[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H1468-H1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GENERATIONS INVIGORATING VOLUNTEERISM AND EDUCATION ACT
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5563) to reauthorize and reform the
national service laws.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 5563
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the
``Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act''
or the ``GIVE Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990
Sec. 1001. References.
Subtitle A--Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions)
Sec. 1101. Purposes; sense of Congress.
Sec. 1102. Definitions.
Subtitle B--Amendments to Subtitle B (Service-Learning)
Sec. 1201. School-based allotments.
Sec. 1202. Higher education provisions.
Sec. 1203. Innovative programs and research.
Subtitle C--Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program)
Sec. 1301. Prohibition on grants to Federal agencies; limits on
Corporation costs.
Sec. 1302. E-Corps and technical amendments to types of programs.
Sec. 1303. Types of positions.
Sec. 1304. Conforming repeal relating to training and technical
assistance.
Sec. 1305. Assistance to State Commissions; challenge grants.
Sec. 1306. Allocation of assistance to States and other eligible
entities.
Sec. 1307. Additional authority.
Sec. 1308. State selection of programs.
Sec. 1308A. National service program assistance requirements.
Sec. 1309. Consideration of applications.
Sec. 1310. Description of participants.
Sec. 1311. Selection of national service participants.
Sec. 1312. Terms of service.
Sec. 1313. Adjustments to living allowance.
Subtitle D--Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and
Provision of National Service Educational Awards)
Sec. 1401. Availability of funds in the National Service Trust.
Sec. 1402. Individuals eligible to receive a national service
educational award from the Trust.
Sec. 1403. Determination of the amount of national service educational
awards.
Sec. 1404. Disbursement of educational awards.
Sec. 1405. Process of approval of national service positions.
Sec. 1406. Report on veterans serving in approved national service
positions.
Subtitle E--Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community
Corps)
Sec. 1501. Purpose.
Sec. 1502. Program components.
Sec. 1503. Eligible participants.
Sec. 1504. Summer national service program.
Sec. 1505. Team leaders.
Sec. 1506. Training.
Sec. 1507. Consultation with State Commissions.
Sec. 1508. Authorized benefits for Corps members.
Sec. 1509. Permanent cadre.
Sec. 1510. Contract and grant authority.
Sec. 1511. Other departments.
Sec. 1512. Advisory Board.
Sec. 1513. Annual evaluation.
Sec. 1514. Repeal of funding limitation.
Sec. 1515. Definitions.
Sec. 1516. Terminology.
Subtitle F--Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions)
Sec. 1601. Family and medical leave.
Sec. 1602. Additional prohibitions on use of funds.
Sec. 1603. Notice, hearing, and grievance procedures.
Sec. 1604. Resolution of displacement complaints.
Sec. 1605. State Commissions on National and Community Service.
Sec. 1606. Evaluation and accountability.
Sec. 1607. Technical amendment.
Sec. 1608. Partnerships with schools.
Sec. 1609. Rights of access, examination, and copying.
Sec. 1610. Additional administrative provisions.
Subtitle G--Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and
Community Service)
Sec. 1701. Terms of office.
Sec. 1702. Board of Directors authorities and duties.
Sec. 1703. Authorities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer.
Sec. 1704. Nonvoting members; personal services contracts.
Sec. 1705. Donated services.
Sec. 1706. Office of Outreach and Recruitment.
Sec. 1707. Study to examine and increase service programs for veterans
and veterans participation in programs under the national
service laws and to develop pilot program.
Sec. 1708. Coordination with veterans organizations serving veterans
with disabilities.
Sec. 1709. Study to examine and increase service programs for displaced
workers in services corps and community service and to
develop pilot program planning study.
Subtitle H--Amendments to Subtitle H
Sec. 1801. Technical amendments to subtitle H.
Sec. 1802. Repeals.
Sec. 1803. Innovative and model program support.
Sec. 1804. Clearinghouses.
Subtitle I--Energy Conservation Corps
Sec. 1811. General authority.
Sec. 1812. Application.
Sec. 1813. Focus of programs.
Sec. 1814. Training and education services.
Sec. 1815. Preference for certain projects.
Sec. 1816. Participants.
Sec. 1817. Use of volunteers.
Sec. 1818. Cooperation among States for emergency response.
Sec. 1819. Federal share.
Sec. 1820. Best practices.
Sec. 1820A. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1820B. Learn and Serve America.
Sec. 1820C. National Senior Service Corps.
Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance
Sec. 1821. Training and technical assistance.
[[Page H1469]]
Subtitle K--Repeal of Title III (Points of Light Foundation)
Sec. 1831. Repeal.
Subtitle L--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)
Sec. 1841. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973
Sec. 2001. References.
Subtitle A--Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty
Programs)
Sec. 2101. Purpose.
Sec. 2102. Purpose of the VISTA program.
Sec. 2103. Applications.
Sec. 2104. VISTA programs of national significance.
Sec. 2105. Terms and periods of service.
Sec. 2106. Support Service.
Sec. 2107. Sections repealed.
Sec. 2108. Conforming amendment.
Sec. 2109. Financial assistance.
Subtitle B--Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps)
Sec. 2201. Change in name.
Sec. 2202. Purpose.
Sec. 2203. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.
Sec. 2204. Foster Grandparent Program grants.
Sec. 2205. Senior Companion Program grants.
Sec. 2206. Promotion of National Senior Service Corps.
Sec. 2207. Technical amendments.
Sec. 2208. Programs of national significance.
Sec. 2209. Additional provisions.
Sec. 2210. Authority of Director.
Subtitle C--Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination)
Sec. 2301. Nondisplacement.
Sec. 2302. Notice and hearing procedures.
Sec. 2303. Definitions.
Sec. 2304. Protection against improper use.
Subtitle D--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)
Sec. 2401. Authorization of appropriations for VISTA and other
purposes.
Sec. 2402. Authorization of appropriations for National Senior Service
Corps.
Sec. 2403. Administration and coordination.
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
Sec. 3101. Inspector General Act of 1978.
TITLE IV--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLES OF CONTENTS
Sec. 4101. Table of contents for the National and Community Service Act
of 1990.
Sec. 4102. Table of contents for the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of
1973.
TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 5101. Effective date.
Sec. 5102. Service assignments and agreements.
TITLE VI--CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON CIVIC SERVICE
Sec. 6101. Short title.
Sec. 6102. Findings.
Sec. 6103. Establishment.
Sec. 6104. Duties.
Sec. 6105. Membership.
Sec. 6106. Director and Staff of Commission; Experts and Consultants.
Sec. 6107. Powers of Commission.
Sec. 6108. Reports.
Sec. 6109. Termination.
TITLE VII--SENSE OF CONGRESS
Sec. 7101. Sense of Congress.
TITLE VIII--SENSE OF CONGRESS
Sec. 8101. Sense of Congress.
TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990
SEC. 1001. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a provision, the reference shall
be considered to be made to a provision of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.).
Subtitle A--Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions)
SEC. 1101. PURPOSES; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Purposes.--Section 2(b) (42 U.S.C. 12501(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``community throughout''
and inserting ``community and service throughout the varied
and diverse communities of'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``income,'' the
following: ``geographic location,'';
(3) in paragraph (6), by inserting after ``existing'' the
following: ``national'';
(4) in paragraph (7)--
(A) by striking ``programs and agencies'' and inserting
``programs, agencies, and communities''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(5) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting
a semicolon; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) expand and strengthen service-learning programs
through year-round opportunities, including during the summer
months, to improve the education of children and youth and to
maximize the benefits of national and community service, in
order to renew the ethic of civic responsibility and the
spirit of community to children and youth throughout the
United States;
``(10) assist in coordinating and strengthening Federal and
other citizen service opportunities, including opportunities
for participation in emergency and disaster preparedness,
relief, and recovery;
``(11) increase service opportunities for our Nation's
retiring professionals, including such opportunities for
those retiring from the science, technical, engineering, and
mathematics professions to improve the education of our
Nation's youth and keep America competitive in the global
knowledge economy, and to further utilize the experience,
knowledge, and skills of older Americans;
``(12) encourage the continued service of the alumni of the
national service programs, including service in times of
national need; and
``(13) encourage members of the Baby Boom generation to
partake in service opportunities.''.
(b) Sense of Congress.--The Act is amended by inserting
after section 2 the following:
``SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
``It is the sense of Congress that the number of
participants in the AmeriCorps programs, including the
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the National
Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), should grow to reach 100,000
participants by 2012.''.
SEC. 1102. DEFINITIONS.
Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 12511) is amended--
(1) by redesignating--
(A) paragraphs (21) through (29) as paragraphs (28) through
(36), respectively;
(B) paragraphs (9) through (20) as paragraphs (15) through
(26), respectively;
(C) paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (10) and (11),
respectively; and
(D) paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through
(8), respectively;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Approved summer of service position.--The term
`approved summer of service position' means a position in a
program described under section 118(c)(8) for which the
Corporation has approved the provision of a summer of service
educational award as one of the benefits to be provided for
successful service in the position.
``(4) Baby boom generation.--The term `Baby Boom
generation' means the generation that consists of individuals
born during the period beginning with 1946 and ending with
1964.'';
(3) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking
``described in section 122'';
(4) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated), by striking
``church or other'';
(5) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(9) Disadvantaged youth.--The term `disadvantaged youth'
includes those youth who are economically disadvantaged and
one or more of the following:
``(A) Who are out-of-school youth, including out-of-school
youth who are unemployed.
``(B) Who are in or aging out of foster care.
``(C) Who have limited English proficiency.
``(D) Who are homeless or who have run away from home.
``(E) Who are at-risk to leave school without a diploma.
``(F) Who are former juvenile offenders or at risk of
delinquency.'';
(6) by inserting after paragraph (11) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(12) Grantmaking entity.--The term `grantmaking entity'
means a public or private nonprofit organization that--
``(A) has experience with service-learning or with meeting
unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety
needs;
``(B) was in existence at least one year before the date on
which the organization submitted an application under the
national service laws; and
``(C) meets other such criteria as the Chief Executive
Officer may establish.
``(13) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic-
serving institution' has the meaning given the term in
section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1101a(a)).
``(14) Historically black college or university.--The term
`historically black college or university' means a part B
institution, as defined in section 322 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)).'';
(7) in paragraph (19) (as so redesignated), by striking
``section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965'' and
inserting ``sections 101(a) and 102(a)(1) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965'';
(8) in paragraph (23)(B) (as so redesignated), by striking
``program in which the participant is enrolled'' and
inserting ``organization receiving assistance under the
national service laws through which the participant is
enrolled in an approved national service position'';
(9) by inserting after paragraph (26) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(27) Qualified organization.--The term `qualified
organization' means a public or private nonprofit
organization with experience working with school-age youth
that meets such criteria as the Chief Executive Officer may
establish.'';
(10) in paragraph (28)(B) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``602'' and inserting ``602(3)''; and
(B) by striking ``1401'' and inserting ``1401(3)''; and
(11) by adding at the end the following:
``(37) Tribally controlled college or university.--The term
`tribally controlled college or university' has the meaning
given in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or
University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801).''.
[[Page H1470]]
Subtitle B--Amendments to Subtitle B (Service-Learning)
SEC. 1201. SCHOOL-BASED ALLOTMENTS.
Part I of subtitle B of title I (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq.)
is amended to read as follows:
``PART I--PROGRAMS FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS
``SEC. 111. ASSISTANCE TO STATES, TERRITORIES, AND INDIAN
TRIBES.
``(a) Allotments to States, Territories, and Indian
Tribes.--The Corporation, in consultation with the Secretary
of Education, may make allotments to State educational
agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes to pay for the
Federal share of--
``(1) planning and building the capacity within the State,
Territory, or Indian tribe to implement service-learning
programs that are based principally in elementary and
secondary schools, including--
``(A) providing training for teachers, supervisors,
personnel from community-based agencies (particularly with
regard to the recruitment, utilization, and management of
participants), and trainers, to be conducted by qualified
individuals or organizations that have experience with
service-learning;
``(B) developing service-learning curricula, consistent
with State or local academic content standards, to be
integrated into academic programs, including an age-
appropriate learning component that provides participants an
opportunity to analyze and apply their service experiences;
``(C) forming local partnerships described in paragraph (2)
or (4) to develop school-based service-learning programs in
accordance with this part;
``(D) devising appropriate methods for research and
evaluation of the educational value of service-learning and
the effect of service-learning activities on communities;
``(E) establishing effective outreach and dissemination of
information to ensure the broadest possible involvement of
community-based agencies with demonstrated effectiveness in
working with school-age youth in their communities; and
``(F) establishing effective outreach and dissemination of
information to ensure the broadest possible participation of
schools throughout the State, with particular attention to
schools identified for school improvement under title I of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6301 et seq.);
``(2) implementing, operating, or expanding school-based
service-learning programs, which may include paying for the
cost of the recruitment, training, supervision, placement,
salaries, and benefits of service-learning coordinators,
through distribution of Federal funds by State educational
agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes made available under
this part to projects operated by local partnerships among--
``(A) local educational agencies; and
``(B) 1 or more community partners that--
``(i) shall include a public or private nonprofit
organization that--
``(I) has a demonstrated expertise in the provision of
services to meet unmet human, education, environmental, or
public safety needs;
``(II) will make projects available for participants, who
shall be students; and
``(III) was in existence at least 1 year before the date on
which the organization submitted an application under section
113; and
``(ii) may include a private for-profit business, private
elementary or secondary school, or Indian tribe (except that
an Indian tribe distributing funds to a project under this
paragraph is not eligible to be part of the partnership
operating that project);
``(3) planning of school-based service-learning programs,
through distribution by State educational agencies,
Territories, and Indian tribes of Federal funds made
available under this part to local educational agencies and
Indian tribes, which planning may include paying for the cost
of--
``(A) the salaries and benefits of service-learning
coordinators; or
``(B) the recruitment, training, supervision, and placement
of service-learning coordinators who may be participants in a
program under subtitle C or receive a national service
educational award under subtitle D, who may be participants
in a project under section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001), or who may participate
in a Youthbuild program under section 173A of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a),
who will identify the community partners described in
paragraph (2)(B) and assist in the design and implementation
of a program described in paragraph (2); and
``(4) implementing, operating, or expanding school-based
service-learning programs to utilize adult volunteers in
service-learning to improve the education of students,
through distribution by State educational agencies,
Territories, and Indian tribes of Federal funds made
available under this part to--
``(A) local educational agencies;
``(B) Indian tribes (except that an Indian tribe
distributing funds under this paragraph is not eligible to be
a recipient of those funds);
``(C) public or private nonprofit organizations; or
``(D) partnerships or combinations of local educational
agencies and entities described in subparagraph (B) or (C).
``(b) Programs To Encourage Civic Engagement in Service
Learning.--
``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section
501(a)(1), and without regard to section 112(b), the
Corporation shall reserve up to 3 percent for competitive
grants to partnerships described in subsection (a)(2) for the
development of service-learning programs that promote greater
civic engagement among elementary and secondary school
students.
``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, a partnership shall submit an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Corporation may require.
``(3) Activities.--Partnerships receiving grants under this
subsection shall use funds to develop service-learning
curricula that--
``(A) promote a better understanding of the principles of
the Constitution of the United States, the heroes of American
history (including military heroes), and the meaning of the
Oath of Allegiance;
``(B) promote a better understanding of how the Nation's
government functions; and
``(C) promote a better understanding of the importance of
service in the Nation's character.
``(c) Duties of Service-Learning Coordinator.--A service-
learning coordinator referred to in paragraph (2), (3), or
(5) of subsection (a) shall provide services that may
include--
``(1) providing technical assistance and information to,
and facilitating the training of, teachers and assisting in
the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of
service-learning in their classrooms;
``(2) assisting local partnerships described in subsection
(a) in the planning, development, and execution of service-
learning projects, including summer of service programs; and
``(3) carrying out such other duties as the recipient of
assistance under this part may determine to be appropriate.
``(d) Related Expenses.--An entity that receives financial
assistance under this part may, in carrying out the
activities described in subsection (a), use such assistance
to pay for the Federal share of reasonable costs related to
the supervision of participants, program administration,
transportation, insurance, and evaluations and for other
reasonable expenses related to the activities.
``SEC. 112. ALLOTMENTS.
``(a) Indian Tribes and Territories.--Of the amounts
appropriated to carry out this part for any fiscal year, the
Corporation shall reserve an amount of not less than 2
percent and not more than 3 percent for payments to Indian
tribes, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
to be allotted in accordance with their respective needs.
``(b) Allotments Through States.--After reserving the
amount under subsection (a), the Corporation shall use the
remainder of the funds appropriated to carry out this part
for any fiscal year as follows:
``(1) Allotments.--
``(A) School-age youth.--From 50 percent of such remainder,
the Corporation shall allot to each State an amount that
bears the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the
number of school-age youth in the State bears to the total
number of school-age youth of all States.
``(B) Allocation under elementary and secondary education
act of 1965.--From 50 percent of such remainder, the
Corporation shall allot to each State an amount that bears
the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the
allocation to the State for the previous fiscal year under
title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) or its successor authority bears to
such allocations to all States.
``(2) Definition.--Notwithstanding section 101, for
purposes of this subsection, the term `State' means each of
the several States, the District of Columbia, and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
``(c) Reallotment.--If the Corporation determines that the
allotment of a State, Territory, or Indian tribe under this
section will not be required for a fiscal year because the
State, Territory, or Indian tribe did not submit and receive
approval of an application for the allotment under section
113, the Corporation shall make the allotment for such State,
Territory, or Indian tribe available for grants to
grantmaking entities to carry out service-learning programs
as described in section 111(a) in such State, Territory, or
Indian tribe. After grantmaking entities apply for the
allotment with an application at such time and in such manner
as the Corporation requires and receive approval, the
remainder of such allotment shall be available for
reallotment to such other States, Territories, or Indian
tribes with approved applications submitted under section 113
as the Corporation may determine to be appropriate.
``(d) Minimum Amount.--For any fiscal year for which
amounts appropriated for this part exceed $43,000,000, the
minimum allotment to each State (as defined in section
112(b)(2)) under this section shall be $65,000.
``SEC. 113. APPLICATIONS.
``(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive an allotment
under section 112, a State, acting through the State
educational agency, Territory, or Indian tribe shall prepare,
submit to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an
application at such time and in such manner as the Chief
Executive Officer may reasonably require.
``(b) Contents.--An application for an allotment under this
part shall include--
``(1) a proposal for a 3-year plan promoting service-
learning, which shall contain such
[[Page H1471]]
information as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably
require, including how the applicant will integrate service
opportunities into the academic program of the participants;
``(2) information about the criteria the State educational
agency, Territory, or Indian tribe will use to evaluate and
grant approval to applications submitted under subsection
(c), including an assurance that the State educational
agency, Territory, or Indian tribe will comply with the
requirement in section 114(a);
``(3) information about the applicant's efforts to--
``(A) ensure that students of different ages, races, sexes,
ethnic groups, disabilities, and economic backgrounds have
opportunities to serve together;
``(B) include any opportunities for students enrolled in
schools or other programs of education providing elementary
or secondary education to participate in service-learning
programs and ensure that such service-learning programs
include opportunities for such students to serve together;
``(C) involve participants in the design and operation of
the program;
``(D) promote service-learning in areas of greatest need,
including low-income or rural areas; and
``(E) otherwise integrate service opportunities into the
academic program of the participants; and
``(4) assurances that the applicant will comply with the
nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements of section
177 and the grievance procedures required by section 176.
``(c) Application to State, Territory, or Indian Tribe To
Receive Assistance To Carry Out School-Based Service-Learning
Programs.--
``(1) In general.--Any--
``(A) qualified organization, Indian tribe, Territory,
local educational agency, for-profit business, private
elementary, middle, or secondary school, or institution of
higher education that desires to receive financial assistance
under this subpart from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe
for an activity described in section 111(a)(1);
``(B) partnership described in section 111(a)(2) that
desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory,
or Indian tribe or grantmaking entity described in section
111(a)(2);
``(C) entity described in section 111(a)(3) that desires to
receive such assistance from a State, Territory, or Indian
tribe for an activity described in such section;
``(D) partnership described in section 111(a)(4) that
desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory,
or Indian tribe for an activity described in such section;
and
``(E) agency or partnership described in section 118(c)(8)
that desires to receive such assistance, or approved summer
of service positions, from a State, Territory, or Indian
tribe for an activity described in such section to be carried
out through a service-learning program described in section
111,
shall prepare, submit to the State educational agency,
Territory, grantmaking entity, or Indian tribe, and obtain
approval of, an application for the program.
``(2) Submission.--Such application shall be submitted at
such time and in such manner, and shall contain such
information, as the agency, Territory, Indian tribe, or
entity may reasonably require.
``SEC. 114. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS.
``(a) Priority.--In considering competitive applications
under this part, the Corporation shall give priority to
innovation, sustainability, capacity building, involvement of
disadvantaged youth, and quality of programs, as well as
other criteria approved by the Chief Executive Officer.
``(b) Rejection of Applications.--If the Corporation
rejects an application submitted by a State, Territory, or
Indian tribe under section 113 for an allotment, the
Corporation shall promptly notify the State, Territory, or
Indian tribe of the reasons for the rejection of the
application. The Corporation shall provide the State,
Territory, or Indian tribe with a reasonable opportunity to
revise and resubmit the application and shall provide
technical assistance, if needed, to the State, Territory, or
Indian tribe as part of the resubmission process. The
Corporation shall promptly reconsider such resubmitted
application.
``SEC. 115. PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
``(a) In General.--To the extent consistent with the number
of students in the State, Territory, or Indian tribe or in
the school district of the local educational agency involved
who are enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and
secondary schools, such State, Territory, Indian tribe, or
agency shall (after consultation with appropriate private
school representatives) make provision--
``(1) for the inclusion of services and arrangements for
the benefit of such students so as to allow for the equitable
participation of such students in the programs implemented to
carry out the objectives and provide the benefits described
in this part; and
``(2) for the training of the teachers of such students so
as to allow for the equitable participation of such teachers
in the programs implemented to carry out the objectives and
provide the benefits described in this part.
``(b) Waiver.--If a State, Territory, Indian tribe, or
local educational agency is prohibited by law from providing
for the participation of students or teachers from private
nonprofit schools as required by subsection (a), or if the
Corporation determines that a State, Territory, Indian tribe,
or local educational agency substantially fails or is
unwilling to provide for such participation on an equitable
basis, the Chief Executive Officer shall waive such
requirements and shall arrange for the provision of services
to such students and teachers. Such waivers shall be subject
to the requirements of sections 9503 and 9504 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7883 and 7884).
``SEC. 116. FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
``(a) Federal Share.--
``(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
carrying out a program for which assistance is provided under
this part--
``(A) for new grants, may not exceed 80 percent of the
total cost for the first year of the grant, 65 percent for
the second year, and 50 percent for each remaining year; and
``(B) for continuing grants, may not exceed 50 percent of
the total cost of the program.
``(2) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the
remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program,
each recipient of assistance under this part--
``(A) shall provide for such share through a payment in
cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities,
equipment, or services; and
``(B) may provide for such share through State sources or
local sources, including private funds or donated services.
``(b) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the
requirements of subsection (a) in whole or in part with
respect to any such program for any fiscal year if the
Corporation determines that such a waiver would be equitable
due to a lack of available financial resources at the local
level.
``SEC. 117. LIMITATIONS ON USES OF FUNDS.
``Not more than 6 percent of the amount of assistance
received by an applicant in a fiscal year may be used to pay,
in accordance with such standards as the Corporation may
issue, for administrative costs, incurred by--
``(1) the original recipient; or
``(2) the entity carrying out the service-learning program
supported with the assistance.''.
SEC. 1202. HIGHER EDUCATION PROVISIONS.
Section 119 (42 U.S.C. 12561) is redesignated as section
117 and amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting after ``community
service programs'' the following: ``through service-
learning'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``combination'' and inserting ``consortia'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) may coordinate with service-learning curricula being
offered in the academic curricula at the institution of
higher education or at one or more members of the
consortia;'';
(3) in subsection (b)(3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``teachers at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary
levels'' and inserting ``institutions of higher education and
their faculty'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``education of the
institution; and'' and inserting ``curricula of the
institution to strengthen the instructional capacity of
service-learning at the elementary and secondary levels;'';
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (E);
and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) including service-learning as a key component of the
health professionals curricula, including nursing, pre-
medicine, medicine, and dentistry curricula of the
institution;
``(C) including service-learning as a key component of the
criminal justice professionals curricula of the institution;
``(D) including service-learning as a key component of the
public policy and public administration curricula of the
institution; and'';
(4) by striking subsections (c), (d), (e), and (g);
(5) by redesignating subsection (f) as (i); and
(6) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Special Consideration.--To the extent practicable,
the Corporation shall give special consideration to
applications submitted by predominantly Black institutions,
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-
serving institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and
community colleges serving predominantly minority
populations.
``(d) Federal, State, and Local Contributions.--
``(1) Federal share.--
``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
carrying out a program for which assistance is provided under
this part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the
program.
``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the
remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program,
each recipient of a grant under this part--
``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in
cash or in kind, fairly evaluated,
[[Page H1472]]
including facilities, equipment, or services; and
``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or
local sources, including private funds or donated services.
``(2) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the
requirements of paragraph (1) in whole or in part with
respect to any such program for any fiscal year if the
Corporation determines that such a waiver would be equitable
due to a lack of available financial resources at the local
level.
``(e) Application for Grant.--
``(1) Submission.--To receive a grant or enter into a
contract under this part, an applicant shall prepare, submit
to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information
and assurances as the Corporation may reasonably require. In
requesting applications for assistance under this part, the
Corporation shall specify such required information and
assurances.
``(2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph
(1) shall contain, at a minimum--
``(A) assurances that--
``(i) prior to the placement of a participant, the
applicant will consult with the appropriate local labor
organization, if any, representing employees in the area who
are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to
be carried out by such program, to prevent the displacement
and protect the rights of such employees; and
``(ii) the applicant will comply with the nonduplication
and nondisplacement provisions of section 177 and the
grievance procedures required by section 176; and
``(B) such other assurances as the Chief Executive Officer
may reasonably require.
``(f) Priority.--In making grants and entering into
contracts under subsection (b), the Corporation shall give
priority to applicants or institutions that submit
applications containing proposals that--
``(1) demonstrate the commitment of the institution of
higher education, other than by demonstrating the commitment
of the students, to supporting the community service projects
carried out under the program;
``(2) specify the manner in which the institution will
promote faculty, administration, and staff participation in
the community service projects;
``(3) specify the manner in which the institution will
provide service to the community through organized programs,
including, where appropriate, clinical programs for students
in professional schools and colleges;
``(4) describe any partnership that will participate in the
community service projects, such as a partnership comprised
of--
``(A) the institution;
``(B)(i) a community-based agency;
``(ii) a local government agency; or
``(iii) a non-profit entity that serves or involves school-
age youth, older adults, or low-income communities; and
``(C)(i) a student organization;
``(ii) a department of the institution; or
``(iii) a group of faculty comprised of different
departments, schools, or colleges at the institution;
``(5) demonstrate community involvement in the development
of the proposal;
``(6) describe research on effective strategies and methods
to improve service utilized in the design of the project;
``(7) specify that the institution will use such assistance
to strengthen the service infrastructure in institutions of
higher education; or
``(8) with respect to projects involving delivery of
services, specify projects that involve leadership
development of school aged youth.
``(g) Definition.--Notwithstanding section 101, as used in
this part, the term `student' means an individual who is
enrolled in an institution of higher education on a full- or
part-time basis.
``(h) Federal Work-Study.--To be eligible for assistance
under this part, an institution of higher education must
demonstrate that it meets the minimum requirements under
section 443(b)(2)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 2753(b)(2)(B)) relating to the participation of
Federal Work-Study students in community service activities,
or has received a waiver of those requirements from the
Secretary of Education.''.
SEC. 1203. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH.
Subtitle B of title I (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq.) is further
amended by adding after part II the following new part:
``PART III--INNOVATIVE SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH
``SEC. 118. INNOVATIVE DEMONSTRATION SERVICE-LEARNING
PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH.
``(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated to carry
out this part for a fiscal year, the Corporation may make
grants and fixed amount grants under subsection (f) with
eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c).
``(b) Eligible Entities Defined.--For purposes of this
part, the term `eligible entity' means a State education
agency, a State commission, a Territory, an Indian tribe, an
institution of higher education, or a public or private
nonprofit organization (including grant-making entities), a
public or private elementary or secondary school, a local
educational agency, or a consortia of such entities, where a
consortia of two or more such entities may also include a
for-profit organization.
``(c) Authorized Activities.--Funds under this part may be
used to--
``(1) integrate service-learning programs into the science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula at
the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary, and post-
baccalaureate levels in coordination with practicing or
retired STEM professionals;
``(2) involve students in service-learning programs
focusing on energy conservation in their community, including
conducting educational outreach on energy conservation and
working to improve energy efficiency in low income housing
and in public spaces;
``(3) involve students in service-learning projects in
emergency and disaster preparedness;
``(4) involve students in service-learning projects aimed
at improving access to and obtaining the benefits from
computers and other emerging technologies, including in low
income or rural communities, in senior centers and
communities, in schools, in libraries, and in other public
spaces;
``(5) involve high school age youth in the mentoring of
middle school youth while involving all participants in
service-learning to seek to meet unmet human, educational,
environmental, public safety, or emergency disaster
preparedness needs in their community;
``(6) conduct research and evaluations on service-learning,
including service-learning in middle schools, and disseminate
such research and evaluations widely;
``(7) conduct innovative and creative activities as
described in section 111(a);
``(8) establish or implement summer of service programs
during the summer months, including the cost of recruitment,
training, and placement of service-learning coordinators--
``(A) for youth who will be enrolled in any grade from
grade 6 through grade 12 at the end of the summer concerned;
``(B) for community-based service-learning projects that--
``(i) shall--
``(I) meet unmet human, educational, environmental
(including energy conservation and stewardship), emergency
and disaster preparedness, and public service needs; and
``(II) be intensive, structured, supervised, and designed
to produce identifiable improvements to the community; and
``(ii) may include the extension of academic year service-
learning programs into the summer months;
``(C) under which any student who completes 100 hours of
service in an approved summer of service position, as
certified through a process determined by the Corporation
through regulations consistent with section 138(f), shall be
eligible for a summer of service educational award of not
more than $500 (or, at the discretion of the Chief Executive
Officer, not more than $1,000 in the case of a participant
who is economically disadvantaged) from funds deposited in
the National Service Trust and distributed by the Corporation
as described in section 148; and
``(D) subject to the limitation that a student may not
receive more than 2 summer of service educational awards from
funds deposited in the National Service Trust; and
``(9) carry out any other innovative service-learning
programs or research that the Corporation considers
appropriate.
``(d) Priority.--Priority shall be given to programs that--
``(1) involve students and community stakeholders in the
design and implementation of the service-learning program;
``(2) implement service-learning programs in low-income or
rural communities; and
``(3) utilize adult volunteers, including tapping the
resource of retired and retiring adults, in the planning and
implementation of the service-learning programs.
``(e) Requirements.--
``(1) Three-year term.--Each program funded under this part
shall be carried out over a period of three years, including
one planning year and two additional grant years, with a 1-
year extension possible, if the program meets performance
measures developed in accordance with section 179(a) and any
other criteria determined by the Corporation.
``(2) Collaboration encouraged.--Each program funded under
this part is encouraged to collaborate with other Learn and
Serve programs, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and the National Senior
Service Corps.
``(3) Evaluation.--Upon completion of the program, the
Corporation shall conduct an independent evaluation of the
program and widely disseminate the results to the service
community through multiple channels, including the
Corporation's Resource Center or a clearinghouse of effective
strategies and recommendations for improvement.
``(f) Fixed Amount Grants.--
``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject
to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may,
upon making a determination described in paragraph (2),
approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the
Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related
financial recordkeeping requirements.
``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount
grant, the Corporation must determine that--
``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out
the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of
assistance provided by the Corporation; or
[[Page H1473]]
``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any
assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably
presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.
``(3) Matching funds.--
``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this
part may not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the
program in the first year of the grant and 50 percent of the
total cost of the program in the remaining years of the
grant, including if the grant is extended for a fourth year.
``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the
remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program,
each recipient of a grant under this part--
``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in
cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities,
equipment, or services; and
``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or
local sources, including private funds or donated services.
``(g) Applications.--To be eligible to carry out a program
under this part, an entity shall prepare, submit to the
Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such
time and in such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may
reasonably require.''.
Subtitle C--Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program)
SEC. 1301. PROHIBITION ON GRANTS TO FEDERAL AGENCIES; LIMITS
ON CORPORATION COSTS.
Section 121 (42 U.S.C. 12571) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by inserting after ``subdivisions of States,'' the
following: ``Territories,'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Agreements With Federal
Agencies'' and inserting ``Restrictions on Agreements With
Federal Agencies'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the first sentence by striking ``by the agency.''
and inserting ``by the agency, including programs under the
Public Lands Corps and Urban Youth Corps as described in
section 122(a)(2).''; and
(ii) by striking the second sentence;
(C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Prohibition on grants.--The Corporation may not
provide a grant under this section to a Federal agency.'';
and
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``receiving assistance under this
subsection'' and inserting ``operating a national service
program''; and
(ii) by striking ``using such assistance'';
(3) in subsection (c)(2)(B), by striking ``to be provided''
and inserting ``to be provided or otherwise approved'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Five'' and
inserting ``Six''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 percent'' and
inserting ``6 percent''; and
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``section 140'' and inserting ``paragraph
(2)'';
(ii) by striking ``Federal share of the cost'' and
inserting ``Corporation share of the cost, including member
living allowances, employment-related taxes, health care
coverage, and worker's compensation and other necessary
operation costs,'';
(iii) by striking ``may not exceed 75 percent of such
cost.'' and inserting ``may not exceed--''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(A) for the first three years in which the recipient
receives such assistance, 76 percent of such cost;
``(B) for the fourth through ninth years in which the
recipient receives such assistance, a decreasing share of
such cost between 76 percent and 50 percent, as established
by the Corporation in regulation; and
``(C) for the tenth year (and each year thereafter) in
which the recipient receives such assistance, 50 percent of
such cost.'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Alternative corporation share for programs in rural
or severely economically distressed communities.--Upon
approval by the Corporation, the Corporation share of the
cost, including member living allowances, employment-related
taxes, health care coverage, and worker's compensation, of
carrying out a national service program that receives
assistance under subsection (a) and that is located in a
rural or severely economically distressed community may not
exceed--
``(A) for the first six years in which the recipient
receives such assistance, 76 percent of such cost;
``(B) for the seventh through ninth years in which the
recipient receives such assistance, a decreasing share of
such cost between 76 and 65 percent as established by the
Corporation in regulation; and
``(C) for the tenth year (and each year thereafter) in
which the recipient receives such assistance, 65 percent of
such cost.'';
(E) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph
(B), by inserting after ``other Federal sources'' the
following: ``including funds authorized under Youthbuild
(section 173A of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29
U.S.C. 2918a))''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Other federal funds.--
``(A) Recipient report.--A recipient of assistance under
section 121 shall report to the Corporation the amount and
source of any Federal funds used to carry out the program
other than those provided by the Corporation.
``(B) Corporation report.--The Corporation shall report to
the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on an annual basis
information regarding each recipient that uses Federal funds
other than those provided by the Corporation to carry out the
program, including amounts and sources of other Federal
funds.''.
SEC. 1302. E-CORPS AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TYPES OF
PROGRAMS.
Section 122 (42 U.S.C. 12572) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``subsection (b)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(1)'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``including'' and all
that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting
``including projects involving urban renewal, sustaining
natural resources, or improving human services;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``including'' and
inserting ``and at least 50 percent of whom are''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(i), by inserting ``, including
mentoring'' before the semicolon;
(C) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting
a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and
inserting ``; or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) students participating in service-learning programs
at an institution of higher education.'';
(D) in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting ``, including
elementary and secondary education, and other professions
such as those in health care, criminal justice, environmental
stewardship and conservation, or public safety'' before the
semicolon;
(E) in paragraph (8)(C), by striking ``nonprofit'';
(F) in paragraph (9), by striking ``between the ages of 16
and 24'' and inserting ``between the ages of 16 and 25'';
(G) in paragraph (10), by striking ``gifted young adults''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``school-age youth and young adults of all
backgrounds, including gifted youth, along with established
successful entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and professions
from the community in which the program exists to--
``(A) train the participants in utilizing problem-solving,
entrepreneurship, and communication skills to design
solutions to community problems; and
``(B) collaborate with stakeholders in the communities to
implement the solutions devised by the participants in
subparagraph (A).'';
(H) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``learning and
recreation'' and inserting ``learning, recreation, and
mentoring'';
(I) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and to combat rural
poverty, including'' and inserting ``, including the issues
of rural poverty,'';
(J) by redesignating paragraph (15) as paragraph (19); and
(K) by inserting after paragraph (14) the following:
``(15) An E-Corps program that involves participants who
provide services in a community by developing and assisting
in carrying out technology programs which seek to increase
access to technology and the benefits thereof in such
community.
``(16) A program that engages citizens in public safety,
public health, and emergency and disaster preparedness, and
may include the recruitment and placing of qualified
participants in positions to be trainees as law enforcement
officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, and
emergency medical service workers, and may engage Federal,
State, and local stakeholders in collaboration to organize
more effective responses to issues of public safety and
public health, emergencies, and disasters.
``(17) A program, initiative, or partnership that seeks to
expand the number of mentors for youths (including by
recruiting high-school and college-aged individuals to enter
into mentoring relationships), including mentors for
disadvantaged youths, either through provision of direct
mentoring services, provision of supportive services to
direct mentoring service organizations (in the case of a
partnership), or through the creative utilization of current
and emerging technologies to connect youth with mentors.
``(18) A program that has the primary purpose of re-
engaging court-involved youth and adults with the goal of
reducing recidivism.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as (c) and
(d), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Innovative Programs To Meet the Needs of Veterans.--
``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section
501(a)(2), the Corporation shall reserve up to 3 percent for
competitive grants to eligible recipients under subsection
(a) for the development, either directly or through subgrants
to other entities, of innovative initiatives to address the
unique needs of veterans.
[[Page H1474]]
``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an entity described in paragraph (1) shall
submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Corporation may require.
``(3) Activities.--Entities receiving grants under this
subsection shall use funds to develop initiatives that--
``(A) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans,
into service opportunities;
``(B) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique
needs of military families while a member of the family is
deployed; and
``(C) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique
needs of military families when a member of the family
returns from a deployment.'';
(4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), in paragraph
(4), by inserting after ``out-of-school youths,'' the
following: ``disadvantaged youths,'';
(5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in paragraph
(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (b) or
(d) of''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Priority for veterans.--Priorities established under
subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall include priorities for
programs that--
``(i) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans,
into service opportunities;
``(ii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique
needs of military families while a member of the family is
deployed; and
``(iii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique
needs of military families when a member of the family
returns from a deployment.''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Requirements for Tutors.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Corporation shall require that each recipient of assistance
under the national service laws that operates a tutoring
program involving elementary or secondary school students
certifies that individuals serving in approved national
service positions as tutors in such program have--
``(A) either--
``(i) obtained their high school diploma; or
``(ii) passed a proficiency test demonstrating that such
individuals have the skills necessary to achieve program
goals; and
``(B) have successfully completed pre- and in-service
training for tutors.
``(2) Exception.--The requirements in paragraph (1) do not
apply to an individual serving in an approved national
service position who is enrolled in an elementary or
secondary school and is providing tutoring services through a
structured, school-managed cross-grade tutoring program.
``(f) Requirements for Tutoring Programs.--Each tutoring
program that receives assistance under the national service
laws shall--
``(1) offer a curriculum that is high quality, research-
based, and consistent with the State academic content
standards required by section 1111 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311) and the
instructional program of the local educational agency; and
``(2) offer high quality, research-based pre- and in-
service training for tutors.
``(g) Citizenship Training.--The Corporation shall
establish requirements for recipients of assistance under the
national service laws relating to the promotion of
citizenship and civic engagement, that are consistent with
the principles on which citizenship programs administered by
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are based, among
individuals enrolled in approved national service positions
and approved summer of service positions.''.
SEC. 1303. TYPES OF POSITIONS.
Section 123 (42 U.S.C. 12573) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A) by inserting after ``subdivision of
a State,'' the following: ``a Territory,''; and
(2) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps''.
SEC. 1304. CONFORMING REPEAL RELATING TO TRAINING AND
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 125 (42 U.S.C. 1257) is repealed.
SEC. 1305. ASSISTANCE TO STATE COMMISSIONS; CHALLENGE GRANTS.
Section 126 (42 U.S.C. 12576) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$125,000 and $750,000''
and inserting ``$200,000 and $825,000''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Matching requirement.--In making grants to a State
under this subsection, the Corporation shall require the
State to provide matching funds of $1 from non-Federal
sources for every $1 provided by the Corporation.
``(3) Alternative.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the
Chief Executive Officer may permit a State that demonstrates
hardship or a new State Commission to use an alternative
match as follows:
``(A) First $100,000.--For the first $100,000 of grant
amounts provided by the Corporation, a State shall not be
required to provide matching funds.
``(B) Amounts greater than $100,000.--For grant amounts of
more than $100,000 and not exceeding $200,000 provided by the
Corporation, a State shall provide $1 from non-Federal
sources for every $2 provided by the Corporation.
``(C) Amounts greater than $200,000.--For grant amounts of
more than $200,000 provided by the Corporation, a State shall
provide $1 from non-Federal sources for every $1 provided by
the Corporation.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``to national service
programs that receive assistance under section 121'' and
inserting ``to programs supported under the national service
laws''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Amount of assistance.--A challenge grant under this
subsection may provide, for an initial 3-year grant period,
not more than $1 of assistance under this subsection for each
$1 in cash raised from private sources by the program
supported under the national service laws in excess of
amounts required to be provided by the program to satisfy
matching funds requirements. After an initial 3-year grant
period, grants under this subsection may provide not more
than $1 of assistance for each $2 in cash raised from private
sources by the program in excess of amounts required to be
provided by the program to satisfy matching funds
requirements. The Corporation may permit the use of local or
State funds as matching funds if the Corporation determines
that such use would be equitable due to a lack of available
private funds at the local level. The Corporation shall
establish a ceiling on the amount of assistance that may be
provided to a national service program under this
subsection.''.
SEC. 1306. ALLOCATION OF ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND OTHER
ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.
Section 129 (42 U.S.C. 12581) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 129. PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE AND APPROVED NATIONAL
SERVICE POSITIONS.
``(a) 1-Percent Allotment for Certain Territories.--Of the
funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of
assistance under section 121(a) for a fiscal year, the
Corporation shall reserve 1 percent for grants to the United
States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands upon approval by
the Corporation of an application submitted under section
130. The amount allotted as a grant to each such Territory
under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be equal to the
amount that bears the same ratio to 1 percent of the
allocated funds for that fiscal year as the population of the
Territory bears to the total population of such Territories.
``(b) Allotment for Indian Tribes.--Of the funds allocated
by the Corporation for provision of assistance under section
121(a) for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve at
least 1 percent for grants to Indian tribes, to be allotted
by the Corporation on a competitive basis.
``(c) Allotment for Competitive Grants.--Of the funds
allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance
under section 121(a) for a fiscal year and subject to section
133(d)(3), the Corporation shall reserve up to 62.7 percent
for grants awarded on a competitive basis to States for
national service programs and to nonprofit organizations
seeking to operate a national service program in 2 or more
States.
``(d) Allotment to Certain States on Formula Basis.--
``(1) Grants.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation
for provision of assistance under subsection (a) of section
121 for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall make a grant to
each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that submits an application under
section 130 that is approved by the Corporation.
``(2) Allotments.--The amount allotted as a grant to each
such State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be
equal to the amount that bears the same ratio to 35.3 percent
of the allocated funds for that fiscal year as the population
of the State bears to the total population of the several
States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, in compliance with paragraph (3).
``(3) Minimum amount.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the
minimum grant made available to each State approved by the
Corporation under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year must be
at least $600,000, or 0.5 percent of the amount allocated for
the State formula under this section, whichever is greater.
``(e) Effect of Failure To Apply.--If a State or Territory
fails to apply for, or fails to give notice to the
Corporation of its intent to apply for an allotment under
this section, or the Corporation does not approve the
application consistent with section 133, the Corporation may
use the amount that would have been allotted under this
section to the State or Territory to--
``(1) make grants (and provide approved national service
positions in connection with such grants) to other
grantmaking entities under section 121 that propose to carry
out national service programs in such State or Territory; and
``(2) make a reallotment to other States or Territories
with approved applications submitted under section 130, to
the extent grant-making entities do not apply as described in
paragraph (1).
``(f) Application Required.--The allotment of assistance
and approved national service positions to a recipient under
this section shall be made by the Corporation
[[Page H1475]]
only pursuant to an application submitted by a State or other
applicant under section 130.
``(g) Approval of Positions Subject to Available Funds.--
The Corporation may not approve positions as approved
national service positions under this subtitle for a fiscal
year in excess of the number of such positions for which the
Corporation has sufficient available funds in the National
Service Trust for that fiscal year, taking into consideration
funding needs for national service educational awards under
subtitle D based on completed service. If appropriations are
insufficient to provide the maximum allowable national
service educational awards under subtitle D for all eligible
participants, the Corporation is authorized to make necessary
and reasonable adjustments to program rules.
``(h) Sponsorship of Approved National Service Positions.--
``(1) Sponsorship authorized.--The Corporation may enter
into agreements with persons or entities who offer to sponsor
national service positions for which the person or entity
will be responsible for supplying the funds necessary to
provide a national service educational award. The
distribution of these approved national service positions
shall be made pursuant to the agreement, and the creation of
these positions shall not be taken into consideration in
determining the number of approved national service positions
to be available for distribution under this section.
``(2) Deposit of contribution.--Funds provided pursuant to
an agreement under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the
National Service Trust established in section 145 until such
time as the funds are needed.
``(i) Reservation of Funds for Special Assistance.--From
amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations in section 501(a)(2) and
subject to the limitation in such section, the Corporation
may reserve such amount as the Corporation considers to be
appropriate for the purpose of making assistance available
under section 126.
``(j) Reservation of Funds To Increase the Participation of
Individuals With Disabilities.--From amounts appropriated for
a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations
in section 501(a)(2) and subject to the limitation in such
section, the Chief Executive Officer shall reserve an amount
that is not less than 1 percent of such amount (except that
the amount reserved may not exceed $10,000,000), in order to
make grants to public or private nonprofit organizations to
increase the participation of individuals with disabilities
in national service and for demonstration activities in
furtherance of this purpose.''.
SEC. 1307. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY.
Part II of subtitle C of title I is amended by inserting
after section 129 (42 U.S.C. 12581) the following:
``SEC. 129A. EDUCATION AWARDS ONLY PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated for a fiscal
year to provide financial assistance under this subtitle and
consistent with the restriction in subsection (b), the
Corporation may, through fixed amount grants under subsection
(d), provide operational assistance to programs that receive
approved national service positions but do not receive funds
under section 121(a).
``(b) Limit on Corporation Grant Funds.--Operational
support under this section may not exceed $600 per individual
enrolled in an approved national service position and may
reach $800 per individual if the program supports at least 50
percent disadvantaged youth.
``(c) Inapplicable Provisions.--The following provisions
shall not apply to programs funded under this section:
``(1) The limitation on administrative costs under section
121(d).
``(2) The matching funds requirements under section 121(e).
``(3) The living allowance and other benefits under
sections 131(e) and section 140 (other than individualized
support services for disabled members under section 140(f)).
``(d) Fixed Amount Grants.--
``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject
to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may,
upon making a determination described in paragraph (2),
approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the
Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related
financial recordkeeping requirements.
``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount
grant, the Corporation must determine that--
``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out
the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of
assistance provided by the Corporation; or
``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any
assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably
presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.
``SEC. 129B. PILOT AUTHORITY FOR MEMBER-SELECTED NATIONAL
SERVICE POSITIONS.
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated for a
fiscal year under this subtitle and consistent with the
restriction in subsection (b), the Corporation may provide
fixed amount grants on a competitive basis to up to 10 State
Commissions to support member-selected approved national
service positions.
``(2) Limitation.--The Corporation shall award grants under
paragraph (1) to support not more than 500 approved national
service positions among the participating States.
``(b) Limits on Corporation Grant Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Grants awarded under subsection (a)(1)
shall not exceed $600 per individual enrolled in an approved
national service position under this section.
``(2) Use of grant funds.--Grants received by State
Commissions under subsection (a)(1)--
``(A) shall not be distributed to organizations receiving
participants with approved national service positions under
this section; and
``(B) may--
``(i) be used for oversight activities and mechanisms for
the service sites as determined by the State Commission or
the Corporation, which may include site visits;
``(ii) be used for activities to augment the experience of
AmeriCorps participants in approved national service
positions under this section, including activities to engage
such participants in networking opportunities with other
AmeriCorps participants; and
``(iii) be used for recruitment or training activities for
participants in approved national service positions under
this section.
``(c) State Commission Application.--
``(1) In general.--A State Commission desiring to receive a
grant under subsection (a)(1) shall submit an application to
the Corporation at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Corporation shall determine
appropriate.
``(2) Approval.--The Corporation shall approve each
application under paragraph (1) in accordance with section
130(d).
``(d) Selection of Participants.--
``(1) Applicants.--Participants desiring to receive an
approved national service position under this section shall
submit an application to the State Commission at such time
and in such manner as the State Commission determines
appropriate. The application shall contain--
``(A) a position description that includes--
``(i) the unmet human, educational, public safety, or
environmental need or needs that will be met by the
participant; and
``(ii) a description of the activities and responsibilities
that will be carried out by the participant;
``(B) a description of the organization operating the
service site where the applicant intends to complete the
service described in subparagraph (A);
``(C) a description of the support that will be provided by
the organization to the participant to complete the
activities described in subparagraph (A);
``(D) the evidence of community support for the activities
described in subparagraph (A);
``(E) a certification from the organization operating the
service site that the organization is accepting the
participant to perform the service outlined in subparagraph
(A);
``(F) a certification from the organization operating the
service site that the organization satisfies qualification
criteria established by the Corporation or the State
Commission, including standards relating to organizational
capacity, financial management, and programmatic oversight;
and
``(G) any other information that the Corporation and the
State Commission deems necessary.
``(2) Residency.--A participant may apply for approved
national service positions under this section in States other
than the State in which the participant resides.
``(e) Organization Requirements.--The Corporation and the
State Commissions shall ensure that the organizations
receiving participants with approved national service
positions under this section--
``(1) maintain not more than 5 full-time staff and not more
than 5 part-time staff;
``(2) are not duplicating service provided by an existing
AmeriCorps grantee in the same community;
``(3) are located in a community where no Intermediary
AmeriCorps grants recipient is operating; and
``(4) have not applied to receive assistance under this
subtitle.
``(f) Failure To Comply.--If an organization receiving a
participant with an approved national service position under
this section fails to comply with terms and conditions
established by the State Commission and the Corporation--
``(1) the organization shall not be eligible to receive
such a participant, or receive an AmeriCorps grant under
section 121, for not less than 5 years; and
``(2) the State Commission shall have the right to remove
such a participant from the organization and relocate that
individual to another site.
``(g) Receipt of Financial Assistance.--An organization
that receives participants with approved national service
positions under this section shall not be considered a
recipient of Federal financial assistance based on receiving
such participants.
``(h) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the
term `Intermediary AmeriCorps grants recipient' means any
organization that serves as a conduit between the Corporation
and other unaffiliated organizations operating service
sites.''.
SEC. 1308. STATE SELECTION OF PROGRAMS.
Section 130 (42 U.S.C. 12582) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting after ``State,'' the following:
``Territory,''; and
[[Page H1476]]
(B) by striking ``institution of higher education, or
Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher
education'';
(2) in subsection (b)(9) by striking ``section 122(c)'' and
inserting ``section 122(d)'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``jobs or positions'' and inserting
``proposed positions''; and
(ii) by striking ``, including'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting a period;
(B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``proposed'' before
``minimum''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) In the case of a nonprofit organization operating
programs in 2 or more States, a description of the manner and
extent to which the State Commissions of each State in which
the nonprofit organization intends to operate were consulted
and the nature of the consultation.'';
(4) in subsection (e)(2) by striking ``were selected'' and
inserting ``were or will be selected'';
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``a program applicant''
and inserting ``an applicant''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``Program applicant'' and
inserting ``Applicant'';
(ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``program applicant'' and inserting ``applicant'';
(iii) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the
following: ``Territory,''; and
(II) by striking ``institution of higher education, or
Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher
education''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the
following: ``Territory,''; and
(II) by striking ``institution of higher education, or
Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher
education''; and
(6) in subsection (g), by striking the period and inserting
``or is already receiving financial assistance from the
Corporation.''.
SEC. 1308A. NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Section 131(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 12583(c)(3)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(3) in the case of a program that is not funded through a
State, including programs operated by nonprofit organizations
seeking to operate a national service program in 2 or more
States--
``(A) consult with and coordinate with the State Commission
for the State in which the program operates; and
``(B) obtain written confirmation from the State Commission
that the applicant seeking assistance under this Act has
consulted with and coordinated with the State Commission when
seeking to operate a program in that State.''.
SEC. 1309. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS.
Section 133 (42 U.S.C. 12585) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(6), insert after subparagraph (E) the
following:
``(F) Areas that have a mortgage foreclosure rate greater
than the national average mortgage foreclosure rate for the
most recent 12 months for which satisfactory data are
available.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``jobs or'';
(3) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraph (8) as
paragraph (9) and inserting after paragraph (7) the
following:
``(8) The extent to which the program generates the
involvement of volunteers.'';
(4) in subsection (d), in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), strike ``the
Corporation may include--'' and insert ``the Corporation--'';
and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting
the following:
``(A) shall include national service programs that--
``(i) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans,
into service opportunities;
``(ii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique
needs of military families while a member of the family is
deployed; and
``(iii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique
needs of military families when a member of the family
returns from a deployment; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) national service programs that conform to the
national service priorities in effect under section 122(d);
``(ii) innovative national service programs;
``(iii) national service programs that are well established
in one or more States at the time of the application and are
proposed to be expanded to additional States using assistance
provided under section 121;
``(iv) grant programs in support of other national service
programs if the grant programs are to be conducted by
nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated and extensive
expertise in the provision of services to meet human,
educational, environmental, or public safety needs; and
``(v) professional corps programs described in section
122(a)(8).''; and
(5) by amending subsection (d)(3) to read as follows:
``(3) Additional priority.--In making a competitive
distribution under section 129(c), the Corporation--
``(A) shall solicit and consider the view of a State
Commission regarding any application for assistance to
operate a national service program within the State; and
``(B) may give priority to a national service program that
is--
``(i) proposed in an application submitted by a State
Commission; and
``(ii) not one of the types proposed in paragraph (2),
if the State Commission provides an adequate explanation of
the reasons why it should not be a priority of such State to
carry out any of such types of programs in the State.''.
SEC. 1310. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANTS.
Section 137 (42 U.S.C. 12591) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (3); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as
paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively;
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``between the ages of 16
and 25'' and inserting ``a 16-year-old out of school youth or
an individual between the ages of 17 and 25''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``(a)(5)'' and inserting
``(a)(4)''.
SEC. 1311. SELECTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE PARTICIPANTS.
Section 138 (42 U.S.C. 12592) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``conducted by the
State'' and all that follows through ``or other entity'' and
inserting ``conducted by the entity''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(2)(C) by inserting before the
semicolon at the end the following: ``, particularly those
who were considered at the time of their service
disadvantaged youth''.
SEC. 1312. TERMS OF SERVICE.
Section 139 (42 U.S.C. 12593) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``not less than 9
months and'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``during a period
of--'' and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``during a period of not more than 2 years.''; and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``as demonstrated by
the participant'' and inserting ``as determined by the
organization responsible for granting a release, if the
participant has otherwise performed satisfactorily and has
completed at least 15 percent of the original term of
service'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``provide to the
participant that portion of the national service educational
award'' and inserting ``certify the participant's eligibility
for that portion of the national service educational award'';
and
(C) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``to allow return to
the program with which the individual was serving in order''.
SEC. 1313. ADJUSTMENTS TO LIVING ALLOWANCE.
Section 140 (42 U.S.C. 12594) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as (2);
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(3) Federal work-study students.--The living allowance
that may be provided to an individual whose term of service
includes hours for which the individual receives Federal work
study wages shall be reduced by the amount of the
individual's Federal work study award.''; and
(E) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a reduced term of
service under section 139(b)(3)'' and inserting ``a term of
service that is less than 12 months'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall include an
amount sufficient to cover 85 percent of such taxes'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``may be used to pay such taxes.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as (2);
(4) in subsection (d)(1), by striking the second sentence;
and
(5) by striking subsections (g) and (h).
Subtitle D--Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and
Provision of National Service Educational Awards)
SEC. 1401. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS IN THE NATIONAL SERVICE
TRUST.
Section 145 (42 U.S.C. 12601) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``section 148(e)'' and
inserting ``section 148(f)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``pursuant to section
196(a)(2)'' and inserting ``pursuant to section 196(a)(2), if
the terms of such donations direct that they be deposited in
the National Service Trust''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``for payments of
national service educational awards in accordance with
section 148.'' and inserting ``for--
``(1) payments of summer of service educational awards and
national service educational awards in accordance with
section 148; and
``(2) payments of interest in accordance with section
148(f).''.
SEC. 1402. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A NATIONAL SERVICE
EDUCATIONAL AWARD FROM THE TRUST.
Section 146 (42 U.S.C. 12602) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``if
the individual'' and inserting
[[Page H1477]]
``if the organization responsible for an individual's
supervision certifies that the individual'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting
the following:
``(1) met the applicable eligibility requirements for the
position; and
``(2)(A) successfully completed the required term of
service described in subsection (b) in an approved national
service position; or
``(B)(i) satisfactorily performed prior to being granted a
release for compelling personal circumstances under section
139(c); and
``(ii) served at least 15 percent of the required term of
service described in subsection (b); and''; and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3);
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Limitation on Receipt of National Service Educational
Awards.--An individual may not receive, in national service
educational awards, more than an amount equal to the
aggregate value of 2 such awards for full-time service. The
aggregate value of summer of service educational awards that
an individual receives shall have no effect on the aggregate
value of national service educational awards the individual
may receive.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting after ``national service
educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service
educational award''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), and in
subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``national service
educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service
educational award'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(iii) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) in the case of a summer of service educational award,
is enrolled at an eligible institution of higher education
under section 148(c) or an educational institution described
under section 148(a)(4) and failed to expend the full amount
of that award during the original 7-year period.''; and
(4) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) by inserting after ``qualifying under this section''
the following: ``or under section 118(c)(8)''; and
(B) by inserting after ``to receive a national service
educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service
educational award''.
SEC. 1403. DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF NATIONAL SERVICE
EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.
Section 147 (42 U.S.C. 12603) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``a value, for each of not more than 2 of
such terms of service, equal to 90 percent of--'' and
inserting ``a value of--'' ; and
(B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the
following:
``(1) $4,825, for fiscal year 2008;
``(2) $4,925, for fiscal year 2009;
``(3) $5,025, for fiscal year 2010;
``(4) $5,125, for fiscal year 2011; and
``(5) $5,225, for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year
thereafter.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting after ``for each of not
more than 2 of such terms of service'' the following: ``in
the period of one year''.
SEC. 1404. DISBURSEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.
Section 148 (42 U.S.C. 12604) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``cost of attendance''
and inserting ``cost of attendance or other educational
expenses'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'';
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6);
(D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) to pay expenses incurred in enrolling in an
educational institution or training establishment that meets
the requirements of chapter 36 of title 38, United States
Code (38 U.S.C. 3451 et seq.);
``(5) for a recipient of a summer of service educational
award under section 118(c)(8)(C), to pay expenses incurred in
enrolling in a college preparatory program in accordance with
subsection (e); and''; and
(E) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) by striking
``subsection (e)'' and inserting ``subsection (f)'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1) by inserting after ``the national
service educational award of the individual'' the following:
``, or an eligible individual under section 118(c)(8) who
received a summer of service educational award for a project
that began after the individual completed grade 10 and
desires to apply that summer of service educational award,'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2) by inserting after ``the national
service educational award'' the following: ``or the summer of
service educational award, as applicable,'';
(4) in subsection (b)(5) by inserting after ``the national
service educational award'' the following: ``or the summer of
service educational award, as applicable'';
(5) in subsection (b)(7)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``, other than a loan
to a parent of a student pursuant to section 428B of such Act
(20 U.S.C. 1078-2); and'' and inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) any loan (other than a loan described in subparagraph
(A) or (B)) determined by an institution of higher education
to be necessary to cover a student's educational expenses and
made, insured, or guaranteed by--
``(i) an eligible lender, as defined in section 435 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085);
``(ii) the direct student loan program under part D of
title IV of such Act;
``(iii) a State agency; or
``(iv) a lender otherwise determined by the Corporation to
be eligible to receive disbursements from the National
Service Trust.'';
(6) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting after ``national
service educational award'' the following: ``, or an eligible
individual under section 118(c)(8) who desires to apply the
individual's summer of service educational award,'';
(7) in subsection (c)(2)(A), by inserting after ``national
service educational award'' the following: ``or summer of
service educational award, as applicable,'';
(8) in subsection (c)(2)(C)(iii), by inserting after
``national service educational awards received under this
subtitle'' the following: ``or summer of service educational
awards received under section 118(c)(8)'';
(9) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting after ``national
service educational awards'' the following: ``and summer of
service educational awards'';
(10) in subsection (c)(5)--
(A) by inserting after ``national service educational
award'' the following: ``, or summer of service educational
award, as applicable,''; and
(B) by inserting after ``additional'' the following:
``summer of service educational awards and additional'';
(11) in subsection (c)(6), by inserting after ``national
service educational award'' the following: ``and summer of
service educational award'';
(12) in subsection (d), by inserting after ``national
service educational awards'' the following: ``and summer of
service educational awards'';
(13) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as (f),
(g), and (h), respectively;
(14) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Use of Summer of Service Educational Award To Pay
College Preparatory Expenses.--
``(1) Application of eligible individuals.--An eligible
individual under section 118(c)(8), or the parents or legal
guardian of such an individual, who desires to apply the
summer of service educational award of the individual to the
payment of expenses incurred in enrolling in a college
preparatory program shall, on a form prescribed by the
Corporation, submit an application to the college preparatory
program in which the individual will be enrolled that
contains such information as the Corporation may require to
verify the individual's eligibility.
``(2) Submission of requests for payment by program.--A
college preparatory program that receives one or more
applications under paragraph (1) shall submit to the
Corporation a statement, in a manner prescribed by the
Corporation, that--
``(A) identifies each eligible individual filing an
application under paragraph (1) for a disbursement of the
individual's summer of service educational award under this
subsection;
``(B) specifies the amounts for which such eligible
individuals are qualified for disbursement; and
``(C) certifies that--
``(i) the college preparatory program is operated by a for-
profit or non-profit organization with a track record of
success in implementing college preparatory programs that
collaborate with local educational agencies and adequately
prepare secondary school students for admission to an
institution of higher education without need for remediation;
``(ii) the college preparatory program has been in
existence for at least one year prior to an eligible
individual's submission of the application under paragraph
(1); and
``(iii) individuals using summer of service educational
awards received under section 118(c)(8) to pay the cost of
enrolling in the college preparatory program do not comprise
more than 15 percent of the total number of individuals
enrolled in the program; and
``(D) contains such provisions concerning financial
compliance and program quality as the Corporation may
require.
``(3) Disbursement of payments.--Upon receipt of a
statement from a college preparatory program that complies
with paragraph (2), the Corporation shall, subject to
paragraph (4), disburse the total amount of the summer of
service educational awards for which eligible individuals who
have submitted applications to that program under paragraph
(1) are scheduled to receive. Such disbursement shall be made
by check or other means that is payable to the program and
requires the endorsement or other certification by the
eligible individual.
``(4) Multiple disbursements.--The total amount required to
be disbursed to a college preparatory program under paragraph
(3) for any period of enrollment may be disbursed by the
Corporation in two or more installments consistent with
appropriate divisions of such period of enrollment.
[[Page H1478]]
``(5) Refund rules.--The Corporation shall, by regulation,
provide for the refund to the Corporation (and the crediting
to the summer of service educational award of an eligible
individual) of amounts disbursed to programs for the benefit
of eligible individuals who withdraw or otherwise fail to
complete the period of enrollment for which the assistance
was provided. Amounts refunded to the Trust pursuant to this
paragraph may be used by the Corporation to fund additional
approved summer of service positions under section 118(c)(8).
``(6) Maximum award.--The portion of an eligible
individual's total available summer of service educational
award that may be disbursed under this subsection for any
period of enrollment shall not exceed the cost of
attendance.'';
(15) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by striking
``subsection (b)(6)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(7)'';
and
(16) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), by striking
``Director'' and inserting ``Chief Executive Officer''.
SEC. 1405. PROCESS OF APPROVAL OF NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle D of title I (42 U.S.C. 12601 et
seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``SEC. 149. PROCESS OF APPROVAL OF NATIONAL SERVICE
POSITIONS.
``(a) Timing and Recording Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subtitles C and D, and
any other provision of law, in approving a position as an
approved national service position, the Corporation--
``(A) shall approve the position at the time the
Corporation--
``(i) enters into an enforceable agreement with an
individual participant to serve in a program carried out
under subtitle E of title I of this Act or under title I of
the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951 et
seq.), or a summer of service educational award; or
``(ii) except as provided in clause (i), awards a grant to
(or enters into a contract or cooperative agreement with) an
entity to carry out a program for which such a position is
approved under section 123; and
``(B) shall record as an obligation an estimate of the net
present value of the national service educational award
associated with the position, based on a formula that takes
into consideration historical rates of enrollment in such a
program, and of earning and using national service
educational awards for such a program and remain available.
``(2) Formula.--In determining the formula described in
paragraph (1)(B), the Corporation shall consult with the
Director of the Congressional Budget Office.
``(3) Certification report.--The Chief Executive Officer of
the Corporation shall annually prepare and submit to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that contains a
certification that the Corporation is in compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (1).
``(4) Approval.--The requirements of this subsection shall
apply to each approved national service position that the
Corporation approves--
``(A) during fiscal year 2008; and
``(B) during any subsequent fiscal year.
``(b) Reserve Account.--
``(1) Establishment and contents.--
``(A) Establishment.--Notwithstanding subtitles C and D,
and any other provision of law, within the National Service
Trust established under section 145, the Corporation shall
establish a reserve account.
``(B) Contents.--To ensure the availability of adequate
funds to support the awards of approved national service
positions for each fiscal year, the Corporation shall place
in the account--
``(i) during fiscal year 2008, a portion of the funds that
were appropriated for fiscal year 2008 or a previous fiscal
year under section 501(a)(2), were made available to carry
out subtitle C, D, or E of this title, subtitle A of title I
of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or summer of
service under section 118(c)(8), and remain available; and
``(ii) during fiscal year 2009 or a subsequent fiscal year,
a portion of the funds that were appropriated for that fiscal
year under section 501(a)(2) and were made available to carry
out subtitle C, D, or E of this title, subtitle A of title I
of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or summer of
service under section 111(a)(5), and remain available.
``(2) Obligation.--The Corporation shall not obligate the
funds in the reserve account until the Corporation--
``(A) determines that the funds will not be needed for the
payment of national service educational awards associated
with previously approved national service positions and
summer of service educational awards; or
``(B) obligates the funds for the payment of national
service educational awards for such previously approved
national service positions or summer of service educational
awards, as applicable.
``(c) Audits.--The accounts of the Corporation relating to
the appropriated funds for approved national service
positions, and the records demonstrating the manner in which
the Corporation has recorded estimates described in
subsection (a)(1)(B) as obligations, shall be audited
annually by independent certified public accountants or
independent licensed public accountants certified or licensed
by a regulatory authority of a State or other political
subdivision of the United States in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards. A report containing the results
of each such independent audit shall be included in the
annual report required by subsection (a)(3).
``(d) Availability of Amounts.--Except as provided in
subsection (b), all amounts included in the National Service
Trust under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 145(a)
shall be available for payments of national service
educational awards or summer of service educational awards
under section 148.''.
(b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 2 of the Strengthen
AmeriCorps Program Act (Public Law 108-145; 117 Stat. 844; 42
U.S.C. 12605) is repealed.
SEC. 1406. REPORT ON VETERANS SERVING IN APPROVED NATIONAL
SERVICE POSITIONS.
Subtitle D of title I (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.) is further
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 150. REPORT ON VETERANS SERVING IN APPROVED NATIONAL
SERVICE POSITIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall report annually to
the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate the number and percentage
of veterans serving in approved national service positions.
``(b) Annual Goals.--In the report described in subsection
(a), the Corporation shall outline strategies and goals for
increasing the number and percentage of veterans serving in
approved national service positions each year, including
strategies being undertaken to recruit veterans to serve in
such positions, and include an evaluation of progress in
meeting such goals.''.
Subtitle E--Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community
Corps)
SEC. 1501. PURPOSE.
Section 151 (42 U.S.C. 12611) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 151. PURPOSE.
``It is the purpose of this subtitle to authorize the
operation of, and support for, residential and other service
programs that combine the best practices of civilian service
with the best aspects of military service, including
leadership and team building, to meet national and community
needs. Such needs to be met under such programs include those
related to--
``(1) natural and other disasters;
``(2) infrastructure improvement;
``(3) environmental stewardship and conservation;
``(4) energy conservation; and
``(5) urban and rural development.''.
SEC. 1502. PROGRAM COMPONENTS.
Section 152 (42 U.S.C. 12612) is amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
``SEC. 152. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY
CORPS PROGRAM.''.
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``Civilian Community
Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National
Civilian Community Corps Program'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration
Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps
Program''; and
(B) by striking ``a Civilian Community Corps'' and
inserting ``a National Civilian Community Corps'';
(4) in the heading of subsection (c), by striking
``Programs'' and inserting ``Components''; and
(5) in subsection (c), by striking ``program components are
residential programs'' and all that follows and inserting
``programs referred to in subsection (b) may include a
residential component.''.
SEC. 1503. ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS.
Section 153 (42 U.S.C. 12613) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration
Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps
Program''; and
(B) by striking ``on Civilian Community Corps'' and
inserting ``on National Civilian Community Corps'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``if the person'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``if the person will be at least 18 years of age on or before
December 31 in the calendar year in which the individual
enrolls in the program.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``Backrounds'' and inserting
``Backgrounds''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Director
shall take appropriate steps, including through collaboration
with the Office of Outreach and Recruitment, to increase the
percentage of participants in the program who are
disadvantaged youth toward 50 percent of all participants by
year 2010. The Director shall report to the Committee on
Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate annually on such efforts, any challenges faced, and
the annual participation rates of disadvantaged youth in the
program.''; and
(4) by striking subsection (e).
SEC. 1504. SUMMER NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
Section 154 (42 U.S.C. 12614) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
[[Page H1479]]
(A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration
Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps
Program''; and
(B) by striking ``on Civilian Community Corps'' and
inserting ``on National Civilian Community Corps''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall be'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``shall be from economically and ethnically diverse
backgrounds, including youth who are in foster care.''.
SEC. 1505. TEAM LEADERS.
Section 155 (42 U.S.C. 12615) is amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
``SEC. 155. NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY CORPS.'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration
Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps
Program''; and
(B) by striking ``the Civilian Community Corps shall'' and
inserting ``the National Civilian Community Corps shall'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows:
``(b) Membership in National Civilian Community Corps.--'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus
director''; and
(ii) by striking ``camp'' and inserting ``campus''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Team leaders.--The Director may select from Corps
members individuals with prior supervisory or service
experience to be team leaders within units in the National
Civilian Community Corps to perform service that includes
leading and supervising teams of Corps members. Team leaders
shall--
``(A) be selected without regard to the age limitation
under section 153(b);
``(B) be members of the National Civilian Community Corps;
and
``(C) be provided the rights and benefits applicable to
Corps members, except that the limitation on the amount of
living allowance shall not exceed 10 percent more than the
amount established under section 158(b).'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows:
``(d) Campuses.--'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows:
``(1) Units to be assigned to
campuses.--'';
(ii) by striking ``in camps'' and inserting ``in
campuses'';
(iii) by striking ``camp'' and inserting ``campus''; and
(iv) by striking ``in the camps'' and inserting ``in the
campuses'';
(C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Campus director.--There shall be a campus director
for each campus. The campus director is the head of the
campus.'';
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows:
``(3) Eligible site for campus.--'';
(ii) by striking ``A camp may be located'' and inserting
``A campus must be cost-effective and may, upon the
completion of a feasibility study, be located'';
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows:
``(e) Distribution of Units and Campuses.--'';
(B) by striking ``camps are distributed'' and inserting
``campuses are cost-effective and are distributed''; and
(C) by striking ``rural areas'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``rural areas
such that each Corps unit in a region can be easily deployed
for disaster and emergency response to such region.''; and
(6) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus
director''; and
(ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and
inserting ``campus'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``superintendent of a camp'' and inserting ``campus director
of a campus'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus
director'';
(II) by striking ``superintendent's'' and inserting
``campus director's''; and
(III) by striking ``camp'' each place such term appears and
inserting ``campus''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``superintendent''
and inserting ``campus director''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``camp superintendent''
and inserting ``campus director''.
SEC. 1506. TRAINING.
Section 156 (42 U.S.C. 12616) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community
Corps''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Director
shall ensure that to the extent practicable, each member of
the Corps is trained in CPR, first aid, and other skills
related to disaster preparedness and response.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting before the period at
the end the following: ``, including a focus on energy
conservation, environmental stewardship or conservation,
infrastructure improvement, urban and rural development, or
disaster preparedness needs''; and
(3) by amending subsection (c)(2) to read as follows:
``(2) Coordination with other entities.--Members of the
cadre may provide, either directly or through grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements, the advanced service
training referred to in subsection (b)(1) in coordination
with vocational or technical schools, other employment and
training providers, existing youth service programs, other
qualified individuals, or organizations with expertise in
training youth, including disadvantaged youth, in the skill
areas described in such subsection.''.
SEC. 1507. CONSULTATION WITH STATE COMMISSIONS.
Section 157 (42 U.S.C. 12617) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``with specific emphasis on projects in support of
infrastructure improvement, disaster relief and recovery, the
environment, energy conservation, and urban and rural
development''; and
(C) in paragraph (2) by striking ``service learning'' and
inserting ``service-learning'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``and the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development'' and inserting ``the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secretary of Energy,
the Secretary of Transportation, and the Chief of the United
States Forest Service'';
(B) in paragraph (1)(B)--
(i) by inserting ``community-based organizations and''
before ``representatives of local communities''; and
(ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and
inserting ``campus''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``State Commissions,''
before ``and persons involved in other youth service
programs.''; and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``superintendent'' both places such term
appears and inserting ``campus director''; and
(ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and
inserting ``campus''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``camp superintendents''
and inserting ``campus directors''.
SEC. 1508. AUTHORIZED BENEFITS FOR CORPS MEMBERS.
Section 158 (42 U.S.C. 12618) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community
Corps''; and
(ii) by inserting before the colon the following: ``, as
the Director determines appropriate'';
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``Clothing'' and
inserting ``Uniforms''; and
(C) in paragraph (7), by striking ``Recreational services
and supplies'' and inserting ``Supplies''.
SEC. 1509. PERMANENT CADRE.
Section 159 (42 U.S.C. 12619) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and
inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``including those'' before
``recommended''; and
(ii) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community
Corps'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(i), by inserting ``National''
before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``The Director shall establish a permanent
cadre of'' and inserting ``The Chief Executive Officer shall
establish a permanent cadre that includes the Director and
other appointed''; and
(II) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community
Corps'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``The Director shall
appoint the members'' and inserting ``The Chief Executive
Officer shall consider the recommendations of the Director in
appointing the other members'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the
Director'' and inserting ``the Chief Executive Officer'';
(II) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(III) by redesignating clause (iv) as (v); and
(IV) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
``(iv) give consideration to retired and other former law
enforcement, fire, rescue,
[[Page H1480]]
and emergency personnel, and other individuals with
backgrounds in disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery;
and''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (E)--
(I) by inserting after ``techniques'' the following: ``,
including techniques for working with and enhancing the
development of disadvantaged youth,''; and
(II) by striking ``service learning'' and inserting
``service-learning''; and
(C) in the first sentence of paragraph (3), by striking
``the members'' and inserting ``other members''.
SEC. 1510. CONTRACT AND GRANT AUTHORITY.
Section 161 (42 U.S.C. 12621) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``perform any program
function under this subtitle'' and inserting ``carry out the
National Civilian Community Corps program''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps''.
SEC. 1511. OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
Section 162 (42 U.S.C. 12622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``the registry
established by'' and all that follows through the semicolon
and inserting ``the registry established by section 1143a of
title 10, United States Code;'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``to be recommended
for appointment'' and inserting ``from which individuals may
be selected for appointment by the Director''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``National'' before
``Civilian Community Corps''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b).
SEC. 1512. ADVISORY BOARD.
Section 163 (42 U.S.C. 12623) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Upon the establishment of the Program,
there shall also be'' and inserting ``There shall be'';
(B) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community
Corps Advisory Board''; and
(C) by striking ``to assist'' and all that follows through
the period at the end and inserting ``to assist the Corps in
responding rapidly and efficiently in times of natural and
other disasters. Consistent with the needs outlined in
section 151, the Advisory Board members shall help coordinate
activities with the Corps as appropriate, including the
mobilization of volunteers and coordination of volunteer
centers to help local communities recover from the effects of
natural and other disasters.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs
(13) and (14), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
``(9) The Secretary of Transportation.
``(10) The Chief of the United States Forest Service.
``(11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
``(12) The Secretary of Energy.''; and
(C) in paragraph (13), as so redesignated, by striking
``industry,'' and inserting ``public and private
organizations,''.
SEC. 1513. ANNUAL EVALUATION.
Section 164 (42 U.S.C. 12624) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community
Corps''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``Upon completing
each such evaluation, the Corporation shall submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House
of Representatives a report on the evaluation.''.
SEC. 1514. REPEAL OF FUNDING LIMITATION.
Section 165 (42 U.S.C. 12625) is repealed.
SEC. 1515. DEFINITIONS.
Section 166 (42 U.S.C. 12626) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (9);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as
paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Campus director.--The term `campus director', with
respect to a Corps campus, means the head of the campus under
section 155(d).
``(3) Corps.--The term `Corps' means the National Civilian
Community Corps required under section 155 as part of the
Civilian Community Corps Program.
``(4) Corps campus.--The term `Corps campus' means the
facility or central location established as the operational
headquarters and boarding place for particular Corps
units.'';
(4) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking
``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and
inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program'';
(5) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), by inserting
``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps'';
(6) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking
``The terms'' and all that follows through ``Demonstration
Program'' and inserting ``The term `Program' means the
National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and
(7) in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Service learning'' and
inserting ``Service-learning''; and
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking
``service learning'' and inserting ``service-learning''.
SEC. 1516. TERMINOLOGY.
Subtitle E of title I (42 U.S.C. 12611 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the
following:
``Subtitle E--National Civilian Community Corps'';
and
(2) in section 160(a) (42 U.S.C. 12620(a)) by inserting
``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''.
Subtitle F--Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions)
SEC. 1601. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE.
Section 171(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 12631(a)(1)) is amended by
striking ``with respect to a project'' and inserting ``with
respect to a project authorized under the national service
laws''.
SEC. 1602. ADDITIONAL PROHIBITIONS ON USE OF FUNDS.
Section 174 (42 U.S.C. 12634) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(d) Referrals for Federal Assistance.--A program may not
receive assistance under the national service laws for the
sole purpose of referring individuals to Federal assistance
programs or State assistance programs funded in part by the
Federal government.''.
SEC. 1603. NOTICE, HEARING, AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES.
Section 176 (42 U.S.C. 12636) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking ``30 days'' and
inserting ``1 or more periods of 30 days not to exceed 90
days in total''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``A State or local
applicant'' and inserting ``An entity''; and
(B) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E);
and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) in a grievance filed by an individual applicant or
participant--
``(i) the applicant's selection or the participant's
reinstatement, as the case may be; and
``(ii) other changes in the terms and conditions of
service; and''.
SEC. 1604. RESOLUTION OF DISPLACEMENT COMPLAINTS.
Section 177 (42 U.S.C. 12637) is amended--
(1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``under this
title'' each place it appears and inserting ``under the
national service laws'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``employee or
position'' and inserting ``employee, position, or volunteer
(other than a participant under the national service laws)'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Parental Involvement.--
``(1) In general.--Programs that receive assistance under
the national service laws shall consult with the parents or
legal guardians of children in developing and operating
programs that include and serve children.
``(2) Parental permission.--Programs that receive
assistance under the national service laws shall, consistent
with State law, before transporting minor children, provide
the reason for and obtain written permission of the
children's parents.''.
SEC. 1605. STATE COMMISSIONS ON NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE.
Section 178 (42 U.S.C. 12638) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by adding at the end the
following:
``(J) A representative of the volunteer sector.'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``, unless the State
permits the representative to serve as a voting member of the
State Commission or alternative administrative entity'';
(3) by striking subsection (e)(1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Preparation of a national service plan for the State
that--
``(A) is developed through an open and public process (such
as through regional forums, hearings, and other means) that
provides for maximum participation and input from companies,
organizations, and public agencies using service and
volunteerism as a strategy to meet critical community needs,
including programs funded under the national service laws;
``(B) covers a 3-year period, the beginning of which may be
set by the State;
``(C) is subject to approval by the chief executive officer
of the State;
``(D) includes measurable goals and outcomes for the State
consistent with those for national service programs as
described in section 179(a)(1)(A);
``(E) ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies
that serve underrepresented populations, by--
``(i) using established networks and registries at the
State level, or establishing such networks and registries;
and
``(ii) coordinating with the Corporation's Office of
Outreach and Recruitment;
``(F) provides for effective coordination of funding
applications submitted by the State and others within the
State under the national service laws;
``(G) is updated annually, reflecting changes in practices
and policies that will improve the coordination and
effectiveness of Federal, State, and local resources for
service and volunteerism within the State; and
``(H) contains such information as the State Commission
considers to be appropriate or as the Corporation may
require.'';
[[Page H1481]]
(4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (j) as
subsections (h) through (l), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Relief From Administrative Requirements.--Upon
approval of a State plan submitted under subsection (e)(1),
the Chief Executive Officer may waive, or specify
alternatives to, administrative requirements (other than
statutory provisions) otherwise applicable to grants made to
States under the national service laws, including those
requirements identified by a State as impeding the
coordination and effectiveness of Federal, State, and local
resources for service and volunteerism within a State.
``(g) State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer
and Paid Service.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section, to be eligible to receive a grant or allotment
under subtitle B or C or to receive a distribution of
approved national service positions under subtitle C, a State
must work with appropriate State agencies and private
entities to develop a comprehensive State plan for volunteer
and paid service by members of the Baby Boom generation and
older adults.
``(2) Matters included.--The State plan shall include--
``(A) recommendations for public policy initiatives,
including how to best tap the population of members of the
Baby Boom generation and older adults as sources of social
capital and as ways to address community needs;
``(B) recommendations to the State unit on aging on--
``(i) a marketing outreach plan to businesses;
``(ii) outreach to non-profit organizations;
``(iii) the State's Department of Education; and
``(iv) other State agencies; and
``(C) recommendations for civic engagement and
multigenerational activities, such as--
``(i) early childhood education, family literacy, and after
school programs;
``(ii) respite services for older adults and caregivers;
and
``(iii) transitions for members of the Baby Boom generation
and older adults to purposeful work in their post career
lives.
``(3) Knowledge incorporated.--The State plan shall
incorporate the current knowledge base regarding--
``(A) the economic impact of older workers' roles in the
economy;
``(B) the social impact of older workers' roles in the
community; and
``(C) the health and social benefits of active engagement
for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults.
``(4) Publication.--The State plan must be made public and
be transmitted to the Chief Executive Officer.''; and
(6) in subsection (k)(1) (as redesignated by this section),
by striking the period at the end and inserting ``,
consistent with section 174(d).''.
SEC. 1606. EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
Section 179 (42 U.S.C. 12639) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall provide, directly
or through grants or contracts, for the continuing evaluation
of programs that receive assistance under the national
service laws, including evaluations that measure the impact
of such programs, to determine--
``(1) the effectiveness of programs receiving assistance
under the national service laws in achieving stated goals and
the costs associated with such, including--
``(A) an evaluation of performance measures, as established
by the Corporation in consultation with each grantee
receiving assistance under the national service laws, which
may include--
``(i) number of participants enrolled and completing terms
of service compared to the stated goals of the program;
``(ii) number of volunteers recruited from the community in
which the program was implemented;
``(iii) if applicable based on the program design, the
number of individuals receiving or benefitting from the
service conducted;
``(iv) number of disadvantaged and underrepresented youth
participants;
``(v) sustainability of project or program, including
measures to ascertain the level of community support for the
project or program;
``(vi) measures to ascertain the change in attitude toward
civic engagement among the participants and the beneficiaries
of the service; and
``(vii) other quantitative and qualitative measures as
determined to be appropriate by the recipient of assistance;
and
``(B) review of the implementation plan for reaching such
measures described in subparagraph (A); and
``(2) the effectiveness of the structure and mechanisms for
delivery of services, such as the effective utilization of
the participants' time, the management of the participants,
and the ease with which recipients were able to receive
services, to maximize the cost-effectiveness and the impact
of such programs.'';
(2) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``National Senior
Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service
Corps''; and
(B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``to public service'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``to engage in service that benefits the community.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Reserved Program Funds for Accountability.--In
addition to amounts appropriated to carry out this section,
the Corporation may reserve up to 1 percent of total program
funds appropriated for a fiscal year under the national
service laws to support program accountability activities
under this section.
``(k) Corrective Plans.--
``(1) In general.--A grantee that fails to reach the
performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) as determined by
the Corporation, shall reach an agreement with the
Corporation on a corrective action plan to achieve the agreed
upon performance measures.
``(2) Assistance.--
``(A) New program.--For a program that has received
assistance for less than 3 years and is failing to achieve
the performance measures agreed upon under subsection
(a)(1)(A), the Corporation shall--
``(i) provide technical assistance to the grantee to
address targeted performance problems relating to the
performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A); and
``(ii) require quarterly reports from the grantee on the
program's progress toward achieving the performance measures
in subsection (a)(1)(A) to the appropriate State, Territory,
or Indian tribe and the Corporation.
``(B) Established programs.--For a program that has
received assistance for 3 years or more and is failing to
achieve the performance measures agreed upon under subsection
(a)(1)(A), the Corporation shall require quarterly reports
from the grantee on the program's progress towards achieving
performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) to the
appropriate State, Territory, or Indian tribe and the
Corporation.
``(l) Failure To Meet Performance Levels.--If, after a
period for correction as approved by the Corporation, a
grantee or subgrantee fails to achieve the established levels
of performance, the Corporation shall--
``(1) reduce the annual amount of the grant award
attributable to the underperforming grantee or subgrantee by
at least 25 percent; or
``(2) terminate assistance to the underperforming grantee
or subgrantee, consistent with section 176(a).
``(m) Reports.--The Corporation shall submit to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate not later than two years
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and
annually thereafter, a report containing information on the
number of--
``(1) grantees implementing corrective action plans;
``(2) grantees for which the Corporation offers technical
assistance under subsection (k);
``(3) grantees for which the Corporation terminates
assistance for a program under subsection (l); and
``(4) grantees meeting or exceeding their performance
measures in subsection (a).''.
SEC. 1607. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.
Section 181 (42 U.S.C. 12641) is amended by striking
``Section 414'' and inserting ``Section 422''.
SEC. 1608. PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS.
Section 182(b) (42 U.S.C. 12642(b)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(b) Annual Report.--On an annual basis, the head of each
Federal agency and department shall prepare and submit, to
the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report concerning the
implementation of this section, including an evaluation of
the performance goals and benchmarks of the partnership
programs.''.
SEC. 1609. RIGHTS OF ACCESS, EXAMINATION, AND COPYING.
Section 183 (42 U.S.C. 12643) is amended--
(1) in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) by inserting
after ``local government,'' the following: ``Territory,'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Inspector General.--The Inspector General of the
Corporation shall have access to, and the right to examine
and copy, any books, documents, papers, records, and other
recorded information in any form--
``(1) within the possession or control of the Corporation
or any State or local government, Territory, Indian tribe, or
public or private nonprofit organization receiving assistance
directly or indirectly under this Act; and
``(2) that relates to the duties of the Inspector General
under the Inspector General Act of 1978.''.
SEC. 1610. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
Subtitle F of title I (42 U.S.C. 12631 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 185. CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION AND REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) In General.--To promote efficiency and eliminate
duplicative requirements, the Corporation shall consolidate
or modify application procedures and reporting requirements
for programs and activities funded under the national service
laws.
``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this section, and annually
thereafter, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on
[[Page H1482]]
Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate a report containing information on the actions taken
to modify the application procedures and reporting
requirements for programs and activities funded under the
national service laws, including a description of the
consultation procedures with grantees, entities that
expressed interest in applying for assistance under a
national service law but did not apply, those entities whose
application was rejected, and applications whose assistance
was terminated due to failure to meet performance measures
for the year covered by the report.
``SEC. 186. SUSTAINABILITY.
``(a) Goals.--To ensure that recipients of assistance under
the national service laws are carrying out sustainable
projects or programs, the Corporation, after collaboration
with State Commissions and consultation with recipients of
assistance under the national service laws, may set
sustainability goals supported by policies and procedures
to--
``(1) build the capacity of the projects that receive
assistance under the national service laws to meet community
needs and lessen the dependence on Federal dollars to do so,
taking into consideration challenges that programs in
underserved rural or urban areas may face;
``(2) provide technical assistance to aid the recipients of
assistance under the national service laws in acquiring and
leveraging non-Federal funds for the projects; and
``(3) implement measures to ascertain whether the projects
are generating sufficient community support.
``(b) Enforcement.--If a recipient does not meet the
sustainability goals in subsection (a) for a project, the
Corporation may take action as described in sections 176 and
179.
``SEC. 187. USE OF RECOVERED FUNDS.
``(a) Factors Considered in Approving Repayment.--After the
date of enactment of this section, whenever the Corporation
recovers funds paid to a recipient under a grant or
cooperative agreement made under the national service laws
because the recipient made an expenditure of funds that was
not allowable, or otherwise failed to discharge its
responsibility to account properly for funds, the Corporation
may consider those funds to be additional funds available and
may arrange to repay to the recipient affected by that action
an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the recovered funds if
the Corporation determines that--
``(1) the practices or procedures of the recipient that
resulted in the recovery of funds have been corrected, and
that the recipient is in all other respects in compliance
with the requirements of the grant or cooperative agreement,
if the recipient was notified of any noncompliance with such
requirements and given a reasonable period of time to remedy
such noncompliance;
``(2) the recipient has submitted to the Corporation a plan
for the use of those funds consistent with the national
service laws and, to the extent possible, for the benefit of
the community affected by the recovery of funds; and
``(3) the use of those funds in accordance with that plan
would serve to achieve the objectives of the grant or
cooperative agreement under which the funds were originally
paid.
``(b) Terms and Conditions of Repayment.--Any payments by
the Corporation under this section shall be subject to other
terms and conditions as the Corporation considers necessary
to accomplish the purposes of the grant or cooperative
agreement, including--
``(1) the submission of periodic reports on the use of
funds provided under this section; and
``(2) consultation by the recipient with members of the
community that will benefit from the payments.
``(c) Availability of Funds.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the funds made available under this section
shall remain available for expenditure for a period of time
considered reasonable by the Corporation, but in no case to
exceed more than 3 fiscal years following the later of--
``(1) the fiscal year in which final agency action
regarding the disallowance of funds is taken; or
``(2) if such recipient files a petition for judicial
review regarding the disallowance of funds, the fiscal year
in which final judicial action is taken on such a petition.
``(d) Publication in Federal Register.--At least 60 days
prior to entering into an arrangement under this section, the
Corporation shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of
intent to enter into such an arrangement and the terms and
conditions under which payments will be made. Interested
persons shall have an opportunity for at least 30 days to
submit comments to the Corporation regarding the proposed
arrangement.
``SEC. 188. EXPENSES OF ATTENDING MEETINGS.
``Notwithstanding section 1345 of title 31, United States
Code, funds authorized under the national service laws shall
be available for expenses of attendance of meetings that are
concerned with the functions or activities for which the
funds are appropriated or which will contribute to improved
conduct, supervision, or management of those functions or
activities.
``SEC. 189. GRANT PERIODS.
``Unless otherwise specifically provided, the Corporation
has authority to make a grant under the national service laws
for a period of 3 years.
``SEC. 189A. GENERATION OF VOLUNTEERS.
``In making decisions on applications for assistance or
approved national service positions under the national
service laws, the Corporation shall take into consideration
the extent to which the applicant's proposal will increase
the involvement of volunteers in meeting community needs.
``SEC. 189B. LIMITATION ON PROGRAM GRANT COSTS.
``(a) Limitation on Grant Amounts.--Except as otherwise
provided by this section, the amount of funds approved by the
Corporation in a grant to operate a program authorized under
the national service laws supporting individuals serving in
approved national service positions may not exceed $16,000
per full-time equivalent position.
``(b) Costs Subject to Limitation.--The limitation in
subsection (a) applies to the Corporation's share of member
support costs, staff costs, and other costs borne by the
grantee or subgrantee to operate a program.
``(c) Costs Not Subject to Limitation.--The limitation in
subsection (a) and (e)(1) shall not apply to expenses that
are not included in the program operating grant award.
``(d) Adjustments for Inflation.--The amount specified in
subsections (a) and (e)(1) shall be adjusted each year after
2008 for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers published by the Secretary of Labor.
``(e) Waiver Authority and Reporting Requirement.--
``(1) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the
requirements of this section, up to a maximum of $18,000, if
necessary to meet the compelling needs of a particular
program, such as exceptional training needs for a program
serving disadvantaged youth, increased costs relating to the
participation of individuals with disabilities, and start-up
costs associated with a first-time grantee.
``(2) Reports.--The Chief Executive Officer shall report to
the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate annually on all waivers
granted under this section, with an explanation of the
compelling needs justifying such waivers.
``SEC. 189C. AUDITS AND REPORTS.
``The Corporation shall comply with applicable audit and
reporting requirements as provided in the Chief Financial
Officers Act of 1990 (31 U.S.C. 501 et seq.) and the
Government Corporation Control Act of 1945 (31 U.S.C. 9101 et
seq.). The Corporation shall report to the Congress any
failure to comply with the requirements of such audits.
``SEC. 189D. CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS.
``(a) In General.--Entities selecting individuals to serve
in a position in which the individual receives a Corporation
grant-funded living allowance, stipend, education award,
salary, or other remuneration in a program receiving
assistance under the national service laws, shall, subject to
regulations and requirements established by the Corporation,
conduct criminal history checks for such individuals.
``(b) Requirements.--A criminal history check shall, except
in cases approved for good cause by the Corporation, include
a name-based search of the National Sex Offender Registry
established under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety
Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 16901 et seq.) and--
``(1) a search of the State criminal registry or repository
in the State in which the program is operating and the State
in which the individual resides at the time of application;
or
``(2) a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint check.
``(c) Eligibility Prohibition.--An individual shall be
ineligible to serve in a position described under subsection
(a) if such individual--
``(1) refuses to consent to the criminal history check
described in subsection (b);
``(2) makes a false statement in connection with such
criminal history check;
``(3) is registered, or is required to be registered, on a
State sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender
Registry established under the Adam Walsh Child Protection
and Safety Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 16901 et seq.); or
``(4) has been convicted of murder, as described in section
1111 of title 18, United States Code.''.
Subtitle G--Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and
Community Service)
SEC. 1701. TERMS OF OFFICE.
Section 192 (42 U.S.C. 12651a) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Terms.--Subject to subsection (e), each appointed
member shall serve for a term of 5 years.'';
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Service Until Appointment of Successor.--A voting
member of the Board whose term has expired may continue to
serve for one year beyond expiration of the term if no
successor is appointed or until the date on which a successor
has taken office.''.
SEC. 1702. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES.
Section 192A(g) (42 U.S.C. 12651b(g)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
``shall--'' and inserting ``shall
[[Page H1483]]
have responsibility for setting overall policy for the
Corporation and shall--'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon at
the end the following: ``, and review the budget proposal in
advance of submission to the Office of Management and Budget
and to Congress'';
(3) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``and'' at the end;
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) review the performance of the Chief Executive Officer
annually and forward a report on that review to the
President;'';
(4) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``and'' after
``Corporation;'';
(5) in paragraph (10), by striking ``program; and'' and
inserting ``program under a cost share agreement, as
determined by the Corporation, in which the funds advanced or
received as reimbursement shall be credited directly to a
current appropriation; and''; and
(6) in paragraph (11), by striking ``September 30, 1995''
and inserting ``January 1, 2011''.
SEC. 1703. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER.
Section 193A (42 U.S.C. 12651d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``a strategic
plan'' the following: ``, including a plan for achieving 50
percent full-time approved national service positions by
2010,'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (11) as
paragraphs (8) through (12), respectively;
(C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) prepare and submit to the Committee on Education and
Labor in the United States House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the
United States Senate, and the Board an annual report on
actions taken to achieve the goal of 50 percent full-time
approved national service positions as described in paragraph
(1), including an assessment of the progress made toward
achieving that goal and the actions to be taken in the coming
year toward achieving that goal;''; and
(D) in paragraph (11) (as so redesignated)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``June 30, 1995,'' and inserting ``June 30 of each even-
numbered year,''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``section
122(c)(1)'' and inserting ``section 122(d)(1)'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) obtain the opinions of peer reviewers in evaluating
applications to the Corporation for assistance under this
title; and''; and
(3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
``(g) Recruitment and Public Awareness Functions.--The
Chief Executive Officer shall assign or hire, as necessary,
such additional national, regional, and State personnel to
carry out such recruiting and public awareness functions of
the Office of Outreach and Recruitment to ensure that such
functions are carried out in a timely and effective manner.
The Chief Executive Officer shall give priority in the hiring
of such additional personnel to individuals who have formerly
served as volunteers in the programs carried out under the
national service laws or similar programs, and to individuals
who have specialized experience in the recruitment of
volunteers.''.
SEC. 1704. NONVOTING MEMBERS; PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS.
Section 195 (42 U.S.C. 12651f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting after ``subdivision
of a State,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``Member'' and inserting
``Non-voting member''; and
(ii) by inserting ``non-voting'' before ``member''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Personal Services Contracts.--The Corporation may
enter into personal services contracts to carry out research,
evaluation, and public awareness related to the national
service laws.''.
SEC. 1705. DONATED SERVICES.
Section 196(a) (42 U.S.C. 12651g(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) Organizations and individuals.--Notwithstanding
section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Corporation
may solicit and accept the services of organizations and
individuals (other than participants) to assist the
Corporation in carrying out the duties of the Corporation
under the national service laws, and may provide to such
individuals the travel expenses described in section
192A(d).'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``Such
a volunteer'' and inserting ``A person who is a member of an
organization or is an individual covered by subparagraph
(A)'';
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ``a volunteer'' and
inserting ``such a person'';
(iii) in clause (ii), by striking ``volunteers'' and
inserting ``such a person''; and
(iv) in clause (iii), by striking ``such a volunteer'' and
inserting ``such a person''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``Such a
volunteer'' and inserting ``Such a person''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3).
SEC. 1706. OFFICE OF OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT.
Subtitle G of title I is further amended by adding at the
end the following:
``SEC. 196B. OFFICE OF OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the
Corporation an office to be known as the Office of Outreach
and Recruitment (in this section referred to as the
`Office'), headed by a Director.
``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Office, carried out
directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements, shall be--
``(1) to increase the public awareness of the wide range of
service opportunities for citizens of all ages, regardless of
socioeconomic status or geographic location, through a
variety of methods, including--
``(A) print media;
``(B) the Internet and related emerging technologies;
``(C) television;
``(D) radio;
``(E) presentations at public or private forums;
``(F) other innovative methods of communication; and
``(G) outreach to offices of economic development, State
employment security agencies, labor unions and trade
associations, local education agencies, institutions of
higher education, agencies and organizations serving veterans
and people with disabilities, and other institutions or
organizations from which participants for programs receiving
assistance from the national service laws can be recruited;
``(2) to identify and implement methods of recruitment to
increase the diversity of participants in the programs
receiving assistance under the national service laws;
``(3) to collaborate with organizations with demonstrated
expertise in supporting and accommodating individuals with
disabilities, including institutions of higher education, to
identify and implement methods of recruitment to increase the
number of participants with disabilities in the programs
receiving assistance under the national service laws;
``(4) to identify and implement recruitment strategies and
training programs for bilingual volunteers in the National
Senior Service Corps under title II of the Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973;
``(5) to identify and implement methods of recruitment to
increase the diversity of service sponsors of programs
desiring to receive assistance under the national service
laws;
``(6) to collaborate with organizations which have
established volunteer recruitment programs, including those
on the Internet, to increase the recruitment capacity of the
Corporation;
``(7) where practicable, to provide application materials
in languages other than English for those with limited
English proficiency who wish to participate in a national
service program;
``(8) to coordinate with organizations of former
participants of national service programs for service
opportunities that may include capacity building, outreach,
and recruitment for programs receiving assistance under the
national service laws;
``(9) to collaborate with the training and technical
assistance programs described in subtitle J and in
appropriate paragraphs of section 198E(b);
``(10) to coordinate the clearinghouses described in
section 198E; and
``(11) to coordinate with entities receiving funds under
section 198E(b)(11) in establishing the Reserve Corps for
alumni of the national service programs to serve in
emergencies, disasters, and other times of national need.
``(c) Collaboration.--The duties described in subsection
(b) shall be carried out in collaboration with the State
Commissions.
``(d) Authority To Contract With a Business.--The
Corporation may, through contracts or cooperative agreements,
carry out the marketing duties described in subsection
(b)(1), with priority given to those entities who have
established expertise in the recruitment of disadvantaged
youth, members of Indian tribes, and members of the Baby Boom
generation.
``(e) Campaign To Solicit Funds.--The Corporation, through
the Director of the Office, may conduct a campaign to solicit
funds for itself to conduct outreach and recruitment
campaigns to recruit a diverse population of service sponsors
of and participants in programs and projects receiving
assistance under the national service laws.
``(f) Reporting.--The Director of the Office shall complete
a report annually to the Chief Executive Officer and the
Board of Directors on its activities and results.''.
SEC. 1707. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR
VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS
UNDER THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS AND TO DEVELOP
PILOT PROGRAM.
Subtitle G of title I is further amended by adding at the
end the following:
[[Page H1484]]
``SEC. 196C. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS
FOR VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN
PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS AND TO
DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and
Community Service shall conduct a study to identify--
``(1) specific areas of need for veterans;
``(2) how existing programs and activities carried out
under the national service laws could better serve veterans
and veterans service organizations;
``(3) gaps in service to veterans;
``(4) prospects for better coordination of services;
``(5) prospects for better utilization of veterans as
resources and volunteers; and
``(6) methods for ensuring the efficient financial
organization of services directed towards veterans.
``(b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in
consultation with veterans' service organizations, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, State veterans agencies, the
Department of Defense, and other individuals and entities the
Corporation considers appropriate.
``(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the results of
the planning study required by subsection (a), together with
a plan for implementation of a pilot program using promising
strategies and approaches for better targeting and serving
veterans.
``(d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry
out this section, the Corporation shall develop and carry out
a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted
under subsection (c).
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008
through 2012.''.
SEC. 1708. COORDINATION WITH VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS SERVING
VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES.
The Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and
Community Service shall coordinate with veterans
organizations serving veterans with disabilities to provide
opportunities for young people enrolled in existing NACS
programs to provide transportation services on a full-time,
part-time, or as-needed basis.
SEC. 1709. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR
DISPLACED WORKERS IN SERVICES CORPS AND
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM
PLANNING STUDY.
(a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and
Community Service shall conduct a study to identify--
(1) specific areas of need for displaced workers;
(2) how existing programs and activities carried out under
the national service laws could better serve displaced
workers and communities that have been adversely affected by
plant closings and job losses;
(3) prospects for better utilization of skilled workers as
resources and volunteers; and
(4) methods for ensuring the efficient financial
organization of services directed towards displaced workers.
(b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in
consultation with the Department of Labor, State labor
agencies, and other individuals and entities the Corporation
considers appropriate.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall submit to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the results of
the planning study required by subsection (a), together with
a plan for implementation of a pilot program using promising
strategies and approaches for better targeting and serving
displaced workers.
(d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry
out this section, the Corporation shall develop and carry out
a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted
under subsection (c).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
Subtitle H--Amendments to Subtitle H
SEC. 1801. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE H.
(a) Additional Corporation Activities To Support National
Service.--Subtitle H is amended by inserting after the
subtitle heading and before section 198 the following:
``PART I--ADDITIONAL CORPORATION ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT NATIONAL
SERVICE''.
(b) Technical Amendments.--Section 198 (42 U.S.C. 12653) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (r)'' and
inserting ``subsection (g)'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``national service
programs, including service-learning programs, and to support
innovative and model programs, including'' and inserting
``service-learning programs and national service programs,
including'';
(3) by striking subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f);
(4) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (c);
(5) by striking subsections (h), (i), and (j);
(6) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (d);
(7) by striking subsections (l) and (m);
(8) by redesignating subsections (n) and (o) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively;
(9) by striking subsection (p); and
(10) by redesignating subsections (q), (r), and (s) as (g),
(h), and (i), respectively.
SEC. 1802. REPEALS.
The following provisions are repealed:
(1) Clearinghouses.--Section 198A (42 U.S.C. 12653a).
(2) Military installation conversion demonstration
programs.--Section 198C (42 U.S.C. 12653c).
(3) Special demonstration project.--Section 198D (42 U.S.C.
12653d).
SEC. 1803. INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT.
Subtitle H is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``PART II--INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT
``SEC. 198D. INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT.
``(a) Methods of Conducting Activities.--The Corporation
may, through grants and fixed amount grants under subsection
(c), carry out the following programs:
``(1) Programs for disadvantaged youth.--A program selected
from among those listed in 122(a) where no less than 75
percent of the participants are disadvantaged youth.
``(A) Components of programs.--Such programs may include
life skills training, employment training, educational
counseling, program to complete a high-school diploma or GED,
counseling, or a mentoring relationship with an adult
volunteer.
``(B) Priority.--Priority shall be given to programs that
engage retirees to serve as mentors.
``(2) Programs focused on learning and thinking skills.--
Service programs to solve community problems while engaging
or developing 21st century learning and thinking skills
(critical-thinking and problem solving, communication skills,
creativity and innovation skills, collaboration skills,
contextual learning skills, information and media literacy
skills, and information and communications literacy) and life
skills (leadership, ethics, accountability, adaptability,
personal productivity, personal responsibility, people
skills, self-direction, and social responsibility) for
school-age youth and low income adults. This may be a summer
of service program or a year-round service program. Priority
shall be given to programs that collaborate with the RSVP
program, the AmeriCorps programs, or the Learn and Serve
programs.
``(3) Programs that engage youth under the age of 17.--
Programs that engage youth under the age of 17 in service to
the community to meet unmet human, educational,
environmental, emergency and disaster preparedness, or public
safety needs and may be a summer program or a year-round
program. Priority shall be given to programs that collaborate
with the RSVP Program and the AmeriCorps programs.
``(4) Programs that focus on health and wellness.--Service
programs that focus on the health and wellness of the members
of a low-income or rural community. Priority shall be given
to service programs that work to--
``(A) involve the community in service to those who are at-
risk to not receive or pursue health care through such
activities as health and wellness education, prevention, and
care;
``(B) include in the service program employment training,
where applicable, for participants in the program and may
extend this opportunity to members of the community; and
``(C) collaborate with local institutions of higher
education to include, as a portion of the pre-professional
training of health care professionals including nurses,
doctors, physician assistants, dentists, and emergency
medical technicians, a service component to meet unmet
healthcare and wellness needs in the community in which the
service program is being carried out.
``(5) Silver scholarship programs.--A Silver Scholarship
program for citizens age 55 and older to complete no less
than 600 hours of service in a year meeting unmet human,
educational, public safety, or environmental needs and
receive a $1000 education award, provided that--
``(A) the Corporation establishes criteria for the types of
the service required to be performed to receive such award;
and
``(B) the citizen uses such award in accordance with
sections 146(c), 146(d), and 148(c).
``(6) Programs that reduce recidivism.--Programs that re-
engage court-involved youth and adults with the goal of
reducing recidivism. Priority shall be given to such programs
that create support systems beginning in corrections
facilities, and programs that have life skills training,
employment training, an education program, including a
program to complete a high-school diploma or GED, educational
and career counseling, post program placement, and support
services, which could begin in corrections facilities. The
program may include health and wellness programs, including
but not limited to drug and alcohol treatment, mental health
counseling, and smoking cessation.
[[Page H1485]]
``(7) Programs that recruit certain individuals.--
Demonstration projects for programs that have as one of their
primary purposes the recruitment and acceptance of court-
involved youth and adults as participants, volunteers, or
members. Such a program may serve any purpose otherwise
permitted under this Act.
``(8) Other innovative and model programs.--Any other
innovative and model programs that the Corporation considers
appropriate.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) Three-year term.--Each program funded under this part
shall be carried out over a period of three years, including
one planning year and two additional grant years, with a 1-
year extension possible, if the program meets performance
measures developed in accordance with section 179(a) and any
other criteria determined by the Corporation.
``(2) Matching funds.--
``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this
part may not exceed 76 percent of the total cost of the
program in the first year and may not exceed 50 percent of
the total cost of the program for the remaining years of the
grant, including if the grant is extended for 1 year.
``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the
remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program,
each recipient of a grant under this part--
``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in
cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities,
equipment, or services; and
``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or
local sources, including private funds or donated services.
``(3) Collaboration encouraged.--Each program funded under
this part is encouraged to collaborate with Learn and Serve,
AmeriCorps, VISTA, and the National Senior Service Corps.
``(4) Evaluation.--Upon completion of the program, the
Corporation shall conduct an independent evaluation of the
program and widely disseminate the results to the service
community through multiple channels, including the
Corporation's Resource Center or a clearinghouse of effective
strategies, and recommendations for improvement.
``(c) Fixed Amount Grants.--
``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject
to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may,
upon making a determination described in paragraph (2),
approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the
Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related
financial recordkeeping requirements.
``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount
grant, the Corporation must determine that--
``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out
the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of
assistance provided by the Corporation; or
``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any
assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably
presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.
``(d) Applications.--To be eligible to carry out a program
under this part, an entity shall prepare, submit to the
Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such
time and in such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may
reasonably require.''.
SEC. 1804. CLEARINGHOUSES.
Subtitle H is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``PART III--NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE
``SEC. 198E. NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE.
``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall provide
assistance, either by grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement, to entities with expertise in the dissemination of
information through clearinghouses to establish one or more
clearinghouses for the national service laws.
``(b) Function of Clearinghouse.--Such a clearinghouse
may--
``(1) assist entities carrying out State or local service-
learning and national service programs with needs assessments
and planning;
``(2) conduct research and evaluations concerning service-
learning or programs receiving assistance under the national
service laws unless the recipient is receiving funds for such
purpose under part III of subtitle B and under subtitle H;
``(3)(A) provide leadership development and training to
State and local service-learning program administrators,
supervisors, service sponsors, and participants; and
``(B) provide training to persons who can provide the
leadership development and training described in subparagraph
(A);
``(4) facilitate communication among entities carrying out
service-learning programs and programs offered under the
national service laws and participants in such programs;
``(5) provide and disseminate information and curriculum
materials relating to planning and operating service-learning
programs and programs offered under the national service
laws, to States, Territories, Indian tribes, and local
entities eligible to receive financial assistance under the
national service laws;
``(6) provide and disseminate information regarding methods
to make service-learning programs and programs offered under
the national service laws accessible to individuals with
disabilities;
``(7) disseminate applications in languages other than
English;
``(8)(A) gather and disseminate information on successful
service-learning programs and programs offered under the
national service laws, components of such successful
programs, innovative curricula related to service-learning,
and service-learning projects; and
``(B) coordinate the activities of the Clearinghouse with
appropriate entities to avoid duplication of effort;
``(9) make recommendations to State and local entities on
quality controls to improve the quality of service-learning
programs and programs offered under the national service
laws;
``(10) assist organizations in recruiting, screening, and
placing a diverse population of service-learning coordinators
and program sponsors;
``(11) collaborate with the Office of Outreach and
Recruitment on an alumni network for those former
participants in an approved national service position, to
facilitate communication and collaboration between alumni and
to leverage their skills, knowledge, and experiences to
improve service across our Nation and also serve in a Reserve
Corps, who are ready to serve in times of national need;
``(12) disseminate effective strategies for working with
disadvantaged youth in national service programs as
determined by organizations with an established expertise
working with such youth; and
``(13) carry out such other activities as the Chief
Executive Officer determines to be appropriate.''.
Subtitle I--Energy Conservation Corps
SEC. 1811. GENERAL AUTHORITY.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (in this
subtitle referred to as the ``Corporation'') shall make
grants to States for the creation or expansion of full-time
or part-time Energy Conservation Corps programs.
Notwithstanding provisions identified in this subtitle, the
Corporation shall apply the provisions of subtitle C of this
subchapter in making grants under this section as necessary.
SEC. 1812. APPLICATION.
(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subtitle, a State shall invite applications from within
the State to receive an Energy Conservation Corps grant.
(b) Process.--The State shall then prepare and submit a
State application to the Corporation at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Corporation
may reasonably require. The Corporation shall consult with
state and local Conservation Corps in the development of the
application guidelines.
(c) Disadvantaged Youth.--To acknowledge the focused
enrollment of disadvantaged youth and young adults in the
Energy Conservation Corps, the Corporation shall--
(1) allow a higher cost-per-member to enable Energy
Conservation Corps programs to provide the necessary
supportive services to ensure the success of the
participants; and
(2) allow for greater flexibility in retention rates.
(d) Consideration of Residential Corps.--The Corporation
shall allow for equal consideration of residential Corps
program opportunities since residential Corps thrive in rural
areas that commonly lack opportunities for young adults,
enable the participation for emancipated foster youth, gang
involved youth, and others lacking a safe and stable home
environment, allow for more structured time for work,
training, education and counseling, and provide disaster
response-ready crews immediately upon request.
(e) Equitable Treatment.--In the consideration of
applications, the Corporation shall ensure the equitable
treatment of both urban and rural areas.
SEC. 1813. FOCUS OF PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Programs that receive assistance under
this subtitle may carry out activities that--
(1) meet an identifiable public need with specific emphasis
on projects in support of energy conservation, infrastructure
and transportation improvement, and emergency operations,
including--
(A) improving the energy efficiency of housing for elderly
and low-income people;
(B) building energy-efficient ``green'' housing for elderly
and low-income people;
(C) environmental education and energy conservation
education for elementary and secondary school students and
the public;
(D) reusing and recycling including deconstruction;
(E) the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of an
existing infrastructure facility including, but not limited
to, rail, mass transportation, ports, inland navigation,
schools and hospitals;
(F) transportation enhancements;
(G) recreational trails improvements, including those that
enable alternative means of transportation and ensure safe
use;
(H) transformation of military bases affected by the Base
Realignment and Closing process (BRAC) to green the space;
(I) tree planting and reforestation;
(J) renewable resource enhancement; and
(K) assisting in emergency operations, such as disaster
prevention and relief; and
(2) provide opportunities for youth and young adults,
especially disadvantaged
[[Page H1486]]
youth, to be trained for careers related to the activities
listed in paragraph (1), including those that will be part of
the emerging field of ``green collar'' jobs.
(b) Goals of the Energy Conservation Corps.--The goals of
the Energy Conservation Corps are to--
(1) promote clean energy use and preserve, protect, and
sustain the environment;
(2) provide young adults with opportunities to become
better citizens, students and workers through meaningful
service to their communities and the nation;
(3) mobilize youth and young adults, especially
disadvantaged youth, to promote energy conservation and
mitigate threats to the environment; and
(4) provide a pathway to responsible adulthood and
productive, unsubsidized employment in the private sector.
SEC. 1814. TRAINING AND EDUCATION SERVICES.
All applicants must describe how they intend to--
(1) assess the skills of Corpsmembers;
(2) provide life skills and work skills training;
(3) provide training and education;
(4) develop agreements for academic study with--
(A) local education agencies;
(B) community colleges;
(C) 4-year colleges;
(D) area charter high schools and vocational-technical
schools; and
(E) community-based organizations;
(5) provide career and educational guidance; and
(6) Recruit participants without high school diplomas.
SEC. 1815. PREFERENCE FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS.
In the consideration of applications the Corporation shall
give preference to programs that are discrete and--
(1) meet an identifiable public need;
(2) instill a work ethic and a sense of public service in
the participants;
(3) involve youth operating in crews or a team-based
structure; and
(4) enhance skills development and educational level and
opportunities for the participants.
SEC. 1816. PARTICIPANTS.
(a) In General.--Age enrollment in programs that receive
assistance under this subtitle shall be limited to
individuals who, at the time of enrollment, are not less than
18 years nor more than 25 years of age, except that summer
programs may include individuals not less than 14 years or
more than 21 years of age at the time of the enrollment of
such individuals.
(b) Participation of Disadvantaged Youth.--Programs that
receive assistance under this subtitle shall ensure that at
least 50 percent of the participants are economically
disadvantaged youth.
(c) Special Corpsmembers.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)
of this section, program agencies may enroll a limited number
of special Corpsmembers over age 25 so that the Energy
Conservation Corps may draw on their special skills to
fulfill the purposes of this subtitle.
SEC. 1817. USE OF VOLUNTEERS.
The use of volunteer services under this section shall be
subject to the condition that such use does not result in the
displacement of any participant.
SEC. 1818. COOPERATION AMONG STATES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE.
(a) Agreements Between States.--States operating an Energy
Conservation Corps may enter into a compact with
participating states to provide for mutual cooperation to
manage any emergency or disaster that is duly declared by the
affected state.
(b) Participating State Responsibilities.--
(1) The authorized representative of a participating state
may request assistance of another party by contracting the
authorized representative of that state. The provisions of
this agreement shall only apply to requests for assistance
made by and to authorized representatives.
(2) There shall be frequent consultation between state
officials who have assigned emergency management
responsibilities and other appropriate representatives of the
party states with affected jurisdictions and the United
States Government, with free exchange of information, plans,
and resource records relating to emergency capabilities.
SEC. 1819. FEDERAL SHARE.
The federal share of the cost of carrying out an Energy
Conservation Corps program for which a grant is made under
this subtitle is 76 percent of the total cost of the program.
SEC. 1820. BEST PRACTICES.
(a) Training and Technical Assistance.--The Corporation
shall provide technical assistance to grantees that request
assistance and shall disseminate best practices that emerge
from the Energy Conservation Corps.
(b) Contract.--In providing training and technical
assistance, the Corporation shall contract with a national
organization with a proven track record of developing and
sustaining Corps, working with the Conservation Corps model,
and engaging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
SEC. 1820A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2008 through
2010 to achieve the purposes of this subtitle.
(b) Allocation.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry out
this subtitle for each fiscal year--
(1) 90 percent shall be for grants to eligible entities;
(2) 5 percent shall be technical assistance, and
dissemination of best practices; and
(3) 5 percent shall be for evaluation.
SEC. 1820B. LEARN AND SERVE AMERICA.
(a) In General.--To promote Learn and Serve programs that
have the potential to reach every student in our public
education network and private schools through school-based
green service-learning, the Corporation shall establish a
competitive grant program for the creation or expansion of
such service learning programs.
(b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, a State Education Agency, Local education
Agency, or nonprofit organization shall submit an application
with such information and in such time as the Corporation may
require.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--For this purpose,
there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for
fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary
thereafter.
SEC. 1820C. NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.
(a) In General.--To promote National Senior Service Corps
programs that have the potential to both involve seniors in
providing meaningful volunteer opportunities the Corporation
shall establish a competitive grant program for the creation
or expansion of National Senior Service Corps programs that--
(1) make effective use of the talents and experience of
seniors, particularly baby boomers, in programs and projects
involving seniors in the improvement of the energy efficiency
of housing for elderly and low-income people;
(2) building or helping to supervise energy-efficient
``green'' housing for elderly and low-income people; the
repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of an existing
infrastructure facility including, but not limited to, rail,
mass transportation, ports, inland navigation, schools and
hospitals; transportation enhancements; recreational trails
improvements, including those that enable alternative means
of transportation and ensure safe use;
(3) volunteering in schools to teach or other support
environmental education and energy conservation education for
elementary and secondary school students and the public; and
(4) assisting in such other activities as the National
Senior Service Corps may identify.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, a program in the National Senior Service Corps
shall submit an application with such information and in such
time as the Corporation may require.
(c) Authorization.--For this purpose, there is authorized
to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such
sums as may be necessary thereafter.
Subtitle II--Training and Technical Assistance
SEC. 1821. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Title I is further amended by adding at the end the
following new subtitle:
``Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance
``SEC. 199N. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall conduct, either
directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements, including through State Commissions on National
and Community Service, appropriate training and technical
assistance to--
``(1) programs receiving assistance under the national
service laws; and
``(2) entities (particularly those in rural areas and
underserved communities)--
``(A) that desire to carry out or establish national
service programs;
``(B) that desire to apply for assistance under the
national service laws; or
``(C) that desire to apply for a subgrant under the
national service laws.
``(b) Activities Included.--Such training and technical
assistance activities may include--
``(1) providing technical assistance to those applying to
carry out national service programs or those carrying out
national service programs;
``(2) promoting leadership development in national service
programs;
``(3) improving the instructional and programmatic quality
of national service programs;
``(4) developing the management and budgetary skills of
those operating or overseeing national service programs,
including to increase the cost effectiveness of the programs
under the national service laws;
``(5) providing for or improving the training provided to
the participants in programs under the national service laws;
``(6) facilitating the education of national service
programs in risk management procedures, including the
training of participants in appropriate risk management
practices;
``(7) training of those operating or overseeing national
service programs in volunteer recruitment, management, and
retention to improve the abilities of such individuals to use
participants and other volunteers in an effective manner
which results in high quality service and the desire of
participants or volunteers to continue to serve in other
capacities after the program is completed;
``(8) training of those operating or overseeing national
service programs in program evaluation and performance
measures to inform practices to augment the capacity and
sustainability of the program;
[[Page H1487]]
``(9) training of those operating or overseeing national
service programs to effectively accommodate people with
disabilities to increase the participation of people with
disabilities in national service programs. Such activities
may utilize funding from the reservation of funds to increase
the participation of individuals with disabilities as
described in section 129(k);
``(10) establishing networks and collaboration among
employers, educators, and other key stakeholders in the
community to further leverage resources to increase local
participation and to coordinate community-wide planning and
service;
``(11) providing training and technical assistance for the
National Senior Service Corps, including providing such
training and technical assistance to programs receiving
assistance under section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973; and
``(12) carrying out such other activities as the Chief
Executive Officer determines to be appropriate.
``(c) Priority.--The Corporation shall give priority to
programs under the national service laws and those entities
wishing to establish programs under the national service laws
seeking training or technical assistance that--
``(1) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high
quality programs where the services are needed most;
``(2) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high
quality programs where national service programs do not
currently exist or where the programs are too limited to meet
community needs;
``(3) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high
quality programs that focus on and provide service
opportunities for underserved rural and urban areas and
populations; and
``(4) assist programs in developing a service component
that combines students, out-of-school youths, and older
adults as participants to provide needed community
services.''.
Subtitle III--Repeal of Title III (Points of Light Foundation)
SEC. 1831. REPEAL.
Title III (42 U.S.C. 12661 et seq.) is repealed.
Subtitle IV--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)
SEC. 1841. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 12681) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 501. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Title I.--
``(1) Subtitle b.--
``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to provide financial assistance under subtitle B of title I--
``(i) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
``(ii) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal
years 2009 through 2012.
``(B) Programs.--Of the amount appropriated under
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year--
``(i) not more than 60 percent shall be available to
provide financial assistance under part I of subtitle B of
title I;
``(ii) not more than 25 percent shall be available to
provide financial assistance under part II of such subtitle;
and
``(iii) not less than 15 percent shall be available to
provide financial assistance under part III of such subtitle.
``(C) Summer of service.--Of the amount appropriated under
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, up to $10,000,000 shall
be for summer of service grants and up to $10,000,000 shall
be deposited in the National Service Trust to support summer
of service educational awards, consistent with section
118(c)(8).
``(2) Subtitles c, d, and h.--
``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to provide financial assistance under subtitles C and H of
title I, to administer the National Service Trust and
disburse national service educational awards and scholarships
under subtitle D of title I, and to carry out such audits and
evaluations as the Chief Executive Officer or the Inspector
General of the Corporation may determine to be necessary,
$485,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be
necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
``(B) Programs.--Of the amount appropriated under
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, up to 15 percent shall be
made available to provide financial assistance under
subsections (b) and (c) of section 126, and under subtitle H
of title I.
``(C) Subtitle c.--Of the amount appropriated under
subparagraph (A), the following amounts shall be made
available to provide financial assistance under section 121
of subtitle C of title I:
``(i) For fiscal year 2008, not more than $324,000,000.
``(ii) For fiscal year 2009, not more than $357,000,000.
``(iii) For fiscal year 2010, not more than $397,000,000.
``(iv) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2012, such
sums as may be necessary.
``(D) Priority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Act, in obligating the amounts made available pursuant
to the authorization of appropriations in subparagraph (C),
priority shall be given to programs carried out in areas for
which the President has declared the existence of a major
disaster, in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170), as a consequence of Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita.
``(3) Subtitle e.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to operate the National Civilian Community Corps and provide
financial assistance under subtitle E of title I, $25,000,000
for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
``(4) Administration.--
``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
for the administration of this Act, including financial
assistance under sections 126(a) and 196B, $51,000,000 for
fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each
of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
``(B) Corporation.--Of the amounts appropriated under
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year--
``(i) up to 69 percent shall be made available to the
Corporation for the administration of this Act, including to
provide financial assistance under section 196B; and
``(ii) the remainder shall be available to provide
financial assistance under section 126(a).
``(5) Training and technical assistance.--Of the amounts
appropriated for a fiscal year under subtitles B, C, and H of
title I of this Act and under titles I and II of the Domestic
Volunteer Service Act of 1973, the Corporation shall reserve
up to 2.5 percent to carry out subtitle J of this Act.
Notwithstanding subsection (b), amounts so reserved shall be
available only for the fiscal year for which they are
reserved.
``(b) Availability of Appropriations.--Funds appropriated
under this section shall remain available until expended.''.
TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973
SEC. 2001. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of a provision, the reference shall
be considered to be made to a provision of the Domestic
Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.).
Subtitle A--Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty
Programs)
SEC. 2101. PURPOSE.
Section 2 (42 U.S.C. 4950) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``both young and older
citizens'' and inserting ``citizens of all ages and
backgrounds''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``local agencies'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``local agencies, expand relationships with, and support for,
the efforts of civic, community, and educational
organizations, and utilize the energy, innovative spirit,
experience, and skills of all Americans.''.
SEC. 2102. PURPOSE OF THE VISTA PROGRAM.
Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 4951) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence, by striking ``afflicted with''
and inserting ``affected by''; and
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ``local level'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``local level, to support efforts by local agencies and
organizations to achieve long-term sustainability of
projects, consistent with section 186 of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990, initiated or expanded under
the VISTA program activities, and to strengthen local
agencies and community organizations to carry out the purpose
of this part.''.
SEC. 2103. APPLICATIONS.
Section 103 (42 U.S.C. 4953) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``American Samoa,'';
and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``handicapped'' and inserting ``disabled'';
and
(ii) by striking ``handicaps'' and inserting
``disabilities'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``jobless, the hungry,
and low-income'' and inserting ``unemployed, the hungry, and
low-income'';
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prevention,
education,'' and inserting ``through prevention, education,
rehabilitation, and treatment,'';
(E) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, mental illness,''
after ``including'';
(F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(G) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and inserting
a semicolon; and
(H) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(8) in the re-entry and re-integration of formerly
incarcerated youth and adults into society, including life
skills training, employment training, counseling, educational
training, and educational counseling;
``(9) in developing and carrying out financial literacy,
financial planning, budgeting, savings, and reputable credit
accessibility programs in low-income communities, including
those programs which educate on financing home ownership and
higher education;
``(10) in initiating and supporting before-school and
after-school programs servicing children in low-income
communities that may engage participants in mentoring
relationships, tutoring, life skills, or study skills
programs, service-learning, physical, nutrition, and health
education programs, including programs aimed at fighting
childhood obesity, and other activities addressing the needs
of the community's children;
``(11) in establishing and supporting community economic
development initiatives, including micro-enterprises, with a
priority
[[Page H1488]]
on such programs in rural areas and other areas where such
programs are needed most;
``(12) in assisting veterans and their families through
establishing or augmenting programs which assist such persons
with access to legal assistance, health care (including
mental health), employment counseling or training, education
counseling or training, affordable housing, and other support
services; and
``(13) in addressing the health and wellness of low-income
and underserved communities, including programs to increase
access to preventive services, insurance, and health care.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``recruitment and
placement procedures'' and inserting ``placement procedures
that involve sponsoring organizations and'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) strike ``related to the recruitment and'' and insert
``related to the'';
(II) strike ``in conjunction with the recruitment and'' and
insert ``in conjunction with the''; and
(III) strike ``1993. Upon'' and all that follows through
the period at the end and insert ``1993.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``central information
system that shall, on request, promptly provide'' and
inserting ``database that provides''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) by striking ``timely and effective'' and inserting
``timely and cost-effective''; and
(II) by striking ``the recruitment of volunteers'' and
inserting ``recruitment and management of volunteers''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following:
``The Director shall give priority to--
``(A) disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990) and low-income
adults; and
``(B) retired adults of any profession, but with an
emphasis on those professions whose services and training are
most needed in a community, such as the health care
professions, teaching, counseling, and engineering and other
professions requiring a high level of technical and project
management skills, to utilize their experience, including
professional skills, in the VISTA program.'';
(D) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``information system''
and inserting ``database'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``personnel described in subsection (b)(2)(C)'' and inserting
``personnel described in subsection (b)(2)(C), sponsoring
organizations, and the Office of Outreach and Recruitment'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the Internet and
related technologies,'' after ``television,'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``Internet and
related technologies,'' after ``through the'';
(iv) in subparagraph (C), by inserting after ``senior
citizens organizations,'' the following: ``offices of
economic development, State employment security agencies,
employment offices,'';
(v) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``National and
Community Service Trust Act of 1993'' and inserting
``National and Community Service Act of 1990''; and
(vi) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``, on request,'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``this subsection'' and
inserting ``this subsection and related public awareness and
recruitment activities under the national service laws and
through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment''; and
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``Beginning'' and all that follows through
``for the purpose'' and inserting ``For the purpose''; and
(ii) by striking ``1.5 percent'' and inserting ``2
percent'';
(4) by amending the second sentence of subsection (d) to
read as follows: ``Whenever feasible, such efforts shall be
coordinated with an appropriate local workforce investment
board established under section 117 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998.'';
(5) in subsection (g) by striking ``and has been submitted
to the Governor'' and all that follows and inserting a
period; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) The Director may enter into agreements under which
public and private nonprofit organizations, with sufficient
financial capacity and size, pay for all or a portion of the
costs of supporting the service of volunteers under this
title, consistent with the provisions of section 186 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990.''.
SEC. 2104. VISTA PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.
Part A of title I is amended by inserting after section 103
(42 U.S.C. 4953) the following:
``SEC. 103A. VISTA PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.
``(a) In General.--With not less than one-third of the
funds made available under subsection (d) in each fiscal
year, the Director shall make grants for VISTA positions to
support programs of national significance. Each program for
which a grant is received under this subsection shall be
carried out in accordance with the requirements applicable to
that program.
``(b) Activities Supported.--The Director shall make grants
under subsection (a) to support one or more of the following
programs to address problems that concern low-income and
rural communities in the Nation:
``(1) In the re-entry and re-integration of formerly
incarcerated youth and adults into society, including life
skills training, employment training, counseling, educational
training, and educational counseling.
``(2) In developing and carrying-out financial literacy,
financial planning, budgeting, savings, and reputable credit
accessibility programs in low-income communities, including
those programs which educate on financing home ownership and
higher education.
``(3) In initiating and supporting before-school and after-
school programs in low-income communities that may include
such activities as establishing mentoring relationships,
physical education, tutoring, instruction in 21st century
thinking skills, life skills, and study skills, community
service, service-learning, nutrition and health education,
and other activities aimed at keeping children, safe,
educated, and healthy, which serve the children in such
community.
``(4) In establishing and supporting community economic
development initiatives, including micro-enterprises, with a
priority on such programs in rural areas and areas where such
programs are needed most.
``(5) In assisting veterans and their families through
establishing or augmenting programs which assist such persons
with access to legal assistance, health care (including
mental health), employment counseling or training, education
counseling or training, affordable housing, and other support
services.
``(6) In addressing the health and wellness of low-income
and underserved communities across our Nation, including
programs to fight childhood obesity through nutrition,
physical fitness, and other associated life skills education
programs and programs to increase access to preventive
services, insurance, and health care.
``(c) Requirements.--
``(1) Eligibility.--In order to receive a grant under
subsection (a), an applicant shall submit an application to
the Director at such time and in such manner as the Director
requires and receive approval of the application. Such
application shall, at a minimum, demonstrate to the Director
a level of expertise in carrying out such a program.
``(2) Supplement not supplant.--Funds made available under
subsection (d) shall be used to supplement and not supplant
the number of VISTA volunteers engaged in programs addressing
the problem for which such funds are awarded unless such sums
are an extension of funds previously provided under this
title.
``(d) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriate under
section 501 for each fiscal year there shall be available to
the Director such sums as may be necessary to make grants
under subsection (a).
``(2) Limitation.--No funds shall be made available to the
Director to make grants under subsection (a) unless the
amounts appropriated under section 501 available for such
fiscal year to carry out part A are sufficient to maintain
the number of projects and volunteers funded under part A in
the preceding fiscal year.
``(e) Information.--The Director shall widely disseminate
information on grants that may be made under this section,
including through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment and
other volunteer recruitment programs being carried out by
public or private non-profit organizations.''.
SEC. 2105. TERMS AND PERIODS OF SERVICE.
Section 104(d) (42 U.S.C. 4954(d)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``with the terms and
conditions of their service.'' and inserting ``with the terms
and conditions of their service or any adverse action, such
as termination, proposed by the sponsoring organization. The
procedure shall provide for an appeal to the Director of any
proposed termination.''; and
(2) in the third sentence (as amended by this section), by
striking ``and the terms and conditions of their service''.
SEC. 2106. SUPPORT SERVICE.
Section 105(a)(1)(B) (42 U.S.C. 4955(a)(1)(B)) is amended
by striking ``Such stipend'' and all that follows through
``in the case of persons'' and inserting ``Such stipend shall
be set at a minimum of $125 per month and a maximum of $150
per month, subject to the availability of funds to accomplish
such a maximum. The Director may provide a stipend of $250
per month in the case of persons''.
SEC. 2107. SECTIONS REPEALED.
The following provisions are repealed:
(1) VISTA literacy corps.--Section 109 (42 U.S.C. 4959).
(2) University year for vista.--Part B of title I (42
U.S.C. 4971 et seq.).
(3) Literacy challenge grants.--Section 124 (42 U.S.C.
4995).
SEC. 2108. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
Section 121 (42 U.S.C. 4991) is amended in the second
sentence by striking ``situations'' and inserting
``organizations''.
SEC. 2109. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 123 (42 U.S.C. 4993) is amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``technical and'';
and
(2) by striking ``technical and''.
[[Page H1489]]
Subtitle B--Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps)
SEC. 2201. CHANGE IN NAME.
Title II (42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) is amended in the title
heading by striking ``NATIONAL SENIOR VOLUNTEER CORPS'' and
inserting ``NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS''.
SEC. 2202. PURPOSE.
Section 200 (42 U.S.C. 5000) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 200. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
``It is the purpose of this title to provide--
``(1) opportunities for senior service to meet unmet local,
State, and national needs in the areas of education, public
safety, emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and
recovery, health and human needs, and the environment;
``(2) for the National Senior Service Corps, comprised of
the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster
Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program, and
demonstration and other programs to empower people 55 years
of age or older to contribute to their communities through
service, enhance the lives of those who serve and those whom
they serve, and provide communities with valuable services;
``(3) opportunities for people 55 years of age or older,
through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, to share
their knowledge, experiences, abilities, and skills for the
betterment of their communities and themselves;
``(4) opportunities for low-income people 55 years of age
or older, through the Foster Grandparents Program, to have a
positive impact on the lives of children in need;
``(5) opportunities for low-income people 55 years of age
or older, through the Senior Companion Program, to provide
critical support services and companionship to adults at risk
of institutionalization and who are struggling to maintain a
dignified independent life; and
``(6) for research, training, demonstration, and other
program activities to increase and improve opportunities for
people 55 years of age or older to meet unmet needs,
including those related to public safety, public health, and
emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery, in
their communities.''.
SEC. 2203. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE
PROJECTS.
Section 201 (42 U.S.C. 5001) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``avail themselves of opportunities for volunteer service in
their community'' and inserting ``share their experiences,
abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities
and themselves through service'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, and individuals 60
years of age or older will be given priority for
enrollment,'';
(C) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``either prior to or
during the volunteer service'' after ``may be necessary'';
and--
(D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) the project is being designed and implemented with
the advice of experts in the field of service to be delivered
as well as with those who have expertise in the recruitment
and management of volunteers, particularly those of the Baby
Boom generation.'';
(2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) The Director shall give priority to projects--
``(1) utilizing retired scientists, technicians, engineers,
and mathematicians (the STEM professionals) to improve
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
education through activities such as assisting teachers in
classroom demonstrations or laboratory experiences, running
after-school, weekend, or summer programs designed to engage
disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990) or low-income,
minority youth in the STEM fields and to improve mastery of
the STEM content, providing field trips to businesses,
institutions of higher education, museums, and other
locations where the STEM professions are practiced or
illuminated;
``(2) utilizing retired health care professionals to
improve the health and wellness of low income or rural
communities;
``(3) utilizing retired criminal justice professionals for
programs designed to prevent disadvantaged youth (as defined
in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of
1990) from joining gangs or committing crimes;
``(4) utilizing retired military and emergency
professionals for programs to improve public safety,
emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery,
search and rescue, and homeland security efforts; and
``(5) utilizing retired computer science professionals,
technicians of related technologies, business professionals,
and others with relevant knowledge to increase, for low
income individuals and families, access to and obtaining the
benefits from computers and other existing and emerging
technologies.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Competitive Grant Awards Required.--
``(1) In general.--Effective for fiscal year 2013 and each
fiscal year thereafter, each grant or contract awarded under
this section in such a year shall be--
``(A) awarded for a period of 3 years; and
``(B) awarded through a competitive process.
``(2) Elements of competitive process.--The competitive
process required by paragraph (1)(B)--
``(A) shall include the use of a peer review panel,
including members with expertise in senior service and aging;
``(B) shall ensure that--
``(i) the resulting grants (or contracts) support no less
than the volunteer service years of the previous grant (or
contract) cycle in a given geographic service area;
``(ii) the resulting grants (or contracts) maintain a
similar program distribution; and
``(iii) every effort is made to minimize the disruption to
volunteers; and
``(C) shall include the performance measures, outcomes, and
other criteria established under subsection (f).
``(3) Establishment of competitive process.--The
Corporation shall establish and make available the
competitive process required by paragraph (1)(B) no later
than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this
subsection. The Corporation shall consult with the program
directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program during
development and implementation of the competitive process.
``(f) Evaluation Process Required.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 412, and
effective beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this subsection, each grant or contract under this section
that expires in fiscal year 2010, 2011, and 2012 shall be
subject to an evaluation process. The evaluation process
shall be carried out, to the maximum extent practicable, in
fiscal year 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively.
``(2) Elements of evaluation process.--The evaluation
process required by paragraph (1)--
``(A) shall include performance measures, outcomes, and
other criteria; and
``(B) shall evaluate the extent to which the recipient of
the grant or contract meets or exceeds such performance
measures, outcomes, and other criteria.
``(3) Establishment of evaluation process.--The Corporation
shall, in collaboration and consultation with program
directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, establish
and make available the evaluation process required by
paragraph (1), including the performance measures, outcomes,
and other criteria required by paragraph (2)(A), with
particular attention to the different needs of rural and
urban programs. The processes shall be established and made
available, including notification of the available training
and technical assistance, no later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this subsection.
``(4) Effect of failing to meet performance measures.--If
the evaluation process determines that the recipient has
failed to meet or exceed the performance measures, outcomes,
and other criteria established under this subsection, the
grant or contract shall not be renewed. Any successor grant
or contract shall be awarded through the competitive process
described in subsection (e)(1).
``(5) Special rule.--The Corporation may continue to fund a
program which has failed to meet or exceed the performance
measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under this
subsection for up to 12 months if competition does not result
in a successor grant or contract for such program, in order
to minimize the disruption to volunteers and disruption of
services. In such a case, outreach shall be conducted and a
new competition shall be established. The previous recipient
shall remain eligible for the new competition.
``(6) Performance measures.--
``(A) In general.--The performance measures, outcomes, and
other criteria established under this subsection may be
updated or modified as necessary, in consultation with
program directors for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program,
but no earlier than fiscal year 2013.
``(B) Operational problems.--Effective for fiscal years
before fiscal year 2013, the Corporation may, after
consulting with program directors of the Retired Senior
Volunteer Program, determine that a performance measure,
outcome, or criterion established under this subsection is
operationally problematic, and may, in consultation with
program directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and
after notifying the Committee on Education and Labor of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate--
``(i) eliminate the use of that performance measure,
outcome, or criterion; or
``(ii) modify that performance measure, outcome, or
criterion as necessary to render it no longer operationally
problematic.
``(g) Online Resource Guide.--The Corporation shall develop
and disseminate an online resource guide for the Retired
Senior Volunteer Program within 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this subsection, which shall include, but
not be limited to--
``(1) examples of high performing programs;
``(2) corrective actions for underperforming programs; and
``(3) examples of meaningful outcome-based performance
measures that capture a program's mission and priorities.
``(h) Report to Congress.--The Corporation shall submit, by
2012, to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on--
``(1) the number of programs that did not meet or exceed
the established performance
[[Page H1490]]
measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under
subsection (f);
``(2) the number of new grants awarded;
``(3) the challenges to the implementation of evaluation
and competition, including but not limited to geographic
distribution and the minimization of disruption to
volunteers; and
``(4) how the current program geographic distribution
affects recruitment for the Retired Senior Volunteer
Program.''.
SEC. 2204. FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM GRANTS.
Section 211 (42 U.S.C. 5011) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``low-income persons
aged sixty or over'' and inserting ``low-income and other
persons aged 55 or over'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``shall have the exclusive authority to determine, pursuant
to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection--'' and
inserting ``may determine--'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) whether it is in the best interests of a child
receiving, and of a particular foster grandparent providing,
services in such a project, to continue such relationship
after the child reaches the age of 21, if such child was
receiving such services prior to attaining the age of 21.'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
(3) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section), by
striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)'';
(4) by adding after paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this
section) the following:
``(3) If an assignment of a foster grandparent is suspended
or discontinued, the replacement of that foster grandparent
shall be determined through the mutual agreement of all
parties involved in the provision of services to the
child.'';
(5) in subsection (d), in the second sentence, by striking
``Any stipend'' and all that follows through ``inflation,''
and inserting ``Any stipend or allowance provided under this
part shall not exceed 75 percent of the minimum wage under
section 6 the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C.
206), and the Federal share shall not be less than $2.65 per
hour, provided that the Director shall adjust the Federal
share once prior to December 31, 2012, to account for
inflation,'';
(6) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``125'' and inserting
``200''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, as so adjusted'' and
all that follows through ``local situations'';
(7) by striking subsection (f) and inserting:
``(f)(1) Subject to the restrictions in paragraph (3),
individuals who are not low-income persons may serve as
volunteers under this part. The regulations issued by the
Director to carry out this part (other than regulations
relating to stipends or allowances to individuals authorized
by subsection (d)) shall apply to all volunteers under this
part, without regard to whether such volunteers are eligible
to receive a stipend or allowance under subsection (d).
``(2) Except as provided under paragraph (1), each
recipient of a grant or contract to carry out a project under
this part shall give equal treatment to all volunteers who
participate in such project, without regard to whether such
volunteers are eligible to receive a stipend or allowance
under subsection (d).
``(3) An individual who is not a low-income person may not
become a volunteer under this part if allowing that
individual to become a volunteer under this part would
prevent a low-income person from becoming a volunteer under
this part or would displace a low-income person from being a
volunteer under this part.
``(4) The Office of Outreach and Recruitment shall conduct
outreach to ensure the inclusion of low-income persons in
programs and activities authorized under this title.''; and
(8) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(g) The Director may also provide a stipend or allowance
in an amount not to exceed 10 percent more than the amount
established under subsection (d) to leaders who, on the basis
of past experience as volunteers, special skills, and
demonstrated leadership abilities, may coordinate activities,
including training, and otherwise support the service of
volunteers under this part.
``(h) The program may accept up to 15 percent of volunteers
serving in a project under this part for a fiscal year who do
not meet the definition of `low-income' under subsection (e),
upon certification by the recipient of a grant or contract
that it is unable to effectively recruit and place low-income
volunteers in the number of placements approved for the
project.''.
SEC. 2205. SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM GRANTS.
Section 213 (42 U.S.C. 5013) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``low-income persons
aged 60 or over'' and inserting ``low-income and other
persons aged 55 or over'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Subsections (d), (e),
and (f)'' and inserting ``Subsections (d) through (h)''; and
(3) by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) Senior companion volunteer trainers and leaders may
receive a stipend or allowance consistent with subsection (g)
authorized under subsection (d) of section 211, as approved
by the Director.''.
SEC. 2206. PROMOTION OF NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.
Section 221 (42 U.S.C. 5021) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``volunteer'' and
inserting ``service''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``of all ages and
backgrounds living in rural, suburban, and urban localities''
after ``greater participation of volunteers''.
SEC. 2207. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Change in Age Eligibility.--Section 223 (42 U.S.C.
5023) is amended by striking ``sixty years and older from
minority groups'' and inserting ``55 years and older from
minority and underserved populations''.
(b) Name Change.--Section 224 (42 U.S.C. 5024) is amended
in the heading by striking ``volunteer'' and inserting
``service''.
SEC. 2208. PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.
Section 225 (42 U.S.C. 5025) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Applicants for grants under paragraph (1) shall
determine which program under part A, B, or C the program
shall be carried out and submit an application as required
for programs under part A, B, or C.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) The Director shall ensure that at least 50 percent of
the grants made under this section are from applicants
currently not receiving assistance from the Corporation and
when possible in locations where there are no current
programs under part A, B, C in existence.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``or Alzheimer's disease, with an intent
of allowing those served to age in place'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``through education, prevention,
treatment, and rehabilitation'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``, including programs that teach
parenting skills, life skills, and family management
skills'';
(D) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Programs that establish and support mentoring
programs for disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101
of the National and Community Service Act of 1990), including
those mentoring programs that match youth with volunteer
mentors leading to apprenticeship programs and employment
training.'';
(E) in paragraph (5), by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``, including those programs that serve
youth and adults with limited English proficiency'';
(F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' and all that
follows through the period and insert ``and for individuals
and children with disabilities or chronic illnesses living at
home.'';
(G) in paragraph (7), by striking ``after-school
activities'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting ``after-school programs serving children in
low-income communities that may engage participants in
mentoring relationships, tutoring, life skills or study
skills programs, service-learning, physical, nutrition, and
health education programs, including programs aimed at
fighting childhood obesity, and other activities addressing
the needs of the community's children, including those of
working parents.'';
(H) by striking paragraphs (8), (9), (12), (13), (14),
(15), (16), and (18);
(I) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs
(8) and (9), respectively;
(J) by inserting after paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(10) Programs that engage older adults with children and
youth to complete service in energy conservation,
environmental stewardship, or other environmental needs of a
community.
``(11) Programs that collaborate with criminal justice
professionals and organizations in prevention programs aimed
at disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990) or youth re-
entering society after incarceration and their families,
which may include mentoring and counseling, which many
include employment counseling.'';
(K) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (12); and
(L) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) Programs that strengthen community efforts in
support of homeland security.'';
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``shall demonstrate
to the Director'' and all that follows through the period at
the end and inserting ``shall demonstrate to the Director a
level of expertise in carrying out such a program.''; and
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) by inserting ``widely'' before ``disseminate''; and
(B) by striking ``to field personnel'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``, including
through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment and other
volunteer recruitment programs being carried out by public or
private non-profit organizations.''.
[[Page H1491]]
SEC. 2209. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS.
Part D of title II (42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) is amended by
adding after section 227 the following:
``SEC. 228. CONTINUITY OF SERVICE.
``To ensure the continued service of individuals in
communities served by the Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program prior to enactment of this section, in making grants
under this title the Corporation shall take actions it
considers necessary to maintain service assignments for such
seniors and to ensure continuity of service for communities.
``SEC. 229. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS.
``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a
program receiving assistance under this title may accept
donations, including donations in cash or in kind.
``(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a program
receiving assistance under this title shall not accept
donations from the beneficiaries of the program.''.
SEC. 2210. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR.
Section 231 (42 U.S.C. 5028) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Activities authorized.--The Director is authorized
to--
``(A) make grants to or enter into contracts with public or
nonprofit organizations, including organizations funded under
part A, B, or C, for the purposes of demonstrating innovative
activities involving older Americans as volunteers; and
``(B) make incentive grants under subsection (d).
``(2) Support of volunteers.--The Director may support
under this part both volunteers receiving stipends and
volunteers not receiving stipends.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(A)'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``activities;'' and
inserting ``activities described in section 225(b) and
carried out through programs described in parts A, B, and
C;''; and
(C) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the
following:
``(2) programs that support older Americans in aging in
place while augmenting the capacity of members of a community
to serve each other through reciprocal service centers,
service credit banking, community economic scripts, barter
services, timebanking, and other similar programs where
services are exchanged and not paid for; or
``(3) grants to non-profit organizations to establish sites
or programs to--
``(A) assist retiring or retired individuals in locating
opportunities for--
``(i) public service roles, including through paid or
volunteer service;
``(ii) participating in life-planning programs, including
financial planning and issues revolving around health and
wellness; and
``(iii) continuing education, including leadership
development, health and wellness, and technological literacy;
and
``(B) connect retiring or retired individuals with members
of the community to serve as leaders and mentors in life
planning, relationships, employment counseling, education
counseling, and other areas of expertise as developed by the
retiring or retired adults.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Priority.--For purposes of subsection (b)(2),
priority shall be given to--
``(1) programs with established experience in carrying out
such a program and engaging the entire community in service
exchange;
``(2) programs with the capacity to connect to similar
programs throughout a city or region to augment the available
services to older Americans and for members of the community
to serve each other;
``(3) programs seeking to establish in an area where needs
of older Americans are left unmet and older Americans are
unable to consider aging in place without such service
exchange in place; and
``(4) programs that integrate participants in or
collaborate with service-learning programs, AmeriCorps State
and National programs, the VISTA program, the Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparents program, and
the Senior Companion programs, and programs described in
section 411 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.
3032).
``(d) Incentive Grants.--The incentive grants referred to
in subsection (a)(1)(B) are incentive grants to programs
receiving assistance under this title, subject to the
following:
``(1) Such grants (which may be fixed-amount grants) shall
be grants in an amount equal to $300 per volunteer enrolled
in the program, except that such amount shall be reduced as
necessary to meet the goals of this section.
``(2) Such a grant shall be awarded to a program only if
the program--
``(A) exceeds performance measures established under
section 179 of the National and Community Service Act of
1990;
``(B) provides non-Federal matching funds in an amount that
is not less than 50 percent of the amount received by the
program under this title;
``(C) enrolls more than 50 percent of the volunteers in
outcome-based service programs with measurable objectives
meeting community needs, as determined by the Corporation;
and
``(D) enrolls more volunteers from among members of the
Baby Boom generation, as defined in section 101 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990, than were
enrolled in the program during the previous fiscal year.
``(3) For each such grant, the Corporation shall require
the recipient to provide matching funds of 70 cents from non-
Federal sources for every $1 provided under the grant.
``(4) Such a grant shall be awarded to a program only if
the program submits, at such time and in such manner as the
Corporation may reasonably require, an application that
contains--
``(A) a demonstration that the program has met the
requirements of paragraph (2);
``(B) if applicable, a plan for innovative programs as
described in paragraph (6)(B)(ii);
``(C) a sustainability plan that describes how the program
will maintain the activities described in paragraph (6) when
the grant terminates; and
``(D) other information that the Corporation may require.
``(5) Such grants shall be awarded for a period of 3 years,
except that the grant shall be reviewed by the Corporation at
the end of the first and second fiscal years and revoked if
the Corporation finds that the program has failed to continue
to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) for those fiscal
years.
``(6) Such grants--
``(A) shall be used to increase the number of volunteers in
outcome-based service with measurable objectives meeting
community needs as determined by the Corporation; and
``(B) may be used--
``(i) for activities for which the program is authorized to
receive assistance under this title; and
``(ii) for innovative programs focused on the Baby Boom
generation, as defined in section 101 of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990, that have been accepted by the
Corporation through the application process in paragraph (4)
and are outcome-based programs with measurable objectives
meeting community needs as determined by the Corporation.
``(7) The Director shall, in making such grants, give high
priority to programs receiving assistance under section
201.''.
Subtitle C--Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination)
SEC. 2301. NONDISPLACEMENT.
Section 404(a) (42 U.S.C. 5044(a)) is amended by striking
``displacement of employed workers'' and inserting
``displacement of employed workers or volunteers (other than
participants under the national service laws)''.
SEC. 2302. NOTICE AND HEARING PROCEDURES.
Section 412(a) (42 U.S.C. 5052(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``75'' and inserting ``60''; and
(B) by adding ``and'' at the end;
(2) by striking paragraph (3); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as (3).
SEC. 2303. DEFINITIONS.
Section 421 (42 U.S.C. 5061) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``American Samoa,'';
(2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``National Senior
Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service
Corps''; and
(3) in paragraph (14)--
(A) by striking ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and
inserting ``National Senior Service Corps''; and
(B) by striking ``parts A, B, C, and E of'';
SEC. 2304. PROTECTION AGAINST IMPROPER USE.
Section 425 (42 U.S.C. 5065) is amended by striking
``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National
Senior Service Corps''.
Subtitle D--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)
SEC. 2401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR VISTA AND
OTHER PURPOSES.
Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 5081) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, excluding section
109'' and all that follows and inserting ``$100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each
of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4) and redesignating
paragraphs (3) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3); and
(C) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section), by
striking ``, excluding section 125'' and all that follows and
inserting ``such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal
years 2008 through 2012.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (e).
SEC. 2402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL
SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.
Section 502 (42 U.S.C. 5082) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 502. NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.
``(a) Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out part A of title
II, $67,500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be
necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
``(b) Foster Grandparent Program.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to carry out part B of title II, $115,000,000
for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
``(c) Senior Companion Program.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry
[[Page H1492]]
out part C of title II, $52,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and
such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009
through 2012.
``(d) Demonstration Programs.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out part E of title II, $500,000 for
fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each
of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''.
SEC. 2403. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION.
Section 504 (42 U.S.C. 5084) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 504. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION.
``There are authorized to be appropriated for the
administration of this Act $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2008
and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years
2009 through 2012.''.
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
SEC. 3101. INSPECTOR GENERAL ACT OF 1978.
Section 8F(a)(1) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5
U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``National and Community
Service Trust Act of 1993'' and inserting ``National and
Community Service Act of 1990''.
TITLE IV--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLES OF CONTENTS
SEC. 4101. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE ACT OF 1990.
Section 1(b) of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this
Act is as follows:
``Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Findings and purpose.
``Sec. 3. Sense of Congress.
``TITLE I--NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE STATE GRANT PROGRAM
``Subtitle A--General Provisions
``Sec. 101. Definitions.
``Subtitle B--School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning
Programs
``Part I--Programs for Elementary and Secondary Students
``Sec. 111. Assistance to States, Territories, and Indian tribes.
``Sec. 112. Allotments.
``Sec. 113. Applications.
``Sec. 114. Consideration of applications.
``Sec. 115. Participation of students and teachers from private
schools.
``Sec. 116. Federal, State, and local contributions.
``Sec. 116A. Limitations on uses of funds.
``Part II--Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service
``Sec. 117. Higher education innovative programs for community service.
``Part III--Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research
``Sec. 118. Innovative demonstration service-learning programs and
research.
``Subtitle C--National Service Trust Program
``Part I--Investment in National Service
``Sec. 121. Authority to provide assistance and approved national
service positions.
``Sec. 122. Types of national service programs eligible for program
assistance.
``Sec. 123. Types of national service positions eligible for approval
for national service educational awards.
``Sec. 124. Types of program assistance.
``Sec. 126. Other special assistance.
``Part II--Application and Approval Process
``Sec. 129. Provision of assistance and approved national service
positions.
``Sec. 129A. Education awards only research.
``Sec. 130. Application for assistance and approved national service
positions.
``Sec. 131. National service program assistance requirements.
``Sec. 132. Ineligible service categories.
``Sec. 133. Consideration of applications.
``Part III--National Service Participants
``Sec. 137. Description of participants.
``Sec. 138. Selection of national service participants.
``Sec. 139. Terms of service.
``Sec. 140. Living allowances for national service participants.
``Sec. 141. National service educational awards.
``Subtitle D--National Service Trust and Provision of National Service
Educational Awards
``Sec. 145. Establishment of the National Service Trust.
``Sec. 146. Individuals eligible to receive a national service
educational award from the Trust.
``Sec. 147. Determination of the amount of the national service
educational award.
``Sec. 148. Disbursement of national service educational awards.
``Sec. 149. Process of approval of national service positions.
``Subtitle E--National Civilian Community Corps
``Sec. 151. Purpose.
``Sec. 152. Establishment of National Civilian Community Corps Program.
``Sec. 153. National service program.
``Sec. 154. Summer national service program.
``Sec. 155. National Civilian Community Corps.
``Sec. 156. Training.
``Sec. 157. Service projects.
``Sec. 158. Authorized benefits for Corps members.
``Sec. 159. Administrative provisions.
``Sec. 160. Status of Corps members and Corps personnel under Federal
law.
``Sec. 161. Contract and grant authority.
``Sec. 162. Responsibilities of other departments.
``Sec. 163. Advisory board.
``Sec. 164. Annual evaluation.
``Sec. 166. Definitions.
``Subtitle F--Administrative Provisions
``Sec. 171. Family and medical leave.
``Sec. 172. Reports.
``Sec. 173. Supplementation.
``Sec. 174. Prohibition on use of funds.
``Sec. 175. Nondiscrimination.
``Sec. 176. Notice, hearing, and grievance procedures.
``Sec. 177. Nonduplication and nondisplacement.
``Sec. 178. State Commissions on National and Community Service.
``Sec. 179. Evaluation.
``Sec. 180. Engagement of participants.
``Sec. 181. Contingent extension.
``Sec. 182. Partnerships with schools.
``Sec. 183. Rights of access, examination, and copying.
``Sec. 184. Drug-free workplace requirements.
``Sec. 185. Consolidated application and reporting requirements.
``Sec. 186. Sustainability.
``Sec. 187. Use of recovered funds.
``Sec. 188. Expenses of attending meetings.
``Sec. 189. Grant periods.
``Sec. 189A. Generation of volunteers.
``Sec. 189B. Limitation on program grant costs.
``Sec. 189C. Audits and reports.
``Subtitle G--Corporation for National and Community Service
``Sec. 191. Corporation for National and Community Service.
``Sec. 192. Board of Directors.
``Sec. 192A. Authorities and duties of the Board of Directors.
``Sec. 193. Chief Executive Officer.
``Sec. 193A. Authorities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer.
``Sec. 194. Officers.
``Sec. 195. Employees, consultants, and other personnel.
``Sec. 196. Administration.
``Sec. 196A. Corporation State offices.
``Sec. 196B. Office of Outreach and Recruitment.
``Subtitle H--Investment for Quality and Innovation
``Part I--Additional Corporation Activities To Support National Service
``Sec. 198. Additional corporation activities to support national
service.
``Sec. 198B. Presidential awards for service.
``Part II--Innovative and Model Program Support
``Sec. 198D. Innovative and model program support.
``Part III--National Service Programs Clearinghouse
``Sec. 198E. National service programs clearinghouse.
``Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Corps
``Sec. 199. Short title.
``Sec. 199A. General authority.
``Sec. 199B. Limitation on purchase of capital equipment.
``Sec. 199C. State application.
``Sec. 199D. Focus of programs.
``Sec. 199E. Related programs.
``Sec. 199F. Public lands or Indian lands.
``Sec. 199G. Training and education services.
``Sec. 199H. Preference for certain projects.
``Sec. 199I. Age and citizenship criteria for enrollment.
``Sec. 199J. Use of volunteers.
``Sec. 199K. Living allowance.
``Sec. 199L. Joint programs.
``Sec. 199M. Federal and State employee status.
``Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance
``Sec. 199N. Training and technical assistance.
``TITLE II--MODIFICATIONS OF EXISTING PROGRAMS
``Subtitle A--Publication
``Sec. 201. Information for students.
``Sec. 202. Exit counseling for borrowers.
``Sec. 203. Department information on deferments and cancellations.
``Sec. 204. Data on deferments and cancellations.
``Subtitle B--Youthbuild Projects
``Sec. 211. Youthbuild projects.
``Subtitle C--Amendments to Student Literacy Corps
``Sec. 221. Amendments to Student Literacy Corps.
``TITLE IV--PROJECTS HONORING VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS
``Sec. 401. Projects.
``TITLE V--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
``Sec. 501. Authorization of appropriations.
``TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
``Sec. 601. Amtrak waste disposal.
``Sec. 602. Exchange program with countries in transition from
totalitarianism to Democracy.''.
[[Page H1493]]
SEC. 4102. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER
SERVICE ACT OF 1973.
Section 1(b) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973
(42 U.S.C. 4950 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this
Act is as follows:
``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Volunteerism policy.
``TITLE I--NATIONAL VOLUNTEER ANTIPOVERTY PROGRAMS
``Part A--Volunteers in Service to America
``Sec. 101. Statement of purpose.
``Sec. 102. Authority to operate VISTA program.
``Sec. 103. Selection and assignment of volunteers.
``Sec. 103A. VISTA programs of national significance.
``Sec. 104. Terms and periods of service.
``Sec. 105. Support service.
``Sec. 106. Participation of beneficiaries.
``Sec. 107. Participation of younger and older persons.
``Sec. 108. Limitation.
``Sec. 110. Applications for assistance.
``Part C--Special Volunteer Programs
``Sec. 121. Statement of purpose.
``Sec. 122. Authority to establish and operate special volunteer and
demonstration programs.
``Sec. 123. Financial assistance.
``TITLE II--NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS
``Sec. 200. Statement of purpose.
``Part A--Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
``Sec. 201. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.
``Part B--Foster Grandparent Program
``Sec. 211. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.
``Part C--Senior Companion Program
``Sec. 213. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.
``Part D--General Provisions
``Sec. 221. Promotion of National Senior Service Corps.
``Sec. 222. Payments.
``Sec. 223. Minority group participation.
``Sec. 224. Use of locally generated contributions in National Senior
Service Corps.
``Sec. 225. Programs of national significance.
``Sec. 226. Adjustments to Federal financial assistance.
``Sec. 227. Multiyear grants or contracts.
``Sec. 228. Continuity of service.
``Sec. 229. Acceptance of donations.
``Part E--Demonstration Programs
``Sec. 231. Authority of Director.
``TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION
``Sec. 403. Political activities.
``Sec. 404. Special limitations.
``Sec. 406. Labor standards.
``Sec. 408. Joint funding.
``Sec. 409. Prohibition of Federal control.
``Sec. 410. Coordination with other programs.
``Sec. 411. Prohibition.
``Sec. 414. Distribution of benefits between rural and urban areas.
``Sec. 415. Application of Federal law.
``Sec. 416. Evaluation.
``Sec. 417. Nondiscrimination provisions.
``Sec. 418. Eligibility for other benefits.
``Sec. 419. Legal expenses.
``Sec. 421. Definitions.
``Sec. 422. Audit.
``Sec. 423. Reduction of paperwork.
``Sec. 424. Review of project renewals.
``Sec. 425. Protection against improper use.
``Sec. 426. Center for Research and Training.
``TITLE V--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
``Sec. 501. National volunteer antipoverty programs.
``Sec. 502. National Senior Service Corps.
``Sec. 504. Administration and coordination.
``Sec. 505. Availability of appropriations.
``TITLE VI--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS AND REPEALERS
``Sec. 601. Supersedence of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of July 1, 1971.
``Sec. 602. Creditable service for civil service retirement.
``Sec. 603. Repeal of title VIII of the Economic Opportunity Act.
``Sec. 604. Repeal of title VI of the Older Americans Act.''.
TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE
SEC. 5101. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Unless specifically provided otherwise, the amendments made
by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 5102. SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS AND AGREEMENTS.
(a) Service Assignments.--Changes pursuant to this Act in
the terms and conditions of terms of service and other
service assignments under the national service laws
(including the amount of the education award) shall apply
only to individuals who enroll or otherwise begin service
assignments after 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, except when agreed upon by all interested parties.
(b) Agreements.--Changes pursuant to this Act in the terms
and conditions of grants, contracts, or other agreements
under the national service laws shall apply only to such
agreements entered into after 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, except when agreed upon by the parties
to such agreements.
(c) Exception.--Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to the
amendments made by this Act to section 201 of the Domestic
Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001). Any changes
pursuant to those amendments apply as specified in those
amendments.
TITLE VI--CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON CIVIC SERVICE
SEC. 6101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Congressional Commission
on Civic Service Act''.
SEC. 6102. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The social fabric of the United States is stronger if
individuals in the United States are committed to protecting
and serving our Nation by utilizing national service and
volunteerism to overcome our civic challenges.
(2) A more engaged civic society will strengthen the Nation
by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and
experiences to work on solutions to some of our Nation's
major challenges.
(3) Despite declines in civic health in the past 30 years,
national service and volunteerism among the Nation's youth
are increasing, and existing national service and volunteer
programs greatly enhance opportunities for youth to engage in
civic activity.
(4) In addition to the benefits received by nonprofit
organizations and society as a whole, volunteering and
national service provide a variety of personal benefits and
satisfaction and can lead to new paths of civic engagement,
responsibility, and upward mobility.
SEC. 6103. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established in the legislative branch a commission
to be known as the ``Congressional Commission on Civic
Service'' (in this title referred to as the ``Commission'').
SEC. 6104. DUTIES.
(a) General Purpose.--The purpose of the Commission is to
gather and analyze information in order to make
recommendations to Congress to--
(1) improve the ability of individuals in the United States
to serve others and, by doing so, to enhance our Nation and
the global community;
(2) train leaders in public service organizations to better
utilize individuals committed to national service and
volunteerism as they manage human and fiscal resources;
(3) identify and offer solutions to the barriers that make
it difficult for some individuals in the United States to
volunteer or perform national service; and
(4) build on the foundation of service and volunteer
opportunities that are currently available.
(b) Specific Topics.--In carrying out its general purpose
under subsection (a), the Commission shall address and
analyze the following specific topics:
(1) The level of understanding about the current Federal,
State, and local volunteer programs and opportunities for
service among individuals in the United States.
(2) The issues that deter volunteerism and national
service, particularly among young people, and how the
identified issues can be overcome.
(3) Whether there is an appropriate role for Federal,
State, and local governments in overcoming the issues that
deter volunteerism and national service and, if appropriate,
how to expand the relationships and partnerships between
different levels of government in promoting volunteerism and
national service.
(4) Whether existing databases are effective in matching
community needs to would-be volunteers and service providers.
(5) The effect on the Nation, on those who serve, and on
the families of those who serve, if all individuals in the
United States were expected to perform national service or
were required to perform a certain amount of national
service.
(6) Whether a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory
service requirement for all able young people could be
developed, and how such a requirement could be implemented in
a manner that would strengthen the social fabric of the
Nation and overcome civic challenges by bringing together
people from diverse economic, ethnic, and educational
backgrounds.
(7) The need for a public service academy, a 4-year
institution that offers a federally funded undergraduate
education with a focus on training future public sector
leaders.
(8) The means to develop awareness of national service and
volunteer opportunities at a young age by creating,
expanding, and promoting service options for primary and
secondary school students and by raising awareness of
existing incentives.
(9) The effectiveness of establishing a training program on
college campuses to recruit and educate college students for
national service.
(10) The effect on United States diplomacy and foreign
policy interests of expanding service opportunities abroad,
such as the Peace Corps, and the degree of need and capacity
abroad for an expansion.
(11) The constraints that service providers, nonprofit
organizations, and State and local agencies face in utilizing
federally funded volunteer programs, and how these
constraints can be overcome.
(12) Whether current Federal volunteer programs are suited
to address the special
[[Page H1494]]
skills and needs of senior volunteers, and if not, how these
programs can be improved such that the Federal Government can
effectively promote service among the ``baby boomer''
generation.
(c) Methodology.--
(1) Public hearings.--The Commission shall conduct public
hearings in various locations around the United States.
(2) Regular and frequent consultation.--The Commission
shall regularly and frequently consult with an advisory panel
of Members of Congress appointed for such purpose by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives and the majority
leader of the Senate.
SEC. 6105. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 8
members appointed as follows:
(A) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
(B) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of the House
of Representatives.
(C) 2 members appointed by the majority leader of the
Senate.
(D) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of the
Senate.
(2) Qualifications.--The members of the Commission shall
consist of individuals who are of recognized standing and
distinction in the areas of international public service,
national public service, service-learning, local service,
business, or academia.
(3) Deadline for appointment.--The members of the
Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this title.
(4) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall
be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
at the time of the appointment.
(b) Terms.--
(1) In general.--The members of the Commission shall serve
for the life of the Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect the power of the remaining members to execute the
duties of the Commission but any such vacancy shall be filled
in the same manner in which the original appointment was
made.
(c) Compensation.--
(1) Rates of pay; travel expenses.--Each member shall serve
without pay, except that each member shall receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Prohibition of compensation of federal employees.--
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any member of the Commission
who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States
may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits
because of service on the Commission.
(d) Meeting Requirements.--
(1) Frequency.--
(A) Quarterly meetings.--The Commission shall meet at least
quarterly.
(B) Additional meetings.--In addition to quarterly
meetings, the Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or a majority of its members.
(2) Quorum.--5 members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(3) Meeting by telephone or other appropriate technology.--
Members of the Commission are permitted to meet using
telephones or other suitable telecommunications technologies
provided that all members of the Commission can fully
communicate with all other members simultaneously.
SEC. 6106. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND
CONSULTANTS.
(a) Director.--
(1) Appointment.--The Commission shall have a Director who
shall be appointed by the Chairperson with the approval of
the Commission.
(2) Credentials.--The Director shall have credentials
related to international public service, national public
service, service-learning, or local service.
(3) Salary.--The Director shall be paid at a rate
determined by the Chairperson with the approval of the
Commission, except that the rate may not exceed the rate of
basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(b) Staff.--With the approval of the Chairperson, the
Director may appoint and fix the pay of additional qualified
personnel as the Director considers appropriate.
(c) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the
Commission, the Director may procure temporary and
intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5,
United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to
exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum annual rate of
basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the
Commission, Chairperson, or Director, the head of any Federal
department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any
of the personnel of that department or agency to the
Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this
title.
SEC. 6107. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the
purpose of carrying out this title, hold public hearings, sit
and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive
evidence as the Commission considers appropriate.
(b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of
the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any
action which the Commission is authorized to take by this
section.
(c) Obtaining Official Data.--Upon request of the
Chairperson, the head of any department or agency shall
furnish information to the Commission that the Commission
deems necessary to enable it to carry out this title.
(d) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--The Architect of
the Capitol, in consultation with the appropriate entities in
the legislative branch, shall locate and provide suitable
facilities and equipment for the operation of the Commission
on a nonreimbursable basis.
(e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of
the Commission, the Architect of the Capitol and the
Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission on a nonreimbursable basis such administrative
support services as the Commission may request in order for
the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this
title.
SEC. 6108. REPORTS.
(a) Interim Report.--The Commission shall submit an interim
report on its activities to Congress not later than 20 months
after the date of the enactment of this title.
(b) Final Report.--
(1) Deadline.--The Commission shall submit a final report
on its activities to Congress not later than 120 days after
the submission of the interim report under subsection (a).
(2) Contents.--The final report shall contain a detailed
statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission,
together with its recommendations for proposed legislation.
SEC. 6109. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 days after
submitting its final report under section 6108(b)(1).
TITLE VII--SENSE OF CONGRESS
SEC. 7101. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the Sense of Congress that the Corporation for
National and Community Service should make the maximum effort
possible to coordinate the recruiting and assignment
procedures of their various programs to allow senior citizens
and their grandchildren to share volunteer opportunities and/
or be assigned to the same geographic areas during their
period of service.
TITLE VIII--SENSE OF CONGRESS
SEC. 8101. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the Sense of Congress that the Corporation for
National and Community Service should make the maximum effort
possible to coordinate with the National Endowment for the
Humanities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled
in NACS programs to collect oral histories form senior
citizens in the communities where they serve.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr.
Platts) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong
support of H.R. 5563, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and
Education Act, the first reauthorization of the national and community
service laws and program since 1993.
The legislation we are considering today includes all of the
amendments approved last week by voice vote. It also includes the
provision on background checks from the Republican motion to recommit.
This bill is a bipartisan product.
Through volunteer and community service programs, tens of millions of
Americans of different generations have become inspired to build
stronger, more vibrant communities to help children succeed in school
and rebuild cities in times of disaster.
In 2006, more than 61 million Americans gave back to their
communities through service. The GIVE Act recognizes this growing
service movement that is taking place across the Nation. It builds upon
the successful work being done by members of AmeriCorps, of Vista, of
Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America.
The GIVE Act would put us on a path to increasing the number of
AmeriCorps members from 75,000 to 100,000 by 2012, with a focus on
engaging low-income, disadvantaged, and at-risk young people.
The GIVE Act would also help AmeriCorps members pay for college by
increasing the scholarship they earn in exchange for their service from
$4,725 to $5,255 by 2012.
This bill would introduce young people to community service by
creating a new Summer of Service initiative that will offer middle
school and high school students the opportunity to spend a summer
working to improve the communities while earning $500 toward college or
college preparation.
Alumni of service programs remain a valuable resource to our
communities. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast
communities, AmeriCorps alumni played a key role in relief, recovery,
and rebuilding efforts on the gulf coast.
[[Page H1495]]
To help tap into these resources in times of emergency, this bill
would create an Alumni Reserve Corps to service alumni with previous
disaster relief experience.
Each year, nearly a half a million older Americans participate in the
Senior Corps programs, mentoring children of prisoners, providing
independent living services to seniors, assisting victims of natural
disaster, and mobilizing other volunteers.
The GIVE Act would expand the purpose of the Senior Corps programs by
adding an emphasis on recruiting retired science, technology, health
care, law enforcement, and military professionals to help with
education, after-school, public safety, and technology needs.
I want to thank the many Members on both sides of the aisle who have
worked on this bill, in particular, Representative McCarthy on our side
of the aisle, Representative McKeon and Mr. Platts on the other side,
who is handling the bill today for their leadership, as well as the
Service Caucus for its support.
Let me also thank the Voices of Service and its member organizations
which have been invaluable in helping us develop this legislation.
Service and volunteerism have played an important role in our
Nation's history and will continue to help us meet the challenges and
the needs of our communities. This legislation reflects the important
role and builds upon it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5563, the Generations
Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, which will
strengthen our Nation's national and community service programs. As you
know, we debated this legislation for hours last week and adopted some
very positive amendments. I'm pleased that the majority has included
these amendments in the bill, as well as the Republican motion to
recommit, which will ensure that adequate criminal history checks will
be performed on anyone seeking a federally funded national service
position, and that individuals who are registered sex offenders or
convicted murderers will not be selected for such positions.
While it was my hope that the duplicative Energy Conservation Corps
is struck from the bill during the conference because the bill already
addresses that through other sections of this legislation, I'm proud to
be part of this effort to provide more flexibility for existing
community service programs to ensure that the most innovative and
effective grantees continue to receive funding and to increase the
accountability within the corporation.
Programs such as Foster Grandparents and Learn and Serve truly impact
the lives of America's most needy. AmeriCorps and NCCC participants
engage often disadvantaged youth and provide them with a sense of pride
and civic responsibility. These programs are truly win/win and provide
a tremendous return on the Federal investment.
Again, I want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, and
Chairwoman McCarthy for working with me, and for all the staff who have
made this effort a success.
I urge a ``yes'' vote and hope that my colleagues will support these
commonsense reforms to our national service programs and to support the
GIVE Act.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to
the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), a major champion of this
legislation.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank my chairman, George
Miller, for the great work that he has done.
This is a great day for national service. It's been 15 years since we
have reauthorized our national service laws.
As chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, I
am pleased to speak in support of H.R. 5563, the Generations
Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act.
Unfortunately, this legislation hit a procedural hurdle last week, but
I am glad the House will today have a chance once again to pass this
important piece of legislation.
The bill before us today incorporates the amendments that were
accepted on the floor last week, including my manager's amendment, and
amendments offered by Representative McKeon, Matsui and Shays, Inslee,
Sarbanes, McDermott, three amendments from Representative English and
two amendments from Representative Sutton. It also includes the
language from the Republican motion to recommit.
The administration and the service community support the GIVE Act.
I would like to thank Chairman Miller again for his continued support
and work on this reauthorization. I would also like to extend my thanks
to the ranking member of our committee, Mr. McKeon, for his hard work.
And finally, I would like to thank the ranking member of my
subcommittee, Mr. Platts, for his work on the reauthorization.
I would also like to thank again the staff on both sides of the aisle
for their work on this important piece of legislation.
National service has a distinguished and strong history in our
Nation. The benefits of service cannot be duplicated. Evidence shows
that service and volunteering lowers school dropouts and crime rates,
lowers costs associated with the aging population, and improves the
health among the elderly.
Volunteering is a cost effective way of working to solve the
challenges facing our Nation. That is why the passage of the GIVE Act
is necessary.
One of the most effective volunteer organizations in this Nation is
AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps volunteers offer a range of services focused on
low-income and disadvantaged communities. Our legislation recognizes
their invaluable work and increases the number of participants to
100,000.
The GIVE Act also encourages programs to recruit underrepresented
populations to serve, including scientists and engineers, young people
in and/or aging out of foster care, children at risk for delinquency,
and other disadvantaged young people. I truly believe that expanding
national service, particularly to disadvantaged youth, is an effective
way to combat things like gangs and violence, and the evidence bears
that out.
If we are serious about reducing gang violence in this Nation, we
must take the first step and offer our children an alternative. This
legislation creates the Summer of Service program which gives middle
school and high school students an opportunity to become engaged in a
positive way within their community. Through the Summer of Service
program, our Nation's young people will have a chance to serve with
others of their own age while improving their community.
Research shows that if students are engaged in service at an early
age, they will continue to serve throughout their lifetime.
We are strengthening the mission of the first responder volunteer
program, the National Civilian Community Corps, by requiring more
intense disaster and emergency relief training during down periods in
order to be better prepared for the future.
{time} 1530
We are all aware of what our Nation faced in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina, and the NCCC was there to respond and continues to recover
today.
The GIVE Act will help our Nation become better prepared for future
disasters by training and preparing more emergency volunteers. The GIVE
Act creates cooperation and an Office of Outreach in recruitment. This
new office, among other duties, will establish a reserve corps made of
those who have gone through the program and are alumni. The reserve
corps alumni will be called upon during emergencies and disasters or
other times of national needs.
We heard people asking over and over again during our hearings why
aren't we using our former members. The new outreach office will work
to connect the over-500,000 former volunteers who can be a resource for
the recruitment. The GIVE Act lowers the age of participation in the
national senior service to 55 years of age. By lowering the age, we are
encouraging retiring Americans to participate in national service and
giving older Americans the opportunity to lead us into the future.
Our Nation's retiring and retired adults are a rich resource that no
one
[[Page H1496]]
can duplicate, nor should they be overlooked. Every American, old and
young, has skills that can improve the day-to-day functions of our
society. The GIVE Act encourages individuals to get involved, creates a
deeper commitment to service, and makes our Nation more like what it
should be.
I, again, want to thank Chairman Miller for his deep commitment to
national service and Ranking Member McKeon and Congressman Platts for
their work with us on this bipartisan activity. I do urge all of my
colleagues to support this much-needed legislation.
Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the distinguished gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Flake) as much time as he may consume.
Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I stand in opposition to the GIVE Act. I
think that it has as its premise that we won't have volunteerism in
America unless we pay for it somehow or unless this body comes up with
it. The volunteerism represented by AmeriCorps and the other programs
here represent, I would venture, about one hundredth of 1 percent of
all of the voluntary activity that goes on out there. But here we act
as if it won't happen unless we create it and pay for it.
Paid volunteerism is not a very good principle, in my view. We have
to remember we are running a deficit. Our Federal Government is running
a deficit. So any money we pay here, any increase in any programs, any
new authorization, which I think over the 5-year reauthorization is
about $4.1 billion more than we were paying before, that's money that
has to be borrowed from the Treasury and, in effect, borrowed from our
kids.
And I think it's prudent to ask what this is going to be used for. I
think that most people would be surprised to learn that this
legislation would expand and reauthorize programs that the Office of
Management and Budget has rated as inefficient and ineffective. For
example, the Learn and Serve Program was rated as not performing and
results not demonstrated by the OMB. The AmeriCorps National Civilian
Community Corps was rated as not performing and ineffective.
It's bad enough that we are continuing funding, but under the Learn
and Serve Program, that was rated again by the OMB as not performing
and results not demonstrated, we are actually creating a new program
within that and funding it with 20 million more dollars. That simply is
not a prudent use of taxpayer dollars.
We have to remember we are taking money from people who are working
and giving it to others who are supposedly volunteering to work. When
you are providing a financial incentive, be it defrayment of tuition
costs or anything else, you are paying people to volunteer.
I would urge my colleagues to reject this legislation and return to
fiscal sanity and a little more fiscal discipline in this House.
Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield myself 30 seconds.
Mr. Speaker, I would just say in the two programs the gentleman from
Arizona raised, it's exactly why we have the reauthorization so we can
go back through those programs and, in fact, as a result of those
reviews, the administration has insisted upon substantial changes in
those programs which have been carried out and that is why the
administration now supports this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr.
Sarbanes), a member of the committee.
Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Miller,
Chairwoman McCarthy, and others for putting together the GIVE Act,
which reauthorizes the National Community Service Act of 1990 and the
Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. This act supports the Nation's
priorities in a number of important areas.
Mr. Speaker, Americans are hungry to serve. Last year, 62 million
Americans contributed 8.2 billion hours of volunteer service. And the
question is, are we ready to absorb that energy? Do we have a way of
capturing it and channeling it?
What the GIVE Act does is it creates that infrastructure; and that's
why we need it, because if we don't have an infrastructure to respond
to that volunteer energy, then people will go away even more
disillusioned. So the GIVE Act steps up and does exactly the right
thing.
And here are some of the things that it does: it sets a goal of
100,000 AmeriCorps volunteers by 2012 putting 25,000 additional
volunteers into our communities; it engages youth through a summer of
service; and it creates a new energy conservation corps. That corps
will focus our service corps apparatus on some of the Nation's most
pressing problems: energy efficiency and conservation training for
green jobs and rehabilitation of our Nation's critical infrastructure.
It will enlist both seniors and young people in that enterprise.
The act will also do right by our veterans. I was pleased to work
with Mr. Miller and Mrs. McCarthy to include language in this bill that
would require the Corporation for National and Community Service to
initiate a national conversation by commissioning a study to develop
and test a service corps program that both targets veterans as
recipients of community service and utilizes their service as
participants and volunteers. This national conversation would provide a
framework for better targeting the needs of veterans in the community.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the committee on its work on these important
issues. It is said that the pulse and time of a Nation are best
reflected in its service to others. The GIVE Act launches a new era of
service and, in so doing, will showcase the best of what America has to
offer.
Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl).
Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R.
5563 and to thank Chairman Miller and Chairwoman McCarthy for their
efforts, including a motion to recommit that I offered to H.R. 2857,
the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act.
Last week on March 6, I offered the motion to recommit to strengthen
H.R. 2857 and the national service laws. Recently, the corporation for
national community service completed a rule-making process to institute
background checks for any individual seeking Federal-funded national
service positions within the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparents
program and within AmeriCorps programs in which individuals have
recurring access to children, the elderly or, individuals with
disabilities. That rule-making process also prohibited individuals from
serving in those positions if they were and are registered sex
offenders.
While the motion to recommit will codify the corporation's
regulations, it will also expand on the corporation's effort by
requiring criminal history checks for any individual seeking a
federally funded national service position and not just those within
the foster grandparents and senior companion programs or just those
AmeriCorps programs dealing with specific populations.
Further, in addition to prohibiting registered sex offenders from
serving in federally funded national service positions, the motion to
recommit includes those individuals convicted of murder as well.
Again, I applaud Chairman Miller and appreciate his courtesies last
week on the floor and Chairwoman McCarthy for including the motion to
recommit which expresses a loud and clear message, that this House of
Representatives believes that those in need who are served by programs
supported with assistance under these laws should be assured that they
will not be placed in harm's way when approaching these programs for
help.
Although I am pleased that the motion to recommit was included in the
bill, I'm disappointed that the House majority has chosen not to take
up the FISA amendments. The FISA amendments, which we've been hearing
about all day, act to provide our intelligence community with the
critical tools it needs to conduct surveillance on foreign terrorists
without getting tied up in court.
The Senate, as we all know, passed this bipartisan legislation almost
a month ago. So I urge the majority to bring this crucial bill up for a
vote; and, again, I urge my colleagues to support this bill today
before this House.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to
the
[[Page H1497]]
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I rise in support
of this legislation. I'm pleased to have been a co-sponsor of this
bill, because the service programs and the new initiatives will help to
address some of our Nation's toughest problems about poverty to natural
disasters and will help improve the lives of millions of our most
valuable citizens. The bill will increase the number of AmeriCorps
volunteers by a third and will significantly increase the stipends for
those volunteers.
I particularly want to highlight a section that I am proud of. It is
a section that will create opportunities for professionals in the
sciences and technical fields to keep America competitive. It engages
scientists and engineers in volunteerism and encourages their efforts
to address unmet education and human needs. It will use scientists,
technicians, engineers and mathematicians, for example, to close the
digital divide that creates such a chasm between low-income communities
and the more privileged communities.
The bill also creates a national civilian conservation corps that, as
a residential program, will be deployed in times of national need, such
as emergencies and disasters. When not deployed in such circumstance,
they will build infrastructure, protect the environment, conserve our
resources, and help with urban and rural development.
Mr. Speaker, this is outstanding legislation. We really should
commend Mrs. McCarthy as well as Chairman Miller, Mr. McKeon, and Mr.
Platts for their work on this legislation.
I urge passage.
Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) as much time as he may consume.
Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I am really just distressed over the
manner in which this bill has come to the floor. When the Republicans
were in the majority, any bill that was in excess of $100 million had
to go through the regular process, was subject to amendments on the
floor, et cetera; and now we are bringing on the Suspension Calendar,
which is for naming post offices and minor things like that, a bill
that would spend $6.2 billion over the next 5 years.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the estimated current
outlay in fiscal year 2008 for existing Federal community service and
volunteer programs is already $607 million a year. Spending under this
bill would go up $884 million in fiscal year 2008, $942 million in
2009, $1.058 billion in fiscal year 2010, $1.154 billion in fiscal year
2011, and $1.235 billion in fiscal year 2012 for a total new spending
for volunteers of $4.1 billion over 5 years.
That's outrageous to pay for volunteer programs to have the bill not
subject to any amendment on the floor such as an amendment to pare down
the size of the spending.
And I think in a time when we have a fiscal crisis on our hands,
where the stock market is tanking and people are losing their homes and
people are not sure of having a job, for this Congress to come in and
use this extraordinary procedure to waive all the rules, including a
way to amend the bill and spend an additional $4.1 billion over 5
years, that really cracks the back of fiscal responsibility.
{time} 1545
The majority has shown unequivocally here that it is not the party of
fiscal responsibility, and I would therefore encourage my colleagues to
vote ``no'' on this bill.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2
minutes.
Mr. Speaker, it is a little hard to sit here and be lectured to by
somebody from the other party that ran up an $8 trillion deficit in a
matter of 8 years, about $1 trillion a year they succeeded in running
up the deficit. But more importantly, I don't know if the gentleman
from Illinois was absent last week or he doesn't remember, I don't know
which, but we were here last Thursday considering this bill under the
rules of the House, under essentially an open rule where every
Republican amendment and every Democratic amendment that was requested,
I believe, was offered.
The new programs were subjected to a vote of the House because we
thought that was fair. They prevailed. We finished the business of this
bill last week, and then people decided they wanted to play some games
on the motions to recommit, and so that forced us to bring the bill up
again this week.
We cannot go back to committee; that would be even more expensive,
more time-consuming, and bring back the bill, so we have chosen to do
it under suspension. But that's after all of the amendments have been
given full consideration. That's why the administration supported the
legislation. That's why it has bipartisan support, because it was
bipartisan in the committee. I think it was 44-0 that it came out of
the committee. It was bipartisan in the Rules Committee. It was
bipartisan on the floor until the gentleman's party decided at the last
minute that they wanted to try to somehow incorporate the FISA
discussion into national service. That was out of order. That was not
allowed.
And then Mr. Kuhl decided to offer an amendment, which we asked
unanimous consent to accept at that time and we were not allowed to
accept it. So, we're back here today. And we're trying to do it in the
most expeditious fashion because it costs something to run the House.
We shouldn't be back here today. But that's the history, in case the
gentleman was absent last week.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I would just, again, urge a ``yes'' vote in
support of the GIVE Act.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
I just want to, before we close debate, thank Mr. Platts and Mrs.
McCarthy for all of their hard work. They were really the engines
behind this legislation and getting it through the subcommittees and
the committees for our consideration here on the floor. I want to thank
them very much for that effort.
A couple of speakers suggested that somehow Americans volunteer, so
we don't need this act. The fact of the matter is this act builds much
more than just volunteers. I volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity. I
volunteer in the schools in my district. I volunteer in Coastal
Cleanup. I volunteer in community Weed and Seed programs. I volunteer
in a lot of efforts. This is also about taking people who would never
think of volunteering, young people who come from neighborhoods where
that's not an opportunity that they may have necessarily. And it not
only gets them into volunteering, but also builds skills. What people
really like to have volunteer are people with skills come and
volunteer.
It also builds leadership skills, so that those young people can
either incorporate their skills in additional volunteering or organize
other people to volunteer as they leave these programs. Many of these
young people graduate and go into public service. In California, we
will find people who will go from one of these programs to the
California Conservation Corps to maybe the national parks program,
where they end up working and rebuilding the infrastructure of our
national parks or public lands or coastal areas of these States.
And when you ask the young people, when you run across them, where
did they get their start, they got their start in AmeriCorps or the
VISTA program or something like that. They end up maybe later, after
they go to school, they come back and they work in the community.
That's why one of the things that this legislation does is try to reach
out to the alumni of this program, because we now realize how valuable
they are to our communities and we want them to continue to participate
and continue to organize people who have been the beneficiaries of this
program and those who have participated in it as leaders and as
participants so that we can build that core.
It's very interesting now, there's a number of people discussing the
national defense level of this country, that one of the things we
failed to do after 9/11 was build in a resiliency of this country in
the event of other another attack. Tragically, after 9/11 the President
told the country they didn't have to do anything, if they would just go
shopping.
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But now what we see is we still don't have the basic infrastructure
in our communities to deal with natural disasters, to deal with
possible terrorist attacks, to deal with regional-wide problems,
whether they be fires, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or any of that.
In fact, what we need is we need volunteers and people with volunteer
experience, people with organizing volunteers to start to come together
to think about how a community would respond, whether it's a chemical
spill, whether it's a chemical plant explosion, whether it's an
earthquake or a fire, to respond to help those people, to help those
first responders. We've never organized that. But we would like to
start thinking about organizing that, and I'm sure when we do, we will
be calling upon the professionals that were in VISTA, that were in
AmeriCorps, that were in the Senior Corps, that have connections
through their business connections, through their community
involvement.
So, this program pays many dividends way beyond the idea that this is
just about volunteering on a Saturday morning or a Sunday morning with
your church. We all do that. But there has to be more. And there has to
be avenues for people who aren't encouraged to volunteer, that we can
provide that encouragement and we can encourage people to participate
with populations that need that kind of assistance. That's the
importance of this legislation.
It's unfortunate it has taken so long for us to reauthorize this
bill. But what we know is Americans all across this country in every
region of this country want to see a greater sense of people giving
back to their communities, people volunteering in their communities,
organizing people to volunteer, to provide services to their
communities. That's what this legislation responds to.
It's been incredibly successful, when you meet the graduates of these
programs, when you meet the alumni of these programs. They don't stop
there. It becomes part of the ethic of their life. And they continue it
in their business, in their professions. They continue that kind of
activity because they see the value of it, they've participated in it.
And I would hope that my colleagues would give this legislation
overwhelming bipartisan support.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H.R. 5563, the ``Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education
Act' or the `GIVE Act'.'' I would like to thank my colleague,
Congresswoman McCarthy, for introducing this important legislation, as
well as the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor,
Congressman George Miller, for his leadership in bringing the bill to
the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation came to the floor last week as H.R.
2857. It was a good bill then but now it is an even better piece of
legislation.
The ten amendments that were incorporated into the current bill
before this chamber provide:
(1) greater integration of funding, (2) strengthens the Retired
Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and (3) more support for our military
families and veterans.
This legislation will make vital strides toward expanding and
improving key community service programs, including AmeriCorps, VISTA,
Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. The GIVE Act works to ensure
that volunteers, and the organizations that support them, will receive
the resources that they need to continue their vital work in our
communities.
Today's legislation embodies the altruistic spirit that has made our
nation great. Great numbers of Americans donate their time and their
unique skills and gifts to our cities and communities, without any
expectation of compensation or material reward. According to a 2005
study, 29 percent of the American public, or about 65.4 million people,
had volunteered in the past year.
This legislation engages our youth and fosters a sense of civic duty.
Which is why I was so pleased to see Section 1202 of this legislation,
which gives special consideration to Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and
Universities. I want to thank Representative McCarthy and
Representative Miller for allowing me to add to this great bill. By
adding predominately minority community colleges to the list of those
to receive special consideration, we help so many more students who
have a commitment to service.
Our community colleges are growing as many of our returning veterans,
single parents, and senior desire to make a change in their live
circumstances and simply cannot afford traditional higher education. A
sense of civic engagement is not fostered only among students at
Harvard and Berkeley; it is also found among students at community
colleges like Houston Community College and North Harris College. I
thank the Chairman for recognizing this needed addition and
incorporating it into the Manager's Amendment.
The GIVE Act would:
(1) increase the number of AmeriCorps volunteers from 75,000 to
100,000 by 2012; (2) increase stipends for AmeriCorps volunteers from
$4,725 to $5,225 by 2012; and (3) promote recruitment of disadvantaged
youth, baby-boomers, and veterans into national and community service
opportunities; (4) create an AmeriCorps Alumni Reserves Network aimed
at tapping into the skills and experience of alumni volunteers, with a
particular focus on assisting during emergencies or natural disasters;
and (5) constructs an Energy Conservation Corps, which will address our
nation's energy and transportation infrastructure needs while providing
work and service opportunities.
I am disappointed that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle
have chosen to be obstructionists to legislation that engages our
youth, strengthens disaster and emergency preparedness, and invests in
our volunteer and service organizations with appropriate funding. This
Bipartisan effort needs to be supported.
I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will add service before self
to our leaders of tomorrow. I urge my colleagues to join me in
supporting this legislation.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Altmire). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5563.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the
yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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