[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H305-H309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               AMENDMENTS

  Under clause 8 of rule XVIII proposed amendments were submitted as 
follows:

                               H.R. 3030

                   Offered By: Mr. Scott of Virginia

       Amendment No. 1: Page 12, after line 22, insert the 
     following (and make such technical and conforming changes as 
     may be appropriate):
       (j) Nondiscrimination.--Section 678F(c)(1) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9918(c)(1)) is amended by 
     inserting ``religion,'' after ``color,''.
       (k) Employment Practices.--Section 679(b) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9920(b)) is amended by 
     striking paragraph (3).

                               H.R. 3030

                   Offered By: Mr. Scott of Virginia

       Amendment No. 2: Page 12, after line 22, insert the 
     following (and make such technical and conforming changes as 
     may be appropriate):
     ``(j) Limitation on Use of Funds; Voluntariness.--Section 
     679(c) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 
     9920(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``If the religious organization offers such an activity, it 
     shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and 
     offered separate from the program funded under subsection 
     (a). A certificate shall be separately signed by religious 
     organizations, and filed with the government agency that 
     disburses the funds, certifying that the organization is 
     aware of and will comply with this subsection.''.

                               H.R. 3030

              Offered By: Mr. George Miller of California

       Amendment No. 3: Strike all after the enacting clause and 
     insert the following:
       

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Improving the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act of 2003''.

     SEC. 2. COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT ACT AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Purposes and Goals.--Section 672 of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 note) is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``SEC. 672 PURPOSES AND GOALS.

       ``The purpose of this subtitle is to reduce poverty--
       ``(1) by strengthening and coordinating local efforts to 
     expand opportunities for individuals and families to become 
     economically self-sufficient and to improve and revitalize 
     low-income communities in urban and rural areas, by providing 
     resources to States for support of local eligible entities, 
     including community action agencies and other community-based 
     organizations--
       ``(A) to plan, coordinate, and mobilize a broad range of 
     Federal, State, local, and private assistance or investment 
     in such a manner as to use these resources effectively to 
     reduce poverty and in initiatives that are responsive to 
     specific local needs and conditions;
       ``(B) to coordinate a range of services that meet the needs 
     of low-income families and individuals, that support strong 
     and healthy families, and that assist them in developing the 
     skills needed to become self sustaining while ensuring that 
     these services are provided effectively and efficiently; and
       ``(C) to design and implement comprehensive approaches to 
     assist eligible individuals in gaining employment and 
     achieving economic self-sufficiency;
       ``(2) by improving and revitalizing the low-income 
     communities in urban and rural areas by providing resources 
     to States for support of local eligible entities and their 
     partners--
       ``(A) to broaden the resource base of initiatives and 
     projects directed to the elimination of poverty and the 
     redevelopment of the low-income community, including 
     partnerships with nongovernmental and governmental 
     institutions to develop the community assets and services 
     that reduce poverty, such as--
       ``(i) other private, religious, charitable, and community-
     based organizations;
       ``(ii) individual citizens, and business, labor, and 
     professional groups, that are able to influence the quantity 
     and quality of opportunities and services for the poor; and
       ``(iii) local government leadership; and
       ``(B) to coordinate community-wide resources and services 
     that will have a significant, measurable impact on the causes 
     of poverty in the community and that will help families and 
     individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency and to test 
     innovative, community-based approaches to attacking the 
     causes and effects of poverty and of community breakdown, 
     including--
       ``(i) innovative initiatives to prevent and reverse loss of 
     investment, jobs, public services, and infrastructure in low- 
     and moderate-income communities; and
       ``(ii) innovative partnerships to leverage the assets and 
     services that reduce poverty, as provided in subparagraph 
     (A); and
       ``(3) by ensuring maximum participation of residents of 
     low-income communities and of members of the groups served by 
     grants made under this subtitle in guiding the eligible 
     entities and in their programs funded under this subtitle, to 
     ameliorate the particular problems and needs of low-income 
     residents and to develop the permanent social and economic 
     assets of the low-income community in order to reduce the 
     incidence of poverty.''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 673(1)(A) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) that successfully develops and meets the locally 
     determined goals described in section 678E(b)(1), as 
     determined by the State, and meets State goals, standards, 
     and performance requirements as provided for in section 
     678B(a).''.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 674 of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9903) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2004 through 2009''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``678F'' and inserting ``678E to assist 
     States, eligible entities, and their partners in projects 
     supported by this subtitle''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``monitoring (to 
     correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities)'' and 
     inserting ``monitoring (including technical assistance and 
     training to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible 
     entities)''.
       (d) Uses of Funds.--Section 675C of the Community Services 
     Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9907) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3)(A) by striking ``Beginning on 
     October 1, 2000, a'' and inserting ``A''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)(F) by striking ``neighborhood-
     based'' and inserting ``community-based''.
       (e) Application and Plan.--Section 676 of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9908) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Beginning with fiscal year 2000, to'' and 
     inserting ``To'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking ``youth development programs that support'' 
     and inserting ``youth development programs, which may include 
     mentoring programs, that support''; and
       (II) by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (ii) in subparagraph (C) by adding ``and'' at the end; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) initiatives to improve economic conditions and 
     mobilize new resources in rural areas to eliminate obstacles 
     to the self-sufficiency of families and individuals in rural 
     communities;'';
       (C) in paragraph (2) by striking ``community and 
     neighborhood-based'' and inserting ``community-based'';
       (D) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``information provided by eligible entities in the State, 
     containing'' and inserting ``an assurance that the State will 
     provide information, including''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``community and 
     neighborhood-based'' and inserting ``community-based'';
       (E) in paragraph (9) by striking ``and community 
     organizations'' and inserting ``and community-based 
     organizations'';
       (F) in paragraph (10) by striking ``community 
     organization'' and inserting ``community-based 
     organization'';
       (G) in paragraph (12) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (H) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (15); and
       (I) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
       ``(13) an assurance that the State will take swift action 
     to improve performance or,

[[Page H306]]

     when appropriate, to terminate the funding under this 
     subtitle of low-performing eligible entities that do not meet 
     the applicable locally determined goals described in section 
     678E(b)(1) or do not meet the State goals, standards, and 
     requirements as provided for in section 678B(a);
       ``(14) an assurance that the State will provide a 
     justification to the Secretary if it continues to fund 
     persistently low-performing eligible entities; and'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``plan, or'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end, and inserting 
     ``plan, to meet a State requirement, as described in section 
     678C(a), or to meet the locally determined goals as described 
     in section 678E(b)(1).''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (f).
       (f) Training, Technical Assistance, and Other Activities.--
     Section 678A(a)(1)(A) of the Community Services Block Grant 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 9913(a)(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``dissemination regarding best 
     practices,'' after ``technical assistance,''; and
       (2) by inserting ``(including to assist in the development 
     of reporting systems and electronic data systems)'' after 
     ``collection activities''.
       (g) Monitoring of Eligible Entities.--Section 678B of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9914) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting 
     ``and the locally determined performance goals described in 
     section 678E(b)(1)'' after ``a State''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by inserting ``appropriate'' before ``goals''; and
       (ii) by striking ``established by the State''; and
       (2) in the last sentence of subsection (c) by striking 
     ``Chairperson of the Committee on Education'' and all that 
     follows through ``Human Resources of the Senate'' and 
     inserting ``appropriate congressional committees''.
       (h) Corrective Action; Termination and Reduction of 
     Funding.--Section 678C(a) of the Community Services Block 
     Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9915(a)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``established by the 
     State''.
       (i) Accountability and Reporting Requirements.--Section 
     678E of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 
     9917) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A) by striking ``By October 1, 2001, 
     each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the 1st sentence by inserting ``including any 
     activities under section 678C'' before the period at the end;
       (ii) by striking the 2d sentence;
       (iii) in the 3d sentence by striking ``also''; and
       (iv) in the 3d sentence by inserting ``information on the 
     timeliness of the distribution of block grant funds to 
     eligible entities as provided in section 675C(a),'' after 
     ``including'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A) by striking ``beginning after September 30, 1999'';
       (B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Committee on Education'' 
     and all that follows through ``Human Resources of the 
     Senate'' and inserting ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'';
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Coordination of reporting requirements.--To the 
     maximum extent possible, the Secretary shall coordinate 
     reporting requirements for all programs of the Department of 
     Health and Human Services managed by eligible entities so as 
     to consolidate and reduce the number of reports required 
     about individuals, families, and uses of grant funds.''; and
       (D) by redesignating such subsection as subsection (c); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Local Accountability and Reporting Requirements.--
       ``(1) Locally determined goals.--In order to be designated 
     as an eligible entity and to receive a grant under this 
     subtitle, an eligible entity shall establish locally 
     determined goals for reducing poverty in the community, 
     including goals for--
       ``(A) leveraging and mobilizing community resources;
       ``(B) fostering coordination of Federal, State, local, 
     private, and other assistance; and
       ``(C) promoting community involvement.
       ``(2) Demonstration that goals were met.--In order for an 
     eligible entity to receive a second or subsequent grant made 
     under this subtitle after the effective date of this 
     paragraph, such entity shall demonstrate to the State that it 
     has met the goals described in paragraph (1).''.
       (j) Nondiscrimination.--Section 678F(c)(1) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9918(c)(1)) is amended by 
     inserting ``religion,'' after ``color,''.
       (k) Treatment of Beneficiaries.--Section 679 of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9920) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 679. OPERATIONAL RULE.

       ``(a) Religious Organizations Included as Nongovernmental 
     Providers.--For any program carried out by the Federal 
     Government, or by a State or local government under this 
     subtitle, the government shall consider, on the same basis as 
     other nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations 
     to provide the assistance under the program, so long as the 
     program is implemented in a manner consistent with the 
     Establishment Clause of the first amendment to the 
     Constitution. Neither the Federal Government nor a State or 
     local government receiving funds under this subtitle shall 
     discriminate against an organization that provides assistance 
     under, or applies to provide assistance under, this subtitle, 
     on the basis that the organization has a religious character.
       ``(b) Religious Character and Independence.--
       ``(1) In general.--A religious organization that provides 
     assistance under a program described in subsection (a) shall 
     retain its religious character and control over the 
     definition, development, practice, and expression of its 
     religious beliefs.
       ``(2) Additional safeguards.--Neither the Federal 
     Government nor a State or local government shall require a 
     religious organization--
       ``(A) to alter its form of internal governance, except (for 
     purposes of administration of the community services block 
     grant program) as provided in section 676B; or
       ``(B) to remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other 
     symbols;
     in order to be eligible to provide assistance under a program 
     described in subsection (a).
       ``(c) Limitations on Use of Funds for Certain Purposes.--No 
     funds provided directly to a religious organization to 
     provide assistance under any program described in subsection 
     (a) shall be expended for sectarian worship, instruction, or 
     proselytization.
       ``(d) Fiscal Accountability.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), any 
     religious organization providing assistance under any program 
     described in subsection (a) shall be subject to the same 
     regulations as other nongovernmental organizations to account 
     in accord with generally accepted accounting principles for 
     the use of such funds provided under such program.
       ``(2) Limited audit.--Such organization shall segregate 
     government funds provided under such program into a separate 
     account. Only the government funds shall be subject to audit 
     by the government.
       ``(e) Treatment of Eligible Entities and Other Intermediate 
     Organizations.--If an eligible entity or other organization 
     (referred to in this subsection as an ``intermediate 
     organization''), acting under a contract, or grant or other 
     agreement, with the Federal Government or a State or local 
     government, is given the authority under the contract or 
     agreement to select nongovernmental organizations to provide 
     assistance under the programs described in subsection (a), 
     the intermediate organization shall have the same duties 
     under this section as the government.
       ``(f) Treatment of Beneficiaries.--In providing assistance 
     under a program described in subsection (a), a religious 
     organization shall not discriminate against a beneficiary, or 
     a potential beneficiary, of such assistance on the basis of 
     religion or of a religious belief.
       ``(g) Operational Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this section, each entity that carries out a 
     program, or provides assistance, under this subtitle shall 
     carry out such program, or shall provide such assistance, in 
     a lawful and secular manner.''.
       (l) Discretionary Authority of Secretary.--Section 680 of 
     the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9921) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``(including financial 
     assistance for construction or substantial rehabilitation of 
     buildings and facilities, and for loans or investments in 
     private business enterprises owned by community development 
     corporations)'' after ``assistance'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) 
     as subparagraphs (D), (E), (F), and (G), respectively; and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Federal interest.--The Secretary shall establish 
     procedures that permit funds provided under a grant made 
     under this paragraph, or intangible assets acquired with such 
     funds, to become the sole property of the grantee before the 
     expiration of the 12-year period beginning after the fiscal 
     year for which such grant is made if such grantee agrees to 
     use such funds or such property for purposes and uses 
     consistent with the purposes and uses for which such grant is 
     made.
       ``(C) Replacement activities.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures to allow a grant made under this 
     paragraph to be used by a grantee to carry out activities 
     substantially similar to the activities for which such grant 
     is made if, due to no fault of such grantee, such grantee 
     cannot carry out the activities for which such grant is made. 
     Such procedures shall require that the substantially similar 
     activities serve the same impact area and have the same 
     goals, objectives, and outcomes as the activities for which 
     such grant is made.'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)(B) by inserting ``water and 
     wastewater'' after ``community''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``neighborhood-based'' and 
     inserting ``community-based''; and
       (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``Chairperson of the 
     Committee on Education'' and

[[Page H307]]

     all that follows through ``Human Resources of the Senate'' 
     and inserting ``appropriate congressional committees''.
       (m) Community Food and Nutrition Programs.--Section 681 of 
     the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9922) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (c) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
     by striking ``Committee on Education'' and all that follows 
     through ``Human Resources of the Senate'' and inserting 
     ``appropriate congressional committees''; and
       (2) in subsection (d) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2004 through 2009''.
       (n) National or Regional Programs Designed To Provide 
     Instructional Activities for Low-Income Youth.--Section 682 
     of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9923) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(5)--
       (A) by inserting ``(which may be accomplished through 
     mentoring)'' after ``youth''; and
       (B) by inserting ``to improve academic achievement'' after 
     ``study practices''; and
       (2) in subsection (g) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2004 through 2009''.

     SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take 
     effect on the 1st day of the 1st fiscal year beginning after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.

                               H.R. 3030

                        Offered By: Ms. Woolsey

       Amendment No. 4: Strike all after the enacting clause and 
     insert the following:
       

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Improving the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act of 2003''.

     SEC. 2. COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT ACT AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Purposes and Goals.--Section 672 of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 note) is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``SEC. 672 PURPOSES AND GOALS.

       ``The purpose of this subtitle is to reduce poverty--
       ``(1) by strengthening and coordinating local efforts to 
     expand opportunities for individuals and families to become 
     economically self-sufficient and to improve and revitalize 
     low-income communities in urban and rural areas, by providing 
     resources to States for support of local eligible entities, 
     including community action agencies and other community-based 
     organizations--
       ``(A) to plan, coordinate, and mobilize a broad range of 
     Federal, State, local, and private assistance or investment 
     in such a manner as to use these resources effectively to 
     reduce poverty and in initiatives that are responsive to 
     specific local needs and conditions;
       ``(B) to coordinate a range of services that meet the needs 
     of low-income families and individuals, that support strong 
     and healthy families, and that assist them in developing the 
     skills needed to become self sustaining while ensuring that 
     these services are provided effectively and efficiently; and
       ``(C) to design and implement comprehensive approaches to 
     assist eligible individuals in gaining employment and 
     achieving economic self-sufficiency;
       ``(2) by improving and revitalizing the low-income 
     communities in urban and rural areas by providing resources 
     to States for support of local eligible entities and their 
     partners--
       ``(A) to broaden the resource base of initiatives and 
     projects directed to the elimination of poverty and the 
     redevelopment of the low-income community, including 
     partnerships with nongovernmental and governmental 
     institutions to develop the community assets and services 
     that reduce poverty, such as--
       ``(i) other private, religious, charitable, and community-
     based organizations;
       ``(ii) individual citizens, and business, labor, and 
     professional groups, that are able to influence the quantity 
     and quality of opportunities and services for the poor; and
       ``(iii) local government leadership; and
       ``(B) to coordinate community-wide resources and services 
     that will have a significant, measurable impact on the causes 
     of poverty in the community and that will help families and 
     individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency and to test 
     innovative, community-based approaches to attacking the 
     causes and effects of poverty and of community breakdown, 
     including--
       ``(i) innovative initiatives to prevent and reverse loss of 
     investment, jobs, public services, and infrastructure in low- 
     and moderate-income communities; and
       ``(ii) innovative partnerships to leverage the assets and 
     services that reduce poverty, as provided in subparagraph 
     (A); and
       ``(3) by ensuring maximum participation of residents of 
     low-income communities and of members of the groups served by 
     grants made under this subtitle in guiding the eligible 
     entities and in their programs funded under this subtitle, to 
     ameliorate the particular problems and needs of low-income 
     residents and to develop the permanent social and economic 
     assets of the low-income community in order to reduce the 
     incidence of poverty.''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 673(1)(A) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) that successfully develops and meets the locally 
     determined goals described in section 678E(b)(1), as 
     determined by the State, and meets State goals, standards, 
     and performance requirements as provided for in section 
     678B(a).''.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 674 of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9903) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2004 through 2009''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``678F'' and inserting ``678E to assist 
     States, eligible entities, and their partners in projects 
     supported by this subtitle''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``monitoring (to 
     correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities)'' and 
     inserting ``monitoring (including technical assistance and 
     training to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible 
     entities)''.
       (d) Uses of Funds.--Section 675C of the Community Services 
     Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9907) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3)(A) by striking ``Beginning on 
     October 1, 2000, a'' and inserting ``A''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)(F) by striking ``neighborhood-
     based'' and inserting ``community-based''.
       (e) Application and Plan.--Section 676 of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9908) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Beginning with fiscal year 2000, to'' and 
     inserting ``To'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking ``youth development programs that support'' 
     and inserting ``youth development programs, which may include 
     mentoring programs, that support''; and
       (II) by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (ii) in subparagraph (C) by adding ``and'' at the end; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) initiatives to improve economic conditions and 
     mobilize new resources in rural areas to eliminate obstacles 
     to the self-sufficiency of families and individuals in rural 
     communities;'';
       (C) in paragraph (2) by striking ``community and 
     neighborhood-based'' and inserting ``community-based'';
       (D) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``information provided by eligible entities in the State, 
     containing'' and inserting ``an assurance that the State will 
     provide information, including''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``community and 
     neighborhood-based'' and inserting ``community-based'';
       (E) in paragraph (9) by striking ``and community 
     organizations'' and inserting ``and community-based 
     organizations'';
       (F) in paragraph (10) by striking ``community 
     organization'' and inserting ``community-based 
     organization'';
       (G) in paragraph (12) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (H) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (15); and
       (I) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
       ``(13) an assurance that the State will take swift action 
     to improve performance or, when appropriate, to terminate the 
     funding under this subtitle of low-performing eligible 
     entities that do not meet the applicable locally determined 
     goals described in section 678E(b)(1) or do not meet the 
     State goals, standards, and requirements as provided for in 
     section 678B(a);
       ``(14) an assurance that the State will provide a 
     justification to the Secretary if it continues to fund 
     persistently low-performing eligible entities; and'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``plan, or'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end, and inserting 
     ``plan, to meet a State requirement, as described in section 
     678C(a), or to meet the locally determined goals as described 
     in section 678E(b)(1).''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (f).
       (f) Training, Technical Assistance, and Other Activities.--
     Section 678A(a)(1)(A) of the Community Services Block Grant 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 9913(a)(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``dissemination regarding best 
     practices,'' after ``technical assistance,''; and
       (2) by inserting ``(including to assist in the development 
     of reporting systems and electronic data systems)'' after 
     ``collection activities''.
       (g) Monitoring of Eligible Entities.--Section 678B of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9914) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting 
     ``and the locally determined performance goals described in 
     section 678E(b)(1)'' after ``a State''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by inserting ``appropriate'' before ``goals''; and
       (ii) by striking ``established by the State''; and
       (2) in the last sentence of subsection (c) by striking 
     ``Chairperson of the Committee on Education'' and all that 
     follows through

[[Page H308]]

     ``Human Resources of the Senate'' and inserting ``appropriate 
     congressional committees''.
       (h) Corrective Action; Termination and Reduction of 
     Funding.--Section 678C(a) of the Community Services Block 
     Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9915(a)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``established by the 
     State''.
       (i) Accountability and Reporting Requirements.--Section 
     678E of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 
     9917) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A) by striking ``By October 1, 2001, 
     each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the 1st sentence by inserting ``including any 
     activities under section 678C'' before the period at the end;
       (ii) by striking the 2d sentence;
       (iii) in the 3d sentence by striking ``also''; and
       (iv) in the 3d sentence by inserting ``information on the 
     timeliness of the distribution of block grant funds to 
     eligible entities as provided in section 675C(a),'' after 
     ``including'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A) by striking ``beginning after September 30, 1999'';
       (B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Committee on Education'' 
     and all that follows through ``Human Resources of the 
     Senate'' and inserting ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'';
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Coordination of reporting requirements.--To the 
     maximum extent possible, the Secretary shall coordinate 
     reporting requirements for all programs of the Department of 
     Health and Human Services managed by eligible entities so as 
     to consolidate and reduce the number of reports required 
     about individuals, families, and uses of grant funds.''; and
       (D) by redesignating such subsection as subsection (c); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Local Accountability and Reporting Requirements.--
       ``(1) Locally determined goals.--In order to be designated 
     as an eligible entity and to receive a grant under this 
     subtitle, an eligible entity shall establish locally 
     determined goals for reducing poverty in the community, 
     including goals for--
       ``(A) leveraging and mobilizing community resources;
       ``(B) fostering coordination of Federal, State, local, 
     private, and other assistance; and
       ``(C) promoting community involvement.
       ``(2) Demonstration that goals were met.--In order for an 
     eligible entity to receive a second or subsequent grant made 
     under this subtitle after the effective date of this 
     paragraph, such entity shall demonstrate to the State that it 
     has met the goals described in paragraph (1).''.
       (j) Nondiscrimination.--Section 678F(c)(1) of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9918(c)(1)) is amended by 
     inserting ``religion,'' after ``color,''.
       (k) Treatment of Beneficiaries.--Section 679 of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9920) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 679. OPERATIONAL RULE.

       ``(a) Religious Organizations Included as Nongovernmental 
     Providers.--For any program carried out by the Federal 
     Government, or by a State or local government under this 
     subtitle, the government shall consider, on the same basis as 
     other nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations 
     to provide the assistance under the program, so long as the 
     program is implemented in a manner consistent with the 
     Establishment Clause of the first amendment to the 
     Constitution. Neither the Federal Government nor a State or 
     local government receiving funds under this subtitle shall 
     discriminate against an organization that provides assistance 
     under, or applies to provide assistance under, this subtitle, 
     on the basis that the organization has a religious character.
       ``(b) Religious Character and Independence.--
       ``(1) In general.--A religious organization that provides 
     assistance under a program described in subsection (a) shall 
     retain its religious character and control over the 
     definition, development, practice, and expression of its 
     religious beliefs.
       ``(2) Additional safeguards.--Neither the Federal 
     Government nor a State or local government shall require a 
     religious organization--
       ``(A) to alter its form of internal governance, except (for 
     purposes of administration of the community services block 
     grant program) as provided in section 676B; or
       ``(B) to remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other 
     symbols;
     in order to be eligible to provide assistance under a program 
     described in subsection (a).
       ``(c) Limitations on Use of Funds for Certain Purposes.--No 
     funds provided directly to a religious organization to 
     provide assistance under any program described in subsection 
     (a) shall be expended for sectarian worship, instruction, or 
     proselytization.
       ``(d) Fiscal Accountability.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), any 
     religious organization providing assistance under any program 
     described in subsection (a) shall be subject to the same 
     regulations as other nongovernmental organizations to account 
     in accord with generally accepted accounting principles for 
     the use of such funds provided under such program.
       ``(2) Limited audit.--Such organization shall segregate 
     government funds provided under such program into a separate 
     account. Only the government funds shall be subject to audit 
     by the government.
       ``(e) Treatment of Eligible Entities and Other Intermediate 
     Organizations.--If an eligible entity or other organization 
     (referred to in this subsection as an ``intermediate 
     organization''), acting under a contract, or grant or other 
     agreement, with the Federal Government or a State or local 
     government, is given the authority under the contract or 
     agreement to select nongovernmental organizations to provide 
     assistance under the programs described in subsection (a), 
     the intermediate organization shall have the same duties 
     under this section as the government.
       ``(f) Treatment of Beneficiaries.--In providing assistance 
     under a program described in subsection (a), a religious 
     organization shall not discriminate against a beneficiary, or 
     a potential beneficiary, of such assistance on the basis of 
     religion or of a religious belief.
       ``(g) Operational Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this section, each entity that carries out a 
     program, or provides assistance, under this subtitle shall 
     carry out such program, or shall provide such assistance, in 
     a lawful and secular manner.''.
       (l) Discretionary Authority of Secretary.--Section 680 of 
     the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9921) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``(including financial 
     assistance for construction or substantial rehabilitation of 
     buildings and facilities, and for loans or investments in 
     private business enterprises owned by community development 
     corporations)'' after ``assistance'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) 
     as subparagraphs (D), (E), (F), and (G), respectively; and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Federal interest.--The Secretary shall establish 
     procedures that permit funds provided under a grant made 
     under this paragraph, or intangible assets acquired with such 
     funds, to become the sole property of the grantee before the 
     expiration of the 12-year period beginning after the fiscal 
     year for which such grant is made if such grantee agrees to 
     use such funds or such property for purposes and uses 
     consistent with the purposes and uses for which such grant is 
     made.
       ``(C) Replacement activities.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures to allow a grant made under this 
     paragraph to be used by a grantee to carry out activities 
     substantially similar to the activities for which such grant 
     is made if, due to no fault of such grantee, such grantee 
     cannot carry out the activities for which such grant is made. 
     Such procedures shall require that the substantially similar 
     activities serve the same impact area and have the same 
     goals, objectives, and outcomes as the activities for which 
     such grant is made.'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)(B) by inserting ``water and 
     wastewater'' after ``community''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``neighborhood-based'' and 
     inserting ``community-based''; and
       (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``Chairperson of the 
     Committee on Education'' and all that follows through ``Human 
     Resources of the Senate'' and inserting ``appropriate 
     congressional committees''.
       (m) Community Food and Nutrition Programs.--Section 681 of 
     the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9922) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (c) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
     by striking ``Committee on Education'' and all that follows 
     through ``Human Resources of the Senate'' and inserting 
     ``appropriate congressional committees''; and
       (2) in subsection (d) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2004 through 2009''.
       (n) National or Regional Programs Designed To Provide 
     Instructional Activities for Low-Income Youth.--Section 682 
     of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9923) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(5)--
       (A) by inserting ``(which may be accomplished through 
     mentoring)'' after ``youth''; and
       (B) by inserting ``to improve academic achievement'' after 
     ``study practices''; and
       (2) in subsection (g) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and 
     inserting ``2004 through 2009''.

     SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take 
     effect on the 1st day of the 1st fiscal year beginning after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.

                               H.R. 3030

              Offered By: Mr. George Miller of California

       Amendment No. 5: Page 5, strike lines 20 and 21, and insert 
     the following:

       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``1999 through 2003'' and inserting ``2004 
     through 2009''; and

[[Page H309]]

       (B) by striking ``681'' and inserting ``675C(b)(3), 681,'';
       
       Page 6, line 2, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 6, line 8, strike the period at the end and insert ``; 
     and''.
       
       Page 6, after line 8, insert the following:

       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Assistance Relating to Unemployment.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary 
     for fiscal year 2004 to carry out section 675C(b)(3).''.
       
       Page 6, strike lines 9 through 14, and insert the 
     following:

       (d) Uses of Funds.--Section 675C of the Community Services 
     Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9907) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3)(A) by striking ``Beginning on 
     October 1, 2000, a'' and inserting ``A''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(F) by striking ``neighborhood-based'' 
     and inserting ``community-based''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Assistance relating to unemployment.--With the amount 
     appropriated under section 674(c), the Secretary shall make 
     grants to States to provide financial and employment support 
     to individuals who cannot find employment, who have exhausted 
     their State unemployment benefits, and who, after the week of 
     December 20, 2003, can no longer receive Federal extended 
     temporary unemployment compensation. The eligibility criteria 
     and benefit amounts under this paragraph for such individuals 
     shall be the same as for such individuals prior to December 
     20, 2003, under the Federal extended temporary unemployment 
     compensation program.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``paragraphs (1) and 
     (2) of'' after ``under''.