[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9752-H9759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 2003
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 3077) to amend title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965
to enhance international education programs, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 3077
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the
``International Studies in Higher Education Act of 2003''.
(b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided,
whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other
provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a
section or other provision of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
(c) Table of Contents.--
Sec. 1. Short title; references; table of contents.
Sec. 2. International and foreign language studies.
Sec. 3. Business and international education programs.
Sec. 4. Institute for International Public Policy.
Sec. 5. Evaluation, outreach, and dissemination.
Sec. 6. Advisory Board.
Sec. 7. Recruiter access to students and student recruiting
information; safety.
SEC. 2. INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES.
(a) Findings and Purposes.--Section 601 (20 U.S.C. 1121) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``post-Cold War'' in paragraph (3);
[[Page H9753]]
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
``(4) The events and aftermath of September 11, 2001, have
underscored the need for the nation to strengthen and enhance
American knowledge of international relations, world regions,
and foreign languages. Homeland security and effective United
States engagement abroad depend upon an increased number of
Americans who have received such training and are willing to
serve their nation.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by striking ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph (D)
and inserting ``, including through linkages overseas with
institutions of higher education and relevant organizations
that contribute to the educational programs assisted under
this part;'';
(B) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of
subparagraph (E);
(C) by inserting after such subparagraph (E) the following
new subparagraph:
``(F) to assist the national effort to educate and train
citizens to participate in the efforts of homeland
security;''; and
(3) in subsection (b)(3), by inserting ``reinforce and''
before ``coordinate''.
(b) Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers
and Programs.--Section 602(a) (20 U.S.C. 1122(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to make
grants to institutions of higher education or consortia of
such institutions for the purpose of establishing,
strengthening, and operating--
``(i) comprehensive foreign language and area or
international studies centers and programs; and
``(ii) a diverse network of undergraduate foreign language
and area or international studies centers and programs.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (G);
(B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (H)
and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(I) supporting instructors of the less commonly taught
languages;
``(J) widely disseminating materials developed by the
center or program to local educational agencies and public
and private elementary and secondary education schools, and
institutions of higher education, presented from diverse
perspectives and reflective of the full range of views on the
subject matter, except that no more than 50 percent of funds
awarded to an institution of higher education or consortia of
such institutions for purposes under this title may be
associated with the costs of dissemination; and
``(K) projects that support in students an understanding of
science and technology in coordination with foreign language
proficiency.''; and
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) Partnerships or programs of linkage and outreach with
2-year and 4-year colleges and universities, including
colleges of education and teacher professional development
programs.'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``Programs of linkage
or outreach'' and inserting ``Partnerships or programs of
linkage and outreach'';
(C) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``foreign area'' and inserting ``area
studies'';
(ii) by striking ``of linkage and outreach''; and
(iii) by striking ``(C), and (D)'' and inserting ``(D), and
(E)'';
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as
subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), respectively; and
(E) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) Partnerships with local educational agencies and
public and private elementary and secondary education schools
that are designed to increase student academic achievement in
foreign language and knowledge of world regions, and to
facilitate the wide dissemination of materials related to
area studies, foreign languages, and international studies
that are reflective of a full range of views on the subject
matter.''.
(c) Language Resource Centers.--Section 603(c) (20 U.S.C.
1123(c)) is amended by inserting ``reflect the purposes of
this part and'' after ``shall''.
(d) Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign
Language Programs.--Section 604 (20 U.S.C. 1124) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``combinations'' each
place it appears and inserting ``consortia'';
(2) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``teacher
training'' and inserting ``teacher professional
development'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (M) as
subparagraphs (J) through (N), respectively;
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new
subparagraph:
``(I) the provision of grants for educational programs
abroad that are closely linked to the program's overall goals
and have the purpose of promoting foreign language fluency
and knowledge of world regions, except that not more than 10
percent of a grant recipient's funds may be used for this
purpose;''; and
(D) in subparagraph (M)(ii) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph), by striking ``elementary
and secondary education institutions'' and inserting ``local
educational agencies and public and private elementary and
secondary education schools'';
(3) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by inserting ``that
demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction'' before the
period at the end;
(4) in subsection (a)(6), by inserting ``reflect the
purposes of this part and'' after ``shall'';
(5) in subsection (a)(8), by striking ``may'' and inserting
``shall''; and
(6) by striking subsection (c).
(e) Research; Studies; Annual Report.--Section 605(a) (20
U.S.C. 1125(a)) is amended by inserting before the period at
the end of the first sentence the following: ``, including
the systematic collection, analysis and dissemination of
data''.
(f) Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign
Information Access.--Section 606 (20 U.S.C. 1126) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``or consortia of such institutions or
libraries'' and inserting ``museums, or consortia of such
entities'';
(B) by striking ``new''; and
(C) by inserting ``from foreign sources'' after
``disseminate information'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``acquire and'' before ``facilitate
access'' in paragraph (1);
(B) by striking ``new means of'' in paragraph (3) and
inserting ``new means and standards for'';
(C) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6);
(D) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (7) and
by inserting a semicolon; and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following new
paragraphs:
``(8) to establish linkages between grant recipients under
subsection (a) with libraries, museums, organizations, or
institutions of higher education located overseas to
facilitate carrying out the purposes of this section; and
``(9) to carry out other activities deemed by the Secretary
to be consistent with the purposes of this section.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Special Rule.--The Secretary may waive or reduce the
required non-Federal share for institutions that--
``(1) are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B
of title III or under title V; and
``(2) have submitted a grant application under this section
that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.''.
(g) Selection of Grant Recipients.--Section 607(b) (20
U.S.C. 1125a(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking out ``objectives'' and inserting
``missions''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``In
keeping with the purposes of this part, the Secretary shall
take into account the degree to which activities of centers,
programs, and fellowships at institutions of higher education
advance national interests, generate and disseminate
information, and foster debate on American foreign policy
from diverse perspectives.''.
(h) Equitable Distribution.--Section 608(a) (20 U.S.C.
1128(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``Grants made under section 602 shall also reflect
the purposes of this part.''.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 610 (20
U.S.C. 1128b) is amended--
(1) by striking ``1999'' and inserting ``2004''; and
(2) by striking ``4 succeeding'' and inserting ``5
succeeding''.
(j) Conforming Amendments.--Sections 603(a), 604(a)(5), and
612 (20 U.S.C. 1123(a), 1124(a)(5), 1130-1) are each amended
by striking ``combinations'' each place it appears and
inserting ``consortia''.
SEC. 3. BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Centers for International Business Education.--Section
612 (20 U.S.C. 1130-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)(D), by inserting ``(including
those that are eligible to receive assistance under part A or
B of title III or under title V)'' after ``other institutions
of higher education''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(5) Special rule.--The Secretary may waive or reduce the
required non-Federal share for institutions that--
``(A) are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B
of title III or under title V; and
``(B) have submitted a grant application under this section
that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.''.
(b) Education and Training Programs.--Section 613 (20
U.S.C. 1130a) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(e) Special Rule.--The Secretary may waive or reduce the
required non-Federal share for institutions that--
``(1) are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B
of title III or under title V; and
``(2) have submitted a grant application under this section
that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 614 (20
U.S.C. 1130b) is amended--
[[Page H9754]]
(1) by striking ``1999'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2004''; and
(2) by striking ``4 succeeding'' each place it appears and
inserting ``5 succeeding''.
SEC. 4. INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY.
(a) Foreign Service Professional Development.--Section 621
(20 U.S.C. 1131) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading of such section and inserting
the following:
``SEC. 621. PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN SERVICE PROFESSIONALS. '';
(2) by striking the second sentence of subsection (a) and
inserting the following: ``The Institute shall conduct a
program to enhance the international competitiveness of the
United States by increasing the participation of
underrepresented populations in the international service,
including private international voluntary organizations and
the foreign service of the United States.'';
(3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A) and
(B) and inserting the following:
``(A) An Indian Tribal College or University or Alaska
Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institution eligible for
assistance under title III, an institution eligible for
assistance under part B of title III, or an
Hispanic-serving institution eligible for assistance under
title V.
``(B) An institution of higher education which serves
substantial numbers of underrepresented students.''; and
(4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Match Required.--The eligible recipient of a grant
under this section shall contribute to the conduct of the
program supported by the grant an amount from non-Federal
sources equal to at least one-half of the amount of the
grant. Such contribution may be in cash or in kind. The
Secretary may waive or reduce the required non-Federal share
for institutions that--
``(1) are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B
of title III or under title V; and
``(2) have submitted a grant application under this section
that demonstrates a need for a waiver or reduction.''.
(b) Institutional Development.--Section 622 (20 U.S.C.
1131a) is amended by inserting before the period at the end
of subsection (a) the following: ``and promote collaboration
with colleges and universities that receive funds under this
title''.
(c) Study Abroad Program.--Section 623(a) (20 U.S.C.
1131b(a)) is amended by inserting after ``1978,'' the
following: ``Alaska Native-serving, Native Hawaiian-serving,
and Hispanic-serving institutions,''.
(d) Advanced Degree in International Relations.--Section
624 (20 U.S.C. 1131b) is amended--
(1) by striking ``MASTERS'' in the heading of such section
and inserting ``ADVANCED'';
(2) by striking ``a masters degree in international
relations'' and inserting ``an advanced degree in
international relations, international affairs, international
economics, or other academic areas related to the Institute
fellow's career objectives''; and
(3) by striking ``The masters degree program'' and
inserting ``The advanced degree study program shall be
designed by the consortia, consistent with the fellow's
career objectives, and''.
(e) Internships.--Section 625 (20 U.S.C. 1131c) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting after ``1978,'' the
following: ``Alaska Native-serving, Native Hawaiian-serving,
and Hispanic-serving institutions,'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of
paragraph (2);
(B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of paragraph (3) and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking paragraph (4); and
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Ralph J. Bunche Fellows.--In order to assure the
recognition and commitment of individuals from
underrepresented student populations who demonstrate special
interest in international affairs and language study,
eligible students who participate in the internship programs
authorized under (a) and (b) shall be known as the `Ralph J.
Bunche Fellows'.''.
(f) Report.--Section 626 (20 U.S.C. 1131d) is amended by
striking ``annually prepare a report'' and inserting
``prepare a report biennially''.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 628 (20
U.S.C. 1131f) is amended--
(1) by striking ``1999'' and inserting ``2004''; and
(2) by striking ``4 succeeding'' and inserting ``5
succeeding''.
SEC. 5. EVALUATION, OUTREACH, AND DISSEMINATION.
Part D of title VI is amended by inserting after section
631 (20 U.S.C. 1132) the following new section:
``SEC. 632. EVALUATION, OUTREACH, AND DISSEMINATION.
``The Secretary may use not more than 1 percent of the
funds made available for this title for program evaluation,
national outreach, and information dissemination
activities.''.
SEC. 6. ADVISORY BOARD.
Part D of title VI is amended by inserting after section
632 (as added by section 5) the following new section:
``SEC. 633. INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD.
``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the
Department an independent International Higher Education
Advisory Board (hereafter in this section referred to as the
`International Advisory Board'). The International Advisory
Board shall provide advice, counsel and recommendations to
the Secretary and the Congress on international education
issues for higher education.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the International Advisory
Board is--
``(A) to provide expertise in the area of national needs
for proficiency in world regions, foreign languages, and
international affairs;
``(B) to make recommendations that will promote the
excellence of international education programs and result in
the growth and development of such programs at the
postsecondary education level that will reflect diverse
perspectives and the full range of views on world regions,
foreign language, and international affairs; and
``(C) to advise the Secretary and the Congress with respect
to needs for expertise in government, the private sector, and
education in order to enhance America's understanding of, and
engagement in, the world.
``(b) Independence of International Advisory Board.--In the
exercise of its functions, powers, and duties, the
International Advisory Board shall be independent of the
Secretary and the other offices and officers of the
Department. Except as provided in this subsection and
subsection (f), the recommendations of the International
Advisory Board shall not be subject to review or approval by
any officer of the Federal Government. Nothing in this title
shall be construed to authorize the International Advisory
Board to mandate, direct, or control an institution of higher
education's specific instructional content, curriculum, or
program of instruction. The Board is authorized to study,
monitor, apprise, and evaluate a sample of activities
supported under this title in order to provide
recommendations to the Secretary and the Congress for the
improvement of programs under the title and to ensure
programs meet the purposes of the title. The recommendations
of the Board may address any area in need of improvement,
except that any recommendation of specific legislation to
Congress shall be made only if the President deems it
necessary and expedient.
``(c) Membership.--
``(1) Appointment.--The International Advisory Board shall
have 7 members of whom--
``(A) 3 members shall be appointed by the Secretary;
``(B) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, upon the recommendation of the
Majority Leader and the Minority Leader; and
``(C) 2 members shall be appointed by the President pro
tempore of the Senate, upon the recommendation of the
Majority Leader and the Minority Leader.
``(2) Representation.--Two of the members appointed by the
Secretary under paragraph (1)(A) shall be appointed to
represent Federal agencies that have national security
responsibilities, after consultation with the heads of such
agencies. The members of the International Advisory Board
shall also include (but not be limited to) representatives of
States, institutions of higher education, cultural
organizations, educational organizations, local education
agencies, students, and private citizens with expertise in
international concerns.
``(3) Qualification.--Members of the International Advisory
Board shall be individuals who have technical qualifications,
professional standing, experience working in international
affairs or foreign service occupations, or demonstrated
knowledge in the fields of higher education and international
education, including foreign languages, world regions, or
international affairs.
``(d) Functions of the Committee.--
``(1) In general.--The International Advisory Board shall
provide recommendations in accordance with subsection (b)
regarding improvement of programs under this title to the
Secretary and the Congress for their review. The Board may--
``(A) review and comment upon the regulations for grants
under this title;
``(B) monitor, apprise, and evaluate a sample of activities
supported under this title based on the purposes and
objectives of this title in order to provide recommendations
for improvement of the programs under this title;
``(C) make recommendations that will assist the Secretary
and the Congress to improve the programs under this title to
better reflect the national needs related to the homeland
security, international education, and international affairs,
including an assessment of the national needs and the
training provided by the institutions of higher education
that receive a grant under this title for expert and non-
expert level foreign language training;
``(D) make recommendations to the Secretary and the
Congress regarding such studies, surveys, and analyses of
international education that will provide feedback about the
programs under this title and assure that their relative
authorized activities reflect diverse perspectives and the
full range of views on world regions, foreign languages, and
international affairs;
``(E) make recommendations that will strengthen the
partnerships between local educational agencies, public and
private elementary and secondary education schools, and grant
recipients under this title to ensure that the research and
knowledge about
[[Page H9755]]
world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs
is widely disseminated to local educational agencies;
``(F) make recommendations on how institutions of higher
education that receive a grant under this title can encourage
students to serve the nation and meet national needs in an
international affairs, international business, foreign
language, or national security capacity;
``(G) make recommendations on how linkages between
institutions of higher education and public and private
organizations that are involved in international education,
language training, and international research capacities to
fulfill manpower and information needs of United States
businesses; and
``(H) make recommendations to the Secretary and the
Congress about opportunities for underrepresented populations
in the areas of international relations, international
affairs, and international economics, in order to effectively
carry out the activities of the Institute under part C.
``(2) Hearings.--The International Advisory Board shall
provide for public hearing and comment regarding the matter
contained in the recommendations described in paragraph (1),
prior to the submission of those recommendations to Secretary
and the Congress.
``(e) Operations of the Committee.--
``(1) Terms.--Each member of the International Advisory
Board shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except that,
of the members first appointed (A) 4 shall be appointed for a
term of 3 years, and (B) 3 shall be appointed for a term of 4
years, as designated at the time of appointment by the
Secretary. A member of the International Advisory Board may
be reappointed to successive terms on the International
Advisory Board.
``(2) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring prior to the expiration of the term of a
predecessor shall be appointed only for the remainder of such
term. A member of the International Advisory Board shall,
upon the Secretary's request, continue to serve after the
expiration of a term until a successor has been appointed.
``(3) No governmental members.--Except for the members
appointed by the Secretary under subsection (c)(1)(A), no
officers or full-time employees of the Federal Government
shall serve as members of the International Advisory Board.
``(4) Meetings.--The International Advisory Board shall
meet not less than once each year. The International Advisory
Board shall hold additional meetings at the call of the Chair
or upon the written request of not less than 3 voting members
of the International Advisory Board.
``(5) Quorum.--A majority of the voting members of the
Board serving at the time of a meeting shall constitute a
quorum.
``(6) Chair.--The International Advisory Board shall elect
a Chairman or Chairwoman from among the members of the
International Advisory Board.
``(f) Submission to Department for Comment.--The
International Advisory Board shall submit its proposed
recommendations to the Secretary of Education for comment for
a period not to exceed 30 days in each instance.
``(g) Personnel and Resources.--
``(1) Compensation and expense.--Members of the
International Advisory Committee shall serve without pay for
such service. Members of the International Advisory Board who
are officers or employees of the United States may not
receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of
their service on the International Advisory Board. Members of
the International Advisory Board may each receive
reimbursement for travel expenses incident to attending
International Advisory Board meetings, including per diem in
lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title
5, United States Code, for persons in the Government service
employed intermittently.
``(2) Personnel.--The International Advisory Board may
appoint such personnel as may be determined necessary by the
Chairman without regard to the provisions of title 5, United
States Code, governing appointments in the competitive
service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of
chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title
relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates,
but no individual so appointed shall be paid in excess of the
rate authorized for GS-18 of the General Schedule. The
International Advisory Board may appoint not more than 1
full-time equivalent, nonpermanent, consultant without regard
to the provisions of title 5, United States Code. The
International Advisory Board shall not be required by the
Secretary to reduce personnel to meet agency personnel
reduction goals.
``(3) Consultation.--In carrying out its duties under the
Act, the International Advisory Board shall consult with
other Federal agencies, representatives of State and local
governments, and private organizations to the extent
feasible.
``(4) Assistance from other agencies.--
``(A) Information.--The International Advisory Board is
authorized to secure directly from any executive department,
bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent
establishment, or instrumentality information, suggestions,
estimates, and statistics for the purpose of this section and
each such department, bureau, agency, board, commission,
office, independent establishment, or instrumentality is
authorized and directed, to the extent permitted by law, to
furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and
statistics directly to the International Advisory Board, upon
request made by the Chairman.
``(B) Services and personnel.--The head of each Federal
agency shall, to the extent not prohibited by law, consult
with the International Advisory Board in carrying out this
section. The International Advisory Board is authorized to
utilize, with their consent, the services, personnel,
information, and facilities of other Federal, State, local,
and private agencies with or without reimbursement.
``(5) Contracts; experts and consultants.--The
International Advisory Board may enter into contracts for the
acquisition of information, suggestions, estimates, and
statistics for the purpose of this section. The International
Advisory Board is authorized to obtain the services of
experts and consultants without regard to section 3109 of
title 5, United States Code and to set pay in accordance with
such section.
``(h) Termination.--Notwithstanding the sunset and charter
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App. I) or any other statute or regulation, the International
Advisory Committee shall be authorized through September 30,
2009.
``(i) Funds.--The Secretary shall use not more than one-
half of the funds available to the Secretary under section
632 to carry out this section.''.
SEC. 7. RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENTS AND STUDENT RECRUITING
INFORMATION; SAFETY.
Part D of title VI is amended by inserting after section
633 (as added by section 6) the following new sections:
``SEC. 634. RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENTS AND STUDENT
RECRUITING INFORMATION.
``Each institution of higher education that receives a
grant under this title shall assure that--
``(1) recruiters of the United States Government and
agencies thereof are given the same access to students as is
provided generally to other institutions of higher education
and prospective employers of those students for the purpose
of recruiting for graduate opportunities or prospective
employment; and
``(2) no undue restrictions are placed upon students that
seek employment with the United States Government or any
agency thereof.
``SEC. 635. STUDENT SAFETY.
``Applicants seeking funds under this title to support
student travel and study abroad shall submit as part of their
grant application a description of safety policies and
procedures for students participating in the program while
abroad.''.
SEC. 8. NATIONAL STUDY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE HERITAGE
COMMUNITIES.
Part D of title VI is further amended by inserting after
section 635 (as added by section 7) the following new
section:
``SEC. 636. NATIONAL STUDY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE HERITAGE
COMMUNITIES.
``(a) Study.--The Secretary of Education, in consultation
with the International Advisory Board, shall conduct a study
to identify foreign language heritage communities,
particularly such communities that include speakers of
languages that are critical to the national security of the
United States.
``(b) Foreign Language Heritage Community.--For purposes of
this section, the term `foreign language heritage community'
means a community of residents or citizens of the United
States who are native speakers of, or who have partial
fluency in, a foreign language.
``(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall
submit a report to the Congress on the results of the study
conducted under this section.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).
General Leave
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3077, the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in strong support of H.R. 3077, the
International Studies in Higher Education Act, a bill I offered to
build on programs that encourage the study of international issues and
foreign languages in higher education. Such programs not only foster
knowledge of the world, but, importantly, these programs train experts
prepared to meet America's national security needs.
[[Page H9756]]
Title VI of the Higher Education Act provides support for a
critically important group of programs at colleges and universities
which work to advance knowledge of world regions, encourage the study
of foreign languages, and train American students to have the
international expertise and understanding to fulfill pressing national
security needs.
As we continue efforts to reauthorize the Higher Education Act and
strengthen and improve the state of higher education in America, we
cannot neglect these important programs for international studies. The
bill before us, which I am proud to have crafted in a bipartisan
fashion, updates the programs under title VI to reflect our national
security needs in a post-9/11 era, as well as in the current
international climate.
Again, I would particularly like to thank my colleague, the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), the ranking minority member on the
subcommittee for his cooperation in moving this bill forward. In the
spirit of bipartisan cooperation, the International Studies in Higher
Education Act moved through our committee and stands before us today
with positive reforms that will strengthen and enhance international
and foreign language studies programs that play such a critical role in
training experts at colleges and universities across our Nation.
The International Studies in Higher Education Act would increase
coordination between these important international and foreign language
studies programs to better meet America's national and international
security needs. The bill also clarifies that programs under title VI of
the Higher Education Act are to support and coordinate with other
Federal programs in the areas of foreign language, area studies, and
other international affairs.
International and foreign language studies have taken on increased
importance in today's word climate, and as such, it is more important
than ever that Congress and the Secretary of Education do all we can to
ensure these programs are fulfilling their purpose.
For that reason, the bill would create a new International Education
Advisory Board, in consultation with homeland security agencies, for
all title VI programs to increase accountability by providing advice,
counsel, and recommendations to the Secretary of Education and Congress
on international education issues for higher education. This board is
advisory in nature and will not be responsible for dictating curriculum
or administrating the programs. However, the advisory board will serve
as an important new resource for those of us at the Federal level as we
work to ensure the continued success of international and foreign
language studies programs at campuses across our Nation.
Taken together, the reforms included in the International Studies in
Higher Education Act will continue our efforts to strengthen higher
education as a whole, while at the same time helping to ensure
international studies programs are working to fulfill our critical
national and international security needs. I stand in strong support of
this legislation and encourage my colleagues to join me in our efforts
to build on the success of these programs.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume,
and I rise today in support of H.R. 3077, the International Studies in
Higher Education Act.
International education is increasingly important in today's world.
We are part of a global economy, and our fortunes are directly tied to
the fortunes of other nations. As a global community, we must face many
shared challenges: Protecting the earth's natural resources, meeting
our energy needs, feeding the growing world population, eradicating
diseases, protecting human rights, and ensuring that all people have
the opportunity to reach their full potential through education and
meaningful work.
We must build our Nation's capacity to operate in this global
environment. As our challenges in Iraq demonstrate, lack of
understanding of other people's culture and language can have deadly
consequences. All of our young people, from elementary school through
the university, must be exposed to the world at large. We must
encourage and value multilingualism. That is why I am very pleased that
we are considering H.R. 3077, which reauthorizes the International
Studies Program in Higher Education Act.
I would like to thank our subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), the chairman of the full committee, the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and our ranking minority member, the
gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), for working to produce a
bill that deserves bipartisan support.
This bill reauthorizes our international education programs, the
international and foreign language studies programs, the business and
international education programs, and also the International Institute
for Public Policy. These are the core international education programs
that have served our Nation very well for many years.
The legislation makes some needed improvements to these programs. It
will ease the financial burdens that may discourage needy institutions,
such as Hispanic-serving institutions, HSIs; it will benefit Historic
Black Colleges and Universities, HBCUs; and it will also benefit
tribally-controlled colleges and universities from participating in the
programs by allowing the Secretary of Education to reduce the matching
requirement on a case-by-case basis. It also encourages institutions to
work in partnerships with minority-serving institutions in the
international business programs.
Mr. Speaker, these are steps in the right direction. We must ensure
that our national efforts in international education reflect the
increasingly diverse population here at home in the United States.
Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues on the other side of the
aisle for working with us to clarify the role and the responsibilities
of the new advisory board. The International Advisory Board will make
recommendations to improve the international education programs under
title VI. It will not interfere with curriculum nor with academic
freedom.
{time} 1200
Mr. Speaker, our professional staff on the committee have once again
done an excellent job in preparing this legislation for our
consideration. I would like to recognize the efforts of Alison Ream for
the majority and Mr. Ricardo Martinez on our side of the aisle. I urge
my colleagues to support this education legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleague in thanking our staff for
the work that they have done not only on this bill but also the
previous bill. It is their work behind the scenes so often which
enables us to come together and work out our differences and come to
the floor on a bipartisan basis.
Again, these programs, the international education programs, they
work to advance the knowledge for our young people of world regions. As
we found in a post-9/11 world, it is very, very important that we train
more of our young people in the area of foreign languages. It is a
critical need. It is an area where we are woefully short of the
resources that we need. It is a weakness that we face, so this bill
will help encourage the study of foreign language. It will train
Americans to have the international expertise and the understanding to
fulfill pressing national security needs.
This bill will encourage the coordination between these important
international and foreign language study programs and America's
national and international security needs. Since 9/11, we have seen and
received heightened awareness of how important these types of programs
are. We have found that these no longer are nice to have, but these are
now essential programs that we need to build the expertise within the
United States to face some of the international security threats that
we face.
H.R. 3077 also seeks to strengthen and improve international
education programs to ensure they are reaching their full potential to
expand opportunities for international studies and enhance
international knowledge and understanding.
[[Page H9757]]
As my colleague mentioned, the bill also creates an education
advisory board. There were those who were concerned as we began this
process that the language was not clearly written and that the end
result would be that the advisory board would become more than an
advisory board and that it would become a board that could dictate
curricula. Working together, we were able to clarify that language to
make sure that everyone understands that this is clearly an advisory
board intended to provide feedback to the Department of Education,
provide feedback to Congress, and provide feedback to the institutions
as the best way to get the maximum amount of benefit out of each and
every one of these programs and the dollars that are administered, and
also to foster cooperation between various universities so that they
can learn from each other as to what the most effective practices are,
what the new innovative programs might be, and how colleges and
campuses can move forward aggressively. So this bill is a significant
step forward. It builds on the long-term successes that we have had.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Payne), a member of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce.
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by commending the subcommittee
chairman and our ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Hinojosa), who has demonstrated tremendous leadership on this whole
question of international studies. His background and the need for
internationalizing our workforce, internationalizing our universities,
bringing attention to Hispanic-serving institutions and ensuring that
they get their just do as we move forward to educate the workforce in
this Nation is second to none. It is certainly a pleasure for me to
serve with him on this Committee on Education and the Workforce.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 3077, the International Studies and
Higher Education Act of 2003. Education programs are vital to our
Nation's colleges and universities. It is imperative that we train
young men and women of all backgrounds to be prepared for our
increasingly global society. Today we live in a global village.
Everything is interdependent. World trade organizations, world bank
organizations, organizations that deal with world health, the current
campaign to eradicate polio in countries needs to have physicians from
throughout the world, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control needs to
have doctors that reflect the various cultures of the world.
So as we look at education, even though it is on a college level, we
need to see the impact that it will have and should have in other
agencies such as health, such as banking. So we must do more to prepare
our students to take their place.
Unfortunately, though, this bill does not go far enough in recruiting
and maintaining minority students in the field of international
service. During the markup of the bill, I introduced an amendment which
would have authorized the establishment of a Ralph J. Bunche
scholarship for selected undergraduate fellows in the Institute for
International Public Policy. We will be celebrating 100 years of Dr.
Ralph Bunche's birth. The scholarship would have helped to underwrite
the cost of studies of minority students. Dr. Ralph Bunche was a Nobel
Peace Prize recipient. He did a tremendous amount of work in the Middle
East, and he was a dedicated person during the 20 years he worked in
trying to achieve global peace. The scholarship I was proposing would
have helped to underwrite the cost of studies of more diverse students,
minority students, in our country because in order for us to really
have a foreign service that truly reflects the diversity of America, we
must have more students from minority groups. We must have more Asian
Americans and more Hispanic Americans and African Americans in our
foreign service if we are, in fact, going to be successful.
The institute was created in 1992 in order to attract and retain
women and minorities who are underserved. This legislation was
supported by the United Negro College Fund and the American Council on
Education; and hopefully as we move forward, that legislation will be
adopted.
Mr. Speaker, I do support H.R. 3077, but in the future, hopefully, we
can be a little more sensitive so we can really, truly have our foreign
service reflect the great diversity of our Nation.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), a member of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce.
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
I want to register my support for the bill that is currently before
us, H.R. 3077. It is something that is badly needed. I am very pleased
to see it come out of committee, and I hope it will soon pass the House
of Representatives.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3077, the
International Studies in Higher Education Act.
I want to particularly commend the gentleman from Michigan, the
chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Education, for including in the
bill section 6, providing for the establishment of the International
Higher Education Advisory Board.
This seven-member independent board will be empowered to review and
comment upon the selection criteria for title VI grants, monitor and
evaluate the activities of grantees based upon the purposes of title
VI, and make recommendations regarding how to improve the programs to
better reflect national needs, among other functions. Section 6 makes
clear that the purpose of the Board's recommendations is to foster the
``growth and development of international education programs at the
postsecondary level that encourage diverse perspectives . . .''
I am encouraged that the creation of this Advisory Board will help
redress a problem which is a great concern of mine, namely, the lack of
balance, and indeed the anti-American bias that pervades title VI-
funded Middle East studies programs in particular. To the extent that
it advances the national interest to commit taxpayer funds to
institutions of higher education for the purpose of fostering expertise
with regard to key regions of the world--and I would emphatically
affirm that it does--then surely it is troubling when evidence suggests
that many of the Middle East regional studies grantees are committed to
a narrow point of view at odds with our national interest, a point of
view that questions the validity of advancing American ideals of
democracy and the rule of law around the world, and in the Middle East
in particular.
The Advisory Board's oversight function does not impinge on the
academic freedom that is and must be enjoyed by our institutions of
higher education. In establishing the board, we are doing no more than
exercising our responsibility to ensure that the Federal funds we
authorize and appropriate are expended properly.
I commend the Committee on Education and the Workforce for addressing
this issue, and urge my colleagues to support this important
legislation.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support H.R. 3077,
the International Studies in Higher Education Act. This bill is part of
our comprehensive efforts to strengthen and renew higher education, and
it will make real improvements to international and foreign language
studies programs in campuses across America.
I'd like to commend my colleague Mr. Hoekstra, chairman of the Select
Education Subcommittee, for his work on this bill. Thanks to his
efforts, the measure before us today has received bipartisan support,
as well as a positive response from those in the higher education
community who are administering these critical international and
foreign language programs. I'd also like to thank my good friend Mr.
Miller, the ranking member on the committee, and Mr. Hinojosa, the
ranking member on the subcommittee, for their cooperation in bringing
this bill before us today.
The International Studies in Higher Education Act renews and
reauthorizes the international and foreign language studies programs
under title VI of the Higher Education Act. These programs are not only
an important part of our postsecondary education system, but they are
also a critical piece of our national efforts to fulfill national and
international security needs.
Today, in the post-9/11 era, our Nation has been confronted with a
new reality. Now, more than at virtually any other time in our history,
we must understand our national interests and security concerns within
an international context. We do not live in a vacuum, and our higher
education system must reflect this. That's why the bill before us today
is so important.
International and foreign language studies programs are often
responsible for training experts with the skills and knowledge
necessary
[[Page H9758]]
to meet our changing national security needs. Grants provided through
title VI of the Higher Education Act allow colleges and universities
across the country to offer programs that foster this type of learning,
and help students gain significant understanding of international
perspectives and foreign languages.
The bill before us today will allow the continued success of these
programs by allowing for increased undergraduate study, including study
abroad. In addition, the bill allows for the creation of national
resource centers to serve as information sources for international and
foreign language at the K-12 level, encouraging international studies
at all levels of education. The bill also seeks to enhance diversity
among those participating in the Institute for International Public
Policy, requiring that all underrepresented populations be included.
Because of the increased prevalence and importance of international
and foreign language studies programs, particularly in meeting our
changing national security needs, this bill creates an important new
resource for information and guidance through the establishment of an
advisory board for international education. This advisory board will
serve as a valuable information source for Congress and the Secretary
of Education as we work to strengthen these programs and ensure their
continued success.
I'd like to acknowledge the hard work of members of my staff in
bringing this bill forward today; particularly Krisann Pearce, Alison
Ream, Kathleen Smith, Alexa Marrero, and Rebecca Hunt with Mr.
Hoekstra's staff. Additionally, I would like to thank the Democratic
staff, including Ricardo Martinez, Alex Nock, Ellynne Bannon and Moira
Lenehan with Mr. Hinojosa's staff. Thanks to the leadership of Chairman
Hoekstra, the bipartisan cooperation from members on both sides of the
aisle, and the hard work of our staff, we have before us today a bill
that will allow for the continued success of international and foreign
language studies programs at campuses across the Nation. I'm pleased to
support this measure, and encourage my colleagues to join me in our
efforts to ensure international and foreign language studies continue
to thrive at colleges and universities across America.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 3077, the
International Studies in Higher Education Act.
This bill authorizes a total of $108 million in FY 2004 for higher
education international studies and foreign language programs. It also
establishes a seven-member International Education Advisory Board to
provide advice and recommendations to the Education Department and
Congress on all title VI programs but specifically states that nothing
in it should be construed as authorizing the advisory board to
``mandate, direct or control'' the specific instructional content,
curriculum or program of instruction of any institution of higher
education.
I would like to highlight two amendments that I offered in the
Higher Education Committee and were accepted in the committee's final
version of the legislation. One of the serious challenges facing our
nation today is that our country lacks people who are fluent in a
foreign language and also have a background in science and technology.
There are few Americans who can understand technical documents,
including research studies and scientific papers, written in foreign
languages.
If we are to stay competitive with emerging economies in Asia,
Central and South America, and Africa, this will have to change.
That is why I offered one amendment, which would support programs
with curricula that combine studying science and technology in a
foreign language.
This amendment would allow universities to use grants to set up
immersion programs here in the United States where students take
science technology-related course work taught completely in foreign
languages.
It also would provide for other programs, such as summer workshops,
that emphasize the intense study of a foreign language and of science
and technology.
Funds can further be used to support immersion programs for students
to take science and math courses in a non-English speaking country.
To stay on top of innovations in science, mathematics, and
technology, more professionals in these fields will also have to be
proficient in a foreign language.
It is only with the knowledge of technical terms in foreign
languages--words not taught in the average high school or college
language class--that America can stay technologically and economically
competitive.
I would like to thank Chairman Boehner for accepting this amendment.
I hope in the future Congress will be able to expand upon this
amendment and authorize new funding for the study of science and
technology in foreign languages.
The second amendment would allow the Department of Education to
conduct a national study to identify heritage communities with native
speakers of critical foreign languages. This will enable us to identify
the foreign language capacity currently existing in the United States.
Members of heritage communities are better and less expensive
educational investments than nonnative speakers with no previous
foreign language experience.
More importantly, cultivating native speakers is critical to national
security. The 9/11 Joint Inquiry released in July reports that the
American intelligence community is only at 30 percent readiness in
languages critical to national security. As a member of the
Intelligence Committee, I find this statistic quite troubling.
The al Qaeda terrorist network currently operates in over 75
countries where hundreds of different languages and dialects are
spoken.
Unfortunately, 99 percent of American school, college, and university
programs concentrate on only a dozen languages, most of which are
European.
In fact, more college students currently study Ancient Greek (16,402)
than Arabic (5,505), Korean (4,479), and Farsi (614) put together.
We need to raise these numbers. Unfortunately, for nonnative
speakers, learning languages like Arabic takes years of intensive
effort and years of in-country study.
In this time of heightened awareness of national security and
intelligence capabilities, we need to identify the foreign language
resources already existing in this country, especially native speakers
of languages that are rarely taught in our schools.
The only way to know what we have available to us in terms of native
language speakers--and we can take advantage of this knowledge--is by
conducting a comprehensive study. The results of this study should be
extremely valuable to the intelligence community, to educators, and to
Congress.
I again want to thank my colleagues on the Education and the
Workforce Committee, and I want to express my strong support for this
bill. I hope the leadership of this Congress will see fit to properly
fund it.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R.
3077, which reauthorizes title VI of the Higher Education Act to
authorize grant programs designed to increase the number of graduates
who are trained in foreign language and international studies. I would
like to thank the gentleman from Michigan, Chairman Hoekstra, for his
leadership on this bipartisan resolution and in the Subcommittee on
Select Education. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Hinojosa
for his leadership as well.
I believe we can all realize the great need to have educated
individuals in our Nation with the main focus being in foreign language
and international studies after the events of September 11. This bill
will allow our country to strengthen that aspect of our education
system by offering competitive grants to our nation's colleges and
universities. Some of the included grants offer institutions of higher
education to establish graduate and undergraduate language area centers
and programs as well as to create new programs or to strengthen
existing programs in international studies and foreign language. I am
pleased that this resolution has expanded the role of international
centers and programs by allowing the centers and programs to serve as a
national resource for courses and materials for elementary and
secondary schools. This encourages an outreach to all school children
to become more familiar and knowledgeable on international affairs and
cultures.
Another section of this resolution will make grants available to
establish centers for international business education. These centers
promote the ability for our Nation to strengthen our economic
enterprise and knowledge of international understanding. I believe this
is a great quality for our future business and small business leaders
to have to not only support their businesses but as a way to expand and
enrich their businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I again want to commend my colleagues, Chairman Hoekstra
and Ranking Member Hinojosa for an outstanding job on a solid piece of
important legislation. I urge all my colleagues to support this
legislation.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, international education and Federal support
for it is critical as we work to strengthen our economy and expand our
diplomatic efforts around the world.
International education programs are vital in building and
maintaining the nation's supply of experts in foreign languages,
international affairs, and international business. Providing high
quality, useful opportunities for students to become knowledgeable in
international issues and foreign languages has become increasingly
important. America's interests are tied to our knowledge and
understanding of the rest of the world.
This legislation strengthens and reauthorizes the existing Title VI
programs related to the study of international affairs, world regions
and foreign languages in higher education. In addition, this bill makes
significant improvements to the International Business Education
program by reducing the match that Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic
[[Page H9759]]
Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges must make to participate in
this program. This provision alone is likely to spur new ideas and
perspectives in this area.
One provision I do want to express caution on is the International
Advisory Board created by this legislation. This board has been created
to provide recommendations to the Secretary in the area of
international education. While I support this legislation, we should
continue to refine the purpose and scope of the Board's
responsibilities. As this bill moves to conference later this Congress,
I will work to ensure that the role of this Board reflects a true need
in the area of international education.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3077, the
International Studies in Higher Education Act.
H.R. 3077 updates international and foreign language studies programs
by ensuring these programs reflect the current international climate
and national security needs. The bill also emphasizes coordination
between these programs and homeland security interests, while ensuring
the programs continue to enrich higher education by enhancing
international knowledge.
As a former Member of the Intelligence Committee I authored
legislation encouraging American students to study foreign languages
and join the federal government in national security capacities. It is
vital to our entire national security that we address our foreign
language deficiencies and support educational initiatives that amend
this problem. Our lack of highly-trained linguistics experts seriously
hampers our ability to fight the war on terrorism and this legislation
provides incentive to focus these programs on the reality of the
situations our men and women in uniform face overseas. It is important
that we build a critical base of future leaders both in government
service and in higher education who have cultivated international
relationships and worked and studies alongside experts of other
countries.
I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3077.
{time} 1215
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shaw). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3077, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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