[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1342-S1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. Young):

[[Page S1343]]

  S. 1268. A bill to amend the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 
and the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 to strengthen 
research in adult education; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. REED. Madam President, I am pleased to introduce the bipartisan 
Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act with my colleague, 
Senator Young. We are in urgent need of identifying and disseminating 
innovative and effective methods for supporting adult learners. Our 
legislation will ensure that there is a strong research base to improve 
educational programs for adults seeking to advance their literacy, 
numeracy, and digital and information literacy skills.
  The most recent data from the Program for the International 
Assessment of Adult Competencies show an urgent need for action in 
adult education, with an estimated 18 percent of adults ages 16 to 65 
in the United States performing at the lowest levels of literacy; 28 
percent at the lowest levels of numeracy; and 23 percent at the lowest 
levels of digital problem solving. This is a dire situation. These are 
essential skills for postsecondary education and the workplace. Beyond 
their value in the labor market, these skills are also correlated with 
health and civic participation, making adult education critically 
important to the health and well-being of our people, our economy, and 
our democracy.
  In Rhode Island, it is estimated that more than 84,000 working-age 
adults have less than a high school education. Nearly 65,000 have 
limited English proficiency. Yet we are reaching just over 5,000 
through the current adult education program. Clearly, we need more 
resources and innovative, research-based ways to reach more people.
  The Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act will provide a 
critical foundation for improving the effectiveness and reach of adult 
education programs by ensuring that adult education is included in our 
national education research priorities. Specifically, the Strengthening 
Research in Adult Education Act will amend the Education Sciences 
Reform Act to require the Institute for Education Sciences and the 
National Center for Education Statistics to collect data and carry out 
research on successful State and local adult education and literacy 
activities, the characteristics and academic achievement of adult 
learners, and access to and opportunity for adult education, including 
digital and information literacy skills development, in communities 
across the country. It will also ensure that the Institute of Education 
Sciences draws on the expertise of adult educators when developing 
policies and priorities. Finally, the legislation will require that at 
least one research center focus on adult education.
  These straightforward amendments to the Education Sciences Reform Act 
will go a long way to strengthening the research base that will support 
the improvement of adult education across the country. I was pleased to 
work with the adult education community and particularly the Coalition 
on Adult Basic Education and the National Coalition for Literacy in 
developing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the 
Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act and to work with me to 
ensure that its provisions are included in the reauthorization of the 
Education Sciences Reform Act.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth):
  S. 1270. A bill to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
to provide funding, on a competitive basis, for summer and year-round 
employment opportunities for youth ages 14 through 24; to the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1270

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Assisting in Developing 
     Youth Employment Act'' or the ``AID Youth Employment Act''.

     SEC. 2. YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

       Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subtitle E (29 U.S.C. 3241 et seq.) as 
     subtitle F; and
       (2) by inserting after subtitle D (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) 
     the following:

              ``Subtitle E--Youth Employment Opportunities

     ``SEC. 176. DEFINITIONS.

       ``In this subtitle:
       ``(1) Eligible youth.--The term `eligible youth' means an 
     individual who--
       ``(A) is not younger than age 14 or older than age 24; and
       ``(B) is--
       ``(i) an in-school youth;
       ``(ii) an out-of-school youth; or
       ``(iii) an unemployed individual.
       ``(2) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms `Indian 
     tribe' and `tribal organization' have the meanings given the 
     terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
     Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       ``(3) In-school youth; out-of-school youth.--The terms `in-
     school youth' and `out-of-school youth' have the meanings 
     given the terms in section 129(a)(1).
       ``(4) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1001). (A)
       ``(5) Marginalized.--The term `marginalized', used with 
     respect to an individual, includes individuals who are 
     homeless, in foster care, involved in the juvenile or 
     criminal justice system, or are not enrolled in or at risk of 
     dropping out of an educational institution and who live in an 
     underserved community that has faced trauma through acute or 
     long-term exposure to substantial discrimination, historical 
     or cultural oppression, intergenerational poverty, civil 
     unrest, a high rate of violence, or a high rate of drug 
     overdose mortality.
       ``(6) Subsidized employment.--The term `subsidized 
     employment' means employment for which the employer receives 
     a total or partial subsidy to offset costs of employing an 
     eligible youth under this subtitle.
       ``(7) Tribal area.--The term `tribal area' means--
       ``(A) an area on or adjacent to an Indian reservation;
       ``(B) land held in trust by the United States for Indians;
       ``(C) a public domain Indian allotment;
       ``(D) a former Indian reservation in Oklahoma; and
       ``(E) land held by an incorporated Native group, Regional 
     Corporation, or Village Corporation under the provisions of 
     the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et 
     seq.).
       ``(8) Tribal college or university.--The term `tribal 
     college or university' has the meaning given the term `Tribal 
     College or University' in section 316(b) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).
       ``(9) Tribally designated housing entity.--The term 
     `tribally designated housing entity', used with respect to an 
     Indian tribe (as defined in this section), has the meaning 
     given in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance 
     and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).

     ``SEC. 176A. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.

       ``(a) Allocation.--Of the funds appropriated under section 
     176E that remain available after any reservation under 
     subsection (b), the Secretary may make available--
       ``(1) not more than $1,800,000,000 in accordance with 
     section 176B to provide eligible youth with subsidized summer 
     employment opportunities; and
       ``(2) not more than $2,400,000,000 in accordance with 
     section 176C to provide eligible youth with subsidized year-
     round employment opportunities.
       ``(b) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve not more than 
     10 percent of the funds appropriated under section 176E to 
     provide technical assistance and oversight, in order to 
     assist eligible entities in applying for and administering 
     grants awarded under this subtitle.

     ``SEC. 176B. SUMMER EMPLOYMENT COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Grants.--Using the amounts made available under 
     176A(a)(1), the Secretary shall award, on a competitive 
     basis, planning and implementation grants.
       ``(2) General use of funds.--The Secretary shall award the 
     grants to assist eligible entities by paying for the program 
     share of the cost of--
       ``(A) in the case of a planning grant, planning a summer 
     youth employment program to provide subsidized summer 
     employment opportunities; and
       ``(B) in the case of an implementation grant, 
     implementation of such a program, to provide such 
     opportunities.
       ``(b) Periods and Amounts of Grants.--
       ``(1) Planning grants.--The Secretary may award a planning 
     grant under this section for a 1-year period, in an amount of 
     not more than $250,000.
       ``(2) Implementation grants.--The Secretary may award an 
     implementation grant under this section for a 3-year period, 
     in an amount of not more than $6,000,000.
       ``(c) Eligible Entities.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a planning or 
     implementation grant under this section, an entity shall--
       ``(A) be a--

[[Page S1344]]

       ``(i) State, local government, or Indian tribe or tribal 
     organization, that meets the requirements of paragraph (2); 
     or
       ``(ii) community-based organization that meets the 
     requirements of paragraph (3); and
       ``(B) meet the requirements for a planning or 
     implementation grant, respectively, specified in paragraph 
     (4).
       ``(2) Government partnerships.--An entity that is a State, 
     local government, or Indian tribe or tribal organization 
     referred to in paragraph (1) shall demonstrate that the 
     entity has entered into a partnership with State, local, or 
     tribal entities--
       ``(A) that shall include--
       ``(i) a local educational agency or tribal educational 
     agency (as defined in section 6132 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7452));
       ``(ii) a local board or tribal workforce development 
     agency;
       ``(iii) a State, local, or tribal agency serving youth 
     under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system or 
     criminal justice system;
       ``(iv) a State, local, or tribal child welfare agency;
       ``(v) a State, local, or tribal agency or community-based 
     organization, with--

       ``(I) expertise in providing counseling services, and 
     trauma-informed and gender-responsive trauma prevention, 
     identification, referral, and support (including treatment) 
     services; and
       ``(II) a proven track record of serving low-income 
     vulnerable youth and out-of-school youth; and

       ``(vi) if the State, local government, or Indian tribe or 
     tribal organization is seeking an implementation grant, and 
     has not established a summer youth employment program, an 
     entity that is carrying out a State, local, or tribal summer 
     youth employment program; and
       ``(vii) an employer or employer association; and
       ``(B) that may include--
       ``(i) an institution of higher education or tribal college 
     or university;
       ``(ii) a representative of a labor or labor-management 
     organization;
       ``(iii) an entity that carries out a program that receives 
     funding under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 
     Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq.) or section 212 of the 
     Second Chance Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17532);
       ``(iv) a collaborative applicant as defined in section 401 
     of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     11360) or a private nonprofit organization that serves 
     homeless individuals and households (including such an 
     applicant or organization that serves individuals or 
     households that are at risk of homelessness in tribal areas) 
     or serves foster youth;
       ``(v) an entity that carries out a program funded under the 
     Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 
     (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), including Native American programs 
     funded under section 116 of that Act (20 U.S.C. 2326) and 
     tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical 
     institution programs funded under section 117 of that Act (20 
     U.S.C. 2327);
       ``(vi) a local or tribal youth committee;
       ``(vii) a State or local public housing agency or a 
     tribally designated housing entity; and
       ``(viii) another appropriate State, local, or tribal 
     agency.
       ``(3) Community-based organization partnerships.--A 
     community-based organization referred to in paragraph (1) 
     shall demonstrate that the organization has entered into a 
     partnership with State, local, or tribal entities--
       ``(A) that shall include--
       ``(i) a unit of general local government or tribal 
     government;
       ``(ii) an agency described in paragraph (2)(A)(i);
       ``(iii) a local board or tribal workforce development 
     agency;
       ``(iv) a State, local, or tribal agency serving youth under 
     the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system or criminal 
     justice system;
       ``(v) a State, local, or tribal child welfare agency;
       ``(vi) if the organization is seeking an implementation 
     grant, and has not established a summer youth employment 
     program, an entity that is carrying out a State, local, or 
     tribal summer youth employment program; and
       ``(vii) an employer or employer association; and
       ``(B) that may include one or more entities described in 
     paragraph (2)(B).
       ``(4) Entities eligible for particular grants.--
       ``(A) Entities eligible for planning grants.--The Secretary 
     may award a planning grant under this section to an eligible 
     entity that--
       ``(i) is preparing to establish or expand a summer youth 
     employment program that meets the minimum requirements 
     specified in subsection (d); and
       ``(ii) has not received a grant under this section.
       ``(B) Entities eligible for implementation grants.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may award an 
     implementation grant under this section to an eligible entity 
     that--

       ``(I) has received a planning grant under this section; or
       ``(II) has established a summer youth employment program 
     and demonstrates a minimum level of capacity to enhance or 
     expand the summer youth employment program described in the 
     application submitted under subsection (d).

       ``(ii) Capacity.--In determining whether an entity has the 
     level of capacity referred to in clause (i)(II), the 
     Secretary may include as capacity--

       ``(I) the entity's staff capacity and staff training to 
     deliver youth employment services; and
       ``(II) the entity's existing youth employment services (as 
     of the date of submission of the application submitted under 
     subsection (d)) that are consistent with the application.

       ``(d) Application.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an 
     eligible entity desiring to receive a grant under this 
     section for a summer youth employment program shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     including, at a minimum, each of the following:
       ``(A) With respect to an application for a planning or 
     implementation grant--
       ``(i) a description of the eligible youth for whom summer 
     employment services will be provided;
       ``(ii) a description of the eligible entity, and a 
     description of the expected participation and 
     responsibilities of each of the partners in the partnership 
     described in subsection (c);
       ``(iii) information demonstrating sufficient need for the 
     grant in the State, local, or tribal population, which may 
     include information showing--

       ``(I) a high level of unemployment among youth (including 
     young adults) ages 14 through 24;
       ``(II) a high rate of out-of-school youth;
       ``(III) a high rate of homelessness;
       ``(IV) a high rate of poverty;
       ``(V) a high rate of adult unemployment;
       ``(VI) a high rate of community or neighborhood crime;
       ``(VII) a high rate of violence; or
       ``(VIII) a high level or rate on another indicator of need;

       ``(iv) a description of the strategic objectives the 
     eligible entity seeks to achieve through the program to 
     provide eligible youth with core work readiness skills, which 
     may include--

       ``(I) financial literacy skills, including providing the 
     support described in section 129(b)(2)(D);
       ``(II) sector-based technical skills aligned with employer 
     needs;
       ``(III) skills that--

       ``(aa) are soft employment skills, early work skills, or 
     work readiness skills; and
       ``(bb) include social skills, communications skills, 
     higher-order thinking skills, self-control, and positive 
     self-concept; and

       ``(IV) (for the marginalized eligible youth) basic skills 
     like communication, math, and problem solving in the context 
     of training for advancement to better jobs and postsecondary 
     training; and

       ``(v) information demonstrating that the eligible entity 
     has obtained commitments to provide the non-program share 
     described in paragraph (2) of subsection (h).
       ``(B) With respect to an application for a planning grant--
       ``(i) a description of the intermediate and long-term goals 
     for planning activities for the duration of the planning 
     grant;
       ``(ii) a description of how grant funds will be used to 
     develop a plan to provide summer employment services for 
     eligible youth;
       ``(iii) a description of how the eligible entity will carry 
     out an analysis of best practices for identifying, 
     recruiting, and engaging program participants, in particular 
     the marginalized eligible youth;
       ``(iv) a description of how the eligible entity will carry 
     out an analysis of best practices for placing youth 
     participants--

       ``(I) in opportunities that--

       ``(aa) are appropriate subsidized employment opportunities 
     with employers based on factors including age, skill, 
     experience, career aspirations, work-based readiness, and 
     barriers to employment; and
       ``(bb) may include additional services for participants, 
     including core work readiness skill development and 
     mentorship services;

       ``(II) in summer employment that--

       ``(aa) is not less than 6 weeks;
       ``(bb) follows a schedule of not more than 20 hours per 
     week;
       ``(cc) pays wages at rates not less than the applicable 
     Federal, State, or local minimum wage rate; and
       ``(dd) for employment involving construction, pays wages at 
     rates not less than those previously on similar construction 
     in the locality as determined by the Secretary in accordance 
     with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States 
     Code (commonly known as the `Davis-Bacon Act'); and
       ``(v) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     develop a mentorship program or connect youth with positive, 
     supportive mentorships, consistent with paragraph (3).
       ``(C) With respect to an application for an implementation 
     grant--
       ``(i) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     identify, recruit, and engage program participants, in 
     particular the marginalized eligible youth;
       ``(ii) a description of the manner in which the eligible 
     entity plans to place eligible youth participants in 
     subsidized employment opportunities, and in summer 
     employment, described in subparagraph (B)(iv);
       ``(iii) (for a program serving the marginalized eligible 
     youth), a description of workplaces for the subsidized 
     employment

[[Page S1345]]

     involved, which may include workplaces in the public, 
     private, and nonprofit sectors;
       ``(iv) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     provide or connect eligible youth participants with positive, 
     supportive mentorships, consistent with paragraph (3);
       ``(v) a description of services that will be available to 
     employers participating in the youth employment program, to 
     provide supervisors involved in the program with coaching and 
     mentoring on--

       ``(I) how to support youth development;
       ``(II) how to structure learning and reflection; and
       ``(III) how to deal with youth challenges in the workplace;

       ``(vi) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     offer structured pathways back into employment and a youth 
     employment program under this section for eligible youth who 
     have been terminated from employment or removed from the 
     program;
       ``(vii) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     engage eligible youth beyond the duration of the summer 
     employment opportunity, which may include--

       ``(I) developing or partnering with a year-round youth 
     employment program;
       ``(II) referring eligible youth to other year-round 
     programs, which may include--

       ``(aa) programs funded under section 176C or the Carl D. 
     Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
     2301 et seq.);
       ``(bb) after school programs;
       ``(cc) secondary or postsecondary education programs;
       ``(dd) training programs;
       ``(ee) cognitive behavior therapy programs;
       ``(ff) apprenticeship programs; and
       ``(gg) national service programs;

       ``(III) employing a full-time, permanent staff person who 
     is responsible for youth outreach, followup, and recruitment; 
     or
       ``(IV) connecting eligible youth with job development 
     services, including career counseling, resume and job 
     application assistance, interview preparation, and 
     connections to job leads;

       ``(viii) evidence of the eligible entity's capacity to 
     provide the services described in this subsection; and
       ``(ix) a description of the quality of the summer youth 
     employment program, including a program that leads to a 
     recognized postsecondary credential.
       ``(2) Indian tribe; tribal organizations.--An eligible 
     entity that is an Indian tribe or tribal organization and 
     desires to receive a grant under this section for a summer 
     youth employment program may, in lieu of submitting the 
     application described in paragraph (1), submit an application 
     to the Secretary that meets such requirements as the 
     Secretary develops after consultation with the tribe or 
     organization.
       ``(3) Mentor.--For purposes of subparagraphs (B)(iv), 
     (B)(v), and (C)(iv) of paragraph (1), a mentor--
       ``(A) shall be an individual who has been matched with an 
     eligible youth based on the youth's needs;
       ``(B) shall make contact with the eligible youth at least 
     once each week;
       ``(C) shall be a trusted member of the local community; and
       ``(D) may include--
       ``(i) a mentor trained in trauma-informed care (including 
     provision of trauma-informed trauma prevention, 
     identification, referral, or support services to youth that 
     have experienced or are at risk of experiencing trauma), 
     conflict resolution, and positive youth development;
       ``(ii) a job coach trained to provide youth with guidance 
     on how to navigate the workplace and troubleshoot problems;
       ``(iii) a supervisor trained to provide at least two 
     performance assessments and serve as a reference; or
       ``(iv) a peer mentor who is a former or current participant 
     in the youth employment program involved.
       ``(e) Awards for Populations and Areas.--
       ``(1) Populations.--The Secretary shall reserve, from the 
     amounts made available under section 176A(a)(1)--
       ``(A) 50 percent to award grants under this section for 
     planning or provision of subsidized summer employment 
     opportunities for in-school youth; and
       ``(B) 50 percent to award such grants to plan for planning 
     or provision of such opportunities for out-of-school youth.
       ``(2) Areas.--
       ``(A) In general.--In awarding the grants, the Secretary 
     shall consider the regional diversity of the areas to be 
     served, to ensure that urban, suburban, rural, and tribal 
     areas are receiving grant funds.
       ``(B) Rural and tribal area inclusion.--
       ``(i) Rural areas.--Not less than 20 percent of the amounts 
     made available under section 176A(a)(1) for each fiscal year 
     shall be made available for activities to be carried out in 
     rural areas.
       ``(ii) Tribal areas.--Not less than 5 percent of the 
     amounts made available under section 176A(a)(1) for each 
     fiscal year shall be made available for activities to be 
     carried out in tribal areas.
       ``(f) Program Priorities.--In allocating funds under this 
     section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible 
     entities--
       ``(1) who propose to coordinate their activities--
       ``(A) with local or tribal employers; and
       ``(B) with agencies described in subsection (c)(2)(A)(i) to 
     ensure the summer youth employment programs provide clear 
     linkages to remedial, academic, and occupational programs 
     carried out by the agencies;
       ``(2) who propose a plan to increase private sector 
     engagement in, and job placement through, summer youth 
     employment; and
       ``(3) who have, in their counties, States, or tribal areas 
     (as compared to other counties in their State, other States, 
     or other tribal areas, respectively), a high level or rate 
     described in subsection (d)(1)(A)(iii).
       ``(g) Use of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant 
     under this section may use the grant funds for services 
     described in subsection (d).
       ``(2) Discretionary uses.--The eligible entity may also use 
     the funds--
       ``(A) to provide wages to eligible youth in subsidized 
     summer employment programs;
       ``(B) to provide eligible youth with support services, 
     including case management, child care assistance, child 
     support services, and transportation assistance; and
       ``(C) to develop data management systems to assist with 
     programming, evaluation, and records management.
       ``(3) Administration.--An eligible entity may reserve not 
     more than 10 percent of the grant funds for the 
     administration of activities under this section.
       ``(4) Carry-over authority.--Any amounts provided to an 
     eligible entity under this section for a fiscal year may, at 
     the discretion of the Secretary, remain available to that 
     entity for expenditure during the succeeding fiscal year to 
     carry out programs under this section.
       ``(h) Program Share.--
       ``(1) Planning grants.--The program share for a planning 
     grant awarded under this section shall be 100 percent of the 
     cost described in subsection (a)(2)(A).
       ``(2) Implementation grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--The program share for an implementation 
     grant awarded under this section shall be 50 percent of the 
     cost described in subsection (a)(2)(B).
       ``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary--
       ``(i) may increase the program share for an eligible 
     entity; and
       ``(ii) shall increase the program share for an Indian tribe 
     or tribal organization to not less than 95 percent of the 
     cost described in subsection (a)(2)(B).
       ``(C) Non-program share.--The eligible entity may provide 
     the non-program share of the cost--
       ``(i) in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including 
     plant, equipment, or services; and
       ``(ii) from State, local, tribal or private (including 
     philanthropic) sources and, in the case of an Indian tribe or 
     tribal organization, from Federal sources.

     ``SEC. 176C. YEAR-ROUND EMPLOYMENT COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Grants.--Using the amounts made available under 
     176A(a)(2), the Secretary shall award, on a competitive 
     basis, planning and implementation grants.
       ``(2) General use of funds.--The Secretary shall award the 
     grants to assist eligible entities by paying for the program 
     share of the cost of--
       ``(A) in the case of a planning grant, planning a year-
     round youth employment program to provide subsidized year-
     round employment opportunities; and
       ``(B) in the case of an implementation grant, 
     implementation of such a program to provide such 
     opportunities.
       ``(b) Periods and Amounts of Grants.--The planning grants 
     shall have the periods and amounts described in section 
     176B(b)(1). The implementation grants shall have the periods 
     and grants described in section 176B(b)(2).
       ``(c) Eligible Entities.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a planning or 
     implementation grant under this section, an entity shall, 
     except as provided in paragraph (2)--
       ``(A) be a--
       ``(i) State, local government, or Indian tribe or tribal 
     organization, that meets the requirements of section 
     176B(c)(2); or
       ``(ii) community-based organization that meets the 
     requirements of section 176B(c)(3); and
       ``(B) meet the requirements for a planning or 
     implementation grant, respectively, specified in section 
     176B(c)(4).
       ``(2) Year-round youth employment programs.--For purposes 
     of paragraph (1), any reference in section 176B(c)--
       ``(A) to a summer youth employment program shall be 
     considered to refer to a year-round youth employment program; 
     and
       ``(B) to a provision of section 176B shall be considered to 
     refer to the corresponding provision of this section.
       ``(d) Application.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an 
     eligible entity desiring to receive a grant under this 
     section for a year-round youth employment program shall 
     submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require, including, at a minimum, each of the following:
       ``(A) With respect to an application for a planning or 
     implementation grant, the information and descriptions 
     specified in section 176B(d)(1)(A).
       ``(B) With respect to an application for a planning grant, 
     the descriptions specified in section 176B(d)(1)(B), except 
     that the description of an analysis for placing youth in 
     employment described in clause (iv)(II)(bb) of

[[Page S1346]]

     that section shall cover employment that follows a schedule--
       ``(i) that consists of--

       ``(I) not more than 15 hours per week for in-school youth; 
     and
       ``(II) not less than 20 and not more than 40 hours per week 
     for out-of-school youth; and

       ``(ii) that depends on the needs and work-readiness level 
     of the population being served.
       ``(C) With respect to an application for an implementation 
     grant, the descriptions and evidence specified in section 
     176B(d)(1)(C)--
       ``(i) except that the reference in section 
     176B(d)(1)(C)(ii) to employment described in section 
     176B(d)(1)(B) shall cover employment that follows the 
     schedule described in subparagraph (B); and
       ``(ii) except that the reference to programs in clause 
     (vii)(II)(aa) of that section shall be considered to refer 
     only to programs funded under the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
     Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
       ``(D) With respect to an application for an implementation 
     grant--
       ``(i) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     provide mental health services, as needed, to eligible youth 
     participants; and
       ``(ii) a description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     address barriers to participation among eligible youth, 
     including provding transportation and child care.
       ``(2) Indian tribe; tribal organizations.--An eligible 
     entity that is an Indian tribe or tribal organization and 
     desires to receive a grant under this section for a year-
     round youth employment program may, in lieu of submitting the 
     application described in paragraph (1), submit an application 
     to the Secretary that meets such requirements as the 
     Secretary develops after consultation with the tribe or 
     organization.
       ``(3) Mentor.--For purposes of paragraph (1), any reference 
     in subparagraphs (B)(iv), (B)(v), and (C)(iv) of section 
     176B(d)(1) to a mentor shall be considered to refer to a 
     mentor who--
       ``(A) shall be an individual described in subparagraphs (A) 
     and (C) of section 176B(d)(3);
       ``(B) shall make contact with the eligible youth at least 
     twice each week; and
       ``(C) may be an individual described in section 
     176B(d)(3)(D).
       ``(4) Year-round employment.--For purposes of this 
     subsection, any reference in section 176B(d)--
       ``(A) to summer employment shall be considered to refer to 
     year-round employment; and
       ``(B) to a provision of section 176B shall be considered to 
     refer to the corresponding provision of this section.
       ``(e) Awards for Populations and Areas; Priorities.--
       ``(1) Populations.--The Secretary shall reserve, from the 
     amounts made available under section 176A(a)(2)--
       ``(A) 50 percent to award grants under this section for 
     planning or provision of subsidized year-round employment 
     opportunities for in-school youth; and
       ``(B) 50 percent to award such grants to plan for planning 
     or provision of such opportunities for out-of-school youth.
       ``(2) Areas; priorities.--In awarding the grants, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(A) carry out section 176B(e)(2); and
       ``(B) give priority to eligible entities--
       ``(i) who--

       ``(I) propose the coordination and plan described 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 176B(f), with respect to 
     year-round youth employment; and
       ``(II) meet the requirements of section 176B(f)(3); or

       ``(ii) who--

       ``(I) propose a plan to coordinate activities with entities 
     carrying out State, local, or tribal summer youth employment 
     programs, to provide pathways to year-round employment for 
     eligible youth who are ending summer employment; and
       ``(II) meet the requirements of section 176B(f)(3).

       ``(f) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a 
     grant under this section may use the grant funds--
       ``(1) for services described in subsection (d);
       ``(2) as described in section 176B(g)(2), with respect to 
     year-round employment programs;
       ``(3) as described in section 176B(g)(3), with respect to 
     activities under this section; and
       ``(4) at the discretion of the Secretary, as described in 
     section 176B(g)(4), with respect to activities under this 
     section.
       ``(g) Program Share.--
       ``(1) Planning grants.--The provisions of section 
     176B(h)(1) shall apply to planning grants awarded under this 
     section, with respect to the cost described in subsection 
     (a)(2)(A).
       ``(2) Implementation grants.--The provisions of section 
     176B(h)(2) shall apply to implementation grants awarded under 
     this section, with respect to the cost described in 
     subsection (a)(2)(B).

     ``SEC. 176D. EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) Performance Measures.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish 
     performance measures for purposes of carrying out annual 
     reviews under subsection (b) and of developing and 
     implementing a system of continuous quality improvement under 
     subsection (c).
       ``(2) Components.--The performance measures for the 
     eligible entities shall consist of--
       ``(A) the indicators of performance described in paragraph 
     (3); and
       ``(B) an adjusted level of performance for each indicator 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) Indicators of performance.--
       ``(A) In general.--The indicators of performance shall 
     consist of--
       ``(i) the percentage of youth employment program 
     participants who are in education or training activities, or 
     in employment, during the second quarter after exit from the 
     program;
       ``(ii) the percentage of youth employment program 
     participants who are in education or training activities, or 
     in employment, during the fourth quarter after exit from the 
     program;
       ``(iii) the percentage of youth employment program 
     participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary 
     credential, or a secondary school diploma or its recognized 
     equivalent (subject to subparagraph (B)), during 
     participation in or within 1 year after exit from the 
     program; and
       ``(iv) the percentage of youth employment program 
     participants who, during a program year, are in a youth 
     employment program that includes an education or training 
     program that leads to an outcome specified by the Secretary, 
     which may include--

       ``(I) obtaining a recognized postsecondary credential or 
     employment; or
       ``(II) achieving measurable skill gains toward such a 
     credential or employment.

       ``(B) Indicator relating to credential.--For purposes of 
     subparagraph (A)(iii), youth employment program participants 
     who obtain a secondary school diploma or its recognized 
     equivalent shall be included in the percentage counted as 
     meeting the criterion under such subparagraph only if such 
     participants, in addition to obtaining such diploma or its 
     recognized equivalent, have obtained or retained employment 
     or are in a youth employment program that includes an 
     education or training program leading to a recognized 
     postsecondary credential within 1 year after exit from the 
     program.
       ``(4) Levels of performance.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each eligible entity, there shall be 
     established, in accordance with this paragraph, levels of 
     performance for each of the corresponding indicators of 
     performance described in paragraph (3).
       ``(B) Identification in application.--Each eligible entity 
     shall identify, in the application submitted under subsection 
     (d) of section 176B or 176C, expected levels of performance 
     for each of those indicators of performance for each program 
     year covered by the application.
       ``(C) Agreement on adjusted levels of performance.--The 
     eligible entity shall reach agreement with the Secretary on 
     levels of performance for each of those indicators of 
     performance for each such program year. The levels agreed to 
     shall be considered to be the adjusted levels of performance 
     for the eligible entity for such program years and shall be 
     incorporated into the application prior to the approval of 
     such application.
       ``(b) Annual Review.--The Secretary shall carry out an 
     annual review of each eligible entity receiving a grant under 
     this subtitle. In conducting the review, the Secretary shall 
     review the performance of the entity on the performance 
     measures under this section and determine if the entity has 
     used any practices that shall be considered best practices 
     for purposes of this subtitle.
       ``(c) Continuous Quality Improvement.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in addition to 
     conducting the annual review, develop and implement a system 
     of continuous quality improvement designed to improve the 
     quality of activities carried out under this subtitle.
       ``(2) Activities.--In implementing the system, the 
     Secretary shall carry out activities including--
       ``(A) using the performance measures established under this 
     section, to assess the quality of employment programs funded 
     under sections 176B and 176C and providing the eligible 
     entities carrying out those programs with continuing feedback 
     on their performance on those measures;
       ``(B) creating improvement plans to address quality issues 
     concerning the employment programs;
       ``(C) providing targeted support (including technical 
     assistance and training) to staff of the eligible entities on 
     improving the quality of the employment programs in areas 
     where the system demonstrates that improvements are needed; 
     and
       ``(D) publishing and disseminating information on the 
     quality of the employment programs.
       ``(d) Report to Congress.--
       ``(1) Preparation.--The Secretary shall prepare a report on 
     the grant programs established by this subtitle, which report 
     shall include a description of--
       ``(A) the eligible entities receiving funding under this 
     subtitle;
       ``(B) the activities carried out by the eligible entities;
       ``(C) how the eligible entities were selected to receive 
     funding under this subtitle;
       ``(D) an assessment of the results achieved by the grant 
     programs including findings from the annual reviews conducted 
     under subsection (b); and
       ``(E) a description of the development and implementation 
     of, and outcomes from, the system of continuous quality 
     improvement described in subsection (c).
       ``(2) Submission.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of the AID

[[Page S1347]]

     Youth Employment Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
     shall submit a report described in paragraph (1) to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress.
       ``(e) Application to Indian Tribes and Tribal 
     Organizations.--The Secretary may issue regulations that 
     clarify the application of all the provisions of this 
     subtitle to Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

     ``SEC. 176E. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated--
       ``(1) to carry out section 176B, $375,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2024 through 2028; and
       ``(2) to carry out section 176C, $500,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''.

     SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) References.--
       (1) Section 121(b)(1)(C)(ii)(II) of the Workforce 
     Investment and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3152(b)(1)(C)(ii)(II)) is amended by striking ``subtitles C 
     through E'' and inserting ``subtitles C through F''.
       (2) Section 503(b) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3343(b)) is 
     amended by inserting before the period the following: ``(as 
     such subtitles were in effect on the day before the date of 
     enactment of this Act)''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act is amended by striking the item relating to 
     the subtitle heading for subtitle E of title I and inserting 
     the following:

              ``Subtitle E--Youth Employment Opportunities

``Sec. 176. Definitions.
``Sec. 176A. Allocation of funds.
``Sec. 176B. Summer employment competitive grant program.
``Sec. 176C. Year-round employment competitive grant program.
``Sec. 176D. Evaluation and administration.
``Sec. 176E. Authorization of appropriations.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Merkley, and Mr. 
        Welch):
  S. 1275. A bill to impose limitations on attorney fees for Federal 
causes of action relating to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1275

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Protect Access to Justice 
     for Veterans Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON ATTORNEY FEES FOR FEDERAL CAUSE OF 
                   ACTION RELATING TO WATER AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH 
                   CAROLINA.

       Section 804 of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson 
     Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 
     2022 (Public Law 117-168; 28 U.S.C. 2671 note prec.) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(k) Attorney Fees.--
       ``(1) Limitations.--No legal representative of an 
     individual who brings an action under subsection (b) or who 
     presents a claim under section 2675 of title 28, United 
     States Code, pursuant to subsection (h) shall charge, demand, 
     receive, or collect for services rendered in bringing such 
     action or presenting such claim, fees in excess of--
       ``(A) 20 percent of an award, compromise, or settlement 
     made or reached within 180 days after presenting a claim 
     under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code, pursuant 
     to subsection (h); and
       ``(B) 33.3 percent on a claim that is resolved by 
     settlement, compromise, or judgement after the initiation of 
     an action.
       ``(2) Terms for payment of fees.--Any judgment rendered, 
     settlement entered, compromise made, or other award made with 
     respect to an action brought under subsection (b) or a claim 
     presented under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code, 
     pursuant to subsection (h) by a legal representative of an 
     individual shall require the following:
       ``(A) All funds from the judgment, settlement, compromise, 
     or other award shall be deposited into an account held in 
     trust for the individual in accordance with all applicable 
     provisions of State law.
       ``(B) The legal representative shall--
       ``(i) once any funds described in subparagraph (A) have 
     been deposited into an account pursuant to such subparagraph, 
     notify the individual of such deposit; and
       ``(ii) promptly deliver to such individual such amount of 
     such funds as the individual is entitled to receive.
       ``(C) That no funds shall be paid from the account 
     described in subparagraph (A) to a legal representative of 
     the individual as compensation for services rendered to such 
     individual until the relevant funds from such account have 
     been disbursed to the individual in accordance with 
     subparagraph (B).
       ``(3) Penalties.--
       ``(A) Fee limitations.--Any legal representative who 
     charges, demands, receives, or collects for services rendered 
     in connection with an action under subsection (b) or a claim 
     under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code, pursuant 
     to subsection (h), any amount in excess of that allowed under 
     paragraph (1) of this subsection, if recovery be had, shall 
     be fined not more than $5,000.
       ``(B) Terms for payment.--Failure of a legal representative 
     subject to paragraph (2) to comply with a requirement of such 
     paragraph shall be punishable consistent with the penalties 
     provided in section 2678 of title 28, United States Code.
       ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     shall be construed to annul, alter, affect, or exempt any 
     person from complying with the laws of any State or locality 
     with respect to the practice of law, except to the extent 
     that those laws are inconsistent with any provision of this 
     subsection, and then only to the extent of the 
     inconsistency.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth):
  S. 1276. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify 
the work opportunity credit for certain youth employees; to the 
Committee on Finance.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1276

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Helping to Encourage Real 
     Opportunities (HERO) for Youth Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 2. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF WORK OPPORTUNITY CREDIT 
                   FOR CERTAIN YOUTH EMPLOYEES.

       (a) Expansion of Credit for Summer Youth.--
       (1) Credit allowed for year-round employment.--Section 
     51(d)(7)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (A) by striking clauses (i) and (iii) and redesignating 
     clauses (ii) and (iv) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
       (B) in clause (i) (as so redesignated), by striking ``(or 
     if later, on May 1 of the calendar year involved),'';
       (C) by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) (as so 
     redesignated) and inserting ``, and''; and
       (D) adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(iii) who will be employed for not more than 20 hours per 
     week during any period between September 16 and April 30 in 
     which such individual is regularly attending any secondary 
     school.''.
       (2) Increase in credit amount.--Section 51(d)(7) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
     subparagraph (B) and by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
     subparagraph (B).
       (3) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Subparagraph (F) of section 51(d)(1) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``summer''.
       (B) Paragraph (7) of section 51(d) of such Code is 
     amended--
       (i) by striking ``summer'' each place it appears in 
     subparagraphs (A);
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated by paragraph (2), 
     by striking ``subparagraph (A)(iv)'' and inserting 
     ``subparagraph (A)(ii)''; and
       (iii) by striking ``summer'' in the heading thereof.
       (b) Credit for Disconnected Youth.--
       (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 51(d) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' 
     at the end of subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the 
     end of subparagraph (J) and inserting ``, or'', and by adding 
     at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(K) an disconnected youth.''.
       (2) Disconnected youth.--Paragraph (14) of section 51(d) of 
     such Code is amended to read as follows:
       ``(14) Disconnected youth.--The term `disconnected youth' 
     means any individual who--
       ``(A)(i) is certified by the designated local agency as 
     having attained age 16 but not age 25 on the hiring date, and
       ``(ii) has self-certified (on a form prescribed by the 
     Secretary) that such individual--
       ``(I) has not regularly attended any secondary, technical, 
     or post-secondary school during the 6-month period preceding 
     the hiring date,
       ``(II) has not been regularly employed during such 6-month 
     period, and
       ``(III) is not readily employable by reason of lacking a 
     sufficient number of basic skills, or
       ``(B) is certified by the designated local agency as--
       ``(i) having attained age 16 but not age 21 on the hiring 
     date, and
       ``(ii) an eligible foster child (as defined in section 
     152(f)(1)(C)) who was in foster care during the 12-month 
     period ending on the hiring date.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to individuals who begin work for the employer 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. McCONNELL:
  S. 1277. A bill to modify the boundary of the Mammoth Cave National 
Park in

[[Page S1348]]

the State of Kentucky, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the text 
of the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1277

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Mammoth Cave National Park 
     Boundary Adjustment Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 2. MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.

       Section 11 of the Act of June 5, 1942 (56 Stat. 319, 
     chapter 341; 16 U.S.C. 404c-11), is amended--
       (1) in the second paragraph, by striking ``the sum of not 
     to exceed'' in the first sentence and all that follows 
     through the period at the end of the paragraph and inserting 
     ``such sums as are necessary.''; and
       (2) by inserting after the second paragraph the following:
       ``The Secretary of the Interior may acquire approximately 
     980 acres of the land and any interests in the land generally 
     depicted on the map entitled `Mammoth Cave National Park 
     Proposed Southern Boundary Expansion Edmonson and Barren 
     Counties, Kentucky', numbered 135/177, 967, and dated April 
     28, 2022, for inclusion in the Mammoth Cave National Park.''.

                          ____________________