[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN (for himself and Mr. Dorgan):
  S. 1231. A bill to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act to modify provisions relating to the National Fund for 
Excellence in American Indian Education; to the Committee on Indian 
Affairs.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today I introduce the National Fund for 
Excellence in American Indian Education Amendments Act of 2005 to 
revise the Act.
  In 2000, Congress authorized the establishment of a Federally-
chartered non-profit foundation to further the educational 
opportunities for Native American students. This foundation, named the 
National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education, was 
established in July, 2004 and has the potential for success in 
providing critical support to Native American students.
  The legislation I introduce today will enable the foundation to 
become self-sufficient by authorizing appropriations for endowment or 
seed money and authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide 
funding for the foundation's operating costs on a reimbursement basis. 
The legislation authorizes $5 million each fiscal year 2007 through 
2009 and increases the administration cost limit from 10 percent to 15 
percent of donations and transferred funds. This bill will also allow 
the Board to appoint the Chief Operating Officer who will be 
experienced in Indian education.
  Mr. President, this legislation will provide significant improvements 
for the foundation in its mission of advancing Indian education and I 
urge my colleagues to join me in this effort. I ask unanimous consent 
that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1231

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``National Fund for Excellence 
     in American Indian Education Amendments Act of 2005''.

     SEC. 2. NATIONAL FUND FOR EXCELLENCE IN AMERICAN INDIAN 
                   EDUCATION.

       Section 501 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
     Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 458bbb) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (g), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The officers of the Foundation shall 
     be--
       ``(A) a chief operating officer, to be appointed in 
     accordance with paragraph (2); and
       ``(B) any other officers, to be appointed or elected in 
     accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the 
     Foundation.
       ``(2) Chief operating officer.--
       ``(A) Appointment.--The Board shall appoint a chief 
     operating officer to the Foundation.
       ``(B) Requirements.--The chief operating officer of the 
     Foundation shall--
       ``(i) demonstrate experience and knowledge in matters 
     relating to--

       ``(I) education, in general; and
       ``(II) education of Indians, in particular; and

       ``(ii) serve at the direction of the Board.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2007 through 2009.
       ``(2) Effect on other funds.--Funds appropriated under 
     paragraph (1) shall not reduce the amount of funds available 
     for any other program relating to Indian education.''.

     SEC. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND SUPPORT.

       Section 502 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
     Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 458bbb-1) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) may provide funds--
       ``(A) to pay the operating costs of the Foundation; and
       ``(B) to reimburse travel expenses of a member of the Board 
     under section 501; and''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``operating and'' 
     before ``travel expenses''.
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