, regardless of the
location or facility in which such services are furnished;
and
(III)(aa) identifies medical, community, and social service
needs;
(bb) simplifies access to service;
(cc) uses the full range of community resources, including
the friends and family of the eligible child; and
(dd) provides educational opportunities relating to health
care; and
(ii) has an interdisciplinary group of personnel which--
(I) includes at least--
(aa) 1 physician (as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)(1)));
(bb) 1 registered professional nurse; and
(cc) 1 social worker;
employed by or, in the case of a physician described in item
(aa), under contract with the agency or organization, and
also includes at least 1 pastoral or other counselor;
(II) provides (or supervises the provision of) the care and
services described in such section 1861(dd)(1); and
(III) establishes the policies governing the provision of
such care and services;
(iii) maintains central clinical records on all patients;
(iv) does not discontinue the palliative care it provides
with respect to an eligible child because of the inability of
the eligible child to pay for such care;
(v)(I) uses volunteers in its provision of care and
services in accordance with standards set by the Secretary,
which standards shall ensure a continuing level of effort to
use such volunteers; and
(II) maintains records on the use of these volunteers and
the cost savings and expansion of care and services achieved
through the use of these volunteers;
(vi) in the case of an agency or organization in any State
in which State or applicable local law provides for the
licensing of agencies or organizations of this nature, is
licensed pursuant to such law;
(vii) seeks to ensure that children and families receive
complete, timely, understandable information about diagnosis,
prognosis, treatments, and palliative care options;
(viii) ensures that children and families participate in
effective and timely prevention, assessment, and treatment of
physical and psychological symptoms of distress; and
(ix) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may
find necessary in the interest of the health and safety of
the eligible children who are provided with palliative care
by such agency or organization; and
[[Page S11684]]
(B) any other individual or entity with an agreement under
section 1866 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc)
that--
(i) has demonstrated experience in providing
interdisciplinary team-based palliative care and care
coordination services (as defined in paragraph (1)) to
pediatric populations; and
(ii) the Secretary determines is appropriate.
(5) Life-threatening condition.--The term ``life-
threatening condition'' has the meaning given such term by
the Secretary (in consultation with hospice programs (as
defined in section 1861(dd)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(2))) and academic experts in end-of-life
care), except that the Secretary may not limit such term to
individuals who are terminally ill (as defined in section
1861(dd)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(dd)(3))).
(6) Medicare program.--The term ``medicare program'' means
the health benefits program under title XVIII of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
(b) Pediatric Palliative Care Demonstration Projects.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
demonstration projects in accordance with the provisions of
this subsection to provide pediatric palliative care to
eligible children.
(2) Participation.--
(A) Eligible providers.--Any eligible provider may furnish
items or services covered under the pediatric palliative care
benefit.
(B) Eligible children.--The Secretary shall permit any
eligible child residing in the service area of an eligible
provider participating in a demonstration project to
participate in such project on a voluntary basis.
(c) Services Under Demonstration Projects.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the provisions of section 1814(i) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)) shall apply to the payment
for pediatric palliative care provided under the
demonstration projects in the same manner in which such
section applies to the payment for hospice care (as defined
in section 1861(dd)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(dd)(1))) provided under the medicare program.
(2) Coverage of pediatric palliative care.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1862(a)(1)(C) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(1)(C)), the
Secretary shall provide for reimbursement for items and
services provided under the pediatric palliative care benefit
made available under the demonstration projects in a manner
that is consistent with the requirements of subparagraph (B).
(B) Benefit.--Under the pediatric palliative care benefit,
the following requirements shall apply:
(i) Waiver of requirement to elect hospice care.--Each
eligible child may receive benefits without an election under
section 1812(d)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395d(d)(1)) to receive hospice care (as defined in section
1861(dd)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(1))) having been
made with respect to the eligible child.
(ii) Authorization for curative treatment.--Each eligible
child may continue to receive benefits for disease and
symptom modifying treatment under the medicare program.
(iii) Provision of care coordination services.--Each
eligible child shall receive care coordination services (as
defined in subsection (a)(1)) and hospice care (as so
defined) through an eligible provider participating in a
demonstration project, regardless of whether such individual
has been determined to be terminally ill (as defined in
section 1861(dd)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(dd)(3))).
(iv) Availability of information on pediatric palliative
care.--Each eligible child and the family of such child shall
receive information and education in order to better
understand the utility of pediatric palliative care.
(v) Availability of bereavement counseling.--Each family of
an eligible child shall receive bereavement counseling, if
appropriate.
(vi) Additional benefits.--Under the demonstration
projects, the Secretary may include any other item or
service--
(I) for which payment may otherwise be made under the
medicare program; and
(II) that is consistent with the recommendations contained
in the report published in 2003 by the Institute of Medicine
of the National Academy of Sciences entitled ``When Children
Die: Improving Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Children
and Their Families''.
(C) Payment.--
(i) Establishment of payment methodology.--The Secretary
shall establish a methodology for determining the amount of
payment for pediatric palliative care furnished under the
demonstration projects that is similar to the methodology for
determining the amount of payment for hospice care (as
defined in section 1861(dd)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(1))) under section 1814(i) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395f(i)), except as provided in the following
subclauses:
(I) Amount of payment.--Subject to subclauses (II) and
(III), the amount of payment for pediatric palliative care
shall be equal to the amount that would be paid for hospice
care (as so defined), increased by an appropriate percentage
to account for the additional costs of providing bereavement
counseling and care coordination services (as defined in
subsection (a)(1)).
(II) Waiver of hospice cap.--The limitation under section
1814(i)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)(2))
shall not apply with respect to pediatric palliative care and
amounts paid for pediatric palliative care under this
subparagraph shall not be counted against the cap amount
described in such section.
(III) Separate payment for counseling services.--
Notwithstanding section 1814(i)(1)(A) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)(1)(A)), the Secretary may pay for
bereavement counseling as a separate service.
(ii) Special rules for payment of medicare+choice
organizations.--The Secretary shall establish procedures
under which the Secretary provides for an appropriate
adjustment in the monthly payments made under section 1853 of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-23) to any
Medicare+Choice organization that provides health care items
or services to an eligible child who is participating in a
demonstration project.
(3) Coverage of pediatric palliative care consultation
services.--Under the demonstration projects, the Secretary
shall provide for a one-time payment on behalf of each
eligible child who has not yet elected to participate in the
demonstration project for services that are furnished by a
physician who is either the medical director or an employee
of an eligible provider participating in such a project and
that consist of--
(A) an evaluation of the individual's need for pain and
symptom management, including the need for pediatric
palliative care;
(B) counseling the individual and the family of such
individual with respect to the benefits of pediatric
palliative care and care options; and
(C) if appropriate, advising the individual and the family
of such individual regarding advanced care planning.
(d) Conduct of Demonstration Projects.--
(1) Sites.--The Secretary shall conduct demonstration
projects in at least 4, but not more than 8, sites.
(2) Selection of sites.--The Secretary shall select
demonstration sites on the basis of proposals submitted under
paragraph (3) that are located in geographic areas that--
(A) include both urban and rural eligible providers; and
(B) are geographically diverse and readily accessible to a
significant number of eligible children.
(3) Proposals.--The Secretary shall accept proposals to
furnish pediatric palliative care under the demonstration
projects from any eligible provider at such time, in such
manner, and in such form as the Secretary may reasonably
require.
(4) Facilitation of evaluation.--The Secretary shall design
the demonstration projects to facilitate the evaluation
conducted under subsection (e)(1).
(5) Duration.--The Secretary shall complete the
demonstration projects within a period of 5 years that
includes a period of 1 year during which the Secretary shall
complete the evaluation under subsection (e)(1).
(e) Evaluation and Reports to Congress.--
(1) Evaluation.--During the 1-year period following the
first 4 years of the demonstration projects, the Secretary
shall complete an evaluation of the demonstration projects in
order--
(A) to determine the short-term and long-term costs and
benefits of changing--
(i) hospice care (as defined in section 1861(dd)(1) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(1))) provided under
the medicare program to children to include the pediatric
palliative care furnished under the demonstration projects;
and
(ii) the medicare program to permit eligible children to
receive curative and palliative care simultaneously;
(B) to review the implementation of the demonstration
projects compared to recommendations contained in the report
published in 2003 by the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academy of Sciences entitled ``When Children Die:
Improving Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Children and
Their Families'';
(C) to determine the quality and duration of palliative
care for individuals who receive such care under the
demonstration projects who would not be eligible to receive
such care under the medicare program;
(D) whether any increase in payments for pediatric
palliative care is offset by savings in other parts of the
medicare program; and
(E) the projected cost of implementing the demonstration
projects on a national basis.
(2) Reports.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than the date that is 2
years after the date on which the demonstration projects are
implemented, the Secretary shall submit an interim report to
Congress on the demonstration projects.
(B) Final report.--Not later than the date that is 1 year
after the date on which the demonstration projects end, the
Secretary shall submit a final report to Congress on the
demonstration projects that includes the results of the
evaluation conducted under paragraph (1) together with such
recommendations for legislation or administrative action as
the Secretary determines is appropriate.
[[Page S11685]]
(f) Waiver of Medicare Requirements.--The Secretary shall
waive compliance with such requirements of the medicare
program to the extent and for the period the Secretary finds
necessary to conduct the demonstration projects.
SEC. 202. PRIVATE SECTOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration
project'' means a demonstration project established by the
Secretary under subsection (b)(1).
(2) Eligible child.--The term ``eligible child'' means an
individual with a life-threatening condition who is--
(A) under 18 years of age;
(B) enrolled for health benefits coverage under an eligible
health plan; and
(C) not enrolled under (or entitled to) benefits under a
health plan described in paragraph (3)(C).
(3) Eligible health plan.--
(A) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), the
term ``eligible health plan'' means an individual or group
plan that provides, or pays the cost of, medical care (as
such term is defined in section 2791 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-91)).
(B) Types of plans included.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the term ``eligible health plan'' includes the following
health plans, and any combination thereof:
(i) A group health plan (as defined in section 2791(a) of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-91(a))), but
only if the plan--
(I) has 50 or more participants (as defined in section 3(7)
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29
U.S.C. 1002(7))); or
(II) is administered by an entity other than the employer
who established and maintains the plan.
(ii) A health insurance issuer (as defined in section
2791(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-
91(b))).
(iii) A health maintenance organization (as defined in
section 2791(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300gg-91(b))).
(iv) A long-term care policy, including a nursing home
fixed indemnity policy (unless the Secretary determines that
such a policy does not provide sufficiently comprehensive
coverage of a benefit so that the policy should be treated as
a health plan).
(v) An employee welfare benefit plan or any other
arrangement which is established or maintained for the
purpose of offering or providing health benefits to the
employees of 2 or more employers.
(vi) Health benefits coverage provided under a contract
under the Federal employees health benefits program under
chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
(C) Types of plans excluded.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the term ``eligible health plan'' does not include any
of the following health plans:
(i) The medicare program under title XVIII of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
(ii) The medicaid program under title XIX of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(iii) A medicare supplemental policy (as defined in section
1882(g)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ss et
seq.).
(iv) The health care program for active military personnel
under title 10, United States Code.
(v) The veterans health care program under chapter 17 of
title 38, United States Code.
(vi) The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the
Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), as defined in section 1072(4)
of title 10, United States Code.
(vii) The Indian health service program under the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
(4) Eligible organization.--The term ``eligible
organization'' means an organization that provides health
benefits coverage under an eligible health plan.
(5) Life-threatening condition.--The term ``life-
threatening condition'' has the meaning given such term under
section 201(a)(4).
(6) Pediatric palliative care.--The term ``pediatric
palliative care'' means services of the type to be furnished
under the demonstration projects under section 201, including
care coordination services (as defined in subsection (a)(1)
of such section).
(7) Pediatric palliative care consultation services.--The
term ``pediatric palliative care consultation services''
means services of the type described in section 201(c)(3).
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of
the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
(b) Nonmedicare Pediatric Palliative Care Demonstration
Projects.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
demonstration projects under this section at the same time as
the Secretary establishes the demonstration projects under
section 201 and in accordance with the provisions of this
subsection to demonstrate the provision of pediatric
palliative care and pediatric palliative care consultation
services to eligible children who are not entitled to (or
enrolled for) coverage under the health plans described in
subsection (a)(3)(C).
(2) Participation.--
(A) Eligible organizations.--The Secretary shall permit any
eligible organization to participate in a demonstration
project on a voluntary basis.
(B) Eligible children.--Any eligible organization
participating in a demonstration project shall permit any
eligible child enrolled in an eligible health plan offered by
the organization to participate in such project on a
voluntary basis.
(c) Services Under Demonstration Projects.--
(1) Provision of pediatric palliative care and consultation
services.--Under a demonstration project, each eligible
organization electing to participate in the demonstration
project shall provide pediatric palliative care and pediatric
palliative care consultation services to each eligible child
who is enrolled with the organization and who elects to
participate in the demonstration project.
(2) Availability of administrative grants.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary
shall award grants to eligible organizations electing to
participate in a demonstration project for the administrative
costs incurred by the eligible organization in participating
in the demonstration project, including the costs of
collecting and submitting the data required to be submitted
under subsection (d)(4)(B).
(B) No payment for services.--The Secretary may not pay
eligible organizations for pediatric palliative care or
pediatric palliative care consultation services furnished
under the demonstration projects.
(d) Conduct of Demonstration Projects.--
(1) Sites.--The Secretary shall conduct demonstration
projects in at least 4, but not more than 8, sites.
(2) Selection of sites.--The Secretary shall select
demonstration sites on the basis of proposals submitted under
paragraph (3) that are located in geographic areas that--
(A) include both urban and rural eligible organizations;
and
(B) are geographically diverse and readily accessible to a
significant number of eligible children.
(3) Proposals.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall accept proposals to
furnish pediatric palliative care and pediatric palliative
care consultation services under the demonstration projects
from any eligible organization at such time, in such manner,
and in such form as the Secretary may require.
(B) Application for administrative grants.--If the eligible
organization desires to receive an administrative grant under
subsection (c)(2), the proposal submitted under subparagraph
(A) shall include a request for the grant, specify the amount
requested, and identify the purposes for which the
organization will use any funds made available under the
grant.
(4) Collection and submission of data.--
(A) Collection.--Each eligible organization participating
in a demonstration project shall collect such data as the
Secretary may require to facilitate the evaluation to be
completed under subsection (e)(1).
(B) Submission.--Each eligible organization shall submit
the data collected under subparagraph (A) to the Secretary at
such time, in such manner, and in such form as the Secretary
may require.
(5) Duration.--The Secretary shall complete the
demonstration projects within a period of 5 years that
includes a period of 1 year during which the Secretary shall
complete the evaluation under subsection (e)(1).
(e) Evaluation and Reports to Congress and Eligible
Organizations.--
(1) Evaluation.--During the 1-year period following the
first 4 years of the demonstration projects, the Secretary
shall complete an evaluation of the demonstration projects.
(2) Reports.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than the date that is 2
years after the date on which the demonstration projects are
implemented, the Secretary shall submit an interim report to
Congress and each eligible organization participating in a
demonstration project on the demonstration projects.
(B) Final report.--Not later than the date that is 1 year
after the date on which the demonstration projects end, the
Secretary shall submit a final report to Congress and each
eligible organization participating in a demonstration
project on the demonstration projects that includes the
results of the evaluation conducted under paragraph (1)
together with such recommendations for legislation or
administrative action as the Secretary determines is
appropriate.
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated--
(1) $2,500,000, to carry out the demonstration projects
under section 201; and
(2) $2,500,000, to carry out the demonstration projects
under section 202, including for awarding grants under
subsection (c)(2) of such section.
(b) Availability.--Sums appropriated under subsection (a)
shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until
expended.
______
By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mrs. Dole, Ms. Cantwell, Mr.
Bennett, Mr. Bingaman, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Landrieu):
S. 1630. A bill to facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1
telephone service for information and referral services, and for other
purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
[[Page S11686]]
Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I want to think you Len Roberts and the
people of United Way for making this day possible. The tremendous board
members, including Brian Gallagher and Dr. Johnnetta Cole. And Paul
Thornell and Bridget Gavaghan, of the staff.
I also want to thank Senator Dole for working with me on this
project. Because of her long history with the Red Cross, she
understands the important of 2-1-1, and I am so pleased to be working
with her to champion the Calling for 2-1-1 Act. I know that she will be
a tremendous help in getting this legislation passed into law.
Representatives Richard Burr and Anna Eshoo are leading this effort
in the House and I appreciate their efforts.
I also want to thank you Major Dennis E. Fowler who was here this
morning from Florida to share his perspective on the value of 2-1-1.
And of course, I have to mention George Clooney who is on the board
of United Way and came to a press conference this morning to help
publicize this legislation. I am always happy to thank people who take
time away from K Street to help Main Street.
This is a piece of legislation whose time has come.
As you all know, I represent a State that experienced a horrible
tragedy on September 11. The silver lining in that tragedy was the
tremendous outgrowth of volunteerism. We saw thousands of individuals--
people from all over the country--who came to New York just to lend a
hand.
But the biggest challenge the city experienced was coordinating those
efforts. Making sure we knew exactly how many people were needed to
heal the wounded, clean up debris at the site, donate blood, bring food
and coffee to the firefighters and police officers who were working
round the clock, and so much more.
The needs were great and the people of America rose to the challenge.
But our infrastructure struggled to keep up.
As time wore on, the economic repercussions of the disaster became
more and more apparent. More than 100,000 people lost their jobs. Close
to 2,000 families applied for housing assistance because they couldn't
pay their rent or mortgage. Ninety thousand people developed symptoms
of posttraumatic stress disorder or clinical depression within 8 weeks
of the attacks. Another 34,000 people met the criteria for both
diagnoses.
Again, our communities rose to the challenge. Philanthropic
organizations like United Way, along with corporations, foundations,
and community organizations raise more than $1 billion to help the
victims.
But our government did not have the infrastructure to handle the
outpouring of support. In a study of the aftermath of September 11, the
Brookings Institution and Urban Institute found that as the dislocated
workers struggled to obtain assistance. people ``found it difficult to
connect with resources due to a social-services infrastructure that
does not support a simple and deficient method for people to learn
about and access services and for agencies to coordinate their
activities.''
That's what 2-1-1 is all about. It provides a single, efficient,
coordinated way for people who need help to connect with those who can
provide it.
The Federal Communications Commission land the groundwork for a 2-1-1
number in 2000 when it directed the telephone number to be reserved for
information and referral to social- and human-services agencies. The 2-
1-1 system opens the way to a user-friendly social-services network, by
providing an easy-to-remember and universally available phone number
that links individuals and families in need to the appropriate non-
profit and government agencies.
Where 2-1-1 is now active, it has done just that. 2-1-1 is helping
our youth to navigate through difficult situations like exiting a gang,
assisting a suicidal friend, and rejecting illegal drugs.
2-1-1 was already operating in Connecticut during September 11 and it
was critical in helping identify the whereabouts of victims, connecting
frightened children with their parents, providing information on
terrorist suspects, and linking ready volunteers with coordinated
efforts and victims with necessary mental and physical health services.
2-1-1 provided locations of vigils and support groups, and information
on bioterrorism.
I want those services to be available to New Yorkers who continue to
need services in the recovery process. Some have mental health
problems. Other are still out of work. Others need legal and financial
advice. Whatever the need, 2-1-1 can help.
So I am thrilled to announce today that I am introducing the Calling
for 2-1-1 Act. I hope that we soon reach a day when all Americans have
the 4-1-1 on 2-1-1 so it can help them through life's toughest
challenges. Thank you.
______
By Mr. CHAMBLISS:
S. 1635. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to
ensure the integrity of the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees; to
the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the L-1 Visa
Reform Act which affects intracompany transferees seeking entry to the
United States. Congress created the L-1 visa to allow international
companies to move executives, managers, and other key personnel within
the company and into the U.S. temporarily. The L-1 is an important tool
for our multi-national corporations, however, some companies are making
an end-run around the visa process by bringing in professional workers
on L-1 visas and then outsourcing those workers to a third party
company. In other words, some firms are using the so-called ``L-1
loophole'' to become the international equivalent of temp agencies, or
``job shops.'' As a result, American workers are being displaced by
foreign workers who are brought to the U.S. essentially for their
labor. This must stop--my legislation targets the problem, closes the
loophole, and protects U.S. jobs from inappropriate use of the L-1
visa.
The situation in question arises when a company with both foreign and
U.S.-based operations obtains an L-1 visa to transfer a foreign
employee who has ``specialized knowledge'' of the company's product or
processes. The problem occurs only when an employee with specialized
knowledge is placed offsite at the business location of a third party
company. In this context, if the L-1 employee does not bring anything
more than generic knowledge of the third party company's operations,
the foreign worker is acting more like an H-1B professional than a true
intracompany transferee. Outsourcing an L-1 worker in this way has
resulted in American workers being displaced at the third party
company. In these difficult economic times, we must ensure that
American workers aren't losing their jobs to cheap foreign labor by
those circumventing protections already in law.
Several weeks ago I held a hearing on L-1 visa concerns in the
Immigration Subcommittee. We heard from a full-range of witnesses--from
a displaced worker and labor unions to small and large U.S. companies
to business immigration experts. The hearing clearly demonstrated a
problem exists, and the testimony of our witnesses directed attention
to Congress' intent in creating the L-1 visa. The bill I am introducing
today clarifies Congress' intent and restricts the inappropriate use of
the L-1 visa. The bill does so without forcing unnecessary restrictions
on the visa that would only result in adverse effects on legitimate L-1
users.
The L-1 Visa Reform Act prevents companies from using the L-1 visa
when an H-1B visa with its worker protections is appropriate. The
legislation requires that any employee with specialized knowledge who
is located offsite must, first, be controlled and supervised by the
petitioning company and, second, be provided in connection with an
exchange of products or services between the petitioning company and
the third-party company. This will stop the practice of a consulting
company bringing in foreign workers to send over to a manufacturer when
the consulting company does nothing more than cut the foreign worker's
paycheck once a month. Instead, the bill requires the third-party
company to have a pre-existing business relationship with the
petitioning company that is more than just supplying workers.
In addition, the legislation requires companies to employ a worker
for at least one year before sending the employee over on an L-1 intra-
company
[[Page S11687]]
transfer. One year is a reasonable amount of time to require an
employee to have attained the specialized knowledge of the company's
products, services or processes to qualify for the visa. The bill also
mandates the Department of Homeland Security to maintain statistics
differentiating between L-1 transferees who are managers and executives
and those who are specialized knowledge employees. This will provide
better accountability and fraud prevention when L-1 petitions are
reviewed and approved.
We need the best people in the world to come to the United States, to
bring their skills and innovative ideas, and to support our business
enterprises. The L-1 visa is an important tool to achieve these
purposes. But we must ensure that American workers are not displaced by
foreign workers, particularly when we have safeguards in place albeit a
loophole in law. The L-1 Visa Reform Act will close that loophole for
the benefit of U.S. workers and for U.S. businesses who use the visa as
it is intended.
I yield the floor.
____________________