[Senate Report 109-287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
109th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 109-287
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calendar No. 526
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2007
----------
R E P O R T
of the
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
U.S. SENATE
on
S. 3708
July 20, 2006.--Ordered to be printed
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2007 (S. 3708)
Calendar No. 526
109th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 109-287
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2007
_______
July 20, 2006.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Specter, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 3708]
The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 3708)
making appropriations for Departments of Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes,
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.
Amount of budget authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate............. $605,536,272,000
Amount of 2006 appropriations....................... 609,531,301,000
Amount of 2007 budget estimate...................... 601,083,544,000
Amount of House allowance \1\....................... 604,990,972,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2006 appropriations............................. -3,995,029,000
2007 budget estimate............................ +4,452,728,000
House allowance................................. +545,300,000
\1\ H.R. 5647 as reported to the House.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Summary of Budget Estimates and Committee Recommendations........ 4
Overview and Bill Highlights..................................... 4
Highlights of the Bill........................................... 4
Title I: Department of Labor:
Employment and Training Administration....................... 7
Employee Benefits Security Administration.................... 19
Employment Standards Administration.......................... 20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration................ 24
Mine Safety and Health Administration........................ 25
Bureau of Labor Statistics................................... 26
Office of Disability Employment Policy....................... 26
Departmental Management...................................... 28
General Provisions........................................... 35
Title II: Department of Health and Human Services:
Health Resources and Services Administration................. 36
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention................... 70
National Institutes of Health................................ 101
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.... 170
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality................... 182
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services................... 184
Administration for Children and Families..................... 191
Administration on Aging...................................... 209
Office of the Secretary...................................... 214
General Provisions, Department of Health and Human Services.. 222
Title III: Department of Education:
Education for the Disadvantaged.............................. 224
Impact Aid................................................... 232
School Improvement Programs.................................. 233
Indian Education............................................. 241
Innovation and Improvement................................... 241
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education....................... 253
English Language Acquisition................................. 256
Special Education............................................ 257
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research.............. 260
Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities:
American Printing House for the Blind.................... 266
National Technical Institute for the Deaf................ 267
Gallaudet University..................................... 267
Vocational and Adult Education............................... 268
Student Financial Assistance................................. 271
Student Aid Administration................................... 273
Higher Education............................................. 273
Howard University............................................ 285
College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans................ 286
Historically Black College and University Capital Financing
Program.................................................... 286
Institute of Education Science............................... 286
Departmental Management:
Program Administration................................... 291
Office for Civil Rights.................................. 291
General Provisions........................................... 292
Title IV: Related Agencies:
Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely
Dis-
abled...................................................... 294
Corporation for National and Community Service............... 294
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.......................... 298
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service................... 299
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission............. 300
Institute of Museum and Library Services..................... 300
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission......................... 303
National Commission on Libraries and Information Science..... 303
National Council on Disability............................... 303
National Labor Relations Board............................... 304
National Mediation Board..................................... 304
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission............. 305
Railroad Retirement Board.................................... 305
Social Security Administration............................... 306
Title V: General Provisions...................................... 310
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 311
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the Sen-
ate............................................................ 311
Compliance With Paragraph 7(C), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 312
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 313
Comparative Statement of New Budget Authority.................... 314
SUMMARY OF BUDGET ESTIMATES AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
For fiscal year 2007, the Committee recommends total budget
authority of $605,536,272,000 for the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies.
Of this amount, $142,800,000,000 is current year discretionary
funding, including offsets.
OVERVIEW AND BILL HIGHLIGHTS
The Labor, HHS, and Education and Related Agencies bill
constitutes the largest of the non-defense Federal
appropriations bills being considered by Congress this year. It
is the product of extensive deliberations, driven by the
realization that no task before Congress is more important than
safeguarding and improving the health and well-being of all
Americans. This bill is made up of over 300 programs, spanning
three Federal Departments and numerous related agencies. But
the bill is more than its component parts. Virtually every
element of this bill reflects the traditional ideal of
democracy: that every citizen deserves the right to a basic
education and job skills training; protection from illness and
want; and an equal opportunity to reach one's highest
potential.
This bill at the same time provides a safety net of social
protections for the needy while stimulating advances in human
achievement and the life sciences. At its core, this bill
embodies those defining principles by which any free society
must be guided: compassion for the less fortunate; respect for
family and loved ones; acceptance of personal responsibility
for one's actions; character development; and the avoidance of
destructive behavior.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
Job Training.--The Committee recommendation includes
$5,089,620,000 for job training programs, an increase of
$677,215,000 over the budget request, but $27,846,000 below the
comparable 2006 level. This includes $1,629,788,000 for the
Office of Job Corps, and $1,476,064,000 for Dislocated Worker
Assistance.
Worker Protection.--The Committee bill includes
$1,620,700,000 to ensure the health and safety of workers,
including $249,789,000 for the National Labor Relations Board,
$491,167,000 for the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration and $300,436,000 for the Mine Safety and Health
Administration. The recommendation is an increase of
$76,300,000 over the 2006 level.
Child Labor.--The Committee bill includes $72,516,000 for
activities designed to end abusive child labor. This is
$60,153,000 above the budget request, but the same as the 2006
level.
National Institutes of Health.--A total of $28,550,667,000
is recommended to fund biomedical research at the 27 Institutes
and Centers that comprise the NIH. This represents an increase
of $220,820,000 over the fiscal year 2006 level and
$200,664,000 over the budget request.
Health Centers.--The recommendation includes $1,926,076,000
for health centers, $145,000,000 over the fiscal 2006 level.
Substance Abuse.--The Committee bill provides
$3,336,812,000 for substance abuse prevention and treatment
programs. Included in this amount is $2,130,757,000 for
substance abuse treatment, $196,729,000 for substance abuse
prevention and $911,805,000 for mental health programs.
Low-income Home Energy Assistance State Grants.--The
Committee recommends $2,161,170,000 for heating and cooling
assistance for low-income individuals and families,
$379,170,000 above the budget request and $1,485,000 more than
the 2006 comparable level.
Head Start.--The Committee recommendation includes
$6,788,571,000 for the Head Start Program. This represents an
increase of $3,709,000 over the 2006 comparable level.
Persons With Disabilities.--To promote independent living
in home and community-based settings. This includes $27,655,000
for the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the
Department of Labor, $15,720,000 for Disabled Voter Services
and $10,000,000 for Real Choice Systems Change Grants through
the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
Education for the Disadvantaged.--The Committee has
provided $14,447,189,000 in grants to enhance educational
opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Educator Professional Development.--The Committee
recommends $3,470,374,000 for various professional development
programs administered by the Department of Education.
English Language Acquisition.--The Committee recommends
$669,007,000 for bilingual education.
Student Financial Aid.--The Committee recommends
$14,488,458,000 for student financial assistance. The Pell
Grant Program continues its current maximum grant award of
$4,050.
Higher Education Initiatives.--The Committee bill provides
$2,002,692,000 for initiatives to provide greater opportunities
for higher education, including $828,178,000 for Federal TRIO
programs and $303,423,000 for GEAR UP.
Education for Individuals With Disabilities.--The Committee
bill provides $11,400,112,000 to help ensure that all children
have access to a free and appropriate education, and that all
infants and toddlers with disabilities have access to early
intervention services.
Rehabilitation Services.--The bill recommends
$3,248,312,000 for rehabilitation services. These funds are
essential for families with disabilities seeking employment.
The Committee restored funding for several important programs
proposed for elimination, such as Supported Employment State
Grants, Projects with Industry, Recreational programs and
programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Services for Older Americans.--For programs serving older
Americans, the Committee recommendation includes
$2,941,563,000. This recommendation includes $217,592,000 for
senior volunteer programs, $432,311,000 for community service
employment for older Americans, $350,595,000 for supportive
services and centers, $156,167,000 for family caregiver support
programs and $715,070,000 for senior nutrition programs. For
the medical research activities of the National Institute on
Aging, the Committee recommends $1,039,828,000. The Committee
recommendation also includes not less than $30,000,000 for the
Medicare insurance counseling program.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.--The Committee bill
recommends an advance appropriation for fiscal year 2009 of
$400,000,000 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In
addition, the Committee bill includes $29,700,000 for
conversion to digital broadcasting and $36,000,000 for the
replacement project of the interconnection system in fiscal
year 2007 funding.
REPROGRAMMING AND TRANSFER AUTHORITY
The Committee has included bill language delineating
permissible transfer authority in general provisions for each
of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and
Education, as well as specifying reprogramming authority in a
general provision applying to all funds provided under this
act.
COMPARISONS TO HOUSE BILL
The comparisons in this report are to the House reported
version of the bill. The Committee has initiated an original
Senate bill, since the House of Representatives has not yet
taken action on H.R. 5647 as reported by the House
Appropriations Committee.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $3,524,708,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 2,910,803,000
House allowance......................................... 3,443,899,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,459,832,000
\1\ Excludes $125,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-148.
The Committee recommends $3,459,832,000 for this account in
2007 which provides funding primarily for activities under the
Workforce Investment Act [WIA]. This is $64,876,000 less than
the comparable 2006 level, $15,933,000 more than the House
allowance, and $549,029,000 over the administration request.
The Committee recommendation does not include the $325,000,000
rescission of prior year funds proposed by the House, for which
there was no budget request.
Training and employment services is comprised of programs
designed to enhance the employment and earnings of economically
disadvantaged and dislocated workers, operated through a
decentralized system of skill training and related services.
This appropriation is generally forward-funded on a July-to-
June cycle. Funds provided for fiscal year 2007 will support
the program from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
Beginning with the fiscal year 2000 appropriation, budget
constraints required that a portion of this account's funding
be advance appropriated, yet still available for the forward-
funded program year. This practice will continue in this year's
appropriation.
Pending reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act the
Committee is acting on a current law request, deferring without
prejudice proposed legislative language under the jurisdiction
of the authorizing committees.
The Committee recommendation retains language from last
year's bill requiring that the Department take no action to
amend, through regulatory or other administrative action, the
definition established in 20 CFR 677.220 for functions and
activities under title I of the Workforce Investment Act until
such time as legislation reauthorizing the Act is enacted.
Similar language was included in the House bill. The Committee
expects that, while the Workforce Investment Act is in the
process of being altered and renewed, the Administration will
refrain from unilateral changes to the administration,
operation and financing of employment and training programs.
Specifically, the Committee expects that no funds be utilized
for the proposed career advancement account initiative unless
specifically authorized by law.
Adult Employment and Training.--For Adult Employment and
Training Activities, the Committee recommends $800,000,000,
which is $88,000,000 more than the budget request, $54,000,000
less than the House allowance, and $64,199,000 less than the
program year 2006 level. This program is formula-funded to
States and further distributed to local workforce investment
boards. Services for adults will be provided through the One-
Stop system and most customers receiving training will use
their individual training accounts to determine which programs
and providers fit their needs. The act authorizes core
services, which will be available to all adults with no
eligibility requirements, and intensive services, for
unemployed individuals who are not able to find jobs through
core services alone.
Dislocated Worker Assistance.--For Dislocated Worker
Assistance, the Committee recommends $1,476,064,000, $4,161,000
more than the comparable program year 2006 level, $361,482,000
more than the budget request, and the same as the House
allowance. Of the total, $1,193,264,000 is designated for State
formula grants. This program is a State-operated effort which
provides core services, intensive services, training, and
supportive services to help permanently separated workers
return to productive, unsubsidized employment. In addition,
States use these funds for rapid response assistance to help
workers affected by mass layoffs and plant closures. Also,
States may use these funds to carry out additional statewide
employment and training activities, which may include
implementation of innovative incumbent and dislocated worker
training programs, and programs such as Advanced Manufacturing
Integrated Systems Technology. The recommendation includes
$282,800,000 available to the Secretary for activities such as
responding to mass layoffs, plant and/or military base
closings, and natural disasters across the country, which
cannot be otherwise anticipated, as well as technical
assistance and training and demonstration projects, including
community college initiatives.
The Committee bill continues language authorizing the use
of funds under the dislocated workers program for projects that
provide assistance to new entrants in the workforce and
incumbent workers, as well as to provide assistance where there
have been dislocations across multiple sectors or local areas
of a State.
The Committee recommendation includes, as it has in past
years, funding for dislocated worker projects aimed at
assisting the long-term unemployed.
The Committee is encouraged by the administration's efforts
in addressing our Nation's nursing shortage. Native Hawaiians,
along with other ethnic minority populations throughout rural
America, feel this critical shortage much more acutely. The
Department is strongly urged to work collaboratively with
nursing programs amidst such populations to facilitate
opportunities for summer employment of nursing students.
The Committee is aware of the economic diversification
opportunity brought on by the human and natural resources
released by the recently announced closure of a century old
pineapple plantation on Oahu and recommends that collaboration
between the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial relations
and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to promote and sponsor
multiculturally farm food safety training. The Committee urges
sensitive consideration of this and other employment challenges
posed to the people of Hawaii as a result of torrential rains
and devastating floods.
Community-Based Job Training Initiative.--The Committee
recommendation includes $125,000,000 to carry out the Community
College/Community-Based Job Training Grant initiative, compared
to the $150,000,000 request. The Committee recommendation
allocates $125,000,000 from National Emergency Grant funds
available under section 132(a)(2)(A) of the Workforce
Investment Act, as does the House bill for this initiative. The
Secretary is expected to initially use resources from the
National Emergency Grants account for these awards that are
designated for non-emergencies under sections 171(d) and 170(b)
of the Workforce Investment Act. Community Based Job Training
Grant awards will also be subject to the limitations of
sections 171(c)(4)(A) through 171(c)(4)(C) of the Workforce
Investment Act to ensure that these grants are awarded
competitively. Funds used for this initiative should strengthen
partnerships between workforce investment boards, community
colleges, and employers, to train workers for high growth, high
demand industries in the new economy.
The Committee encourages the Employment and Training
Administration to consider, in future solicitations for grant
applications for the Community Based Job Training Initiative,
including One Stop Career Centers, and in rural areas and other
communities without community colleges, eligibility of
alternative education and training providers to apply for these
grants.
Youth Training.--For Youth Training, the Committee
recommends $935,500,000, which is $95,000,000 more than the
budget request and the same as House allowance. The purpose of
Youth Training is to provide eligible youth with assistance in
achieving academic and employment success through improving
educational and skill competencies and providing connections to
employers. Other activities include providing mentoring
opportunities, opportunities for training, supportive services,
summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to
academic and occupational learning, incentives for recognition
and achievement, and activities related to leadership
development, citizenship, and community service.
Youthbuild.--Like the House, the Committee recommendation
requires that within the amount made available for youth
activities, up to $50,000,000 may be dedicated toward the
Youthbuild program. The Committee concurs with House bill
language that all funds shall revert to the youth formula grant
program if the Youth build program is not authorized for
transfer to the Labor Department by April 1, 2007.
Job Corps.--The Committee recommendation continues funding
the Job Corps program as an independent entity reporting to the
Office of the Secretary of Labor. The budget request and House
allowance recommend returning the program to the Employment and
Training Administration. This program is described in a
separate account in this report.
Responsible Reintegration of Youthful Offenders.--The
Committee recommendation includes $60,000,000, to continue
funding for the current Responsible Reintegration of Youthful
Offenders program. Neither the budget request nor the House
allowance included funding for this program, which was funded
at $49,104,000 in program year 2006. The Responsible
Reintegration of Youthful Offenders program targets critical
funding to help prepare and assist young offenders to return to
their communities. The program also provides support,
opportunities, education and training to youth who are court-
involved and on probation, in aftercare, on parole, or who
would benefit from alternatives to incarceration or diversion
from formal judicial proceedings.
The Committee commends the work of the Second Chance
Program of San Diego for its exemplary recidivism reduction
program. The State of California is particularly in need of
reentry services, as it houses 40 percent of our Nation's
inmates. Second Chance is one of the STRIVE network of program
affiliates previously supported by the Department. The
Committee expects the Department to support Second Chance
through funding to expand and replicate its recidivism
prevention program.
The Committee is aware of the Ready4Work demonstration
created in 2003 to strengthen local support networks, in areas
of high crime, for young adults as they reenter their
communities following detention and/or incarceration. The
Committee expects the Department to support Public/Private
Ventures through funding to ensure the effectiveness of these
initiatives through the continued design, testing and study of
ex-offender assistance.
Prisoner Re-entry.--The recommendation does not include
separate funding for the prisoner re-entry initiative, instead
expanding funding under the Responsible Reintegration of
Youthful Offenders Program. The House did not include funding
for this initiative for which the budget requested the current
level of $19,642,000.
Native Americans.--For Native Americans, the Committee
recommends $50,000,000, the same as the House allowance,
compared to the budget request of $51,548,000 and the
$53,696,000 enacted program year 2006 level. This program is
designed to improve the economic well-being of Native Americans
(Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians) through the
provision of training, work experience, and other employment-
related services and opportunities that are intended to aid the
participants to secure permanent, unsubsidized jobs.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.--For Migrant and Seasonal
Farmworkers, the Committee recommends $80,657,000, compared to
the 2006 enacted level of $79,756,000. Authorized by the
Workforce Investment Act, this program is designed to serve
members of economically disadvantaged families whose principal
livelihood is derived from migratory and other forms of
seasonal farmwork, or fishing, or logging activities. Enrollees
and their families are provided with employment training and
related services intended to prepare them for stable, year-
round employment within and outside of the agriculture
industry. The Committee notes that for the past 3 fiscal years,
this program has exceeded the goals set for it by the
Department of Labor.
There are at least 3 million hard-working migrant and
seasonal farmworkers in America whose annual incomes are below
$10,000. At a time when most State budgets are shrinking and
many of the basic services provided by State and local
governments are being cut back, the Committee recognizes the
importance of sustaining a national commitment, dating from
1964, to help alleviate the chronic seasonal unemployment and
underemployment that traps many farmworker families in a cycle
of poverty across generations and that deprives many farmworker
children of educational opportunities and real prospects for
better jobs at higher wages. The Committee also recognizes that
many State and local government officials will be reluctant to
fund this training and related assistance for this vulnerable
portion of our Nation's workforce who migrate through many
States every year, even though the work they perform is
essential to the economic well-being of our Nation's farmers,
growers, and small businesses.
The Committee recommendation of $80,657,000 for program
year 2007 activities authorized under section 167 of the
Workforce Investment Act is reflected in two separate line
items on the table accompanying the Committee Report: ``Migrant
and Seasonal Farmworkers'' and ``National Activities/Other.''
Under the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers line item, the
Committee recommends $80,053,000. The Committee recommendation
includes bill language directing that $5,000,000 of this amount
be used for migrant and seasonal farmworker housing grants, of
which not less than 70 percent shall be for permanent housing.
The principal purpose of these funds is to continue the network
of local farmworker housing organizations working on permanent
housing solutions for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The
Committee encourages greater emphasis on the southeast region
for farmworker housing grants. The recommendation also provides
that the remaining amount of $75,053,000 be used for State
service area grants, including funding grantees in those States
impacted by formula reductions to at least the amount they were
alloted in program year 2004. Within the National Activities/
Other line item, the Committee recommendation includes $604,000
to be used for Section 167 training, technical assistance and
related activities, including funds for migrant rest center
activities. The Committee urges the Department to continue
valuable technical assistance services provided by the
Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs. Finally, the
Committee wishes to again advise the Department regarding the
requirements of the Workforce Investment Act in selecting an
eligible entity to receive a State service area grant under
section 167. Such an entity must have already demonstrated a
capacity to administer effectively a diversified program of
workforce training and related assistance for eligible migrant
and seasonal farmworkers.
National Programs.--This activity includes WIA-authorized
programs in support of the workforce system including technical
assistance and incentive grants, evaluations, pilots,
demonstrations and research, and the Women in Apprenticeship
Program.
Technical Assistance.--The Committee recommends $1,604,000
for the provision of technical assistance, a decrease of
$376,000 from the program year 2006 level. Neither the budget
request nor House allowance recommend funding for this
activity. This includes $1,000,000 for technical assistance to
employers and unions to assist them in training, placing, and
retraining women in nontraditional jobs and occupations, as
authorized under the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-
Traditional Occupations Act of 1992, Public Law 102-530; this
amount is specified in bill language, to prevent its being
diverted to other purposes. As described in the Migrant and
Seasonal Farmworker section of this report, the recommendation
also includes $604,000 for WIA Section 167 activities.
Pilots, Demonstrations, and Research.--The Committee
recommends $44,815,000, an increase of $27,115,000 over the
budget request, and $1,454,000 over the House allowance for
grants or contracts to conduct research, pilots or
demonstrations that improve techniques or demonstrate the
effectiveness of programs.
In addition, the Committee recommends $6,875,000 to
continue activities of the Denali Commission, for job training
in connection with infrastructure building projects it funds in
rural Alaska. Funding will allow unemployed and underemployed
rural Alaskans to train for high paying jobs in their villages.
The Committee is deeply concerned about the ability of the
28 million Americans who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to be
informed of critical news and information in the post-9/11/01
environment. The Committee is aware that court reporting
schools may not be able to meet the ``unfunded mandate'' set by
the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to provide closed captioning
of 100 percent of broadcast programming. These compelling
concerns justify continued Federal support to those schools to
increase their capability to attract and train more real time
writers and to work closely with the broadcasting industry to
significantly increase the amount of programming that is closed
captioned, that 100 million Americans utilize closed captioning
in some form and the shortage of providers need to be addressed
immediately.
The University of Hawaii Center on the Family remains
committed to the development of a socially and culturally
sensitive knowledge base that expands and assesses public
policies that affect the wellbeing of the growing population of
multi-ethnic individuals and families residing within the
State.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
413 Hope Mission Ministries, Incorporated, $100,000
Philadelphia, PA, for continuing adult-vocational and
technology training programs..........................
ACTION Housing, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA for Project 100,000
Opportunity, for a program that connects entry-level
healthcare employees to advance financial literacy and
improve job retention.................................
Allegheny County Department of Economic Development, 500,000
Pittsburgh, PA to create a workforce delivery system
that will train available manufacturing workers to
meet the workforce needs of the community.............
Alu Like, Inc., HI, for training and education......... 100,000
American Community Partnerships, Washington, DC, for 250,000
the Working Together for Jobs-Philadelphia in
conjunction with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to
provide pre-apprenticeship training...................
Big Picture Company, Providence, RI, for the design and 200,000
implementation of an adult education program..........
Bismarck State College, Bismarck, ND, for development 500,000
of an instrument and control energy education training
program...............................................
Brockton Area Private Industry Council, Inc., Brockton, 200,000
MA, for workforce development programs................
Canton Production Workforce Development Training, 400,000
Jackson, MS...........................................
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, to 100,000
sustain operations of a Job and Career Education
Center................................................
Catholic Charities, Chicago, IL, for vocational 350,000
training and support programs at the St. Leo Residence
for Veterans..........................................
Center for Career and Workforce Education, Indianola, 400,000
MS, to focus on the training, education, and skills
improvement needs of businesses and industries within
the Delta region......................................
Central Maine Community College, Precision 165,000
Manufacturing Advantage, Auburn, ME to prepare
unemployed and underemployed workers for precision
metalworking trades...................................
Chester County Economic Development Council Workforce 100,000
Development Program, Exton, PA to train workers in bio-
med and IT industries.................................
City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV for the EVOLVE career 500,000
training program......................................
City of New Haven, CT, for the Youth@Work Project...... 200,000
City of San Jose, CA, for job training for the homeless 300,000
Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA 500,000
to support the region's economic development by
employment training...................................
Congreso de Latinos Unidos's Youth Works, Philadelphia, 100,000
PA, program will hire at risk youth to train them in
life skills, work skills, GED, and financial literacy.
Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Anchorage, AK for the 500,000
Alaska's People Program to provide job training and
employment counseling.................................
Crowder College, Neosho, MO to develop a workforce 250,000
development program...................................
East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, East Boston, 200,000
MA, for a health-care workforce development program...
Eastern Michigan University, for retraining displaced 500,000
workers...............................................
Eastern Technology Council, Wayne, PA, to provide women 100,000
and minority displaced workers with access to training
and employment opportunities in the technology and
life sciences sectors.................................
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council located in 100,000
Uniontown, PA to support the Reaching Educational
Achievement with Community Help (REACH) program.......
Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, FIT, Las Vegas, 250,000
NV, for job training, vocational education, and
support...............................................
Greater Philadelphia Marketing and Tourism Corporation, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA to train tourism workforce on
marketplace dynamics..................................
Hamilton County, TN Workforce Training Initiative, to 200,000
support workforce training and development............
Idaho Women Work! at the Centers for New Direction at 150,000
Eastern Idaho Technical College, Idaho Falls, ID, to
continue and expand the Recruiting for the Information
Technology Age initiative in Idaho....................
Impact Services Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, to 100,000
support its Community Job Placement and Training
Program...............................................
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19, 200,000
Seattle, WA, for training programs on new port
security requirements.................................
Iowa Policy Project for a study on temporary and 400,000
contingent workers....................................
ISED Ventures, Des Moines, IA, for job training and 500,000
supportive services...................................
Itawamba Community College, MS to set up a training 300,000
program to work with industry to train students and
faculty in highly technical operations................
IUPAT District Council 21 Apprentice Training Fund, 250,000
Philadelphia, PA to purchase equipment to upgrade
classes for Journeypersons and to train new
Apprentices...........................................
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis, 100,000
Minnetonka, MN to prepare disadvantaged people for the
biosciences workforce.................................
Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA to provide training to 100,000
area residents as Computerized Numerical Controls
Machinists............................................
MAGLEV Inc., McKeesport, PA, for a training program in 300,000
advanced precision fabrication........................
Maui Community College Remote Rural Hawaii Job Training 1,900,000
Project, for the Remote Rural Hawaii Job Training
project...............................................
Maui Community College Training and Educational 1,800,000
Opportunities, HI, for training and education.........
Maui Economic Development Board, HI, for high tech 300,000
training..............................................
Maui Economic Development Board, HI, for the rural 300,000
computer utilization training program.................
Mercy Vocational High School, Philadelphia, PA to 200,000
expand the certified nursing assistant training
program for inner city youth..........................
Metropolitan Career Center, Philadelphia, PA, to offer 100,000
workforce training to low-income and under educated
individuals...........................................
Minnesota State Colleges and State Universities, St. 150,000
Paul, MN, to assist veteran-serving organizations to
serve veterans in pursuing education, including
programs customized for veterans' needs...............
Minot State University, Minot, ND, to provide training 500,000
and master's degrees to Job Corps Center senior
management personnel..................................
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS to 500,000
establish a data warehouse to integrate data from
state and local agencies involved in workforce
development...........................................
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, to deploy 400,000
a system for the assessment and measurement of return
on investment for workforce development training......
Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS to 400,000
assist in the continued development and expansion of
its Automated Identification Technology (AIT)/
Automatic Data Collection (ADC) Program...............
National Council of La Raza in Washington, DC, to 500,000
provide technical assistance on Hispanic workforce
issues including capacity building, language barriers,
and health care job training..........................
Nevada Women Work!, Reno, NV, to implement the 150,000
Recruiting for the Information Technology Age
initiative in Nevada..................................
Northeast Pennsylvania Labor Management Council, Wilkes- 100,000
Barre, PA to assist the older, dislocated worker
transition into re-employment.........................
Northwest Washington Electrical Industry Joint 125,000
Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Mount Vernon,
WA, to expand training programs, including equipment
purchase..............................................
Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, Lacey, 100,000
WA, to provide training for qualified foresters and
restoration professionals in Lewis County.............
Partnership Advancing Training for Careers in Health, 100,000
Media, PA, to develop curriculum and create an
incentive program to recruit health workers at all
steps of the career ladder............................
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Johnstown, PA 500,000
to develop community college capabilities for
comprehensive workforce training......................
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA for educational and training programs
for the tourism workforce.............................
Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corporation, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA, to expand the number of
apprenticeship opportunities at the Aker Philadelphia
Shipyard..............................................
Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education 400,000
Center, Philadelphia, PA for job training for veterans
at the multi-purpose center...........................
Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, Pittsburgh, PA to 100,000
provide retraining for displaced workers and continued
training for incumbent workers in the biotechnology
and life sciences industries..........................
Port Jobs, in partnership with South Seattle Community 100,000
College, Seattle, WA, to create a career ladder for
entry-level airport workers...........................
Portland Community College, Portland, OR, for the 300,000
Center for Business and Industry......................
Precision Manufacturing Institute, Erie, PA to assist 100,000
regional manufacturers in a competitive world economy
by developing new machining technology initiatives and
training programs.....................................
Project ARRIBA, El Paso, TX, for workforce development 100,000
and economic opportunities in the West Texas region...
Saint Leonard's Ministries, Chicago, IL, for job 250,000
training and placement for ex-offenders...............
Santa Maria El Mirador, Santa Fe, NM to provide an 2,000,000
employment training program...........................
Snohomish County Workforce Development Council, 750,000
Everett, WA, for high tech training programs..........
Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council, 100,000
Vancouver, WA, for a mentoring program with an
emphasis on math and science..........................
Texas Workforce Commission, Austin, TX, for the Texas 200,000
Adult Technology Training Project.....................
The Joblinks program for continuation costs............ 500,000
Tioga County Development Corporation, Wellsboro, PA, 100,000
for a skills-based training program in a variety of
production and operations procedures..................
Tri County Workforce Development Council, Yakima, WA, 150,000
to establish an incumbent worker training program.....
Union Project, Pittsburgh, PA, to provide job and life 100,000
skills training in an underserved urban community.....
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS Center for Second 400,000
Language Acquisition for English language training and
instruction...........................................
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS to develop a 500,000
Southeastern Center for Human Resources Management and
create a partnership between major corporations and
university scholars...................................
Vermont Department of Labor of Montpelier, VT, to 600,000
provide employment resources to help women reenter
society after incarceration...........................
Vermont Technical College of Randolph, VT, to provide 750,000
job training to displaced workers in Vermont..........
Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development, 450,000
Pewaukee, WI for job training programs in metal
working, including technology and equipment...........
WHYY, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, to expand to Delaware a 250,000
program for bilingual workplace and literacy skills...
Wisconsin Community Action Program Association, 325,000
Madison, WI, to expand support services for job
training..............................................
Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, Milwaukee, WI, 400,000
to provide pre-employment certificate training and
apprenticeship education..............................
Wrightco Technologies, Inc, Claysburg, PA, to provide 100,000
training, retraining and vocational skills upgrade
programs in homeland security systems and
communications........................................
York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA to develop an 100,000
Electrical/Computer Engineering program to provide a
locally-based trained workforce to meet the needs of
local small businesses and manufacturers..............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bill also includes continuation funding from prior year
appropriations for the following activities: the Appalachian
Council; the Working for America Institute; The National Center
on Education and the Economy; and the Delta Housing Development
Corporation.
Evaluation.--The Committee recommends $4,921,000 to provide
for the continuing evaluation of programs conducted under the
Workforce Investment Act, as well as of federally-funded
employment-related activities under other provisions of law.
COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $432,311,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 432,311,000
House allowance......................................... 420,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 432,311,000
The Committee recommends $432,311,000, the same as the
budget request, the House allowance, and the program year 2006
comparable level for community service employment for older
Americans. The House recommendation is $420,000,000, a
reduction of $12,311,000. This program, authorized by title V
of the Older Americans Act, provides part-time employment in
community service activities for unemployed, low-income persons
aged 55 and over. It is forward-funded from July to June, and
the 2007 appropriation will support the program from July 1,
2007, through June 30, 2008. The Committee believes that within
the title V community service employment program for older
Americans, special attention should be paid to providing
community service jobs for older Americans with poor employment
prospects, including individuals with a long-term detachment
from the labor force, older displaced homemakers, aged
minorities, limited English-speaking persons, and legal
immigrants.
The program provides a direct, efficient, and quick means
to assist economically disadvantaged older workers because it
has a proven effective network in every State and in
practically every county. Administrative costs for the program
are low, and the vast majority of the money goes directly to
low-income seniors as wages and fringe benefits.
The program provides a wide range of vital community
services that would not otherwise be available, particularly in
low-income areas and in minority neighborhoods. Senior
enrollees provide necessary and valuable services at Head Start
centers, schools, hospitals, libraries, elderly nutrition
sites, senior center, and elsewhere in the community. These
services would not be available without the program.
A large proportion of senior enrollees use their work
experience and training to obtain employment in the private
sector. This not only increases our Nation's tax base, but it
also enables more low-income seniors to participate in the
program.
The Committee believes that the program should pay special
attention to providing community service jobs for older
Americans with poor employment prospects, including individuals
with a long-term detachment from the labor force, older
displaced homemakers, aged minorities, limited English-speaking
persons, and legal immigrants.
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $966,400,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 938,600,000
House allowance......................................... 938,600,000
Committee recommendation................................ 938,600,000
The Committee recommends $938,600,000 the same as the
budget estimate and House allowance for fiscal year 2007, and a
decrease of $27,800,000 below the fiscal year 2006
appropriation for Federal Unemployment Benefits and Allowances.
Trade adjustment benefit payments are expected to decline from
$707,000,000 in fiscal year 2006 to $679,000,000 in fiscal year
2007, while trade training in fiscal year 2007 will increase by
$200,000 to $259,400,000 with an estimated 78,000 participants.
The Committee expects the Department to provide funds to
the State of Alaska to mitigate negative effects on Alaskan
fishermen and other Alaskan displaced workers stemming from
passage of trade legislation in 2002. Funds should be provided
on a flexible basis to cover costs of job training and
placement programs, among other uses.
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002 that
amended the Trade Act of 1974 was signed into law on August 6,
2002 (Public Law 107-210). This act consolidated the previous
Trade Adjustment Assistance [TAA] and NAFTA Transitional
Adjustment Assistance [NAFTA-TAA] programs, into a single,
enhanced TAA program with expanded eligibility, services, and
benefits. Additionally, the Act provides a program of
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance for Older Workers.
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPERATIONS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $3,358,157,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 3,435,717,000
House allowance......................................... 3,411,762,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,350,876,000
The Committee recommends $3,350,876,000 for this account.
Included in the total availability is $3,246,346,000 authorized
to be drawn from the ``Employment Security Administration''
account of the unemployment trust fund, and $104,530,000 to be
provided from the general fund of the Treasury.
The funds in this account are used to provide
administrative grants and assistance to State agencies which
administer Federal and State unemployment compensation laws and
operate the public employment service.
For unemployment insurance [UI] services, the bill provides
$2,546,675,000. This includes $2,536,775,000 for State
Operations, and $9,900,000 for UI national activities, which is
directed to activities that benefit the State/Federal
unemployment insurance program. The bill provides for a
contingency reserve amount should the unemployment workload
exceed an average weekly insured claims volume of 2,708,000.
This contingency amount would fund the administrative costs of
unemployment insurance workload over the level of 2,708,000
insured unemployed per week at a rate of $28,600,000 per
100,000 insured unemployed, with a pro rata amount granted for
amounts of less than 100,000 insured unemployed; the
President's budget and House allowance provide for a
contingency threshold level of $2,963,000.
For the Employment Service allotments to States, the
Committee recommends $688,769,000 which includes $22,016,000 in
general funds together with an authorization to spend
$666,753,000 from the ``Employment Security Administration''
account of the unemployment trust fund. This is the same as the
budget request and House allowance and below the enacted level
of $715,883,000 for allotments to States. These funds are
available for the program year of July 1, 2007 through June 30,
2008.
The recommendation also includes $32,918,000 for Employment
Service national activities, a decrease of $510,000 from the
fiscal year 2006 level, as requested by the administration. The
recommendation is $18,677,000 for the work opportunity tax
credit program, $1,000,000 over the 2006 enacted level.
The recommendation also includes $63,000,000 for One-Stop
Career Centers, compared to the budget request of $63,855,000
and House allowance of $40,000,000 and 2006 enacted level of
$81,662,000. The Committee recommendation includes funding for
America's Labor Market Information System, including core
employment statistics, universal access for customers,
improving efficiency in labor market transactions, and
measuring and displaying WIA performance information.
The recommendation includes $19,514,000 for the Work
Incentives Grants program, to help persons with disabilities
find and retain jobs through the One-Stop Career Center system
mandated by the Workforce Investment Act. Funding will support
grants, including the Disability Program Navigator initiative,
intended to ensure that One-Stop systems integrate and
coordinate mainstream employment and training programs with
essential employment-related services for persons with
disabilities. The budget request and House allowance provide no
funding for this program.
ADVANCES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND AND OTHER FUNDS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $465,000,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 452,000,000
House allowance......................................... 452,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 452,000,000
The Committee recommends $452,000,000, the same as the
budget estimate and House allowance for fiscal year 2007, and
$13,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2006 level. The
appropriation is available to provide advances to several
accounts for purposes authorized under various Federal and
State unemployment compensation laws and the Black Lung
Disability Trust Fund, whenever balances in such accounts prove
insufficient. The bill anticipates that fiscal year 2006
advances will be made to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
The separate appropriations provided by the Committee for
all other accounts eligible to borrow from this account in
fiscal year 2007 are expected to be sufficient. Should the need
arise, due to unanticipated changes in the economic situation,
laws, or for other legitimate reasons, advances will be made to
the appropriate accounts to the extent funds are available.
Funds advanced to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund are now
repayable with interest to the general fund of the Treasury.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $169,423,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 211,554,000
House allowance......................................... 211,554,000
Committee recommendation................................ 184,976,000
The Committee recommendation includes $90,182,000 in
general funds for this account, as well as authority to expend
$94,794,000 from the ``Employment Security Administration''
account of the unemployment trust fund, for a total of
$184,976,000. This level provides sufficient resources to cover
built-in cost increases. It also provides a $2,000,000 increase
over the request to accelerate the processing of backlogged
foreign labor certificate cases. The Committee expects a
progress report by August 31, 2006, detailing the status of
efforts to eliminate the backlog of pending foreign labor
certification applications. The Committee recommendation
reflects shifting $28,578,000 in Job Corps staffing costs to a
separate appropriations account.
General funds in this account provide the Federal staff to
administer employment and training programs under the Workforce
Investment Act, the Older Americans Act, the Trade Act of 1974,
the Denali Commission Act, the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-
Traditional Occupations Act of 1992, and the National
Apprenticeship Act. Trust funds provide for the Federal
administration of employment security functions under title III
of the Social Security Act and the Immigration and Nationality
Act, as amended. Federal staff costs related to the Wagner-
Peyser Act in this account are split 97 percent to 3 percent
between unemployment trust funds and general revenue,
respectively.
The Committee believes that the public workforce system is
strengthened by the effective participation of all of the
stakeholders in the system and urges that the Department use a
portion of its discretionary funds to support that
participation through grants and contracts to
intergovernmental, business, labor, and community-based
organizations dedicated to training and technical assistance in
support of Workforce Investment Boards and their members.
The Committee is concerned that there are limited
opportunities for Native Hawaiian administrators in health care
organizations and encourages effective training programs to
prepare Native Hawaiians with the expertise to excel in these
areas.
The Committee instructs that, for the purposes of the
temporary visa programs, the Department of Labor shall treat
loggers as agricultural workers and not as non-agricultural
workers. Presently, the Department classifies loggers as non-
agricultural; however, since June 1987, it has imposed upon
them the same worker protections and labor standards as H-2A
agricultural workers. Employers wishing to hire logger aliens
must already provide transportation, housing, and meals, and
must make the same benefits available to U.S. workers based on
Department policy that predates the 1986 immigration reforms.
The provision applies strictly to loggers, and shall not affect
any other H-2B workers.
Employee Benefits Security Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $133,550,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 143,573,000
House allowance......................................... 143,573,000
Committee recommendation................................ 143,573,000
The Committee recommendation provides $143,573,000 for this
account which is $10,023,000 above the 2006 comparable level.
This provides sufficient resources to cover built-in cost
increases, as well as the requested program increase to develop
an new E-FAST filing and acceptance system to better protect
employee pension and health benefits.
The Employee Benefits Security Administration [EBSA] is
responsible for the enforcement of title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [ERISA] in both civil
and criminal areas. ESBA is also responsible for enforcement of
sections 8477 and 8478 of the Federal Employees' Retirement
Security Act of 1986 [FERSA]. In accordance with the
requirements of FERSA, the Secretary of Labor has promulgated
regulations and prohibited transactions class exemptions under
the fiduciary responsibility and fiduciary bonding provisions
of the law governing the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal
employees. In addition, the Secretary of Labor has, pursuant to
the requirement of section 8477(g)(1) of FERSA, established a
program to carry out audits to determine the level of
compliance with the fiduciary responsibility provisions of
FERSA applicable to Thrift Savings Plan fiduciaries. ESBA
provides funding for the enforcement and compliance; policy,
regulation, and public services; and program oversight
activities.
PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
The Corporation's estimated obligations for fiscal year
2007 include single employer benefit payments of
$5,334,000,000, multiemployer financial assistance of
$93,000,000 and administrative expenses of $397,644,000.
Administrative expenses are comprised of three activities: (1)
Pension insurance activities, $78,614,000; (2) operational
support, $125,580,000; and (3) pension plan termination
expenses, $193,450,000. Such expenditures will be financed by
permanent authority.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is a wholly owned
Government corporation established by the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974. The law places it within the
Department of Labor and makes the Secretary of Labor the chair
of its board of directors. The corporation receives its income
primarily from insurance premiums collected from covered
pension plans, assets of terminated pension plans, collection
of employer liabilities imposed by the act, and investment
earnings. It is also authorized to borrow up to $100,000,000
from the Treasury. The primary purpose of the corporation is to
guarantee the payment of pension plan benefits to participants
if covered defined benefit plans fail or go out of existence.
The 2006 budget does not recommend a discretionary limit on
administrative expenditures [LAE] for PBGC. The PBGC's budget
reflects--in a way that is more accountable to the Committee--
the level of administrative expenditures that the Committee
believes is appropriate to PBGC's changing responsibilities to
protect the pensions it insures. PBGC's dollar benefit levels
and workload change from year to year as specific pension plans
fail. Most of its workload involves terminating failed pension
plans, so that pension benefits can be paid. The workload of
plan termination especially fluctuates from year to year as
large plans (or a spate of small ones) terminate, and then as
the terminations are completed. The language provides the PBGC
the flexibility to respond when dictated by increased workload
and increased benefit payments, while increasing accountability
to the Committee by requiring approval by the Office of
Management and Budget and the Committees on Appropriations.
The single-employer program protects about 34.6 million
participants in about 29,600 defined benefit pension plans. The
multi-employer insurance program protects about 9.8 million
participants in more than 1,600 plans.
Employment Standards Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $411,064,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 437,417,000
House allowance......................................... 418,495,000
Committee recommendation................................ 435,371,000
The Committee recommendation includes $435,371,000 for this
account. The bill contains authority to expend $2,076,000 from
the special fund established by the Longshore and Harbor
Workers' Compensation Act; the remainder of $433,295,000 are
general funds. In addition, an amount of $33,578,000 is
available by transfer from the black lung disability trust
fund.
This recommendation provides sufficient funding to offset
the impact of inflation, and includes resources for the
requested Enforcement of Wage and Hour Standards program
increase. The $17,526,000 request for Program Direction has
been reduced to $17,000,000; an addition of $2,000,000 is
described in the following paragraph.
The recommendation includes $2,000,000 to continue
activities for the expeditious startup of a system to resolve
claims of victims for bodily injury caused by asbestos
exposure. This may include contracts with individuals or
entities having relevant experience to assist in jump starting
the program, as described in S. 852, the Fair Act of 2005.
Activities to shorten the lead-time for implementation of
asbestos activities encompass procedures for the processing of
claims, including procedures for the expediting of exigent
health claims, and planning for promulgation of regulations.
Executive Order 11246 requires that employers doing
business with the Federal Government comply with Federal laws
and regulations requiring nondiscrimination and affirmative
action. To facilitate enforcement of this mandate, the
Department of Labor adopted a regulation in 2000 to require the
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs [OFCCP] to
distribute an Equal Opportunity Survey to all Federal
contractors to obtain compliance data on employment and
compensation practices. The regulation specified that the data
should be used, in part, to inform OFCCP's selection of
contractors for compliance reviews. The Committee is aware that
in the 6 years since the regulation's adoption, OFCCP has only
distributed the survey one time and to a small percentage of
contractors. In addition, the Committee understands that the
collected data was not analyzed nor was it used for compliance
reviews, as required by the regulations of 2000. Therefore, the
Committee has included $1,000,000 for the distribution,
analysis and compliance utilization of the Equal Opportunity
Survey.
The Employment Standards Administration is involved in the
administration of numerous laws, including the Fair Labor
Standards Act, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Migrant
and Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Protection Act, the Davis-
Bacon Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Federal
Employees' Compensation Act [FECA], the Longshore and Harbor
Workers' Compensation Act, and the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act (black lung).
SPECIAL BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $237,000,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 230,000,000
House allowance......................................... 230,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 230,000,000
The Committee recommends $230,000,000, the same as the
House allowance and budget estimate for fiscal year 2007, and
$7,000,000 less than fiscal year 2006. This appropriation
primarily provides benefits under the Federal Employees'
Compensation Act [FECA]. The payments are prescribed by law. In
fiscal year 2007, an estimated 152,000 injured Federal workers
or their survivors will file claims; 52,000 will receive long-
term wage replacement benefits for job-related injuries,
diseases, or deaths.
The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation
language to provide authority to require disclosure of Social
Security account numbers by individuals filing claims under the
Federal Employees' Compensation Act or the Longshore and Harbor
Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions.
The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation
language that provides authority to use the FECA fund to
reimburse a new employer for a portion of the salary of a newly
reemployed injured Federal worker. The FECA funds will be used
to reimburse new employers during the first 3 years of
employment not to exceed 75 percent of salary in the worker's
first year, declining thereafter.
The Committee again includes appropriation language that
retains the drawdown date of August 15. The drawdown authority
enables the agency to meet any immediate shortage of funds
without requesting supplemental appropriations. The August 15
drawdown date allows flexibility for continuation of benefit
payments without interruption.
The Committee recommends continuation of appropriation
language to provide authority to deposit into the special
benefits account of the employees' compensation fund those
funds that the Postal Service, the Tennessee Valley Authority,
and other entities are required to pay to cover their fair
share of the costs of administering the claims filed by their
employees under FECA. The Committee concurs with requested bill
language to allow use of fair share collections to fund capital
investment projects and specific initiatives to strengthen
compensation fund control and oversight.
SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR DISABLED COAL MINERS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $232,250,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 229,373,000
House allowance......................................... 229,373,000
Committee recommendation................................ 229,373,000
The Black Lung Consolidation of Administrative
Responsibility Act was enacted on November 2, 2002. The act
amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to transfer part B black
lung benefits responsibility from the Commissioner of Social
Security to the Secretary of Labor, thus consolidating all
black lung benefit responsibility under the Secretary. Part B
benefits are based on claims filed on or before December 31,
1973. The Secretary of Labor already responsible for the part C
claims filed after December 31, 1973. In fiscal year 2007, an
estimated 36,500 beneficiaries (4,000 miners and 32,500
survivors) will receive benefits.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $229,373,000
in fiscal year 2007 for special benefits for disabled coal
miners. This is in addition to the $74,000,000 appropriated
last year as an advance for the first quarter of fiscal year
2007. The recommendation is the same as the administration
request and House allowance. These funds are used to provide
monthly benefits to coal miners disabled by black lung disease
and to their widows and certain other dependents, as well as to
pay related administrative costs.
By law, increases in black lung benefit payments are tied
directly to Federal pay increases. The year-to-year decrease in
this account reflects a declining beneficiary population.
The Committee recommends an advance appropriation of
$68,000,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, the same
as the administration request. These funds will ensure
uninterrupted benefit payments to coal miners, their widows,
and dependents.
ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $96,081,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 102,307,000
House allowance......................................... 102,307,000
Committee recommendation................................ 102,307,000
The Committee recommends $102,307,000, the same as the
budget estimate for fiscal year 2007, and $6,226,000 more than
2006.
The mission of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness
Compensation Program is to deliver benefits to eligible
employees and former employees of the Department of Energy, its
contractors and subcontractors or to certain survivors of such
individuals, as provided in the Energy Employees Occupational
Illness Compensation Program Act. The mission also includes
delivering benefits to certain beneficiaries of the Radiation
Exposure Compensation Act.
The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation
Programs within the Employment Standards Administration is
responsible for adjudicating and administering claims filed by
employees or former employees (or their survivors) under the
act. The program went into effect on July 31, 2001.
In 2007, the volume of incoming claims under Part B of the
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program is
estimated to remain stable at about 7,500 claims from
Department of Energy [DOE] employees or survivors, and private
companies under contract with DOE, who suffer from a radiation-
related cancer, beryllium-related disease, or chronic silicosis
as a result of their work in producing or testing nuclear
weapons.
The Committee expects that the administration refrain from
unilateral changes to reduce the cost of benefits for current
or pending cohorts of atomic weapons workers with cancer under
the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
until such time as Congress approves proposed changes. The
Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health was created by
Congress to review applications based on scientific and medical
evidence, with as much independence and objectivity as
possible. To ensure that the Advisory Board can retain its
autonomy, the Committee has retained language from the fiscal
year 2006 enacted appropriations legislation which transfers
$4,500,000 in administrative funds within 30 days of enactment
to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
for the exclusive use of the Board and its audit contractor.
BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,068,000,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,071,000,000
House allowance......................................... 1,071,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,071,000,000
The Committee recommends $1,071,000,000 for this account in
2007, an increase of $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2006
level, and the same as the budget request and House allowance.
The appropriation language changed beginning in fiscal year
2003 for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to provide such
sums as may be necessary to pay for benefits. This change
eliminated the need for drawdowns from the subsequent year
appropriation in order to meet current year compensation,
interest, and other benefit payments.
The total amount available for fiscal year 2007 will
provide $294,465,000 for benefits payments, and $59,535,000 for
administrative expenses for the Department of Labor. Also,
included is $717,000,000 for interest payments on advances.
The trust fund pays all black lung compensation/medical and
survivor benefit expenses when no responsible mine operation
can be assigned liability for such benefits, or when coal mine
employment ceased prior to 1970, as well as all administrative
costs which are incurred in administering the benefits program
and operating the trust fund.
It is estimated that people will be receiving black lung
benefits financed through the end of the fiscal year 2007,
compared to an estimated receiving benefits in fiscal year
2006.
The basic financing for the trust fund comes from a coal
excise tax for underground and surface-mined coal. Additional
funds come from reimbursement from the Advances to the
Unemployment Trust Fund and Other Funds as well as payments
from mine operators for benefit payments made by the trust fund
before the mine operator is found liable. The advances to the
fund assure availability of necessary funds when liabilities
may exceed other income. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1987 continues the current tax structure until 2014.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $472,427,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 483,667,000
House allowance......................................... 486,051,000
Committee recommendation................................ 491,167,000
The Committee recommendation includes $491,167,000 for this
account. This is an increase of $5,116,000 over the House
allowance and $7,500,000 over the budget request. This agency
is responsible for enforcing the Occupational Safety and Health
Act of 1970 in the Nation's workplaces.
This recommendation provides sufficient funding to offset
the impact of inflation, as well as additional resources to
fund the development and implementation of the OSHA Information
System.
In addition, the Committee has included language to allow
OSHA to retain up to $750,000 per fiscal year of training
institute course tuition fees to be utilized for occupational
safety and health training and education grants in the private
sector.
The Committee retains language carried in last year's bill
effectively exempting farms employing 10 or fewer people from
the provisions of the act except those farms having a temporary
labor camp. The Committee also retains language exempting small
firms in industry classifications having a lost workday injury
rate less than the national average from general schedule
safety inspections. These provisions have been in the bill for
many years.
The Committee believes that OSHA's worker safety and health
training and education programs, including the grant program
that supports such training, are a critical part of a
comprehensive approach to worker protection. The Committee is
concerned that OSHA has again cut funding to help establish
ongoing worker safety and health training programs and has
therefore restored the Susan Harwood training grant program to
$10,116,000. Bill language specifies that no less than
$3,200,000 shall be used to maintain the existing institutional
competency building training grants, provided that grantees
demonstrate satisfactory performance.
The Committee is dissatisfied with the lack of progress on
OSHA's regulation concerning Employer Payment for Personal
Protective Equipment, the public comment period for which ended
over 7 years ago. This is particularly important for Hispanic
workers and immigrant workers who experience a disproportionate
and growing number of injuries and fatalities. The Committee
expects the Secretary to report to the Committee within 30 days
of enactment of this act, the definitive status of this
regulation, the agency's reasons for not issuing the regulation
sooner, and a timetable for its issuance.
The Committee has provided $53,357,000, the current level,
for the State consultation grant program and expects that this
program will continue to be targeted to provide compliance
assistance to small businesses.
The Committee continues to be pleased with OSHA's efforts
in placing high priority on the voluntary protection programs
[VPP] and other voluntary cooperative programs. The Committee
expects OSHA to continue to place high priority on the VPP.
Cooperative voluntary programs, especially the VPP, are an
important part of OSHA's ability to assure worker safety and
health and should be administered in conjunction with an
effective strong enforcement program.
The Committee also intends that the Office of Regulatory
Analysis continue to be funded as close as possible to its
present level.
Mine Safety and Health Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $277,686,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 287,836,000
House allowance......................................... 278,869,000
Committee recommendation................................ 302,436,000
\1\ Excludes $25,600,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
The Committee recommendation includes $302,436,000 for this
account, an increase of $14,600,000 over the budget request
level, and $23,567,000 more than the House allowance.
This recommendation provides sufficient funding to offset
the impact of inflation, as well as additional resources for
coal mine enforcement. It deletes one-time funding of projects
contained in the 2006 enacted level, but includes funding for
new projects.
The Committee continues to be concerned by the over 40
percent increase in fatalities experienced in coal mines in the
first 6 months of 2006. In the past 5 years, from fiscal year
2001 to fiscal year 2006, the coal enforcement division of MSHA
reduced staff by 217 FTE. It was for that reason that the
Committee included an additional $25,600,000 in Public Law 109-
234 to recruit, hire, train and equip coal mine inspectors and
restore the office to its fiscal year 2001 staffing level.
Within the funds provided for mine safety, the Committee
recommends $133,395,000 for coal enforcement activities. This
level is $13,000,000 above the budget request, $16,243,000
above the fiscal year 2006 regular appropriation before
supplemental funds, and it is $9,357,000 below the total fiscal
year 2006 appropriations level including supplemental funds.
Supplemental funds remain available in 2007 and should continue
to be used to support additional coal mine inspectors. The
Committee expects that hiring and training should be done
expeditiously in fiscal year 2006 and completed early in fiscal
year 2007 and that the 2008 budget put forth by MSHA should
include sufficient funds to maintain the 2001 level of
staffing.
The Committee expects that progress reports on hiring will
continue to be submitted to the Committee on Appropriations on
a quarterly basis with additional information on the progress
of the additional inspectors through the Academy and their
distribution among the district offices.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
providing up to $2,000,000 for mine rescue and recovery
activities, the same as the fiscal year 2006 comparable level.
It also retains the provision allowing the Secretary of Labor
to use any funds available to the Department to provide for the
costs of mine rescue and survival operations in the event of a
major disaster.
The Committee concurs with House report language directing
MSHA to increase emphasis to ensure that all mining machinery
sold by manufacturers and re-builders for use in a mine is in
compliance with the MSHA approval plate that is on the machine.
This agency insures the safety and health of the Nation's
miners by conducting inspections and special investigations of
mine operations, promulgating mandatory safety and health
standards, cooperating with the States in developing effective
State programs, and improving training in conjunction with
States and the mining industry.
In addition, bill language is included to allow the
National Mine Health and Safety Academy to collect not to
exceed $750,000 for room, board, tuition, and the sale of
training materials to be available for mine safety and health
education and training activities. Bill language also allows
MSHA to retain up to $1,000,000 from fees collected for the
approval and certification of equipment, materials, and
explosives for use in mines, and may utilize such sums for such
activities.
The Committee recommendation also contains $1,600,000
specified in bill language for two projects not included in the
budget request or House allowance.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $537,099,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 563,288,000
House allowance......................................... 565,288,000
Committee recommendation................................ 563,288,000
The Committee recommends the budget request of $563,288,000
for this account, $26,189,000 more than the 2006 comparable
level. This includes $79,026,000 from the ``Employment Security
Administration'' account of the unemployment trust fund, and
$484,262,000 in Federal funds. This funding level will cover
the agency's built-in increases, and includes $5,000,000 which
may be used to continue the Mass Layoff Statistics Program.
Language contained in the fiscal year 2006 bill is retained,
pertaining to the Current Employment Survey.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact
finding agency in the Federal Government in the broad field of
labor economics.
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $27,655,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 20,319,000
House allowance......................................... 20,319,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,655,000
The Committee recommends $27,655,000 for this account in
2007. This is $7,336,000 more than the President's request and
the same as 2006. The Committee intends that at least 80
percent of these funds shall be used for demonstration and
technical assistance grants to develop innovative and effective
practices to increase the employment of youth and adults with
disabilities.
Congress created the Office of Disability Employment Policy
[ODEP] in the Department of Labor's fiscal year 2001
appropriation. Programs and staff of the former President's
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities [PCEPD]
have been integrated into this office.
The Committee recommends that the Office of Disability
Employment Policy continue and expand the existing, structured,
internship program for undergraduate college students with
disabilities, at no less than current appropriation levels. The
Committee continues to believe that this innovative, structured
internship program will provide important opportunities for
undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities to pursue
academic and career development opportunities within the
Department of Labor and other Federal agencies.
The Committee has included $5,000,000 to continue the self-
employment initiative, of which $3,000,000 is to be used to
continue the national technical assistance grant. The Committee
recognizes that self-employment is not an option for all
persons with disabilities but believes that it can be a
beneficial way to promote independence and develop assets
within the disability community. The special needs of this
population require more support and technical assistance in
business development, as well as benefits counseling.
Therefore, the Committee intends that the national technical
assistance grant be used to provide expertise and help to local
service providers including vocational rehabilitation agencies,
one-stop training centers, and other organizations trying to
promote self-employment.
The Committee is concerned by the elimination of the Youth
State Alignment Grants. This program helps youth with
disabilities transition from school to work by aligning the
efforts of school districts, workforce investment programs,
juvenile justice programs and other not-for-profit service
providers. The Committee encourages ODEP to continue this
important effort.
The Committee is concerned by the lack of attention to the
problem of underemployment of people with disabilities. The
Committee is aware that over 50 million Americans have some
kind of disability, representing 17 percent of our population.
Many of these individuals, particularly those with intellectual
disabilities, would benefit from the social interaction and the
physical demands of full-time employment, but their disability
is such that they could not be employed in an occupation that
is compensated highly enough to cover the medical expenses and
supportive services they need to survive. While some
disabilities resulting from injuries can change with time, many
developmental disabilities are permanent in nature. The
Committee believes that the U.S. Government would benefit from
the additional tax dollars generated by the additional
employment, as well as the prevention of chronic illnesses in
this population that can come from the physical and emotional
benefits of work. Therefore, the Committee directs the Office
of Disability Employment Policy to undertake a study on
underemployment for individuals with disabilities. The study
should include: the number of individuals on Federal disability
benefit programs who are currently underemployed; an analysis
of the types of disabilities these individuals represent; an
examination of the categories of disability which would leave
the individual with the capacity to work full time but without
the earning potential to sustain him or herself; the estimated
economic impact of full-time work for these Americans assuming
they were allowed to keep all or a portion of their benefits,
including an estimation of the economic impact to the
Government and the benefit funds themselves; and finally an
analysis of the health impact of full-time work on those
populations including the cost savings to health benefit
programs.
Departmental Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $297,580,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 242,091,000
House allowance......................................... 236,784,000
Committee recommendation................................ 293,405,000
The Committee recommendation includes $293,405,000 for this
account, which is $51,314,000 more than the budget request and
$4,175,000 less than the 2006 comparable level. In addition, an
amount of $25,255,000 is available by transfer from the black
lung disability trust fund, which is the same as the budget
request and the House allowance.
The primary goal of the Department of Labor is to protect
and promote the interests of American workers. The departmental
management appropriation finances staff responsible for
formulating and overseeing the implementation of departmental
policy and management activities in support of that goal. In
addition, this appropriation includes a variety of operating
programs and activities that are not involved in departmental
management functions, but for which other salaries and expenses
appropriations are not suitable.
The Committee recommendation includes $25,534,000 for
Executive Direction, the same as the fiscal year 2006
comparable level. Within this amount the fiscal year 2006
comparable level of $4,651,000 is for the Office of
Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.
The Committee concurs with the budget request of $6,735,000
for Civil Rights activities, an increase of $349,000 over the
House allowance.
The Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for the
Women's Bureau, an increase of $334,000 over the 2006 level.
The Committee is pleased with the effectiveness of Women Work!
in advancing women in the workplace. The organization's work is
strategically aligned with the goals of the Women's Bureau, and
has continued each year to exceed its performance measures. The
Committee strongly supports continued funding for this
important program and believes that Women Work!'s outstanding
performance merits increased support from the Women's Bureau.
The Committee is disappointed that the Department of Labor
has once again put forward a budget for the coming year that
drastically reduces funding for International Labor Affairs
Bureau [ILAB], in particular, those initiatives working with
the International Labor Organization [ILO] to combat abusive
and exploitative child labor.
The Committee is pleased by findings contained in the ILO
report entitled ``The End of Child Labor: Within Reach,'' which
was released in May 2006. The report stated that child labor is
in decline worldwide, in large part because of the programs
advanced by this Committee. Between 2000 and 2004, the number
of child laborers worldwide fell by 11 percent, from 246
million to 218 million. Moreover, the number of children and
youth aged 5-17 trapped in hazardous work decreased by 26
percent, and for the age group of 5-14 years, the decline in
hazardous work was even steeper, at 33 percent. It is a
testament to the importance of the programs administered by the
International Labor Affairs Bureau, which this Committee has
consistently supported. Clearly, these programs are having a
positive impact and the Committee feels strongly that reducing
United States efforts to eradicate child labor or substantially
changing the structure and leadership of those efforts would,
at best, endanger the progress being made. At worse,
withdrawing from these efforts could damage the credibility and
reputation of the United States in the countries whose
governments are real partners to the United States in this
effort.
The Committee is aware that the administration is
aggressively pursing multiple trade agreements that promise
technical assistance on labor standards, including but not
limited to the eradication of child labor. ILAB is the division
of the U.S. Government with the mission and authority to
provide that assistance. Given the aggressive trade agenda and
the recent commitment to capacity building in developing
nations as a form of aid, the Committee is mystified by the
Department's now annual effort to eliminate these programs,
this year proposing an astounding 86 percent reduction.
Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes
$72,516,000 for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs. Of
this amount, the Committee's recommendation includes
$37,620,000 for the U.S. contribution to sustain the successful
efforts of the ILO's International Program for the Elimination
of Child Labor [IPEC]. Also included is $22,770,000 to help
ensure access to basic education for the growing number of
children removed from the worst forms of child labor in
impoverished nations where abusive and exploitative child labor
is most acute. The Committee expects the Department of Labor to
work with the governments of host countries to eliminate school
fees that create a barrier to education.
The Committee notes that ILAB is statutorily required to
compile and report to the Congress annually on the extent to
which each foreign country that has trade and investment
agreements with the United States enforces internationally-
recognized worker rights. This report is required under
multiple U.S. laws and promotes core labor standards as
embodied in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and
Rights at Work as adopted and reaffirmed in 1998. The Committee
once again directs the Secretary to include in the 2007 report,
all former GSP recipients that have achieved a Free Trade
Agreement with the United States over the preceding year.
For the administration of ILAB programs, including FTE for
Federal Administration, the Committee recommends $12,126,000.
The Committee is dismayed that costs from salaries and expenses
have been supplemented from out of the grant programs
themselves. The Committee notes with displeasure that at times
the amount deducted from grant programs has exceeded 14
percent. The Committee directs that in fiscal year 2007, no
more than 7 percent may be deducted from grant programs for the
administration of the grants. The Committee expects the 2008
budget submission to eliminate the need for any transfer by
including sufficient funds to maintain the staff of ILAB. The
Committee has included sufficient funds in the program
administration line to fully maintain the 49 FTE currently
assigned to the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary, the
Office of Trade Agreement Implementation, the Office of
International Economic Affairs and the International Child
Labor Program.
The Committee concurs with the budget request and House
allowance of $85,188,000 for the Office of the Solicitor, an
increase of $4,737,000 over the enacted fiscal year 2006
appropriation level. The Committee notes that the Office of the
Solicitor has augmented its fiscal year 2006 appropriation by
$4,055,000, requiring Department of Labor agencies to pay for
certain functions that previously had been performed without
cost to client agencies. The Committee expects that this
practice not be continued in fiscal year 2007 and future years.
If additional resources are needed for the Solicitor's Office,
the regular transfer authority or reprogramming procedures
should be used, or the administration should submit a budget
amendment or supplemental appropriations request. For future
years, the President's Budget submission to Congress should
adequately address the request for all functions of the Office
of the Solicitor.
The Committee is concerned by communication difficulties
with the Department of Labor. The Committee is responsible for
providing adequate resources to fulfill the mission of the
agency and overseeing the expenditure of those resources. When
emergencies arise, such as coal mine disasters or the
hurricanes the Committee must act quickly to ensure that
resources are available and appropriately distributed.
Conversely, many initiatives funded by the Committee span
multiple years, multiple appropriations bills. The Committee
must have a senior official available to respond in a timely
manner, and possesses the needed institutional knowledge to
address immediate or long term initiatives. The Office of
Congressional and Inter-Governmental Affairs consistently
experiences high turnover and has little experience in or
knowledge of the detailed budget process and execution
procedures that are most often the information needed by the
Committee. Within 15 days of the adoption of this Senate
Committee report, the Committee directs the Secretary to
designate an individual from the Budget office to be
responsible for responding to Committee staff. The individual
should be experienced in budget formulation and execution.
OFFICE OF JOB CORPS
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $1,592,758,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,501,602,000
House allowance......................................... 1,523,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,629,788,000
\1\ Excludes $16,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
For Job Corps, the Committee recommends $1,629,788,000,
$37,030,000 more than the 2006 comparable level. This includes
$28,578,000 for Federal administrative expenses, for 188 full-
time equivalent positions; the budget request and House
allowance include these administrative costs in the ETA Program
Administration account. The Senate recommendation for direct
program cost is $1,601,210,000, compared to the $1,501,602,000
budget request and $1,523,000,000 House Allowance. The
Committee concurs with the House in not agreeing to the
proposed $75,000,000 rescission of funds previously
appropriated for construction and renovation activities.
The Committee recommendation continues the Office of Job
Corps as an independent entity reporting to the Office of the
Secretary of Labor, retaining program functions previously
administered by the Job Corps prior to its transfer from the
Employment and Training Administration, and ensuring the
support necessary for oversight and management
responsibilities. Although the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Administration and Management will oversee the
procurement process, this arrangement shall not alter the
existing authorities, duties or activities of Job Corps as it
existed prior to the transfer. The Office of Job Corps and the
Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management are
directed to maintain controls to assure the procurement
activities are completely separate from program operations. The
budget request and House allowance recommend returning the Job
Corps program to the Employment and Training Administration.
The Committee applauds Job Corps for establishing
partnerships with national employers, and encourages Job Corps
to continue to work with both large employers and small
businesses to ensure that student training meets current labor
market needs. Job Corps is a nationwide network of residential
facilities chartered by Federal law to provide a comprehensive
and intensive array of training, job placement and support
services to at-risk young adults. The mission of Job Corps is
to attract eligible young adults, teach them the skills they
need to become employable and independent, and place them in
meaningful jobs or further education. Participation in the
program is voluntary and is open to economically disadvantaged
young people in the 16-24 age range who are unemployed and out
of school. Most Job Corps students come from disruptive or
debilitating environments, and it is important that they be
relocated to residential facilities where they can benefit from
the highly structured and carefully integrated services
provided by the Job Corps program. A limited number of
opportunities are also available for non-residential
participation.
As a national training program, Job Corps is particularly
well-suited to help meet the needs of large, multi-state
employers for skilled entry-level workers. The Committee
commends Job Corps for establishing partnerships with national
employers, and encourages Job Corps to continue to work with
larger employers and small businesses to ensure that student
training meets current labor market needs. The Committee urges
Job Corps to also strengthen and expand the program in order to
help meet our nation's needs for trained, entry level workers
in three critical areas: health care, homeland security and
national defense. In addition, Job Corps should intensify its
efforts to upgrade its vocational offerings and curricula to
reflect industry standards and required certifications
recognized by employers.
The Committee commends the Job Corps program for
establishing cost-effective national and local partnerships
with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Coast Guard to recruit high
quality military personnel. Job Corps students' average scores
on military entrance exams exceed the national average in their
education verification tier. On average, the Army recruits more
than 2,000 Job Corps graduates each year. The Committee also
recognizes that many Job Corps centers have developed optional
military-oriented curriculum for students, and that training is
providing skills that are in high demand by all military
branches, including computer technology, nursing and welding.
The Committee encourages the Job Corps to explore further
options in developing systematic approaches to partner with the
military, including developing a military-endorsed curriculum
for students. The Committee expects the Job Corps to provide
the Committee with a report by February 15, 2007 on the
potential options, including establishing a partnership with
the U.S. Department of Defense, for establishing military-
oriented curriculum for students.
The Job Corps has also been widely successful in certifying
hundreds of students in various homeland security fields and
skills including first responder training and security
training. Private security companies have built strong
partnerships with Job Corps centers across the Nation to
utilize these skilled and disciplined students to meet the
demand for increased homeland security capacity in our local
communities. The Committee expects the Job Corps to explore
options to expand programs to provide high quality recruits to
agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security related to
border security such as the Transportation Security
Administration [TSA] and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The Committee expects the Job Corps by February 15, 2007 to
provide the Committee with a report on the potential options
for building and strengthening these partnerships. The
Committee also expects the Job Corps to provide the Committee
with a report by December 31, 2006 on the development, in
conjunction with the TSA, of pilot demonstration projects at
multiple Job Corps sites so that the Job Corps can help to fill
unmet needs, as directed and funded by Congress in the fiscal
year 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
The Committee commends the Job Corps for developing
programs to help address the Nation's shortfall of staff in
health professions, including nursing, pharmacy, and lab
technician trades. The Committee supports an initiative to
establish a minimum of two existing Job Corps centers as
``health care magnet'' centers. Each health care magnet center
will be dedicated to training Job Corps students in the health
sciences, including CNAs, LPNs, health records technicians,
dieticians, pharmacy technicians, healthcare facilities
maintenance, and medical billing. The Columbia Basin
(Washington), Keystone (Pennsylvania), and the Miami (Florida)
Job Corps Centers have expressed interest in being designated
health care magnet centers.
The Committee commends the work of the NJCA Foundation for
Youth Opportunities [FYO] in its charitable and educational
activities and programs that benefit youth, especially those
at-risk. The FYO seeks to provide resources and research that
helps non-profit, for profit, and Government agencies further
education and training opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
The Committee expects the Department to support the FYO through
funding to implement programs and services that raise public
awareness and support for at-risk youth.
The Committee is committed to promoting and expanding cost-
effective Federal programs that have a proven record of success
provide consistent and positive results and help address
national labor shortages. Therefore, the Committee recommends
$10,000,000 for two new Job Corps sites. In the selection
process, priority should go to: (1) a site hosted by a
community college in a State with an existing center no more
than 250 miles apart that can be started in the short term as a
satellite Job Corps center (residential or non-residential) and
later converted to stand alone facility; and (2) a site in a
State that currently does not have a Job Corps center.
The Committee is aware of the efforts of Indian Hills
Community College [IHCC] in Ottumwa, Iowa, in forging a
partnership with the existing Job Corps center in Denison,
Iowa. IHCC is on the cutting edge of job training initiatives
that could be the next generation of Job Corps occupational
training. Indian Hills operates the only center in the Nation
that is designed specifically to train technicians for the
expanding agricultural biotechnology sector. The Committee
appreciates IHCC's efforts as a current working partner in the
Federal workforce system, a hub of a state-wide industrial new
jobs training program and a leader in technical training for
agricultural biotechnology.
The Committee recognizes Utah's Management and Training
Corporation for operation of successful job-training programs
through the Job Corps program. For more than a quarter of a
century, the Management and Training Corporation has provided
life-changing opportunities for young people though academic,
vocational, and social skills training. The Committee
appreciates Utah's Weber Basin and Clearfield, Utah Job Corps
centers and their efforts toward preparing thousands of young
Americans for meaningful careers.
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $222,091,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 224,887,000
House allowance......................................... 224,440,000
Committee recommendation................................ 224,867,000
The Committee recommendation includes $224,867,000 for this
account, including $29,263,000 in general revenue funding and
$195,604,000 to be expended from the ``Employment Security
Administration'' account of the unemployment trust fund. This
is $2,718,000 more than the 2006 comparable level.
For State grants the bill provides $161,218,000, which
includes funding for the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program and
the Local Veterans Employment Representative Program.
For Federal administration, the Committee recommends
$32,417,000, the same as the budget request and the House
allowance. The Committee supports the concept of the Transition
Assistance Program administered jointly with the Department of
Defense which assists soon-to-be-discharged service members in
transitioning into the civilian work force and includes funding
to maintain this effective program.
Individuals leaving the military may be at high risk of
homelessness due to a lack of job skills transferable to the
civilian sector, disrupted or dissolved family and social
support networks, and other risk factors that preceded their
military service. The Committee expects the Secretary of Labor
to ensure that a module on homelessness prevention is added to
the Transition Assistance Program curriculum. The module should
include a presentation on risk factors for homelessness, a
self-assessment of risk factors, and contact information for
preventative assistance associated with homelessness.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,969,000, the same
as the budget request, for the National Veterans Training
Institute [NVTI]. This Institute provides training to the
Federal and State staff involved in the direct delivery of
employment and training related services to veterans.
The Committee recommendation includes $21,838,000 for the
Homeless Veterans Program, the same as the budget request. Also
included is $7,425,000 for the Veterans Workforce Investment
Program, the same as the budget request.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $71,101,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 73,761,000
House allowance......................................... 73,761,000
Committee recommendation................................ 75,761,000
The bill includes $75,761,000 for this account, $4,660,000
above the 2006 comparable level. The bill includes $5,688,000
in general funds and authority to transfer $70,073,000 from the
``Employment Security Administration'' account of the
unemployment trust fund. In addition, an amount of $346,000 is
available by transfer from the black lung disability trust
fund. This level provides sufficient resources to cover built-
in cost increases, as well as augmenting program accountability
activities and expanding the labor racketeering program.
The Office of the Inspector General [OIG] was created by
law to protect the integrity of departmental programs as well
as the welfare of beneficiaries served by those programs.
Through a comprehensive program of audits, investigations,
inspections, and program evaluations, the OIG attempts to
reduce the incidence of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement,
and to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
General Provisions
General provision bill language is included to:
Provide for limiting use of Job Corps funding for
compensation of an individual that is not a Federal employee at
a rate in excess of Executive Level I (sec. 101)
Provide for general transfer authority (sec. 102).
Prohibit funding for the procurement of goods and services
utilizing forced or indentured child labor in industries and
host countries already identified by the Labor Department in
accordance with Executive Order 13126 (sec. 103).
Authorize funds to be appropriated for job training for
workers involved in construction projects funded through the
Denali Commission (sec. 104).
Require the Department of Labor to submit its fiscal year
2008 congressional budget justifications in the same format and
level of detail used by the Department of Education in its
fiscal year 2007 congressional budget justification (sec. 105).
Require the Labor Department to report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the projects awarded under research and
demonstration projects (sec. 106).
Require the Secretary to issue monthly transit subsidy of
not less than $105 to each of the Department's eligible
employees in the National Capital region (sec. 107).
Sec. 108. Retains a provision from the fiscal year 2006
supplemental limiting compensation from Federal funds to a rate
not greater than Executive Level II for any recipient or
subrecipient receiving funds under the heading, ``Employment
and Training Administration''.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $6,587,855,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 6,333,855,000
House allowance......................................... 7,075,917,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,992,859,000
\1\ Excludes $4,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
The Committee provides a program level of $6,992,859,000
for the Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA].
The Committee recommendation includes $6,967,859,000 in budget
authority and an additional $25,000,000 via transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Services Act. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable program level was $6,587,855,000, the
budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $6,333,855,000, and the
House Committee recommendation was $7,075,917,000.
Health Resources and Services Administration activities
support programs to provide health care services for mothers
and infants; the underserved, elderly, homeless; migrant farm
workers; and disadvantaged minorities. This appropriation
supports cooperative programs in community health, AIDS care,
health care provider training, and health care delivery systems
and facilities.
BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
The Committee provides $1,926,076,000 for the community
health centers program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable program
level was $1,781,076,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $1,962,861,000. This group of programs includes
community health centers, migrant health centers, health care
for the homeless, and public housing health service grants. The
Committee continues to strongly support the on-gong effort to
increase the number of people who have access to medical
services at health centers, and notes that this program receive
one of the largest increases in funding in the Committee
recommendation.
Within the amount provided, $25,000,000 has been allocated
to offset the rising cost of health care at existing centers
and to resolve specific financial situations beyond the control
of the local health center, such as unusual increases in the
number of uninsured patients seeking care.
Within the amount provided, the Committee has provided
$44,550,000 under the Federal Tort Claims Act for the Health
Centers program. The Committee has included bill language
making this funding available until expended and allowing costs
associated with the health centers tort liability relief
program to be paid from the fund. The Committee intends that
the fund be used to pay judgments and settlements, occasional
witness fees and expenses, and the administrative costs of the
program, which includes the cost of evaluating claims,
defending claims, and conducting settlement activities. The
Committee is aware of legislation that would extend FTCA
coverage to volunteer physicians and non-grantee health
centers, as well as to health centers and their employees
traveling to provide care in emergency-affected areas. While
these proposals would extend FTCA coverage to additional
providers, the Committee expects the amount provided to be
adequate to cover any increased costs in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee believes that adequate funding for the
technical assistance and networking functions available for
health centers is critical to the successful operation and
expansion of the Health Centers program. Funds are available
within the amount provided to continue assistance to existing
centers and support expansion to new communities.
The Committee strongly urges HRSA to assist rural
communities in high-need areas of the country that have not
fully participated in the Health Center expansion effort in
recent years. Despite documented need, many eligible counties
have not received health center grants. The focus on financial
viability and regionally specific criteria, such as homeless
populations and migrant workers, has sometimes held back
communities outside of the targeted demographic. The Committee
notes that some majority African-American areas of the rural
Southeastern United States have fared particularly badly in the
award of health center grants. The Committee urges HRSA to
provide technical assistance and consider funding planning
grants to potential new access point grantees to enable them to
better compete for health center awards.
The Committee commends the efforts of health centers to
deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate care and
urges the Secretary to work with health centers to further
enable these efforts. The Committee also urges the Department
to establish centers in un-served and under-served communities
and to implement strategies to increase the numbers and
diversity of health professionals at community health centers.
The Committee recognizes the important role of the
consolidated health centers in caring for people living with or
at risk for hepatitis C. The Committee encourages HRSA to
increase health centers' capacity for delivery of medical
management and treatment of HCV by implementing training and
technical assistance initiatives, so that health centers are
able to increase hepatitis C counseling and testing, and
medical management and treatment services to meet the
healthcare priorities of their respective communities.
The Committee continues to be concerned that community
health center funds are often not available to small, remote
communities in Alaska, Hawaii and other similar States because
the population base is too small. Many of these communities
have no health service providers and are forced to travel long
distances by boat or plane even in emergency situations. The
Committee recommends that HRSA examine its regulations and
applications procedures to ensure they do not unduly burden
small communities and are appropriately flexible to meet the
needs of these communities. The Committee applauds the agency
for its initiatives, such as the ``Alaska Frontier Health
Plan,'' and encourages the agency to continue and expand its
efforts with this program.
The Committee recognizes the importance of increasing the
use of health information technology [IT] at health centers.
Health centers have demonstrated improved access to services
and improved patient outcomes by using electronic health
records and other IT tools through their participation in
various networks, projects, systems, and collaboratives. The
Committee urges HRSA to ensure that health centers have
adequate resources to establish and expand health IT systems to
further enhance the delivery of cost-effective, quality health
care services.
The Committee recognizes the service to the uninsured by
Integrated Health Centers [IHCs] and Nurse-Managed Health
Centers [NMHCs]. These nonprofit hospital-affiliated or
university-based health centers provide much needed primary
care to a diverse and disadvantaged population. These health
centers are frequently the only source of primary care to their
patients. The Committee encourages HRSA to explore options to
include IHCs and NMHCs in new public-private safety net
partnerships thereby increasing access for the medically
underserved. Specifically, the Committee encourages HRSA to
explore granting these health centers the ability to apply for
FQHC Look-Alike status.
The Committee encourages HRSA to make funding available for
service expansion awards, especially those expanding access to
mental health services, with full and fair consideration given
to health centers in communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita. Further, the Committee recognizes that School-Based
Health Centers are effective providers of mental health
services to underserved populations and encourages HRSA to give
priority to applications for service expansions to such
applicants.
The Committee does not provide additional funds for loan
guarantee authority under section 330(d) of the Public Health
Service Act. The Committee notes that $72,000,000 of the
$160,000,000 appropriated in fiscal years 1997 and 1998
continues to remain available for guarantees of both loan
principal and interest. The Committee notes that some health
centers have successfully used funds available through the HRSA
Loan Guarantee Program to meet their capital needs. To maximize
the use of the loan guarantee funds, the Committee urges HRSA
to increase the percentages at which loan guarantees are
provided for managed care plans, networks, and facilities to
the highest authorized levels.
Native Hawaiian Health Care
The Committee again includes the legal citation in the bill
for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program. The Committee has
included sufficient funding so that health care activities
funded under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program can be
supported under the broader community health centers line. The
Committee expects that not less than $14,200,000 be provided
for these activities in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee recognizes there are still few Native
Hawaiian health care administrators working in Federally
qualified health centers. The Committee directs that a portion
of the funds appropriated for Native Hawaiian Health Care Act
programs be used to develop administrative competency
curriculum to prepare Native Hawaiians with the expertise
necessary to succeed in these positions.
Free Clinics Medical Malpractice Coverage
The Committee provides $10,000 in funding for payments of
claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act to be made available
for free clinic health professionals as authorized by U.S.C.
Title 42, Section 233(o) of the Public Health Service Act. The
fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $40,000 and the fiscal
year 2007 budget request did not include funding for this
program. This appropriation continues to extend Federal Tort
Claims Act coverage to medical volunteers in free clinics in
order to expand access to health care services to low-income
individuals in medically underserved areas.
Radiation and Exposure Screening and Education Program
The Committee provides $1,917,000 for activities authorized
by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. The fiscal year
2006 comparable level was $1,916,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 was $1,917,000. This program provides grants
for the education, prevention, and early detection of
radiogenic cancers and diseases resulting from exposure to
uranium during its mining and milling at nuclear test sites.
National Hansen's Disease Program
The Committee has included $16,705,000 for the National
Hansen's Disease Program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level
was $15,894,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$15,905,000. The program consists of inpatient, outpatient,
long-term care, training, and research in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana; a residential facility at Carville, Louisiana, and
11 outpatient clinic sites serving approximately 3,100 patients
in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. The Committee
has provided an increase of $811,000 over fiscal year 2006 to
maintain appropriate staffing levels at both facilities.
National Hansen's Disease Program Buildings and Facilities
The Committee provides $220,000 for buildings and
facilities. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $220,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $220,000 for
this program. This funding provides for the repair and
maintenance of buildings at the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease
Center.
Payment to Hawaii for Hansen's Disease Treatment
The Committee provides $1,996,000 for Hansen's Disease
services. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $1,995,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $1,996,000.
Payments are made to the State of Hawaii for the medical care
and treatment of persons with Hansen's Disease in hospital and
clinic facilities at Kalaupapa, Molokai and Honolulu. Expenses
above the level of appropriated funds are borne by the State of
Hawaii.
Black Lung Clinics
The Committee provides $6,000,000 for black lung clinics.
The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $5,887,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $5,891,000. This
program funds clinics that treat respiratory and pulmonary
diseases of active and retired coal miners, steel mill workers,
agricultural workers, and others with occupationally-related
respiratory and pulmonary impairments. These clinics reduce the
incidence of high-cost inpatient treatment for these
conditions.
BUREAU OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
National Health Service Corps: Field Placements
The Committee provides $40,298,000 for field placement
activities. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$40,270,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$40,298,000. The funds provided for this program are used to
support the activities of National Health Service Corps in the
field, including travel and transportation costs of assignees,
training and education, recruitment of volunteers, and
retention activities. Salary costs of most new assignees are
paid by the employing entity.
The Committee is pleased by the increasing proportion of
National Health Service Corps assignees being placed at
Community, Migrant, Homeless, and Public Housing Health
Centers. The Committee encourages HRSA to further expand this
effort to ensure that health centers have access to sufficient
numbers of health professionals through the Corps.
The Committee is concerned that the current Health
Professional Shortage Area [HPSA] scoring process used by HRSA
disadvantages many health centers located in medically
underserved areas of the country. The Committee urges HRSA to
apply the same placement criteria to physicians seeking J-1
Visa Waivers and NHSC Scholars as are currently applied to NHSC
Loan Repayment recipients. The Committee is concerned that the
recent decline in J-1 Visa Waiver applicants is due to systemic
obstacles, including HPSA scoring minimums, rather than
diminishing needs in underserved communities. To ensure that
the number and location of the placements meets the needs of
the underserved, the Committee urges HRSA to expand eligibility
for the J-1 visa waiver program.
National Health Service Corps: Recruitment
The Committee provides $85,230,000 for recruitment
activities. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$85,171,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$85,230,000. This program provides major benefits to students
(full-cost scholarships or sizable loan repayment) in exchange
for an agreement to serve as a primary care provider in a high
priority federally designated health professional shortage
area. These funds should support multi-year, rather than
single-year, commitments.
The Committee understands that the Department of Labor has
identified physical therapists as being one of only two types
of health professionals in significant shortage. The Committee
urges HRSA to identify the health occupation of physical
therapist for placement in underserved communities. Loan
repayment programs would be an incentive to recruit individuals
to seek this practice opportunity and to retain qualified
physical therapists to address the unique needs of these
communities in the areas of rehabilitation, disease management,
prevention, and public health.
The Committee encourages HRSA to include doctors of
optometry in the NHSC Student Loan Repayment Program with the
goal of making preventive eye care services more accessible in
community health centers within health professional shortage
areas. The Committee requests that HRSA be prepared to report
on progress towards this goal during deliberations for the
fiscal year 2008 budget.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
The Committee provides $304,082,000 for all HRSA health
professions programs. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$294,674,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$159,412,000.
The Committee recognizes that the determination of whether
an individual is from an economically disadvantaged background
has been problematic for health professions and nursing grant
and cooperative agreement programs authorized by titles III,
VII, and VIII of the Public Health Service Act, such as the
Nursing Workforce Diversity Program. The Committee is pleased
that HRSA responded to concerns and issued new guidance and
methodology for the aforementioned programs on February 18,
2005 (70 FR 8381-8382). However, the Committee is concerned
that despite the revisions, parental income remains a factor in
the determination of whether an individual is from an
economically disadvantaged background, even if the student
lives with a relative other than a parent. Therefore, the
Committee encourages HRSA to omit the consideration of parental
income from fiscal year 2007 competitions as well as from
future guidance and methodology issued for health professions
and nursing grant and cooperative agreement programs authorized
by titles III, VII, and VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
Training for Diversity
Centers of Excellence
The Committee provides $11,872,000 for the Centers of
Excellence program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$11,872,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not
include any funds for this program. This program was
established to fund institutions that train a significant
portion of the Nation's minority health professionals. Funds
are used for the recruitment and retention of students, faculty
training, and the development of plans to achieve institutional
improvements. The institutions that are designated as centers
of excellence are private institutions whose mission is to
train disadvantaged minority students for service in
underserved areas. Located in poor communities and usually with
little State funding, they serve the health care needs of their
patients--often without payment.
The Committee is pleased that HRSA has re-focused the
Minority Centers of Excellence program on providing support to
historically minority health professions institutions. The
Committee recognizes the important role of this program in
supporting faculty and other academic programs at minority
institutions. The Committee notes that at the level of funding
provided, Public Law 105-392, the Health Professions Education
Partnerships Act of 1998, limits funding to the original four
Centers of Excellence.
Health Careers Opportunity Program
The Committee provides $3,957,000 for the Health Careers
Opportunity Program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$3,957,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not
include any funds for this program. This program provides funds
to medical and other health professions schools for recruitment
of disadvantaged students and pre-professional school
preparations.
The Committee is concerned about the reduced level of
support provided to minority health professions schools through
the H-COP program in recent fiscal years. For fiscal year 2007,
the Committee strongly urges HRSA to give priority
consideration to awarding grants to those institutions with a
historic mission of training minorities in the health
professions.
Faculty Loan Repayment
The Committee provides $1,288,000 for the Faculty Loan
Repayment program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$1,288,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not
include any funds for this program. This program provides for
the repayment of education loans for individuals from
disadvantaged backgrounds who are health professions students
or graduates, and who have agreed to serve for not less than 2
years as a faculty member of a health professions school.
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
The Committee provides $46,625,000 for the Scholarships for
Disadvantaged Students program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $46,625,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $9,733,000. This program provides grants to health
professions schools for student scholarships to individuals who
are from disadvantaged backgrounds and are enrolled as full-
time students in such schools.
Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry
The Committee provides $50,000,000 for Training in Primary
Care Medicine and Dentistry programs. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $40,823,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 did not include any funding for this program.
Family Medicine Training
Family medicine activities support grants for graduate
training in family medicine, grants for pre-doctoral training
in family medicine, grants for faculty development in family
medicine, and grants for the establishment of departments of
family medicine. The Committee reiterates its support for this
program and recognizes its importance in increasing the number
of primary care physicians in underserved areas.
The Committee has included bill language enabling HRSA to
fund its family medicine activities at a level of $31,000,000.
General Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Training
This program provides funds to public and private nonprofit
hospitals and schools of medicine and osteopathic medicine to
support residencies in internal medicine and pediatrics. Grants
may also include support for faculty.
Physician Assistants
This program supports planning, development, and operation
of physician assistant training programs.
General Dentistry and Pediatric Dental Residencies
This program assists dental schools and postgraduate dental
training institutions to meet the costs of planning,
developing, and operating residency training and advanced
education programs in general practice of dentistry and funds
innovative models for postdoctoral general dentistry and
pediatric dentistry.
The Committee has included bill language enabling HRSA to
fund the pediatric dental program at a level of $5,000,000 The
Committee recognizes that the approximately 40 percent of U.S.
children living in low-income households have about three to
five times the level of untreated dental disease compared to
their more affluent peers. Recruitment and retention of
pediatric dental educators is vital to pediatric dental
residency programs. Pediatric dentists treat about 30 percent
of the children in this country, and train all of the dentists
who treat children. Additionally, rural States are
disproportionately underserved by pediatric dentists, as
several States have fewer than 10 pediatric dentists. The
Committee encourages HRSA to develop pediatric dentistry
faculty development and student loan repayment programs.
Interdisciplinary, Community-based Linkages
Area Health Education Centers
The Committee provides $28,661,000 for the Area Health
Education Centers program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $28,661,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 did not include any funds for this program. This program
links university health science centers with community health
service delivery systems to provide training sites for
students, faculty, and practitioners. The program supports
three types of projects: Core grants to plan and implement
programs; special initiative funding for schools that have
previously received Area Health Education Centers [AHEC]
grants; and model programs to extend AHEC programs with 50
percent Federal funding.
Allied Health and Other Disciplines
The Committee provides $4,000,000 for the Allied Health and
Other Disciplines program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $3,957,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 did not include any funds for this program. These programs
seek to improve access, diversity, and distribution of allied
health practitioners to areas of need. The program improves
access to comprehensive and culturally competent health care
services for underserved populations. The Committee
recommendation is sufficient to continue the Chiropractic-
Medical School Demonstration Grant and Graduate Psychology
training programs at the same levels as in fiscal year 2006.
Public Health Workforce Development
With the continued need for public health training
throughout the country, the Committee believes these programs
serve an important role in maintaining the country's public
health infrastructure.
Public Health, Preventive Medicine, and Dental Public
Health Programs
The Committee provides $8,000,000 for these programs. The
fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $7,915,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 did not include any funds for this
program. This program supports awards to schools of medicine,
osteopathic medicine, public health, and dentistry for support
of residency training programs in preventive medicine and
dental public health; and for financial assistance to trainees
enrolled in such programs.
Nursing Workforce Development Programs
The Committee provides $149,679,000 for the Nursing
Workforce Development programs. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $149,576,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $149,679,000. The Committee recognizes that the
current nursing shortage has reached a crisis state across
America. The situation only promises to worsen due to a lack of
young nurses in the profession, an aging existing workforce,
and inadequate availability of nursing faculty to prepare
future nurses. The Committee urges HRSA to support programs
aimed at increasing nursing faculty and encouraging a diverse
population's entry into nursing.
Advanced Education Nursing
The Committee provides $57,061,000 for the Advanced
Education Nursing programs. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $57,021,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $57,061,000. This program funds nursing schools to
prepare nurses at the master's degree or higher level for
teaching, administration, or service in other professional
nursing specialties. Within the allocation, the Committee
encourages HRSA to allocate funding at least at the fiscal year
2006 level for nurse anesthetist education.
Nurse Education, Practice, and Retention
The Committee provides $37,291,000 for the Nurse Education,
Practice, and Retention programs. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $37,265,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 was $37,291,000. The goal of this program is
to improve the quality of nursing practice. Activities under
this program will initiate new projects that will change the
educational mix of the nursing workforce and empower the
workforce to meet the demands of the current health care
system.
Nursing Workforce Diversity
The Committee provides $16,107,000 for the Nursing
Workforce Diversity program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $16,096,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $16,107,000. The goal of this program is to improve
the diversity of the nursing workforce through increased
educational opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Nurse Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program
The Committee provides $31,055,000 for the Nurse Loan
Repayment and Scholarship programs. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $31,034,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 was $31,055,000. This program offers student
loan repayment to nurses in exchange for an agreement to serve
not less than 2 years in an Indian Health Service health
center, Native Hawaiian health center, public hospital,
community or migrant health center, or rural health clinic.
Nurse Faculty Loan Program
The Committee provides $4,773,000 for the Nursing Faculty
Loan program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$4,770,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$4,773,000. This program supports the development of a student
loan fund in schools of nursing to increase the number of
qualified nursing faculty.
Comprehensive Geriatric Education
The Committee provides $3,392,000 for Comprehensive
Geriatric Education grants. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $3,390,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $3,392,000. These grants prepare nursing personnel to
care for the aging population.
Patient Navigator
The Committee provides $5,000,000 for Patient Navigator
Grants authorized by Public Law 109-18. No funds were included
in the fiscal year 2007 budget request for this program. These
funds will be used to provide patient navigator services to
improve health care outcomes.
Patient navigators are individuals who know the local
community and can help patients navigate through the
complicated health care system. They help with referrals and
follow-up treatment and direct patients to programs and
clinical trials that are available to help them get the
treatment and care they need to fight cancer and other chronic
diseases. In addition, the patient navigator guides patients to
health coverage that they may be eligible to receive. They also
conduct ongoing outreach to communities with health disparities
to encourage people to get screenings and early detection
services.
Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Program
The Committee has provided $200,000,000 for the Children's
Hospitals Graduate Medical Education [GME] program. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable level was $296,795,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 was $99,000,000.
The program provides support for health professions
training in children's teaching hospitals that have a separate
Medicare provider number (``free-standing'' children's
hospitals). Children's hospitals are statutorily defined under
Medicare as those whose inpatients are predominantly under the
age of 18. The funds in this program are intended to make the
level of Federal Graduate Medical Education support more
consistent with other teaching hospitals, including children's
hospitals that share provider numbers with other teaching
hospitals. Payments are determined by formula, based on a
national per-resident amount. Payments support training of
resident physicians as defined by Medicare in both ambulatory
and inpatient settings.
National Practitioner Data Bank
The Committee provides $15,700,000 for the national
practitioner data bank. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level
was $15,700,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$15,700,000. The Committee and the budget request assume that
full funding will be provided entirely through the collection
of user fees and will cover the full cost of operating the data
bank. Bill language is included to ensure that user fees are
collected to cover all costs of processing requests and
providing such information to data bank users.
Health Care Integrity and Protection Data Bank
The Committee provides $4,000,000 for the health care
integrity and protection data bank. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $4,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 was $4,000,000. The Committee and the budget
request assume that full funding will be provided entirely
through the collection of user fees and will cover the full
cost of operating the data bank. The data bank is intended to
collect, maintain, and report on certain actions taken against
health care providers, suppliers, and practitioners.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant
The Committee provides $693,000,000 for the maternal and
child health [MCH] block grant. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $692,521,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $693,000,000.
The Maternal and Child Health Block Grant program provides
a flexible source of funding that allows States to target their
most urgent maternal and child health needs through development
of community-based networks of preventive and primary care that
coordinate and integrate public and private sector resources
and programs for pregnant women, mothers, infants, children,
and adolescents. The program supports a broad range of
activities including prenatal care, well child services and
immunizations, reducing infant mortality, preventing injury and
violence, expanding access to oral health care, addressing
racial and ethnic disparities and providing comprehensive care
for children, adolescents, and families through clinics, home
visits and school-based health programs.
The MCH block grant funds are provided to States to support
health care for mothers and children. According to statute, 85
percent of appropriated funds up to $600,000,000 are
distributed to States and 15 percent are set aside for special
projects of regional and national significance [SPRANS]. Also
according to statute, 12.75 percent of funds over $600,000,000
are to be used for community-integrated service systems [CISS]
programs. The remaining funds over $600,000,000 are distributed
on the same 85/15 percent split as the basic block grant.
The Committee has included bill language identifying
$116,051,892 for the SPRANS set-aside. Within that total, the
Committee intends that $1,536,480 be used for a first-time
motherhood education program; $2,880,900 be used for epilepsy
demonstration projects; $990,000 be used for a fetal alcohol
syndrome demonstration program; $3,841,200 be used to continue
the sickle cell newborn screening program and its locally based
outreach and counseling efforts; $1,920,600 be used for newborn
and child screening for heritable disorders as authorized in
title XXVI of the Children's Health Act of 2000; and $4,801,500
be used to continue the oral health demonstration programs and
activities in the States.
As stated above, the Committee also provides $1,536,480 for
a first-time motherhood demonstration program, equally divided
between urban and rural settings. Funding for urban settings
should be focused on community-based doula activities. These
funds may be used to improve infant health, strengthen families
and provide supports to ensure family success through a
community-based doula program. This approach identifies and
trains indigenous community leaders to mentor pregnant women
during the months of pregnancy, birth and the immediate post-
partum period. Doulas provide pregnancy and childbirth
education, early linkage to health care and social services,
labor coaching, breastfeeding education and counseling and
parenting skills while fostering parental attachment. Rural
areas represent a unique challenge in supporting first-time
mothers, particularly around the area of lactation support and
services. Funding for the rural portion of the demonstration
should be focused on the best ways of delivering supportive
services, including delivery outside the hospital setting both
before and after the birth of the child. Priority should be
given to applications which emphasize breastfeeding initiation
and retention.
As stated above, the Committee has provided $2,880,900 for
the continuation of epilepsy demonstration programs to improve
access to health and other services regarding seizures and to
encourage early detection and treatment in children and others
residing in medically underserved and rural areas. Of the
amount provided, the Committee recommends 30 percent be used to
continue to fund the development and testing of a national
public health awareness campaign to increase seizure
recognition and improve access to care among minorities and
underserved populations. The Committee encourages HRSA to
conduct these programs in partnership with a national
organization whose mission is to improve the lives of children
and adults affected by seizure through research, education,
advocacy and service.
The Committee has included $990,000 to continue the
demonstration program on fetal alcohol syndrome. Each year,
40,000 children are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
[FASD], the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth
defects. The demonstration program should continue to
coordinate services between the National Organization on Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome and community health centers to improve the
prevention, identification, and support of individuals with
fetal alcohol syndrome. In addition, funds have been included
to engage and include maternal child health sites in this
successful demonstration.
As stated above, the Committee provides $1,920,600 to
continue the heritable disorders screening program authorized
in Title XXVI of the Children's Health Act of 2000. Newborn
screening is used for early identification of infants affected
by certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal and or functional
conditions for which there is effective treatment or
intervention. Screening detects disorders in newborns that,
left untreated, can cause death, disability, mental retardation
and other serious illnesses. The Committee is aware that wide
disparities exist in the number of conditions screened for in
each State. The Committee believes that parents and healthcare
providers responsible for the care of newborns should be able
to provide the best chance at a healthy start on life, and
therefore, encourages HRSA to consider including guidance that
parents be informed in writing of the availability of
additional tests that may not be required under State law.
The Committee commends HRSA for convening the Secretary's
Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases
in Newborns and Children to make national recommendations to
standardize newborn screening programs in the United States;
and for funding the Regional Genetic Service and Newborn
Screening Collaboratives to address the maldistribution of
genetic services and resources to bring services closer to
local communities.
As stated above, the Committee has provided $4,801,500 for
the continuation of oral health programs in the States. These
programs will help States develop well integrated, quality oral
health programs through grants, cooperative agreements, and
contracts. The Committee encourages HRSA to assist States
through partnerships with national associations and foundations
to focus on state-based early interventions to prevent early
childhood caries. As linkages continue to be made among disease
transmissibility, maternal behaviors, poor birth outcomes and
poor periodontal health, further program attention is warranted
to avoid the need for more costly care.
The Committee recognizes the key role that Maternal and
Child Health Centers for Leadership in Pediatric Dentistry
Education provide in preparing dentists with dual training in
pediatric dentistry and dental public health. Dentists in the
three currently funded programs concentrate on working with
Federal, State, and local programs that provide services for
vulnerable populations including low-income children and women
and children with special health care needs. Dentists trained
through these centers become future faculty and policy leaders
specializing in pediatric dentistry and maternal and child
health. The Committee encourages HRSA to expand this program.
The Committee reiterates its long-standing support for the
continuation of funding that the Maternal and Child Health
Block Grant has provided to comprehensive thalassemia treatment
centers under the SPRANS program. The Committee urges HRSA to
continue this program, expand it to include additional centers
around the country, and to continue its existing partnership on
these activities with a voluntary organization.
The most crucial need for individuals suffering from
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] is for effective, compassionate
medical care. Through its demonstration grants program, HRSA
has piloted effective ways of delivering health care services
to those with emerging illnesses. The Committee encourages HRSA
to provide demonstration grants to develop model CFS clinical
centers with the goal of delivering effective,
multidisciplinary clinical care to persons with CFS.
The Committee recognizes the critical role of hemophilia
treatment centers in providing needed comprehensive care for
persons with bleeding disorders and the expanded role of these
centers in addressing the needs of women with bleeding
disorders and persons with clotting disorders such as
thrombophilia. The Committee urges HRSA to continue its support
of this model disease management network.
The Committee encourages HRSA to consider partnering with a
national non-profit voluntary organization to develop model
demonstration programs to develop a national data source by
which States could report State-specific rates and improve the
screening, detection, and treatment of vision problems that
would otherwise result in delayed learning and education in
children.
The Committee is aware that HRSA has been reviewing the
State Core Performance Measures for children. Last year, the
Committee included report language encouraging HRSA to consider
developing a National Core Performance Measure for children's
vision. This is necessary to ensure care is provided to the
many school-age children with significant vision problems. The
Committee requests that HRSA report to the Committee on
Appropriations by June 15, 2007 the status of the MCH Core
Performance Measure review process, the anticipated timeline
for review completion, and the steps the Administrator has
taken to ensure appropriate vision screening for children
entering school.
Sickle Cell Anemia Demonstration Program
The Committee provides $3,000,000 for the sickle cell
anemia demonstration program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $2,176,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $2,178,000.
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
The Committee provides $8,910,000 for the traumatic brain
injury program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$8,904,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not
include any funding for this program. The program supports
implementation and planning grants to States for coordination
and improvement of services to individuals and families with
traumatic brain injuries as well as protection and advocacy.
Such services can include: pre-hospital care, emergency
department care, hospital care, rehabilitation, transitional
services, education, employment, and long-term support. The
Committee includes $3,000,000 for protection and advocacy
services, as authorized under section 1305 of Public Law 106-
310.
Healthy Start Initiative
The Committee provides $101,518,000 for the healthy start
infant mortality initiative. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $101,448,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $101,518,000.
The healthy start initiative was developed to respond to
persistently high rates of infant mortality in this Nation. The
initiative was expanded in fiscal year 1994 by a special
projects program, which supported an additional seven urban and
rural communities to implement infant mortality reduction
strategies and interventions. The Children's Health Act of 2000
fully authorized this initiative as an independent program. The
Committee urges HRSA to give preference to current and former
grantees with expiring or recently expired project periods.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention
The Committee provides $10,000,000 for universal newborn
hearing screening and early intervention activities. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable level was $9,794,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 did not include any funds for this
program.
The Committee expects HRSA to coordinate projects funded
with this appropriation with projects related to early hearing
detection and intervention by the National Center on Birth
Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the National Institute
on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Emergency Medical Services for Children
The Committee provides $20,000,000 for emergency medical
services for children. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level
was $19,786,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did
not include funds for this program. The program supports
demonstration grants for the delivery of emergency medical
services to acutely ill and seriously injured children.
The Committee continues to be pleased with the progress
made for the emergency medical services for children. The 10-
year Institute of Medicine study of emergency medical services
for children was informative, and the Committee looks forward
to its 20-year update.
Family-To-Family Health Information Centers
The Committee has not provided funding for the Family-To-
Family Health Information Centers program. The budget request
for fiscal year 2007 included $3,000,000 for this new
initiative. The Committee notes that the Deficit Reduction Act
of 2005 appropriated $3,000,000 for this activity in fiscal
year 2007.
HIV/AIDS BUREAU
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME
Ryan White AIDS Programs
The Committee provides $2,139,091,000 for Ryan White AIDS
programs. The recommendation includes $25,000,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $2,061,305,000 and
the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $2,157,713,000. In
the absence of the reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act
and with the exception of the deviations noted in the following
sections, the Committee intends that funds be distributed using
the same methodologies used in fiscal year 2006.
Next to the Medicaid program, the Ryan White CARE Act (the
CARE Act) is the largest Federal investment in the care and
treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States.
The CARE Act provides a wide range of community-based services,
including primary and home health care, case management,
substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and
nutritional services.
Within the total provided, the Committee intends that Ryan
White AIDS activities that are targeted to address the growing
HIV/AIDS epidemic and its disproportionate impact upon
communities of color, including African-Americans, Latinos,
Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and
Pacific Islanders continue with at least the level of funding
provided in fiscal year 2006.
The Committee is aware that over 30 percent of HIV-infected
persons in the United States are also chronically infected with
the hepatitis C virus [HCV]. Chronic hepatitis C infection may
lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, and is the
leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States. In
addition, chronic hepatitis C disease progresses more rapidly
in HIV-infected persons, and end stage liver disease resulting
from chronic hepatitis C infection is now a leading cause of
death for people with HIV/AIDS. The Committee urges HRSA to
provide guidance to CARE Act grantees to encourage them to
proactively address HCV care and treatment among their HIV/HCV
co-infected patient populations.
Emergency Assistance--Title I
The Committee provides $605,993,000, an increase of
$2,417,000 over fiscal year 2006 and $2,000,000 over the budget
request, for emergency assistance grants to eligible
metropolitan areas disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. These funds are provided to metropolitan areas
meeting certain criteria. Half of the funds are awarded by
formula and the other half are awarded through supplemental
competitive grants.
Comprehensive Care Programs--Title II
The Committee provides $1,190,518,000 for HIV health care
and support services. These funds are awarded to States to
support HIV service delivery consortia, the provision of home
and community-based care services for individuals with HIV
disease, continuation of health insurance coverage for low-
income persons with HIV disease and support for State AIDS drug
assistance programs [ADAP].
The Committee continues to be encouraged by the progress of
anti-retroviral therapy in reducing the mortality rates
associated with HIV infection and in enhancing the quality of
life of patients on medication. The Committee includes bill
language for $844,546,000 for AIDS medications in the AIDS Drug
Assistance Program [ADAP]. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $789,005,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $789,546,000. The Committee has provided this increase
to address the long-standing problem of State waiting lists for
HIV/AIDS medications without unfairly punishing States that
have provided their own resources to make up funding
shortfalls.
The Committee has included requested bill language and
provided $15,000,000 over the fiscal year 2006 level for Title
II to fund the initiative within Title II to enable the
Secretary to target HIV care and treatment funds to areas of
greatest need. It is the understanding of the Committee that
the enhanced flexibility associated with these resources will
be used to provide health care and treatment services to
individuals in greatest need, including those newly diagnosed
as a result of increased testing, and to further address the
long-standing problem of State waiting lists for HIV/AIDS
medications.
The Committee is aware of the success HIV therapies have
had on prolonging and enhancing the quality of life for those
infected with HIV/AIDS. As the infected population lives longer
and becomes increasingly resistant to current treatment
regimens, there is a growing need to focus on access to newer
therapies for treatment experienced or ``later stage''
patients. The Committee encourages HRSA and State ADAPs to
prioritize coverage of treatments for later stage patients so
that there is parity of access to effective treatments for
patients across the HIV disease spectrum. The Committee further
encourages State ADAPs to provide coverage of therapies
approved by the FDA for the treatment of HCV in HIV/HCV co-
infected patients.
Early Intervention Services--Title III
The Committee provides $195,488,000, an increase of
$2,000,000 over the fiscal year 2006 level and $23,134,000
below the budget request, for early intervention grants. These
funds are awarded competitively to primary health care
providers to enhance health care services available to people
at risk of HIV and AIDS. Funds are used for comprehensive
primary care, including counseling, testing, diagnostic, and
therapeutic services. The Committee has provided an increase
over the fiscal year 2006 level of $2,000,000 to maintain
service levels provided through the existing program. The
Committee has not provided funding, nor overridden existing
authorities, as proposed in the fiscal year 2007 budget request
for the ``HIV community action grants'' initiative.
Children, Youth, Women, and Families--Title IV
The Committee provides $73,294,000, an increase of
$1,550,000 over the fiscal year 2006 level and $1,500,000 over
the budget request, for title IV CARE Act programs for
Children, Youth, Women, and Families. Funds are awarded to
community health centers, family planning agencies,
comprehensive hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers,
federally qualified health centers under section 1905(1)(2)(B)
of the Social Security Act, county and municipal health
departments and other nonprofit community-based programs that
provide comprehensive primary health care services to
populations with or at risk for HIV disease.
Title IV of the CARE Act provides a program of grants for
coordinated services and access to research for women, infants,
children and youth. Title IV grantees may engage in a broad
range of activities to reduce mother-to-child transmission,
including voluntary testing of pregnant women and treatment to
reduce mother-to-child transmission. In addition, title IV
grantees are required to provide individuals with information
and education on opportunities to participate in HIV/AIDS
clinical research. Title IV of the Ryan White CARE Act is
specifically charged with linking women, children, youth and
families living with HIV/AIDS to care, services and research.
With a specific focus on families, Title IV grantees have taken
the lead on reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission in the
United States, provide family-centered HIV care and services,
and closely coordinate HIV testing with expert health care and
social services. Nearly 90 percent of families served under
title IV are African-American and Hispanic. Title IV funds 90
lead grantees that coordinate health care services through over
650 community-based health centers, children's hospitals,
academic health centers, and other health care agencies. Nearly
20 organizations funded by title IV have been faith-based
organizations and have been working on the front lines of this
epidemic for two decades.
The Committee expects HRSA to maximize available funds
under this part to existing grantees. The Committee is
concerned that previous report language to HRSA regarding the
analysis of data pertaining to administrative costs in title IV
has still not been followed, making it almost impossible for
HRSA to impose a cap in fiscal year 2007. The Committee
strongly urges HRSA to collaborate with grantees under this
title to produce necessary tools for the accurate collection of
expense data. Unless HRSA can produce data regarding
administrative expenses with a precise definition to ensure
accuracy and comparability, the agency will be unable to impose
a limitation on such expenses without harming the ability of
grantees to provide services for women, children, youth and
families infected with HIV.
The Committee is aware of the efforts of title IV grantees
to care for youth infected with HIV and urges HRSA to
disseminate the effective practices and models of care
developed by title IV grantees across all Ryan White CARE Act
providers.
Technical assistance may be provided to title IV grantees
using up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated under this
section. Within this amount sufficient funds exist to maintain
agreements to provide technical assistance to title IV grantees
and to conduct policy analysis and research.
AIDS Education and Training Centers--Part F
The Committee provides $35,200,000, an increase of $524,000
over the fiscal year 2006 level and $500,000 over the budget
request, for the AIDS education and training centers [AETC's].
AIDS education and training centers train health care
practitioners, faculty, and students who care for AIDS patients
outside of the traditional health professions education venues,
and support curriculum development on diagnosis and treatment
of HIV infection for health professions schools and training
organizations. The targeted education efforts by AETC's are
needed to ensure the cost-effective use of the significant
expenditures in Ryan White programs and the AIDS drugs
assistance program. The agency is urged to fully utilize the
AETC's to ensure the quality of medical care and to ensure, as
much as possible, that no individual with HIV receives
suboptimal therapy due to the lack of health care provider
information.
AIDS Dental Services--Part F
The Committee provides $13,598,000, an increase of $521,000
over the fiscal year 2006 level and $512,000 over the budget
request, for AIDS Dental Services. This program provides grants
to dental schools, dental hygiene schools, and postdoctoral
dental education programs to assist with the cost of providing
unreimbursed oral health care to patients with HIV disease.
HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS BUREAU
Organ Donation and Transplantation
The Committee provides $25,049,000 for organ donation and
transplantation activities. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $23,033,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $23,049,000. These funds support a scientific registry
of organ transplant recipients and the National Organ
Procurement and Transplantation Network to match donors and
potential recipients of organs. A portion of the appropriated
funds may be used for education of the public and health
professionals about organ donations and transplants, and to
support agency staff providing clearinghouse and technical
assistance functions.
The Committee notes that Public Law 108-216, the Organ
Donation Recovery and Improvement Act of 2004 authorizes
valuable new uses of these funds, including patient travel, and
has provided $2,000,000 over the budget request to initiate
implementation of the new law. The Committee notes that the new
provisions may have a direct impact on increasing the rate of
successful transplantations.
The Committee applauds HRSA for its successful ``Organ
Donation Breakthrough Collaborative'' campaign to identify and
promote best practices in organ donations for hospitals and
organ procurement organizations. Improving the rate of donation
nationally is crucial to making life-saving organ
transplantations more widely available for patients with
diabetes, heart disease, end stage renal disease, and many
other devastating illnesses. The Committee encourages HRSA to
improve the allocation system with the goal of expanding the
number of available organs, including pancreases for
transplantation or islet extraction in patients with diabetes.
The Committee is concerned that pregnant women and their
families are unaware of the benefits of umbilical cord blood in
treating many congenital and genetic diseases. The Committee
encourages HRSA to consider adding umbilical cord blood to
organ and tissue donation education programs operated by HRSA
to provide education on options for umbilical cord blood
storage.
The Committee commends HRSA for its leadership in promoting
increased organ and tissue donations and encourages the
Division of Transplantation to continue its partnership with
the pulmonary hypertension community in this important area.
C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program
The Committee provides $22,687,000 for the C.W. Bill Young
Cell Transplantation Program, which is the successor of the
National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level for the Registry was $25,145,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $22,687,000.
The Committee is pleased that HRSA is moving forward to
implement the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. The
Committee is committed to expanding the opportunities for those
in need of a bone marrow transplant. It is the Committee's
expectation that those program functions that remain under the
direct oversight of the Secretary, i.e. Patient Advocacy and
Case Management, single point of access, and the Stem Cell
Therapeutic Outcomes Database, will operate in an objective and
unbiased manner, free from conflicts of interest, such that
they can support use of the stem cell source material that is
most appropriate for the individual patient.
National Cord Blood Inventory
The Committee has provided $3,960,000 for the National Cord
Blood Inventory, which is the successor of the National Cord
Blood Stem Cell Bank program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $3,957,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 did not request funds for this activity. The purpose of
this program is to provide funds to cord blood banks to build
an inventory of the highest quality cord blood units for
transplantation.
The Committee is concerned that the establishment of the
Advisory Council, required by the Stem Cell Therapeutic and
Research Act of 2005, Public Law 109-129, has been delayed. The
Advisory Council is intended to provide independent, scientific
counsel related to all aspects of the C.W. Bill Young Cell
Transplantation Program. Congress envisioned the Advisory
Council would play a prominent role in developing a
scientifically sound definition of a ``high-quality cord blood
unit.'' In addition, it was anticipated that the Secretary
would consult with the Advisory Council regarding the
accreditation requirements for cord blood banks, the
standardized data requirements, and other related matters. The
Committee believes it is very important to assure the highest
quality throughout the cord blood collection and storage
process. Therefore, the Committee strongly urges HRSA to move
forward with the creation of the Advisory Council.
Poison Control Centers
The Committee provides $23,068,000 for Poison Control
Center activities. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$23,052,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$13,168,000. The Poison Control Program currently supports a
mix of grantees: most grantees serve entire States; a few
grantees serve multi-State regions; and, in a handful of cases,
more than one grantee serves a single State. The Committee is
generally supportive of this current structure and instructs
HRSA not to make any changes aimed at replacing existing single
State grantees with multi-State providers. In allocating funds,
the Committee has provided sufficient resources to continue the
current approach of allocating funding to all certified centers
based on service population.
Office of Pharmacy Affairs
The Committee provides $2,970,000 for the Office of
Pharmacy Affairs. The budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$2,970,000 for this new program. The Office of Pharmacy Affairs
promotes access to clinically and cost effective pharmacy
services among safety-net clinics and hospitals that
participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Section 340B of
the Public Health Service Act requires drug manufacturers to
provide discounts or rebates to a specified set of HHS assisted
programs and hospitals that meet the criteria in the Social
Security Act for serving a disproportionate share of low income
patients. These funds will be used to help resolve deficiencies
that could not be addressed within resources available for the
normal operations of the office. Specifically, these
deficiencies include non-compliance with the 340B pricing
requirements and errors and omissions in the office's covered
entity database.
The Committee is concerned by price fluctuations in drugs
currently accessed through 340b, which play a major role in the
delivery of care in community health centers, title X clinics,
and rural health centers. The Committee hopes that the funding
for Office of Pharmacy Affairs will help to address the
variability in pricing to help clinics plan for their patient
load.
The Committee is also concerned by barriers to safety net
pharmacies contracting with the Medicare part D prescription
drug plans and the subsequent impact on low income Medicare
beneficiaries' participation. The Committee urges HRSA to work
with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assess
safety net participation in part D networks and expand
assistance to assure that safety net pharmacies may participate
on fair terms. The Committee is aware of legislation that would
track and analyze the expenditures that safety net pharmacies
make on behalf of their low income Medicare patients that do
not count towards beneficiaries' true out-of-pocket
expenditures, and supports the goal of ensuring low-income
Medicare beneficiaries have continued access to prescription
drugs through the Medicare program.
Trauma Care
The Committee provides $1,000,000 for the trauma/emergency
medical services program. This program did not receive funding
in fiscal year 2006 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007
did not include funding for this program. This program is
intended to improve the Nation's overall emergency medical
systems, which are constantly activated to respond to a wide
range of natural and man-made disasters.
RURAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Rural Health Policy Development Program
The Committee provides $8,737,000 for the Rural Health
Policy Development Program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $8,731,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $8,737,000. The funds provide support for the Office
of Rural Health Policy to be the focal point for the
Department's efforts to improve the delivery of health services
to rural communities and populations. Funds are used for rural
health research centers, the National Advisory Committee on
Rural Health, and a reference and information service.
Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grants
The Committee provides $38,885,000 for rural health
outreach grants. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$38,858,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$10,365,000. This program supports projects that demonstrate
new and innovative models of outreach in rural areas such as
integration and coordination of health services.
The Committee understands that many primary care clinics in
isolated, remote locations are providing extended stay services
and are not staffed or receiving appropriate compensation to
provide this service. The Committee encourages the HRSA to
continue its support for a demonstration project authorized in
the Medicare Modernization Act to evaluate the effectiveness of
a new type of provider, the ``Frontier Extended Stay Clinic,''
to provide expanded services in remote and isolated primary
care clinics to meet the needs of seriously ill or injured
patients who cannot be transferred quickly to acute care
referral centers, and patients who require monitoring and
observation for a limited time.
Mississippi's Delta is a community in which residents
disproportionately experience disease risk factors and children
are significantly mentally and physically developmentally
behind. The Committee recognizes that communities such as this
show positive behavioral change when community-based programs
and infrastructure are in place. The Committee believes that
collaborative programs offering health education, coordination
of health services and health-related research offer the best
hope for breaking the cycle of poor health in underprivileged
areas such as the Mississippi Delta. Therefore, the Committee
recommends the continued funding of these activities as already
initiated and undertaken by the coordinated efforts of the
Mississippi Delta Health Alliance, which is a collaboration
involving Delta State University, Mississippi State University,
the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and the
Mississippi State Department of Health.
Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices
The Committee provides $1,500,000 for rural and community
access to emergency devices. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $1,484,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 did not include funding for this program. This
appropriation provides funding for both the rural program under
section 413 of the Public Health Service Act and the community
access demonstration under section 313.
The Committee is concerned that reductions in the fiscal
year 2006 appropriation for this program were implemented in a
manner that disproportionately impacted rural areas. The
Committee expects that a portion of the fiscal year 2007
funding be used to provide defibrillators to rural communities.
Funding will be used to train additional rural and
community lay rescuers and first responders to use automated
external defibrillators [AEDs] and to purchase and place AEDs
in public areas where cardiac arrests are likely to occur.
Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants
The Committee provides $38,538,000 for rural hospital
flexibility grants. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$63,494,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not
include funds for this program. The Committee notes that the
fiscal year 2006 level included $25,000,000 for the first year
of the Delta Health Initiative, which is now funded as a
separately authorized line item.
Under this program, eligible rural hospitals may convert
themselves into limited service facilities termed Critical
Access Hospitals. Such entities are then eligible to receive
cost-based payments from Medicare. The grant component of the
program assists States with the development and implementation
of State rural health plans, conversion assistance, and
associated activities.
Of the amount provided, the Committee includes $15,000,000
to continue the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant Program,
as authorized by section 1820(g)(3) of the Social Security Act
and Public Law 107-116 and outlined in House Report 107-342.
Delta Health Initiative
The Committee has included $35,000,000 for the Delta Health
Initiative as authorized in section 223 of this act. The
Committee understands that HRSA intends to award a multi-year
award in fiscal year 2006 to implement the Delta Health
Initiative as described in House Report 109-337. The Committee
notes that continuation of this award in fiscal year 2007 in
the same manner and with the same requirements will satisfy the
requirements of section 223.
State Offices of Rural Health
The Committee provides $8,141,000 for the State Offices of
Rural Health. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$8,135,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$8,141,000. The State Office of Rural Health program helps the
States strengthen rural heath care delivery systems by allowing
them to better coordinate care and improve support and outreach
in rural areas. The Committee believes that continued funds for
this purpose are critical to improving access and quality
health care services throughout rural communities.
Native and Rural Alaskan Health Care
The Committee provides $39,283,000 for the Denali
Commission. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$39,283,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not
include funding for this program. These funds support
construction and renovation of health clinics, hospitals and
social service facilities in rural Alaska, as authorized by
Public Law 106-113, to help remote communities in Alaska
develop critically needed health and social service
infrastructure for which no other funding sources are
available, thereby providing health and social services to
Alaskans in remote rural communities as they are in other
communities throughout the country. The Committee expects the
Denali Commission to allocate funds to a mix of rural hospital,
clinic, long-term care and social service facilities, rather
than focusing exclusively on clinic funding.
Terrorism Preparedness
The Committee provides $486,606,000 for bioterrorism
preparedness related activities at HRSA. Within this total,
$466,210,000 is provided for hospital preparedness, $8,000,000
is provided for credentialing and guidelines development, and
$12,396,000 is provided for training and curriculum
development.
Within the total provided for hospital preparedness grants,
the Committee approves the request for $15,000,000 to create a
medical surge capacity national demonstration at the Washington
Hospital Center. This funding will increase emergency care
capacity for the Nation's Capital, and serve as a national
demonstration center for advanced mass casualty emergency
facility design, training, and care.
Family Planning
The Committee provides $283,103,000 for the title X family
planning program. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$282,907,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$283,103,000.
Title X grants support primary health care services at more
than 4,500 clinics nationwide. About 85 percent of family
planning clients are women at or below 150 percent of poverty
level. Title X of the Public Health Service Act, which
established the family planning program, authorizes the
provision of a broad range of acceptable and effective family
planning methods and preventive health services to individuals,
regardless of age or marital status. This includes FDA-approved
methods of contraception.
The Committee remains concerned that programs receiving
Title X funds ought to have access to these resources as
quickly as possible. The Committee again instructs the
Department to distribute to the regional offices all of the
funds available for family planning services no later than 60
days following enactment of this bill. The Committee intends
that the regional offices should retain the authority for the
review, award and administration of family planning funds, in
the same manner and time frame as in fiscal year 2006. The
Committee intends that at least 90 percent of funds
appropriated for Title X activities be for clinical services
authorized under section 1001 of the Act. The Committee further
expects the Office of Family Planning to spend any remaining
year-end funds in section 1001 activities.
Health Care-related Facilities and Activities
The Committee provides $260,028,000 for the construction
and renovation (including equipment) of health care-related
facilities and other health care-related activities. No funds
were provided for these purposes in fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2007 did not include funding for
these activities. The Committee expects HRSA to use no more
than 1 percent of the funds allocated for projects for agency
administrative expenses. These funds are to be used for the
following projects and in the following amounts:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACTION Donated Dental Program/Arizona Dental $100,000
Foundation, Arizona to support a community dental
program...............................................
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA for a 900,000
demonstration of residential and outpatient treatment
facilities............................................
Aims Community College, Greeley, CO, for equipment for 100,000
the allied health program.............................
Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network, Anchorage, 1,000,000
AK, to create a regional telehealth resource center...
Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network, Anchorage, 500,000
AK, to support activities of the Alaska Telemedicine
Advisory Committee....................................
Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, AK for 2,000,000
equipment.............................................
Alaska Psychiatric Institute, Anchorage, AK for its 400,000
Telebehavioral Health Project.........................
Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, for the 500,000
establishment of the Patient Safety Center............
Albuquerque Indian Health Center, New Mexico, for 200,000
renovations and equipment.............................
Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, for 800,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA for 800,000
equipment and renovation..............................
Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton, IL for renovation and 100,000
equipment at the Riverbend Stroke Center..............
Armstrong Center for Medicine and Health (ACMH), 100,000
Kittanning, PA, for equipment.........................
Association for Utah Community Health, Salt Lake City, 250,000
UT, for expansion of telemedicine services............
Avis Goodwin Community Health Center, Somersworth, NH, 200,000
for construction, renovation and equipment............
Baptist Health Care, Pensacola, FL, for construction, 450,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Barnes-Kasson County Hospital, Susquehanna, PA, for 300,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Bear River Health Department, Logan, UT, for its 100,000
Medicare Reserve Corps Program........................
Beartooth Hospital and Health Center, Red Lodge, MT for 500,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Beaver Valley Hospital, Beaver, UT, for equipment...... 100,000
Beloit Area Community Health Center, Beloit, WI, for 500,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY, for purchase of 250,000
technology............................................
Benefis Healthcare, Great Falls, MT, to establish a 500,000
health information technology demonstration project in
rural Montana.........................................
Billings Clinic Diabetes Center, Billings, MT, to 250,000
create a center for diabetes prevention and treatment.
Billings Clinic, Billings, MT, for construction, 1,200,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomsburg, PA for construction, 300,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Blue Mountain Health System, Lehighton, PA for 100,000
equipment at the Gilbert Medical Center...............
Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Richmond, VA for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Boone County Senior Citizen Service Corporation, 1,000,000
Columbia, MO for equipment for the Alzheimer's Disease
Demonstration Center on the Bluff's campus............
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, 175,000
MA, for the construction of a health care facility....
Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, for facilities and 350,000
equipment for the J. Joseph Moakley Medical Services
Building..............................................
Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, for 900,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Bozeman, MT, for an 500,000
electronic medical record system......................
Brackenridge Hospital, Austin, TX, for construction, 200,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska, Inc., 100,000
Fairbanks, AK for equipment...........................
Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, IA for facilities 100,000
and equipment.........................................
Brockton Hospital, Brockton, MA, for equipment......... 200,000
Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Brockton, MA, for 200,000
construction..........................................
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, for a partnership 800,000
with Geisinger Health System of Danville, PA for a
joint teaching and training program...................
Bucktail Medical Center, Renovo, PA for equipment...... 100,000
Camillus House, Inc., Miami, FL, to expand its medical 200,000
facility..............................................
Carbon Medical Services Association, Inc., East Carbon, 200,000
UT, for construction, renovation, and equipment.......
Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI, to 325,000
establish a bachelors of science nurse degree program
for nurses at Zablocki Veteran's Hospital.............
Care New England, Warwick, RI, for equipment........... 225,000
Carilion Health System, Roanoke, VA, for equipment..... 100,000
Caring Health Center, Inc., Springfield, MA, for 250,000
equipment needed to expand urgent care and oral health
programs..............................................
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, for 800,000
equipment.............................................
Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC for 150,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, for the 200,000
National Flight Nursing Academy and Flight Nursing
Program...............................................
Catholic Charities of Maine, St. Lewis Center 290,000
Biddeford, ME, for construction, renovation, and
equipment of a dental center to serve low income
children..............................................
Central Carolina Allied Health Center, Sumter, SC, for 175,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Charles Drew Health Center, Omaha, NE, for construction 1,000,000
Children's Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center, 500,000
Johnson City, TN for construction, renovation, and
equipment.............................................
Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron, OH, for 500,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Children's Hospital of KidsPeace, Orefield, PA, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters Health 100,000
System, Norfolk, VA, for equipment....................
Children's Hospital, Denver, CO for construction, 1,300,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, PA for 250,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Children's Care Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, for 140,000
construction..........................................
Children's Health Fund/Phoenix Children's Health 100,000
Project, Phoenix, AZ for equipment....................
Children's Home of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, for the 220,000
development of comprehensive pediatric electronic
medical records system................................
Children's Hospital Foundation at Saint Francis, Tulsa, 100,000
OK for equipment......................................
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, for 500,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, for 200,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, for equipment... 250,000
CHOICE Regional Health Network, Olympia, WA, Emergency 200,000
Care Center Case Coordination Program.................
Christiana Care Health System, Visiting Nursing 250,000
Association, Newark, Delaware, for the purchase of
telemonitors..........................................
CHRISTUS San Rosa Children's Hospital, San Antonio, TX, 200,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, for 700,000
equipment.............................................
City and County of San Francisco Department of Public 400,000
Health, CA, for HIV/AIDS Outpatient Services..........
City of Fort Wayne, IN, for training of emergency 200,000
medical personnel, including equipment purchase.......
Clarion Hospital, Clarion, PA for equipment to 300,000
implement electronic medical records..................
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH for 500,000
equipment.............................................
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 900,000
for The Women's Cancer Genomics Center................
College Misericodia, Dallas, PA, for construction, 200,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Columbus Children's Research Institute, Columbus, OH, 150,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services, 700,000
Dayton, OH, for the DataCentric (RFID and Data
Warehousing Project)..................................
Community Health Access Project, Mansfield, OH, to 100,000
train community health workers........................
Community Health Center of Burlington, Burlington, VT, 100,000
for equipment.........................................
Community Health Centers in Iowa....................... 3,850,000
Community Health Centers of Arkansas, North Little 450,000
Rock, AR, for construction, renovation and equip-
ment..................................................
Community Medical Center Healthcare System, Scranton, 250,000
PA to create and implement comprehensive Information
Technology initiatives................................
Connie Dwyer Breast Center, Newark, NJ, for equipment.. 200,000
Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX for 300,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, for the 500,000
Neurological Institute................................
Copper Queen Hospital, Bisbee, AZ for construction, 100,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
County of McKinley, NM for construction and expansion 1,000,000
of a dialysis center..................................
County of Riverside, CA, for the Riverside County 250,000
Regional Medical Center Trauma Center Renovation......
Culpeper Regional Hospital, Culpeper, VA, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
CVPH Medical Center, Plattsburgh, NY, for construction, 500,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, Connecticut, for 500,000
equipment.............................................
Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Brown Mills, NJ, for 250,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc., Philadelphia, 100,000
PA, for equipment.....................................
Delta Dental of Iowa, Ankeny, IA, for a dental loan 150,000
repayment program.....................................
DuBois Regional Medical Center, DuBois, PA, for 100,000
equipment.............................................
East Orange General Hospital, East Orange, NJ, for 500,000
renovations for the Emergency Room....................
East Tennessee State University College of Pharmacy, 500,000
Johnson City, TN for construction, renovation, and
equipment.............................................
Easter Seals Iowa, for construction and enhancement of 400,000
a health care center..................................
Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, CA...................... 750,000
Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL, for training 100,000
students in HIV, tuberculosis, hypertension, and
diabetes outreach.....................................
Elk Regional Health System, St. Marys, PA for equipment 200,000
Elliot Hospital and Visiting Nurse Association 200,000
Telemedicine Project, Manchester, NH, for telehealth
and information technology equipment..................
Endless Mountains Health Systems, Montrose, PA, for 300,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Enterprise Valley Medical Clinic, Enterprise, UT, for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, PA to reduce 100,000
medical errors with real time risk manage- ment......
Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, Latrobe, PA, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Exempla Saint Joseph's Hospital, Denver, CO, for 250,000
equipment and operations of a mobile women's clinic...
Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA, for 250,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Fish River Rural Health, Eagle Lake, ME, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment of a dental
facility..............................................
Fletcher Allen Health Care of Burlington, VT, for 500,000
construction and equipment............................
Forum Health, Youngstown, OH, for equipment............ 700,000
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, to purchase 600,000
equipment.............................................
Free Clinic of the Greater Menomonie Area, Inc, 100,000
Menomonie, WI, for equipment and administration.......
Free Clinics of Iowa in Des Moines, to support a 400,000
network of free clinics...............................
Freeman Health System, Joplin, MO for construction, 500,000
renovation, and equipment of a facility in McDonald
County, Missouri......................................
Garden State Cancer Center, Belleville, NJ, for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Garfield Memorial Hospital, Garfield County, UT for 200,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA for construction, 300,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Generations Inc., Lindenwold, NJ, for construction of 300,000
Nex Generation Medical Center.........................
Good Samaritan Health System, Lebanon, PA, for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville, PA, for medical 250,000
outreach..............................................
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Allentown, PA, 250,000
for equipment.........................................
Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, PA, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Great Basin College, Elko, NV, for Elko Clinic 350,000
renovations...........................................
Green River Medical Center, Green River, UT, for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Greene Care Clinic, Inc., Stanardsville, VA, for rural 100,000
health outreach.......................................
Gritman Medical Center, Moscow, ID for equipment to 100,000
implement advanced clinical information systems.......
Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, LaCrosse, WI, for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, 200,000
for the Ambulatory Adult Cancer Center................
Halifax Regional Health System, South Boston, VA, for 100,000
electronic medical records............................
Hancock County Municipal Government and Wellmont Health 500,000
System, Sneedville, TN for construction, renovation,
and equipment.........................................
Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX, for the 200,000
purchase of diabetes equipment........................
Hazleton General Hospital, Hazleton, PA, for equipment. 250,000
Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi, Tupelo, 1,000,000
MS, for the Children's Health Science Education Center
Health Federation of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 100,000
for equipment.........................................
Health Work Force Institute, Seattle WA, to develop and 500,000
implement a diversity recruitment and worker
development initiative................................
Heartland Partnership, Peoria, IL, for construction of 400,000
a cancer research laboratory..........................
Helene Fuld College of Nursing, New York, NY, for 350,000
construction..........................................
Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver, PA, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Hilo Medical Center, HI, for a medical robotics 100,000
training lab..........................................
Holy Cross Hospital, Chicago, IL, for equipment........ 1,000,000
Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, NJ, for construction, 100,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Holy Names University, Oakland, CA, for renovation and 150,000
equipment of the nursing school.......................
Holy Redeemer Health System, Huntingdon Valley, PA, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Holyoke Hospital, Holyoke, MA, for equipment........... 220,000
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, for 500,000
expansion and modernization of its clinical facilities
House of Mercy in Des Moines, Iowa, for renovation of 300,000
the medical clinic....................................
Humility of Mary Health Partners, Youngstown, OH, for 500,000
the Electronic Medical Records--Medication
Administration Project................................
Hunter's Hope Foundation, Orchard Park, NY, for 500,000
equipment in the Krabbe's disease programs............
Huntridge Teen Center, Las Vegas, NV, to purchase 125,000
dental equipment and coordinate dental care...........
Idaho State University, Telehealth Idaho Network, to 500,000
continue expanding and improving health care access...
Illinois Primary Health Care Association to develop an 200,000
electronic medical record system......................
Independence Square Foundation, Kingston, RI, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment of health-
related facilities....................................
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 1,250,000
IN, for equipment to support the Cancer Center
Translational Pathway project.........................
Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT for 500,000
equipment to implement electronic medical records.....
Iowa Caregivers Association for training and support of 350,000
certified nurse assistants............................
Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, IA, for a 250,000
dental program including equipment....................
J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon, PA, for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Jackson Laboratory, Research Expansion, Bar Harbor, ME, 290,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, Jackson, MS, for 700,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, for the Southern 800,000
Institute for Mental Health Research and Training.....
Jameson Hospital, New Castle, PA, construction, 300,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, for 150,000
electronic medical records............................
Jersey Shore Hospital, Jersey Shore, PA for equipment.. 100,000
Jewish Renaissance Medical Center, Perth Amboy, NJ, for 450,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, for their 300,000
Critical Event Preparedness and Response program......
Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, North 175,000
Providence, RI for equipment..........................
Kane Community Hospital, Kane, PA for equipment........ 300,000
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS for equipment... 1,300,000
Kaweah Delta Healthcare District, Visalia, CA, for 200,000
Neonatal ICU equipment................................
Kenosha Community Health Center, Kenosha, WI, for 300,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Kent County Visiting Nurses Association (VNA of Care 200,000
New England), Warwick, RI, for equipment..............
Kent State University, Kent, OH, for the Oak Clinic 475,000
Partnership for equipment.............................
Keystone Rural Health Center, Camp Hill, PA, for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Lake Erie Research Institute, Girard, PA, for equipment 100,000
Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, FL, for 500,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, Lancaster, PA for 200,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA, for 200,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Latrobe Area Hospital, Latrobe, PA for construction, 200,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, Memphis, TN for 1,000,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Lebanon College, Lebanon, NH, for construction, 500,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, 100,000
PA for equipment......................................
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, 150,000
PA, for construction, renovation, and equipment.......
LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN, Community Health 400,000
Center for construction, renovation, and equipment....
LifeBridge Health of Baltimore, MD, to implement the 500,000
Computerized Physician Order Entry Initiative.........
Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department, 100,000
Newport, OR for construction, renovation and equipment
Lourdes Health System, Camden, NJ, for equipment at the 200,000
Osborn Family Health Center...........................
Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol, PA for equipment........ 200,000
Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Magee Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, for 500,000
construction, renovation and expansion................
Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, Twin Falls, ID 250,000
for equipment.........................................
Main Line Health System, Bryn Mawr, PA, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth, ME for 190,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Maine Hospice Council, Inc., Augusta, ME, to establish 100,000
the Maine Center for End-of-Life Care.................
Maine Primary Care Association, Maine Electronic 140,000
Medical Record Adoption, Augusta, ME, for implementing
an electronic medical record network in rural Maine...
Maliheh Free Clinic, Salt Lake City, UT, for equipment. 100,000
Marias Medical Center, Shelby, MT for equipment........ 400,000
Marshall University, WV, for the Bioengineering and 2,700,000
Biomanufacturing Institute............................
Marshall University, WV, for the construction of a 6,500,000
patient care and clinical training site in
Southwestern West Virginia............................
Marshall University, WV, for the Virtual Colonoscopy 1,750,000
Outreach Program......................................
Mary Scott Nursing Center, Dayton, OH, for 400,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Maryland Hospital Association, for their nursing 350,000
lattice program.......................................
Mattawa Community Medical Clinic, Mattawa, WA, to 400,000
complete construction of a new Rural Health Clinic....
Maui Community Health Center, HI, for construction, 250,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Maui Economic Development Board, HI, for the Lanai 100,000
Women's Initiative....................................
Maury Regional Hospital, Columbia, TN for construction, 400,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Meadville Medical Center, Meadville, PA, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, for 1,000,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Houston, TX, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Memorial Hospital, York, PA, for construction, 250,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Memphis Bioworks Foundation, Memphis, TN, for 500,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Mercy Health Partners, Scranton, PA, for equipment..... 250,000
Mercy Health System, Conshohocken, PA, for equipment... 250,000
Mercy Housing Inc., Denver, CO, for construction, 100,000
renovation, and equipment of health care facilities...
Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, MA, for equipment... 225,000
Methodist Healthcare System, Houston, TX, for equipment 200,000
MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, for construction, 350,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, FL for equipment..... 300,000
Miami University, Oxford, OH, for equipment............ 400,000
Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 500,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Midtown Community Health Center, Ogden, UT, for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Minot State University, Minot, ND, for a telehealth 200,000
wellness program for people with disabilities.........
Mississippi Hospital Association, Jackson, MS, for 850,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Mississippi Primary Health Care Association, Jackson, 3,200,000
MS, for construction, renovation, and equipment of
Community Health Centers..............................
Mississippi Primary Health Care Association, Jackson, 500,000
MS, for development of the PharmNet South 340B Program
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, for 900,000
renovation and equipment in support of developing a
Program of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and
Biomaterials..........................................
Missouri Highlands Health Care, Ellington, MO for 875,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Monongahela Valley Hospital, Monongahela, PA for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, PA, for equipment..... 250,000
Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, for 250,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Mountain State University, Beckley, WV, for the 4,000,000
construction of the Allied Health Technology Tower....
Mountainlands Community Health Center, Provo, UT for 150,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, NM for 1,100,000
equipment.............................................
National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, 100,000
CO, for construction, renovation, and equipment.......
Nebraska Hospital Association Research and Education 200,000
Foundation in Lincoln, NE for its Nebraska Statewide
Telehealth Network Project............................
Nevada Rural Hospital Partners in Reno, NV, to expand 450,000
and improve telemedicine in rural Nevada..............
New Hampshire Community Health Centers, Bi-State 300,000
Primary Care Association, Concord, NH.................
New York-Presbyterian Hospital, NY, for cardiac care 650,000
telemetry equipment...................................
North Arkansas College, Harrison, AR, for equipment for 570,000
the North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education...
North Country Children's Clinic, Inc., Watertown, NY, 500,000
for construction and renovation.......................
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, to expand a 1,000,000
statewide telepharmacy project........................
North Idaho Rural Health Consortium (NIRHC), Bonner 750,000
General Hospital, Sandpoint, ID, to continue providing
and improving distance healthcare access in north
Idaho.................................................
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI, 400,000
to purchase equipment for a mobile clinic.............
Northeastern Pennsylvania Technology Institute, 100,000
Scranton, PA, to connect the eighteen regional
hospitals with state and federal medical experts
during incident response and recovery.................
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, St Johnsbury, 750,000
VT, for construction, renovation and equipment........
Northern Rockies Medical Center, Cut Bank, MT for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Northwest Center for the Developmentally Disabled, 400,000
Seattle, WA, for a portable medical records project...
Northwest Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, WA, for 750,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Norton Community Hospital, Norton, VA, for equipment to 200,000
implement digitized medical records...................
Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, for construction 250,000
of the Center for Collaborative Biomedical Re- search
NYU School of Medicine, NY, NY, for the Basic Research 900,000
and Imaging Program...................................
Ohio Valley General Hospital, McKees Rocks, PA for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 160,000
Tulsa, OK for equipment...............................
Orange County, Orlando, FL, for Primary Care Access 100,000
Network Clinic........................................
Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Ottumwa, IA, for 750,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Oxford Enterprise Center, Oxford, MS, for construction, 1,000,000
renovation, and equipment of facilities for health
research..............................................
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, to 500,000
create a proteomics laboratory for clinical
applications..........................................
Paula and Anthony Rich Center for the Study and 500,000
Treatment of Autism, Youngstown, OH, for equipment....
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center/College of 300,000
Medicine, Hershey, PA for rural health outreach.......
Penn State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical 700,000
Center, Hershey, PA, for equipment....................
Pennsylvania Homecare Association, Lemoyne, PA, for 100,000
home tele-health programs serving rural areas.........
Pinnacle Health Hospitals, Harrisburg, PA, for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, 475,000
MA, for the construction of biomedical research
facilities............................................
Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, for 250,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg, PA, for 450,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Powell County Medical Center, Deer Lodge, MT for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Primary Care Association of HI, for construction, 750,000
renovation, equipment, disability services and
outreach at the State's health centers................
Providence Community Health Centers, Providence, RI for 250,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Providence Health System of Washington, DBA Providence 1,300,000
Alaska Medical Center for family practice residency
activities............................................
Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, 700,000
for equipment.........................................
Rapid City Area School District 51/4, Rapid City, SD, 150,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment of a
school-based health clinic............................
Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading PA for 300,000
equipment.............................................
Richford Health Center, Inc of Richford, VT, for 100,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Riverside Regional Medical Center (RRMC), Newport News, 100,000
VA, for equipment.....................................
Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, for heart 250,000
failure equipment and training........................
Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY, for new 250,000
science, allied health and nursing labs...............
Rosebud Alcohol Drug Treatment Center, Rosebud, SD, for 400,000
the construction of a treatment wing..................
Rosebud Inter-facility Transport, Rosebud, SD, for 150,000
purchase of emergency vehicles and equipment..........
Rural Health Technology Consortium, Billings, MT to 700,000
develop a Rural Clinical Information System...........
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, Sauk City, WI, to 225,000
develop electronic health records.....................
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New 200,000
Brunswick, for the Rutgers Universtion Mammalian
Biology Resource Center...............................
Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa for a 750,000
Tribal Health Care Clinic.............................
Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, PA, for equipment and 450,000
renovation............................................
Saint Croix Regional Family Health Center, East Grand 195,000
Facility Expansion for Behavioral Health, Danforth,
ME, for construction, renovation, and equipment of its
Danforth site.........................................
Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Edgewood, KY for 300,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY, for 350,000
renovation and expansion of the emergency department..
Saint Francis Hospital, Escanaba, MI, for construction, 250,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, CA, for 200,000
the Surgery Suite Expansion...........................
Saint John's Lutheran Ministries, Billings, MT, 500,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Saint Joseph Hospital, Nashua, NH, for development and 500,000
expansion of the electronic medical record system.....
Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, 350,000
AZ, for a mobile clinic...............................
Saint Louis Children's Hospital, Saint Louis, MO for 1,000,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, for equipment 1,000,000
at the Advanced Neurosurgical Innovation Center.......
Saint Luke's Episcopal Hospital Neuroscience Center, 250,000
Houston, TX, for equipment............................
Saint Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, PA for 200,000
equipment.............................................
Saint Luke's Hospital, Allentown, PA for construction, 250,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Saint Luke's Regional Medical Center, Boise, ID for 800,000
equipment.............................................
Saint Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Saint Mary's Good Samaritan, Inc., Mount Vernon, IL for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Reno, NV, for 1,000,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Saint Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 500,000
Missoula, MT for equipment to implement an electronic
medical records system................................
Saint Peter's Hospital, Helena, MT for construction, 500,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Saint Thomas Health Services, Nashville, TN for 250,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Saint Vincent Charity Hospital, Cleveland, OH, for 100,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Saint Vincent Healthcare Foundation, Billings, MT for 2,500,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Saint Vincent Healthcare, Billings, MT, to create a 750,000
continuing medical education program..................
Saint Vincent Regional Medical Center, New Mexico, for 1,000,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT, for 850,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Salt Lake County Aging Services, Salt Lake County, UT, 100,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Salud Latina/Latino Health, Chicago, IL, for equipment 100,000
to monitor the health status and outcomes.............
San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center, Alamosa, CO, 200,000
for the Health Information Technology Project.........
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, for the 700,000
acquisition of a mobile mammography specialty vehicle
and for digital imaging equipment.....................
Sharon Regional Health System, Sharon, PA for equipment 200,000
Shodair Hospital, Helena, MT, for project Cancer 250,000
Genetics..............................................
Singing River Health System, Gautier, MS, for equipment 150,000
for the Gulf Coast Emergency Infrastructure Project...
Skagit Valley Hospital, Mount Vernon, WA, for equipment 200,000
for the Cancer Care Center............................
Somerset Hospital, Somerset, PA for equipment.......... 450,000
Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage, AK for equipment 2,000,000
at its Primary Care Center............................
Southeast Lancaster Health Services, Inc, Lancaster, 100,000
PA, for electronic medical records....................
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO 250,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center, Cambridge, 350,000
OH, for electronic health records.....................
Southern Ohio Health Services Network, Milford, OH, for 300,000
equipment and technology infrastructure upgrades......
Spectrum Health Services, Philadelphia, PA for 100,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut, for the 150,000
expansion emergency services department and primary
care facilities.......................................
State of New Mexico to improve rural healthcare through 750,000
telehealth, focused on mental health..................
Straub Hospital Burn Center, HI, for health professions 100,000
training in burn treatment............................
Summa Health System, Akron, OH, for construction, 500,000
renovation, and equipment of the Cancer Center........
SUN Home Health Services, Inc., Northumberland, PA, for 100,000
facilities and equipment..............................
Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport, PA, for 400,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
SwedishAmerican Health System, Rockford, IL, for 100,000
construction and equipment for a clinic in Davis
Junction..............................................
Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, for the Seattle 750,000
Neuroscience Institute................................
Swift River Health Care, Rumford, ME, for construction, 100,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Swope Health Services, Kansas City, MO, for equipment.. 250,000
Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, for 800,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, for construction, 100,000
renovation, and equipment at the Temple University
School of Medicine's Center for Minority Health.......
Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN, for 500,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, for 500,000
equipment.............................................
Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, for Project 250,000
Medical Home..........................................
Texas Health Institute, Austin, TX, for equipment for 200,000
an emergency communications demonstration pro- ject..
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 450,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, for 500,000
equipment.............................................
Toledo Children's Hospital, Toledo OH, for 300,000
construction, renovation, and equipment of the
Children's Palliative Care Center.....................
Trinitas Health Foundation, Elizabeth, NJ, for the 250,000
Trinitas Hospital Cancer Care Initiative..............
Twin City Hospital, Dennison, OH, for equipment........ 500,000
Tyrone Hospital, Tyrone, PA, for equipment............. 250,000
UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester, MA for a high- 900,000
speed network and Picture Archiving and Communication
System................................................
Uniontown Hospital, Uniontown, PA, for construction, 200,000
renovation, and equipment of the Chest Pain Cen- ter.
University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ for construction, 750,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL for 10,000,000
construction of Phase II of the Interdisciplinary
Sciences Building.....................................
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL for construction 10,000,000
of a Health Services Facility.........................
University of Alaska at Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, for 250,000
its Geriatric and Disabled Care Training Program......
University of Alaska at Fairbanks and University of 500,000
Alaska at Anchorage, AK, for their program to train
Alaska natives for careers in psychology..............
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, for construction, 750,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, for equipment....... 850,000
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little 200,000
Rock, AR for equipment and renovation of Endovascular
Imaging Suite.........................................
University of Delaware, Newark, DE, for the Delaware 400,000
Biotechnology Institute...............................
University of Georgia, Coverdell Center for Biomedical 125,000
Health Sciences, Athens, GA for equipment.............
University of Houston System, Houston, TX, for 100,000
equipment of a DNA laboratory at UH-Victoria..........
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, for facilities and 1,000,000
equipment for a public health laboratory..............
University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 300,000
for equipment.........................................
University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, for the 1,000,000
Kentucky Oral Health Initiative.......................
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, for 1,500,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
University of Louisville in Louisville, KY for 15,700,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
University of Louisville, Center for Cardiovascular 3,200,000
Care, Louisville, KY, for construction, renovation and
equipment.............................................
University of Maryland at Baltimore, to establish a 750,000
Institute for Nurse Educators.........................
University of Miami, FL, Miller School of Medicine, for 500,000
the Center for Patient Safety.........................
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN for 150,000
construction, renovation and equipment at the Muscular
Dystrophy Center......................................
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 2,800,000
for development, construction, renovation, and
equipment of the National Biomedical Research Imaging
Center................................................
University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of 500,000
Dentistry, Jackson, MS................................
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, Center for 900,000
Thermal Pharmaceutical Processing, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.............................
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, for 7,900,000
construction, renovation, and equipment at the
National Center for Natural Products Research.........
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, for 2,900,000
construction, renovation, and equipment of a School of
Pharmacy facility.....................................
University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 1,000,000
for construction, renovation, and equipment...........
University of Nebraska Medical Center, to construct a 1,000,000
cancer research floor.................................
University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, for construction 1,000,000
and equipping of the biomedical research build- ning.
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, for 8,296,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and 300,000
Health Services, Grand Forks, ND, for construction of
a forensic facility...................................
University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Center 500,000
for Rural Health and Medicine, Grand Forks, ND, to
identify and address the health needs of elderly rural
residents.............................................
University of North Dakota, for the Indians Into 350,000
Medicine program......................................
University of North Texas, Denton, TX, for equipment 500,000
for the Center for Computational Epidemiology.........
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, for 800,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, 800,000
PA, for equipment.....................................
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, for equipment 500,000
to address rare diseases..............................
University of South Alabama, Cancer Research Institute, 1,400,000
Mobile, AL for equipment..............................
University of South Dakota Department of Dental 140,000
Hygiene, Vermillion, SD, for purchase of dental clinic
equipment.............................................
University of South Dakota School of Medicine, 1,000,000
Vermillion, SD, for the construction of the medical
school................................................
University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, for 400,000
construction, renovation, and equipment...............
University of Southern Mississippi Research Foundation, 450,000
Hattiesburg, MS, for equipment........................
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 400,000
TN for construction, renovation, and equipment........
University of Tennessee Medical Center Knoxville, TN 250,000
for equipment.........................................
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 500,000
TX, for equipment.....................................
University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, 100,000
Galveston, TX, to expand telehealth capabilities......
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, for 600,000
equipment.............................................
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Foundation, Oshkosh,WI, 150,000
for equipment.........................................
University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, WI, for 200,000
construction and equipment............................
Utah Navajo Health Systems Inc, Montezuma Creek, UT for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Valley-Wide Health Systems, Durango, CO, for 100,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 250,000
for the Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee program......
Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Cancer Foundation, Baylor College 300,000
of Medicine, Houston, TX, for construction, renovation
and equipment.........................................
Vantage Health Care Network, Meadville, PA, for elderly- 100,000
care professional training programs...................
Venice Family Clinic, Venice, CA, for renovations and 200,000
equipment at the Pico Health Center...................
Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems of 400,000
Montpelier, VT, for health information tech- nology..
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer 100,000
Center, Richmond, VA, for construction, renovation,
and equipment.........................................
Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha Nebraska, for 300,000
Omaha's CareWatch program for the chronically ill.....
Visiting Nurses Association of Greater Philadelphia, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA for equipment, training and out-
reach.................................................
Visiting Nurses Association of Manchester and Southern 300,000
New Hampshire, for an electronic medical record
project...............................................
Washington Hospital, Washington, PA for construction, 300,000
renovation and equipment..............................
Washington State University, College of Nursing, 1,500,000
Spokane, WA, for construction and equipment for
medical school nursing facility.......................
Wayne Community Health Centers, Inc., Bicknell, UT, for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, PA for 100,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Welcome House, Inc., OH, for the Eldercare/MRDD Project 500,000
and construction, renovation, and equipment...........
Wellspan Health, York, PA, for disease management 250,000
services..............................................
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, NH for equipment to 500,000
implement electronic medical records..................
Wesley College, Dover, DE, for the expansion of the 700,000
nursing program.......................................
West Pennsylvania Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, 200,000
PA for equipment......................................
West Virginia University for the construction and 3,500,000
equipping of medical simulation research and training
centers in Morgantown, Charleston and Martinsburg.....
West Virginia University for the construction of a 4,500,000
Multiple Sclerosis Center.............................
Westerly Hospital, Westerly, RI, for construction and 500,000
renovation............................................
Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, for 100,000
equipment.............................................
Wetzel County Hospital, WV, for the expansion and 1,000,000
remolding of the Emergency Department.................
Wexner Heritage Village, Columbus, OH, for the Larry 170,000
and Leonore Zusman Jewish Community Hospice for
renovation and equipment..............................
Wheaton Franciscan Health Care -Southeast Wisconsin, 200,000
Inc., for equipment...................................
Wilcox Health Center, Warwick, RI, for construction, 250,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, for construction, 500,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association, Madison, WI, 225,000
for an electronic medical records system..............
Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, for construction, 100,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Wolfson Children's Hospital, Jacksonville, FL, for 250,000
equipment.............................................
Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI for 200,000
construction, renovation and equipment................
Women's Care Center of Erie County, Inc., Erie, PA, for 100,000
health outreach.......................................
Wyoming Dental Association, Casper, WY, to track, 200,000
train, and recruit needed oral health care providers..
Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Telemedicine, 1,800,000
Cheyenne, WY, to support the Wyoming Network for
Telehealth (WyNETTE) program..........................
Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Wilkes Barre, PA, 250,000
for equipment.........................................
Xavier University, New Orleans, LA, for construction of 500,000
a biotechnology and pharmacology building.............
Youth for Tomorrow, Inc, Bristow, VA, for construction, 200,000
renovation, and equipment of a clinical facility......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee intends that these funds be disbursed as
direct subsidy payments. The Committee directs HRSA to develop
this program with appropriate safeguards to assure compliance
by recipients with the intended uses of these funds and with
other applicable requirements, such as civil rights statutes
and the National Historic Preservation Act. Further, the
Committee intends that when these funds are used for purchase,
construction or major alteration of real property or the
purchase of equipment, the Federal interest in the property
will last for a period of 5 years following the completion of
the project or until such time that the Government is
compensated for its proportionate interest in the property if
the property use changes or the property is transferred or
sold, whichever time period is less. At the conclusion of that
time period, the Federal Interest in that property shall be
terminated.
The Committee has included bill language to terminate after
5 years the Federal interest in buildings and equipment funded
in this line item. The Committee is aware of situations in
which HRSA has had to track obsolete pieces of equipment, such
as old medical equipment, for years after the useful life of
the equipment has ended. The Committee is also aware of
situations in which HRSA has had to track Federal interest of
less than 2 percent of total value of a building for years
after the completion of construction. The bill language should
alleviate these unintended consequences of the grant process.
Telehealth
The Committee provides $6,819,000 for telehealth
activities. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was
$6,814,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$6,819,000. The telehealth program funded through the Office
for the Advancement of Telehealth promotes the effective use of
technologies to improve access to health services for people
who are isolated from healthcare and distance education for
health professionals.
Telehealth is an innovation that promises greater access
and higher quality health care with reduced costs. The practice
of telemedicine, however, has been under-utilized and under-
funded despite numerous studies praising the ability of
telehealth to deliver care to individuals in remote and
underserved areas. The adoption of telehealth has been hampered
by legal, financial, and regulatory barriers. The Committee
intends that HRSA continue to carry out programs and expand
support for activities authorized under the Health Care Safety
Net Amendments as initiated in the Fiscal Year 2006 Labor,
Health & Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act,
including telehealth resource centers, network grants,
demonstration or pilot projects for telehomecare, and programs
under which health licensing boards or various States cooperate
to develop and implement policies that will reduce statutory
and regulatory barriers to telehealth. The Committee intends
that HRSA place a high priority on the needs of rural States
with populations of less than 1,500,000 individuals in the
award and geographical placement of new telehealth resource
grants.
Program Management
The Committee provides $144,432,000 for program management
activities for fiscal year 2007. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $144,432,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 was $141,071,000. The Committee has included
$2,000,000 to continue the dental workforce programs authorized
in section 340G of the Public Health Service Act.
The Committee is pleased that the Mathematica evaluation of
the HRSA clinical pharmacy demonstration projects proved
valuable to patients, health centers, and colleges and schools
of pharmacy. The Committee requests that HRSA submit a report
to the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Appropriations,
Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, Education and Related Agencies, and the Senate
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions making
recommendations on similar improvements that might be made to
all HRSA programs in which medications play an integral role in
patient care, such as health centers and Ryan White programs.
The Committee expects HRSA to collaborate with external
organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of
Pharmacy, the National Association of Community Health Centers,
and members of the 340B Coalition to develop the
recommendations that should include options for financing
clinical pharmacy services in HRSA supported programs, cost of
such financing, and opportunities for maintaining and building
upon the relationships with colleges and schools of pharmacy.
HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOANS
The Committee provides $1,000,000 to liquidate obligations
from loans guaranteed before 1992. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $4,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2007 was $1,000,000. For administration of the HEAL
Program including the Office of Default Reduction, the
Committee provides $2,887,000. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $2,885,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $2,887,000.
The HEAL Program insures loans to students in the health
professions. The Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, changed the
accounting of the HEAL Program. One account is used to pay
obligations arising from loans guaranteed prior to 1992. A
second account was created to pay obligations and collect
premiums on loans guaranteed in 1992 and after. Administration
of the HEAL Program is separate from administration of other
HRSA programs.
NATIONAL VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The Committee provides that $66,366,000 be released from
the vaccine injury compensation trust fund in fiscal year 2007,
of which $3,564,000 is for administrative costs. The total
fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $64,534,000 and the total
budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $66,366,000.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides
compensation for individuals with vaccine-associated injuries
or deaths. Funds are awarded to reimburse medical expenses,
lost earnings, pain and suffering, legal expenses, and a death
benefit. The vaccine injury compensation trust fund is funded
by excise taxes on certain childhood vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
DISEASE CONTROL, RESEARCH, AND TRAINING
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $6,087,183,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 6,099,052,000
House allowance......................................... 6,173,368,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,195,765,000
Excludes $293,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations pursuant
to Public Laws 109-13, 109-148, and 109-234.
The Committee provides a program level of $6,195,765,000
for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. The
Committee recommendation includes $6,095,900,000 in budget
authority and an additional $99,865,000 via transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Services Act. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable program level was $6,380,183,000 and the
program level budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$6,099,052,000.
The activities of the CDC focus on several major
priorities: provide core public health functions; respond to
urgent health threats; monitor the Nation's health using sound
scientific methods; build the Nation's health infrastructure to
insure our national security against bioterrorist threats;
assure the Nation's preparedness for emerging infectious
diseases and potential pandemics; promote women's health; and
provide leadership in the implementation of nationwide
prevention strategies to encourage responsible behavior and
adoption of lifestyles that are conducive to good health. All
comparisons to fiscal year 2006 and the fiscal year 2007 budget
request account for various reprogrammings and rescissions.
These are not reflected in the table at the back of this
report.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The Committee recommends $1,726,237,000 for infectious
disease related programs at the CDC. The fiscal year 2006
comparable level was $1,692,058,000 and the comparable budget
request level for fiscal year 2007 was $1,777,099,000. The
Committee recommendation includes $12,794,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Services Act.
The Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases includes
the National Center for Infectious Diseases, the National
Center for STD, TB, and HIV Prevention, and the National
Immunization Program.
Infectious Diseases Control
The Committee has provided $266,366,000 for infectious
diseases preparedness and control activities. The Committee
intends that all infectious disease control activities be
funded at least at the level of the administration's request
and that the additional funds be used to address emerging
issues as determined by CDC.
These activities focus on: national surveillance of
infectious disease; applied research to develop new or improved
diagnoses; prevention and control strategies; working with
State and local departments and private health care providers
to transfer application of infectious disease prevention
technologies; and strengthening the capability to respond to
outbreaks of new or reemerging diseases and pandemics. With the
exceptions noted below, the Committee has provided funding at
the level of the fiscal year 2007 request.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.--With the full restoration of
$12,900,000 to the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] research
program in response to a report from the Inspector General
dated May 12, 1999, the Committee commends CDC for developing a
comprehensive CFS program that now leads CFS research efforts
worldwide. The Committee is encouraged by the commitment of the
CFS research team and the exciting progress it is making in
understanding the pathophysiology of CFS. The Committee
encourages CDC to provide sufficient resources to sustain this
leadership and to protect the progress made and has provided an
additional $1,000,000 over the budget request level to aid
these efforts. The Committee is also concerned that the CDC
restructuring not undermine this momentum. The Committee
requests a report by May 1, 2007 that outlines how the restored
funding was used and how the CDC restructuring will affect CFS
research. The Committee commends CDC on the joint CDC/CFIDS
Association of America national public education and awareness
campaign. The Committee is disappointed by the postponement of
the campaign and expects CDC to expedite the campaign and
ensure that the intent and objectives of the overall campaign,
as originally envisioned, are achieved.
The Committee understands that emerging evidence indicates
that human herpesvirus 6A and Epstein-Barr virus may play a
role in CFS. The Committee encourages CDC to investigate the
role that these viruses may play, including as possible
causative agents.
Emerging Infectious Diseases.--The Committee provides
$130,000,000 for all other emerging infectious diseases. This
increase will provide sufficient resources to expand laboratory
capacity, research and support for detecting and characterizing
influenza and other pathogens that would likely be in the
differential diagnosis of patients with febrile illnesses.
Hepatitis.--The Committee continues to be concerned that
more than many of the people infected with hepatitis C are
unaware of their condition. The Committee encourages CDC to
collaborate with national voluntary health organizations to
raise awareness of appropriate screening and medical follow up
of target populations. The Committee is also aware of
increasing rates of hepatitis A and B infections among select
adult populations, as well as the alarming rate of individuals
co-infected with both hepatitis C and HIV. The Committee
encourages CDC to aid hepatitis screening initiatives in the
States; help establish guidelines and recommendations for
preemptive programs; consider focusing on education and
awareness programs targeted at specific populations where there
is a high prevalence of hepatitis B and where therapeutic
interventions are increasingly effective; and implement the
National Hepatitis C Prevention Strategy to address the
emerging threat of hepatitis C. In addition, the Committee
strongly urges CDC to collaborate with the Health Resources and
Services Administration to implement improved HCV screening
programs for HIV-infected individuals served by HRSA programs.
Pandemic Influenza.--The Committee has provided
$24,659,000, an increase of $22,000,000 over the fiscal year
2006 level. The Committee anticipates that these funds will be
used to develop a diagnostic reagent stockpile and a library of
pandemic reference strains.
Prevention Epicenter Program.--The Committee applauds CDC's
support for the Prevention Epicenter Program and has provided
sufficient resources to continue this program to address
patient safety issues.
HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
Recognizing the intersection among these diseases, and the
need for a focal point for leadership and accountability, CDC
combines HIV, STD, and TB activities to provide leadership in
preventing and controlling human immunodeficiency virus
infection, other sexually transmitted diseases [STDs], and
tuberculosis. CDC works in collaboration with partners at
community, State, national, and international levels, applying
multi-disciplinary programs of research, surveillance,
technical assistance, and evaluation. These diseases are not
yet vaccine preventable and must be controlled and prevented by
identifying, diagnosing, and treating infected persons;
provision of confidential, culturally competent counseling to
identify and reach those who have been exposed to infection and
who may not know it; and individual and population level health
promotion to reduce high risk behaviors. With the exceptions
noted below, the Committee has provided funding at the level of
the fiscal year 2007 request.
HIV/AIDS Initiative.--The Committee is strongly supportive
of the HIV/AIDS initiative described in the budget request, and
has included an increase of $19,176,000 over the fiscal year
2006 level for CDC's HIV/AIDS-related activities. Within that
increase, $4,551,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level is for
National, Regional, and other organizations. Although
approximately 1 million Americans have been infected with HIV,
approximately 25 percent are unaware of their infection. This
results in increased spread of the disease, as persons who are
aware of their infection are more likely to modify their
behaviors to avoid transmission to others. The increase
provided by the Committee should be used to increase testing in
medical settings, make voluntary testing a routine part of
medical care, and create new testing guidelines, models, and
best practices. The Committee notes that quick HIV tests that
can provide results in less than an hour are a critical
component of the initiative. The Committee has supported bulk
purchases of HIV quick tests for distribution to providers,
and--as a result of the provided increase--expects an increase
in the number of tests distributed to grantees.
Infertility Prevention.--The Committee notes that there are
multiple causes for infertility including ovulatory and
hormonal disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis and
cervical problems among women and poor sperm quality, motility
and count among men. There are also recognized risk factors
that contribute to these causes in addition to sexually
transmitted diseases, which has been the primary focus of CDC's
education on infertility risks. These factors include delayed
child bearing, smoking, low or excessive body weight and other
chronic conditions, exposures to hazardous environmental toxins
and contaminants, drug and alcohol abuse, diabetes, cancer and,
particularly for men, exposure to high temperatures. The
Committee encourages CDC to consider expanding the scope of
this program and provide greater support to public education on
the risks to fertility.
Oral Fluid Rapid HIV Tests.--The Committee commends the
Department for the domestic HIV/AIDS testing initiative for
increased testing among high risk populations. The Committee is
supportive of CDC's use of the oral fluid rapid HIV test in its
HIV/AIDS activities and strongly encourages CDC to move forward
as quickly as possible with the bulk purchase of additional
tests to supply CDC grantees with an adequate and ongoing
inventory. The Committee recognizes the economy and efficiency
of CDC's bulk purchase of oral fluid rapid HIV kits for
distribution to CDC funded sites, and has provided funding
within the domestic HIV/AIDS testing initiative to continue and
expand this activity.
Tuberculosis.--The Committee is pleased with the efforts of
the tuberculosis control program, which has reduced the number
of new tuberculosis cases for the past 10 years. However, the
number of new tuberculosis cases in foreign-born individuals in
the United States remains a concern. Although tuberculosis
rates have been falling, the Committee is aware that similar
low rates have been achieved in the past only to see a
reemergence of the disease due to inadequate control efforts.
In the end, any savings achieved during that period were more
than used to again gain control of the incidence of the
disease. The Committee has provided sufficient resources to
maintain the fiscal year 2006 level of funding for tuberculosis
control efforts and to prevent a similar reemergence.
The Committee understands that TB is an enormous health
crisis in the developing world, killing 2 million people every
year. Despite the development of effective treatments against
TB 50 years ago, there have never been more people infected
with the disease in the history of the world. The Committee
encourages CDC to continue and, if possible, expand the
existing TB vaccine research cooperative agreement.
The Committee understands that the CDC is planning a new
initiative called the Intensified Support and Activities to
Accelerate Control [ISAAC]. ISAAC plans call for targeting TB
in African Americans and along the U.S./Mexico border,
universal genotyping of all culture positive TB cases, and
expanding clinical trials and development of new tools for the
diagnosis and treatment of TB. The Committee encourages the CDC
to implement ISSAC to accelerate the control and elimination of
TB.
In fiscal year 2006, the Committee encouraged the CDC in
the Senate report to make available funds to States suffering
from TB cases among recently-arrived Hmong. The Committee
understands the CDC and Department of State still have not
adequately contained the TB outbreak in the Thailand refugee
camp and serious TB control problems have recently become
apparent, including long delays in lab testing and an absence
of oversight of complicated multi-drug resistant TB cases. As a
result, TB importation with Hmong newcomers has continued
through December 2005. The Committee again encourages
additional funding through CDC's cooperative agreements to help
States respond to the TB epidemic among this population. The
Committee recognizes the importance of Transitional and Medical
Services funding under the Refugee and Entrant Assistance
Program to specifically target the TB medical care needs of
this population.
Immunization
The Committee recommends $479,303,000 for the program
authorized under section 317 of the Public Health Service Act.
The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $504,406,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $492,551,000. The
Committee recommendation includes $12,794,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1993 established a
vaccine purchase and distribution system that provides, free of
charge, all pediatric vaccines recommended for routine use by
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to all
Medicaid-eligible children, uninsured children, underinsured,
and native Americans through program-registered providers.
The President's Budget proposes a shift of $100,000,000 in
funding for vaccine purchase from the discretionary section 317
program to the mandatory Vaccines for Children Program. The
Committee is opposed to the proposed $100,000,000 funding
shift, which is contingent on a change in authorizing
legislation that has not yet occurred.
Immunization project grants are awarded to all 50 States,
six cities and eight current or former territories for
planning, developing, and conducting childhood immunization
programs including enhancement of the vaccine delivery
infrastructure. CDC directly maintains a stockpile of vaccines,
supports consolidated purchase of vaccines for State and local
health agencies, and conducts surveillance, investigations, and
research into the safety and efficacy of new and presently used
vaccines.
Despite great success in lowering disease levels and
raising immunization coverage rates, much remains to be done to
ensure the protection of children and adults worldwide.
Approximately 1 million 2-year-old children in the United
States have not received one or more of the more established,
recommended vaccines. One of our Nation's greatest challenges
is extending our success in childhood immunization to the adult
population. The burden due to the occurrence of vaccine-
preventable diseases in adults in the United States is
staggering. As many as 40,000 U.S. adults each year die of
influenza, pneumococcal infections and hepatitis B. CDC is
addressing these obstacles to the greatest extent possible and
continues to provide leadership to reduce disability and death
resulting from diseases that can be prevented through
vaccination.
Vaccines protect not only the individual vaccinated, but
the community as well. When high levels of vaccination are
achieved, disease transmission is reduced and children too
young for vaccination, children with compromised immune
systems, and children who cannot receive vaccines for medical
reasons are indirectly protected because they are not exposed
to disease. Clusters of under and non-immunized children in
communities are at danger for developing vaccine-preventable
diseases. In addition, such children can become a reservoir of
infection disseminating disease to all communities. Federal
support for removing financial barriers to vaccination has
included the Vaccines for Children Program for uninsured
children and the 317 immunization grants that provide
eligibility for all children, adolescents, and adults.
The Committee is concerned that failure to increase 317
immunization grant support to cover newly recommended vaccines
to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, whooping cough, influenza,
hepatitis A, and rotavirus will create a group of children,
adolescents and adults in most communities in this country who
are unvaccinated. Spread of mumps recently into and then out of
Iowa and other neighboring states highlights the problem of
dissemination of infectious diseases when they are introduced
into a community. The Committee is aware that prior to 2000 and
the introduction of new vaccines such as pneumococal vaccine
that the 317 immunization program was adequately assuring that
children traditionally dependent on the public sector for
support but who were not eligible for the Vaccines for Children
Program could receive needed vaccines. In 1999, the 317
immunization program allowed 747,000 children to receive the
full immunization schedule. Since that date, there has been a
growing gap where the 317 program is lagging in support
relative to the VFC program. In 2006, the 317 program was only
able to support an estimated 280,000 children due to lack of
funding.
Therefore, the Committee requests CDC to provide a report
by March 1, 2007, that provides information on how much funding
would be needed in fiscal year 2008 to cover the same relative
proportion of eligible children, adolescents and adults under
the section 317 program as was provided in previous years. The
report should include information on the cost of adding each
new vaccine recommended for routine vaccination of children and
adolescents by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
since 1999, and annual data on State coverage rates for new
vaccines. The report should address the barriers and time lag
related to implementation of new vaccines, including data on
two-tiered States that are unable to offer all recommended
vaccines to all children due to insufficient funding. The
report should also include 5-year historical data on section
317 operations infrastructure funding for childhood, adolescent
and adult immunization programs, and present information on the
ongoing and emerging needs to support provider and public
education on new vaccines, investigate disease outbreaks,
identify and address barriers to immunization, and other
activities relative to the current funding level. Finally, the
report should include 10-year historical data on the percentage
of childhood, adolescent and adult immunization covered by
funding source.
The Committee encourages CDC to increase section 317 grant
support for infrastructure development and purchase of vaccines
for the State of Alaska's universal immunization program. It
has been brought to the Committee's attention that
infrastructure costs of delivering vaccines to children in
Alaska are substantially higher than in other areas of the
country, because of the many small, remote communities which
must be served primarily by air. The Committee encourages the
agency to give careful consideration to Alaska's request for
sufficient funding for the purchase of vaccines needed for 90
percent of Alaskan children and to provide infrastructure
support needed to deliver these vaccines at the community
level, including development of a statewide immunization
registry to ensure that all children in Alaska are immunized.
The Committee notes that failure to immunize children in remote
areas of Alaska results in deaths each year from exposure to
open sewage lagoons and contaminated water.
Vaccine Tracking.--The Committee is pleased by CDC's
development of the Surveillance, Preparedness, Awareness and
Response System and has included sufficient resources to
continue this program at the level of the budget request. In
light of vaccine shortages that have occurred over the past
several flu seasons, the Committee understands that this system
could serve as a valuable surveillance and tracking system for
private and public sector inventory levels of vaccine.
HEALTH PROMOTION
The Coordinating Center for Health Promotion includes the
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion and the National Center for Birth Defects and
Developmental Disabilities.
The Committee recommends $967,671,000 for Health Promotion-
related activities at the CDC. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $957,973,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2007 was $924,439,000.
The Committee recognizes the important role national non-
governmental health organizations play in increasing the
awareness of chronic disease prevention and birth defects and
development disabilities issues. Therefore, the Committee has
included $5,000,000 to allow for the award of projects to
support the dissemination of information on the condition or
disease and effective public health interventions or to conduct
public and professional health awareness and education efforts.
Using a competitive review process, each project should be
awarded for a 4-year, non-renewable project period and should
not exceed $1,500,000 per year.
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION
Within the total provided, the following amounts are
provided for the specified activities above the comparable
amount for fiscal year 2006: $5,762,000 to expand heart disease
and stroke-related activities; $2,237,000 to expand diabetes-
related activities; $5,266,000, to expand cancer prevention and
control activities; $830,000 to expand tobacco-related
activities; and $2,930,000 for nutrition physical activity and
obesity. With the exceptions noted, the Committee has provided
funding at the level of the fiscal year 2007 request
Chronic diseases have had a profound human and economic
toll on our Nation. Nearly 125 million Americans today are
living with some form of chronic condition, including cancer,
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and various
neurological conditions such as epilepsy. These and other
chronic diseases now account for nearly 70 percent of all
healthcare costs, as well as 70 percent of all deaths annually.
A few modifiable risk factors bring suffering and early death
to millions of Americans. Three such factors--tobacco use, poor
nutrition, and lack of physical activity--are major
contributors to our Nation's leading causes of death.
Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging.--The Committee is
aware that studies have found lifestyle measures taken to
improve physical health may also help protect brain health and
lower risks of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
Epidemiological research reveals that individuals taking anti-
inflammatory drugs to treat conditions such as arthritis have a
lower-than-expected occurrence of Alzheimer's; other studies
appear to link known risk factors for diabetes and heart
disease to risk factors for Alzheimer's and dementia. In light
of this evidence, 2 years ago Congress launched a CDC brain
health initiative, in collaboration with the Alzheimer's
Association, to promote greater public awareness and
communication, specific public health interventions and more
prevention research. In light of the continuing threat
Alzheimer's presents to a growing number of Americans, the
Committee has provided sufficient resources to continue this
important initiative at the same level of funding as was
provided in fiscal year 2006.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.--The Committee is pleased
that the CDC is beginning to gather data for a nationwide ALS
registry that will estimate the incidence and prevalence of the
disease, promote a better understanding of the disease, and
provide data that will be useful for research on improving
disease management and developing standards of care. The
Committee has provided sufficient funding to continue to
develop a national ALS Registry.
Assay Standardization.--The Committee commends the CDC for
its efforts to standardize assays that are essential for
research on the causes and prevention of type 1 diabetes.
Standardized methods to measure diabetes autoantibodies improve
the prediction of disease risk in vulnerable individuals,
enable direct comparisons of new therapies in clinical trials,
and facilitate the exchange of data within the research
community. The CDC is encouraged to expedite development of a
standard assay for C-peptide, which the Committee is aware may
serve as a biomarker and reduce the length of clinical trials
for new drugs to prevent or reverse type 1 diabetes.
Cancer Prevention and Control.--The Committee is strongly
supportive of the CDC cancer programs focused on awareness,
education, and early detection and has included a significant
increase for these programs.
Within the amounts provided, the following amounts are
provided for the specified activities above the comparable
amount for fiscal year 2006: $5,145,000 to expand comprehensive
cancer activities and $121,000 to expand activities related to
the Cancer Survivorship Resource Center Program. All other
cancer activities are funded at the fiscal year 2006 level.
Cancer Survivorship Resource Center.--The Committee
supports the ongoing partnership between CDC and the Lance
Armstrong Foundation to address the needs of the approximately
10 million cancer survivors. The Committee is particularly
supportive of efforts to provide comprehensive services to
cancer patients and survivors.
Cerebral Palsy.--The Committee encourages the CDC to
consider establishing cerebral palsy surveillance and
epidemiology sites that would use methodology developed in the
Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Study and the
Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance
Program, with the addition of sophisticated imaging techniques,
genetics and clinical evaluations.
Chronic Kidney Disease.--Twenty million Americans have
chronic kidney disease [CKD], and another 20 million are at
risk of developing the disease. Individuals with diabetes or
hypertension have especially high vulnerability. Kidney disease
is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, and
death by cardiovascular disease is 10 to 30 times higher in
kidney dialysis patients than in the general population. The
number of individuals with end stage renal disease [ESRD],
irreversible kidney failure requiring either dialysis or a
transplant to remain alive, is expected to increase from
372,000 patients in 2000 to over 712,000 by 2015.
In fiscal year 2006, the Committee initiated a Chronic
Kidney Disease program at CDC to address this growing health
issue. The Committee is pleased with the progress CDC is making
to implement a Chronic Kidney Disease program. The Committee
has included $1,000,000 to continue development and
implementation of a public health strategy for chronic kidney
disease. Second year activities will continue planning for
capacity and infrastructure at CDC for a kidney disease
epidemiology, research and outcomes program and to institute a
CKD surveillance system. Funding may also support State-based,
culturally appropriate, community demonstration projects for
CKD detection and treatment.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.--Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease [COPD] is the fourth leading cause of death
in the United States and the only one of the top 10 causes of
death that is on the increase. The Committee encourages the CDC
to expand its data collection efforts on COPD. Specifically,
the Committee encourages the CDC to include questions on COPD
in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the
National Health Interview Study and the Behavioral Risk Factor
Surveillance Survey that asks about COPD by name.
Delta Health Intervention.--The Mississippi Delta Region
experiences some of the Nation's highest rates of chronic
diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart
disease, and stroke. The Committee recognizes CDC's expertise
in implementing research and programs to prevent the leading
causes of death and disability. The Committee is aware that CDC
has been conducting a background community assessment of health
and related social and environmental conditions in the delta in
partnership with the Delta Health Alliance. The Committee has
provided $3,000,000, within the Heart Disease and Stroke
program, for CDC to continue and expand this partnership to
develop and implement a long-range health intervention plan
that has the goal of breaking the cycle of poor health in the
Mississippi Delta region.
Diabetes.--Diabetes is now the sixth leading cause of death
in the United States. Approximately 14.6 million Americans have
diabetes, and an estimated 6.2 million people are undiagnosed
and therefore untreated.
The collateral health effects of diabetes can be
devastating, often causing cause heart disease, stroke,
blindness, kidney failure, pregnancy complications, amputations
of the leg, foot, and toe, as well as deaths related to flu and
pneumonia. Known preventive measures can reduce the impact of
diabetes, but these preventions are not currently practiced
universally. Therefore public awareness campaigns must be
promoted to reach the general population so that at-risk
individuals are encouraged to take appropriate measures to
identify the stage of their diabetes and take action to prevent
or slow the progression of their disease. A goal of the CDC is
to increase the percentage of individuals with diabetes who
receive annual eye and foot exams, and at least two A1C
measures per year.
It is estimated that maintaining a certain blood glucose
level (A1C target of 7 or below) would reduce complications of
diabetes. The Committee encourages CDC to consider establishing
national public-private partnerships to leverage Federal
resources with private-sector contributions to expand the
National Diabetes Education Program and augment public
awareness campaigns to encourage individuals with diabetes to
be tested and know their A1C levels so that they can take
appropriate action to control their condition.
The Committee is concerned about the adverse health toll
that the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity are taking
across the Nation. An informed and culturally sensitive
response is urgently needed to address this escalating
epidemic. The Committee encourages CDC to fund projects of
national and community organizations that have the capacity to
carry out coordinated health promotion programs that will focus
on diabetes and obesity in the general population and across
minority communities. The Committee further encourages CDC to
identify potential grantee organizations directed by and
serving individuals from communities with disproportionate
diabetes and obesity rates.
The high incidence of diabetes among Native American,
Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian populations persists. The
Committee is pleased with the CDC's efforts to target this
population, in particular, to assist the leadership of Native
Hawaiian and Pacific Basin Islander communities. It is
important to incorporate traditional healing concepts and to
develop partnerships with community health centers. The
Committee encourages CDC to build on all its historical efforts
in this regard.
Diabetic Kidney Disease.--The Committee strongly encourages
the CDC to work closely with the National Institute of
Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases to ensure that the
biosamples and data from the Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes
collection are made available to the research community in a
timely and efficient manner.
Epilepsy.--The Committee supports the CDC epilepsy program
and its partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation. This program
is conducting research, epidemiology and surveillance, early
detection, improved treatment, public education and expansion
of interventions to support people with epilepsy and their
families in their communities. The Committee has provided
sufficient resources to continue this partnership.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information.--The Committee
encourages CDC to create a National Information Center on Food
Allergy and Anaphylaxis. Food allergy is a growing public
health and food safety concern in the United States. Twelve
million Americans--including 3 million children--suffer from
food allergies and the incidence is increasing. Because there
is no cure, avoidance of the allergen is the only way to
prevent reactions. Food allergy is the leading cause of
anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction) outside the hospital setting causing an estimated
30,000 emergency room visits and 150 to 200 deaths annually,
virtually all of which can be prevented with proper education.
The Committee encourages the CDC to create a Center that will
provide guidance to the public and health care professionals
about how to avoid products with allergy-causing ingredients
and how to respond to potentially life-threatening reactions to
food allergens. The Committee encourages CDC to partner with a
national nonprofit organization with a proven track record in
developing and providing general information, educational
materials, and training support to the public, health care
providers, educators, Government agencies and food and
restaurant industry leaders regarding the primary and secondary
prevention of allergic reactions to food.
Glaucoma and Other Vision Disorders.--Despite the fact that
half of all blindness can be prevented through education, early
detection, and treatment, it is estimated that the number of
blind and visually impaired people will double by 2030 if
nothing is done to curb vision problems. Recognizing this
emerging public health threat, the Committee is aware of the
demonstrated success of vision screening programs in preventing
blindness and vision impairments among many of the more than 30
million adults that suffer from eye-related disorders.
The Committee is encouraged by the CDC's exploration of
strategies to implement a national initiative to combat the
effects of eye-related disorders, especially glaucoma. The
Committee has included sufficient resources to maintain at
least the fiscal year 2006 level for vision screening and
education programs in partnership with national voluntary
health agencies and for CDC to continue to develop a national
vision screening and education program. In addition, the
Committee has again included sufficient resources to maintain
at least the fiscal year 2006 level of funding for a model
project that is testing and evaluating the efficacy of glaucoma
screening using mobile units.
Heart Disease and Stroke.--The Committee commends the CDC
for creating a Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
to consolidate and elevate efforts to prevent and control heart
disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Given that
cardiovascular diseases remain the No. 1 killer in every State,
the Committee continues to support the goal of providing
funding for basic implementation of a State Heart Disease and
Stroke Prevention Program in each State. The Committee has
provided sufficient funding to maintain the Paul Coverdell
National Acute Stroke Registry, and initiate the development of
a State-based cardiac arrest registry.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.--The Committee understands that
up to 1.4 million people in the United States may suffer from
Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as
inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. In fiscal year 2006, the
Committee provided funds for CDC to expand a national IBD
epidemiology program in partnership with the Crohn's and
Colitis Foundation of America. For fiscal year 2007, the
Committee has included funding to continue this important
initiative.
Interstitial Cystitis.--The Committee is pleased by the
establishment of a cooperative agreement between the CDC and
the Interstitial Cystitis Association and has included funds to
continue the public and professional education initiative
regarding interstitial cystitis.
Liver Wellness.--The Committee continues to be concerned
about the prevalence of hepatitis and encourages CDC,
particularly the Division of Adolescent and School Health, to
work with voluntary health organizations to promote liver
wellness with increased attention toward childhood education
and prevention.
Lung Disease.--The Committee encourages the CDC to consider
supporting efforts to validate the importance of spirometry
screenings in early detection of lung disease. Such efforts
include further research and development of projects to
facilitate the translation of new scientific knowledge into
spirometry public health screening programs. The Committee
urges the CDC to continue to coordinate with the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in translating the results of
these efforts into guidance for public health programs,
including vital signs and screening programs.
Lupus.--The Committee recognizes that lupus is a serious,
complex, debilitating chronic autoimmune disease that can cause
inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ system in
the body and impacts between 1.5 and 2 million individuals. The
Committee is concerned by the lack of reliable epidemiological
data on the incidence and prevalence of all forms of lupus
among various ethnic and racial groups. The Committee has
included sufficient resources to continue CDC's lupus-related
activities.
Mind-Body Research.--The Committee continues to support
mind-body research and has provided sufficient funding to
continue these efforts in the same form as in fiscal year 2006.
Needlesticks.--The Committee is concerned about the high
incidence of percutaneous injuries caused by accidental
needlesticks particularly among the diabetic population because
of secondary complications that inhibit their sense of feel.
Data indicating that many people who administer insulin on
their own do not properly discard contaminated syringes is
troubling. Safe needle disposal is a practice that should be
encouraged through diabetic self-management training to prevent
injuries from accidental needlesticks. Moreover, the medical
community should have improved data related to health
consequences arising from accidental needlestick injuries,
especially among diabetics, to improve awareness and stimulate
safer practices. The Committee requests that CDC conduct a
comprehensive study on the health effects of needlestick
injuries with particular emphasis on the diabetic population.
This study should examine the prevalence of accidental
needlesticks, the causes thereof, direct and secondary health
consequences, attendant healthcare costs, and the effectiveness
of available self-management technologies, including modern
electronic needle disposal devices, that could help prevent
percutaneous needlestick injuries. The CDC is requested to
provide a report with recommendations on how the medical and
public health community can address needlestick injuries to the
Committee by June 30, 2007.
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.--The Committee
understands that the multiple factors contributing to the
overweight and obesity epidemic took years to develop.
Reversing the epidemic will require a long-term, well-
coordinated, concerted approach to reach Americans where they
live, work, play, and pray. Effective collaboration among the
public, voluntary, and private sectors is critical to reshape
the social and physical environment of our Nation's communities
and provide the necessary support, information, tools, and
realistic strategies needed to reverse the current obesity
trends nationwide.
Given the large, preventable health and economic burden of
poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and unhealthy body weight,
the Committee encourages CDC to continue its leadership role in
developing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition and physical
activity population-based strategies to prevent and control
overweight and obesity. Targeting prevention efforts throughout
the lifespan--including children as young as toddlers--as well
as promoting fruit and vegetable consumption through CDC's
Federal lead role in the national 5 A Day program, and
increasing the proportion of children, adolescents, and adults
who meet daily physical activity recommendations should remain
priorities for the agency. The Committee has provided $500,000
above the fiscal year 2006 level to sustain and expand CDC's
support of the 5 A Day Program.
To reduce consumer confusion about the myriad of health
messages about obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,
the Committee encourages the CDC to design and develop
mechanisms for fast-tracked translation of research into
reasoned guidance for the American public.
To prevent unhealthy weight gain and maintain healthy
weight among children and adolescents, CDC is urged to work
with the U.S. Department of Education to issue a report with
recommendations about reintroducing school physical education
into the school day.
Nutrition and Physical Activity Study.--Within the amount
provided for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, the
Committee has provided sufficient funds to conduct a study of
the impact of school nutrition and physical activity programs
on academic outcomes, including school attendance, student
behavior, and student achievement on standardized tests.
Office on Smoking and Health.--The Committee continues its
long-time efforts to combat tobacco use--the leading
preventable cause of death--which kills more than 400,000
Americans and adds $89,000,000,000 in healthcare costs every
year. The Committee is concerned that while the Nation has made
some progress in this area, a new survey released by the CDC
finds the first increase in the Nation's high school smoking
rate since 1997. The new survey found that the percentage of
students reporting they have smoked a cigarette in the past
month increased to 23 percent. Also, in June an NIH consensus
panel concluded that of the 44.5 million adult smokers in the
United States, 70 percent want to quit and 40 percent make a
serious quit attempt each year, but fewer than 5 percent
succeed in any given year. The panel found that while effective
methods to stop smoking are already available and could double
or triple quit rates, not enough smokers request or are being
offered these interventions. At the same time, States have
significantly reduced their support for tobacco prevention
efforts and tobacco companies are spending record amounts to
promote tobacco use. Accordingly, the Committee has provided an
increase in funding for OSH--the Federal Government's key
agency for tobacco control--to expand its efforts to reduce the
human and financial tolls caused by tobacco use.
Oral Health.--The Committee recognizes that to effectively
reduce disparities in oral disease will require improvements at
the State and local levels. The Committee has provided
sufficient funding to States to maintain their capacities to
assess the prevalence of oral diseases, to target
interventions, such as additional water fluoridation and
school-linked sealant programs, and resources to the
underserved, and to evaluate changes in policies, programs, and
disease burden. The Committee encourages the CDC to advance
efforts to reduce the disparities and health burden from oral
cancers that are closely linked to chronic diseases such as
diabetes and heart disease.
Pioneering Healthier Communities.--The Committee has
provided sufficient funding to support the Pioneering Healthier
Communities initiative at the same level as in fiscal year
2006.
Prevention Centers.--The Committee encourages the continued
support of center activities aimed at improving knowledge about
the effective models for health promotion programs for persons
with disabilities.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.--Congress has made funds
available for CDC to support the national physician education
and public awareness campaign developed by the Jeffrey Modell
Foundation. The Foundation program has generated more than
$50,000,000 in donated media coverage, resulting in substantial
increases in the number of diagnosed patients. The campaign has
featured public service announcements, physician symposia,
publications, and the development of website and educational
materials, as well as mailings to physicians, school nurses,
daycare centers, and others. This program has been
characterized as a model of public-private cooperation. The
campaign was recently expanded to reach the underserved
African-American and Hispanic populations, and the Committee
has provided $2,400,000 to maintain the program.
Public Health Genomics.--The coming era of personalized
medicine has broad applicability for the field of public
health. The Committee urges CDC to conduct and sponsor public
health genomics research and develop appropriate programs to
identify people at risk for disease and early death. CDC is
further urged to use genomic information to provide targeted
and personalized interventions that will prevent disease,
disability, and death, and may ultimately save public
resources.
Pulmonary Fibrosis.--The Committee previously has expressed
concern regarding the need to expand public health strategies
to combat lung disease particularly pulmonary fibrosis, a
disease that is terminal and for which there is currently no
effective treatment. Many individuals are diagnosed too late to
initiate treatment regimens that could reduce morbidity and
mortality. Currently more than 40,000 die from this disease
annually. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in
the United States. The Committee encourages the CDC to
collaborate with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
to develop surveillance, epidemiology, and health outcomes
programs.
Pulmonary Hypertension.--The Committee continues to be
interested in pulmonary hypertension [PH], a rare, progressive,
and fatal disease that predominantly affects women, regardless
of age or race. PH causes deadly deterioration of the heart and
lungs and is a secondary condition in many other serious
disorders such as scleroderma and lupus. Because early
detection of PH is critical to a patient's survival and quality
of life, the Committee continues to encourage CDC to consider
partnering with the pulmonary hypertension community to foster
greater awareness of the disease.
REACH Initiative.--The Committee recognizes the strengths
that national/multi-geographical minority organizations may be
able to provide to the REACH Initiative. Such organizations
could have the capacity to influence communities through pre-
existing coalitions and collaborative relationships. Such
organizations may also be able to provide key support to local
organizations that may lack the infrastructure needed to fully
implement the programmatic activities required for this
important program. The Committee urges CDC to include such
organizations among the entities that are eligible to compete
for funding without preventing other applicants from receiving
these grants. The Committee has provided sufficient resources
to continue REACH activities at the fiscal year 2006 level.
SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study.---The Committee is
aware of the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study, which is
determining the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in youth
under the age of 20 years in six locations across the United
States. As the first 5-year phase of SEARCH comes to a close,
the CDC and NIDDK are urged to make biosamples and data readily
available to the biomedical research community for ancillary
studies testing novel ideas.
Steps to a Healthier United States.--The Committee applauds
the Department's continued commitment to tackling the problems
of obesity, diabetes, and asthma. The Committee agrees that
these are three of the most critical chronic conditions
afflicting Americans. The Committee is concerned that existing
programs that address these problems have not yet been
implemented in all of the States. The Committee has provided
sufficient resources to continue this initiative and existing
programs within CDC that are aimed at obesity, diabetes, and
asthma. The Committee strongly urges CDC to coordinate the
efforts of these programs such that the best possible outcome
is achieved using these limited funds.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.--To prevent Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome [SIDS], the Committee encourages CDC to consider
supporting a National Campaign for Cribs pilot program in
partnership with a national voluntary organization dedicated to
infant survival. Such a pilot project may be composed of a
public health education component for new parents and
caregivers and seek to provide a crib for babies whose mothers
and caregivers cannot afford a proper sleeping environment for
their children.
Birth Defects, Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Health
Within the total provided, the following amounts are
provided for the specified activities above the comparable
amount for fiscal year 2006: $1,000,000 for tuberous sclerosis
and $386,000 to expand support for the Special Olympics Healthy
Athletes Initiative. With the exceptions noted, all other
programs are funded at the level of the fiscal year 2007
request.
Autism.--The Committee is aware of the progress that has
been made with the autism programs at CDC. The Committee
acknowledges the importance of this work by the CDC in the area
of autism surveillance and research, and urges this work to
continue in a timely manner. Sufficient resources have been
provided to continue the Center's surveillance and research
programs--including the CADDRE and ADDM Network--and the
National awareness campaign.
Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention.--The
Committee encourages CDC to consider expanding the promising
research being conducted by the regional Centers for Birth
Defects Research and Prevention and maintain assistance to
States to implement and expand community-based birth defects
tracking systems, programs to prevent birth defects, and
activities to improve access to health services for children
with birth defects.
CHADD Resource Center.--The Committee is aware of the
demand for information, support services, and health
professional education regarding attention deficit/hyper
activity disorder [AD/HD]. The Committee continues to support
the National Resource Center on AD/HD and has provided
sufficient resources to provide the same level of support as
was provided in fiscal year 2006.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center.--The
Committee understands the growing demand for information,
resources, and public health services by individuals with
paralysis. The Committee has included $5,909,000 for the
Paralysis Resource Center and the associated rehabilitation
therapy program.
Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee remains pleased with the
progress that CDC has made in the establishment of a blood
safety surveillance program for Cooley's anemia patients, who
are the largest consumers of red blood cells. Six treatment
centers throughout the Nation handle the medical monitoring and
treatment; the Cooley's Anemia Foundation provides education
and awareness, patient recruitment, and other services; and CDC
has created an archive of tested and analyzed blood samples.
The Committee has included funds to continue this program and
encourages CDC to utilize this program to enhance the safety of
the blood supply while improving the health of Cooley's anemia
patients.
Craniofacial Malformation.--The Committee has continued
funding for CDC's initiatives to help families of children with
craniofacial malformations. The Committee commends CDC for
their work on this important public health issue and encourages
them to continue work with State and private partners,
including the National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction.
Diamond Blackfan Anemia.--The Committee has provided
sufficient funds to continue CDC's public health outreach and
surveillance program for Diamond Blackfan Anemia [DBA]. These
funds should continue to be used to (a) educate clinicians and
blood disorder treatment centers about DBA and how to diagnose
it and (b) collaborate with a Clinical Care Center, which
already has significant experience in treating DBA patients, to
create a critical mass of DBA expertise where DBA patients may
be referred.
Disabilities Prevention.--The Committee continues to
strongly support the CDC disabilities prevention program, which
provides support to States and academic centers to reduce the
incidence and severity of disabilities, especially
developmental and secondary disabilities.
Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy.--The Committee has
provided sufficient funding to continue surveillance,
epidemiological, and education efforts for Duchenne and Becker
muscular dystrophy.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.--The Committee is
concerned by the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
[FASD] in the United States and notes that drinking during
pregnancy is the Nation's leading known preventable cause of
mental retardation and birth defects. To publicize and promote
awareness of this critical updated public health information,
the Committee has provided sufficient resources to continue
these activities.
Folic Acid Campaign.--The Committee is encouraged with the
progress made in preventing neural tube defects, but notes that
recent March of Dimes and CDC research shows only 40 percent of
women of childbearing age consume enough folic acid daily. The
Committee commends the CDC for its efforts related to educating
women about multivitamin usage in order to improve folic acid
status and reduce the rate of birth defects. The Committee has
provided sufficient funding to continue these efforts.
Fragile X.--The Committee is encouraged by the CDC's
efforts related to Fragile X and support for the Fragile X
public health program to expand surveillance and
epidemiological research of Fragile X. Given the limited
resources available, the Committee urges the CDC to ensure that
the agency's educational and awareness activities under this
initiative are not duplicative of current efforts of nationally
recognized authorities in the area of Fragile X, but are
instead focused on supporting the further dissemination and
distribution of existing informational materials. The Committee
is aware that the introduction of an early childhood
developmental screening program, creation of appropriate
genetic counseling protocols for supporting families of new
diagnoses, and the development of standards of care for
clinicians and care providers are all existing agency
priorities that would directly benefit individuals impacted by
Fragile X and related conditions. The Committee encourages the
CDC to consider Fragile X as a model for these important
initiatives.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.--The Committee is
aware of interest in the establishment of a Hereditary
Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia [HHT] National Resource Center
through a partnership between the CDC and a national voluntary
agency representing HHT families. The Committee encourages the
CDC to examine carefully proposals to establish such a center.
Limb Loss Information Center.--The Committee understands
that more than 1.5 million Americans are living with limb loss
due to diabetes, heart disease, trauma, and cancer. A key
challenge facing individuals with limb loss is gaining access
to necessary health and rehabilitative services. The Committee
commends CDC for its collaborations with voluntary
organizations to identify strategies to remove these barriers.
The Committee continues to support the CDC's resource and
information center, which assists individuals living with
disabilities, and their families, in need of information on
medical, physical, and emotional needs, and resources and
support to reintegrate socially and economically into society.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee continues to be interested
in Marfan syndrome, a progressive and degenerative genetic
disorder which can result in sudden loss of life from aortic
aneurysms. Unfortunately, many individuals affected by Marfan
syndrome are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until they experience
a cardiac complication. Increasing awareness of this life-
threatening disease is vital to ensuring accurate diagnosis and
appropriate disease management in patients who are at risk for
cardiovascular complications. The Committee encourages CDC to
partner with the Marfan syndrome community to increase
awareness of the disease among the general public and health
care providers.
Prader-Willi Syndrome.--Prader-Willi syndrome is the most
common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in
children. The Committee encourages the CDC to initiate a study
of the incidence rate of Prader-Willi syndrome and to provide a
system for tracking the complications from the syndrome
including causes of premature death. Additionally, early
diagnosis and treatment is crucial to the proper treatment of
Prader-Willi syndrome and can significantly reduce the long-
term care costs. The Committee encourages the CDC to develop
and disseminate educational materials to clinicians, educators,
and parents in collaboration with voluntary organizations.
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Initiative.--To address
the unmet health needs among its athletes, Special Olympics
created the Healthy Athletes Program, which provides Special
Olympics athletes access to an array of health assessment,
education, preventive health services and supplies, and
referral for follow-up care where needed. These services are
provided to athletes without cost in conjunction with
competitions at local, State, national, and international
levels. The Committee has included $6,000,000 for this program.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee recognizes that Spina Bifida
is the leading permanently disabling birth defect in the United
States. While Spina Bifida and related neural tube defects are
highly preventable through proper nutrition, including
appropriate folic acid consumption, and its secondary effects
can be mitigated through appropriate and proactive medical care
and management, such efforts have not been adequately
coordinated to result in significant reductions in these costly
conditions. In an effort to continue to improve the quality-of-
life for individuals affected by Spina Bifida and reduce and
prevent the occurrence of--and suffering from--this birth
defect, the Committee provides $5,000,000 for the National
Spina Bifida Program and within the amount provided, $200,000
is for the maintenance of the National Spina Bifida
Clearinghouse and Resource Center to meet the current and
growing demand for information and support services for
individuals and families affected by Spina Bifida. In addition,
the Committee supports the memorandum of understanding between
CDC and AHRQ to examine clinical treatment of Spina Bifida and
improve quality of life.
The Committee understands that the Agent Orange database of
health and educational services composes the largest repository
of longitudinal treatment information of people with Spina
Bifida and may provide insight and understanding into the needs
of people with Spina Bifida. The Committee commends the CDC and
the Department of Veterans Affairs for their collaborative
efforts to review and analyze the Agent Orange database to gain
better understanding of the treatment and educational and
vocational needs of people with Spina Bifida. The Committee
encourages the ongoing collaboration to analyze this data and
requests a report by June 15, 2007, summarizing the analysis of
the data, including recommendations based on the analysis as to
how to improve treatment and quality-of-life for people with
Spina Bifida.
Tourette Syndrome.--The Committee commends CDC for its
continued partnership with the national Tourette Syndrome
Association in developing a public health education and
research program to continue to educate parents, physicians,
educators, and other healthcare workers about the disorder and
to expand on the scientific knowledge base on prevalence, risk
factors and co-morbidities of Tourette Syndrome. The Committee
has provided sufficient resources to maintain the partnership
between the national TSA and the CDC at the same level as in
fiscal year 2006.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--Tuberous sclerosis complex
[TSC] is a genetic disorder that causes uncontrollable tumor
growth. Because this disorder can affect multiple organs of the
body, it is difficult to diagnose, track, and properly treat.
The Committee has provided sufficient resources for CDC to
partner with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance to collect and
analyze data at the nationwide network of TSC clinics; support
surveillance and epidemiological studies; and to educate
healthcare professionals and teachers who come into contact
with TSC patients.
HEALTH INFORMATION AND SERVICE
The Coordinating Center for Health Information and Services
includes the National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS], a
new National Center for Health Marketing, and a new National
Center for Public Health Informatics.
The Committee recommends a program level of $246,280,000
for Health Information and Service related activities at the
CDC. The fiscal year 2006 comparable program level was
$222,005,000.
Health Statistics
CDC's statistics give context and perspective on which we
can base important public health decisions. By aggregating the
experience of individuals, CDC gains a collective understanding
of health, collective experience with the health care system,
and our problems and public health challenges. NCHS data are
used to create a basis for comparisons between population
groups or geographic areas, as well as an understanding of how
trends in health change and develop over time.
The Committee commends the NCHS for fulfilling its mission
as the Nation's premiere health statistics agency and for
ensuring the credibility and integrity of the data it produces.
In particular, the Committee congratulates the agency for its
timely release of critical data and encourages it to continue
making information, including data from the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] and the National Health
Interview Study [HIS], accessible to the public as soon as
possible. The Committee has provided funding at the level of
the fiscal year 2007 budget request.
Eating Disorders.--The Committee is concerned about the
growing incidence and health consequences of eating disorders
among the population. The extent of the problem while estimated
by several long-term outcome studies as being high remains
unknown. The Committee urges the CDC to research the incidence
and morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders,
including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating
disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified across
age, race, and sex.
Psoriasis.--The Committee urges the NCHS to ensure that any
data collected on psoriasis be comprehensive and include the
full age range of individuals affected by the disease including
children, adolescents and adults. The Committee is interested
in having the Center collect and report psoriasis incidence and
prevalence data that are based on nationwide epidemiological
studies. If such data are not currently available, the
Committee encourages the Center to undertake a comprehensive
epidemiological study with a focus on determining incidence of
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The Committee urges CDC to
consider working with a national psoriasis organization to
develop a surveillance program to ascertain and monitor
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis incidence and co-morbidities.
Public Health Informatics
Information systems and information technology are critical
to the practice of public health. CDC activities reflect
ongoing efforts to build a national network of public health
information systems that will enhance public health partner
capabilities in detection and monitoring, surveillance, data
analysis and interpretation, and other public health
activities. With the exceptions noted below, all activities are
funded at the level of the budget request.
Vaccine Registry.--The Committee has provided $20,000,000
for a vaccine registry to monitor vaccine use. The development
of a vaccine registry is critical to ensuring that vaccines
reach the targeted audience and that antivirals are
appropriately administered.
Health Marketing
CDC links directly with the people whose health it is
trying to improve. This activity uses commercial, nonprofit,
and public service marketing practices to better understand
people's health-related needs and preferences; to motivate
changes in behaviors; and to enhance CDC's partnerships with
public and private organizations to more effectively accomplish
health protection and improvement.
Risk Communication.--The Committee has provided $8,000,000
for CDC's risk communication activities related to potential
pandemics.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND INJURY PREVENTION
The Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury
Prevention includes the National Center for Environmental
Health, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,
and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
The Committee recommends $276,658,000 for environmental
health and injury prevention related activities at the CDC. The
fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $287,475,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $277,876,000.
Environmental Health
Many of the public health successes that were achieved in
the 20th century can be traced to innovations in environmental
health practices. However, emerging pathogens and environmental
toxins continue to pose risks to our health and significant
challenges to public health. The task of protecting people's
health from hazards in their environment requires a broad set
of tools. First among these tools are surveillance and data
collection to determine which substances in the environment are
getting into people and to what degree. It also must be
determined whether or not these substances are harmful to
humans, and at what level of exposure. With the exceptions
noted below, all activities are funded at the level of the
budget request.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry.--The Committee has
provided sufficient funding to continue the ALS registry.
Asthma.--The Committee is pleased with the work that the
CDC has done to address the increasing prevalence of asthma.
However, the increase in asthma among children remains
alarming. The Committee encourages CDC to continue to expand
its outreach aimed at increasing public awareness of asthma
control and prevention strategies, particularly among at-risk
populations in underserved communities. To further facilitate
this effort, CDC is urged to partner with voluntary health
organizations to support program activity consistent with the
CDC's efforts to fund community-based interventions that apply
effective approaches demonstrated in research projects within
the scientific and public health community.
Biomonitoring.--The Committee applauds the CDC's
biomonitoring efforts and encourages the agency to continue
this program and continue to improve its efforts to communicate
these results in context. In particular, the CDC's National
Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals is a
significant new exposure tool that provides valuable
information for setting research priorities and for tracking
trends in human exposures over time. Accordingly, the Committee
continues to support the CDC environmental health laboratory's
efforts to provide exposure information about environmental
chemicals. As CDC has recognized, this information does not by
itself suggest harmful effects in humans. The Committee
understands that for many chemicals it is difficult to
interpret biomonitoring information in a health risk context.
The Committee encourages the CDC to collaborate with Federal
Government and private sector toxicologists, health scientists
and laboratory analytical chemists, to facilitate the
development of the necessary methods to interpret human
biomonitoring concentrations in the context of potential health
risks.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention.--The Committee
commends the CDC for its commitment to support the enhanced
development of a portable, hand-held lead screening device that
holds great promise for increasing childhood screening rates in
underserved communities. Further development of this device
will help ensure its application in community health settings.
Environmental Health Laboratory.--The CDC environmental
health laboratory performs assessments for State investigations
of diseases (such as cancer and birth defects) and
investigations of chemical exposures, such as dioxin,
pesticides, mercury and cadmium. CDC is also working with
States to improve public health laboratories that assess State
level biomonitoring needs. CDC works closely with academic
institutions, other Federal agencies, and other partners to
measure human exposure to toxic substances and the adverse
effects of that exposure.
Health Tracking Network.--The Committee has provided
$20,000,000 to continue the development of a Health Tracking
Network, which seeks to develop a surveillance system that can
integrate environmental hazards data with human exposure and
health effects data that have possible links to the
environment. With health tracking, public health officials can
better target preventive services, health care providers can
offer better health care, and the public will be able to
develop a clear understanding of what is occurring in their
communities and how overall health can be improved.
Landmine Survivor Network.--The Committee commends CDC for
its partnership with the Landmine Survivor Network that has
developed peer support networks for landmine survivors in six
mine-affected countries. The Committee has included sufficient
resources to continue support of the network at the fiscal year
2006 level. These funds will be used to expand peer support
networks and the number of survivors that are reached in
network and non-network countries; strengthen the capacity of
medical and rehabilitative care facilities to address the needs
of amputees; enhance economic opportunities for survivors; and
further CDC programs and research for victims of landmines,
civil strife and warfare.
Volcanic Emissions.--The Committee remains concerned about
the public health issue of volcanic emissions. Such emissions
contribute to the exacerbation of a myriad of pre-existing
health conditions in many island residents, especially
children. The acute- and long-term impact that these emissions
have on both the healthy and pre-disposed residents warrants
further study. The Committee encourages the establishment of a
dedicated center that embraces a multi-disciplinary approach in
studying the short- and long-term health effects of the
volcanic emissions.
Injury Prevention and Control
CDC is the lead Federal agency for injury prevention and
control. Programs are designed to prevent premature death and
disability and reduce human suffering and medical costs caused
by: fires and burns; poisoning; drowning; violence; lack of
bicycle helmet use; lack of seatbelt and proper baby seat use;
and other injuries. The national injury control program at CDC
encompasses non-occupational injury and applied research in
acute care and rehabilitation of the injured. Funds are
utilized for both intramural and extramural research as well as
assisting State and local health agencies in implementing
injury prevention programs. The Committee recognizes the vital
role CDC serves as a focal point for all Federal injury control
activities.
Within the total provided, the Committee has provided the
following increases over the fiscal year 2006 level: $804,000
for unintentional injury and $638,000 for rape prevention. All
other activities are funded at the level of the fiscal year
2007 budget request.
Child Maltreatment.--The Committee recognizes that child
maltreatment is a serious public health threat with extensive
short-and long-term health consequences. New avenues to support
child maltreatment prevention would allow CDC to further the
identification, enhancement, and dissemination of evidence-
based child maltreatment prevention programs, such as positive
parenting programs and home visitation programs.
Children's Injury Control Research Center.--The Committee
recognizes the need for an additional Injury Control Research
Center, located in Federal Region V, that will conduct research
on injury and injury prevention related to children and
adolescents. The Committee believes that children and
adolescent populations have special and underserved needs in
injury control. Injury is the leading cause of death and
disability among children and teenagers in the United States.
Currently, there is no center that focuses exclusively on
childhood and adolescent injuries even though children and
adolescents are affected by injury more than any other segment
in the United States. Preference should be given to applicants
with proven experience in children and adolescent injury
control and prevention research. The Committee has included
$804,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level for this purpose.
Injury Data.--The Committee commends CDC for participating
in discussions among the Home Safety Council, representatives
of various injury prevention research groups, and providers of
injury data from diverse hazard disciplines. The Committee
understands that these discussions addressed the challenges of
completeness, quality and consistency of existing injury data
collection systems for home safety, traffic, consumer products,
and violence. The Committee encourages CDC to continue its
participation in this on-going dialog.
National Violent Death Reporting System.--The Committee is
supportive of the National Violent Death Reporting System,
which is a State-based system that collects data from medical
examiners, coroners, police, crime labs, and death certificates
to understand the circumstances surrounding violent deaths. The
information can be used to develop, inform, and evaluate
violence prevention programs. The Committee urges the CDC to
continue to work with private health and education agencies as
well as State agencies in the development and implementation of
an injury reporting system.
Suicide Prevention.--The Committee encourages CDC to
consider supporting the evaluation of suicide prevention
planning, programs, and communication efforts to change
knowledge and attitudes and to reduce suicide and suicidal
behavior. These evaluation efforts would support communities to
identify promising and effective suicide prevention strategies
that follow the public health model and build community
resilience.
Trauma Information and Exchange Program.--The Committee
supports the continuation of the Trauma Information and
Exchange Program.
Violence Against Women.--The Committee urges CDC to
increase research on the psychological sequelae of violence
against women and expand research on special populations and
their risk for violence including adolescents, older women,
ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, and other affected
populations.
Youth Violence.--The Committee has included $23,883,000 for
CDC's youth violence prevention activities. The Committee notes
that the level of youth violence in cities around the Nation is
troubling. The city of Philadelphia continues to experience a
spike in youth violence.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
The Committee recommends $257,881,000 for occupational
safety and health programs. The fiscal year 2006 level was
$262,883,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was
$249,357,000. The Committee recommendation includes $87,071,000
in transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. Sufficient funding has been provided to maintain
staffing levels at the Morgantown facility and increase
research funding at that facility.
The CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health [NIOSH] is the only Federal agency responsible for
conducting research and making recommendations for the
prevention of work-related illness and injury. The NIOSH
mission spans the spectrum of activities necessary for the
prevention of work-related illness, injury, disability, and
death by gathering information, conducting scientific
biomedical research (both applied and basic), and translating
the knowledge gained into products and services that impact
workers in settings from corporate offices to construction
sites to coal mines. With the exceptions noted below, all other
activities are funded at the level of the fiscal year 2007
request.
Construction Safety and Health.--The Committee once again
is very pleased with the progress that NIOSH has made in its
program directed at occupational illnesses and injuries in the
building and construction industry and has included funding to
continue this important worker safety initiative.
Education and Research Centers.--The Committee recognizes
the important role Education and Research Centers [ERCs] play
in preventive health research and the training of occupational
safety and health professionals, and includes an increase of
$825,000 for ERCs over the amount appropriated for ERCs in
fiscal year 2006.
Farm Health and Safety.--The Committee has included funding
to continue the farm health and safety initiative. This
important initiative, begun in fiscal year 1990, has a primary
focus of reducing the incidence of fatal and nonfatal injuries
and occupational diseases among the millions of agricultural
workers and their families in the United States. The Committee
encourages NIOSH to give priority to grants to States and
private organizations with a focus on disseminating and
translating research for occupational safety and health.
Mine Safety Technology Research.--The Committee has
included $6,000,000 over the President's request for mine
safety technology research, development, and testing. The
Committee encourages NIOSH to use these funds for both
intramural and extramural activities focusing on the research,
development, and testing of mine refuge chambers, emergency
tracking, respiratory, and communication devices. The Committee
has received reports of technologies being used in other
countries that is not being utilized in this country and
encourages NIOSH to look at those technologies.
The CDC is expected to submit progress reports on
grantmaking and research findings to the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate in accordance with
the requirements of section 7010 of Public Law 109-234.
Miners' Choice Health Screening Program.--The Committee has
provided sufficient resources to continue to implement the
Miners' Choice Health Screening Program in fiscal year 2007.
This program was initiated to encourage all miners to obtain
free and confidential chest x-rays to obtain more data on the
prevalence of Coal Workers' Pneumonconiosis in support of
development of new respirable coal dust rules. The Committee is
strongly supportive of these efforts and urges NIOSH to work to
improve this health screening program thereby helping to
protect the health and safety our Nation's miners.
National Occupational Research Agenda.--NIOSH provides
national and international leadership to prevent work-related
illness, injury, and death by gathering information, conducting
scientific research, and translating the knowledge gained into
products and services. The Committee is pleased with the
progress NIOSH has made in consulting with partners and
stakeholders across the country to examine and update the
National Occupational Research Agenda for the coming decade.
The Committee expects that this updated agenda will provide an
important blueprint for conducting occupational research and
examining the impact of stressful workplaces on psychological
functioning.
The Committee recommendation includes sufficient resources
to maintain funding for CDC's National Occupational Research
Agenda [NORA]. The Committee believes that NORA is a critical
scientific research program that protects employees and
employers from the high personal and financial costs of work
site health and safety losses. Industries such as agriculture,
construction, health care, and mining benefit from the
scientific research supported by NORA. The program's research
agenda focuses on prevention of disease and injury resulting
from infectious diseases, cancer, asthma, hearing loss,
musculoskeletal disorders, traumatic injuries, and allergic
reactions, among others. The Committee continues to strongly
support NORA and encourages expansion of its research program
to cover additional causes of workplace health and safety
problems.
National Mesothelioma Registry.--The Committee has again
provided $1,000,000 for the continuation of a National
Mesothelioma Registry to collect data regarding symptoms,
pathology, evaluation, treatment, outcomes, and quality of life
and a Tissue Bank to include the pre- and post-treatment blood
(serum and blood cells) specimens as well as tissue specimens
from biopsies and surgery.
National Personal Protective Technologies Laboratory.--The
Committee has provided $500,000 above the fiscal year 2006
level of funding for the NIOSH National Personal Protective
Technologies Laboratory to expedite research and development
in, and certification of, protective equipment, such as powered
air purifying respirators, and combined self-contained
breathing apparatus/escape sets.
The Committee encourages NIOSH to consider the value of a
study to evaluate all classes of disposable NIOSH approved
respirator facemasks, including but not limited to particulate
and antimicrobial technology for effectiveness against
transmission of avian influenza and other pathogens.
GLOBAL HEALTH
The Committee recommends $368,892,000 for global health-
related activities at the CDC in fiscal year 2007. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable level was $379,624,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 was $379,147,000. The Office of
Global Health leads and coordinates CDC's global programs to
promote health and prevent disease in the United States and
abroad, including ensuring rapid detection and response to
emerging health threats. With the exceptions noted below, all
activities are funded at the level of the budget request.
Global HIV/AIDS.--CDC works with governments in 25
countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean
focusing on primary prevention of HIV/AIDS; care and treatment
of tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections, palliative
care and appropriate use of antiretroviral medications; and
infrastructure and capacity development.
Global Disease Detection.--The Committee commends CDC for
its role in strengthening the capacity of the public health
community, both at home and abroad, to respond to global
threats, such as SARS, monkeypox, West Nile virus, pandemic flu
and bioterrorism. CDC's Global Disease Detection System is
integral to these efforts. This system is designed to provide
worldwide technical support to ensure rapid and accurate
diagnoses of emerging infectious disease events, and to provide
a secure link between clinicians and laboratories and CDC and
the World Health Organization to ensure real-time reporting of
emerging threats. The Global Disease Detection System also will
support sentinel sites in key regions around the globe to
ensure prompt disease detection and referral to a regional
laboratory service. These capacities are critical to mitigate
the consequences of a catastrophic public health event, whether
the cause is an intentional act of terrorism or the natural
emergence of a deadly infectious virus, like SARS.
Global Immunization Activities.--The Committee includes
$143,514,000 for global immunization activities, including
$100,591,000 for polio vaccine, surveillance, and program
operations for the highly successful, yet unfinished polio
eradication efforts; and $42,923,000 for the purchase of
measles vaccine for measles mortality reduction and regional
measles elimination initiatives and to expand epidemiologic,
laboratory, and programmatic/operational support to WHO and its
member countries.
Global Malaria.--The Committee has provided $8,600,000 to
continue the global malaria program.
Pandemics.--The Committee has provided $40,000,000 for
international and domestic surveillance, diagnosis and epidemic
investigations including real-time point-of care surveillance
methods sensitive enough to detect first cases of influenza and
other potential pandemics among infants, children, and adults
in domestic community settings.
Further, the Committee has included an increase of
$19,000,000 for rapid outbreak response in 15 target countries
and for human-animal interface studies.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
Public Health Research.--The Committee has provided
$31,000,000 to fund the Public Health Research program. The
fiscal year 2006 comparable level and budget request were also
$31,000,000. The Committee is strongly supportive of public
health and prevention research, which bridge the gap between
medical research discoveries and behaviors that people adopt by
identifying the best strategies for detecting new diseases,
assessing the health status of populations, motivating healthy
lifestyles, communicating effective health promotion messages,
and acquiring and disseminating information in times of crisis.
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
The Committee provides $219,828,000 for public health
improvement and leadership activities at the CDC. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable level was $189,106,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 was $189,190,000.
Leadership and Management
The Committee provides $161,716,000 for leadership and
management costs at the CDC in fiscal year 2007. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable level was $161,592,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 was $161,716,000.
In addition, the Committee has included sufficient funding
for the following projects in the following amounts for fiscal
year 2007:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Voice for All, Wilmington, DE, for speech and $400,000
language evaluations for persons with disabilities....
AIDS Resource Center Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, for 150,000
health care and case management services..............
Alaska Multiple Sclerosis Center, Inc, Anchorage, AK, 150,000
for its multiple sclerosis related activities.........
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network (AEHN), 800,000
Philadelphia, PA, for genetic testing and education/
outreach..............................................
Allied Services Foundation, Clarks Summit, PA, for 250,000
pediatric health programs for children with
developmental disabilities............................
American Trauma Society, Upper Marlboro, MD to expand 300,000
the Trauma Survivor Network programs..................
BioAdvance, Philadelphia, PA, to strengthen existing 150,000
biomedical informatics training activities............
Brown County Oral Health Partnership, Green Bay, WI, to 350,000
expand a childhood oral health program................
Cascade AIDS, Portland, OR, to conduct HIV/AIDS 250,000
awareness and prevention programs throughout Oregon..
Center for Autism Research (CeFAR) at the University of 250,000
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, for its autism-related
activities............................................
Center for Mind Body Medicine, Washington, DC, to train 100,000
health and mental health professionals in treating war
and terrorism related trauma in the U.S. and abroad...
Columbia Urban League, Columbia, SC, to expand health 225,000
education in minority communities.....................
Columbus Children's Research Institute, Columbus, OH, 750,000
for the Center for Injury Research and Policy.........
Community Dental Care Foundation, Wausau, WI, to expand 150,000
dental education and dental services..................
Community Health Centers in Hawaii for Childhood Rural 175,000
Asthma Project........................................
Domestic Violence HELP, Pittsburgh, PA, for domestic 100,000
violence programs.....................................
Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute, Erie, PA, to 200,000
address autism spectrum disorders.....................
East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) Education 750,000
Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, for a diabetes outreach
and prevention program................................
Farrell Area School District, PA, for a fitness & 100,000
health program that is developmentally appropriate for
all students..........................................
Fletcher Allen Health Care of Burlington, VT, for 250,000
chronic disease registries............................
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, Fairfax, VA, for 120,000
the Iowa Food Allergy Education program...............
Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, for an 100,000
updated study of the emergency medicine workforce.....
Health Care Network, Inc., Racine, WI, to expand dental 100,000
services..............................................
Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative, Clarks 100,000
Summit, PA to address chronic disease management and
mental health and health education....................
Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver, PA to expand the 200,000
capacity of three disease management pro- grams......
Highlands Hospital, Connellsville, PA, for equipment to 100,000
support microbicide research..........................
Inland Northwest Health Services, Northwest Health 300,000
Programs, Spokane, WA, to develop, test and evaluate
tools for regional disease surveillance...............
Inner Harmony Foundation, Clarks Summit, PA, for New 100,000
Beginnings cancer care program and alternative
medicine..............................................
Iowa Chronic Care Consortium, Des Moines, Iowa, for a 150,000
preventative health demonstration program.............
Iowa Department of Public Health to continue the Harkin 2,000,000
Wellness Grant program................................
Iowa Health Foundation, for wellness activities for 100,000
dementia patients.....................................
Iowa State University, Ames, IA, for the Iowa 650,000
Initiative for Healthier Schools and Student Wellness.
Kennebec Valley YMCA, Augusta, ME, for the Every Kid 100,000
Deserves a Y for A Lifetime Capital Campaign..........
Kennedy Health System, Voorhees, NJ, for the Women and 500,000
Children's Health Pavillion's Advanced Cancer
Prevention and Treatment Initiative...................
Kids Kicking Cancer, Detroit, MI, for the Hero's Circle 1,000,000
Program...............................................
Manatee County Department of Health, Bradenton, FL, for 200,000
Tallevast health screenings...........................
Marcus Institute, Atlanta, GA, for clinical programs 100,000
for children with developmental disabilities..........
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, for a dental 250,000
health outreach program...............................
MAVIN Foundation, Seattle, WA, for education and 200,000
outreach on health issues affecting multiracial
populations...........................................
Medical Institute, Austin, TX, to communicate credible, 250,000
evidence-based medical and scientific information to
promote healthy sexual decisions......................
Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance 100,000
(MANNA), Philadelphia, PA, for public health outreach
for the chronically ill...............................
Michigan Health and Hospital Association, for the 500,000
Keystone Center for Patient Safety and Quality Project
Mississippi State Department of Health, Jackson, MS, to 2,800,000
develop and implement a statewide man-made and natural
disaster preparedness and response program............
Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS, to 500,000
implement Healthy Community Outreach..................
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, for a Public Health 100,000
education program.....................................
Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA, to develop three models of
integrative programs of clinical excellence...........
National Nursing Centers Consortium, Philadelphia, PA, 100,000
for a Lead Safe Babies Program........................
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Scranton, PA, for 100,000
cancer screening evaluation...........................
Northern Virginia Urban League, Inc, Alexandria, VA, to 100,000
promote healthy pregnancy outcomes....................
Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 500,000
Worthington, OH, for the Early Identification of
Autism Initiative.....................................
Oral Vaccine Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada for the 950,000
development of innovative vaccine delivery
alternatives..........................................
Partnership for Food Safety Education, Washington, DC, 250,000
for the FightBAC campaign.............................
Pennsylvania Affiliate of the SIDS Alliance, Inc., 200,000
Pittsburgh, PA, to expand the ``Cribs for Kids''
program throughout Pennsylvania and the nation........
Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, Ephrata, PA to 100,000
expand and enhance their breast cancer guide book....
Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, 100,000
PA, for pandemic flu preparedness.....................
Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, for the 500,000
Chronic Disease Management Center.....................
Rett Syndrome Research Association, Cincinnati, OH, for 500,000
education and outreach activities.....................
Saint Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, ME, for a Patient 305,000
Safety and Outcomes Improvement project...............
Self Reliance Foundation, Washington DC, for the 450,000
National Hispanic Health Communications Project.......
Sister to Sister--Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, 500,000
Washington, DC, to increase womens' awareness of heart
disease...............................................
Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats, 400,000
Atlanta, GA...........................................
Southern Nevada Health District, to purchase equipment 350,000
and to expand its immunization program................
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, New York, NY, to 100,000
address spinal muscular atrophy.......................
State Information Technology Consortium, Herndon, VA, 100,000
for patient safety programs and outreach..............
State of Alaska Department of Health and Social 500,000
Services, Juneau, AK for detection and control of
tuberculosis in Alaska................................
State of Alaska Department of Health and Social 500,000
Services, Juneau, AK for the Obesity Prevention and
Control program.......................................
State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social 750,000
Services, AK, for Avian Influenza Surveillance........
Stone Soup Group, Anchorage, AK, for services to 200,000
disabled children and their families..................
Sullivan County Medical Center, Laporte, PA, to provide 200,000
for patient outreach and prevention of chronic
illnesses.............................................
Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere, Wilkes- 100,000
Barre, PA, for autism education programs and services.
Temple University, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, 400,000
PA, to establish a Center for Minority Health.........
Texas Tech University Health Services Center at El 900,000
Paso, TX, to establish a Center for Research and Re-
Emerging Infectious Diseases..........................
Tioga Dental Services, Wellsboro, PA, for construction, 100,000
renovation, and equipment.............................
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, for a center on 200,000
health emergency preparedness and response............
University of Alaska Statewide Office, Fairbanks, AK to 1,000,000
conduct avian flu surveillance activities.............
University of Alaska Statewide Office, Fairbanks, AK to 750,000
continue to develop and implement its statewide health
agenda................................................
University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, for the 350,000
Chronic Disease Management Education Program in Cancer
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC to 200,000
address Racial Disparities and Cardiovascular Diseases
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, to 240,000
support youth fitness and obesity efforts in rural
Iowa..................................................
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, 800,000
PA, for a minority-cardiac study......................
University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, for the 300,000
University of West Florida, PERCH Program.............
Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, for the 100,000
establishment of a Utah Regional Homeland Defense
Medical Center........................................
WakeMed, Raleigh, NC to address Pediatric Diabetes..... 100,000
Wellness Community, Philadelphia, PA, for cancer 100,000
education, outreach, and support services.............
Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, 250,000
for the health promotion and disease prevention
program at the Hispanic Resource Center...............
Youth and Family Services, Girls Incorporated of Rapid 150,000
City, SD, for the Health Connections program..........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director's Discretionary Fund.--The Committee has provided
$8,000,000 for a Director's Discretionary Fund. This fund will
allow the Director to quickly respond to emerging public health
issues and threats not contemplated at the time of enactment of
the appropriations.
Epidemic Services and Response.--CDC's epidemic services
and response program provides resources and scientific
expertise for operating and evaluating surveillance systems;
developing and refining research methods and strategies to the
benefit of public health practice; training public health
professionals who are prepared to respond to public health
emergencies, outbreaks and other assistance requests; and
communicating with multi-faceted audiences accurate public
health information and effective messages. The Committee
recognizes that CDC maintains a keen appreciation for the fact
that local outbreaks of illness can develop rapidly into
epidemics, that previously unidentified health problems can
appear at any time, that contaminated food or defective
products may appear in the community without warning, and that
the threat of bioterrorism is present in many areas of the
world. When CDC participates in an investigation, all of the
resources of the Agency are at the disposal of the affected
area, including its state-of-the-art laboratories.
Leadership and Management Savings.--The Committee strongly
believes that as large a portion as possible of CDC funding
should go to programs and initiatives that improve the health
and safety of Americans. To facilitate this goal, any savings
in leadership and management may be reallocated to the
Director's Discretionary Fund upon notification of the
Committee.
Minority Health Professions.--The Committee is pleased that
CDC has continued to support the cooperative program with the
Minority Health Professions Foundation and urges continued
expansion of this activity, including sponsorship of public
health and biomedical symposiums aimed at increasing career
opportunities for minority students.
PREVENTATIVE HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
The Committee has provided $100,000,000 for the
Preventative Health & Health Services Block grant. The fiscal
year 2006 comparable level was $98,932,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2007 did not request any funding for
this program.
The block grant provides funding for primary prevention
activities and health services that address urgent health
problems in local communities. This flexible source of funding
can be used to target concerns where other funds do not exist
or where they are inadequate to address the extent of the
health problem. The grants are made to the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, two American Indian tribes, and eight
U.S. territories.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Committee has provided $100,000,000 for the planning,
design, and construction of new facilities, repair and
renovation of existing CDC facilities, and data security and
storage. The fiscal year 2006 comparable level was $158,291,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2007 was $29,700,000.
The Committee has again provided bill language to allow CDC
to enter into a single contract or related contracts for the
full scope of development and construction of facilities and
instructs CDC to utilize this authority, when necessary, in
constructing the Atlanta and Fort Collins facilities.
The Committee intends that $5,000,000 of the funds provided
be used to continue construction of the Fort Collins, Colorado
facility.
BUSINESS SERVICES AND SUPPORT
The Committee provides $323,058,000 for business services
support functions at the CDC. The fiscal year 2006 comparable
level was $317,615,000 and the administration requested a
comparable level of $323,058,000 for fiscal year 2007. These
funds will be used to support CDC-wide support functions.
The Committee strongly believes that as large a portion as
possible of CDC funding should go to programs and initiatives
that improve the health and safety of Americans. To facilitate
this goal, any savings in business services support may be
reallocated to the Director's Discretionary Fund upon
notification of the Committee.
TERRORISM
The Committee provides $1,578,260,000 for CDC terrorism
preparedness activities. The comparable fiscal year 2006 level
was $1,576,173,000 and the administration requested
$1,657,161,000 for these activities in fiscal year 2007.
Within the funds provided, $823,674,000 is for Upgrading
State and Local Capacity through grants and cooperative
agreements; $30,690,000 is for the Centers for Public Health
Preparedness; $5,346,000 is for the Advanced Practice Centers;
$26,630,000 is for other State and Local Capacity; $135,628,000
is for upgrading CDC Capacity; $13,001,000 is for anthrax
vaccine studies; $52,987,000 is for the Biosurveillance
Initiative, including $25,000,000 for Bio Sense and $18,000,000
for quarantine stations; and $550,000,000 is for the Strategic
National Stockpile.
State and Local Capacity.--The Committee continues to
recognize that bioterrorism events will occur at the local
level and will require local capacity, preparedness and initial
response. It is the Committee's intent that significant funding
for State and local public health infrastructure be used to
improve local public health capacity and meet the needs
determined by local public health agencies. The Committee notes
that HHS' cooperative agreement guidance now includes explicit
requirements for local concurrence with State spending plans
for public health emergency preparedness and urges CDC to
monitor and enforce these requirements.
The Committee also recognizes that HHS has incorporated the
National Response Plan into the cooperative agreement guidance
and established new CDC Preparedness Goals. The Committee urges
the Department to assure that the performance metrics for the
CDC Preparedness Goals, by which local health department
preparedness will be measured, are fully consistent with all
requirements in the Target Capabilities being developed under
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 by the Department of
Homeland Security.
Funds for bioterrorism prevention and response are
distributed through grants to 50 States and four metropolitan
areas. The Committee strongly recommends that these funds be
distributed based on a formula that includes factors for risk
of a terrorist event. Risk is challenging to quantify, but the
Committee suggests that CDC, in coordination with the Secretary
of Health and Human Services, consider the following and other
factors: (1) Site of headquarters or major offices of
multinational organizations; (2) site of major financial
markets; (3) site of previous incidents of international
terrorism; (4) some measure of population density versus just
population; (5) internationally recognized icons; (6) percent
of national daily mass transit riders; (7) proximity to a major
port, including major port ranked on number of cargo containers
arriving at the port per year.
Pacific Emergency Health Initiative.--The Committee
recognizes that the Pacific Emergency Health Initiative [PEHI]
may facilitate the disaster preparededness plans for the
communities of the Republic of Palau, the U.S. Territories of
Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Marianas Islands,
the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall
Islands. The Committee encourages CDC to consider supporting
the Pacific Emergency Health Initiative for the completion and
maintenance of emergency plans and training to fortify our
Nation's westernmost Pacific borders against health threats
associated with terrorist's acts, natural disasters and
emerging diseases. Activities might include awareness of how to
mitigate disease and deaths due to the aforementioned causes
and the provision of data and tools essential for enhancing
research studies in disaster management.
The research derived from these experiences with disaster
management will be useful in the development of standards of
response in the Pacific and the U.S. mainland. The Pacific
Emergency Health Initiative should coordinate these efforts
with existing institutions such as the Pacific Island Health
Officers Association, the World Health Organization, the
Secretariat of Pacific Community and the U.S. Department of
Defense.
Strategic National Stockpile.--Vaccines and antivirals are
not the only supplies that need to be stockpiled in preparation
for a pandemic. Currently, most health providers order and
stock supplies on a ``just-in-time'' basis. This means they
often only have a few days of reserve supplies, equipment like
portable respirators, and commonly prescribed medications,
including many basic protective items, such as protective N95
masks, gloves, gowns, and clean hospital linens, many of which
are produced abroad and may not be available during a global
health emergency.
The Committee commends the Secretary for commissioning the
Institute of Medicine to evaluate the potential development of
reusable respirator facemasks in the event on an influenza
pandemic. The Committee encourages the Secretary to consider
comparative data regarding duration of effectiveness, range of
cidal activity and shelf life for disposable NIOSH approved
respirator facemasks with particulate filter, antimicrobial
coated and antimicrobial iodinated technology, and to consider
supply needs and issue end-user recommendations for such
facemasks.
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health has played a unique and
defining role in the advancement of this Nation's health and
well-being, fueling discoveries that have led to life-saving
surgical techniques; tools that permit earlier, more accurate
diagnosis of disease; and the development of drugs and vaccines
that have vastly improved disease treatment and prevention. To
those who question the merit of investing taxpayer dollars in
medical research, the Committee contends that the long-term
value of this national investment is without question. For
example, this year, for the first time in history the number of
Americans dying from cancer will decline; over the past three
decades, deaths caused by cardiovascular disease has dropped 60
percent, with 815,000 fewer people dying each year from
coronary disease alone; and NIH-supported research led to the
discovery that intensive lifestyle interventions can reduce
type 2 diabetes by more than 50 percent.
While research sponsored by NIH is driven, first and
foremost, by the hope of curing illness, easing suffering and
extending life, often overlooked are the significant
contributions the agency makes to the economic vitality of this
Nation. Yet other challenges remain. In 2003, an estimated 18
million adults were not working because of a disability,
chronic disease or other health reasons. Sixty-nine million
reported missing days due to illness, for a total of 407
million days of lost time at work. All told, labor time lost
due to health reasons represents lost economic output totaling
an estimated $260,000,000,000 per year. All the while, the
United States is being confronted with new threats, from
bioterrorism and West Nile virus to rising rates of obesity and
diabetes. In the face of those challenges, the Committee is
concerned that short-term budget savings will cloud the
potential of dividends paid in the form of healthier, more
productive lives; that growing pressure for immediate pay-off
will take precedence over research where clinical need is
greatest; and that the pipeline of new scientists--the hope for
tomorrow's discoveries--will be lost.
Budget Justification Materials.--The Committee takes
seriously its oversight responsibilities, which include
assuring that policies and programs are executed in accordance
with appropriations law, and in a timely and administratively
efficient manner. An important tool in the oversight process is
the justification material submitted to the Committee. These
documents are intended to provide an accounting of funds
already appropriated as well as the rationale underlying the
President's budget request. In recent years, however, the
content of the NIH justification materials has become less
informative, often failing to provide clear, concise, and
detailed information. Prior to the development of next year's
budget justifications, the Committee expects to work with NIH
officials to develop a more consistent format that affords
increased transparency of NIH research activities, both ongoing
and proposed, and provides greater accountability of research
dollars.
The NIH Mission.--NIH is a large and complex organization,
supported by a community of more than 200,000 scientists at
more than 1,700 institutions across the Nation. Nevertheless,
its mission is simple and straightforward: to improve and
safeguard the health of every American. The agency's
stewardship of taxpayers' dollars transcends organizational
lines. Research needs do not fit neatly into bureaucratic
functions. As such, the Committee has eliminated any references
in this report to the mission of individual institutes and
centers. Moreover, the Committee expects that research will not
be discouraged, nor will collaboration be hampered by
artificial barriers.
Biomedical Research and Development Price Index.--The
Committee is once again disappointed that the budget request
would require NIH to break its funding commitments to existing
grantees. Forcing grantees to reduce the scope of research that
is already underway disrupts the research plan and reduces the
science that NIH purchased when the initial award was made. The
Committee believes, that to the extent resources allow, NIH
should follow its cost management plan principles, which will
help NIH continue to maintain the purchasing power of the
research in which it invests.
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.--The Committee
continues to be concerned that the current administration
policy relating to human embryonic stem cell research is so
narrow that it is stifling the pace of stem cell research. The
Committee strongly believes that embryonic stem cell research
holds enormous potential for the treatment of cardiovascular
disease, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries and a vast array of
other diseases and injuries. After convening 18 in-depth
hearings on the subject, the Committee believes that with the
proper safeguards in place, this field of investigation ought
to be widened. While it originally appeared that 78 embryonic
stem cell lines would be available for research under the
Federal policy, now, nearly 5 years after the President's
announcement on August 9, 2001, only 21 lines are available to
researchers. Moreover, scientists have told the Committee that
all available stem cell lines were grown with mouse feeder
cells, making their therapeutic use for humans uncertain. The
Committee strongly urges the administration to modify the
current embryonic stem cell policy so that it provides this
area of research the greatest opportunity to lead to the
treatments and cures for which we are all hoping.
The Committee also strongly urges that the NIH explore all
avenues of stem cell research including adult stem cells and
alternative methods of establishing human embryonic stem cell
lines that do not involve the destruction of an embryo.
The Committee is also deeply concerned with the slow pace
of implementation of the current stem cell policy. The
Committee was informed that, under the budget request, NIH
plans to spend $39,000,000, the same as fiscal year 2006, on
human embryonic stem cell research. The Committee strongly
urges the NIH to commit a substantial amount of resources to
all methods of human embryonic stem cell research. Finally, the
Committee expects the NIH to provide detailed reporting on
funding for all forms of stem cell research in future
congressional budget justifications.
The Committee recommends $28,550,667,000 for the NIH. This
amount is $220,820,000 above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation
and $200,664,000 over the budget request.
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $4,790,063,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 4,753,609,000
House allowance......................................... 4,753,609,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,799,063,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,799,063,000
for the National Cancer Institute [NCI]. The budget request was
$4,753,609,000. The fiscal year 2006 appropriation was
$4,750,063,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
Academic Public Private Partnership Program.--The Committee
is concerned about the NCI decision to cancel the Academic
Public Private Partnership Program [AP-4], which was instituted
by the NCI to increase the success rate of complex drug
discovery and development research through collaborations
involving university-based researchers and the private sector.
Particularly given current funding constraints and the fact
that the AP-4 program would amplify the Federal investment with
a significant private sector match, the Committee encourages
the NCI to reconsider the decision to terminate this program
and to proceed with awards based on the peer review
recommendations of already reviewed-consortia proposals.
Angiogenesis.--The Committee encourages the NCI to continue
its leadership in support of interdisciplinary research on
angiogenesis--the growth of new blood vessels--through the
Trans-Institute Angiogenesis Research Program [TARP]. Advances
in this field have the potential to impact treatment of
multiple diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease,
stroke, and others.
Blood Cancers.--The Committee urges NCI to place greater
emphasis on both translational and clinical research in blood
cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and
myeloproliferative disorders in order to develop more effective
treatments for these diseases and further the translation of
laboratory discoveries to the patient's bedside.
Breast Cancer.--The Committee strongly urges the NCI to
give increased attention to areas of research that focus on
helping women to more fully restore and improve their quality
of life after treatment, including further breast cancer
research on lymphedema, stress, nutrition, exercise, weight,
and the environment. The Committee strongly urges the NCI to
further accelerate advances in breast cancer screening
technology and to capitalize on existing and create new
technologies that improve early diagnosis, health outcomes, and
survival.
Cancer Centers at Minority Institutions.--The Committee
commends NCI on the success of its cancer centers program.
Given that minority populations suffer disproportionately from
virtually every form of cancer, the Committee encourages NCI to
support the establishment of a comprehensive center at a
minority institution focused on research, treatment, and
prevention of cancer in African American and other minority
communities. The Committee is pleased with NCI's attention to
this important matter.
Cancer Genome.--The Committee commends the NHGRI and NCI
for jointly launching the pilot phase of The Cancer Genome
Atlas [TCGA]. This important new effort will accelerate the
understanding of the molecular basis of cancer through the
application of genome analysis technologies, including large-
scale genome sequencing. Using technologies developed by the
Human Genome Project and recent advances in applying genetic
information to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, this
effort should lead to new tests to detect cancer in its early,
most treatable stages; new ways to predict which cancers will
respond to which treatments; new therapies to target cancer at
its most vulnerable points; and, ultimately, new strategies to
prevent cancer.
Cancer Metastasis to Bone.--A frequent complication of
cancer is its spread to bone (bone metastasis), which occurs in
up to 80 percent of patients with myeloma, 70 percent of
patients with either breast or prostate cancer, and 15 to 30
percent of patients with lung, colon, stomach, bladder,
uterine, rectal, and renal cancer, causing severe bone pain and
pathologic fractures. Only 20 percent of breast cancer patients
and 5 percent of lung cancer patients survive more than 5 years
after discovery of bone metastasis. The Committee urges NCI, in
collaboration with NIAMS, NIA, and NIDDK, to support research
to determine mechanisms and to identify, block and treat cancer
metastasis to bone. Furthermore, the Committee urges NCI to
expand research on osteosarcoma to improve survival and quality
of life and to prevent metastatic osteosarcoma in children and
teenagers who develop this cancer.
Cancer Vaccines.--The Committee has recently become aware
of emerging vaccine technologies, including a vaccine for the
treatment of nicotine addiction, which could prevent
carcinogenesis. The Committee urges NCI, in collaboration with
NIDA, to support clinical trials to make available to the
public vaccines to prevent cancer.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia [CLL].--This incurable disease
is the most common form of adult leukemia in the United States.
The Committee once again urges the NCI to increase research
into CLL, including improved therapies and their rapid movement
from the laboratory to the bedside. The Committee strongly
urges the NCI to give favorable consideration to continuing and
expanding the scope of research activities funded through the
CLL Research Consortium as it works to defeat this blood
disorder.
Dissemination Research.--The Committee commends the NCI for
its leadership on an initiative to help evidence-based
behavioral interventions reach the public more quickly. The
Committee is supportive of NCI's efforts to inspire research
that will overcome barriers to the adoption of evidence-based
interventions that previous research has shown to be effective,
but where adoption to date has been limited or significantly
delayed.
Gynecologic Cancers.--The Committee encourages NCI to give
priority to gynecologic cancers and to work with the National
Human Genome Research Institute on the Cancer Genomics project.
The Committee further encourages the NCI to support
translational research involving biologic prognosticators and
therapeutic effects of chemotherapy to speed the development
and delivery of new cancer treatments to women with gynecologic
cancers.
Imaging Systems Technologies.--The Committee is encouraged
by progress made by the NCI following its August 1999
conference on biomedical imaging, and it urges the NCI to
continue to take a leadership role with the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] and the Food and Drug
Administration to avoid duplicative reviews of new imaging
technologies which may prevent their benefits from reaching
patients on a timely basis. The Committee is aware of the great
potential for improved patient care and disease management
represented by molecular imaging technologies, especially
positron emission tomography [PET], through its ability to
image the biology of many kinds of cancer and other diseases.
The Committee continues to support the NCI's increased emphasis
on examining the molecular basis of disease through imaging
technologies such as PET and MicroPET. The Committee continues
to encourage the large-scale testing of women for breast cancer
and men for prostate cancer to demonstrate and quantify the
increased diagnostic and staging capabilities of PET relative
to conventional diagnostic and staging technologies, including
mammography.
Liver Cancer.--The Committee remains concerned about the
increasing incidence of primary liver cancer and the small
number of effective treatments--a situation that stands in
sharp contrast to many other forms of cancer for which the
incidence is declining and the treatment options are growing.
The Committee urges the NCI to continue to support the NIDDK-
sponsored HALT-C clinical trial and to collaborate with the
NIBIB on the development of improved early liver cancer
diagnostic techniques. The Committee welcomes NCI's program
announcements on hepatocellular carcinoma but urges the
Institute to set aside specific funds for research on this
disease.
Lung Cancer.--Lung cancer remains a major public health
issue and is the leading cause of cancer death among women and
minority populations. The death rate is expected to escalate as
the population ages. The Committee encourages the NCI to work
with the thoracic surgical community to initiate new clinical
trials that involve patients at an early stage of the disease
when surgery is a treatment option.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphedema.--The Committee urges NCI
to support research on lymphedema, a chronic, progressive and
historically neglected condition faced by many cancer
survivors. The Committee also urges the Institute to devote
increased resources toward the study of lymphangiogenesis and
lymphatic imaging, which are critical to a greater
understanding of cancer metastasis and lymphedema.
Lymphoma Research.--The Committee urges the National Cancer
Institute [NCI] to capitalize on the recent basic research
investment by accelerating the translation of basic research
findings into new treatment strategies for lymphoma. This may
require a greater investment in lymphoma translational and
clinical research initiatives, including more clinical trials
focused on innovative lymphoma therapies. The Committee
believes that the substantial impact of the disease on
individuals, families, and society requires a more urgent
lymphoma therapeutic development effort. The Committee
recommends that NCI devote resources to: (1) studies of
adequate scope to assure the identification of environmental
risk factors for specific subtypes of lymphoma; (2) small
studies designed to improve detection and quantification of
historically difficult-to-measure environmental factors; (3)
studies that are directed toward enhancing the understanding of
the role of the immune system in the initiation and progression
of lymphoma; and (4) studies that examine the simultaneous
presence of a wide profile of infectious agents among
individuals with lymphoma. The Committee also notes that
lymphoma survivors may face significant long-term effects from
their treatment. The Committee urges NCI to dedicate some of
its survivorship research funds on research issues related to
problems confronted by lymphoma survivors.
Melanoma.--Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the
United States and worldwide. The etiology of the disease is not
well understood, and the average life span of patients with
advanced melanoma is less than 1 year. Nevertheless, there is a
shortage of melanoma researchers and a lack of effective of
drugs and treatments. Therefore, the Committee strongly urges
the NCI to convene a panel of consumers, extramural and
intramural scientists to develop a 5-year strategic plan for
melanoma research and submit it to the Committee by July 1,
2007. The strategic plan should identify the current shortfalls
and promise of melanoma research and recommended new directions
and targets for future research. The plan should also explore
the role of new and innovative technologies including shared
biospecimen repositories, identify and validate melanoma-
specific targets to design effective therapy; and identify
opportunities for facilitating translational research in this
area.
Mesothelioma Research.--The Committee is concerned with the
pace of mesothelimoma research. To address these concerns, the
Committee strongly encourages the NCI to establish up to 10
mesothelioma centers, increase research, including clinical
trials, detection and prevention methods, palliation of disease
symptoms and pain management.
Nanosystems Biology.--The Committee encourages NCI and the
Office of the NIH Director to continue to support a
collaborative effort to bring nanotechnology, systems biology
and molecular imaging together to examine the molecular basis
of cancer. Initial efforts have shown that cancers such as
breast cancer are not a single disease, but may encompass many
different diseases, when examined at the molecular level. Many
clinical trials of new drugs are now considered to fail if only
10 percent of patients benefit, yet the 10 percent may
represent a specific type of the disease for which the drug may
be 100 percent effective. Bringing these three disciplines
together may allow researchers to identify specific sub-types
of cancer and to better target new interventions. Successful
results of such an effort could lead to a molecular
classification of many types of cancer and to targeted
molecular treatments for molecular-specific diseases.
Neurofibromatosis.--The committee commends NCI for
conducting clinical trials of NF1 patients and encourages NCI
to increase funding for NF research. Recognizing NF's
connection to many of the most common forms of human cancer,
the Committee encourages NCI to substantially increase its NF
research portfolio in such areas as further development of
animal models, natural history studies, genetic and drug
screening, therapeutic experimentation, and pre-clinical and
clinical trials. The Committee encourages NCI to create, fund,
and implement NF clinical and pre-clinical trials
infrastructures including NF centers and pre-clinical mouse
consortiums, patient databases, and tissue banks. The Committee
further encourages NCI to apply existing cancer drugs to NF
patients in clinical trials both extramurally and intramurally,
and to develop new drugs for NF which could then apply to the
general population because of NF's connection to most forms of
human cancer. The Committee encourages NCI to continue to
coordinate its efforts with other NIH institutes and government
agencies.
Pancreatic Cancer.--Pancreatic cancer is the country's
fourth leading cause of cancer death, yet it remains severely
underfunded, as compared to the top five cancers based on
mortality. While the Committee notes that the NCI is pursuing
major new scientific research initiatives in the areas of
nanotechnology and genomics, it urges the Institute to maintain
its investments in the primary research areas, including early
detection, diagnosis and treatment. The Committee also reminds
the NIH that, in last year's Senate report, it requested a
professional judgment budget to be submitted by May 1, 2006.
The Committee is very disappointed that the Department delayed
the release of that budget so that it could not be reviewed by
the deadline for producing this year's Senate report, in mid-
July. The Committee strongly urges the Department to release
the budget as quickly as possible. In addition, the Committee
requests detailed fiscal year 2007 spending plans for
pancreatic cancer research, as compared with fiscal years 2005
and 2006, within 90 days of the passage of this act.
Pediatric Cancer.--The NCI is currently partially funding a
portfolio of studies looking at the causes and most effective
treatments for childhood cancers. The Children's Oncology Group
[COG] is conducting important laboratory research on cancer
cells to discover the reasons children get cancer, developing
and making available new treatments that destroy cancers, and
improving the quality of life and long-term survival for
pediatric cancer patients. However, the NCI is only funding
approximately 50 percent of the approved collaborative
pediatric cancer research projects. The Committee understands
the COG acts as a cancer center without walls and reimburses
hospitals for enrolling pediatric cancer patients into the best
available clinical trials. The Committee encourages the NCI to
increase the percentage of approved funding directed to the COG
in order to open additional treatment protocols and make more
treatment options available to physicians and families.
Prostate Cancer.--The Committee commends the NCI for the
considerable investment in prostate cancer and encourages NCI
to continue to support research to improve the accuracy of
screening and early detection of prostate cancer.
Specialized Programs for Research Excellence [SPORE].--The
Committee encourages the National Cancer Institute to fund the
SPOREs at fiscal year 2004 funding levels and administer the
program following fiscal year 2004 guidelines, providing for
grant renewals until such time that the Translational Research
Working Group [TRWG] concludes its evaluation and provides
recommendations to more effectively support translational
research.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--Tuberous sclerosis complex, or
TSC, is a genetic disorder that triggers uncontrollable tumor
growth in multiple organs of the body, including the brain,
heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes, or skin. In light of its
similarities to the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells, many
scientists believe that determining the cause of tumor growth
in TSC could open the way for cures and treatments for cancer
as well. The Committee encourages NCI to expand its clinical
trial network to include more sites and additional trials, and
to assist in the development of protocols for additional
clinical trials for tumor growth in TSC. Also, the Committee
urges NCI to collaborate with NIDDK to conduct research on the
needs identified in a recent conference on nutrient sensing and
insulin-signaling in cells.
NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $2,919,750,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 2,901,012,000
House allowance......................................... 2,901,012,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,924,299,000
The Committee recommendation includes $2,924,299,000 for
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI]. The
fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $2,919,750,000 and the
budget request was $2,901,012,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
Advanced Imaging Technology for Heart Disease and Stroke.--
The Committee is aware that heart perfusion PET scans using
Rubidium-82 are considered the ``gold standard'' for
determining the extent of muscle damage to the heart following
a heart attack. The Committee encourages the NHLBI to expand
its research efforts into the role of biological imaging and
PET in delivering more accurate information to determine
appropriate treatment for heart disease patients.
Cardiothoracic Surgery.--The field of cardiothoracic
surgery contributes significantly to the improvement in cardiac
health in this country and the Committee is encouraged by the
advances in the field. The Committee supports the steps the
Institute is taking to establish a network for cardiothoracic
surgical investigations, and urges implementation of this plan
with sufficient funding to continue the progress being made in
the treatment of heart disease. The Committee supports the
Institute's effort to develop a strategic plan and expects
cardiothoracic surgeons to be represented in the planning
process. The Institute's support for an intramural program in
cardiothoracic surgery is an important step in expanding the
role of surgery in cardiovascular research.
Cardiovascular Diseases.--The Committee encourages the
Institute to place the highest priority on heart disease,
stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases by providing the
resources to stimulate and strengthen basic, clinical,
translational, and trans-institute cardiovascular disease
research through all available mechanisms. The Committee
continues to strongly believe that more research is critically
needed to better understand the causes of cardiovascular
diseases and to develop more effective treatment and cures.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD].--The
Committee understands that COPD may be a predictor of future
onset of lung cancer. With 24 million people having decreased
lung function, and in the face of an ever-aging population, the
need to develop better treatment and prevention strategies to
address this linkage will only increase over the coming decade.
The Committee encourages NHLBI to collaborate more fully with
NCI to develop appropriate research initiatives that can be
undertaken cooperatively, and encourages NHLBI to sponsor a
workshop on COPD as it relates to lung cancer with input from
the lung community to address these issues.
Congenital Heart Disease.--The Committee commends the NHLBI
for convening a working group to address this issue, and
supports its recommendation that action be taken to prevent
needless disability and premature mortality in this rapidly-
growing population. The Committee urges the NHLBI to work with
the CDC, the Adult Congenital Heart Association, and others to
develop outreach efforts to reach the many CHD survivors
currently ``lost'' to cardiac care and to create a national
adult congenital heart disease registry and research network.
Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee remains strongly supportive
of the focused research effort that is being undertaken by the
Thalassemia Clinical Research Network, which is composed of the
leading research institutions in the field of thalassemia, or
Cooley's anemia. The Committee believes that this network is
just beginning to meet its promise, and it urges the Institute
to continue to support the research projects undertaken by it.
In addition, the Committee commends NHLBI for convening a
meeting with regard to gene therapy and urges the Institute to
move much more aggressively in pursuing a research agenda that
will lead to a cure at the earliest possible time.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia.--The Committee is pleased that
NHLBI has awarded grants for research initiatives to
investigate the rare bone marrow deficiency disorder, Diamond
Blackfan Anemia [DBA]. The Committee understands that
breakthroughs in this disorder may lead to important strides in
research especially relating to blood cell formation (recovery
from cancer chemotherapy), cancer predisposition, gene
discovery, and the effectiveness of steroids and blood
transfusions as treatment options for all bone marrow failure
syndromes. The Committee commends NHLBI for its attention to
this disorder.
Hematology.--The Committee recognizes the strategic
planning process underway at NHLBI and encourages the Institute
to continue to place a high priority on hematology research.
Further research efforts in vascular biology and thrombosis,
immunobiology, and blood progenitor/stem cells will provide a
better understanding of hematologic diseases and allow for the
development of improved treatments and targeted therapies to
combat heart attacks, stroke, and chronic malignant and non-
malignant blood disorders. The Committee encourages NHLBI to
work with experts in the field of hematology in developing its
strategic plan.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia [HHT].--The Committee
is aware that HHT is a rare, multi-system genetic disorder of
the blood vessels that can result in stroke, hemorrhage, and
death. The Committee encourages the NIH to explore
opportunities for additional clinical and basic research on
HHT.
Juvenile Diabetes.--Cardiovascular disease is the major
cause of mortality for individuals with diabetes. It is also a
major contributor to morbidity and direct and indirect costs of
diabetes. The Committee urges NHLBI to support research to
investigate the epidemic of cardiovascular disease in patients
with type 1 diabetes.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM].--The Committee remains very
interested in efforts to find a cure for LAM. The Committee
understands that recent scientific findings have presented new
treatment approaches for clinical testing, and that
experimental trials with the drug sirolimus have begun. The
Committee encourages continuation of the intramural research
protocol and further urges the NHLBI to explore opportunities
for funding clinical treatment trials through both intramural
and extramural means and to use all available mechanisms as
appropriate, including support of state-of-the-science
symposia, request for applications, and the facilitation of
access to human tissues, to stimulate a broad range of clinical
and basic LAM research.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.--The Committee
urges the NHLBI's Lung Division to engage in lymphatic research
initiatives, with particular attention to congenital lymphatic
malformation-induced pulmonary dysfunction.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee commends NIAMS for its
support of research opportunities to study this life-
threatening, degenerative genetic disorder. The Committee also
commends the NHLBI Pediatric Heart Network for its support of a
clinical trial of a potential new drug therapy. The Committee
urges the Institute to continue to support the major advances
made in this area through all available mechanisms, as deemed
appropriate.
Neurofibromatosis.--Significant advances continue to be
made in research on NF's implications with heart disease and,
in particular, its involvement with hypertension and congenital
heart disease. The Committee applauds NHLBI for its involvement
with NF research and with NF patient advocacy groups, and
encourages the Institute to continue to expand its NF research
portfolio in light of the enormous implications for the general
population.
Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Diseases.--The
Committee commends the NHLBI for convening a Working Group on
Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and for
subsequently publishing a report identifying priority areas for
research, including developing national surveillance of
cardiovascular care and outcomes, promoting patient-centered
care, translating best practice into clinical practice,
involving patients in care, and placing the cost of
interventions in the context of their real-world effectiveness.
The Committee encourages the Institute to fund the priority
areas highlighted in the report to enhance the prevention and
treatment of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular
diseases.
Preventing Weight Gain in Young Adults.--Evidence suggests
that reducing the obesity epidemic will require significant
attention to preventing progressive weight gain starting in
early adulthood. Yet, little is known about the best methods to
achieve weight management in this population. The Committee
urges the NHLBI to initiate a project to prevent and test
innovative practical, cost-effective ways to prevent weight
gain in young adults, with the goal of reducing heart disease,
stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Pulmonary Fibrosis.--The Committee previously has expressed
concern regarding the need to expand public health strategies
to combat lung disease, particularly pulmonary fibrosis. Many
individuals are diagnosed too late to initiate treatment
regimens that could reduce morbidity and mortality. The
Committee urges the NHLBI to increase funding for lung
research, particularly in the area of pulmonary fibrosis. The
Committee further urges the NHLBI to convene a consensus
conference of experts in the area of lung disease and other
stakeholders to lay the groundwork for a formal Pulmonary
Fibrosis Disease Action Plan for prevention and control of this
deadly disease.
Pulmonary Hypertension.--Pulmonary hypertension [PH] is a
rare, progressive and fatal disease which causes deadly
deterioration of the heart and lungs. The Committee continues
to view research in this area as a high priority and commends
NHLBI for its plans to establish Specialized Centers of
Clinically Orientated Research [SCCOR] in pulmonary
hypertension. The Committee encourages NHLBI to prioritize
support for 3-4 SCCORs this year and continue efforts to expand
basic and translational research on PH in partnership with the
pulmonary hypertension community.
Sleep Disorders.--The Committee is pleased that public and
professional awareness on sleep will be a component of NHLBI's
strategic planning process and encourages the institute to
engage voluntary organizations throughout this process. The
Committee continues to urge the National Center on Sleep
Disorders Research to partner with other Federal agencies, such
as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as
voluntary health organizations, such as the National Sleep
Foundation, to implement a sleep education and public awareness
initiative using the roundtable model that has been successful
for other institutes and Public Health Service agencies.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--Research has demonstrated a
link between TSC and lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM], a lung
disorder that primarily affects women. The Committee urges
NHLBI to support clinical trials on individuals suffering from
both LAM and TSC.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $389,069,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 386,095,000
House allowance......................................... 386,095,000
Committee recommendation................................ 389,669,000
The Committee recommendation includes $389,669,000 for the
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [NIDCR].
The fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $389,069,000 and the
budget requested $386,095,000. The comparable amounts for the
budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office
of AIDS Research.
Dental Disease.--Dental Disease is the most common chronic
childhood illness and the most prevalent unmet need in poor
children. Research indicates that dental disease has a serious
impact on learning and overall health of children, and recent
data indicates an increase in early childhood caries. The
Committee commends the NIDCR for its current efforts in this
area and urges the NIDCR to strongly support additional
research to determine the most effective methods for
preventing, controlling, and treating early childhood caries.
Genetic Disorders.--The Committee commends the NIDCR for
its participation in efforts to create a strain of mice which
has the same genetic characteristics as that of humans, and
urges that research in this area be continued.
Temporomandibular Joint [TMJ] Disorders.--The Committee
commends the NIDCR for its efforts to increase funding for TMJ
research and stimulate interest in young investigators in TMJ
research. Because the multifaceted nature of TMJ disorders
requires an approach that coordinates the work of many
interested parties at NIH, the Committee expects the NIDCR to
continue to collaborate and coordinate research and awareness
activities with NINDS, ORWH and all other relevant ICs. The
Committee also urges the NIDCR to consult regularly with
patient advocacy groups in the planning of research
initiatives.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,703,753,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,694,298,000
House allowance......................................... 1,694,298,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,707,753,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,707,753,000
for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases [NIDDK]. The fiscal year 2006 appropriation was
$1,703,753,000 and the administration's request is
$1,694,298,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimates
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
Action Plan for Liver Disease Research.--The Committee is
pleased that the NIH Director approved a trans-NIH action plan
for liver disease research in December 2005. The Committee
applauds the NIDDK-led efforts to evaluate and critique
progress being made in each of the 16 research areas identified
by the plan. The Committee looks forward to being kept informed
as to the progress being made to implement the goals of the
plan and continuing efforts by NIH to establish priorities
within the framework of each individual research area and among
the 16 research areas.
Acute Liver Failure.--The Committee applauds the leadership
of the NIDDK to convene a meeting in December 2006 to address
the important issue of acute liver failure. The Committee urges
that the attendance at the meeting will be broad enough to
determine what improvements can be made in the U.S. market
based on best practices in other countries.
Behavioral Research on Diabetes.--The Committee commends
the Institute for its continuing commitment to behavioral
research on adherence to diet and exercise regimens to prevent
or slow the progression of Type II diabetes. The Committee is
concerned, however, that the strategic plan for research to
combat Type I diabetes includes almost no behavioral research.
NIDDK is encouraged to examine the impact of diet and exercise
interventions on the health and glucose control of Type I
diabetics.
Biliary Atresia.--The Committee is pleased that the number
of Biliary Atresia Research Network Centers has increased from
9 to 10 and that NIDDK, and in conjunction with HRSA, will
conduct a newborn screening conference in September 2006. This
conference will permit a review and evaluation of best
practices in other countries around the world. The Committee
looks forward to being informed as to the results of the
conference.
Bone Marrow Diseases.--The Committee commends the NIDDK's
focus on finding effective treatment for iron overload that
threatens the lives of transfusion-dependent bone marrow
patients. The NIDDK is urged to collaborate with the NIBIB to
expand research that will enable patients suffering from
aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and paroxysmal
nocturnal hemoglobinuria to obtain efficient iron measurement
and chelation.
Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee continues to support the
high-quality research being conducted by the NIDDK on such
issues as iron chelation, non-invasive iron measurement, fetal
hemoglobin, and other topics critical to improving the lives of
Cooley's anemia patients. The development of a less burdensome
means of iron chelation is urgently needed. In addition, the
Committee encourages NIDDK to continue to work closely with the
NIBIB to develop and perfect non-invasive means of measuring
iron.
Crohn's Disease.--The Committee has been encouraged in
recent years by discoveries related to Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel
disease [IBD]. These extremely complex disorders represent a
major cause of morbidity from intestinal illness. The Committee
commends the NIDDK for its strong leadership in this area and
continues to encourage the Institute to increase funding for
research focused on the cellular, molecular and genetic
structure of IBD; identification of the genes that determine
susceptibility or resistance to IBD in various patient
subgroups; and translation of basic research findings into
patient clinical trials, as outlined in the research agenda
developed by the scientific community titled ``Challenges in
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.'' The Committee also encourages the
NIDDK to continue to strengthen its partnership with the IBD
community and increase support for its successful Digestive
Disease Centers program with an emphasis on IBD.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia.--The Committee strongly encourages
NIDDK to develop grant opportunities and increase research to
support DBA.
Digestive Diseases.--Diseases of the digestive system
continue to affect more than one-half of all Americans at some
time in their lives. Serious disorders such as colorectal
cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome,
hemochromatosis, celiac disease, and hepatitis take a
tremendous toll in terms of human suffering, mortality, and
economic burden. The Committee commends NIDDK on the success of
its Digestive Disease Centers program in addressing a wide
range of disorders that result in tremendous human suffering
and economic cost. The Committee continues to encourage NIDDK
to expand this important program with an increased emphasis on
irritable bowel syndrome.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury.--The Committee is aware of
increased incidence of drug-induced liver injury and urges
additional research focused on identifying the cause of this
drug-induced morbidity and recommendations for prevention. This
research is particularly important because the unintended and
episodic liver injury creates an impediment to people using
highly beneficial pharmaceuticals to address other indications.
End-stage Renal Disease.--The Committee is concerned about
the significant differences among minority groups in the
incidence and prevalence of patients suffering from end-stage
renal disease [ESRD]. The Committee urges NIDDK to take steps
to ensure adequate inclusion of minority ESRD patients in the
Comprehensive Dialysis Study and other relevant research so
that such trends can be understood for their impact on these
populations.
The Committee also is aware of wide geographic and ethnic
variances in rates of hemodialysis, both center-based and home
hemodialysis, as well as peritoneal dialysis, for patients
suffering from ESRD. The Committee understands that a large
clinical trial involving hemodialysis is underway and urges the
NIDDK to expand its research in this area to include peritoneal
dialysis, or to develop a similar review for peritoneal
dialysis that examines medical outcomes, quality of life, and
clinical improvements for ESRD patients who choose this
important and well-established therapy.
Fatty Liver Disease.--The Committee notes a diagnosis of
fatty liver disease encompasses a spectrum of severity disease
with many cases evolving into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
[NASH] and, ultimately, cirrhosis. NASH-related liver disease
has already become an important indicator for liver
transplantation, and in the absence of better treatments, the
need for NASH-related liver transplantation will increase
significantly over time. The Committee is pleased that NIDDK is
funding a fatty liver disease clinical trial that includes both
adult and pediatric populations, and NIH leadership has
generated a significant increase in highly competitive science
and research focused on fatty liver disease.
Fragile X.--The symptoms of Fragile X syndrome include
digestive difficulties. Some affected individuals also show
hyperphagia and obesity. Understanding this disorder may help
researchers develop treatments to relieve disease symptoms and
to better understand disorders with similar symptoms. The
Committee urges the NIDDK to expand its research activities on
Fragile X and to coordinate these efforts with other Institutes
working on related activities, including NIMH, NINDS, NICHD,
and the Fogarty International Center.
Genetics of Type 1 Diabetes.--The NIDDK is asked to
accelerate its efforts to ensure the research community's
access to biosamples and data collected by the Type 1 Diabetes
Genetics Consortium and the Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes
[GoKinD] study. Efforts to share resources and support
innovative research will assist researchers in developing new
methods of measuring an individual's risk for type 1 diabetes
or its complications.
Glomerular Disease Research.--The Committee continues to be
pleased with the work of NIDDK in the area of glomerular
disease research, particularly as it relates to focal segmental
glomerulosclerosis. The Committee commends NIDDK for conducting
the recent Glomerular Disease Workshop in January 2005, and
urges NIDDK to issue a specific program announcement or other
appropriate mechanism to ensure the initiation of grant
proposals, training positions, and other activities to expand
the NIDDK portfolio in this important area of research. The
Committee requests a progress report during the fiscal year
2008 hearings.
Hematology.--The Committee is aware of the high-quality
hematology research in iron metabolism, gene regulation, and
stem cell plasticity. The Committee encourages the Institute to
set priorities for future research in these and other areas
that significantly impact a broad array of blood disorders. The
Committee further encourages the Institute to increase research
in the area of anemia of chronic inflammation and is pleased to
see that the Institute plans to hold a conference on this topic
to identify key research questions and priority areas for
study. The Committee requests a report by July 1, 2006, on the
promising research opportunities identified and the steps to be
taken to accelerate research in these areas.
Hepatitis B.--The Committee urges a continuing priority on
increased research for hepatitis B. The Committee applauds the
leadership of the NIDDK in conducting an experts' conference on
this disease in April 2006 and is aware that a significant
number of new research opportunities have been identified. The
Committee urges that a focus be placed on identifying best
practices of the treatment of hepatitis B and supports efforts
to reduce the disproportionately high annual treatment costs
for hepatitis B. Additionally, the Committee urges the NIDDK to
collaborate with the CDC to develop a document to reach at-risk
populations for intensive public health screening, outreach and
testing campaigns.
Incontinence.--Many otherwise healthy, active individuals
suffer from incontinence. Fecal incontinence, also called bowel
incontinence, affects people of all ages and is associated with
a wide variety of causes. The Committee is pleased that NIDDK
is collaborating with NICHD and the Office of Medical
Applications of Research on the incontinence state-of-the-
science conference and urges the institute to prioritize
implementation of this conference.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD] in Children.--The
Committee has learned that research into adult disease is of
limited assistance in managing younger patients because the
condition manifests itself in very different ways in pediatric
cases. Consumer and physician organizations have identified
priority areas for basic research in pediatric IBD. These are:
growth failure and bone disease; identification of the genes
responsible for early onset IBD; and the relationship between
children's immune systems and IBD onset and response to
treatment. The Committee encourages NIDDK to conduct focused
conferences on these priorities to develop research initiatives
that will lead to better diagnosis and more effective treatment
of pediatric IBD, as well as to determine potential ways that
the condition may be prevented.
Interstitial Cystitis.--Research on interstitial cystitis
is still in its infancy. While there has been important
progress in this area in the last decade, there is still very
little known about the etiology and pathogenesis of the
disease. The Committee urges the NIDDK to set aside IC-specific
funding in order to focus on the basic science of IC and to
attract and sustain research in the field. The Committee was
pleased that the NIDDK worked closely with the Interstitial
Cystitis Association to put on an international scientific
symposium on IC. The Committee was also encouraged by the
NIDDK's efforts to elevate awareness of IC among providers and
would like to see the NIDDK continue to work more closely with
the interstitial cystitis patient community and the CDC to
utilize its resources and expertise effectively.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.--The Committee is pleased that
NIDDK is formulating an action plan for digestive diseases
through the National Commission on Digestive Diseases and that
irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] will be included. The Committee
continues to direct NIDDK to expedite this plan and ensure that
IBS be given sufficient attention in order to increase the
functional gastrointestinal and IBS research portfolio at
NIDDK. The Committee also encourages NIDDK to continue to
strengthen its partnership with the IBD community and increase
support for its successful Digestive Disease Centers program
with an emphasis on IBD.
Living Donor Transplantation.--The Committee recognizes
that the transplantation of organs, tissues, and cells is a
powerful mode of treatment for dozens of life-threatening
diseases affecting millions of Americans. From this
perspective, the Committee urges NIDDK's basic and clinical
research programs in transplantation to focus efforts on the
study of living donor transplantation, to enhance success rates
by reducing morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the
Committee would like to be informed on the Institute's plans to
initiate a cohort study to assess the health outcomes of living
donors not only following the period immediately after the
donation but for the quality of life implications for decades
post donation.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.--The lymphatic
system plays an important role in the transport and digestion
of fats. The NIDDK is urged to study the metabolic link between
lymphatic function and obesity, dyslipedema and diabetes. In
addition, the Committee strongly urges NIDDK to study protein
losing enteropathy, a life-threatening complication associated
with numerous syndromes involving congenital lymphatic
malformations.
Pediatric Kidney Disease.--Kidney disease is a major cause
of illness and death in infants, children and adolescents. In
addition, many diseases like diabetes and hypertension that
lead to chronic kidney disease [CKD] and end-stage renal
disease [ESRD] in adults begin in childhood; therefore,
strategies to prevent kidney disease must begin early in life.
The Committee recognizes the urgent need to better understand
the pathogenesis of these conditions, and it urges the NIDDK to
continue to support research focused on the identification and
study of genes and gene mutations that cause and increase the
risk of progressive kidney disease. In addition, translational
research aimed at clarifying the mechanisms underlying the
genesis and evolution of kidney injury will help create
targeted interventions to prevent, identify, and treat kidney
disease in children. Specifically, the Committee recommends
that emphasis be placed on research to determine how obesity,
type 2 diabetes, and hypertension contribute to the evolution
of CKD, and what interventions may limit cardiovascular
morbidity in patients with these diseases.
Polycystic Kidney Disease [PKD].--The Committee is pleased
to learn that NIH-supported PKD research, in partnership with
private organizations, has rapidly led to multiple clinical
drug trials in humans and to interdisciplinary blood pressure
and heart studies to validate the advantages of slowing PKD
progression. The Committee is encouraged that with additional
support and resources for these trials, the establishment of
core facilities, gene registries and research on the
interrelationship of PDK with tuberous sclerosis complex, new
innovative therapies may soon be developed to slow or reverse
the progression of PKD for more than 600,000 Americans who
suffer from the disease. The Committee also acknowledges the
recent publication of data from the CRISP study, which makes
available a much better measure of disease progression and
which dramatically reduces the number of patients needed to
obtain valid results from clinical trials, thus greatly
accelerating the pace and accuracy of clinical PKD research and
reducing its cost. The Committee recognizes the significant
benefits emanating from the PKD Centers of Excellence in
promoting interdisciplinary scientific research and developing
alternative animal models; therefore, the Committee encourages
the NIKKD to support the efforts of the PKD Centers to the
maximum extent possible. Given the momentum and therapeutic
opportunities in PKD science, the Committee also strongly urges
the NIDDK to pursue fulfillment of the PKD Strategic Plan,
facilitate PKD clinical trials and multidisciplinary research,
and expand studies of pathophysiology and cellular
pathobiology.
Prostatitis.--The Committee encourages the Institute to
provide more diverse medical specialties to supplement and
build upon the insufficient treatment options and the
background of basic information now available for prostatitis.
Type 1 Diabetes Clinic Trials.--The Committee is encouraged
by the launch of new clinical trials to prevent or treat type 1
diabetes through the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet. NIDDK is
encouraged to expedite the launch of new trials in TrialNet to
ensure that patients continue to receive the benefits of
innovative research and discoveries.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--Tuberous sclerosis complex, or
TSC, is a genetic disorder that triggers uncontrollable tumor
growth in multiple organs of the body including the kidneys,
where patients are at risk for polycystic kidney disease [PKD],
cancer or, most commonly, benign growths known as
angiomyolipoma that can result in kidney failure. The Committee
urges the NIDDK to collaborate with the NCI to conduct research
on the needs identified in a recent conference on nutrient
sensing and insulin-signaling in cells. The Committee also
encourages the NIDDK to expand research on the link between PKD
and TSC.
Urological Research.--The Committee strongly urges the
NIDDK to establish a Urological Disease Research Branch within
the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases
[DKUH]. Despite significant increases in funding for the
Institute, the Committee remains concerned that the research
portfolio in urology has not kept pace with the impact of these
diseases on women, men, and children. The Committee believes a
Urological Disease Research Branch will better focus and
accelerate research on urology disease in the NIDDK and help
coordinate and stimulate urology-related research across the
NIH and within other Federal agencies.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,533,703,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,524,750,000
House allowance......................................... 1,524,750,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,537,703,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,537,703,000
for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
[NINDS]. The fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $1,533,703,000
and the budget request is $1,524,750,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimates include funds to be
transferred from the Office of AIDS Research.
Alzheimer's Disease.--Research supported by the NINDS
continues to play an integral role in widening the scientific
base of knowledge about Alzheimer's disease. In a study
supported jointly by the NINDS, the NIA and the Alzheimer's
Association, scientists found that administering lithium to
genetically engineered mice reduced the accumulation of an
abnormal protein, called tau, that contributes to the
degeneration of neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Further
research will determine whether lithium could also reduce
neuronal degeneration if administered before any significant
structural abnormalities occur in neurons. The Committee
encourages the NINDS to continue to assign a high priority to
its Alzheimer's research portfolio, and to continue to work
closely with the NIA and other Institutes. The Committee
further urges the NINDS, in collaboration with the NIA and
NIMH, to expand its research into early diagnosis of
Alzheimer's using PET imaging of the brain, and to share its
results with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis [ALS].--The Committee is
gratified by the increased capacity in the past 2 years for
drug discovery and patient care regarding ALS throughout the
Nation's major academic centers and community clinics.
Collaborations between the NINDS and voluntary health
associations, such as the coordination of the NIH National
Center for Drug Discovery in Neurodegeneration with The ALS
Association's new clinical TREAT ALS program, provide an
evolved nationwide infrastructure for accelerating programs in
translational research. More patients now have access to more
clinical trials through the increased prevalence of ALS
centers, which not only define, establish and support a
national standard of care in the management of ALS, but also
interrelate with state-of-the art research. The Committee is
also pleased with the continuing collaboration between NIH, the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to
advance ALS research and identify treatments for this disease
that afflicts veterans in disproportionate numbers. The
Committee encourages NIH to continue collaborating with other
relevant Federal agencies as well, including the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Batten Disease.--The Committee strongly urges the Institute
to increase funding for Batten disease research by actively
soliciting grant applications and taking aggressive steps to
assure that a vigorous research program is established. The
Committee expects to be informed of the steps taken to increase
research on Batten disease.
Brain Tumors.--The Committee continues to believe that
additional attention should be given by NINDS to identifying
causes of and treatments for brain tumors and encourages NINDS
to continue working with NCI to carry out the recommendations
of the Report of the Brain Tumor Progress Review Group.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy [CIDP].--
The Committee recognizes that Chronic Inflammatory
Demyelinating Polyneuropathy [CIDP] is a rare disorder of the
peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing
weakness of the legs and arms. The Committee urges the National
Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke to support
research to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of CIDP.
Down Syndrome.--As a follow-up to its successful Down
syndrome workshop to address research priorities relating to
the synaptic structure and function of neuronal circuits, NINDS
is strongly encouraged to issue special program announcements
related to its workshop findings. Specifically, the Committee
encourages NINDS to identify and fund investigations relating
to the genetic and cellular basis for abnormalities in the
structure and function of neuronal circuits in both the
developing and mature nervous systems. NINDS is also encouraged
to work with the Office of the Director, OPASI, and the other
institutes to develop a strategic plan for Down syndrome
research and to coordinate all Down syndrome research within
NIH. In anticipation of future clinical trials that will seek
to accurately measure cognitive improvement in individuals with
Down syndrome, the Committee further encourages NINDS to begin
to develop better measurement standards and a common database
that can be used generally for such trials.
Duchenne and Becker MD Translational Research.--The
Committee is advised that the NIH is working toward
prioritizing opportunities for Duchenne and Becker Muscular
Dystrophy translational research projects and plans to convene
a workshop examining DBMD translational opportunities later
this year. The Committee is pleased with this development and
requests that NIH--through NINDS, the Muscular Dystrophy
Coordinating Committee, and the other relevant Institutes--
develop specific measurable milestones, including a timeline,
needed to establish a DBMD Translational Research Initiative.
The Committee also requests that this information be included
in the annual report to Congress authorized by the MD Care Act.
The Committee encourages the NIH to include representatives
from the 6 MD Centers of Excellence in the process for
establishing the DBMD Translational Research Initiative.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.--The Committee is pleased that
the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee [MDCC] has
approved the Action Plan for the Muscular Dystrophies. The
Committee remains concerned that the plan does not adequately
clarify which agencies are tasked with primary and secondary
responsibilities for achieving each of the 76 research
objectives. The Committee strongly encourages the MDCC to
designate by April 1, 2007, the agencies with primary and
secondary responsibilities for working toward each research
objective. The Committee requests that the NIH's annual report
to Congress, authorized in the MD Care Act, include information
detailing the NIH's current DMD research goals, the progress
made toward each goal, the total amount of money invested
toward each goal, and projected spending on DMD research for
the present and future fiscal year. The Committee further
encourages NINDS to partner with NIAMS and NHLBI to provide the
funding needed to adequately support the research agenda at
each of the six Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative
Research Centers.
Dystonia.--The Committee continues to support the expansion
of research and treatment developments regarding the
neurological movement disorder dystonia. The Committee is
pleased with progress made in expanding the dystonia research
portfolio resulting from the joint dystonia research program
announcement and understands that 11 new grants have been
funded as a result of this initiative. The Committee commends
NINDS on its sponsorship of the scientific workshop on dystonia
and looks forward to initiatives based on this activity.
Epilepsy.--The Committee encourages intensified efforts by
the Institute to produce breakthroughs in the prevention,
treatment, and eventual cure of epilepsy. The Committee
applauds the development of benchmarks for epilepsy research
resulting from the ``Curing Epilepsy: Focus on the Future''
conference held in March 2000 and encourages the Institute to
address important research issues raised at the ``Living Well
with Epilepsy II'' conference held in July 2003. The Committee
encourages the NINDS to designate resources to implement its
benchmark priorities, to develop plans and goals for the anti-
epileptic drug development program, and to provide pertinent
updates on these activities.
Fragile X.--Fragile X is a single-gene disorder, but both
its symptoms and its cellular mechanisms suggest the
involvement of multiple genes and specific brain pathways that
are associated with other neurological disorders, such as
autism and seizures. Recent research offers clear evidence of
disruption of fundamental brain circuitry in Fragile X. Thus,
Fragile X research has the potential to contribute to the
understanding of multiple disorders, such as seizure disorders,
developmental disorders and autism. The Committee urges the
NINDS to intensify its research into these issues as they
relate to Fragile X, and to coordinate this research with other
Institutes working on Fragile X, including, but not limited to,
NIMH and NICHD.
Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome [FXTAS].--
Carriers of premutation [CGG] expansions of the Fragile X gene
are generally thought to be spared most of the problems
associated with the full mutation; however, a newly identified
neurological disorder, involving progressively severe tremor
and difficulty with walking and balance, appears to
specifically affect some older premutation carriers, generally
grandfathers of children with Fragile X syndrome. Although this
neurological disorder occurs by a separate mechanism from
Fragile X syndrome and affects different individuals, it is
caused by the same gene, and therefore opens a new portal for
understanding how the Fragile X gene works. The Committee
encourages NINDS to use FXTAS as a gateway to understanding
other adult/aging disorders including parkinsonism and
dementia. The Institute is encouraged to work with the NIA to
expand research on FXTAS.
Healthy Brain Initiative.--NINDS is commended for its
cooperative efforts in producing a searchable database of
studies and planning joint efforts to solicit research on
enhancing healthy cognitive and emotional function. This
initiative is a model of how institutes can work together on
complex issues involving multiple disciplines and
methodologies. Given the importance of maintaining and
enhancing brain health at all stages of life, NINDS is
encouraged to make this initiative a priority.
Human Herpesviruses.--The Committee requests the NINDS, in
coordination with NIAID and other appropriate NIH Institutes,
to engage in research into the possible role of human
herpesviruses 6A and 6B in the onset and progression of
multiple sclerosis, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, status
epilepticus, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and other
neurological, and immune system diseases.
Mucolipidosis Type IV [ML4].--The Committee encourages the
Institute to expand research involving other organisms which
bear genes resembling the one whose mutation in humans causes
ML4. This research could be beneficial not only to those with
ML4, but a number of other disorders involving TRP genes and
other genetic disorders.
Neurofibromatosis.--Advances in NF research have linked NF
to cancer, brain tumors, learning disabilities, memory loss and
heart disease. The Committee encourages NINDS to aggressively
expand its NF clinical, pre-clinical and basic research
portfolios and to continue its efforts to accelerate the
process of translational research. The Committee commends NINDS
for its leadership role in NF research and in coordinating
efforts with other Institutes and government agencies engaged
in NF research. The Committee encourages NINDS to continue its
exemplary efforts in the creation, implementation and funding
of NF pre-clinical and clinical trials infrastructures,
including NF Centers, translational research, genetic and drug
screening, training of new NF researchers, and clinical trials
using existing and new drugs on NF patients. The Committee
calls upon NINDS to continue to coordinate its efforts with the
other institutes at NIH as well as other government agencies.
Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome [OMS].--OMS is a rare,
autoimmune, paraneoplastic disorder that targets the brain. In
childhood, it is associated with neuroblastoma of the chest,
abdomen, or pelvis. Besides the hallmark features of opsoclonus
(involuntary saccadic eye movements), myoclonus (tremulousness,
muscle jerks), and ataxia (gait disorder), the children have
rages, inability to sleep, and may become mute and unable to
sit or stand. Permanent problems in motor control, language
development, behavior, and cognition--even mental retardation--
are common. The available treatment options for OMS are
extremely limited. The Committee urges the Institute to
accelerate research efforts to identify OMS susceptibility
genes and biomarkers, and to develop innovative
immunotherapeutic strategies.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee supports the innovative
multidisciplinary research and training concerning Parkinson's
disease provided by the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease
Research Centers of Excellence. The Committee encourages the
Director to create an additional Coordinating Udall Center to
further focus and manage the interdisciplinary efforts of the
Udall Centers. The Committee further encourages NIH to require
that the Udall Centers include a significant clinical
component, in addition to their ongoing basic research. In
reviewing the Udall Center grants, the Committee also
encourages the NIH to evaluate the applicants in a manner that
recognizes the unique aspects of the clinical, coordination,
and multidisciplinary components of the applicants, while
continuing to preserve the integrity of the peer-review
process.
The Committee has urged the Director to expeditiously
provide funding at the conclusion of the neuroprotection trials
[NET-PD] for phase III clinical trials of all the
neuroprotection compounds found to be not futile, including
combinations of them. The Committee requests the Director to
report to the Committee the current status of the NET-PD after
the conclusion of each of the futility studies.
Peripheral Neuropathy.--This neurological disorder causes
debilitating pain, weakness in the arms and legs, and
difficulty walking. Although research is underway on diabetic
neuropathy and HIV/AIDS-related neuropathy, the Committee
strongly urges the NINDS to strengthen its research portfolio
on other forms of neuropathy, and it notes with interest the
upcoming workshop that the NINDS will convene to identify
research goals.
Pick's Disease.--The Committee urges the NINDS to initiate
funding for drug discovery efforts that focus on specific
targets relevant to treating the mechanisms underlying brain
degeneration due to frontotemporal dementia [FTD]. The
Committee further encourages the NINDS to conduct multicenter
treatment trials for symptomatic management of Pick's disease
and other FTDs. The Committee encourages the Institute to focus
on methods for discovering the causes of this family of
diseases, improving diagnostic accuracy, and providing
longitudinal characterizations so that the success of
intervention can be determined.
Rett Syndrome.--The Committee remains concerned at the
level of funding dedicated toward research into Rett Syndrome,
an incurable and devastating childhood neurological disorder
that is the leading cause of severe neurologic impairment in
females and the only autism spectrum disorder with a known
genetic cause. While once considered rare, increased diagnosis
suggests that the prevalence of Rett Syndrome may be much
greater than current estimates. Furthermore, Rett Syndrome is
linked with autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disease and other
mental disorders. The discovery in 1999 of the specific genetic
cause of Rett Syndrome, a gene called MECP2, was a crucial
breakthrough. The Committee encourages research aimed at
understanding the pathogenesis of Rett Syndrome, the function
of MECP2 in the developing and mature nervous system, and the
identification of the targets of MECP2 and their role in
disease. The development of outcome measures and new
quantifiable assays to study Rett and related disorders are
also needed to prepare for future interventional trials in
patients. The Committee also encourages NIH to coordinate with
private organizations supporting research initiatives in this
area in order to ensure the most efficient use of resources.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--The Committee understands
that the severity of SMA and its relatively high incidence, and
the possibility of imminent treatments have led NINDS to
execute the SMA Therapeutics Development Program. The Committee
commends NINDS for this initiative and strongly urges NIH/NINDS
to continue to commit the resources to ensure a timely
completion of the project mission of identifying and completing
preclinical research and development of drug candidate
therapeutics for SMA by 2007. More importantly, the Committee
strongly encourages NINDS to begin planning and budgeting for
the necessary next stages of drug development. The Committee
requests that NIH report back to the Committee no later than
April 2007 with a progress report on all aspects of SMA
research.
Stroke.--The Committee continues to place a high priority
on stroke research and strongly encourages the NINDS to
increase resources for basic, clinical and translational
research and related activities into stroke. The Committee
remains concerned that funding for stroke research over the
years has not kept pace with the scientific opportunities, the
number of Americans afflicted with stroke, and the economic
toll of this disease. Therefore, the Committee encourages the
NINDS to aggressively expand its stroke education program, to
implement the long-range strategic plan for stroke research and
to continue searching for novel approaches to improve stroke
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention. The
Committee continues to support full and timely implementation
of the SPRG report and expects another written update by July
1, 2007, highlighting activities and initiatives.
Stroke Rehabilitation.--The Committee commends the
Institute's commitment to update the findings and
recommendations of the Stroke Progress Review Report and urges
that a special focus of the update be on the need to redouble
efforts on rehabilitation science and the translation of
rehabilitation discoveries into practice. The Committee notes
that there is a growing body of evidence that stroke victims do
not achieve the fullest possible recovery from rehabilitation
because of limited awareness of research evidence for the
effectiveness of appropriate rehabilitation protocols and urges
that this matter be addressed with additional research.
Finally, the Committee urges the inclusion of rehabilitation
scientists in NINDS-sponsored workshops, expert conferences and
consensus conferences as appropriate.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--The Committee is encouraged
that the NINDS has organized a Trans-NIH Tuberous Sclerosis
Coordinating Committee, and it urges the Institute to continue
to take a leadership role in convening meetings of this group.
The Committee believes that the scope of the Coordinating
Committee should be broadened to include an international
conference every 2 years. The Committee also encourages the
NINDS to work with the NICHD and the NIMH to organize a
conference focused on psychiatric issues and cognitive
disabilities in TSC.
Vulvodynia.--NIH-supported research indicates that millions
of women suffer from chronic pelvic and genitourinary pain
conditions such as vulvodynia. Therefore, the Committee calls
upon the NINDS, in coordination with the NICHD, ORWH, the NIH
Pain Consortium and other ICs, to expand its support of
research in this area, with a focus on etiology and multi-
center therapeutic trials. The Committee also calls on NINDS to
work with ORWH and other relevant ICs and government agencies,
as well as patient and professional organizations, to implement
an educational outreach campaign on vulvodynia.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $4,380,268,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 4,395,496,000
House allowance......................................... 4,270,496,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,395,496,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,395,496,000
for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
[NIAID]. The fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $4,380,268,000
and the budget request is $4,395,496,000. Included in these
funds is $100,000,000 to be transferred to the Global Fund to
Fight HIV/ AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis. Also included is
bill language permitting up to $25,000,000 for extramural
facilities construction grants. The comparable amounts for the
budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office
of AIDS Research.
Anaphylaxis.--The Committee is pleased that the NIAID has
continued its collaboration with private sector organizations
to improve the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis, a
particularly severe reaction often resulting from allergic
responses to food or medications. A recent published report of
a second symposium co-sponsored by NIAID emphasized the need
for expanded research related to anaphylaxis. The report
highlighted a number of areas requiring additional research
including the identification of relevant biomarkers; improved
understanding of the basic immunology and pathophysiology of
anaphylaxis; and studies of the mechanisms that determine the
severity of allergic reactions and the variability of organ
system responses. The Committee urges the NIAID to take steps
to stimulate investigator-initiated research on these and other
questions and requests a report outlining these efforts by May
1, 2007.
Antibiotic Resistance.--NIAID should move aggressively to
strengthen translational research efforts in the area of
antibiotic research and development particularly with regard to
multi-drug resistant gram negative bacterial infections for
which few drugs are moving forward in the pharmaceutical
pipeline as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
[MRSA] infections, which have become a silent epidemic in
communities and hospitals across the country. NIAID also should
accelerate its antibiotic resistance basic research efforts to
more quickly advance our understanding of mechanisms of
resistance and how resistant microbes impact human health.
Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee commends NCI, CDC
and NIAID for their multi-agency efforts focused on reducing
antimicrobial resistance to infectious diseases, improving the
medical management of patients infected by hospital- and
community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus and similar
infections, and developing new therapeutics for treatment of
these infections. However, the Committee notes that no FDA-
licensed vaccines for prevention of hospital- and community-
acquired multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and similar
infections are currently available and views this as a critical
gap in medicine and public health. The Committee is aware that
new conjugate vaccine technologies currently exist and clinical
studies of promising bacterial vaccine candidates have been
conducted. The Committee urges NIAID to assist in supporting
advanced development and clinical studies needed to make
vaccines and immune therapeutics available for prevention and
treatment of these life-threatening infections.
Asthma.--The Committee is very pleased with NIAID's
leadership regarding asthma research and management. The
Committee urges NIAID to continue to improve its focus and
effort on asthma management, especially as it relates to
children. The Committee also urges the NIAID to collaborate
more aggressively with voluntary health organizations to
support asthma prevention, treatment, and research activities.
Atopic Dermatitis.--In recent years, the Committee has
encouraged the NIAID to work with NIAMS and other institutes on
a multi-institute initiative to encourage investigator-
initiated research projects on atopic dermatitis [AD], commonly
known as eczema. As NIAID continues its focus on the smallpox
vaccine, it is important to expand investigator-initiated
research on adverse reactions to the vaccine experienced by
individuals with AD. In addition, studies have confirmed that
individuals with severe AD are more likely to develop severe
asthma and other allergic diseases. The Committee was pleased
to receive the February 2006 report on NIAID's research efforts
related to AD. The Atopic Dermatitis and Vaccinia Immunization
Network and the Immune Tolerance Network are important
initiatives. However, the Committee believes more needs to be
done to encourage investigator-initiated research on AD,
particularly in light of recently announced discoveries by NIH
scientists regarding the relationship of ineffective skin
barrier and immune system response to allergens. The Committee
again encourages the NIAID to cooperate with NIAMS and other
institutes to spearhead a multidisciplinary, multi-institute
initiative to encourage investigator-initiated research
projects on AD as it relates to smallpox vaccination as well as
the progression to asthma and other allergic diseases.
Autoimmune Diseases.--The NIAID is commended for its
support of research into the cause and treatment of autoimmune
diseases. NIAID programs play a key role in understanding the
roots of autoimmune disease and developing new treatments to
stop disease without life-long suppression of the patients'
immune systems. The Committee encourages NIAID to support
communication between researchers studying different autoimmune
diseases so that findings in one disease can quickly be applied
to related conditions. As part of this effort, NIAID is urged
to expand its interactions with the National Center for
Biotechnology Information [NCBI] to establish a database where
results of studies can be readily accessed by the research
community.
Behavioral Research on Pandemic Flu.--The Committee
encourages NIAID to work with OBSSR to identify and fund
behavioral research on infectious diseases. In particular,
behavioral research in areas such as risk perception, adherence
to vaccination recommendations, and public health preparedness
could enhance scientific research on preparation and response
to pandemic influenza outbreaks.
Coinfection Research.--The Committee is concerned that
there is growing evidence of liver toxicity of highly active
antiretroviral therapy [HAART] in those with decompensated
liver disease awaiting liver transplantation. There also
appears to be an emerging problem of liver cancer in co-
infected patients [HCV and/or HBV with HIV]. The Committee
encourages NIAID to initiate significant research initiatives
in both of these areas.
Hepatitis.--The Committee continues to be concerned about
the prevalence of hepatitis and urges NIAID to work with
voluntary health organizations to promote liver wellness,
education, and prevention of hepatitis.
Hepatitis C Virus [HCV] Vaccine Development.--The Committee
is pleased to learn that phase I of a small hepatitis vaccine
human trial has been successfully completed and that phase II
regarding efficacy is underway. The Committee is concerned with
preliminary information that this vaccine candidate may not be
universally effective against all genotypes of hepatitis C and
therefore urges the simultaneous development of other vaccine
candidates against this disease.
Immune Tolerance Network.--The Committee commends the NIAID
and NIDDK for their support of preclinical studies of new
approaches to immune tolerance to prevent or treat type 1
diabetes. The Committee urges the NIAID to expedite the
translation of promising results into early phase clinical
trials within the Immune Tolerance Network.
Implementation of the Transplantation Research Action
Plan.--The Committee is pleased that NIAID convened an experts
conference and developed a 5-year Transplantation Research
Action Plan identifying the most urgently needed research to
facilitate and increase in the success of organ
transplantation. The Committee urges an annual review of
progress made in the various research areas identified by the
plan with recommendations and appropriate followup to enhance
progress in promising, but low-yielding areas of research
specifically as they relate to organ donation, organ
evaluation, and organ transplantation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.--The Committee continues to
note with interest a scientific research agenda for Crohn's
disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as
inflammatory bowel disease) titled ``Challenges in Inflammatory
Bowel Disease [IBD].'' This report identifies strong linkages
between the functions of the immune system and IBD. The
Committee encourages the Institute to expand its research
partnerships with the IBD community in fiscal year 2007 and
increase funding for research focused on the immunology of IBD
and the interaction of genetics and environmental factors in
the development of the disease.
Living Donor Transplantation.--The Committee recognizes
that the transplantation of organs, tissues, and cells is a
powerful mode of treatment for dozens of life-threatening
diseases affecting millions of Americans. From this
perspective, the Committee urges NIAID's basic and clinical
research programs in transplantation to focus efforts on the
study of living donor transplantation, to enhance success rates
by reducing morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the
Committee would like to be informed on the Institute's plans to
initiate a cohort study to assess the health outcomes of living
donors not only following the period immediately after the
donation but for the quality of life implications for decades
post donation.
Lupus.--The Committee urges the NIAID to expand and
intensify genetic, clinical and basic research and related
activities with respect to lupus, with particular focus on
identifying biomarkers and addressing the apparent health
disparities associated with this disease.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.--With a
portfolio that includes chronic infections, immune-mediated
diseases, transplantation, allergy, asthma and airway
infections, the NIAID has a significant stake in advancing
lymphatic research. The Committee urges the NIAID to work
closely with the NHLBI to support research that addresses the
immune functions of the lymphatic system and the role of immune
mechanisms and inflammation in lymphatic diseases, with
particular attention to the immunodeficient complications
associated with congenital lymphatic malformations and
lymphedema.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.--NIAID is the lead
agency for research into bone marrow transplantation [BMT].
Recently, the survival rate for Severe Combined Immune
Deficiency [SCID] from related HLA-identical donors has
resulted in a survival rate of over 90 percent. Unfortunately,
there are no HLA identical donors for most patients.
Alternative approaches using HLA-matched unrelated donors and
HLA-mismatched related donors have produced very promising
results. These new approaches have been designed to eliminate
graft versus host disease and other complications. Research and
resources should be directed by NIAID to develop therapeutic
approaches to ``curing'' SCID patients who require BMT.
Psoriasis.--The Committee urges NIAID to support genetic,
clinical, and basic research related to the understanding of
the cellular and molecular mechanisms of psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis, chronic and immune-medicated diseases.
Tuberculosis.--The World Health Organization [WHO]
estimates that nearly one-third of the world's population will
become infected with tuberculosis [TB], and by 2020, 70,000,000
people will die worldwide of this disease. The Committee is
pleased with NIAID's efforts to develop an effective TB vaccine
and notes NIAID expansion of work on this important initiative.
Xenotransplantation.--The Committee commends the NIAID on
developing a xenotransplantation initiative and encourages the
Institute to foster collaborations and shared resources among
investigators to reduce the waiting list of organ transplant
recipients. Specifically, NIAID is encouraged to evaluate the
benefits of using porcine pancreases, which could provide an
unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells for transplantation
to restore normal glucose control in diabetic patients.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,934,288,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,923,481,000
House allowance......................................... 1,923,481,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,934,888,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,934,888,000 for
the National Institute of General Medical Sciences [NIGMS]. The
fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $1,934,288,000 and the
administration's request is $1,923,481,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
Training Programs.--The Committee continues to be pleased
with the quality of NIGMS's training programs, particularly
those that have a special focus on increasing the number of
minority scientists such as the Minority Access to Research
Careers [MARC] and Minority Biomedical Research Support [MBRS]
programs. The Committee encourages NIGMS to continue to support
these important initiatives, and is particularly pleased that
NIGMS has supported biomedical career opportunity programs for
high school and undergraduate college students in conjunction
with historically black health professions schools. The
Committee urges continued, long-term support of this program.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,263,900,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,257,418,000
House allowance......................................... 1,257,418,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,264,500,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,264,500,000
for the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development [NICHD]. The fiscal year 2006 appropriation was
$1,263,900,000 and the administration's request was
$1,257,418,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
Autism.--The Committee is aware of the important research
into the genetic basis of autism spectrum disorders and of its
support for the High Risk Baby Sibling Autism Research Project
(Baby SIBS) on the incidence of autism among children in the
same families. Accordingly, the Committee encourages the
Institute to expand its support and funding for the Baby SIBS
project, and encourages the Institute to expand its work with
and support for similar public-private partnerships. The
Committee also encourages the Institute to expand its autism
research portfolio on gene-environment interactions.
Behavioral Science.--The Committee emphasizes its strong
support for the broad portfolio of behavioral research at NICHD
and supports its efforts to determine the biological,
behavioral, and social factors that affect cognitive, social,
and personality development of children in a variety of
settings. The Committee encourages the Institute to maintain
its support for research and training in behavioral science as
it engages in its priority-setting process.
Childhood Obesity.--The Committee is pleased that NICHD is
funding behavioral intervention research focused on preventing
childhood obesity. The Committee encourages additional clinical
trials that focus on the effectiveness of behavioral
interventions in settings beyond primary care, including the
home, school, community, and other environments that influence
physical activity and health behaviors. The Committee
recognizes the critical importance of prevention efforts in
this area and supports continued initiatives to promote healthy
behaviors in children and adolescents, particularly for ethnic
minority populations.
Demographic Research.--The Committee commends the NICHD for
supporting demographic research, which is essential for
understanding the health, socioeconomic, and geographic
implications of the rapidly changing U.S. population. The
Committee encourages the Institute to invest in its demographic
training programs to prepare the next generation of social
scientists. Further, the Committee urges the Institute, in a
partnership with other Federal agencies, to continue supporting
critical, accessible databases, such as the National
Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.
Down Syndrome.-- NICHD is encouraged to partner with NINDS
and other agencies to define additional mouse models needed to
link important structural and functional abnormalities that
underlie cognitive difficulties to the actions of specific
genes and gene pathways. The Committee also encourages NICHD to
work with the Office of the Director, OPASI and the other
Institutes to develop a strategic plan for Down syndrome
research and to coordinate its research within NIH.
Drug Safety for Children.--The Committee strongly supports
continued implementation of the Best Pharmaceuticals for
Children Act of 2002, which supports the pediatric testing of
off-patent drugs, as well as on-patent drugs not being studied
through existing mechanisms. In implementing this provision,
NICHD should continue to act as coordinator for all other
Institutes within NIH for which pediatric pharmacological drug
research may have therapeutic relevance, and in consultation
with the Food and Drug Administration, develop study requests
designed to yield improved pediatric labeling. In preparation
for reauthorization of the BPCA in 2007, the Committee requests
NICHD to provide a report on the implementation process
instituted, including the process for prioritizing drug
studies; the number of pediatric studies supported to date both
through the Research Fund and through the Foundation for the
National Institutes of Health [FNIH]; the contributions of the
individual Institutes of the NIH to the studies; the estimated
cost of each ongoing or proposed study; the nature and type of
studies proposed or undertaken including whether any studies
are comparative; the number of study requests referred to the
FNIH after being declined by drug manufacturers and whether the
number declined is increasing or decreasing annually; the
estimated completion date of all proposed or ongoing studies;
the patent status of the drugs studied; the number of drugs
remaining on the priority list; and the key ethical,
scientific, intellectual property, and operational issues that
have arisen in the implementation of the program.
Family Formation.--The Committee is pleased that the NICHD
is working with other Institutes and agencies to assess the
state of the science and research needs related to children
exposed to domestic and community violence, war, and terrorism.
The Committee encourages the NICHD to continue to fund research
on effective ways to promote and sustain healthy family
formations, particularly for low-income families and families
of color. The Institute is encouraged to include research
related to family, community and cultural factors that serve as
risk or protective factors and promote resilience from exposure
to violence in the home, communities, and schools.
Fragile X.--The Committee is pleased that the NICHD has
funded three Fragile X research centers, and it urges the NICHD
to increase funding for them, with the goal of enhancing the
centers and recruiting new researchers to the Fragile X field.
The Committee also encourages the NICHD to coordinate its
Fragile X research efforts internally, by partnering with
others, and by relating Fragile X research with that in other
developmental disorders, such as autism research. The Committee
also notes that newborn screening can play a vital role in
identifying infants affected by certain genetic, metabolic,
hormonal or functional conditions, such as Fragile X, for which
there is effective treatment or intervention. Yet, the
Committee is also aware that wide disparities exist with regard
to the number and types of conditions screened for in each
State. Recent advances in gene discovery and new technology,
however, may soon make it possible to screen for significantly
greater numbers of conditions than are currently tested for
today. To advance these efforts, the agency is encouraged to
support continued efforts to create a screening study using
Fragile X as a prototype.
Fragile X-related Premature Ovarian Failure [POF].--POF is
a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning normally in a
woman younger than age 40. Studies show that women who have POF
of unknown cause have a 1 in 50 chance of being a premutation
carrier of the FMR1 gene, the gene that causes Fragile X
syndrome. Women with POF and a family history of female
relatives with POF have a 1 in 15 chance of carrying this
premutation. The Committee recognizes that there is a need for
a focused approach to investigating POF due to the FMR1
premutation. While the intramural research program of NICHD has
been doing work for nearly two decades in this area, there
remains much to be learned about the mechanism causing POF,
abnormal ovarian function as it relates to FMR1, and mental
health effects on young women who get the double diagnosis of
premature ovarian failure and the FMR1 premutation. The
Committee encourages the NICHD to commit additional resources
and expand research into POF.
Learning and School Readiness.--The Committee continues to
support NICHD on its commitment to research in reading,
learning disabilities and math and science cognition. The
Committee is encouraged that NICHD has made progress on
developing comprehensive, culturally neutral and
developmentally appropriate assessments and instruments to
measure cognitive, social and emotional skills for preschool-
aged children that are necessary for school readiness.
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research.--The
Committee is pleased with the continuing effort of NCMRR to
coordinate rehabilitation research initiatives among the
several relevant Institutes including NINDS, NICHD, NIA, and
NIMH. The Committee is concerned, however, that the
contribution of rehabilitation sciences to the fullest possible
recovery of individuals who experience functional limitations
or have chronic disabilities does not meet its potential.
Therefore, the Committee urges that NCMRR redouble its trans-
NIH efforts to expand rehabilitation research in the portfolio
of the several Institutes and help insure the translation of
this research into practice.
National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.--The
Committee is pleased that the NICHD funded another round of the
Add Health Study, which has provided a rich resource of the
effects of home, family, and school environment on behaviors
that promote health or could contribute to adverse health
outcomes. By collecting data on biological, behavioral and
social factors, researchers are discovering at which points
during development significant increases in some risk
behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol use and physical activity,
are most likely to occur. As these risk behaviors offer early
predictors of future chronic diseases such as cardiovascular
disease and diabetes, the study provides valuable information
to inform public health prevention efforts. Given the important
findings of this nationally representative study, the Committee
encourages NICHD to ensure that the next wave is provided
adequate funding.
Near-term Births.--The preterm birth rate is now over 12
percent of all live births; of these, 75 percent are near-term
births. It is estimated that this group encompasses 40 percent
of neonatal ICU admissions. These infants are at risk for
sepsis, pneumonia, feeding difficulties, white matter damage,
seizures, and apnea and remain at risk for higher morbidities
in early infancy. The Committee understands that this group of
infants has not been well studied and may account for a portion
of the increase in adverse long-term outcomes such as autism,
attention deficit disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The NICHD is encouraged to facilitate the critical need for
research in this area.
Neurofibromatosis.--Learning disabilities occur with high
frequency (30-65 percent) in children with NF and in
approximately 5 percent of the entire world's population.
Enormous advances have been made in the past few years in the
successful treatment and curing of learning disabilities in
pre-clinical NF animal models. Therefore, the Committee
encourages NICHD to issue RFAs for NF research, aggressively
pursue and expand funding of clinical trials for NF patients in
the area of learning disabilities, and support the creation of
NF Centers involved with treating and curing learning
disabilities.
Obstetric Systematic Reviews.--The Committee applauds the
NICHD's efforts supporting the Neonatal Cochrane Review Group,
which not only provides a substantial scientific resource but
also allows the community access to these reviews via the NICHD
website. These reviews are an invaluable resource, providing
the most comprehensive and timely review of clinical topics.
The Committee strongly encourages NICHD to provide a similar
service to the obstetrical community by supporting obstetric
systematic reviews and providing them free of cost to the
general public.
Physician Scientists and Researchers.--The Committee
commends the NICHD for responding to the scientific community's
need for enhanced training programs to provide a solid
framework for the development of physician scientists and
researchers. A substantial investment has been made in
traineeships, fellowships, and research career awards. The
NICHD is encouraged to identify funding opportunities for NIH-
trained investigators who have demonstrated a commitment to a
research career.
Prader-Willi Syndrome.--Prader-Willi Syndrome is the most
common known genetic cause of life threatening obesity in
children. The Committee strongly encourages the NICHD to place
a high priority on Prader-Willi Syndrome research to study
childhood obesity. Furthermore, the NICHD is urged to
incorporate Prader-Willi Syndrome into the planning process for
The National Children's Study.
Preterm Birth.--The Committee applauds NICHD's efforts in
supporting research to understand, prevent and treat preterm
birth, including workshops on major gaps in knowledge areas.
Despite these efforts, however, the rate of preterm births
continues to rise. The Committee therefore strongly urges the
NICHD to fully support the Maternal Fetal Medicine Units
Network so that it can continue to address issues pertaining to
preterm births and low birth-weight deliveries, and to fully
support the new Genomic and Proteomic Network, which will
hasten a better understanding behind the pathophysiology of
premature birth, discover novel diagnostic biomarkers, and
ultimately aid in formulating more effective interventional
strategies to prevent premature birth.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.--The Committee commends
the NICHD for continuing to dedicate financial and personnel
resources to the physician education and public awareness
program conducted by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation regarding
this class of about 140 diseases. The Committee is strongly
encouraged by the Institute's commitment to develop newborn
screening procedures for PI, particularly various forms of
severe combined immune deficiency, utilizing microarray
technologies. The Committee believes that the NICHD should move
ahead aggressively with this initiative, in partnership with
the Foundation, other NIH Institutes and private industry, and
dedicate financial and personnel resources to newborn
screening.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation.--Pulmonary rehabilitation has
been increasingly recognized as an important treatment option
for the many patients with disabling chronic lung diseases,
like COPD. The Committee encourages the National Center for
Medical Rehabilitation Research to expand research
opportunities in this area.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--SMA is the leading genetic
killer of infants and toddlers, and is the most prevalent
genetic motor neuron disease. The severity of the disease, its
relatively high incidence, and the possibility of imminent
treatments led the NINDS to initiate the innovative SMA
Project. The Committee strongly urges NICHD to continue to
formulate a plan for expanding its work and funding for SMA
research.
Specifically, the Committee encourages NICHD to coordinate
funding with NINDS to ensure increased participation of
investigators in SMA and developmental neurobiology relevant to
SMA. Further, the Committee encourages NICHD to take the lead
on developing a cross-Institute working group comprised of
NICHD, NINDS and NIGMS to study broader questions of care, role
of exercise and nutrition on SMA and other neuromuscular
disease.
Stillbirth.--The Committee applauds the NICHD's efforts in
addressing stillbirth, a major public health issue with
morbidity equal to that of all infant deaths. The Committee
understands that the NICHD cooperative network has initiated a
pilot study, with the overall study using a standard protocol
planned to start this year. The Committee strongly encourages
the NICHD to fully fund this effort.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--The Committee urges the NICHD
to explore the links between autism and TSC, and to conduct
epidemiology studies on the prevalence of mental illness in TSC
patients. The Committee suggests that the NICHD collaborate
with the NINDS and the NIMH to sponsor a conference focused on
psychiatric issues and cognitive disabilities in TSC.
Type 1 Diabetes Information Access and Integration.--The
Trial to Reduce the Incidence of Diabetes in the Genetically-
At-Risk [TRIGR] is a multi-year clinical trial testing the
potential influence of cow's milk on the development of type 1
diabetes in young children. The Committee urges the NICHD and
NIDDK to ensure that TRIGR biosamples and data are made
available to the research community. The Institutes are
encouraged to integrate TRIGR with other relevant clinical
studies on type 1 diabetes, such as the Type 1 Diabetes
Genetics Consortium.
Type 1 Diabetes Research in Children Network.--The
Committee commends the NICHD for excellent progress made
through the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet)
which supports research to optimize the complex management of
type 1 diabetes in children. The Committee urges the Institute
to continue its strong support of DirecNet and to pursue robust
translation of the research into clinical practice to improve
the health of diabetic children.
Vulvodynia.--As a result of efforts funded by the NICHD,
the number of highly qualified scientists interested in
researching vulvodynia has greatly increased. The Committee
commends NICHD for reissuing its program announcement in this
area and recommends that a request for applications be issued.
The Committee strongly urges NICHD to increase the number of
awards for vulvodynia studies, with a particular emphasis on
etiology and multi-center therapeutic trials. Finally, the
Committee calls upon NICHD to work with ORWH and other relevant
ICs and Government agencies, as well as patient and
professional organizations, to implement an educational
outreach campaign on vulvodynia.
NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $666,298,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 661,358,000
House allowance......................................... 661,358,000
Committee recommendation................................ 666,898,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $666,898,000
for the National Eye Institute [NEI]. The budget request and
the administration request is $661,358,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
Age-related Macular Degeneration.--The Committee was
pleased to hear of the recent discovery of a second gene which
can increase the risk of developing age-related macular
degeneration. The identification of these genes creates the
opportunity to predict and preempt the disease, thus preserving
independence and mobility for millions of Americans. These gene
discoveries also validate a new approach to identify the subtle
genetic risk factors underlying common, complex diseases. The
Committee notes that Genome wide association studies allow
scientists to scan the entire genome of patients with common
diseases and compare their DNA to controls without disease. The
Committee urges the Institute to move on an expedited basis to
translate this finding into treatment for those suffering from
this condition.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $640,692,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 637,323,000
House allowance......................................... 637,323,000
Committee recommendation................................ 641,292,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $641,292,000
for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
[NIEHS]. The budget request was $637,323,000, and the fiscal
year 2006 appropriation was $640,692,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
Asthma.--Given the link between environmental factors and
the onset of asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis, the
Committee encourages NIEHS to further develop research
initiatives, such as a large multi-center, long-term
longitudinal, and maternal/birth cohort to understand the
environmental and genetic risk factors for predisposing some
individuals to and in controlling the severity of these lung
diseases.
Autism.--The Committee is aware of the important research
into the genetic and environmental basis of autism spectrum
disorders. Accordingly, the Committee encourages the Institute
to expand its support and funding for gene-environment
interaction research in autism, and encourages the Institute to
expand its work with and support for similar public-private
partnerships.
Behavioral Research in Strategic Plan.--NIEHS is requested
to report to the Committee during the fiscal year 2008 hearings
on plans to extend its research on obesity and the built
environment, and other areas in which behavioral research is to
be involved in its research portfolio in the coming years.
Individual and group behavior with regard to diet, exercise,
work, recreation, family, and neighborhood interaction, are
critically important areas to investigate, to build knowledge
about how people's environments shape their health.
Genes and the Environment.--The Committee commends the
NIEHS for its partnership with NHGRI in the Genes and
Environment Initiative [GEI] which supports studies in genetic
analysis and environmental technology development to understand
the causes of common diseases such as Parkinson's, asthma,
stroke, cancer, and heart disease. NIEHS's role in developing
new technology to monitor personal environmental exposures,
dietary intake, and physical activity will greatly enhance our
ability to understand how they interact with genetic variations
and result in human disease. The NIEHS is encouraged to take a
closer look at environmental interactions with genes, and to
involve expert behavioral and social scientists in the
initiative to enhance the success and applicability of this
important research.
National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the
Evaluation of Alternative Methods/Interagency Coordinating
Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods [NICEATM/
ICCVAM].--The Committee commends the NICEATM/ICCVAM for its
role in the assessment of new, revised and alternative
scientifically validated methods for the Federal Government.
The Committee also commends the National Toxicology Program
[NTP] for finalizing its ``Roadmap to Achieve the NTP Vision.''
The Committee encourages the NICEATM/ICCVAM, in partnership
with the relevant Federal agencies to build on the NTP Roadmap
to create a 5-year plan to research, develop, translate and
validate new and revised non-animal and other alternative
assays for integration of relevant and reliable methods into
the Federal agency testing programs. The Committee encourages
the Federal agency program offices to identify areas of high
priority for new and revised non-animal and alternative assays
for the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal tests.
The Committee further encourages relevant agencies to include
the public when developing this plan. The Committee further
requests a status report during the fiscal year 2008 budget
hearings.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee commends the NIEHS on
the work of its Collaborative Centers for Parkinson's Disease
Environmental Research [CCPDER] Consortium Program to foster
multidisciplinary research approaches to elucidate gene-
environment interactions in PD. The Committee urges the NIEHS
to work in conjunction with other NIH Institutes and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as necessary, to
conduct an investigation and prepare and submit a report to the
Committee on the incidence of Parkinson's disease, including
age, occupation, and geographic population clusters, and
related environmental factors relating to the disease. The
report shall be submitted by June 30, 2007.
Strategic Plan.--The Committee commends NIEHS for preparing
a new Strategic Plan to speed its progress in understanding how
the environment influences the development and progression of
disease. The Committee notes especially the goals of building
integrated environmental health research programs to address
problems in human biology and human disease and of fostering
the development of partnerships between NIH, other research
agencies, academia, industry, and community organizations to
improve human health.
Volcanic Emissions.--The Committee continues to have
concerns about the public health impacts of volcanic emissions
in Hawaii. Such emissions contribute to the exacerbation of a
myriad of pre-existing health conditions in many island
residents, especially children. The acute and long-term impact
that these emissions have on both the healthy and pre-disposed
residents warrants further study. The Committee strongly
advises the NIH to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach in
studying the short- and long-term health effects of volcanic
emissions, and to consider the establishment of a center
dedicated to such research.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,045,912,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,039,828,000
House allowance......................................... 1,039,828,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,048,912,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,048,912,000 for
the National Institute on Aging [NIA]. The budget request was
$1,039,828,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation was
$1,045,912,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
Alzheimer's Disease.--More than one in 10 Americans over
age 65 and nearly half of those over 85 suffer from Alzheimer's
disease. As the Baby Boom generation enters the age of highest
risk, between 11 million to 16 million will be stricken with
Alzheimer's. Their complex health and long-term care needs will
continue to take an enormous toll on family caregivers, and
place an even greater strain on Federal and State healthcare
programs. Total Medicare spending for beneficiaries with
Alzheimer's will double in the next decade--rising from
$91,000,000,000 in 2005 to $189,000,000,000 in 2015; over the
same period, Medicaid spending on nursing home care alone will
increase from $21,000,000,000 to $27,000,000,000. As a result
of past investments in research recommended by the Committee,
drugs now are available for treating the symptoms of
Alzheimer's, and clinical trials are underway to test other
promising compounds. The NIA has launched a public/private
imaging initiative that should accelerate the development of
new, more effective treatments; and a genetics initiative that
will make it possible to target new treatments on those who
stand the best chance of benefiting. In light of its enormous
human and financial toll this disease exacts, the Committee
regards Alzheimer's disease as a high priority for the
Institute. NIA is urged to expand its investment in Alzheimer's
disease research, placing special emphasis on expediting the
translation of research findings into effective treatments and
prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.
Behavioral and Social Research on Work and Retirement.--The
Committee encourages NIA to maintain its commitment to research
on patterns and cycles of work in aging populations. Research
on how jobs may be ``retrofitted'' for an aging workforce, or
how workplaces can better accommodate aging workers, is
encouraged. Research on how older workers plan for and
experience retirement is also timely and encouraged.
Bone Strength.--Although bone mineral density has been a
useful predictor of susceptibility to fracture, other
properties of the skeleton contribute to bone strength,
including exercise and mechanisms of biomineralization.
However, little is understood as to how these properties assist
in the maintenance of bone strength. The Committee urges the
NIA, in collaboration with the NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, and NHLBI,
to support research that is aimed at identifying these
parameters and will lead to prevention and treatment of bone
diseases such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone
loss due to kidney disease, and heart attacks due to hardening
of the arteries.
Demographic and Economic Research.--The Committee commends
the NIA for supporting demographic and economic research on the
implications of population aging. With the number of Americans
over the age of 65 expected to double over the next 25 years,
the Institute is well poised to inform the public and
policymakers about the implications of this anticipated trend
and the macroeconomic and global aspects of aging. In
particular, the Committee urges the Institute to continue
supporting the Health and Retirement Study [HRS], which can
help inform policymakers about potential changes to the Social
Security and Medicare programs.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee commends NIA for its support
of studies to examine the cellular, molecular and genetic bases
for age-related neuropathological and cognitive abnormalities
in people with Down syndrome. It encourages NIA to further
examine these abnormalities and to devise new methods for
diagnosing and treating them. Given that all people with Down
syndrome develop the neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's
disease, and that many or most go on to suffer dementia, NIA is
encouraged to consider how studies of the Down syndrome
population might enhance the ability to understand, diagnose
and treat Alzheimer's disease. The Committee encourages NIA to
coordinate its research with NICHD, NINDS, NIMH and other
institutes.
Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome [FXTAS].--The
Committee applauds the NIA for working alongside the NINDS to
fund research on FXTAS. It encourages the NIA to expand its
research into this newly identified neurological disorder,
which involves progressively severe tremors and difficulty with
walking and balance that appears to specifically affect some
older premutation carriers, generally grandfathers of children
with Fragile X syndrome.
Healthy Brain Initiative.--NIA is commended for its
cooperative efforts in producing a searchable database of
studies and planning joint efforts to solicit research on
enhancing healthy cognitive and emotional function. This
initiative is a model of how institutes can work together on
complex issues involving multiple disciplines and
methodologies. Given the importance of maintaining and
enhancing brain health as the population ages, NIA is
encouraged to make this initiative a priority.
Hematology.--The Committee looks forward to learning more
about NIA's collaborative efforts with the American Society of
Hematology and NHLBI to identify research priorities in venous
and arterial thrombosis, blood clots that can lead to death and
serious morbidity, including pulmonary embolism, lower
extremity phlebitis, heart attacks, strokes and chronic
respiratory dysfunction. In light of research findings showing
that age is one of the most important risk factors for
thrombosis, the Committee urges NIA and NHLBI to develop a
research agenda in this area to learn more about the underlying
causes of thrombosis and its impact on the elderly.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $507,583,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 504,533,000
House allowance......................................... 504,533,000
Committee recommendation................................ 508,583,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $508,583,000
for the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases [NIAMS]. The budget requested $504,533,000 and
the fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $507,583,000. The
comparable amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be
transferred from the Office of AIDS Research.
Burden of Skin Diseases.--The Committee notes the
relationship between the recent Burden of Skin Diseases report
and the September 2002 workshop on the burden of skin diseases
sponsored by NIAMS. The Committee continues to urge NIAMS to
expand the research portfolio on skin disease and develop
partnerships with the skin disease research community to
address the recognized challenges and future research
endeavors.
Congenic and Genetic Disease of Bone.--The Committee is
aware that thousands of children and adolescents nationwide
suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and malformations.
Diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia,
osteopetrosis, and Paget's disease are caused by poorly
understood genetic mutations. In Paget's disease, underlying
genetic defects can also be exacerbated by environmental
factors. The Committee urges NIAMS and NICHD to support
research focusing on mechanisms of preventing fractures and
improving bone quality and correcting malformations, on
innovations in surgical and non-surgical approaches to
treatment, on physical factors that affect growth, and on
genetic defects that cause bone disease.
Genetics of Rare Disorders.--The Committee urges NIAMS to
collaborate with NICHD, NIDCR, and NIDDK to expand research on
the genetics for the rare disorders fibrous dysplasia and
osteopetrosis, and to expand research on mechanisms of these
diseases in humans.
Lupus.--The Committee is aware that despite numerous
important research advances, few new therapies are available to
patients with lupus. Treatment with steroids, anti-inflammatory
agents and immunosuppressive medications may be palliative but
these medications have numerous side effects and may become
less effective over time. Advances in the identification of
lupus susceptibility genes and biomarkers make it imperative
that a sustained effort be made to translate these research
advances into clinically relevant treatments. The Committee
urges the Institute to develop focused programs designed to
move research advances from the laboratory to the patient's
bedside so that the complications of lupus and the underlying
disease can be treated more effectively.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee commends NIAMS for
supporting research on Marfan syndrome and for collaborating
with other Institutes to study this disease. Better management
of cardiovascular issues associated with Marfan syndrome has
extended the lives of many but has introduced an older
generation of people who live with chronic pain because of
orthopedic problems. Basic, translational and clinical research
including the natural history of skeletal problems is required
to understand the underlying early orthopedic deterioration in
people with Marfan syndrome and to investigate possible
therapeutic choices. The Committee urges NIAMS to support this
effort through all available mechanisms, as deemed appropriate.
Musculoskeletal Trauma and Skeletal Pain.--The Committee
recognizes that more than half of all Americans who are injured
each year incur injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Back
pain is a major reason for lost time from work, and, in our
military, bone trauma is now accounting for over 50 percent of
all combat injuries. The Committee urges NIAMS, NIA, NIDCR, and
NCCAM to study ways to better understand the epidemiology of
back pain, improve on existing diagnostic techniques for back
pain, as well as to develop new ones. The Committee also
encourages the expansion of research to improve diagnostic and
therapeutic approaches to lower the impact of musculoskeletal
trauma.
Osteoporosis.--The Committee is aware that osteoporosis is
becoming widespread in all ages of our population. NIAMS is
urged to collaborate with other Institutes to support research
into the pathophysiology of bone loss in varied populations and
in targeted therapies to improve bone density and bone quality
according to the etiology of osteoporosis. Furthermore, the
Committee urges research to identify patients at risk for
fracture who do not meet current criteria for osteoporosis, as
well as to study the effects of available and developing
osteoporosis treatments on the reduction of fracture risk in
these patients.
Psoriasis.--The Committee is disappointed that funding for
psoriasis research has not grown significantly over the past
decade. The Committee strongly urges NIAMS to expand and
coordinate genetic, clinical, and basic psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis research and related activities, with emphasis on the
cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease; genetics that
lead to psoriasis susceptibility; the natural course and
history of psoriasis before, during and after treatment with
conventional therapies; the role of inflammation in skin and
joints and co-morbidities such as obesity, depression and
hypertension; the development of diagnostic tests for psoriatic
arthritis; the unique challenges faced by children with
psoriasis; and the use of certain types of antibodies to
prevent relapse of psoriasis.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee urges
NIAMS to explore new strategies for the treatment of skin
manifestations of TSC utilizing knowledge of basic mechanisms,
such as mTOR inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $393,188,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 391,556,000
House allowance......................................... 391,556,000
Committee recommendation................................ 395,188,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $395,188,000
for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders [NIDCD]. The budget requested $391,556,000, and the
fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $393,188,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
Neurofibromatosis.--NF2 accounts for approximately 5
percent of genetic forms of deafness. Unlike other genetic
forms of deafness, NF2-associated deafness is potentially
preventable or curable if tumor growth is halted before damage
has been done to the adjacent nerve. Research is now being
conducted to cure deafness in NF2 mice through gene therapy,
with enormous implications for gene therapy in general and for
patients suffering from meningiomas and other tumors in
particular. The Committee therefore encourages NIDCD to expand
its NF2 research portfolio through all suitable mechanisms
including RFAs and clinical trials.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $137,248,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 136,550,000
House allowance......................................... 136,550,000
Committee recommendation................................ 137,848,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $137,848,000
for the National Institute of Nursing Research [NINR]. The
budget request was $136,550,000 and the fiscal year 2006
appropriation was $137,248,000. The comparable amounts for the
budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office
of AIDS Research.
Behavioral Research.--The Committee realizes the importance
of behavioral research in preventing and treating disease.
While understanding the biological basis of disease is
essential, it is understood that behavioral factors have a
critical influence on the onset, course, and duration of
disease and in the successful management of many disease
conditions. The Committee encourages NINR to devote significant
efforts to behavioral research, including research that
examines the interactions of biological and behavioral factors
and their effect on treatment and prevention.
Eliminating Health Disparities.--Health disparities,
whether in race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, continue
to be of concern to our Nation's healthcare system and to this
Committee. Reducing, and ultimately eliminating, health
disparities is a critical priority for all areas of healthcare
research. The Committee urges NINR to fund research into the
causes of health disparities and into new ways to overcome such
disparities. Developing new nurse scientists from underserved
populations will prove valuable for encouraging new health
disparities research.
End-of-Life Research.--Improving the care of terminally ill
patients and their loved ones at the end-of-life is an urgent
public health need, especially in view of the increasing
numbers of older Americans. Additional research is needed in
improving palliative care, improving patient/clinician
communication, and reducing caregiver burden. The Committee
recognizes NINR's leadership in promoting end-of-life research
and encourages the Institute's continued focus in this area.
Nurse-Managed Health Centers.--The Committee urges the NINR
to increase support for research and demonstration projects
involving nurse-managed health centers and advanced practice
nurses.
Nursing Shortage.--The nursing shortage has an adverse
effect on the health care delivery system as well as the health
of our Nation's citizens. A shortage of nurse faculty caused
schools of nursing to turn away thousands of qualified students
last year. NINR confronts this issue by directing 8 percent of
its budget to research training to help develop the pool of
nurse researchers who also become faculty. Training support for
fast-track baccalaureate-to-doctoral program participants is
one important initiative. The 17 recently funded Nursing
Partnership Centers to Reduce Health Disparities is another
initiative that helps produce an adequate number of nurse
researchers. The Committee encourages these ongoing efforts.
The Committee also encourages NINR to facilitate research
projects located in rural areas that serve minority nursing
students through community colleges.
Research Training.--Increasing the number of new nurse
scientists is critical for advancing nursing research,
especially in light of the ongoing nursing shortage. Innovative
strategies for recruiting and training new researchers are
needed. The Committee encourages NINR to support training
programs that will develop the next generation of nurse
scientists, especially those with multidisciplinary research
skills and those from underserved populations.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $435,630,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 433,318,000
House allowance......................................... 433,318,000
Committee recommendation................................ 436,630,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $436,630,000
for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
[NIAAA]. The budget request was $433,318,000 and the fiscal
year 2006 appropriation was $435,630,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
Alaska Substance Abuse.--The Committee is aware of serious
problems with alcohol and substance abuse in Alaska, especially
among its Alaska Native population, and of the need for
translating research into clinical applications for this
population. The Committee urges NIAAA to sponsor a Research to
Practice Forum with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration and universities to focus on bridging
the gap between researchers and practitioners and translating
scientific research into clinical applications, and encourages
NIAAA to support the implementation of any recommendations
developed at the forum.
Clinician's Guide.--The Committee understands that NIAAA
has recently revised its publication ``Helping Patients Who
Drink Too Much: A Clinician's Guide.'' The Committee applauds
that the guide has been disseminated to thousands of primary
care and mental health practitioners and organizations through
an extensive program of direct mail and email announcements.
The Committee encourages NIAAA to further develop guide
materials, including information for clinicians about how to
best use the guide, and short pamphlets that are targeted
toward special subpopulations, and to work with professional
organizations, SAMHSA, and other international organizations to
further disseminate this important resource.
Epigenetic (Environmental) Effects Underlying Alcoholism.--
The Committee understands that alcoholism is a complex
behavioral disorder and that the genetic composition of an
individual contributes to over half of the risk for developing
this behavior, while the individual's environmental
interactions and influences also contribute significantly to
this risk. Research supported by NIAAA has identified several
candidate genes that increase an individual's risk for
developing an alcohol use disorder once the person chooses to
drink alcohol. The Committee encourages NIAAA to continue to
fund research to determine the role of the environment and
environmental factors in producing lasting and potentially
life-altering changes in gene expression and gene function that
contributes to the development of alcohol abuse and addiction
with the ultimate goal of developing new medication for the
treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Underage Drinking.--The Committee commends the NIAAA for
its team approach in developing and guiding its research
programs to understand the many factors that contribute to the
onset of drinking and abuse of alcohol by youth. The Committee
is aware that the NIAAA has partnered with the Surgeon General
in the preparation of ``A Call to Action on Underage
Drinking,'' which will provide guidance to the public on this
topic. The Committee commends the NIAAA for providing the
scientific foundation for this report through the research
supported by its Underage Drinking Initiative and for
continuing to work with the Office of the Surgeon General and
other Federal agencies on this effort.
Understanding Natural Recovery from Alcohol Dependence.--
Recent research has demonstrated that many individuals
transition out of alcohol dependence without professional
treatment. The Committee encourages NIAAA to investigate the
mechanisms through which individuals alter their drinking
behavior without professional treatment in order to design more
effective treatments for alcohol use disorders.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $999,342,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 994,829,000
House allowance......................................... 994,829,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,000,342,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,342,000
for the National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. The budget
request was $994,829,000. The fiscal year 2006 appropriation
was $999,342,000. The comparable numbers for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
Adolescent Brain Development.--The Committee notes
neuroimaging research by NIDA and others showing that the human
brain does not fully develop until about age 25. This adds to
the rationale for referring to addiction as a ``developmental
disease.'' The Committee encourages NIDA to continue its
emphasis on adolescent brain development to better understand
how developmental processes and outcomes are affected by drug
exposure, the environment and genetics.
Collaboration With Single State Authorities [SSAs].--The
Committee commends NIDA for its outreach and work with SAMHSA's
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment [CSAT] and State substance
abuse directors, also known as Single State Authorities [SSAs],
to reduce the current 15- to 20-year lag between the discovery
of an effective treatment intervention and its availability at
the community level. In particular, the Committee applauds NIDA
for working with SAMHSA on a recent RFA designed to strengthen
State Substance Abuse agencies' capacity to support and engage
in research that will foster State-wide adoption of meritorious
science-based policies and practices. The Committee also
encourages NIDA to continue its collaborative work with SSAs by
working through the national association representing State
substance abuse directors on its ``blending activities'' to
ensure that research findings are relevant and adaptable by
State substance abuse systems.
Co-Occurring Disorders.--The Committee recognizes that
substance abuse is a disorder that can affect the course of
other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, mental illness, trauma,
cancer, and cardiovascular disease. To adequately address co-
occurring health problems, the Committee encourages the
Institute to work with other agencies to stimulate new research
to develop effective strategies and to ensure the timely
adoption and implementation of evidence-based practices for the
prevention and treatment of co-occurring disorders.
Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS.--The Committee understands that
one of the most significant causes of HIV virus acquisition and
transmission is drug-taking practices and related risk factors
in different populations. Drug abuse prevention and treatment
interventions can be very effective in reducing HIV risk. The
Committee congratulates NIDA on its ``Drug Abuse and HIV--Learn
the Link'' public awareness campaign, targeting young people,
and urges the Institute to continue supporting research that
focuses on developing and testing drug-abuse related
interventions designed to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Drug Treatment in Criminal Justice Settings.--The Committee
is very concerned about the well-established connections
between drug use and crime. Research continues to demonstrate
that providing treatment to individuals involved in the
criminal justice system significantly decreases future drug use
and criminal behavior, while improving social functioning. The
Committee strongly supports NIDA's efforts in this area,
particularly the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies
[CJ-DATS].
Emerging Drug Problems.--The Committee recognizes that drug
use patterns are constantly changing and is pleased with NIDA's
efforts to monitor drug use trends and to rapidly inform the
public of emerging drug problems. The Committee especially
encourages NIDA to continue supporting research that provides
reliable data on emerging drug trends, particularly among youth
and in major cities across the country.
Genetics and New Technological Advances to Curtail
Addiction.--The Committee recognizes that not everyone who
takes drugs becomes addicted. Research has shown that genetics
plays a critical role in addiction, and that the interplay
between genetics and environment is crucial. The Institute is
urged to further investigate this phenomenon.
Health Disparities.--The Committee notes that the
consequences of drug abuse disproportionately impact
minorities, especially African American populations. The
Committee is pleased to learn that NIDA is encouraging
researchers to conduct more studies in this population and to
target their studies in geographic areas where HIV/AIDS is high
and or growing among African Americans, including in criminal
justice settings.
Inhalant Abuse.--The Committee understands and is alarmed
that inhalant use continues to be a significant problem among
our youth. The Committee urges the Institute to continue its
support of research on prevention and treatment of inhalant
abuse, and to enhance public awareness on this issue.
Marijuana Use.--The Committee is concerned with the
continuing widespread use of marijuana. The Committee urges
NIDA to continue support for efforts to assess the long-term
consequences of marijuana use on cognitive abilities,
achievement, and mental and physical health, as well as work
with the private sector to develop medications focusing on
marijuana addiction.
Medications Development.--The Committee applauds NIDA for
its leadership in working with private industry to develop
anti-addiction medications and is pleased this collaboration
has resulted in a new medication for opiate addiction. The
Committee encourages NIDA to continue its efforts to engage the
private sector in the development of anti-addiction
medications, particularly for cocaine, methamphetamine, and
marijuana.
Methamphetamine Abuse.--The Committee is very concerned
about the continued abuse of methamphetamine across the United
States. The Committee notes the advances in understanding
methamphetamine abuse and addiction, and is encouraged by the
growing evidence of treatment effectiveness in these
populations. The Committee urges NIDA to continue supporting
research to address the broad medical consequences of
methamphetamine abuse.
Primary Care Settings and Youth.--The Committee recognizes
that primary care settings are potential key points of access
to prevent and treat problem drug use among young people. The
Committee encourages NIDA to continue to support health
services research on effective ways to educate primary care
providers about drug abuse and develop brief behavioral
interventions for preventing and treating drug use and related
health problems; and develop methods to integrate drug abuse
screening, assessment, prevention and treatment into primary
health care settings.
Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse.--The Committee notes the
continued increases in the numbers of people, especially young
people, who use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.
Particular concern revolves around the inappropriate use of
opioid analgesics--very powerful pain medications. The
Committee commends NIDA for its research focus in this area,
and for the new Prescription Opioid Use and Abuse in the
Treatment of Pain initiative. Research targeting a reduction in
prescription drug abuse, particularly among our Nation's youth,
should continue to be a priority for NIDA.
Social Neuroscience.--Research-based knowledge about the
dynamic interactions of genes with the environment confirms
addiction as a complex and chronic disease of the brain with
many contributors to its expression in individuals. The
Committee applauds NIDA's involvement in the recently released
``social neuroscience'' request for applications, and
encourages the Institute to continue its focus on the interplay
between genes, environment, and social factors and their
relevance to drug abuse and addiction.
Translational Research--Ensuring Research is Adaptable and
Useable.--The Committee commends NIDA for its broad and varied
information dissemination programs. The Committee also
understands that the Institute is focused on stimulating and
supporting innovative research to determine the components
necessary for adopting, adapting, delivering, and maintaining
effective research-supported policies, programs, and practices.
As evidence-based strategies are developed, the Committee urges
NIDA to support research to determine how these practices can
be best implemented at the community level.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,402,551,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,394,806,000
House allowance......................................... 1,394,806,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,403,551,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,403,551,000
for the National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH]. The budget
request was $1,394,806,000 and the fiscal year 2006
appropriation was $1,402,551,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
Adolescent Depression and Suicide.--Depressive disorders,
one of the major risk factors for suicide, continue to be very
common in adolescence. The Committee is pleased to note that
NIMH, in partnership with NIDA and NIAAA, is supporting three
research centers whose primary focus is on new trials to reduce
adolescent suicidality. Suicide now accounts for 13 percent of
all adolescent deaths and ranks third as a cause of death among
teenagers. The Committee therefore strongly encourages NIMH to
continue this investment in finding ways to better identify the
risk factors in children and adolescents, and examining the
outcomes of actions taken to assist those found to be at risk.
Alzheimer's Disease.--NIMH continues to play an important
part in efforts to develop effective treatment strategies for
Alzheimer's disease. The Institute is currently supporting
research examining various aspects of the pathophysiology and
genetics of Alzheimer's disease, and studies examining
behavioral, emotional and psychiatric symptoms associated with
the disorder and their treatment. The Committee encourages NIMH
to continue to assign a high priority to this research.
Autism.--The Committee is pleased to learn that the NIMH is
placing increased emphasis on studies of autism in its
intramural research program on the Bethesda campus. The
Committee supports these NIMH efforts in addition to its
significantly higher levels of support for autism research
throughout the country. One such intramural study will seek to
better understand regressive autism, which occurs in children
who appear to develop normally for the first 12-15 months of
life and then begin to lose language skills and developmental
milestones. This study will gather information about the
behavioral and medical characteristics of regressive autism and
compare the findings with those from healthy children, children
with non-regressive autism, and children with Rett's disorder
(a genetic disorder in which children have autistic features
with clear regression). Information from this study may help
doctors diagnose autism more accurately, treat the disorder
more effectively, and prevent future cases of regressive
autism.
Basic Behavioral Science.--The Committee urges the
Institute to maintain its support for the research on the
promotion of mental health and the study of psychological,
social, and legal factors that influence behavior. In
particular, the Institute is encouraged to continue its
commitment to basic behavioral research that examines the basic
psychological functions that promote mental health or become
disturbed in mental disorders.
Clinical Trials.--The committee is pleased with NIMH's
major initiative involving ``practical'' clinical trials.
Traditional clinical trials of medications must test their
safety and efficacy for approval. They are usually short,
limited in scope and take place in very controlled environments
with carefully selected participants. However, in reality,
medications are almost never used in such pristine and
carefully constructed settings. Rather, they are used by people
very often suffering from one or more co-morbid disorders who
live in everyday, commonplace settings. In order to find out
the effectiveness of these medications in ``real-world''
settings--comparing them with other medications in general
use--NIMH launched a major effort to answer questions that
patients, families and practicing physicians might ask about
the use of these medications in their lives. The Committee
requests a report on the major findings from these studies
before the fiscal year 2008 hearings.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee encourages NIMH to develop
new strategies for cataloging, understanding, diagnosing and
treating behavioral disorders that are common in people with
Down syndrome. They include autism, pervasive developmental
disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and
psychosis. The Committee urges NIMH to coordinate its research
on Down syndrome with NICHD, NINDS, NIA, and other institutes.
Fragile X.--Fragile X is the most common single-gene
neuropsychiatric disease known. It causes cognitive impairment,
mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, and
extreme anxiety. The Committee commends the NIMH for
spearheading three focused research meetings devoted to
identifying critical research needs, in November 2001, January
2003, and July 2004. The Committee notes that many of these
needs remain to be addressed, and it again urges the NIMH to
pursue them. These include controlled studies of existing and
new pharmacological treatments for Fragile X and identification
of the key molecular targets that are likely candidates for
designing drug treatments for Fragile X and related disorders
such as autism. The Committee also urges the NIMH to include
Fragile X in its studies of related neuropsychiatric disorders
and to work with other Institutes such as the NICHD and NINDS
to develop cooperative research support mechanisms in this
area. In addition, the Committee urges the NIMH to work with
industry and academia to test available medications and bring
new treatments to market.
Frontier Mental Health Needs.--The Committee commends NIMH
on its outreach efforts to determine the differences in mental
health needs which may exist in remote frontier communities,
including Alaska. The Committee encourages NIMH to expand its
research efforts into these communities, which are often
ignored in research projects, but which continue to suffer from
high incidences of mental health problems including depression,
suicide and co-occurring disorders with substance abuse.
Historically Black College and University [HBCU] Mental
Health Consortium.--The Committee recommends that NIMH consider
support for the Historically Black College and University
[HBCU] mental health consortium to serve as a clearinghouse for
responding to the mental health needs of the poor and
underserved immediately following a disaster.
Mental Health and Older Adults.--The Committee is pleased
that NIMH recognizes the importance and interrelatedness of
cognitive, emotional health and mental health function in older
adults and is collaborating with other institutes on efforts
such as the Cognitive and Emotion Health Project. Given the
increasing older adult population, it is critical to explore
scientific opportunities to maintain cognitive functioning and
mental health to prevent mental disorders like depression in
older adults. NIMH is encouraged to continue its pivotal role
as the primary institute for mental health and aging research
by expanding its research on older adults to include large-
scale, multi-site trials of behaviorally based treatments of
depression, anxiety, and for managing behaviors associated with
cognitive impairments as well as increasing opportunities for
training future behavioral scientists focused on older adults.
Minority Training.--The Committee is disappointed to learn
that the NIMH intends to reduce its commitment to training
minority scientists through the Minority Fellowship Program and
the Career Opportunities in Research Program. Both programs
have demonstrated success in training biomedical and behavioral
scientists who are addressing critical ethnic minority mental
health issues. The Minority Fellowship Program in particular
has been an important national program that has provided access
to training to all, without regional or university-specific
restrictions. Reducing these programs will have a
disproportionate impact on minority mental health training when
the focus should be on reducing health disparities for
vulnerable and underserved populations.
Neuroscience Blueprint.--The Committee is pleased with
NIMH's leadership role, along with NINDS, in the Neuroscience
Blueprint initiative, which is a cooperative effort of 15 NIH
Institutes and Centers supporting research on the nervous
system. These kinds of trans-NIH initiatives should be a model
because they assure the pooling of resources and expertise--
essential to take full advantage of the opportunities for
progress that may exist across the agency.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee encourages continued
collaborations including additional intramural activities
between NINDS, NIMH, and NIA to enhance understanding of the
important psychiatric component of neurodegenerative diseases,
particularly Parkinson's.
Prader-Willi Syndrome.--The Committee commends the NIMH for
its efforts to further the understanding and description of the
mental health components of Prader-Willi syndrome. The
Committee recommends that NIMH expand its programs to develop
practical treatment protocols, including pharmaceutical
options, for the severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
oppositional-defiant disorder and psychotic mental illness
aspects of Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Psychological Impacts of Trauma.--The Committee is pleased
that NIMH is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to
ensure that psychosocial and pharmacological interventions are
available to returning soldiers, veterans and their families.
The Committee supports NIMH research related to the
psychological impact of both acute and chronic exposure to
threats of violence, including terrorism, war, natural
disasters, and domestic and community violence. Within the area
of trauma, particular emphasis should also be placed on
vulnerable populations, such as trauma survivors, children and
older adults. The Committee encourages NIMH to expand its
research portfolio to include research related to psychosocial
factors that promote detection or prediction, prevention, and
post-exposure recovery and resilience.
Schizophrenia.--The Committee supports NIMH's initiative
that targets cognitive problems for people with schizophrenia.
Cognitive deficits, such as trouble with memory, attention, and
executive function (capacity to make judgments and control
impulses), are responsible for much of the long term disability
in schizophrenia. They remain a significant barrier to a
productive life for people with the disease, yet the
medications currently available provide no relief for cognitive
problems. There has been a lack of scientific consensus on
which cognitive impairments should be targeted and which tools
are best for measuring them. To address these issues, NIMH
launched the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve
Cognition in Schizophrenia [MATRICS] program. It brought
together representatives from academia, industry, and
regulatory agencies to develop a comprehensive assessment tool
to measure cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia.
This has been completed, and now in the second phase novel
compounds designed to enhance cognition will be tested. NIMH
has awarded a 4-year contract to six academic medical centers
to create a network of Treatment Units for Research on
Neurocognition and Schizophrenia [TURNS]. The research will
test the effectiveness of new drug treatments for the cognitive
deficits of schizophrenia.
Translating Behavioral Research.--The Committee supports
NIMH's efforts to advance the application of behavioral
research and interventions in clinical settings to address the
public health burden of mental disorders. The Committee
strongly supports additional clinical trials that examine the
effectiveness of behavioral interventions in community-based
settings and utilizing adaptive treatment designs. Behavioral
interventions are especially needed for children and
adolescents with mental disorders, including post-traumatic
stress disorder, eating disorders, attention deficit-
hyperactivity disorder, and the most common forms of
depression. Translational research in the behavioral sciences
is especially needed to address how basic behavioral processes,
such as cognition, emotion, motivation, development and social
interaction, inform the diagnosis, treatment and delivery of
services for mental disorders.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--Tuberous sclerosis complex, or
TSC, is a genetic disorder that triggers uncontrollable tumor
growth in multiple organs of the body. The Committee urges NIMH
to explore the links between autism and TSC, and conduct
epidemiology studies on the prevalence of mental illness in TSC
patients. The Committee suggests that NIMH collaborate with
NINDS and NICHD to sponsor a conference focused on psychiatric
issues and cognitive disabilities in TSC.
NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $485,715,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 482,942,000
House allowance......................................... 482,942,000
Committee recommendation................................ 486,315,000
The Committee recommendation includes $486,315,000 for the
National Human Genome Research Institute [NHGRI]. The budget
requested $482,942,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation
was $485,715,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
Genes and Environment.--The Committee commends NIH and the
Foundation for the NIH [FNIH] for initiating the Genetic
Association Information Network [GAIN], a public-private
partnership using genetic analysis of existing case-control
studies to identify the genetic roots of common illnesses. The
Committee also commends NIH for building on the momentum of
GAIN to advance the trans-NIH and DHHS Genes and Environment
Initiative [GEI], beginning in fiscal year 2007. This new
research effort combines genetic analysis and environmental
technology development to understand the causes of common
diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, stroke, cancer, asthma,
and heart disease. The Committee encourages NHGRI to work with
the NIEHS on this important project. The Committee also
encourages NHGRI to follow up on the working group
recommendations on a ``Population-Based Cohort Study to
Determine the Relationships among Genes, Environment, and
Health.'' This kind of prospective cohort study of a large
sample of Americans could provide a valuable complement to the
work of GAIN and GEI.
Liver Disease.--The Committee urges NHGRI to focus on the
genetic component of biliary atresia and other liver diseases
with an identified genetic component.
Mapping Human Genes.--The Committee commends NHGRI for its
leadership in developing technologies that will help accelerate
the delivery of molecular medicine. The completion of the
HapMap is a helpful tool in the identification of genes that
determine susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes and heart
disease. The Committee encourages NHGRI to continue its efforts
to make these resources available to the research community.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee encourages the National
Human Genome Research Institute to work with NINDS and other
Institutes conducting Parkinson's research to derive biological
and therapeutic insights from recently discovered Parkinson's
susceptibility genes and the completed Human Genome Project.
The Committee encourages continued collaborations including
additional intramural activities between NINDS, NIMH, NIA and
NHGRI to enhance understanding of neurodegenerative diseases
and develop therapeutic applications for gene discoveries,
particularly for Parkinson's.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.--NHGRI is commended for
its use of a public-private partnership with the Jeffrey Modell
Foundation to develop a newborn screening test for X-linked
SCID, the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].-- The Committee is aware
that SMA carrier testing is available to help persons of
childbearing age make more informed reproductive decisions with
regard to the risk of SMA in their offspring. The Committee
strongly encourages NHGRI to develop a pilot program to assess
the optimal practices for delivery of population-based
screening for SMA carriers.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--Tuberous sclerosis complex, or
TSC, is a genetic disorder that triggers uncontrollable tumor
growth in multiple organs of the body. The Committee urges
NHGRI to provide assistance and advice to the TSC research
community on TSC gene and genome-wide sequencing projects.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $296,606,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 294,850,000
House allowance......................................... 294,850,000
Committee recommendation................................ 297,606,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $297,606,000
for the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [NIBIB]. The budget requested $294,850,000 and
the fiscal year 2006 appropriation was $296,606,000. The
comparable amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be
transferred from the Office of AIDS Research.
Artificial Pancreas.--Maintaining blood glucose levels as
close to normal values as possible is proven to reduce the risk
of long-term complications in diabetes. However, tight glucose
control is difficult to achieve, especially in young children.
The NIBIB is encouraged to expedite research on ``closing the
loop'' between glucose monitoring technologies and insulin
delivery devices as a means to automate glucose control and
improve disease management.
Image-guided Surgery.--The Committee continues to be
encouraged by the potential of image-guided surgery to improve
patient outcomes. The Committee supports the Institute's
efforts to expand its efforts in this area.
Liver Imaging Techniques.--Consistent with NIBIB's mission
to improve all diagnostic imaging technologies, the Committee
urges NIBIB to continue to make liver imaging techniques a
primary focus, speeding the development of new modalities that
better capture the early stages of various liver diseases,
including cancer, as well as offering the potential for less
invasive combinations of diagnosis and treatment and the
evaluation of livers from cadaver donors. The Committee urges
NIBIB to participate actively in trans-NIH initiatives that
address these priorities.
Liver Tissue Engineering.--The Committee urges NIBIB to
focus efforts on expanding the Tissue Engineering Program to
examine how the development and function of engineered tissues
and organs can improve treatment techniques for patients
afflicted with liver disease.
PET and MicroPET.--The Committee continues to encourage the
Institute to provide increased support for molecular imaging
technologies such as positron emission tomography [PET] and
microPET to take advantage of the capacities of molecular
imaging to detect disease process at the molecular level and to
monitor the effectiveness of targeted gene therapies now under
development. The Committee also encourages the Institute to
develop its research agenda in close collaboration with other,
disease-specific Institutes at NIH, so that new imaging
technologies are closely tied to the research projects being
undertaken by the various other Institutes of NIH.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,098,346,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,098,242,000
House allowance......................................... 1,123,242,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,104,346,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,104,346,000
for the National Center for Research Resources [NCRR]. The
budget request was $1,098,242,000 and the fiscal year 2006
appropriation was $1,098,346,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
Extramural Construction.--Due to budget constraints, the
Committee has provided no funding for the extramural biomedical
facility renovation and construction.
General Clinical Research Centers/Clinical and
Translational Science Award.--Last year, the Committee provided
funds for the initiation of the Clinical and Translational
Science Awards [CTSAs]. The Committee supports the goal of the
CTSA initiative to provide an integrated setting for inter-
disciplinary clinical research and clinical research training
and recognizes that the ultimate goal is improved health care
for the American people. The Committee has been strongly
supportive of the General Clinical Research Centers [GCRCs]
program, which has for decades supported clinical researchers
with specialty nursing care, patient facilities, laboratory
testing, and specialized monitoring and diagnostic
capabilities. The Committee believes that during this
transition period to CTSAs, NIH must assure that these clinical
services are maintained or enhanced. The Committee has included
$361,200,000 for clinical research supported by the GCRCs and
the CTSAs combined. Within this amount, NIH is encouraged to
ensure a smooth transition from the GCRC program to the CTSA
program, in a manner that establishes the critical mass
necessary to launch this new paradigm, while being attentive to
the needs of those institutions and programs which have served
well as the foundation for this new program. The NIH is
encouraged to fully fund up to 8 new CTSA awards rather than
the 10 additional new CTSA awards proposed by the NCRR. The
Committee expects the GCRCs to be reconfigured into the CTSA
grant and requests a status report from NIH no later than July
1, 2007, which describes the CTSA awards which have been made
to date, and which details the portion of the budget allocated
to GCRCs funded by M01 awards and the portion of the budget
used for the new CTSA awards and that was derived from the M01
awards.
The Committee expects the NIH to involve the extramural
clinical research community in the development and evaluation
of the CTSA program and its anticipated impact on translational
and clinical research. This review should include an assessment
of whether the CTSA program provides sufficient support for
clinical research focused on the health of children. The
Committee requests a report no later than July 1, 2007 on the
status of this evaluation and the manner in which the
recommendations and concerns of the clinical research community
will be addressed in any future request for applications for
CTSAs.
Human Islet Cell Resource Centers.--The Committee is
encouraged that the Islet Cell Resource Centers [ICR] program
has been renewed. The Committee supports the Centers' goals of
providing islets for transplantation into diabetes patients and
making human islets readily available for research. Further,
the Committee is supportive of the Centers serving as regional
islet isolation facilities with the ability to transport high-
quality human islets to many transplant centers, thus expanding
the availability of islet transplantation to a larger pool of
diabetes patients across the Nation.
Institutional Development Awards [IDeA].--The Committee has
provided $215,938,000, the same as the budget request for the
IDeA program authorized by section 402(g) of the Public Health
Service Act. The Committee recognizes the importance of the
Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence and the IDeA Networks
of Biomedical Research Excellence programs and expects funding
to be maintained for both. The focus of IDeA should continue to
be on improving the necessary infrastructure and strengthening
the biomedical research capacity and capability of research
institutions within the IDeA States.
Research Centers at Minority Institutions.--The Committee
continues to recognize the critical role played by minority
institutions at both the graduate and undergraduate level in
addressing the health research and training needs of minority
populations. These programs help facilitate the preparation of
a new generation of scientists at these institutions. The
Research Centers in Minority Institutions [RCMI] Program
continues to impact significantly on these problems. The
Committee encourages NIH to strengthen participation from
minority institutions and increase resources available in this
area. The Committee also encourages NIH to work with minority
institutions with a track record of producing minority scholars
in science and technology.
Research Resource Centers.--The Committee continues to urge
NCRR to support research resource centers for the development
and refinement of positron emission tomography [PET] as a
unique imaging technology to diagnose and stage diseases of the
brain, including Alzheimer's disease.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $121,382,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 120,554,000
House allowance......................................... 120,554,000
Committee recommendation................................ 121,982,000
The Committee has included $121,982,000 for the National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The budget
request was $120,544,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation
was $121,382,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
The Committee strongly supports the work of the National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Center
is charged with assuring that complementary and alternative
therapies be rigorously reviewed to provide consumers reliable
information.
Ameliorating Liver Disease.--The Committee is pleased with
NCCAM's efforts to conduct clinical trials in collaboration
with NIDDK regarding the use of milk thistle as a possible
treatment in slowing the progression of nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis and to reduce the side effects of hepatitis C
interferon treatments. The Committee looks forward to the
development and dissemination of the research results
associated with the use of milk thistle as a treatment to
ameliorate liver disease.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee encourages NCCAM to
continue exploration of exercise in its many forms including
aerobic, anaerobic and Chinese exercises such as Tai Chi Chuan
in the treatment of Parkinson's. Recent studies show exercise
may increase neuroprotective chemicals in the brain and
decrease falls in the elderly. The Committee also encourages
continued research into significant non-motor co-morbidities in
Parkinson's including magnetic stimulation for depression, and
the phytomedicine Valerian for sleep dysfunction. Finally,
NCCAM is encouraged to work the Office of Dietary Supplements
in investigating supplements which may be neuroprotective, such
as berries, alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, acetyl-L-
carnitine, vitamin E, ginko biloba, vitamin D, vitamin B12,
phosphatidylcholine, and glyconutrients. In light of the many
ways cell death can occur, NCCAM is encouraged to study the
concurrent implementation of multiple exercise and nutrition-
based strategies.
NATIONAL CENTER ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $195,271,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 194,299,000
House allowance......................................... 194,299,000
Committee recommendation................................ 196,771,000
The Committee has included $196,771,000 for the National
Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The budget
request was $194,299,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation
was $195,271,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
Cancer in Minority Communities.--The Committee commends
NCMHD for its leadership in addressing the disproportionate
impact of cancer in minority communities. The Committee
encourages NCMHD to consider collaborating with the National
Center for Research Resources and the National Cancer Institute
in supporting the establishment of a cancer center at a
historically minority institution focused on research,
treatment, and prevention of cancer in African American and
other minority communities.
Genomic Analysis of Disease.--The Committee is encouraged
by the opportunities that exist for NCMHD. The Center is
encouraged to strengthen its focus on efforts to unravel the
genomic analysis of diseases that disproportionately affect
minorities; applying advances stemming from unraveling the
physiology and genetics of diabetes; furthering implementation
of recommendations stemming from the IOM report Examining the
Health Disparities Research Plan of the National Institutes of
Health: Unfinished Business; developing innovative strategies
for improving the health status and health outcomes of
minorities; furthering the understanding of the dietary link in
disease prevention and control; strengthening and expanding the
involvement and participation of minority organizations
including minority community-based organizations in research,
outreach, awareness and prevention activities.
Glomerular Disease.--The Committee understands that
glomerular disease, a group of diseases affecting the filtering
mechanisms of the kidneys, is more prevalent among African
Americans than the general population. The Committee urges
NCMHD to explore collaboration with NIDDK to support research
activities related to glomerular injury and requests a status
report on progress made in this area during the fiscal year
2008 appropriations hearings.
Health Professions.--To help close the gaps in research
training and clinical applications with respect to racial and
ethnic health disparities, the Committee encourages the NCMHD
to work with the HRSA via pre and post doctorial training of
health professions in these areas. Also, important in this area
is capacity and infrastructure building for strengthening
support in the areas of faculty and student research and
training in an effort to build transitional bridges between
high schools, junior colleges and 4-year institutions. Steps
also need to be taken to intensify participatory community
research that addresses priority areas in which wide gaps in
health status exist as delineated in Healthy People 2010, and
other national epidemiological and surveillance data sets.
Liver Disease.--The Committee notes that many liver
diseases, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B and nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis, are more common in the African-American,
Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander and Native American
populations than in European Americans. In addition, access to
and acceptance of care is particularly problematic in these
populations. The Committee therefore continues to urge the
Center to initiate and participate with NIDDK, NIDA and NCI in
research focused on addressing and reducing these disparities.
Minority Health Disparities.--The Committee commends the
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities for
its leadership in addressing the longstanding problem of health
status disparities in minority and medically underserved
populations. For fiscal year 2007, the Committee continues to
encourage NCMHD to implement its successful Research Endowment
program as an ongoing initiative. Moreover, the Committee
encourages NCMHD to implement the program in a manner that is
consistent with the authorizing legislation. The Committee
believes that implementation of recommendations stemming from
the IOM Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic
Disparities in Health Care study offer significant
opportunities for improving health across communities of color.
NCMHD is encouraged to work with minority organizations and
minority community-based efforts to disseminate research-based
health information to further engage minority national
organizations and minority community-based organizations in
implementing recommendations of the Institute of Medicine
study.
Project EXPORT.--The Committee commends NCMHD for its
successful ``Project EXPORT'' initiative and urges continued
support for this important program. The Committee encourages
the director of NCMHD to coordinate with the NIH Director and
the National Center for Research Resources in support of
extramural facility construction and the development of other
research and research library infrastructure at minority health
professions schools.
JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDY IN THE HEALTH
SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $66,332,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 66,681,000
House allowance......................................... 66,681,000
Committee recommendation................................ 66,832,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $66,832,000
for the Fogarty International Center [FIC]. The budget request
was $66,681,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation was
$66,332,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.--The Committee notes
that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] is the fourth
leading cause of death worldwide, and encourages the Fogarty
International Center to expand its COPD research and training
activities.
Fragile X.--International collaboration among scientists is
an essential element in Fragile X research. The Committee
encourages the Fogarty International Center to consider Fragile
X syndrome through all appropriate programs, such as the
Fogarty International Research Collaboration Award and the FIC
Brain Disorders in the Developing World Program. The Committee
also encourages the Fogarty International Center to establish
public/private partnerships that will increase the number of
international fragile X research projects and collaborations.
Tuberculosis Training.--The Committee is pleased with the
Fogarty International Center's efforts to supplement grants in
AIDS International Training and Research Program [AITRP] or
International Training and Research Program in Emerging
Infectious Diseases [ERID], which trains tuberculosis experts
in the developing world. Given the magnitude of global
tuberculosis, the Committee encourages FIC to develop a
specific free-standing TB training program.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $314,694,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 313,269,000
House allowance......................................... 313,269,000
Committee recommendation................................ 315,294,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $315,294,000
for the National Library of Medicine [NLM]. The budget
requested $313,269,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation
was $314,694,000. These amounts include $8,200,000 made
available from program evaluation funds. The comparable amounts
for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from
the Office of AIDS Research.
Disease Management Technology.--The Committee urges NLM to
conduct outreach activities to all public and private sector
organizations which have demonstrated capabilities in health
information technology. The Committee is particularly
interested in disease management technology as it relates to
saving health care dollars, and improving care for chronically
ill individuals and the workforce.
Native Hawaiian Healing.--The Committee encourages the
preservation and documentation of Native Hawaiian traditional
cultural healing practices.
Outreach.--The Committee encourages NLM to continue its
outreach activities aimed at educating health care
professionals and the general public about the Library's
products and services, in coordination with medical librarians
and other health information specialists.
PubMed Central.--The Committee commends NLM for its
leadership in developing PubMed Central, an electronic online
repository for life science articles. Because of the high level
of expertise health information specialists have in the
organization, collection, and dissemination of medical
information, the Committee believes that health sciences
librarians have a key role to play in the further development
of PubMed Central. The Committee encourages NLM to work with
the medical library community regarding issues related to
copyright, fair use, peer-review and classification of
information on PubMed Central.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $527,238,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 667,825,000
House allowance......................................... 667,825,000
Committee recommendation................................ 687,825,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $687,825,000
for the Office of the Director [OD]. The budget request was
$667,825,000 and the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2006
was $527,238,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
The Committee has included within the total, $96,030,000 to
support specific targeted research activities needed to develop
radiological/nuclear and chemical threat countermeasures.
The Committee has also included language requested in the
President's budget to provide additional transfer authority for
the NIH Common Fund. The Committee believes that the amounts
transferred from the Institutes and Centers to the NIH Common
Fund should reflect a uniform percentage of the transfer
amount.
Ombudsman Activities.--The Committee understands that, with
the exception of a limited number of topics such as the
treatment of human subjects, neither the NIH nor the Department
has a structure in place to process and address complaints by
investigators and others about the ways in which NIH-funded
research activities are conducted. In an agency with an annual
appropriation of more than $28,000,000,000, this is not
acceptable. The Committee strongly urges the NIH to put in
place a structure in which complaints about NIH-funded grants
and other activities can be evaluated objectively.
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Basic Behavioral Research.--OBSSR is congratulated on its
tenth anniversary at NIH. The Committee encourages OBSSR to
continue working to build alliances among institutes that
support and nurture basic behavioral and social sciences
research. In particular, the Committee encourages OBSSR to
partner with NIGMS and other funders of basic research to
enhance support for work on methods, animal models, and the
interplay of biological factors, behavioral and social
influences underlying phenomena such as stress that influence
multiple health conditions.
Social Work Research.--The Committee commends the NIH for
implementing recommendations of the May 2003 NIH Plan for
Social Work Research, including the release of program
announcements titled ``Research on Social Work Practice and
Concepts in Health,'' which are designed to encourage social
work research related to improving health outcomes for persons
with medical and behavioral disorders and conditions. The
Committee requests that NIH submit a progress report in June
2007 that covers the 4 years since the plan was released. The
report should outline the efforts made by NIH to utilize and
support social work research in areas related to aging, health
disparities, child and family issues and behavioral health.
Education and the Workplace.--The Committee encourages
OBSSR to intensify its efforts to increase scientific
understanding of the elements of education and the workplace
that most affect health. The Committee strongly encourages
OBSSR to increase its investment in projects and studies that
focus on maintaining behavior change in the areas of disease
prevention, control, and health outcomes especially in cancer,
diabetes, obesity, asthma, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke.
Office of Dietary Supplements
The Committee continues to strongly support the important
work of this Office. Use of dietary supplements has increased
significantly among Americans who want to improve their health
and prevent disease. There is a great need for additional
research to better inform consumers of the health benefits of
supplements.
Office of Rare Disease Research
Pediatric Liver Diseases.--The Committee is pleased that
the ORD has continued to provide significant funding to support
10 centers within the Biliary Atresia Clinical Research
Consortium, as well as working with NCRR to research
cholastatic liver disease in children.
Office of Research on Women's Health
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.--The Committee is pleased with
the increased focus on irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] at the
NIH's Office of Women's Health, and urges the office to
continue expanding research on this prevalent functional
gastrointestinal disorder.
Stroke in Women.--Recognizing that women are the single
largest group at risk for death from stroke, the Committee
believes that special attention should be focused on better
understanding the gender-related differences in stroke. Studies
suggest that significant gender differences occur in the
evaluation and treatment of stroke patients, with women often
receiving fewer diagnostic tests and intervention procedures.
Increased research is needed to understand these differences
and provide a means to optimize stroke care for all patients.
Some aspects of the disease unique to women include strokes
related to pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives; stroke
in younger women requires increased attention. Stroke is
additionally a leading cause of serious disability among women
and may contribute to late-life cognitive decline. The
Committee supports the funding of new and continuing NIH
studies that investigate the impact of postmenopausal hormone
replacement therapy on stroke risk. Continued support of
clinical and basic research on hormone physiology in women is
necessary to understanding the impact of hormones on women's
vascular systems. The Committee urges NIH to increase research
in stroke among women of all ages, with specific attention to
gender-related differences in stroke risk, and to stroke
prevention interventions, acute stroke management, post-stroke
recovery, long-term outcomes, and quality of care. The
Committee further urges NIH to increase research into new
therapies for stroke in women as well as into ways of enhancing
the vascular health of all Americans, including (1)
observational research on differences in the way men and women
present with stroke symptoms, (2) research addressing how
stroke influences the likelihood and severity of cognitive
impairment in women, (3) a clinical trial of carotid
endarterectomy and angioplasty/stenting in women, (4) studies
of differences in how men and women respond to antiplatelet
agents for recurrent stroke prevention, and (5) basic science
research to address unique brain cell death and repair
mechanisms in females.
The Committee also encourages and supports NIH's
initiatives toward advancing the organization of stroke care in
women, including post-stroke rehabilitation, and the
identification of stroke treatment and research centers that
would provide rapid, early, continuous 24-hour treatment to
stroke victims, including the use of the clot-buster t-PA, when
appropriate. Designated areas in medical facilities equipped
with the resources and personnel for treating stroke would also
promote the early evaluation of innovative stroke treatments.
In addition, the Committee recommends all of these important
initiatives be subsumed under an NIH mandate for a Women's
Agenda for Stroke Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Vulvodynia.--In recent years, NIH has supported two
important research conferences on vulvodynia, as well as the
first prevalence study and clinical trial on the disorder.
These efforts have both clearly demonstrated the need for
substantial additional research and served to heighten the
research community's level of interest in studying vulvodynia.
The Committee calls upon the Director to build upon these
initial successes by coordinating through the ORWH an expanded,
collaborative extramural and intramural research effort into
the causes of, and treatments for, vulvodynia. This expanded
effort should involve ORWH, NICHD, NINDS and other relevant
ICs, as well as the NIH Pain Consortium. The Committee commends
ORWH for initiating a dialogue with the National Vulvodynia
Association to determine the best approach for launching an
educational outreach campaign on vulvodynia, as the Committee
requested last year. ORWH is encouraged to implement this
effort with the help of other relevant ICs and women's health
offices in governmental agencies including HHS, FDA, HRSA and
CDC. Finally, the Committee encourages the Director to work
with the Center for Scientific Review and ICs to ensure that
experts in vulvodynia, and related chronic pain and female
reproductive system conditions, are adequately represented on
peer review panels.
Women and AIDS Treatments.--While much progress has been
made with regard to AIDS treatments, considerable work remains
especially with regard to HIV/AIDS across communities of color
and in women. The Committee encourages the NIH to further
examine how these medications work in smaller frame women; how
best to ensure women follow treatment regimens; mental health
impact of HIV/AIDS in women including depression; and impact on
memory, AIDS related cognitive dementia.
Women and Biomedical Research.--In 2001, the Institute of
Medicine released a report that stressed the importance of
biological sex as a basic variable that needs to be considered
in all areas of biomedical research. Recent findings have
demonstrated significant differences between men and women
exist in health and disease. For many disorders, the sex of the
patient influences disease etiology, natural history, diagnosis
and treatment alternatives and outcomes. One of the fields
where such differences are most pronounced is neuroscience. The
Committee strongly encourages each of the 15 Institutes
involved in the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint to carefully analyze
their entire NIH Neuroscience Blueprint research portfolio to
ensure sex is included as a variable,when appropriate, and to
require that all reported results include sex specific
analysis. The Committee would like a written report from the
Director that includes information on the progress of these
efforts at all 15 of the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint Institutes
prior to the fiscal year 2008 hearings.
Multi-Institute Research Initiatives
Autism Spectrum Disorders.--The Committee is encouraged by
the NIH's autism research matrix and urges NIH to devote
sufficient resources to this research agenda. The Committee
urges the NIH when implementing the autism research matrix to
coordinate with autism organizations already funding research
initiatives to ensure the most efficient use of its resources.
The Committee also notes the promise of particular areas cited
in the matrix, including genetic, gene-environment
interactions, behavioral characterizations of the disorder,
screening and early diagnosis, and the development of evidence-
based interventions.
Autoimmune Diseases.--Congress commends the NIH Autoimmune
Diseases Coordinating Committee [ADCC] for fostering
collaborative, integrated multi-Institute research on issues
affecting the genetically related family of autoimmune
diseases. The ADCC should focus on the role of environmental
and infectious agents in the initiation and/or exacerbation of
autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the Committee encourages the
ADCC to be proactive in identifying promising areas of
autoimmune research where collaboration among the NIH
institutes enhances the potential for major advances.
Center for Scientific Review [CSR].--The Committee has
received reports from scientists and professional organizations
that many grant applications are referred to study sections
that do not include reviewers with the appropriate expertise.
The Committee is concerned that this may be adversely impacting
research in important areas of science and medicine, such as
cardiothoracic surgery. The Committee requests that CSR examine
the pattern of grant application referral to study sections,
especially as it relates to cardiothoracic surgery grants, and
be prepared to report at the fiscal year 2008 hearings on the
results of the examination and what recommended steps may be
needed to assure that applications are reviewed by study
sections that have the expertise to provide a thorough,
impartial review.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.--The Committee welcomes the
upcoming NINDS workshop on peripheral neuropathies and is
pleased the agenda will focus on developing research
opportunities to address Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease [CMT]. The
Committee hopes all relevant NIH institutes and centers,
including the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders and National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development, will
participate in the workshop. The Committee, therefore, requests
a report on the workshop on peripheral neuropathies and on
developments in CMT and CMT-related research by March 2007.
In addition, the Committee requests that in 2007 NIH begin
reporting annual funding figures on CMT research supported by
all of the institutes and centers.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.--The Committee commends the NIH
for the July 14, 2005, request for applications [RFA] on CFS.
The Committee supports the CFS Advisory Committee's
recommendation to ``establish five Centers of Excellence within
the United States that would effectively utilize state of the
art knowledge concerning the diagnosis, clinical management,
treatment and clinical research of persons with CFS.'' The
Committee notes that the recommendation includes modeling the
CFS centers after the existing Centers of Excellence program,
with funding in the range of $1,500,000 per center per year for
5 years. The Committee has reviewed the Director's July 2006
report on NIH Research Activities on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The coding instructions for grants appear insufficient and
overly broad, allowing the inclusion of non-CFS-specific
studies. Thus, the Committee remains concerned that funds for
CFS are not reported appropriately. It is imperative that NIH
improve its methods of accounting for disease-specific
research, consistent with recommendations from the NIH's
Council of Public Representatives and the Institute of
Medicine's 2003 report, ``Enhancing the Vitality of the NIH:
Organizational Changes to Meet New Challenges.'' Within 60 days
of passage of this bill, the Committee requests the NIH to work
with the CFS Advisory Committee to refine its coding
instructions and revise its report to the Committee
accordingly.
Clinical Research.--The Committee is aware that NIH is
establishing large, validated databases to measure patient-
reported outcomes from clinical trials that cover a wide range
of chronic diseases and demographic characteristics. NIH is
urged to create databases to measure and track outcomes for
surgical procedures, in order to establish common data
standards and facilitate comparisons among surgical clinical
research studies. A report on the development of these surgical
databases is expected in the fiscal year 2008 Congressional
budget justifications.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee urges the Director of NIH to
establish an NIH Down syndrome research task force on cognition
to develop a strategic plan for genetic and neurobiological
research relating to the cognitive dysfunction and the
progressive late-life dementia associated with Down syndrome.
The purpose of the strategic plan is to provide a guide for
coordinating Down syndrome research on cognition across NIH and
for enhancing the development of new research efforts based on
identification of areas of greatest scientific opportunity,
especially as they relate to the development of future
treatments. The plan should include short-, intermediate- and
long-term goals for basic and clinical research with strategies
for achieving goals and with specified time frames for
implementation.
Dystonia.--The Committee is very pleased with progress
demonstrated by the NIH intramural research program in the
treatment and understanding of dystonia. NIH intramural
researchers have successfully utilized injections of Botox to
treat many patients who otherwise would be severely debilitated
by dystonia. The Committee urges continued work in this
important area of study and treatment.
Fragile X.--The Committee notes the impressive progress
made by Fragile X researchers in understanding the basic neural
defects that cause this developmental disorder. The success of
these translational research efforts has made treatment of
Fragile X a near-term possibility. However, collaborative
efforts between industry, academia and NIH Institutes are
likely to be necessary to develop promising therapies. The
Committee further notes that while Fragile X is a relatively
common genetic disease, the treatments being developed for
Fragile X may also be effective for a much larger number of
people with related autism spectrum disorders. Research has
shown many possible treatment strategies which merit human
Fragile X clinical trials, including, but not limited to,
mGluR5 antagonists, Ampakines, aripiprazole, and lithium. The
Committee strongly urges the Director to facilitate and fund
public/private partnerships that will enable these vital
studies to proceed. The Committee also urges the Director to
take an active role in coordinating Fragile X research at NIH,
by organizing regular intramural meetings of program directors
from all institutes sponsoring Fragile X research projects.
Gene Therapy Research.--The Committee is encouraged by
promising research being undertaken in gene therapy, especially
in regard to thalassemia, or Cooley's anemia. It is concerned,
however, that the current mechanism for funding gene therapy
research, while promoting advancement of individual components
of gene therapy, lacks an overarching strategy that will
coalesce these advances and encourage the ultimate goal of
curing genetic disorders expeditiously. Last year, the
Committee urged the Director to assess the prospects for the
most promising areas for breakthroughs in this field and to
develop an aggressive program to focus resources on it. A
meeting was convened on the topic, but the Committee believes
that more focused and aggressive action is needed. NIH is
strongly urged to develop a plan for assessing the prospects
for success in Cooley's anemia and a broad range of diseases,
with the goal of curing a single gene disorder in the shortest
possible time utilizing gene therapy.
Heart Disease Research and Prevention Action Plan.--The
Committee is pleased to learn that the NIH, through the NHLBI,
will convene a national conference in 2006 to assess progress
and opportunities in heart disease research and prevention and
to develop a comprehensive, long-range, trans-agency action
plan. The Committee understands that the Institute will invite
stakeholders from the research, practice, and patient advocacy
communities and include representatives from relevant NIH
components and other Federal agencies, including CDC, AHRQ, and
DOD. The Committee expects the report to be a long-range,
trans-agency action plan on heart disease research and
prevention, with quantifiable goals and benchmarks to measure
progress in the battle against heart disease.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia [HHT].--The Committee
is aware that HHT is a rare, multi-system genetic disorder of
the blood vessels that can result in stroke, hemorrhage, and
death. The Committee encourages the NIH to explore
opportunities for additional clinical and basic research on
HHT.
Human Tissue Supply.--The Committee remains interested in
matching the increased needs of NIH grantees, intramural, and
university-based researchers who rely upon human tissues and
organs to study human diseases and search for cures, including
for those researchers dedicated to the study and cure of rare
diseases. The Committee is aware that one of the leaders in
this competitive field, the National Disease Research
Interchange [NDRI], is positioned to obtain this valuable and
effective alternative research resource. More than 500 peer-
reviewed research advances made by NDRI-dependent researchers
have been published in recent years, contributing to the
research community's fund of knowledge. The Committee
encourages the Director to increase support NDRI receives from
NCRR, and to broaden the scope of the multi-Institute
initiative by strongly urging the Institute Directors of NCI,
NHGRI, NHLBI, NICHD, NIMH, and NINDS to identify and expand
support for NDRI.
Information, Dissemination and Outreach.--The Nation
invests greatly in the NIH providing tremendous opportunities
for accelerated improvements in health and quality of life.
Research advances must be applied more expeditiously to ensure
greater improvements in health outcomes across all communities
of color and the general public. To maximize the benefits of
this national Federal enterprise and resource, the Committee
strongly urges the NIH to improve, strengthen, and expand its
systems of information dissemination and outreach to healthcare
providers, minority organizations, and the public. The NIH
system must accelerate the dissemination and application of
research findings and advances in prevention, diagnosis,
treatment, behavioral response, awareness, and other health
improvement opportunities.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM].--The Committee remains very
interested in efforts to find a cure and treatments for LAM, a
progressive and fatal lung disease that strikes women, usually
in their childbearing years. Currently, there are no effective
treatments. The Committee understands that recent scientific
findings have presented new treatment approaches for clinical
testing, and that experimental trials with the drug sirolimus
have begun. The Committee urges the NHLBI, as well as the NCI,
the Office of Rare Diseases, and the NINDS to find clinical
treatment trials through both intramural and extramural means
and to use all available mechanisms as appropriate, including
support of state-of-the-science symposia, request for
applications, and facilitating access to human tissues to
stimulate a broad range of clinical and basic LAM research. The
Committee also commends the NCRR and ORD for their roles in
supporting the Rare Lung Disease Consortium.
Lymphatic Research.--The lymphatic system plays a vital
role in the immune system, the digestive system, and a wide
range of diseases, including lymphedema, asthma, and cancer.
There is growing evidence, for example, that intervening in the
lymphatic system could help reduce the spread of tumors. Other
research suggests that it contributes to unwanted inflammation.
Until recently, however, the scientific and medical professions
have not sufficiently recognized its importance. While
substantial resources have been spent to study the blood
circulatory system, far fewer have been devoted to the
lymphatic circulatory system. Therefore, the Committee urges
the NIH to consider research on the lymphatic system as an
initiative within the newly created Office of Portfolio
Analysis and Strategic Initiatives. In keeping with OPASI's
purpose, such research would address an area of emerging
scientific opportunity, and it would not focus on a specific
group of diseases, but a broad range. Furthermore, while a
better understanding of the lymphatic system would benefit
numerous Institutes and Centers, basic research in this area
currently falls both within and between existing IC missions--a
situation that contributes to the scientific neglect of the
lymphatic system. The Committee also urges the NHLBI, NCI,
NIAID and other ICs to improve coordination for lymphatic
system research through the Trans-NIH Coordinating Committee
and to specifically cite lymphatic system research in NIH
funding mechanisms such as program announcements and RFAs.
Medical Challenges.--In light of new medical challenges
such as SARS and the threat of bioweapons, the Director is
encouraged to increase collaborative efforts to address these
and other medical challenges. In addition the Committee
encourages the Director to conduct multi-institute projects to
address these challenges.
Minority Health Professions Institutions.--The Committee
continues to be pleased with the NIH Director's implementation
of various programs focused on developing research
infrastructure at minority health professions institutions,
including Research Centers at Minority Institutions, Extramural
Biomedical Research Facilities, and the National Center on
Minority Health and Health Disparities.
Nanosystems Biology.--The Committee encourages the
Director, along with NCI, to support a collaborative effort to
bring nanotechnology, systems biology and molecular imaging
together to examine the molecular basis of cancer, consistent
with the Director's Roadmap Initiative. Initial efforts have
shown that cancers such as breast cancer are not a single
disease, but may encompass many different diseases, when
examined at the molecular level. Many clinical trials of new
drugs are now considered to fail if only 10 percent of patients
benefit, yet that 10 percent may represent a specific type of
the disease, for which the drug in question may be 100 percent
effective. Bringing these three disciplines together may allow
researchers to identify specific sub-types of cancer and to
better target new interventions. Successful results of such an
effort could lead to a molecular classification of many types
of cancer and to targeted molecular treatments for molecular-
specific disease.
National Children's Study.--The Committee was very
disappointed that the President's budget proposed to eliminate
funding for the National Children's Study. The Committee
supports full and timely implementation of the Study [NCS] and
has included funds within the Office of the Director to
continue the study. This study aims to quantify the impacts of
a broad range of environmental influences, including physical,
chemical, biological and social influences, on child health and
development. Now that the pilot phase of the project has gotten
underway, the Committee believes it is timely to reconsider the
scientific strategy to measure environmental exposures and
genetic factors. Major scientific advances have occurred in
several fields since the National Children's Study was first
authorized, and the leadership of the NCS is urged to bring in
additional objective scientific expertise to assess the
scientific merit of the study components. The Committee further
urges the NIH to coordinate the involvement of the Departments,
the lead Federal partners and other interested institutes,
agencies and non-Federal partners conducting research on
children's environmental health and development, such that this
study is ready for the field by no later than 2007.
National Commission on Digestive Diseases.--The Committee
directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health is
planning to extend the charter for the National Commission on
Digestive Diseases from 2 years to 4 years from the date of its
establishment in order to provide for adequate consideration of
all study, evaluation, and planning matters as directed by the
Committee in Senate Report 108-345 for fiscal year 2005 (as
carried out by the Director in the notice appearing in the
Federal Register of August 26, 2005, volume 70, number 165,
pages 50377-50378).
National Private Research Centers.--The Committee
recognizes the need to raise awareness of the availability of
the National Primate Research Centers' [NPRCs] nonhuman primate
resources amongst Institute and Center Directors and within the
NIH-funded research community. The NPRCs provide access to
resources such as: nonhuman primates for NIH-funded
experiments; nonhuman cells, fluids, tissues, organs, proteins,
cell lines, and nucleic acid samples; immunological reagents
for nonhuman primate research; comprehensive genetic and
genomic information for nonhuman primates; and venues for the
assessment of nonhuman primate behavior and cognition. These
unique resources and expertise contribute to the overall
effectiveness of the Federal investment in biomedical research.
Obesity Research Task Force.--The Committee commends the
NIH for creation of an Obesity Research Task Force and for
NIH's recognition of the need to prevent and treat obesity
beginning in childhood. However, the Committee strongly urges
the Task Force to explicitly include, across the six proposed
trans-NIH obesity initiatives, investigations into the genetic
causes of obesity beginning with study of Prader-Willi
syndrome. Furthermore, the Committee urges the Director of NIH
to conduct outreach to the Prader-Willi Syndrome community to
participate in research at the proposed ``Obesity Clinical
Research Center.'' The NIH should be prepared to report on the
progress made by the Obesity Research Task Force, and the
trans-NIH research efforts to appropriately incorporate both
children and genetics into the overall obesity research agenda
during the fiscal year 2007 appropriations hearings.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee is aware that
Parkinson's disease research would benefit from targeted and
measured investment of resources by NIH which would result in
significant dividends in terms of reduction in human suffering
and economic costs to society. Accordingly, the Committee
continues to encourage the NIH to develop a strategic plan for
future investments in Parkinson's research, based on the
findings of a planning conference tasked with identifying the
current shortcomings and future opportunities for more
effective treatments and potential cures for the disease, and
with a clearly defined budget for achieving those objectives.
The Committee understood last year that the NIH convened a
conference in June 2005 and instructed NIH to report back to
Congress the conclusions and recommended research plan for the
next 3 years of Parkinson's research. The Committee is
discouraged that the report was not transmitted to the
Committee as requested.
The Committee further encourages the NIH to submit an
implementation plan with a research budget that outlines
progress already made and specific results of investments
outlined in that plan by July 1, 2007.
Peer Review of Patient-Focused Research.--The Committee
remains extremely concerned about analyses by the Center for
Scientific Review confirming that grant applications focused on
patient-oriented research are less likely to receive funding
than laboratory research grant proposals. The Committee
encourages the Director to take steps to eliminate this
disparity. The Committee is pleased that the NIH Roadmap is
focused on efforts to improve the training of clinical
investigators. However, these efforts can only partially
succeed if these researchers are at a disadvantage in the peer
review process. In addition, the Committee is concerned that
the peer review system may be failing to recognize the merit of
applications that could lead to medical breakthroughs. The
Committee encourages the Director to appoint a committee of
clinical investigators with experience as NIH grant reviewers
to recommend specific steps that should be taken to eliminate
the disparity in the review of laboratory and clinical research
applications. The Committee requests a report by March 1, 2007,
on steps that are being taken to address problems highlighted
in a 2002 General Accounting Office report including the lack
of reliable methods for identifying and tracking patient-
oriented research applications or reviewers.
Prader-Willi Syndrome.--The Committee recognizes the
commitment to establish a Rare Diseases Clinical Research
Center as part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network
for the study of Prader-Willi syndrome and other rare
disorders. The Committee strongly encourages that the RDCRC
program be expanded to increase the level of research being
conducted.
Psoriasis.--The Committee urges the Director to expand and
coordinate research and related activities with respect to
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis across all relevant
institutes, centers and offices, particularly at NIAMS and
NIAID, to help foster new, safe, and effective treatments for
these diseases and move toward a cure.
Rehabilitation Research.--The Committee is pleased with the
continuing effort of the National Center for Medical
Rehabilitation Research to coordinate rehabilitation research
initiatives among the several relevant institutes, including
NICHD, NINDS, NIA, and NIMH. The Committee is concerned,
however, that the contribution of rehabilitation sciences to
the fullest possible recovery of individuals who experience
functional limitations or have chronic disabilities does not
meet its potential. Therefore, the Committee urges the NIH to
provide a report to Congress by April 1, 2007, to address the
following: efforts to increase awareness of rehabilitation
research and coordination among all related institutes at NIH
and inclusion in trans-NIH initiatives; the appropriateness of
rehabilitation and disability research as a priority under the
Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives [OPASI];
and efforts to better track the NIH investment in
rehabilitation and disability research.
Research Training.--The Committee commends the NIH Director
for his efforts to improve training for young investigators
through the new Pathway to Independence program. The Committee
encourages the NIH to maintain its commitment to training
future biomedical and behavioral scientists, including women
and minority researchers, who are instrumental in understanding
health disparities. Given the importance of reducing health
disparities in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart
disease, as well as mental disorders, it is crucial that NIH
increase the coordination of data collection and the
development of objectives and long-term outcome measures across
institutes and centers and review whether current reductions in
training are having disproportionate impacts on minority
investigators.
Review of Grant Applications.--The Committee is concerned
that review time for proposals submitted to the Institute at
NIH continues to average about 18 months from the submission of
the grant proposal to the awarding of the grant. The Committee
strongly urges the Director to speed up the grant process and
award grants on an expedited basis.
Small Business Research.--Innovative ideas from small
businesses have the potential to be rapidly translated into
patient monitoring devices or treatments. The Committee urges
all Institutes and Centers to take advantage of the Small
Business Innovation Research [SBIR] and Small Business
Technology Transfer [STTR] programs to speed research on new
technologies that can lead to improvements in the prevention,
diagnosis, and cure of diabetes and its complications.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy.--The Committee strongly urges the
Director to ensure the success of the SMA Project by providing
active and ongoing support from the Office of the Director as
well as from other related Institute Directors. The Committee
is aware that the current SMA Project is scheduled to conclude
in 2007 and requests the OD begin planning for the necessary
follow-on effort to maximize the results of this innovative
project for SMA and to ensure it serves as a model for other
diseases.
Support of Clinical Investigators.--The Committee believes
that NIH should give the highest priority to programs and
policies that support the work of clinical investigators who
translate laboratory findings to improved patient care. While
the Committee supports the goals of the Clinical and
Translational Science Awards [CTSA], the initiative appears
focused largely on the training of new clinical investigators
and may result in a diminution of resources currently available
to active clinical researchers. The Committee is concerned, for
example, about whether the clinical services currently provided
by General Clinical Research Centers will remain available to
funded clinical investigators, particularly those in
institutions that do not compete successfully for a CTSA. The
Committee encourages the Director to monitor this closely and
take steps to assure that the necessary clinical research
infrastructure support is maintained for NIH-funded clinical
investigators.
The Committee is particularly supportive of the component
of the CTSA award that will make support available to
researchers for pilot studies to collect preliminary data and
offer researchers the opportunity to progress to research
project grant support. The Committee requests a report by March
1, 2007, on the extent to which CTSA award funding or other NIH
roadmap grants are being dedicated to this type of support for
investigators.
Temporomandibular Joint [TMJ] Disorders.--While much work
remains, the Committee is encouraged by actions taken over the
last year by NIH to expand research on TMJ disorders. The
Committee commends the Directors of NIDCR, NINDS and ORWH for
their efforts to increase research on genetic and environmental
factors that may increase risk for the onset and progression of
these disorders and attract new investigators to the field. The
need for safe and effective prostheses for TMJ patients who
have lost jaw tissue due to disease or disease treatments
remains a critical issue, and the Committee applauds NIDCR for
giving high priority to advancing tissue replacement
technology. In cooperation with NIBIB, recommendations from the
third scientific meeting of The TMJ Association provide
bioengineering approaches that can be implemented which will
improve diagnostics as well as treatments for TMJ problems.
Complex disease research calls for team efforts involving
engineers, computer scientists and medical scientists to study
the jaw anatomy, physiology and the complex nervous, endocrine
and immune system interactions that orchestrate jaw function.
The Committee calls on the Director to invigorate such
collaborative efforts in these areas over the coming fiscal
year and to coordinate the work of all relevant ICs and give
priority to collaborative, cross-cutting research. The
Committee also strongly urges the NIH to take concrete steps to
develop informational materials directed to medical, dental and
allied health professionals (e.g., nurses, dental hygienists)
to improve understanding of TMJ diseases and disorders and
their frequent co-morbidities. Such an effort should be
directed and coordinated by OWRH in collaboration with other
ICs, including NIDCR, NIAMS, NINDS, NIBIB and NHLBI.
Translational Research.--The Committee is very supportive
of translational research and strongly encourages the NIH to
integrate such research as a permanent component of the
research portfolio of each institute and center. The Committee
urges NIH to begin discussions to determine how best to
facilitate progress in translating existing research findings
and to disseminate and integrate these findings at the practice
level. Translational research should also include the discovery
and application of knowledge within the practice setting using
such laboratories as practice-based research networks. This
research spans biological systems, patients, and communities,
and arises from questions of importance to patients and their
physicians, particularly those practicing primary care. The
Committee strongly encourages all of the NIH Institutes and
Centers to support translational research in the behavioral and
social sciences to address how basic behavioral processes
inform the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and delivery of
services. The Committee requests the Director of NIH to include
a progress update in next year's budget Justification.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee urges the
Office to work with all institutes involved in TSC research to
revise the 10-year TSC Research Plan into a comprehensive TSC
Research Strategy for a Cure. The Committee also encourages the
continuation of the Program Announcement on Understanding and
Treating Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
OFFICE OF AIDS RESEARCH
The Committee recommendation does not include a direct
appropriation for the Office of AIDS Research [OAR]. Instead,
funding for AIDS research is included within the appropriation
for each Institute, Center, and Division of the NIH. The
recommendation also includes a general provision which directs
that the funding for AIDS research, as determined by the
Director of the National Institutes of Health and the OAR, be
allocated directly to the OAR for distribution to the
Institutes consistent with the AIDS research plan. The
recommendation also includes a general provision permitting the
Director of the NIH and the OAR to shift up to 3 percent of
AIDS research funding among Institutes and Centers throughout
the year if needs change or unanticipated opportunities arise.
The Committee requests that the Director provide notification
to the Committee in the event the Directors exercise the 3
percent transfer authority.
The NIH Office of AIDS Research [OAR] coordinates the
scientific, budgetary, legislative, and policy elements of the
NIH AIDS research program. Congress provided new authorities to
the OAR to fulfill these responsibilities in the NIH
Revitalization Act Amendments of 1993. The law mandates the OAR
to develop an annual comprehensive plan and budget for all NIH
AIDS research and to prepare a Presidential bypass budget.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $81,025,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 81,081,000
House allowance......................................... 81,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 81,081,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $81,081,000
for buildings and facilities [B&F]. The budget requested
$81,081,000 and the fiscal year 2006 appropriation was
$81,025,000.
Building Improvements.--The Committee is aware that in the
conduct of research in buildings of the type and age of those
operated and owned by the NIH, it will sometimes be necessary
to conduct improvements, including renovations and alterations,
and/or repairs to meet program objectives; and that the needs
for such activities often cannot be anticipated in budgets
prepared a year or more in advance. The Committee, therefore,
has included a provision to clarify that consistent with long-
standing NIH practice, funds appropriated to the Institutes and
Centers may be used for improvements (renovation/alterations)
and repairs provided that (1) the funds are not already
included in the buildings and facilities appropriation, (2) the
improvements and repairs funded are principally for the benefit
of the program from which the funds are drawn, and (3) such
activities are conducted under and subject to the
administrative policies and procedures of the NIH Office of the
Director. The Committee has included a limitation on the size
of projects to be funded directly by the Institutes and
Centers.
The Committee has included full-scope bill language within
this appropriation to give flexibility to the NIH to continue
work on the John E. Porter Neuroscience Research Center.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $3,324,536,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 3,260,001,000
House allowance......................................... 3,343,135,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,337,312,000
The Committee recommends $3,337,312,000 for the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] for
fiscal year 2007. This amount is $12,776,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $77,311,000 above the
administration request. The recommendation includes
$126,129,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act. SAMHSA is responsible for supporting
mental health programs and alcohol and other drug abuse
prevention and treatment services throughout the country,
primarily through categorical grants and block grants to
States.
The Committee has provided funding for programs of regional
and national significance under each of the three SAMHSA
centers: mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and
substance abuse prevention. Separate funding is available for
the children's mental health services program, projects for
assistance in transition from homelessness, the protection and
advocacy program, data collection activities undertaken by the
Office of Applied Studies and the two block grant programs: the
community mental health services block grant and the substance
abuse prevention and treatment block grant.
The Committee remains concerned by the disproportionate
presence of substance abuse in rural and native communities,
particularly for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native
Hawaiian communities. The Committee reiterates its belief that
funds for prevention and treatment programs should be targeted
to those persons and communities most in need of service.
Therefore, the Committee has provided sufficient funds to fund
projects to increase knowledge about effective ways to deliver
services to rural and native communities.
In developing its fiscal year 2008 budget request, the
Committee urges SAMHSA to revise the format for its
congressional justification in ways that will make it more
readable and easily understood. In particular, the Committee
would appreciate more descriptive information for existing and
proposed programs of regional and national significance,
including a brief description of the program, a justification
of changing funding levels, a 5-year funding history and output
measures. As an example, the Committee urges SAMHSA to examine
the format and level of detail contained in the Department of
Education congressional justification.
CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $883,673,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 848,912,000
House allowance......................................... 890,114,000
Committee recommendation................................ 911,805,000
The Committee recommends $911,805,000 for mental health
services. This amount is $28,132,000 above the comparable level
for fiscal year 2006 and $62,893,000 above the administration
request. The recommendation includes $21,629,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
Included in the recommendation is funding for programs of
regional and national significance, the mental health
performance partnership block grant to the States, children's
mental health services, projects for assistance in transition
from homelessness, and protection and advocacy services for
individuals with mental illnesses.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee recommends $290,994,000 for programs of
regional and national significance. This amount is $27,914,000
above the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and $62,893,000
above the administration request. Programs of regional and
national significance address priority mental health needs
through developing and applying best practices, offering
training and technical assistance, providing targeted capacity
expansion grants, and changing the delivery system through
family, client-oriented and consumer-run activities.
The Committee remains deeply concerned that suicide is the
third leading cause of death among adolescents. Beginning in
fiscal year 2005, the Committee has provided funding for grants
to States and tribes to develop youth suicide prevention and
early intervention programs. The Committee recommendation
includes $30,000,000 for these grants, $12,180,000 above last
year's level and the administration request. In addition, the
Committee has provided $5,000,000 for campus-based programs
that address youth suicide prevention. This is an increase of
$50,000 above the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and the
administration request. The Committee also provides $5,000,000
for the Suicide Prevention Hotline program, which is $1,979,000
more than the fiscal year 2006 comparable level and the
administration request.
The Committee intends that no less than last year's level
of funding be used for preventing youth violence. This
initiative includes the Safe Schools/Healthy Students
interdepartmental program. The administration proposed cutting
this program by $17,588,000. The Committee believes that
enhanced school and community-based services can strengthen
healthy child development, thus reducing violent behavior and
substance use. Since 1999, over 180 communities have received
and benefited from these grants. It is again expected that
SAMHSA will collaborate with the Departments of Education and
Justice to continue a coordinated approach.
The Committee recommendation provides $25,740,000 for the
State Incentive Grants for Transformation program, which is the
same as the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and
$5,944,000 above the administration's request. The Committee
has not included bill language, as requested by the
administration, allowing States to redirect a portion of the
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant for transformation
activities. Instead, the Committee recommends that the
administration continue funding transformation planning and
implementation activities through the State Incentive Grants
for Transformation program. In furtherance of achieving its
goals for transformation, the Committee also urges SAMHSA to
prioritize within its Programs of Regional and National
Significance [PRNS] initiatives that augment the role of
consumers. To that end, the Committee urges SAMHSA to provide a
mechanism within its program of State Incentives Grants for
Transformation to ensure that modest funding is made available
to support full and active participation by community-based
organizations representing consumers in all facets of
transformation planning and implementation.
In support of the idea that transformation should be
consumer-and family-driven, the Committee recommendation
provides funding at last year's level for Statewide Consumer
Network Grants and Statewide Family Network Grants. The
Committee also provides funding at last year's level for the
consumer and consumer-supporter national technical assistance
centers. The Committee directs CMHS to support multi-year
grants to five such national technical assistance centers.
The Committee has provided $30,000,000 to continue the
important work of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
[NCTSN]. The Committee strongly urges SAMHSA to build the
strongest possible network of centers by setting criteria that
award competitive grants based upon expertise and experience in
the field of child traumatic stress. The Committee asks SAMHSA
to review whether previously funded centers, not currently in
the network, should be awarded grants to rejoin the network, if
their expertise would benefit the network. The Committee also
urges SAMHSA to give high priority to grants for centers that
work with children and families affected by devastating
hurricanes along the Gulf Coast as well as those centers that
work with children and families of active, guard and reserve
personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Committee has included $15,000,000 for grants to fund
mental health services to the homeless. This is $5,440,000
above the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and $10,561,000
above the administration request. The Committee understands
that the administration request will fund all current grantees
that need continuation funds. It is the Committee's intention
that the funding provided above that level shall be used to
fund services in permanent supportive housing to help end
chronic homelessness. The Committee directs CMHS, in
consultation with CSAT, to award these grants to applicants
that operate permanent supportive housing funded by HUD's
Homeless Assistance Programs or comparable programs, including
those that were funded through the Interagency Collaborative
Initiative to Reduce Chronic Homelessness.
The Committee recommendation includes funding at last
year's level for the Elderly Treatment and Outreach Program.
The Committee notes that while many older Americans experience
depression, dementia, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders,
far too often these conditions are not recognized or treated.
Outreach to elderly persons conducted in places frequented by
seniors, such as senior centers, meal sites, primary care
settings and other locations, is needed. The Elderly Treatment
and Outreach Program is the only federally funded services
program dedicated specifically to the mental health care of
older adults. This grant program, which helps local communities
establish the infrastructure necessary to better serve the
mental health needs of older adults, has been funded at
approximately $5,000,000 for fiscal years 2002-2006. The
Committee urges SAMHSA to expand this program so that it can
provide evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment
services to the growing population of older adults in this
country.
While the Committee is pleased that SAMHSA is focusing on
helping persons with mental illnesses achieve recovery, a
parallel effort must be made to strengthen the service capacity
of safety net community-based mental health providers.
Therefore, the Committee urges SAMHSA to produce a
comprehensive study regarding the technical assistance
furnished to Community Mental Health Centers over the last 5
years on such issues as personnel preparation, evidenced based
practices, quality improvement, integrated treatment, and
individualized care.
The Committee recognizes the significant impact that
natural and human-made disasters can have on mental and
behavioral health. In particular, such events can lead to
negative mental and behavioral health consequences for
vulnerable populations, including older adults, children,
individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. The
Committee acknowledges the role of the Emergency Mental Health
and Traumatic Stress Services Branch in supporting the
emotional recovery of those impacted by trauma and disasters.
The Committee encourages this branch, in collaboration with
FEMA, to increase attention to the mental and behavioral health
needs of vulnerable populations during and in the aftermath of
a disaster.
The Committee remains concerned about the need to improve
the representation of minorities among behavioral health
professionals providing services in the public sector. For this
reason, the Committee is providing funding for the Minority
Fellowship Program [MFP] at last year's level so that SAMHSA
can continue this program, which has been successful in
addressing this issue. The Committee does urge SAMHSA, however,
to consider the inclusion in the MFP program of other
professions like marriage and family therapists in so far as
they provide services in the public sector.
Both the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental
Health and the Surgeon General of the United States have called
for greater involvement of consumers in the mental health care
delivery system. The Surgeon General noted that consumers ``in
the role of peer-specialists integrated into case management
teams led to improved patient outcomes.'' Peer-specialists, by
providing a level of care not available from medical
professionals, help to improve treatment outcomes, including
reduced hospitalization and use of other services. The
Committee encourages SAMHSA to include peer-support and peer-
specialists in the development and application of best mental
health practices.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access Community Health Network, Chicago, IL, to $450,000
integrate behavioral health services in a community
health setting........................................
Alaska Dept of Health and Social Services and Catholic 300,000
Community Services in Anchorage, AK to provide mental
health and substance abuse treatment for seniors and
their caregivers......................................
Aliquippa Community Hospital, Aliquippa, PA, for the 200,000
conduct of an Outpatient Mental Health--Partial
Hospitalization program...............................
Arc of Lackawanna County, Scranton, PA for mental 100,000
health programs.......................................
BJC Behavioral Health, Farmington, MO to develop a 250,000
pilot project to serve children in need of mental
health services in rural areas........................
Centerstone, Nashville, TN, to develop improved ways of 500,000
managing care of individuals with schizo- phrenia....
Community Counseling Center, Portland, ME to provide 100,000
expanded trauma assistance for the Greater Portland
Trauma Assistance Network.............................
Corporate Alliance for Drug Education (CADE), 100,000
Philadelphia, PA, for violence prevention programs in
schools...............................................
Family Service Partners, New Cumberland, PA, for mental 100,000
health services.......................................
Foundation for Glade Run Lutheran Services, Zelienople, 100,000
PA to develop and assess mental health treatment
programs..............................................
Horizon House, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, for mental 100,000
health treatment services.............................
Institute for Behavior Change, Coatesville, PA to 100,000
further use of the Home Facilitator Support Program...
Northeast Kingdom Human Services, Inc. of Newport, VT, 300,000
to expand access to mental health services............
Spurwink, Portland, ME for Best Practices Models for 135,000
Residential Treatment and Data Collection.............
State of New Mexico to help transform its public 300,000
behavioral healthcare system..........................
Tanana Chiefs Conference, in partnership with Fairbanks 500,000
Native Association and the University of Alaska/
Fairbanks in Fairbanks, AK to treat behavioral
problems of children through the Ch'eghutsen (that
Children are Precious) program........................
The Samaritans, Inc., Providence, RI to complete an 150,000
evaluation of the state's suicide prevention hotline..
United Way of Anchorage, AK for its 211 Project to 600,000
develop an integrated system of resources for people
with substance abuse, mental illness and homelessness.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Transportation and 100,000
Consumer Protection, Madison, WI, to provide mental
health services for farmers and their families
throughout Wisconsin..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant
The Committee recommends $428,472,000 for the community
mental health services block grant, which is $108,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 amount and is the same as the
administration request. The recommendation includes $21,629,000
in transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act.
The Committee has not included bill language requested by
the administration that would redirect a portion of each
State's block grant funding toward transformation planning and
implementation activities. Instead, the Committee directs that
SAMHSA continue to preserve the funding flexibility that has
marked the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant. The
Committee further recommends that SAMHSA continue to work with
States and the planning and advisory councils to integrate the
principles of transformation with a State's service-delivery
system, including the block grant. The Committee recommends
that the administration continue funding transformation
planning and implementation activities through the State
Incentives Grants for Transformation.
The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Program
distributes funds to 59 eligible States and Territories through
a formula based upon specified economic and demographic
factors. Applications must include an annual plan for providing
comprehensive community mental health services to adults with a
serious mental illness and children with a serious emotional
disturbance. Because the mental health needs of our Nation's
elderly population are often not met by existing programs and
because the need for such services is dramatically and rapidly
increasing, the Committee recommends that SAMHSA require that
States' plans include specific provisions for mental health
services for older adults.
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Committee recommends $104,078,000 for the children's
mental health services program. This amount is $72,000 above
the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and the same as the
administration request. This program provides grants and
technical assistance to support community-based services for
children and adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral or
mental disorders. Grantees must provide matching funds, and
services must involve the educational, juvenile justice, and
health systems.
PROJECTS FOR ASSISTANCE IN TRANSITION FROM HOMELESSNESS [PATH]
The Committee recommends $54,261,000 for the PATH Program.
This amount is $38,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006
level and the same as the administration request.
PATH provides outreach, mental health, and case management
services and other community support services to individuals
with serious mental illness who are homeless or at risk of
becoming homeless. The PATH program makes a significant
difference in the lives of homeless persons with mental
illnesses. PATH services eliminate the revolving door of
episodic inpatient and outpatient hospital care.
Multidisciplinary teams address client needs within a continuum
of services, providing needed stabilization so that mental
illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse and medical issues
can be addressed. Assistance is provided to enhance access to
housing, rehabilitation and training, and other needed
supports, assisting homeless people in returning to secure and
stable lives.
Protection and Advocacy
The Committee recommends $34,000,000 for the protection and
advocacy program, which is the same as the comparable fiscal
year 2006 level and the administration request. This program
helps ensure that the rights of mentally ill individuals are
protected while they are patients in treatment facilities, or
while they are living in the community, including their own
homes. Funds are allocated to States according to a formula
based on population and relative per capita incomes.
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $2,156,100,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 2,133,970,000
House allowance......................................... 2,160,695,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,131,257,000
The Committee recommends $2,131,257,000 for substance abuse
treatment programs. This amount is $24,843,000 below the
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and $2,713,000 below
the administration request. The recommendation includes
$83,500,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act. This amount funds substance abuse
treatment programs of regional and national significance and
the substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant to the
States.
The Committee commends the Center for Substance Abuse
Treatment [CSAT] for its continued collaboration with the
National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA] and State substance
abuse directors, also known as Single State Authorities [SSAs]
for Substance Abuse, to improve the manner in which evidence-
based practices are used in our publicly funded system. The
Committee encourages CSAT to continue its Blending Initiative
with NIDA and the SSAs to ensure that research findings are
relevant and adaptable by State substance abuse systems.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee recommends $342,666,000 for programs of
regional and national significance [PRNS]. The recommendation
includes $4,300,000 in transfers available under section 241 of
the Public Health Service Act. The recommendation is
$56,009,000 below the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and
$32,713,000 below the administration request.
Programs of regional and national significance include
three primary activities: best practice programs are used to
develop more information on how best to serve those most in
need; training and technical assistance supports dissemination
of information through knowledge development; and targeted
capacity expansion programs enable the agency to respond to
service needs in local communities.
The Committee has not included funding for the
administration's proposed Access to Recovery voucher incentive
program. The administration requested $70,488,000 for this
program, which would give priority to States that use a portion
of their Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment [SAPT] block
grant to deliver services through the use of vouchers. The
Committee is aware that State addiction systems currently
employ a broad range of purchasing mechanisms to ensure
successful outcomes. At the same time, the Committee continues
to strongly support the SAPT block grant program. Therefore,
the Committee is re-directing a portion of the proposed funding
for the voucher incentive program to the SAPT block grant to
ensure that all States and territories are afforded adequate
resources for addiction treatment and prevention.
Since fiscal year 2004 the Committee has funded, through
the President's original Access to Recovery program, 14 States
and one tribal entity for the purpose of piloting programs to
purchase treatment and recovery support services through the
use of vouchers. The first 3-year grant cycle ends September
30, 2006. The Committee supports SAMHSA's proposal to evaluate
the extent to which the ATR programs were successful and urges
SAMHSA, as part of the ATR evaluation, to review and report on
the extent to which the use of vouchers impacts clinical
outcomes compared to the use of other purchasing strategies.
The Committee is aware that the administration has proposed
$24,750,000 for a methamphetamine treatment initiative that
would require successful applicants to purchase methamphetamine
treatment services through the use of vouchers. The Committee
appreciates and supports efforts to help expand access to
clinically appropriate methamphetamine treatment. While the
perception exists that methamphetamine addicts do not respond
well to treatment, studies indicate that over 60 percent of
methamphetamine users remain abstinent 6 months after being
discharged from treatment. However, the Committee believes that
States and local communities are currently achieving effective
outcomes for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction by
tailoring their strategies, including how services are
delivered, in ways that best address local needs. Therefore,
the Committee has provided $25,000,000 for methamphetamine
treatment services within the targeted capacity expansion
program with no requirements as to how grantees choose to
provide services.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the incidence
of drug addiction among pregnant and parenting women. The
unavailability of family-based treatment is manifested in the
overrepresentation of substance-abusing mothers in the child
welfare system. Up to 80 percent of the families who come to
the attention of child welfare agencies are substance abusing.
The Committee believes that increased capacity for family-based
treatment programs is imperative. Within the funds appropriated
for CSAT, the Committee recommends $15,000,000 for treatment
programs for pregnant, postpartum, and residential women and
their children. This amount is $4,116,000 above the comparable
level for fiscal year 2006 and $11,068,000 above the
administration request. Moreover, since women and children are
disproportionately affected by the meth epidemic, the Committee
directs SAMHSA to explore ways to increase family treatment
capacity within the methamphetamine treatment program.
The Committee recommendation includes $31,151,000 for the
Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, and Treatment [SBIRT]
program as requested. This competitive grant program assists
States, territories, and tribes in targeting nondependent drug
users and is designed to avert the progression of patients from
chronic substance abuse problems. The SBIRT program works in
primary and general care settings to identify patients in need
of treatment and to provide them with appropriate intervention
and treatment options.
The Committee remains concerned about substance abuse among
American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. It notes that
the rate of current illicit drug use as reported by the 2004
National Survey on Drug Use and Health was 12.3 percent among
American Indians and Alaska Natives, nearly 50 percent higher
than among whites, blacks, or Hispanics. It also notes that
among youth aged 12 to 17, the rate of current illicit drug use
was highest among American Indians or Alaskan Natives at 26
percent, which is more than twice the rate among all youth.
Thus the Committee has included $5,000,000 for grants to
American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes or tribal
organizations to address substance abuse problems.
The Committee commends SAMHSA for encouraging substance
abuse prevention and treatment grantees to make prevention of
hepatitis a part of their comprehensive prevention and
treatment program and for encouraging them to use other
resources to fund treatment or for providing vaccines where
appropriate. In particular, the Committee commends CSAT for
taking a leadership role in hepatitis prevention through the
implementation of the Adult Hepatitis Vaccine Demonstration
Project, and encourages the continuation and evaluation of this
program.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akeela, Inc., in Anchorage, AK to continue its Re-Entry $450,000
Program for newly released prisoners with substance
abuse problems........................................
City and County of San Francisco Department of Human 400,000
Services, CA, for mental health and substance abuse
services for the homeless.............................
County of Alameda Health Care Services Agency, CA, for 150,000
the Detoxification and Recovery Services Cen- ter....
Doe Fund, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, to provide substance 100,000
abuse treatment services..............................
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, in Fairbanks, AK for the 500,000
Fairbanks Community Initiative for Chronic Inebriates.
Gateway Rehabilitation Center, Aliquippa, PA, for 100,000
expanded treatment services...........................
Maniilaq Association, in Kotzebue, AK for the Maniilaq 500,000
Family Recovery Program...............................
Municipality of Anchorage, with the Dept. of Health and 400,000
Social Services and Cook Inlet Tribal Council,
Anchorage, AK for the Anchorage Downtown Partnership
Pathways to Sobriety Project..........................
Potter County Human Services, Roulette, PA to expand 100,000
drug and alcohol treatment services...................
Salvation Army of Clark County, Las Vegas, NV, for an 500,000
adult rehabilitation program..........................
Starting Place, Hollywood, FL, for substance abuse 100,000
treatment for adolescents.............................
Teen Challenge of Illinois, Decatur, IL, for drug abuse 250,000
treatment services for girls and women................
Will County Health Department, Joliet, IL, for 500,000
substance abuse programs for the mentally ill.........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
The Committee recommends $1,788,591,000 for the substance
abuse prevention and treatment block grant. The recommendation
includes $79,200,000 in transfers available under section 241
of the Public Health Service Act. The recommendation is
$31,166,000 above the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and
$30,000,000 above the administration request. The block grant
provides funds to States to support alcohol and drug abuse
prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Funds are
allocated to the States according to formula. State plans must
be submitted and approved annually.
The Committee is aware that the Substance Abuse Prevention
and Treatment [SAPT] block grant is the backbone of our
Nation's publicly funded treatment and prevention system in
every State and territory in the country. The SAPT block grant
funds over 10,500 community-based organizations and serves our
Nation's most vulnerable citizens, including pregnant and
parenting women, those with HIV/AIDS and others. The Committee
is also aware that the data demonstrate the efficiency and
effectiveness of services funded by the SAPT block grant. In
particular, programs funded by the SAPT block grant help people
remain abstinent from alcohol and other drug use; find
employment; find stable housing; stay away from criminal
activity; and live productive lives in recovery. As a result,
the Committee continues to express its strong support for the
SAPT block grant.
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $192,767,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 180,598,000
House allowance......................................... 195,805,000
Committee recommendation................................ 196,729,000
The Committee recommends $196,729,000 for programs to
prevent substance abuse, which is $3,962,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $16,131,000 above the
administration request.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee has provided $196,729,000 for programs of
regional and national significance [PRNS]. The recommendation
is $3,962,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and
$16,131,000 above the administration request. The Center for
Substance Abuse Prevention [CSAP] is the sole Federal
organization with responsibility for improving accessibility
and quality of substance abuse prevention services. Through the
PRNS, CSAP supports: development of new practice knowledge on
substance abuse prevention; identification of proven effective
models; dissemination of science-based intervention
information; State and community capacity-building for
implementation of proven effective substance abuse prevention
programs; and programs addressing new needs in the prevention
system.
The Committee recognizes the important role played by the
20 percent prevention services set-aside within the Substance
Abuse Prevention and Treatment [SAPT] block grant. This vital
substance abuse prevention program helped contribute to the
fact that 600,000 fewer teens used drugs in 2004 compared to
2001, according to the Monitoring the Future Survey.
The Committee has provided $16,131,000 above the
President's request for CSAP in recognition of its role as the
lead Federal agency for preventing substance use among youth.
The Committee is concerned by the overall level of funding
requested by the administration for prevention activities.
According to the President's National Drug Control Strategy,
the amount of Federal funding requested for prevention across
all agencies in fiscal year 2007 represents a decline of over
$474,000,000, or 24 percent, from fiscal year 2005 levels.
Furthermore, only 35 percent of the Federal drug control budget
was requested for demand reduction activities, compared to 65
percent for supply reduction. While the Committee is supportive
of efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs into this
country, the growing emphasis on these activities suggests a
belief by the administration that they are more effective than
demand reduction programs, and prevention programs in
particular. The Committee strongly disagrees with this approach
and believes that a successful drug control strategy must
provide sufficient funding to prevention and treatment programs
in addition to market disruptions activities.
The Committee expects CSAP to focus its efforts on reducing
youth drug and alcohol use through the Strategic Prevention
Framework State Incentive Grant [SPFSIG] program. The
Committee's recommendations include $106,650,000 for the SPFSIG
program, which is the same as the comparable level for fiscal
year 2006 level. Given the scarce resources available for
substance use prevention, the Committee expects CSAP to work
with the State SPFSIG recipients to focus their funds on
environmental and population-based strategies, due to the cost
effectiveness of these approaches; and to ensure that community
anti-drug coalitions, funded under the Drug Free Communities
program, are utilized, to the maximum extent possible, as
SPFSIG sub-recipients, in order to maximize Federal investments
in prevention.
The SPFSIG program is designed to promote, bolster, and
sustain prevention infrastructure for every State in the
country. The Committee recognizes that a linchpin of this
program is State flexibility so that each State may tailor
initiatives and direct resources in ways that are most
appropriate for its own jurisdiction. The Committee encourages
SAMHSA to promote maximum flexibility in managing the SPFSIG
program and the 20 percent prevention set-aside within the SAPT
block grant so that each State may employ a range of effective
strategies to meet its unique needs and local circumstances.
The Committee recommendation includes $850,000 for the
continuation of the Ad Council's parent-oriented media campaign
to combat underage drinking. The Committee believes this
campaign represents a critical component of the Nation's
commitment to combating underage drinking by providing the
first-ever visible, consistent federally backed message
challenging parental complacency about the risks of underage
drinking. The Committee considers the continuity of this
program a top priority, and provides a fourth year of funding
for this essential public health message.
The Committee is pleased that the Inter-Agency Coordinating
Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking [ICCPUD] has
taken steps to engage State officials on evidence-based
strategies for combating underage drinking and to promote
increased State action to reduce youth alcohol use. The
Committee appreciates the ICCPUD's January 2006 submission of a
proposed Federal underage drinking prevention plan. While it
provides a good description of the scope of the problem and
existing Federal activities in this area, the Committee is
disappointed by the plan's lack of vision. The plan sets three
performance targets for 2009: reducing the prevalence of past
month alcohol use by those aged 12-20 by 10 percent; reducing
the prevalence of those aged 12-20 reporting binge alcohol use
in the past 30 days by 10 percent; and increasing the average
age of first use from 15.6 to 16.5. These are modest goals, and
they expire in just 3 years. It is well recognized, however,
that reducing underage drinking will take a concerted effort
over many years--certainly more than 3--and no one should be
satisfied with 10 percent reductions. The Committee strongly
urges ICCPUD to set more ambitious, longer-term targets in its
next annual report.
The Committee is pleased that the ICCPUD plan includes a
``Call to Action'' by the Surgeon General on underage drinking
prevention. The Committee directs the ICCPUD to ensure that the
``Call to Action'' is vigorously promoted and disseminated to
policymakers and the public. Finally, the Committee requests
that the ICCPUD work with the National Institute on Drug Abuse
[NIDA] to ensure that NIDA's Monitoring the Future Survey,
which tracks youth substance use, separately and prominently
highlights underage drinking findings and trends.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Health Center on the Big Island of Hawaii, $200,000
for youth anti-drug program...........................
Dakota County, Hastings, MN, for the All Children Excel 300,000
program...............................................
Institute for Research, Education & Training in 100,000
Addictions (IRETA), Pittsburgh, PA, for substance
abuse prevention programs.............................
Maine Lighthouse Corporation, Bar Harbor, ME to combat 100,000
community substance abuse.............................
Ramsey County, Saint Paul, MN, for the All Children 200,000
Excel program.........................................
Seton Hill University, Westmoreland County, PA, to 100,000
provide individual and family therapy to juveniles
referred from the court system........................
Valley Prevention Services, Williamsport, PA to utilize 100,000
a community-based approach to enhance alcohol and
other drug prevention efforts in Clinton County.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The Committee recommends $97,521,000 for program management
activities of the agency. The recommendation includes
$21,000,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act. The recommendation is $5,521,000
above the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and $1,000,000
above the budget request.
The program management activity includes resources for
coordinating, directing, and managing the agency's programs.
Program management funds support salaries, benefits, space,
supplies, equipment, travel, and departmental overhead required
to plan, supervise, and administer SAMHSA's programs.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 to
continue the collaborative effort by SAMHSA and CDC to
establish a population-based source of data on the mental and
behavioral health needs in this country.
The Committee is aware of collaborative work by State
substance abuse directors, also known as Single State
Authorities [SSAs] for Substance Abuse, and SAMHSA to improve
the quality and utility of substance abuse prevention and
treatment data through the use of a core set of National
Outcome Measures [NOMS] across all SAMHSA funding mechanisms,
including services funded by the SAPT block grant. The
Committee commends the States and SAMHSA for working to
streamline data reporting, reduce administrative burden, and
improve accountability. The Committee strongly encourages
SAMHSA to work with State substance abuse directors on all
aspects of NOMs and State Outcomes Measurement and Management
System [SOMMS] implementation and evaluation--including work to
examine and promote effective nonproprietary data management
tools. This partnership will further support the infrastructure
for substance abuse data reporting at the State and national
levels.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $318,695,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 318,695,000
House allowance......................................... 318,695,000
Committee recommendation................................ 318,695,000
The Committee recommends $318,695,000 for the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ]. This amount is the same
as both the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and
the administration request. The Committee has funded AHRQ
through budget authority rather than through transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was
established in 1990 to promote improvements in clinical
practice and patient outcomes, promote improvements in the
financing, organization, and delivery of health care services,
and increase access to quality care. AHRQ is the Federal agency
charged to produce and disseminate scientific and policy-
relevant information about the cost, quality, access, and
medical effectiveness of health care. AHRQ provides
policymakers, health care professionals, and the public with
the information necessary to improve cost effectiveness and
appropriateness of health care and to reduce the costs of
health care.
HEALTH COSTS, QUALITY, AND OUTCOMES
The Committee provides $260,695,000 for research on health
costs, quality and outcomes [HCQO]. This amount is the same as
both the comparable amount for fiscal year 2006 and the
administration request. HCQO research activity is focused upon
improving clinical practice, improving the health care system's
capacity to deliver quality care, and tracking progress toward
health goals through monitoring and evaluation.
Of the total amount provided for HCQO the Committee has
included $84,000,000 to determine ways to reduce medical
errors. Of this amount, $50,000,000 will support the
Department's initiative to promote the development, adoption,
and diffusion of information technology in health care.
The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for
research authorized under section 1013 of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.
The Committee's recommendation is the same as the amount
provided last year.
Autoimmune Disease.--In order to support continued HHS-wide
implementation of the HHS Autoimmune Diseases Research Plan,
the Committee encourages AHRQ to estimate the annual treatment
and societal costs of autoimmune diseases in the United States,
in order to project their future impact and burden on the
healthcare system.
Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy.--The Committee is
pleased that AHRQ is working with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention [CDC] to establish evidence-driven
standards of care for DBMD patients, and encourages both
agencies to complete this work by February 1, 2007.
Medication Errors.--The Committee is pleased with AHRQ's
continued emphasis on efforts to address bedside medication
errors, which frequently lead to patient harm, and encourages
AHRQ to give particular attention to comprehensive medication
delivery systems, especially those that ensure connectivity
from patient to pharmacy. The Committee understands that pilot
projects are underway to demonstrate the usefulness of such
integrated medication delivery systems and encourages AHRQ to
continue to make these systems, which show tremendous promise
in preventing bedside medication delivery errors, a strong
component of its health information technology grants.
Mental Illness.--The Committee is seriously concerned about
the prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated mental illness
among older Americans. Affective disorders, including
depression, anxiety, dementia, and substance abuse and
dependence, are often misdiagnosed or not recognized at all by
primary and specialty care physicians in their elderly
patients. While effective treatments for these conditions are
available, there is an urgent need to translate advancements
from biomedical and behavioral research to clinical practice.
The Committee urges AHRQ to support evidence-based research
projects focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mental
illnesses in the geriatric population, and to disseminate
evidence-based reports to physicians and other health care
professionals.
Nurse-Managed Health Centers.--The Committee encourages
AHRQ to include nurse managed health centers and advanced
practice nurses in research and demonstration projects
conducted by the agency.
MEDICAL EXPENDITURES PANEL SURVEYS
The Committee provides $55,300,000 for health insurance and
medical expenditures panel surveys [MEPS], which is the same as
the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and the administration
request. MEPS is intended to obtain timely national estimates
of health care use and expenditures, private and public health
insurance coverage, and the availability, costs and scope of
private health insurance benefits. It also develops cost and
savings estimates of proposed changes in policy and identifies
impact of policy changes on payers, providers, and patients.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
The Committee recommends $2,700,000 for program support.
This amount is the same as the comparable fiscal year 2006
level and the administration request. This activity supports
the overall management of the agency.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID
Appropriations, 2006....................................$156,954,419,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 138,072,248,000
House allowance......................................... 138,072,248,000
Committee recommendation................................ 138,072,248,000
The Committee recommends $138,072,248,000 for Grants to
States for Medicaid. This amount is $18,882,171,000 below than
the fiscal year 2006 appropriation and the same as the
administration's request and House allowance. This amount
excludes $62,783,825,000 in fiscal year 2006 advance
appropriations for fiscal year 2007. In addition,
$65,257,617,000 is provided for the first quarter of fiscal
year 2008, as requested by the administration. The Federal
share of Medicaid outlays is estimated to be $199,800,000,000
in fiscal year 2007, an increase of 3.7 percent over the
estimated gross outlays of $192,700,000,000 for fiscal year
2006.
The President's budget proposes to restrict the ability of
schools to claim reimbursement for administrative and
transportation services for Medicaid enrolled children with
disabilities who receive early intervention, special education
and related services through the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act. The Committee is very concerned that this
proposal will reduce the availability of and access to needed
health and developmental services for students with
disabilities and other low-income children with special needs.
For these children, school is their primary site for healthcare
delivery. The Committee directs the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services to submit a report to the Appropriations
Committee no later than March 1, 2007, examining the impact of
the proposed policy change on the availability of services for
students with disabilities and other health care needs,
participation rates of States and school districts in school-
based Medicaid claiming and the general impact on the health of
children with special needs in rural and urban areas. The
Committee expects CMS to take no additional action on the
proposal until the Committee has received and reviewed the
report. The Secretary should be prepared to testify on this
issue at a fiscal year 2008 appropriations hearing.
The Medicaid program provides medical care for eligible
low-income individuals and families. It is administered by each
of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and
the territories. Federal funds for medical assistance are made
available to the States according to a formula, which
determines the appropriate Federal matching rate for State
program costs. This matching rate is based upon the State's
average per capita income relative to the national average, and
shall be no less than 50 percent and no more than 83 percent.
PAYMENTS TO HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS
Appropriations, 2006....................................$178,647,200,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 197,135,795,000
House allowance......................................... 197,017,391,000
Committee recommendation................................ 197,017,931,000
The Committee recommends $197,017,391,000 for Federal
payments to health care trust funds. This amount is
$118,404,000 less than the administration's request the same as
the House allowance, and is an increase of $18,370,191,000 from
the fiscal year 2006 appropriation. This entitlement account
includes the general fund subsidy to the Federal Supplementary
Medical Insurance Trust Fund for Medicare part B benefits and
for Medicare part D drug benefits and administration, plus
other reimbursements to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust
Fund for part A benefits and related administrative costs that
have not been financed by payroll taxes or premium
contributions. The Committee has provided $139,351,000,000 for
the Federal payment to the Supplementary Medical Insurance
Trust Fund. This payment provides matching funds for premiums
paid by Medicare part B enrollees. This amount is the same as
the administration's request and is $10,431,000 more than the
fiscal year 2006 amount. The Committee further provides
$56,574,000,000 for the general fund share of benefits paid
under Public Law 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The Committee
includes bill language requested by the administration
providing indefinite authority for paying the General Revenue
portion of the part B premium match and provides resources for
the part D drug benefit program in the event that the annual
appropriation is insufficient. The recommendation also includes
$239,000,000 for hospital insurance for the uninsured. This
amount is the same as the administration's request and is
$37,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2006 amount. The
Committee also recommends $229,000,000 for Federal uninsured
benefit payment. This payment reimburses the Hospital Insurance
Trust Fund for the cost of benefits provided to Federal
annuitants who are eligible for Medicare. This amount is the
same as the administration's request and an increase of
$23,000,000 over the fiscal year 2006 level, reflecting an
increase on the number of covered individuals who are currently
enrolled. The Committee recommendation includes $153,000,000 to
be transferred to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund as the
general fund share of CMS Program Management administrative
expenses. This amount is the same as the administration's
request and is $11,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2006
amount. The Committee recommendation also includes $453,319,000
to be transferred to the Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund as
the general fund share of part D administrative expenses. This
amount is the same as the administration's request. The
recommendation also provides $18,000,000 for State low-income
determination activities through the prescription drug account.
This amount is the same as the administration's request and is
$81,100,000 less than the 2006 amount. The Committee
recommendations does not include reimbursement to the Health
Care Fraud and Abuse Control [HCFAC] fund, since the Committee
did not fund this new account, for which $118,404,000 was
requested; the House likewise did not fund this account.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $3,119,818,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 3,148,402,000
House allowance......................................... 3,153,547,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,149,250,000
The Committee recommends $3,149,250,000 for CMS program
management, which is $848,000 more than the amount requested by
the administration, $4,297,000 less than the House allowance,
and $29,432,000 more than the fiscal year 2006 enacted level.
Research, Demonstrations, and Evaluations
The Committee recommends $57,376,000 for research,
demonstrations, and evaluation activities. This amount is
$15,848,000 more than the budget request, and $44,000 less than
the 2006 level.
CMS research and demonstration activities facilitate
informed, rational Medicare and Medicaid policy choices and
decision making. These studies and evaluations include projects
to measure the impact of Medicare and Medicaid policy analysis
and decision making, projects to measure the impact of Medicare
and Medicaid on health care costs, projects to measure patient
outcomes in a variety of treatment settings, and projects to
develop alternative strategies for reimbursement, coverage, and
program management.
The Committee has included $10,000,000 for Real Choice
Systems Change Grants for Community Living to States to fund
initiatives that establish enduring and systemic improvements
in long-term services and supports.
The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services in supporting a rural health
interdisciplinary training demonstration project in Hilo,
Hawaii. This project avails the opportunity to reduce health
disparities and improve access to culturally appropriate health
care for Native Hawaiians and underserved populations.
The Committee requests the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services consider waivers for rural and/or isolated
area demonstration projects when calculating such requirements
as population density in Hawaii.
The Committee urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services to avail reimbursement for services delivered in
federally qualified health centers to Native Hawaiians in the
same manner as it does for American Indians and Alaskan
Natives.
The Committee is aware that senior citizens constitute a
larger proportion of the United States rural resident
population and in such rural areas, the availability of primary
health care professionals and specialized services for seniors
are more austere. The Committee recommends that the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services consider funding projects with a
focus on rural healthcare, specifically those serving the
elderly and minority populations such as Native Hawaiians,
Native Alaskans, and Native Americans.
The Committee commends CMS for expanding the Quality of
Life Demonstration project to include oral chemotherapy
regimens in its data collection on this project. The inclusion
of oral chemotherapy regimes will provide a more comprehensive
understanding of the quality of life issues impacting all
cancer patients. The demonstration project is intended to
provide a better understanding from cancer patients receiving
chemotherapy on such important issues as their pain control
management, minimization of nausea and vomiting, and reduction
for fatigue. CMS' action to expand the demonstrations project
will provide important data on all anti-cancer regimens and its
impact on patients' quality of life.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allied Services, Clarks Summit, PA for stabilizing the $291,000
workforce for patient care............................
Berwick Hospital Center, Berwick, PA for stabilizing 177,000
the workforce for patient care........................
Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomsburg, PA for stabilizing the 115,000
workforce for patient care............................
Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA for stabilizing 530,000
the workforce for patient care........................
Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport, PA for 144,000
stabilizing the workforce for patient care............
Geisinger Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre, PA for 296,000
stabilizing the workforce for patient care............
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, 246,000
PA for stabilizing the workforce for patient care.....
Hazleton General Hospital, Hazleton, PA for stabilizing 170,000
the workforce for patient care........................
Inglis Foundation, Philadelphia, PA, for healthcare and 100,000
social services for low-income adults with severe
physical disabilities in an effort to promote
independent living....................................
Marian Community Hospital, Carbondale, PA for 140,000
stabilizing the workforce for patient care............
Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, RI Study 100,000
of Mercury Exposure Among Newborns....................
Mercy Hospital, Scranton, PA for stabilizing the 450,000
workforce for patient care............................
Mosaic, Des Moines, IA, for the Iowa Community 350,000
Integration Project...................................
Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, PA for stabilizing the 400,000
workforce for patient care............................
Patient Advocacy Foundation, Newport News, VA, to 200,000
provide financial assistance to qualified insured
patients..............................................
Patient Services, Incorporated, Midlothian, VA, to 200,000
administer a patient premium assistance and case
management demonstration for Medicare and Medicaid
eligible individuals with chronic diseases............
Saint Joseph Medical Center, Hazleton, PA for 172,000
stabilizing the workforce for patient care............
State Health Insurance Program through the Utah 100,000
Division of Aging and Adult Services, Salt Lake City,
UT to supplement funding for SHIP training to assist
seniors with Medicare part D choices..................
Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock, PA for 100,000
stabilizing the workforce for patient care............
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, Medication Use 500,000
and Outcomes Research Group...........................
Williamsport Hospital & Medical Center, Williamsport, 481,000
PA for stabilizing the workforce for patient care.....
Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Wilkes-Barre, PA for 586,000
stabilizing the workforce for patient care............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Operations
The Committee recommends $2,130,208,000 for Medicare
operations, which is $15,000,000 less than the House allowance
and the amount requested by the administration, and $13,034,000
less then fiscal year 2006 enacted level. This $15,000,000
reduction, due to tight budget constraints should not be taken
from the already reduced request for Medicare contractor fee-
for-service operations.
The Medicare operations line item covers a broad range of
activities including claims processing and program safeguard
activities performed by Medicare contractors. These contractors
also provide information, guidance, and technical support to
both providers and beneficiaries. In addition, this line item
includes a variety of projects that extend beyond the
traditional fee-for-service arena.
The Committee recommends that not less than $30,000,000 be
made available for the State Health Insurance Counseling
Program. SHIPs provide one-on-one counseling to beneficiaries
on complex Medicare-related topics, including Medicare
entitlement and enrollment, health plan options, prescription
drug benefits, Medigap and long-term care insurance, and
Medicaid.
The Committee recommends that $48,960,000 be made available
for obligation over a 2-year period ending September 30, 2007,
for contract costs pursuant to the development of the
Healthcare Integrated General Ledger Accounting System
[HIGLAS].
The Committee recommendation retains bill language
providing authority to obligate additional funds for increases
in claims volumes above budgeted values; neither the budget
request nor House allowance recommended continuing this
proviso, carried in last year's bill.
The Committee recognizes that CMS has initiated some
commendable community-based activities for an education and
outreach program directed towards dual-eligible persons with
mental impairments, and encourages that additional efforts be
directed to one-on-one pharmaceutical benefits counseling
through community-based organizations and safety net community
mental health centers to help with part D enrollment.
State Survey and Certification
The Committee recommends $283,524,000, the budget estimate
and House allowance, for Medicare State survey and
certification activities, which is $25,396,000 more than the
fiscal year 2006 level.
Survey and certification activities ensure that
institutions and agencies providing care to Medicare and
Medicaid beneficiaries meet Federal health, safety, and program
standards. On-site surveys are conducted by State survey
agencies, with a pool of Federal surveyors performing random
monitoring surveys.
Federal Administration
The Committee recommends $655,377,000 for Federal
administration costs, which is the same as the budget request
and House allowance and an increase of $18,312,000 over the
fiscal year 2006 level. This funding level allows for fixed
cost increases associated with the requested staffing level of
4,531 full-time equivalent positions, 29 fewer than the fiscal
year 2006 level.
The Committee recommends continuing the Healthy Start, Grow
Smart program, which disseminates informational brochures to
new Medicaid-eligible mothers. These brochures are distributed
at the time of birth, then monthly over the first year of each
child's life. Each publication focuses on activities that
stimulate infant brain development and build the skills these
children need to be successful in school. In addition to these
educational suggestions, Healthy Start pamphlets include vital
health and safety information for new parents.
The Committee is very pleased with the demonstration
project at participating sites licensed by the Program for
Reversing Heart Disease and encourages its continuation. The
Committee further urges CMS to continue with the demonstration
project being conducted at the Mind Body Institute of Boston,
Massachusetts.
The Committee urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services to consider waivers for rural or isolated area
demonstration projects when calculating such requirements as
population density in the State of Hawaii.
The Committee urges CMS to provide for reimbursement for
services rendered to Native Hawaiians in federally qualified
health centers in the same manner that it currently does for
American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Further, the Committee
requests a report on this matter by next year's budget
hearings.
The Committee recognizes that rural residents account for
25 percent of the general population in the United States with
a disproportionate number of them being seniors. Additionally,
67 percent of the country's primary care health professional
shortage areas are located in rural areas and access to
specialized care is limited for seniors. The Committee urges
CMS to consider funding projects with a focus on rural
healthcare, specifically those serving minority populations
such as Native Hawaiians, Native Alaskans, and Native
Americans.
The Committee recognizes that the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services has denied requests by community hospitals to
be designated as Sole Community Hospitals on the basis that
they are within 25 miles of the nearest like hospital. CMS has
measured these distances by determining the absolute shortest
distance between these hospitals even if the routes may be
obscure, unknown, and unused by emergency vehicles. As such,
the Committee recommends that when making SCH eligibility
determinations, CMS calculate the distance between hospitals
using improved roads which (1) are maintained by a local, State
or Federal Government entity for use by the general public and
(2) represent the most expeditious and accessible routes
between hospitals as designated by State Departments of
Transportation in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices for Streets and Highways [MUTCD] as published
by the Federal Highway Administration.
The Committee expects CMS to review a pending report
prepared by HRSA on the healthcare workforce as well as other
relevant research, in order to develop recommendations
addressing the critical care workforce shortage issue,
including the possible use of the pulmonary/critical care
specialty as a model for developing and testing policy
approaches to address workforce shortage issues.
The Committee is concerned that patients suffering from
end-stage renal disease [ESRD] are offered the proper modality
for the best medical outcome and the highest quality of life.
The U.S. Renal Data System [USRDS] reports that hemodialysis is
dominant across the country, while the use of peritoneal
dialysis is growing, but in a minority of regions. In addition,
USDRS reports that prevalent rates of transplantation have
grown more in some areas of the country than others. The
Committee is particularly concerned about factors which may be
influencing the choice of modality and the availability of
services to ESRD patients. Given that Medicare provides
coverage for 90 percent of the prevalent dialysis population
and 69 percent of those with a transplant, the Committee urges
CMS, in conjunction with other health agencies, to review these
patterns and requests CMS to provide the Committee with
recommendations to ensure public health policies, in the form
of reimbursement rates, public health services, research or
other activities related to ESRD, give priority to positive
medical outcomes and quality of life for ESRD patients.
The Committee urges CMS to consider a new Medicare benefit
category for advanced interactive balancing mobility systems
and to issue a National Coverage Determination to provide for
Medicare reimbursement for such interactive balancing mobility
systems. This type of technology allows individuals with
disabilities to achieve extensive function and mobility in
order to live independently.
The Committee understands that only 40 percent of Medicaid
Managed Care Organizations [MCO] allow nurse practitioners to
act as primary care providers. The Committee encourages CMS to
closely monitor those MCOs that do not utilize these providers
and actively enforce existing regulations which prohibit
discrimination against a particular class of healthcare
provider.
The Committee is aware that legislation authorizing direct
Medicare reimbursement to nurse practitioners providing
reimbursable Medicare Services, was passed by Congress and
signed into law, effective January 1, 1998. Since that time,
nurse practitioners have been providing reimbursable care to
patients as part B Providers. Despite their ability to provide
and bill for services rendered in all of these areas, they are
still unable to refer patients to home health or hospice care.
The apparent reason is that an expanded interpretation of the
word ``physician'' is needed in part A, section 1814, of the
Medicare law in order for home health agencies and hospice
centers to accept these referrals. The Committee is very aware
that nurse practitioners have demonstrated the ability to
provide safe and responsible care to the patients they serve.
They have expert knowledge that allows them to provide high
level assessments of patients needs and recognize when
additional care, such as home health and hospice care is needed
or not needed by their patients. The Committee urges CMS to
reinterpret the statute that will authorize home health
agencies and hospices to accept orders from nurse
practitioners.
The Committee is aware of the barriers faced by Asian and
Pacific Islander seniors accessing programs such as those
contained in the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and
Modernization Act and other similar health and social services
programs. The Committee urges additional focus upon this
population, utilizing the expertise of organizations such as
the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging.
The Committee is concerned about ongoing fraud and abuse in
the power mobility device/power wheel chair program. CMS has
not moved quickly enough to adopt accreditation and quality
standards for suppliers. The Committee believes that these
standards will help eliminate fraud and abuse by limiting the
ability of fraudulent suppliers to get provider numbers. The
Committee instructs CMS to issue accreditation and quality
standards at the earliest possible date.
The Committee encourages CMS to conduct a demonstration
project to identify effective Medication Therapy Management
Program [MTMP] models for low-income Medicare part D enrollees
living with HIV/AIDS. The demonstration project should
emphasize evidence-based prescribing, prospective medication
management, technological innovation and outcome reporting. The
Committee also encourage CMS to work with the States to
establish this demonstration project for HIV/AIDS patients.
The Committee is concerned that the agency has not yet
issued regulations to implement the Integrated Rural Training
Track program as authorized in section 407 (c)(1)(iv) of the
Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999, Public Law 106-113, for
graduate physician training in rural areas. Without
implementation of the IRTT, programs to train family physicians
to practice in rural and frontier communities will continue to
be unable to meet the requirements for GME programs developed
for urban and suburban areas. The Committee urges the agency to
develop such regulations and directs the agency to report back
to the Committee on Appropriations on its progress by April 1,
2007.
Revitalization Plan
The Committee recommends the budget request and House
allowance of $22,765,000 in 2-year budget authority, as the
fourth-year investment in CMS's efforts to make significant
improvements to key aspects of managing the agency and the
Medicare program. Funding will target system-related
improvements, and continue addressing long-term information
technology issues, including Medicare claims processing
redesign activities. The Committee urges CMS to augment
information technology activities utilizing resources available
under the Quality Improvement Organization program.
Administration for Children and Families
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT
PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $2,121,643,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 2,759,997,000
House allowance......................................... 2,752,697,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,752,697,000
The Committee recommends $2,752,697,000 be made available
in fiscal year 2007 for payments to States for child support
enforcement and family support programs. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $2,817,384,700 and the budget
request includes $2,759,997,000 for this program. The Committee
recommendation provides the full amount requested under current
law, and an additional $300,000 for repatriation as proposed by
the administration. The budget request includes a net increase
of $7,300,000 based on proposed legislation.
These payments support the States' efforts to promote the
self-sufficiency and economic security of low-income families.
These funds also support efforts to locate non-custodial
parents, determine paternity when necessary, and establish and
enforce orders of support. The appropriation, when combined
with the $1,200,000,000 in advance funding provided in last
year's bill, an estimated $7,000,000 from offsetting
collections, and an estimated carryover of $155,465,000,
supports a program level of $4,115,462,000.
The Committee also has provided $1,000,000,000 in advance
funding for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 for the child
support enforcement program, the same as the budget request.
LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $2,159,685,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,782,000,000
House allowance......................................... 2,111,170,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,161,170,000
The Committee recommends $2,161,170,000 for fiscal year
2007 for LIHEAP. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 is $2,159,685,000, and the budget request includes
$1,782,000,000 for this program. LIHEAP is made up of two
components: the State grant program and a contingency fund. The
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (as amended by Public Law 109-
204) provided an additional $500,000,000 for the State grant
program, and $500,000,000 for the contingency fund for fiscal
year 2006.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,980,000,000 for
fiscal year 2007 for the State grant program. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $1,979,725,000 and the
budget request includes $1,782,000,000 for this program. LIHEAP
grants are awarded to States, territories, Indian tribes, and
tribal organizations to assist low-income households in meeting
the costs of home energy. States receive great flexibility in
how they provide assistance, including direct payments to
individuals and vendors and direct provision of fuel. These
resources are distributed by formula to these entities as
defined by statute, based in part on each State's share of home
energy expenditures by low-income households.
The Committee recommends $181,170,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the contingency fund. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $179,960,000 and the budget request did not
include any regular year funding for this program. The
contingency fund may be used to provide assistance to one or
more States adversely affected by extreme heat or cold,
significant price increases, or other causes of energy-related
emergencies.
The Committee intends that up to $27,225,000 of the amount
recommended for LIHEAP for fiscal year 2007 be used for the
leveraging incentive fund. The fund will provide a percentage
match to States for private or non-Federal public resources
allocated to low-income home energy benefits.
REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $569,432,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 614,935,000
House allowance......................................... 604,329,000
Committee recommendation................................ 599,935,000
The Committee recommends $599,935,000 for fiscal year 2007
for refugee and entrant assistance. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $569,432,000 and the budget
request includes $614,935,000 for this program.
The Refugee and Entrant Assistance Program is designed to
assist States in their efforts to assimilate refugees, asylees,
Cuban and Haitian entrants, and adults and minors who are
trafficking victims, into American society as quickly and
effectively as possible. The program funds State-administered
transitional and medical assistance, the voluntary agency
matching grant program, programs for victims of trafficking and
torture, employment and social services, targeted assistance,
and preventive health. Based on an estimated refugee admission
ceiling of 70,000, this appropriation enables States to provide
at least 8 months of cash and medical assistance to eligible
refugees and entrants, a variety of social and educational
services, as well as foster care for refugee and entrant
unaccompanied minors.
In order to carry out the refugee and entrant assistance
program, the Committee recommends $282,333,000 for transitional
and medical assistance including State administration and the
voluntary agency program; $9,816,000 for victims of
trafficking; $149,610,000 for social services; $4,748,000 for
preventive health; and $48,590,000 for targeted assistance.
The Committee encourages the efforts of the Department to
assist child trafficking victims from remaining trapped in
life-threatening situations. However, there is concern that the
victims may fear being interrogated by law enforcement
authorities. The Committee supports efforts made within the
jurisdiction of the Department, under the Trafficking Victim
Protection Act of 2000, to certify child victims of trafficking
as eligible for emergency benefits or services, and encourages
the Department to facilitate the provision of guardians ad
litem for child trafficking victims to help ensure their access
to these. The Committee encourages the Department to work with
the Department of Justice and/or the Department of Homeland
Security to ensure that needs of the victims are served in the
best and most appropriate manner. Funds were not provided for a
newly authorized trafficking program which would focus on
domestic victims.
For unaccompanied children, pursuant to section 462 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Committee recommends
$95,022,000. Funds are provided for the care and placement of
unaccompanied alien minors in the Office of Refugee
Resettlement. In fiscal year 2007 there will be an estimated
11,500 placements for unaccompanied alien children apprehended
in the United States by INS/Homeland Security agents, Border
Patrol officers, or other law enforcement agencies. This would
be an increase of 19.8 percent over fiscal year 2006 estimates.
Therefore, additional funds have been provided for shelter
needs, care, hiring of further field staff in areas of high
apprehension, and to address the increased medical services and
administrative costs associated with the sharp rise in UAC
placements. These children are taken into care pending
resolution of their claims for relief under U.S. immigration
law and released to an adult family member or a responsible
adult guardian. The Committee did not include additional funds
for expanded background checks.
The Committee recognizes the legal representation crisis
and need for guardians for unaccompanied children and is
pleased with the progress ORR has made in implementing a pro
bono representation program as well as a pilot program using
child advocates for unaccompanied children. For this purpose,
the Committee encourages ORR to continue successful pilot
programs, and to develop programs on a national level including
a national list of pro bono representatives available to
unaccompanied children in Federal custody. However, the
Committee cautions the Department to ensure that funding
priority goes first and foremost to serving the primary mission
of the program and that no unaccompanied alien child's basic
needs are unmet.
The Committee also recommends $9,816,000 to treat and
assist victims of torture. These funds may also be used to
provide training to healthcare providers to enable them to
treat the physical and psychological effects of torture.
Section 412(a)(7) of title IV of the Immigration and
Nationality Act authorizes the use of funds appropriated under
this account to be used to carry out monitoring, evaluation,
and data collection activities to determine the effectiveness
of funded programs and to monitor the performance of States and
other grantees.
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $2,060,664,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 2,062,081,000
House allowance......................................... 2,062,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,062,081,000
The Committee recommends $2,062,081,000 for fiscal year
2007 for the child care and development block grant. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $2,060,664,000
and the budget request includes $2,062,081,000 for this
program.
The child care and development block grant supports grants
to States to provide low-income families with financial
assistance for child care; for improving the quality and
availability of child care; and for establishing or expanding
child development programs. The funds are used to both expand
the services provided to individuals who need child care in
order to work, or attend job training or education, and to
allow States to continue funding the activities previously
provided under the consolidated programs.
The Committee recommendation continues specific earmarks in
appropriations language, also included in the budget request,
that provide targeted resources to specific policy priorities
including $18,777,370 for the purposes of supporting before and
afterschool services, as well as resource and referral
programs. This represents the Federal commitment to the
activities previously funded under the dependent care block
grant. The Committee expects that these funds will not supplant
current funding dedicated to resource and referral and school
age activities provided by the child care and development block
grant. The Committee strongly encourages States to continue to
address the matters of before and afterschool care and the
establishment of resource and referral programs with the funds
provided in this program.
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$267,785,718 for child care quality activities, and sets aside
$98,208,000 specifically for an infant care quality initiative.
These funds are recommended in addition to the 4 percent
quality earmark established in the authorizing legislation. The
Committee has provided these additional quality funds because
of the considerable research that demonstrates the importance
of serving children in high quality child care settings which
include nurturing providers who are educated in child
development and adequately compensated. While considerable
progress has been made, the Committee believes States should
continue to invest in education and training linked to
compensation of the child care workforce in order to improve
the overall quality of child care.
The Committee recommendation also provides $9,821,000 for
child care research, demonstration and evaluation activities.
The Committee recommendation for resource and referral
activities also includes $982,080 to continue support for the
National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral
Agencies' information service, Child Care Aware, and the
national toll-free information hotline which links families to
local child care services and programs.
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $1,700,000,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,700,000,000
House allowance......................................... 1,700,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,700,000,000
\1\ Excludes $550,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-324.
The Committee recommends $1,700,000,000 for fiscal year
2007 for the social services block grant. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $1,700,000,000 and the
budget request includes $1,700,000,000 for this program. The
Committee rejects the administration's proposed bill language
to lower the authorized funding level stipulated in section
2003(c) of the Social Security Act to $1,200,000,000.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $8,841,756,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 8,238,602,000
House allowance......................................... 8,652,666,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,856,185,000
\1\ Excludes $90,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
The Committee recommends $8,856,185,000 for fiscal year
2007 for children and families services programs. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $8,841,756,000
and the budget request includes $8,238,602,000 for this
program. In addition, $10,500,000 in transfers are available
under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
This appropriation provides funding for programs for
children, youth, and families, the developmentally disabled,
and Native Americans, as well as Federal administrative costs.
Head Start
The Committee recommends $6,788,571,000 for fiscal year
2007 for Head Start. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2006 is $6,784,862,000 and the budget request includes
$6,785,771,000 for this program. The Committee recommendation
includes $1,388,800,000 in advance funding that will become
available on October 1, 2007.
Head Start provides comprehensive development services for
low-income children and families, emphasizing cognitive and
language development, socioemotional development, physical and
mental health, and parent involvement to enable each child to
develop and function at his or her highest potential. At least
10 percent of enrollment opportunities in each State are made
available to children with disabilities.
The Committee understands the serious need for additional
and expanded Head Start facilities among Native American
populations and in rural areas. The Committee believes that the
Department could help serve these needy communities by
providing minor construction funding, as authorized, in remote
Native American communities.
The Committee is concerned that the funds available
pursuant to section 640(a)(2) might not be achieving their full
potential to serve American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start.
These funds are used for Indian Head Start programs; Migrant
and Seasonal Head Start programs and services for children with
disabilities; funding programs in several Trust Territories;
training and technical assistance activities; discretionary
payments by the Secretary; and research, demonstration and
evaluation activities. The Committee requests that the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall include in the
annual congressional budget justification, detailed information
on the proposed and actual use of these funds.
The Committee is aware that in May 2005, the Secretary made
$35,000,000 in additional fiscal year 2005 funds available to
Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs and that these funds,
which will be awarded on competitive basis, will allow for at
least 4,000 additional children to access Migrant and Seasonal
Head Start. The Committee is concerned that while $35,000,000
in fiscal year 2005 expansion funds were made available to
Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs to serve additional
migrant children, those funds were not released until July 2006
despite the fact that funding applications were submitted in
July 2005. The Committee is troubled by this delay.
The Committee requests that ACF brief the Committee, not
later than 60 days after the enactment of this act, on plans
for ensuring that a greater percentage of eligible migrant and
seasonal children have access to Migrant and Seasonal Head
Start and for providing any future funds to Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start grantees in a timely manner. The Committee
continues to point to the 2001 study published by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services which documented that
only 19 percent of eligible children were able to access
Migrant and Seasonal Head Start. Funding for Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start as a percentage of the overall Head Start
budget has not increased since this study was released in 2001.
The Committee encourages ACF to consider the fiscal year 2005
funds part of the baseline to the extent that there is a
demonstrated need.
The Head Start Bureau shall continue to provide the
Committee with the number and cost of buses purchased, by
region with Head Start in the annual congressional budget
justification.
Consolidated Runaway and Homeless Youth Program
The Committee recommends $87,837,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the consolidated runaway and homeless youth program. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $87,777,000
and the budget request includes $87,837,000 for this program.
This program was reauthorized under the Runaway, Homeless, and
Missing Children Protection Act of 2003. In this
reauthorization a statutory formula was established to
distribute funds between the Basic Center Program and the
Transitional Living Program.
This program addresses the crisis needs of runaway and
homeless youth and their families through support to local and
State governments and private agencies. Basic centers and
transitional living programs help address the needs of some of
the estimated 1.3 to 2.8 million runaway and homeless youth,
many of whom are running away from unsafe or unhealthy living
environments. These programs have been proven effective at
supporting positive youth development, securing stable and safe
living arrangements and providing the skills required to engage
in positive relationships with caring adults and contribute to
society.
The Committee is discouraged by the administration's
proposed voucher system for pregnant and parenting youth. This
use of funds is not specifically authorized, and there are no
demonstrated cases of youth being refused services due to their
condition. Rather than dividing funds for this important
subpopulation of homeless youth, the Committee directs the
Secretary to continue to monitor and ensure that current and
future TLP grantees will continue to provide transitional
living opportunities and support to pregnant and parenting
homeless youth, as is their current practice. Committee
continues to encourage the Secretary, acting through the
network of federally-funded runaway and homeless youth training
and technical assistance providers, to offer guidance to
grantees and others on the programmatic modifications required
to address the unique needs of pregnant and parenting youth and
on the various sources of funding available for residential
services to this population.
Runaway Youth Prevention Program
The Committee recommends $15,027,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the runaway youth prevention program. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $15,017,000 and the
budget request includes $15,027,000 for this program. This is a
discretionary grant program open to private nonprofit agencies
for the provision of services to runaway, homeless, and street
youth. Funds may be used for street-based outreach and
education, including treatment, counseling, provision of
information, and referrals for these youths, many of whom have
been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual
abuse. The goal of this program is to help young people leave
the streets.
Child Abuse Programs
The Committee recommends $96,967,000 for fiscal year 2007
for child abuse programs. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $95,151,000 and the budget request includes
$95,217,000 for this program. The recommendation includes
$27,007,000 for State grants, $27,530,000 for discretionary
activities, and $42,430,000 for community-based child abuse
prevention.
These programs seek to improve and increase activities at
all levels of government which identify, prevent, and treat
child abuse and neglect through State grants, technical
assistance, research, demonstration, and service improvement.
Within the funds provided for child abuse discretionary
activities, the Committee includes funding for the following
items:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boys and Girls Town of Missouri, St. James, MO to $500,000
expand services to children suffering from abuse and
neglect...............................................
Catholic Community Services of Juneau, AK to continue 400,000
operations at its Family Resource Center for child
abuse prevention and treatment........................
Family Communications, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, for child 100,000
abuse prevention programs.............................
Family Resource Center, St. Louis, Missouri for a child 150,000
abuse recovery initiative.............................
Northampton County, Easton, PA, for child abuse 100,000
treatment programs....................................
State of Alaska Department of Health and Social 500,000
Services, Office of Children's Services, statewide, to
continue its Healthy Families Alaska home visitation
program...............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abandoned Infants Assistance
The Committee recommends $11,835,000 for fiscal year 2007
for abandoned infants assistance. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 is $11,827,000 and the budget request
includes $11,835,000 for this program.
This program provides grants to public and private
nonprofit agencies, State and county child welfare agencies,
universities, and community-based organizations to develop,
implement, and operate demonstration projects that will prevent
the abandonment of infants and young children, especially those
impacted by substance abuse and HIV and who are at-risk of
being or are currently abandoned. By providing respite care for
families and care givers and assisting abandoned infants and
children to reside with their natural families or in foster
care.
Child Welfare Services
The Committee recommends $286,753,000 for fiscal year 2007
for child welfare services. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $286,556,000 and the budget request
includes $286,753,000 for this program.
This program helps State public welfare agencies improve
their child welfare services with the goal of keeping families
together. State services include: preventive intervention, so
that, if possible, children will not have to be removed from
their homes; reunification so that children can return home;
and development of alternative placements like foster care or
adoption if children cannot remain at home. These services are
provided without regard to income.
Child Welfare Training
The Committee recommends $7,335,000 for fiscal year 2007
for child welfare training. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $7,330,000 and the budget request includes
$7,335,000 for this program.
Under section 426, title IV-B of the Social Security Act,
discretionary grants are awarded to public and private
nonprofit institutions of higher learning to develop and
improve education/training programs and resources for child
welfare service providers. These grants upgrade the skills and
qualifications of child welfare workers.
Adoption Opportunities
The Committee recommends $26,848,000 for fiscal year 2007
for adoption opportunities. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $26,830,000 and the budget request includes
$26,848,000 for this program.
This program eliminates barriers to adoption and helps find
permanent homes for children who would benefit by adoption,
particularly children with special needs.
Adoption Incentives
The Committee recommends $29,654,000 for fiscal year 2007
for adoption incentives. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $17,808,000 and the budget request includes
$29,654,000 for this program.
The purpose of this program is to provide incentive funds
to States to encourage an increase in the number of adoptions
of children from the public foster care system. These funds are
used to pay States bonuses for increasing their number of
adoptions. The appropriation allows incentive payments to be
made for adoptions completed prior to September 30, 2007.
Adoption Awareness
The Committee recommends $12,674,000 for fiscal year 2007
for adoption awareness. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2006 is $12,665,000 and the budget request includes
$12,674,000 for this program.
This program was authorized in the Children's Health Act of
2000. The program consists of two activities: the Infant
Adoption Awareness Training Program and the Special Needs
Awareness Campaign. The Infant Adoption Awareness Training
Program provides grants to support adoption organizations in
the training of designated health staff, in eligible health
centers that provide health services to pregnant women, to
inform them about adoption and make referrals on request on an
equal basis with all other courses of action. Within the
Committee recommendation, $9,728,000 is available for this
purpose.
The Special Needs Adoption Campaign supports grants to
carry out a national campaign to inform the public about the
adoption of children with special needs. The Committee
recommendation includes $2,946,000 to continue this important
activity.
Compassion Capital Fund
The Committee recommends $54,549,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the compassion capital fund. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 is $64,306,000 and the budget request
includes $100,000,000 for this program.
The Committee expects funds made available through this
program to supplement and not supplant private resources and
continues to encourage the Secretary to require private
resources to match grant funding provided to public/private
partnerships.
The goal of this program is to help faith-based and
community organizations maximize their social impact as they
provide services to those most in need. To accomplish this goal
the Compassion Capital Fund administers three discretionary
grant programs: a demonstration program which provides funding
to intermediary organizations to provide training and technical
assistance in capacity building and to provide financial
support; a program to fund capacity-building activities; and a
capacity-building program for the Helping America's Youth
Imitative which focuses on connecting at-risk youth with
family, school and their community, with specific emphasis on
organizations that serve areas with significant gang activity.
Social Services Research
The Committee recommends $22,123,000 for fiscal year 2007
for social services research. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $11,864,000 and the budget request includes
$6,000,000.
The Committee has funded $6,000,000 of this program through
transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. These funds support cutting-edge research and
evaluation projects in areas of critical national interest.
Research includes determining services that are more cost
effective and alternative ways to increase the economic
independence of American families.
The Committee notes ACF's efforts to assist States with
meeting the extensive recordkeeping, reporting and tracking
requirements of the TANF program. Working through the State
Information Technology Consortium, ACF has successfully
provided States with the tools necessary to strengthen and
improve the complex IT systems required to support TANF. The
recently enacted TANF reauthorization, however, requires States
to put in place new systems and processes to more closely
monitor and verify work participation rates, track and verify
hours of work, and determine who is a work-eligible individual.
The Committee recommends that ACF continue this successful
partnership, and has provided $2,000,000 to develop, in
collaboration with the States, a performance measurement
capability, along with the required new processes and
technologies necessary for States to comply with the new TANF
requirements. Similarly, while the Child Support Enforcement
program continues to make gains in enforcing child support
orders, child support collections reached $23,000,000,000 in
2005 while serving an estimated 16 million child support cases,
the costs and complexities of tracking, locating and
coordinating child support cases is imposing heavy burdens on
State automation systems. Both the Government Accountability
Office and the Office of the Inspector General have recommended
that ACF provide more technical assistance to help States
better administer and manage these systems. In addition,
broader administration and reporting requirements contained in
the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 will place additional strain
on the States' ability to manage this program. ACF is currently
working with the State Information Technology Consortium to
expand data exchange capabilities between the courts and State
child support enforcement agencies as well as increase
collection efficiency in States and tribal organizations. The
Committee recommends that collaborative efforts continue, and
has provided $3,000,000 for this purpose.
The Committee is aware that interstate collection of child
support is often difficult and notes that a disproportionate
amount of the uncollected support dollars are associated with
these cases. The Committee urges ACF to utilize its authority
under section 1115 and section 452(j) of the Social Security
Act to expand current demonstration projects involving the co-
location of State staffs to address this issue.
Within the funds provided for child abuse discretionary
activities, the Committee includes funding for the following
items:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A+ For Abstinence, Waynesboro, PA for abstinence $100,000
education and related services........................
Alaska Children's Services, in Anchorage Alaska, for a 250,000
program to serve low income youth.....................
Alaska Statewide Independent Living Council, Inc. to 300,000
continue and expand its Personal Care Attendant
Program and to expand outreach efforts to the disabled
living in rural Alaska................................
Allegheny County of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA, for 100,000
anti-gang programs targeting at-risk youth............
Anchorage's Promise of Anchorage, AK to implement 100,000
America's Promise child mentoring and support program
in Anchorage..........................................
Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA, for program development 100,000
at the Molly Bish Center for the Protection of
Children and the Elderly..............................
Best Friends Foundation, Washington, DC, to expand a 200,000
national network of school-based programs which reduce
risk behavior and increase physical and emotional well-
being of adolescents to Erie and Pittsburgh...........
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, statewide, in partnership 300,000
with AK Dept. of Education, the Boys and Girls Club
and Cook Inlet Tribal Council for a comprehensive
mentoring program for at-risk children through Alaska
schools and communities...............................
Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, for the continued 210,000
development and operation of the Children's AIDS
project in Mattapan, MA...............................
Catholic Family Center, Rochester, NY, for the Kinship 250,000
Caregiver Resource Network............................
Catholic Social Services, Wilkesbarre, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Child Care Resource and Referral Network, Tacoma, WA, 750,000
for a child care quality initiative...................
Children's Home Society of Idaho, for the Bridge--Homes 250,000
for Children Project to place Idaho children in care
in loving foster families.............................
City of Chester, Bureau of Health, Chester, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Crozer Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Darkness to Light, Charleston, SC to develop an online 500,000
training and certification program to prevent child
sexual abuse..........................................
Dauphin County Social Services for Children & Youth, 200,000
Harrisburg, PA to expand Family Group Conferencing
program for children in Dauphin County................
Esperanza USA, Philadelphia, PA to increase the social 200,000
infrastructure in Pennsylvania's Hispanic communities
by awarding competitively bid sub-grants to
Pennsylvania Hispanic faith- and community-based
agencies for service delivery and capacity building...
Fathers and Families Center, Indianapolis, IN, for 100,000
supportive services for fathers.......................
Fathers' Support Center, St. Louis, Missouri to provide 200,000
noncustodial fathers with personal development,
communication and relationship building skills........
Friends Association for Care and Protection of 200,000
Children, North Church, PA for programs to provide
safe, secure housing for children through an emergency
shelter for families, transitional housing,
specialized foster care and adoption programs.........
George Washington Carver Community Center, Norristown, 100,000
PA for abstinence education and related services......
Greater Calvary Community Development Corporation, 100,000
Erie, PA to develop program to support children of
families trying to reconnect after prison and/or
addiction.............................................
Guidance Center, Ridgeway, PA for abstinence education 100,000
and related services..................................
Heart Beat, Millerstown, PA for abstinence education 100,000
and related services..................................
Hope Village for Children, Meridian, MS to expand the 150,000
existing program that provides shelter and therapeutic
group care for foster children........................
Horizons for Homeless Children, Boston, MA, for 170,000
mentoring, educational, and social development
programs for homeless youth...........................
Hudson Perinatal Consortium, Jersey City, NJ, for a 100,000
motherhood initiative in the Puerto Rican population,
including prenatal care, support for healthy birth
outcomes throughout pregnancy and for six weeks
postpartum............................................
Human Resources Center, Inc., Honesdale, PA and 100,000
Friendship House, Scranton, PA to expand job training
programs and expand mental/behavioral health services
for underserved children and families.................
Keystone Central School District, Mill Hall, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Keystone Economic Development Corporation, Johnstown, 100,000
PA for abstinence education and related services......
La Comunidad Hispana, Kennett Square, PA for a gang- 100,000
reduction program aimed at providing high-risk youth
with academic, vocational and social skills...........
Lackawanna Trail School District, Factoryville, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA for abstinence 110,000
education and related services........................
Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA for 110,000
abstinence education and related services.............
My Choice Inc., Athens, PA for abstinence education and 100,000
related services......................................
National Center for Adoption Law and Policy (NCALP) at 255,000
Capital University Law School, Columbus, OH, for the
Ohio Adoption Preservation Initiative.................
National Fatherhood Initiative, Gaithersburg, MD to 100,000
improve the well being of children by increasing the
proportion who grow up with involved, responsible, and
committed fathers.....................................
Neighborhood United Against Drugs, Philadelphia, PA for 135,000
abstinence education and related services.............
New Brighton School District, New Brighton, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Northeast Guidance Center, Detroit, MI, for the Family 125,000
Life Center project...................................
Nueva Esperanza, Philadelphia, PA for abstinence 100,000
education and related services........................
Partners for Healthier Tomorrows, Ephrata, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Potter County Education Council, Coudersport, PA to 100,000
assist single parents, teen parents and homemakers in
acquiring skills needed to enter the workforce........
Preble Street Resource Center, Portland, ME to support 200,000
and expand the Home for Good project to assist
chronically homeless individuals achieve permanent
housing and stability.................................
Rape & Victim Assistance Center of Schuylkill County, 100,000
Pottsville, PA for abstinence education and related
services..............................................
Real Alternatives, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to expand 150,000
crisis pregnancy and parenting support services in
Pennsylvania..........................................
Real Commitment, Gettysburg, PA for abstinence 100,000
education and related services........................
School District of Lancaster, Lancaster, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Shepherd's Maternity House, Inc, Stroudsburg, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Southeast Alaska Independent Living, in South East 200,000
Alaska, to continue programs to assist disabled
Alaskans who live independently.......................
Southwest Council of Governments, Silver City, NM, to 200,000
develop a nontraditional child care program in Grant
County................................................
To Our Children's Future with Health, Inc, 110,000
Philadelphia, PA for abstinence education and related
services..............................................
Together as Adoptive Parents, Inc. (TAP), Harleysville, 100,000
PA to provide support to adoptive, foster and kinship
families..............................................
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit, McVeytown, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Union-Snyder Community Action Agency, Selinsgrove, PA 100,000
to provide learning tools for families to achieve
economic self-sufficiency.............................
United Christian Ministries Inc., Osceola, PA to 100,000
provide supportive services for homeless families.....
Urban Family Council, Philadelphia, PA for abstinence 360,000
education and related services........................
Victim Resource Center, Franklin, PA for abstinence 100,000
education and related services........................
Washington Hospital Teen Outreach, Washington, PA for 135,000
abstinence education and related services.............
Washington Hospital, Washington, PA, for a mentoring 100,000
program for at risk boys..............................
Women's Opportunities Resource Center, Philadelphia, PA 100,000
to fund economic education programs for women.........
Women's Care Center, Erie County, Abstinence Advantage, 135,000
Erie, PA for abstinence education and related services
York County Human Life Services, York, PA for 100,000
abstinence education and related services.............
YWCA of Central New Jersey, for Services to Indigent 200,000
Women and Families....................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Developmental Disabilities
The Committee recommends $172,623,000 for fiscal year 2007
for programs administered by the Administration on
Developmental Disabilities. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $170,718,000 and the budget request
includes $170,835,000 for these programs. Within the funds
provided, $156,903,000 is for carrying out the Developmental
Disability Act, and $15,720,000 is for carrying out the Help
America Vote Act of 2002.
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities supports
community-based delivery of services which promote the rights
of persons of all ages with developmental disabilities.
Developmental disability is defined as severe, chronic
disability attributed to mental or physical impairments
manifested before age 22, which causes substantial limitations
in major life activities. The ADD also administers monies for
election assistance for individuals with disabilities. This
program is for individuals with any type of disability.
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $71,771,000
for State councils. These councils assist each State in
promoting the development of a comprehensive, statewide,
consumer and family-centered system which provides a
coordinated array of culturally competent services, and other
assistance for individuals with development disabilities. State
councils undertake a range of activities including
demonstration of new approaches, program and policy analysis,
interagency collaboration and coordination, outreach and
training.
The Committee recommends $38,718,000 for protection and
advocacy grants. This formula grant program provides funds to
States to establish protection and advocacy systems to protect
the legal and human rights of persons with developmental
disabilities who are receiving treatment, services, or
rehabilitation within the State.
The Committee recommends $15,720,000 for disabled voter
services. Of these funds, $11,000,000 is to promote disabled
voter access, and the remaining $4,720,000 is for disabled
voters protection and advocacy systems. The election assistance
for individuals with disabilities program was authorized in the
Help America Vote Act of 2002. The program enables an applicant
to establish, expand, and improve access to, and participation
by, any individual with a disability in the election process.
The Committee recommends $11,414,000 for projects of
national significance to assist persons with developmental
disabilities. This program funds grants and contracts providing
nationwide impact by developing new technologies and applying
and demonstrating innovative methods to support the
independence, productivity, and integration into the community
of persons with developmental disabilities. The Committee
recognizes the potential benefits that assistive technology can
have for individuals with developmental disabilities. Of these
funds, $5,000,000 is available to expand activities of the
Family Support program. The Committee's placement of funds for
family support within the Projects of National Significance
account does not provide ACF with discretion on this definition
of family support as defined in title II of the Developmental
Disability Act. The Committee makes a crucial distinction
between support services designed for families of children with
disabilities and support services designed for an individual
with a disability. The Committee intends that these funds be
used for the support and assistance of families of children
with disabilities, in accordance with the statute.
The Committee recommends $35,000,000 for the University
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities [UCEDDs]
which is a network of 64 centers that are interdisciplinary
education, research and public service units of a university
system or are public or nonprofit entities associated with
universities. UCEDDs conduct research, develop evidence-based
practices and teach thousands of parents, professionals,
students and people with disabilities about critical disability
areas such as early intervention, healthcare, community-based
services, inclusive and meaningful education, transition from
school to work, employment, housing, assistive technology,
aging with a disability and transportation. The Centers serve
as the major vehicle to translate disability-related research
into community practice and service systems and to train the
next cohort of future professionals who will provide services
and supports to an increasingly diverse population of people
with disabilities.
Native American Programs
The Committee recommends $44,332,000 for fiscal year 2007
for Native American programs. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $44,302,000 and the budget request includes
$44,332,000 for this program.
The Administration for Native Americans [ANA] assists
Indian tribes and Native American organizations in planning and
implementing long-term strategies for social and economic
development through the funding of direct grants for individual
projects, training and technical assistance, and research and
demonstration programs.
Community Services
The Committee recommends $694,648,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the community services programs. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $694,097,000 and the budget
request includes $24,452,000 for this program.
Within the funds provided, the Committee recommends
$630,425,000 for the community services block grant [CSBG].
These funds are used to make formula grants to States and
Indian tribes to provide a wide range of services and
activities to alleviate causes of poverty in communities and to
assist low-income individuals in becoming self-sufficient.
The Committee continues to reject the administration's
recommendation to eliminate the community services block grant
funding. Although a restrictive Committee allocation prevented
CSBG funding from being increased, the Committee continues to
recognize the importance of CSBG and the Community Action
Agencies it funds in helping meet the extraordinary challenges
facing low-income communities.
The Nation's Community Action Agency network relies on CSBG
funding to help initiate and administer programs designed to
alleviate poverty. The universal characteristic of these CSBG-
funded programs is that they provide people with the resources
and the tools to become self-sufficient.
In addition, the Committee continues to expect the Office
of Community Services to inform the State CSBG grantees of any
policy changes affecting carryover CSBG funds within a
reasonable time after the beginning of the Federal fiscal year.
Several other discretionary programs are funded from this
account. Funding for these programs is recommended at the
following levels for fiscal year 2007: community economic
development, $32,404,000; individual development accounts,
$24,452,000; and rural community facilities, $7,367,000. The
Committee did not provide funds for the national youth sports
or community food and nutrition programs.
The Committee continues to support strongly the Community
Economic Development program because of the substantial record
of achievement that Community Development Corporations have
compiled in working in distressed urban and rural communities.
The Committee, in particular, notes that Federal funds leverage
substantial non-Federal resources in meeting the objectives of
this program. Therefore, it is the Committee's intent that
appropriated funds should be allocated to the maximum extent
possible in the form of grants to qualified Community
Development Corporations in order to maximize the leveraging
power of the Federal investment and the number and amount of
set-asides should be reduced to the most minimal levels. These
grants are made to private, nonprofit community development
corporations, which in turn provide technical and financial
assistance to business and economic development projects that
target job and business opportunities for low-income citizens.
The Committee has included bill language clarifying that
Federal funds made available through this program may be used
for financing construction and rehabilitation, and loans or
investments in private business enterprises owned by Community
Development Corporations.
The Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals [JOLI]
Program is authorized under the Family Support Act to target
community development activities to create jobs for people on
public assistance. This demonstration program provides grants
on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations to create new
employment and business opportunities for TANF recipients and
other low-income individuals. Funding also supports technical
and financial assistance for private employers that will result
in the creation of full-time permanent jobs for eligible
individuals. The Committee recognizes that continued funding of
this program would provide opportunities for more low-income
individuals. The Committee expects that experienced community
development corporations be given appropriate consideration for
grants under this program.
The Committee has included bill language allocating funding
to the Office of Community Services for Rural Community
Facilities Technical Assistance as authorized under section
680(3)(B) of the Community Services Block Grant Act. In
providing this funding, the Committee expects that it be used
solely for the purpose of improving water and wastewater
facilities in poor, rural communities.
The Committee is concerned that many small and very small
community water and wastewater treatment systems might be most
vulnerable to terrorist attack, and yet least prepared to deal
with the issue. The Committee urges OCS to continue to support
RCAP Small Community Infrastructure Safety and Security
Training and Technical Assistance project, which provides
State, regional and national infrastructure safety and security
training workshops and on-site technical assistance targeted to
small and very small community water and wastewater treatment
systems. The goal of the project is to improve the capacity of
small systems to better prepare for emergencies, develop
emergency preparedness training manuals for small water
systems, identify appropriate technologies to secure such
systems, and provide technical assistance to small communities
struggling to deal with these issues.
Domestic Violence Hotline
The Committee recommends $2,970,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the national domestic violence hotline. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $2,968,000 and the budget
request includes $2,970,000 for this program.
This is a cooperative agreement which funds the operation
of a national, toll-free, 24-hours-a-day telephone hotline to
provide information and assistance to victims of domestic
violence.
Battered Women's Shelters
The Committee recommends $124,731,000 for fiscal year 2007
for battered women's shelters program. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $124,645,000 and the budget
request includes $124,731,000 for this program.
This is a formula grant program to support community-based
projects which operate shelters and provide related assistance
for victims of domestic violence and their dependents. Emphasis
is given to projects which provide counseling, advocacy, and
self-help services to victims and their children.
Mentoring Children of Prisoners
The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007
for mentoring children of prisoners. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $49,459,000 and the budget
request includes $40,000,000 for this program.
The mentoring children of prisoners program was authorized
in 2001 under section 439 of the Social Security Act. The
purpose of this program is to help children while their parents
are imprisoned and includes activities that keep children
connected to a parent in prison in order to increase the
chances that the family will come together successfully when
the parent is released. As a group, children of prisoners are
less likely than their peers to succeed in school and more
likely to become engaged in delinquent behavior.
Independent Living Training Vouchers
The Committee recommends $46,157,000 for fiscal year 2007
for independent living training vouchers. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $46,125,000 and the
budget request includes $46,157,000 for this program.
These funds will support vouchers of up to $5,000 for
college tuition, or vocational training for individuals who age
out of the foster care system so they can be better prepared to
live independently and contribute productively to society.
Studies have shown that 25,000 youths leave foster care each
year at age 18 and just 50 percent will have graduated from
high school, 52 percent will be unemployed and 25 percent will
be homeless for one or more nights.
Abstinence Education
The Committee recommends $113,400,000 for fiscal year 2007
for community-based abstinence education. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $113,325,000 and the
budget request includes $141,165,000 for this program. Within
the Committee recommendation, $108,900,000 is provided for
community-based abstinence education, $4,500,000 is provided
through an evaluation set-aside, as requested by the
administration. In addition, $50,000,000 is available from pre-
appropriated mandatory funds.
This program provides support for the development and
implementation of abstinence education programs for
adolescents, ages 12 through 18. These programs are unique in
that their entire focus is to education young people and create
an environment within communities that supports teen decisions
to postpone sexual activity until marriage.
Of the funds provided up to $10,000,000 may be available
for a national abstinence media campaign. The Committee
understands that a portion of fiscal year 2007 funds will be
used for evaluation purposes. The Committee intends that ACF
use available funds to continue support for an independent
group to conduct a thorough and rigorous evaluation of this
campaign.
Faith-Based Center
The Committee recommends $1,386,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the operation of the Department's Center for Faith-Based
and Community Initiatives. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $1,385,000 and the budget request includes
$1,386,000 for this program.
Program Administration
The Committee recommends $186,265,000 for fiscal year 2007
for program administration. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $183,239,000 and the budget request
includes $188,123,000 for this program.
The Committee continues its interest in the Department's
Child and Family Services reviews. These reviews are an
effective method for monitoring the progress States are making
in assuring the safety, health, and permanency for children in
child welfare and foster care as required in the Adoption and
Safe Families Act. The Committee encourages the Department to
make available sufficient resources to ensure full
implementation of the new collaborative monitoring system. The
Committee directs ACF to continue to provide information on the
progress of the reviews in the annual congressional
justification.
PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $394,039,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 434,100,000
House allowance......................................... 434,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 420,000,000
The Committee recommends $420,000,000 for fiscal year 2007
for promoting safe and stable families. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $394,039,000 and the budget
request includes $434,100,000 for this program.
Funding available provides grants to States in support of:
(1) family preservation services; (2) time-limited family
reunification services; (3) community-based family support
services; and (4) adoption promotion and support services. The
Committee notes that most of the Federal funding related to
child welfare is provided for the removal and placement of
children outside of their own homes. Funds available through
the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program are focused on
supporting those activities that can prevent family crises from
emerging which might require the temporary or permanent removal
of a child from his or her own home.
The Promoting Safe and Stable Families program is comprised
of $345,000,000 in capped entitlement funds authorized by the
Social Security Act and $75,000,000 in discretionary
appropriations.
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $4,940,800,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 5,211,000,000
House allowance......................................... 5,211,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,211,000,000
The Committee recommends $5,211,000,000 for fiscal year
2007 for payments to States for foster care and adoption
assistance. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006
is $4,940,800,000 and the budget request includes
$5,211,000,000 for this program. In addition, the Committee
recommendation provides $1,810,000,000 for an advance
appropriation for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The
Committee recommendation provides the full amount requested
under current law. The budget request includes a net increase
of $32,000,000 based on proposed legislation for fiscal year
2007, and a net increase of $30,000,000 for the fiscal year
2008 advance appropriation.
The Foster Care Program provides Federal reimbursement to
States for: Maintenance payments to families and institutions
caring for eligible foster children, matched at the Federal
medical assistance percentage [FMAP] rate for each State; and
administration and training costs to pay for the efficient
administration of the Foster Care Program, and for training of
foster care workers and parents.
The Adoption Assistance Program provides funds to States
for maintenance costs and the nonrecurring costs of adoption
for children with special needs. The goal of this program is to
facilitate the placement of hard-to-place children in permanent
adoptive homes, and thus prevent long, inappropriate stays in
foster care. As in the Foster Care Program, State
administrative and training costs are reimbursed under this
program.
The Independent Living Program provides services to foster
children under 18 and foster youth ages 18-21 to help them make
the transition to independent living by engaging in a variety
of services including educational assistance, life skills
training, health services and room and board. States are
awarded grants from the annual appropriation proportionate to
their share of the number of children in foster care, subject
to a matching requirement.
Administration on Aging
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,361,923,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,334,835,000
House allowance......................................... 1,390,306,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,380,516,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,380,516,000
for aging programs. This amount is $18,593,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $45,681,000 above the
administration request.
Supportive Services and Senior Centers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $350,595,000
for supportive services and senior centers, which is $241,000
above the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and is the same as
the administration request. This State formula grant program
funds a wide range of social services for the elderly,
including multipurpose senior centers, adult day care, and
ombudsman activities. State agencies on aging award funds to
designated area agencies on aging who in turn make awards to
local services providers. All individuals age 60 and over are
eligible for services, although, by law, priority is given to
serving those who are in the greatest economic and social need,
with particular attention to low-income minority older
individuals and those residing in rural areas. Under the basic
law, States have the option to transfer up to 30 percent of
funds appropriated between the senior centers program and the
nutrition programs, which allows the State to determine where
the resources are most needed.
Preventive Health Services
The Committee recommends $21,400,000 for preventive health
services, which is $15,000 above the comparable fiscal year
2006 level. The administration did not request funds for this
activity. Funds appropriated for this program are part of the
comprehensive and coordinated service systems targeted to those
elderly most in need. Preventive health services include
nutritional counseling and education, exercise programs, health
screening and assessments, and prevention of depression.
Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans
The Committee recommends $21,156,000 for grants to States
for protection of vulnerable older Americans. This is
$1,014,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and
$1,990,000 above the administration request. Within the
Committee recommendation, $16,010,000 is for the ombudsman
services program and $5,146,000 is for the prevention of elder
abuse program. Both programs provide formula grants to States
to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older
individuals. The ombudsman program focuses on the needs of
residents of nursing homes and board and care facilities, while
elder abuse prevention targets its message to the elderly
community at large.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The Committee recommends $156,167,000 for the national
family caregiver support program, which is $107,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $1,980,000 above the
administration request. Funds appropriated for this activity
established a multifaceted support system in each State for
family caregivers. All States are expected to implement the
following five components into their program: individualized
referral information services; assistance to caregivers in
locating services from a variety of private and voluntary
agencies; caregiver counseling, training and peer support;
respite care provided in the home, an adult day care center or
other residential setting located in an assisted living
facility; and limited supplemental services that fill remaining
service gaps.
The Committee recognizes the essential role of family
caregivers who provide a significant proportion of our Nation's
health and long-term care for the chronically ill and aging.
While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it may also put
caregivers at risk for negative physical and mental health
consequences. The Committee acknowledges the efforts of the AoA
to provide vital support services for family caregivers through
the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The Committee
encourages increased support of services that may prevent or
reduce the health burdens of caregiving, including individual
counseling, support groups, respite care, and caregiver
training.
Native American Caregiver Support Program
The Committee recommendation includes $6,241,000 to carry
out the Native American Caregiver Support Program, which is
$4,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and the same
as the administration request. The program will assist tribes
in providing multifaceted systems of support services for
family caregivers and for grandparents or older individuals who
are relative caregivers.
Congregate and Home-delivered Nutrition Services
For congregate nutrition services, the Committee recommends
an appropriation of $385,319,000 which is $265,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $1,918,000 above the
administration request. For home-delivered meals, the Committee
recommends $181,905,000, which is $124,000 above the comparable
fiscal year 2006 level and $907,000 above the administration
request. These programs address the nutritional need of older
individuals. Projects funded must make home-delivered and
congregate meals available at least once a day, 5 days a week,
and each meal must meet one-third of the minimum daily dietary
requirements. While States receive separate allotments of funds
for congregate and home-delivered nutrition services and
support services, they are permitted to transfer up to 40
percent of funds between these programs.
The Committee encourages the Administration on Aging to
test enhancing the diets of Elderly Nutrition Program [ENP]
meal participants by providing a daily multivitamin/multi-
mineral supplement to enhance nutritional status and thus
reduce the occurrence of chronic disease.
Nutrition Services Incentives Program
The Committee recommendation includes $147,846,000 for the
nutrition services incentives program [NSIP], $102,000 above
the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and $736,000
above the administration request. This program augments funding
for congregate and home-delivered meals provided to older
adults. Funds provided under this program are dedicated
exclusively to the provision of meals. NSIP rewards effective
performance by States and Tribal organizations in the efficient
delivery of nutritious meals to older individuals through the
use of cash or commodities.
Aging Grants to Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations
The Committee recommends $26,134,000 for grants to Native
Americans, which is $18,000 above the comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level and is the same as the administration
request. Under this program awards are made to tribal and
Alaskan Native organizations and to public or nonprofit private
organizations serving native Hawaiians which represent at least
50 percent Indians or Alaskan Natives 60 years of age or older
to provide a broad range of supportive services and assure that
nutrition services and information and assistance are
available.
Training, Research, and Discretionary Projects
The Committee recommends $40,235,000 for training,
research, and discretionary projects, which is $15,657,000
above the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $4,750,000
above the administration request. These funds support
activities designed to expand public understanding of aging and
the aging process, apply social research and analysis to
improve access to and delivery of services for older
individuals, test innovative ideas and programs to serve older
individuals, and provide technical assistance to agencies that
administer the Older Americans Act.
The Committee recommendation fully funds the administration
request for the ``Choices for Independence'' initiative. This
initiative, funded at $28,000,000, seeks to promote consumer-
directed and community-based long term care options. It will
build on recent AoA initiatives such as the Aging and
Disability Resource Centers, the Cash & Counseling
Demonstration Program and the Evidence-Based Disease Prevention
program. Choices for Independence will integrate the best
practices from these initiatives into a strategy focusing on:
empowering individuals to make informed decisions about long-
term support options; providing more choices for individuals at
high-risk of nursing home placement, and enabling older people
to make behavioral changes that will reduce the risk of
disease, disability and injury.
Since the landmark 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead decision,
this Committee has been dedicating resources toward States to
move individuals out of institutions and into community-based
care. These grants, known as the Real Choice Systems Change
grants, are funded out of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services [CMS]. The Committee believes that the significant
infrastructure built by the Systems Change grants should be
enhanced rather than recreated by the new Choices for
Independence program. Therefore, the Committee has once again
funded the Systems Change grants at $10,000,000 in CMS and
urges AoA to collaborate with this program at the Federal
level. In addition, AoA should give priority to States whose
applications promote collaboration at the State and local
level.
Alzheimer's disease often causes patients to exhibit
unusual and unpredictable behavior, including physical
aggression and combativeness and drastic mood swings. AoA funds
support a 24-hour call center to help families in crisis manage
these behaviors with expert advice, consultation and referrals.
The Committee has provided $1,000,000 to continue this valuable
resource.
The Committee continues to support funding at no less than
last year's level for national programs scheduled to be
refunded in fiscal year 2007 that address a variety of issues,
including elder abuse, Native American issues, and legal
services.
The Committee continues to support strengthening the
capacity of those community-based organizations dedicated to
improving health care access and health care outcomes for
minority elder populations. The recommendation includes
continuation of current level funding for the National Minority
Aging Organizations including Asian-Pacific American, Native
American, and Hispanic and African-American Aging Centers.
The Committee is aware of innovative program models aimed
at mobilizing older Americans, particularly the 77 million baby
boomers, to serve their communities. The Committee encourages
partnerships with organizations that enable older Americans to
help meet critical social needs effectively.
The Committee is concerned that AoA's current regulations
governing the expenditure of funds for services to the aging
community do not properly consider the unique challenges of
providing those services in frontier communities. The Committee
directs AoA to assess the challenges facing frontier
communities in the provision of services to the aging
population and report back to the Committee no later than March
31, 2007 on the findings of such an assessment.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and the following amounts for fiscal year 2007:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Henderson, Henderson, NV, to expand senior $250,000
programs at the Henderson Senior Center...............
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, Madison, WI, to 200,000
conduct outreach and education on financial elder
abuse.................................................
Disability Rights Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, for nursing 185,000
home support services.................................
Institute of Medical Humanism, Inc of Bennington, VT, 200,000
for an end-of-life care initiative....................
Jewish Community Services of South Florida, for Home 100,000
Care Support..........................................
Jewish Family Service of Salt Lake City, UT for a 100,000
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC)
demonstration project.................................
Jewish Family Services of New Mexico for a Naturally 530,000
Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) demonstration
project...............................................
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, IN for a 750,000
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC)
demonstration project.................................
Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, NV, for the Las Vegas 300,000
Senior Lifeline program...............................
Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Missouri for a 250,000
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC)
demonstration project.................................
Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life, 200,000
North Whales, PA for an innovative end-stage
palliative care program...............................
Systems Unlimited, Inc., Iowa City, IA, for a home 300,000
health visit demonstration program....................
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, Whippany NJ, 385,000
for NORCs Aging in Place Demonstration................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aging Network Support Activities
The Committee recommends $13,133,000 for aging network
support activities, $9,000 above the comparable amount for
fiscal year 2006 and the same as the administration request.
The Committee recommendation includes funding at the
administration request level for the Eldercare Locator and for
the Pension Information and Counseling Program.
The Eldercare Locator, a toll-free, nationwide directory
assistance service for older Americans and their caregivers, is
operated by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Since 1991, the service has linked more than 700,000 callers to
an extensive network of resources for aging Americans and their
caregivers.
Pension counseling projects provide information, advice,
and assistance to workers and retirees about pension plans,
benefits, and how to pursue claims when pension problems arise.
The information dissemination and outreach activities of the
pension counseling projects have served over 30,000 people and
has helped obtain more than $60,000,000 in retirement benefits
for older individuals.
The Committee has provided funding at the administration
request level for the National Long Term Care Ombudsman
Resource Center, the National Center on Elder Abuse and the
Health Care Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.
Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States
The Committee recommends a funding level of $12,000,000 for
Alzheimer's disease demonstration grants to States, which is
$340,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level.
The administration did not request funds for this activity.
An estimated 70 percent of Americans with Alzheimer's
disease live at home, where family members provide the
preponderance of care. The Alzheimer's disease demonstration
grant program currently supports matching grants to 38 States
to help stimulate and coordinate services to assist families
caring for Alzheimer patients, particularly those living in
underserved rural communities and minorities. This program is
designed to address the unique demands Alzheimer's disease
places on families, and emphasizes systems change to meet those
demands. In the absence of any meaningful alternative for
Alzheimer families, the Committee rejects the notion that this
program should be terminated, and has provided funds for its
continuation.
Program Administration
The Committee recommends $18,385,000 for program
administration, which is $697,000 above the comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level and the same as the administration
request. These funds support salaries and related expenses for
program management and oversight activities.
Office of the Secretary
GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $357,650,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 368,419,000
House allowance......................................... 363,592,000
Committee recommendation................................ 381,575,000
The Committee recommends $381,575,000 for general
departmental management [GDM]. This amount is $23,925,000 above
the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and $13,156,000 above
the administration request. The Committee recommendation
includes the transfer of $5,851,000 from Medicare trust funds,
which is the same as the administration request. In addition,
for policy evaluation activities the Committee recommends
$39,552,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act.
The Committee directs that specific information requests
from the chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on
Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related
Agencies, on scientific research or any other matter, shall be
transmitted to the Committee on Appropriations in a prompt
professional manner and within the time frame specified in the
request. The Committee further directs that scientific
information requested by the Committees on Appropriations and
prepared by Government researchers and scientists be
transmitted to the Committee on Appropriations, uncensored and
without delay.
This appropriation supports those activities that are
associated with the Secretary's role as policy officer and
general manager of the Department. It supports certain health
activities performed by the Office of Public Health and
Science, including the Office of the Surgeon General. GDM funds
also support the Department's centralized services carried out
by several Office of the Secretary staff divisions, including
personnel management, administrative and management services,
information resources management, intergovernmental relations,
legal services, planning and evaluation, finance and
accounting, and external affairs.
The Office of the Surgeon General, in addition to its other
responsibilities, provides leadership and management oversight
for the PHS Commissioned Corps, including the involvement of
the Corps in departmental emergency preparedness and response
activities.
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
Department-wide training on the Working for America Act, the
administration's pay for performance management proposal. The
Committee will reconsider funding for this activity should the
proposal become enacted into law.
The Committee has included $15,000,000 above last year's
level for the transformation of the Commissioned Corps. The
Committee has provided funding since fiscal year 2003 to
improve the ability of the Corps to respond more quickly and
effectively to public health emergencies. The Committee
understands that the administration will shortly submit to
Congress an amended budget request that incorporates the
findings of The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons
Learned report of February 2006. The Committee recommendation
reflects the amended request for additional funding for the
Commissioned Corps to create and equip dedicated health and
medical response teams, consistent with the findings of the
report.
The Committee recommendation provides $500,000 for the
Secretary, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, to fund a study by the Institute of
Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences that will examine
and make recommendations regarding various means that could be
employed to reduce dietary sodium intake to levels recommended
by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These should include,
but not be limited to, actions by food manufacturers, such as
new product development and food reformulation, and
governmental approaches, such as regulatory, legislative
approaches, and public and professional information and
education. The Secretary is also directed to request a report
from the Surgeon General on what HHS is doing to examine the
health issues related to salt.
Chronic Fatigue.--The Committee appreciates the work of the
Department's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee
[CFSAC]. However, the Committee is concerned that it took the
Department almost one year to appoint new members to replace in
March 2006 the five CFSAC appointees whose terms expired in
September 2005. The Committee directs the Department to ensure
a timely nomination and appointment process to replace the
remaining CFSAC members whose terms will expire in 2006, and to
ensure that the appointment process does not disrupt the
committee's schedule of meetings.
Food Allergies.--Approximately 2,000,000 school-aged
children in the United States suffer from food allergy, for
which there is no cure. Allergic reactions in children often
occur in the school setting and can develop into severe
anaphylactic shock that can kill within minutes unless
epinephrine is administered. It is estimated that 94 percent of
the Nation's schools have students with food allergy, and the
incidence is increasing. The Committee encourages the
Department to work with the Department of Education and
knowledgeable private sector organizations on the development
of guidelines for the management of children with food allergy
as well as a plan to disseminate and publicize these guidelines
to local educational agencies and youth organizations.
Food Study.--The Committee requests that the Secretary, in
conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, submit a report
to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and the Senate
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and Workforce in the
House. The report could address the progress of HHS and the
Department of Agriculture relating to the presence of naturally
occurring and human made substances in food that may be
carcinogenic or cause other toxic effects. The Committee
expects the report by March 1, 2007.
Genetic Screening.---The Committee is pleased that the
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and
Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children has recommended a
uniform screening panel for which all newborns should be
screened. The Advisory Committee is encouraged to update the
panel of recommended tests periodically, as well as provide the
Secretary with recommendations, advice or information on steps
to improve newborn screening programs. This Committee strongly
urges the Secretary to adopt or reject recommendations no later
than 180 days after the Advisory Committee issues them, and to
make public the justification for such determination.
Health Disparities.--The Committee is committed to ensuring
the overall improved health of the American people, and
strongly urges the Secretary to continue to intensify its
efforts in implementing recommendations developed by the
Institute of Medicine's Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial
and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care study. The
recommendations offer significant guidelines and opportunities
for eliminating health disparities and improving health across
all populations. The Committee expects the Secretary to report
on the progress of this action during next year's
appropriations hearings.
HIV Rapid Testing Initiative.--The Committee commends the
Secretary for the HHS initiative on increased rapid HIV testing
for HIV/AIDS. The Committee is aware that wide-scale bulk
deployment of new oral fluid rapid HIV testing for HIV is a
significant step towards helping citizens throughout the United
States, to know their HIV status. The Committee urges the
Secretary to significantly increase the use of bulk purchasing
and wide-scale deployment of FDA-approved oral fluid HIV rapid
tests for all domestic HIV prevention initiatives.
Methamphetamine.--The Committee recognizes that
methamphetamine abuse in the United States has been on the rise
over the past few years and that this abuse is having a
devastating effect on our communities. The Committee requests
that the Secretary study this issue and provide a report to
Congress within 6 months that outlines actions that should be
taken to help combat this epidemic.
Sleep Disorders.--At the National Institutes of Health's
Frontiers of Knowledge in Sleep and Sleep Disorders conference
in March 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General reported on the
profound impact that chronic sleep loss and untreated sleep
disorders have on Americans of all ages and that the public
health model is well suited to translate these essential health
messages to society. The Committee continues to urge the
Surgeon General to develop a Surgeon General's Report on Sleep
and Sleep Disorders and requests an update regarding progress
made on this initiative.
Tobacco Harm Reduction.--According to a report published by
the Institute of Medicine, even with the most intensive
applications of the most effective know programs for prevention
and cessation, approximately 15 percent of the adults in the
United States are expected to continue to be regular smokers.
Among this group are many who cannot or will not stop smoking,
and it is to this group that effective programs and products of
tobacco harm reduction should be directed. The Committee urges
the Department to continue its review and discussion of
products that could significantly reduce risk to individual
smokers.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and in the following amounts for fiscal year 2007:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Transportation Association of America for $1,000,000
technical assistance to human services transportation
providers on ADA requirements.........................
Palmer College on Chiropractice, Consortial Center for 400,000
Chiropractic Research in Davenport, IA, and the Policy
Institute for Integrative Medicine in Philadelphia, PA
for a best practices initiative on lower back pain....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adolescent Family Life
The Committee has provided $30,277,000 for the Adolescent
Family Life Program [AFL], which is $21,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $95,000 below the
administration request.
AFL is the only Federal program focused directly on the
issue of adolescent sexuality, pregnancy, and parenting.
Through demonstration grants and contracts, AFL focuses on a
comprehensive range of health, educational, and social services
needed to improve the health of adolescents, including the
complex issues of early adolescent sexuality, pregnancy, and
parenting.
Minority Health
The Committee recommends $57,325,000 for the Office of
Minority Health, which is $870,000 above the comparable level
for fiscal year 2006 and $10,550,000 above the administration
request.
The Office of Minority Health [OMH] focuses on strategies
designed to decrease the disparities and to improve the health
status of racial and ethnic minority populations in the United
States. OMH establishes goals, and coordinates all departmental
activity related to improving health outcomes for disadvantaged
and minority individuals. OMH supports several demonstration
projects, including the Minority Community Health Coalition,
the Bilingual/Bicultural Service, the Center for Linguistic and
Cultural Competency in Health Care, and the Family and
Community Violence Prevention Program.
The Committee has included $10,000,000 for specific
programs focused on the following initiatives designed to
impact medically underserved communities and build capacity for
the training of minorities in health professions careers: (1)
OMH-sponsored programs to assist medically underserved
communities with the greatest need in solving health
disparities and attracting and retaining health professionals;
(2) assistance to minority institutions in acquiring real
property to expand their campuses to increase the capacity to
train minorities for medical careers; (3) support of
conferences for high school and undergraduate students to
pursue health professions careers; (4) support for cooperative
agreements with minority institutions for the purpose of
strengthening their capacity to train more minorities in the
health professions.
Health Disparities.--The Committee expects the OMH and the
National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities at
NIH to play a joint role in coordinating and monitoring the
implementation of the Department's elimination of health
disparities initiatives and strategic plans. The Committee
expects the Secretary to report to Congress on the progress and
implementation of the strategic plans in general and as related
to the IOM's assessment and recommendations regarding the
strategic plan during next year's appropriations hearings, and
to include a progress update in the Department's Budget
Justification.
Historically Black Medical Schools.--The Committee
continues to be concerned about the diminished partnership
between OMH and our Nation's historically black medical
schools. Consistent with the fiscal year 2006 conference
report, the Committee encourages OMH to: (1) Re-establish its
unique cooperative agreement with Meharry Medical College, (2)
develop a formal partnership with the Morehouse School of
Medicine and its National Center for Primary Care, and (3)
coordinate a response to the challenges facing the Charles R.
Drew University of Medicine and Science, including expanded
opportunities for biomedical research and support for residency
training faculty. The Committee requests an update on the
status of these activities in the Department's Budget
Justification.
Minority Male Consortium.--The Committee continues to
recognize the importance of the educational and preventive
health work being undertaken and implemented in campus and
community-based projects by the five historically black
colleges and universities in the New Minority Males Consortium,
Inc. The Committee encourages the OMH to increase the resources
necessary to expand the number of participating institutions,
as well as to enhance the resources received by each of the
institutions to increase their activities and to conduct the
national comparative study of the incidence of certain health
conditions and diseases among minority males.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and in the following amounts for fiscal year 2007:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, for stroke $250,000
prevention programs targeting the African-American
community.............................................
Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC for 300,000
an initiative targeting health awareness and
healthcare disparities in medically underserved
communities...........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office on Women's Health
The Committee recommends $28,869,000 for the Office on
Women's Health. This is $624,000 above the comparable level for
fiscal year 2006 and $500,000 above the administration request.
The PHS Office on Women's Health [OWH] develops,
stimulates, and coordinates women's health research, health
care services, and public and health professional education and
training across HHS agencies. It advances important
crosscutting initiatives and develops public-private
partnerships, providing leadership and policy direction, and
initiating and synthesizing program activities to redress the
disparities in women's health.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and in the following amounts for fiscal year 2007:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saint Michael's Hospital, Newark, NJ for St. Michael's $500,000
Hospital Women's Cardiovascular Disease Education
Initiative............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIV/AIDS in Minority Communities
To address high-priority HIV prevention and treatment needs
of minority communities heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS, the
Committee recommends $51,891,000. This amount is $36,000 above
the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and is the same as the
administration request. These funds are available to key
operating divisions of the Department with capability and
expertise in HIV/AIDS services to assist minority communities
with education, community linkages, and technical assistance.
Afghanistan
The Committee recommendation includes $6,016,000 for the
Secretary's Afghanistan health initiative. This amount is
$128,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level
and is the same as the administration request. Funds will be
used in partnership with the Department of Defense for medical
training activities at the Rabia Balkhi Women's Hospital in
Kabul, and for support of maternal and child health throughout
Afghanistan.
Embryo Adoption
The Committee continues to believe that increasing public
awareness of embryo donation and adoption remains an important
goal. The Committee has provided $2,000,000 for the
Department's embryo adoption awareness campaign, which is
$21,000 more than the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level
and $20,000 over the administration request.
OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $59,359,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 74,250,000
House allowance......................................... 70,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,000,000
The Committee provides $70,000,000 for the Office of
Medicare Hearings and Appeals, which is $10,641,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $4,250,000 below the
administration request.
The Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals is responsible
for hearing Medicare appeals at the administrative law judge
level, which is the third level of Medicare claims appeals.
Since fiscal year 1995 these appeals have been processed by the
Social Security Administration under an interagency agreement
with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This
function was transferred to the Office of the Secretary by the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act
of 2003.
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $61,243,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 115,872,000
House allowance......................................... 98,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,243,000
The Committee provides $63,243,000 to the Office of the
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology [ONC].
This amount is $2,000,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2006
level and $52,629,000 below the administration request. The
Committee recommendation includes $11,930,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
In addition, the Committee has provided $50,000,000 for health
information technology to the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality.
The Committee understands that the administration will
shortly submit to Congress an amended budget request that
incorporates the findings of The Federal Response to Hurricane
Katrina: Lessons Learned report of February 2006. The Committee
recommendation reflects the amended request and includes
$2,000,000 above last year's level for development and testing
of a medical disaster response Electronic Health Record.
The Office of The National Coordinator for Health
Information Technology is responsible for promoting the use of
electronic health records in clinical practice, coordinating
Federal health information systems and collaborating with the
private sector to develop standards for a nationwide
interoperable health information technology infrastructure.
Disease Management Technology.--The Committee urges ONC to
conduct outreach activities to all public and private sector
organizations which have demonstrated capabilities in disease
management technology as it relates to saving health care
dollars, and improving care for chronically ill individuals and
the workforce.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $39,388,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 43,760,000
House allowance......................................... 41,415,000
Committee recommendation................................ 43,760,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $43,760,000
for the Office of Inspector General [OIG], which is $4,372,000
above the fiscal year 2006 comparable level and the same as the
administration request. In addition to discretionary funds
provided in this act, the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 and the Deficit Reduction Act of
2005 both contain permanent appropriations for the Office of
Inspector General. The total funds provided to the OIG from
this bill and other permanent appropriations is $228,760,000 in
fiscal year 2007.
The Office of Inspector General conducts audits,
investigations, inspections, and evaluations of the operating
divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services.
The OIG functions with the goal of reducing the incidence of
waste, abuse, and fraud. It also pursues examples of
mismanagement toward the goal of promoting economy and
efficiency throughout the Department.
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $34,622,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 36,283,000
House allowance......................................... 36,283,000
Committee recommendation................................ 36,283,000
The Committee recommends $36,283,000 for the Office for
Civil Rights [OCR]. This is $1,661,000 above the comparable
level for fiscal year 2006 and the same as the administration
request. The recommendation includes the transfer of $3,314,000
from the Medicare trust funds.
The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing
civil rights-related statutes in health care and human services
programs. To enforce these statutes, OCR investigates
complaints of discrimination, conducts program reviews to
correct discriminatory practices, and implements programs to
generate voluntary compliance among providers and constituency
groups of health and human services.
Health Disparities.--The Institute of Medicine and the U.S.
Commission on Civil Rights have highlighted the need to
strengthen OCR's ability to implement and enforce civil rights
laws to reduce disparities in health care access, financing,
research and treatment. The Committee strongly urges OCR to
intensify its efforts towards the elimination of health
disparities. As the primary defender of the public's right to
nondiscriminatory access to health and human services, the
Committee urges OCR to ensure that civil rights challenges are
met in the complex and ever-changing health and human services
setting. The funds provided will allow OCR to address the
marked increase in responsibilities due to additional statutory
obligations and court decisions.
RETIREMENT PAY AND MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $328,552,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 341,694,000
House allowance......................................... 341,694,000
Committee recommendation................................ 341,694,000
The Committee provides an estimated $341,694,000 for
retirement pay and medical benefits for commissioned officers
of the U.S. Public Health Service, the same as the
administration request. This amount is $13,142,000 above the
comparable level for fiscal year 2006.
This account provides for: retirement payments to U.S.
Public Health Service officers who are retired for age,
disability, or length of service; payments to survivors of
deceased officers; medical care to active duty and retired
members and dependents and beneficiaries; and for payments to
the Social Security Administration for military service
credits.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $59,984,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 160,475,000
House allowance......................................... 160,475,000
Committee recommendation................................ 166,907,000
\1\ Excludes $3,082,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-148 and $2,300,000,000 in emergency
supplemental appropriations pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
The Committee provides $166,907,000 to the Public Health
and Social Services Emergency Fund. This is $106,923,000 above
the comparable fiscal year 2006 level and $6,432,000 above the
administration request. The Committee's recommendation for
fiscal year 2007 includes $88,027,000 for bioterrorism
preparedness within the Office of the Secretary and $78,880,000
for pandemic flu activities.
The Committee understands that the administration will
shortly submit to Congress an amended budget request that
incorporates the findings of The Federal Response to Hurricane
Katrina: Lessons Learned report of February 2006. The Committee
recommendation for the Office of the Secretary reflects this
amended request and includes the following increases over last
year's level: $11,000,000 for Project Bioshield; $10,000,000
for management of emergency response; and $2,000,000 for
development of electronic benefits transfer capability.
The Committee encourages the Department to consider
accelerating the development of approaches, such as monoclonal
and polyclonal antibodies for the protection of young infants,
health care workers, immunocompromised individuals, and the
treatment of other patients exposed to potential pandemic
viruses. The Committee requests that the Department prepare and
submit a report by June 15, 2007 on the feasibility of
developing such approaches. The Committee requests that the
report also address the utility and feasibility of creating a
library of monoclonal antibodies associated with known strains
of influenza viruses and other epidemic and bioterrorist
infectious disease vectors as a jump-start for production
should one of those strains or a similar strain threaten the
population.
General Provisions, Department of Health and Human Services
The Committee recommendation continues a provision placing
a $50,000 ceiling on official representation expenses (sec.
201).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision which
limits the assignment of certain public health personnel (sec.
202).
The Committee recommendation retains language regarding
set-asides in the authorizing statute of the National
Institutes of Health (sec. 203).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision limiting
the use of grant funds to pay individuals no more than an
annual rate of executive level I (sec. 204).
The Committee recommendation includes a provision limited
the use of funds for Head Start to pay compensation of an
individual in excess of executive level II (sec. 205).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
restricting the Secretary's use of taps for program evaluation
activities unless a report is submitted to the Appropriations
Committees on the proposed use of funds (sec. 206).
The Committee recommendation modifies a provision
authorizing the transfer of up to 2.4 percent of Public Health
Service funds for evaluation activities (sec. 207).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
restricting transfers of appropriated funds and requires a 15
day notification to both the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees (sec. 208).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
permitting the transfer of up to 3 percent of AIDS funds among
institutes and centers by the Director of NIH and the Director
of the Office of AIDS Research at NIH (sec. 209).
The Committee recommendation retains language which
requires that the use of AIDS research funds be determined
jointly by the Director of the National Institutes of Health
and the Director of the Office of AIDS Research and that those
funds be allocated directly to the Office of AIDS Research for
distribution to the institutes and centers consistent with the
AIDS research plan (sec. 210).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision
regarding requirements for family planning applicants (sec.
211).
The Committee recommendation retains language which
restricts the use of funds to carry out the Medicare Advantage
Program if the Secretary denies participation to an otherwise
eligible entity (sec. 212).
The Committee recommendation retains language which states
that no provider services under title X of the PHS Act may be
exempt from State laws regarding child abuse (sec. 213).
The Committee recommendation retains language which
prohibits the Secretary from withholding substance abuse
treatment funds (sec. 214).
The Committee recommendation continues a provision which
facilitates the expenditure of funds for international AIDS
activities (sec. 215).
The Committee recommendation includes a provision allowing
the Division of Federal Occupational Health to use personal
services contracting to employ professional, administrative,
and occupational health professionals (sec. 216).
The Committee recommendation modifies a provision
authorizing the Director of the National Institutes of Health
to enter into certain transactions to carry out research in
support of the NIH Common Fund (sec. 217).
The Committee includes a provision that permits the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry to transfer funds that are
available for Individual Learning Accounts to ``Disease
Control, Research, and Training'' (sec. 218).
The Committee recommendation includes bill language
allowing use of funds to continue operating the Council on
Graduate Medical Education (sec. 219).
The Committee recommendation retains language pertaining to
Head Start waivers for the transportation of children (sec.
220).
The Committee recommendation modifies language pertaining
to use of the Centers for Disease Control aircraft (sec. 221).
The Committee recommendation includes a new provision
permitting the National Institutes of Health to use up to
$2,500,000 of per project for improvements and repairs of
facilities (sec. 222).
The Committee includes a new provision which authorizes
funding for the Delta Health Alliance (sec. 223).
The Committee includes a new provision which grants waivers
to under title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act for
Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas (sec. 224).
TITLE III
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Education for the Disadvantaged
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $14,481,161,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 16,469,541,000
House allowance......................................... 14,652,541,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,447,189,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$14,447,189,000 for education for the disadvantaged. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$14,481,161,000 and the budget request includes $16,469,541,000
for this account.
The programs in the Education for the Disadvantaged account
help ensure that poor and low-achieving children are not left
behind in the Nation's effort to raise the academic performance
of all children and youth. That goal is more pressing than ever
since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, which
incorporates numerous accountability measures into title I
programs, especially part A grants to local educational
agencies--the largest Federal elementary and secondary
education program.
In particular, the law strengthens title I accountability
by requiring States to implement statewide accountability
systems covering all public schools and students. These systems
must be based on challenging State standards in reading and
mathematics, annual statewide progress objectives ensuring that
all groups of students reach proficiency in reading and math by
the end of the 2013-2014 school year, and annual testing for
all students in grades 3-8. State progress objectives and
assessment results must be broken out by poverty, race and
ethnicity, disability, and limited English proficiency. States,
school districts, and schools must report annually on their
progress toward statewide proficiency goals. Districts and
schools that fail to make adequate yearly progress [AYP] toward
these goals are, over time, subject to increasingly rigorous
improvement, corrective action, and restructuring measures
aimed at getting them back on course to meet State standards.
Students attending schools that fail to meet annual State AYP
objectives for 2 consecutive years are permitted to transfer to
a better public school or, if the school continues to fail to
meet AYP for 3 years or more, to use title I funds to obtain
supplemental educational services from a public- or private-
sector provider selected by their parents.
Funds appropriated in this account primarily support
activities in the 2007-2008 school year.
Grants to Local Educational Agencies
Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies [LEAs] provide
supplemental education funding, especially in high-poverty
areas, for local programs that provide extra academic support
to help raise the achievement of eligible students or, in the
case of schoolwide programs, help all students in high-poverty
schools to meet challenging State academic standards. The
program serves more than 16 million students in nearly all
school districts and more than half of all public schools--
including two-thirds of the Nation's elementary schools.
Title I schools help students reach challenging State
standards through one of two models: ``targeted assistance''
that supplements the regular education program of individual
children deemed most in need of special assistance, or a
``schoolwide'' approach that allows schools to use title I
funds--in combination with other Federal, State, and local
funds--to improve the overall instructional program for all
children in a school.
States are required to reserve 4 percent of their
allocation under this program for school improvement
activities, unless such action would require a State to reduce
the grant award of a local educational agency to an amount
below the preceding year. At the funding level recommended by
the Committee for fiscal year 2007, this set-aside would
generate up to $499,000,000 for this purpose. States must
distribute 95 percent of these reserved funds to local
educational agencies for schools identified for improvement,
corrective action, or restructuring.
The budget request proposes bill language to allow States
to generate the 4 percent school improvement set aside
authorized in the No Child Left Act, even if it means reducing
a school district's title I award. The Committee bill does not
include the requested language, despite its continued concern
about how this requirement of law is working.
The Committee intends for States to utilize these funds
along with those available under the School Improvement Grants
program to make competitive awards to school districts that are
of sufficient size and scope, and of a multi-year duration, so
that schools may undertake sustainable, scientifically based
research reform activities that have a positive impact on
improving instructional practices in the classroom.
The Committee strongly urges the Secretary to ensure that
the funds available under the school improvement set-aside
authorized by section 1003(a) of the No Child Left Behind Act
and the appropriation for the School Improvement Grants program
authorized by section 1003(g) of such act are used consistent
with the intent expressed in this section and in the section
under the School Improvement Grants program.
The Committee is concerned that, so far, the Department has
been able to provide very little information about the ways in
which States have used their set-aside funding to help improve
the performance of schools identified for improvement. The
Committee directs the Department to provide, not later than 60
days after enactment of this act, a report, based on its
monitoring and other relevant sources of information, of
specific scientifically based research strategies identified
and implemented by school districts using the 4 percent set-
aside for school improvement and other Federal funds. The
Committee expects this report to contain, at a minimum, a full
and complete accounting of the average per student grant
amount, and the duration and number of grants made to local
education agencies; the criteria used to distribute grant
funds; the types of activities supported with such funds and
the evidence of effectiveness justifying their use; and the
number of schools receiving assistance that have been removed
from State watch lists or are now making adequate yearly
progress.
The appropriation for title I grants to LEAs primarily
supports activities associated with the 2007-2008 academic
year. Of the funds available for this program, up to $3,472,000
shall be available on October 1, 2006, not less than
$5,326,352,000 will become available on July 1, 2007, and
$7,383,301,000 will become available on October 1, 2007. The
funds that become available on July 1, 2007 and October 1, 2007
will remain available for obligation until September 30, 2008.
Title I grants are distributed through four formulas:
basic, concentration, targeted, and education finance incentive
grant [EFIG].
For title I basic grants, including up to $3,472,000
transferred to the Census Bureau for poverty updates, the
Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,808,408,000. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request are both $6,808,408,000 for the basic grants funding
stream. Basic grants are awarded to school districts with at
least 10 poor children who make up more than 2 percent of
enrollment.
For concentration grants, the Committee recommends an
appropriation of $1,365,031,000. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request are both
$1,365,031,000. Funds under this program are distributed
according to the basic grants formula, except that they go only
to LEAs where the number of poor children exceeds 6,500 or 15
percent of the total school-aged population.
The targeted grants formula weights child counts to make
higher payments to school districts with high numbers or
percentages of poor students. For these grants, the Committee
recommends an appropriation of $2,269,843,000. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both
are $2,269,843,000 for this funding stream.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,269,843,000
for education finance incentive grants [EFIG]. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both
are $2,269,843,000 for the EFIG funding stream. The EFIG
funding stream is allocated using State-level equity and effort
factors to make allocations to States that are intended to
encourage States to improve the equity of State education
funding systems.
William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program
The Committee does not recommend any funds for the Even
Start program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 is $99,000,000 and the budget request does not include any
funds for this program.
The Even Start program provides grants for family literacy
programs that serve disadvantaged families with children under
8 years of age and adults eligible for services under the Adult
Education and Family Literacy Act. Programs combine early
childhood education, adult literacy, and parenting education.
Funding is provided to States based on their relative share of
title I, part A funds and States use these resources to make
competitive subgrants to partnerships comprised of local
educational agencies and other organizations serving families
in high-poverty areas.
School Improvement Grants
The Committee recommendation includes $100,000,000 for the
School Improvement Grants program. The President's budget
requested $200,000,000 for this program, which has not been
funded previously. The School Improvement Grants program was
authorized as part of the No Child Left Behind Act to support a
formula grant program to States that will enable them to
provide assistance to schools not making adequate yearly
progress for at least 2 years. Under the authorized program,
States are required to allocate not less than 95 percent of
their awards to schools to enable them to, among other things,
develop and implement their school improvement plans (which may
include research-based activities such as comprehensive school
reform, professional development for teachers and staff, and
extended learning opportunities.)
When subgranting these funds to LEAs, the Committee
strongly urges the Secretary to inform States that they are
required to make awards of sufficient size and scope to
undertake activities required by sections 1116 and 1117 of
NCLB, integrate these grant funds with other resources awarded
by the States under this act (particularly, the 4 percent
school improvement set-aside), and give priority to those LEAs
with the lowest-achieving schools that demonstrate the greatest
need for school improvement funding and the strongest
commitment to ensuring that such funds are used to provide
adequate resources to enable the lowest-performing schools to
meet the goals identified in improvement plans, correction
action, and restructuring plans under section 1116 of NCLB. The
Committee intends for States to utilize these funds along with
those available under the 4 percent school improvement set-
aside to make competitive awards to school districts that are
of sufficient size and scope, and of a multi-year duration, so
that schools may undertake sustainable activities grounded in
scientifically based research that have a positive impact on
improving instructional practices in the classroom. The
Committee also directs the Department to inform State and local
educational agencies that they must consider the products and
services of the regional educational laboratories,
comprehensive centers, What Works Clearinghouse, Comprehensive
School Reform Quality Center and other findings of federally
funded reviews of research to provide products and services
that will help States and school districts utilize the school
improvement funds available in this account to support school
improvement activities that are supported by scientifically
based research. The Committee requests that the Department
brief the Committee on its planned implementation actions not
later than 14 days prior to the announcement of funding
available under this program.
The Committee requests that the 2008 congressional
justification include specific information about the actions
taken to support the Committee's intention in providing
resources for this program and other school improvement
activities and steps the Department will take to collect
evidence on the outcomes achieved with school improvement
funds.
The budget request proposes bill language that would
override the requirement in NCLB for States to distribute 95
percent of their grant awards to school districts. The
Committee bill does not include this requested language.
Reading First State Grants
The Committee recommends $1,000,000,000 for the Reading
First State Grants program. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 and the budget request are both
$1,029,234,000.
Reading First is a comprehensive effort to provide States
and LEAs with funds to implement comprehensive reading
instruction for children in grades K-3. The purpose of the
program is to help ensure that every child can read by the end
of third grade. LEAs and schools that receive funds under this
program should use the money to provide professional
development in reading instruction for teachers and
administrators, adopt and use reading diagnostics for students
in grades K-3 to determine where they need help, implement
reading curricula that are based on scientific research, and
provide reading interventions for children who are not reading
at grade level.
The Committee reiterates its intention for funds available
under the Reading First program to encourage and support the
use of reading programs with the strongest possible scientific
evidence of effectiveness.
Early Reading First
The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for the Early Reading
First program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 and the budget request both are $103,118,000.
Early Reading First complements Reading First State Grants
by providing competitive grants to school districts and
nonprofit groups to support activities in existing preschool
programs that are designed to enhance the verbal skills,
phonological awareness, letter knowledge, pre-reading skills,
and early language development of children ages 3 through 5.
Funds are targeted to communities with high numbers of low-
income families.
The Committee supports the intent of this program, which is
to prepare young children to enter kindergarten with the
necessary language, cognitive, and early reading skills to
prevent reading difficulties and ensure school success. The
Committee believes the Early Reading First program should
continue to encourage and support State and local programs to
provide research-based early literacy screening as well as
providing skill building activities to enhance and build
preschoolers' early reading skills, especially for students who
struggle and may be at risk for learing disabilities.
Striving Readers
The Committee recommends $35,000,000 for the Striving
Readers initiative. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $29,700,000 and the budget request includes
$100,000,000 for the Striving Readers program. This program
supports grants to develop, implement, and evaluate reading
interventions for middle or high school students reading
significantly below grade level. Under this program, awards are
made to local educational agencies eligible to receive funds
under part A of title I with one or more high schools or middle
schools serving a significant number of students reading below
grade level. Awards also may be made to partnerships including
institutions of higher education and eligible nonprofit or for-
profit organizations. The Committee intends that funds provided
in this bill continue to be utilized in accordance with the
priorities established in the statement of the managers
accompanying the Fiscal Year 2005 Appropriations Act that
relate to a rigorous evaluation requirement and parity in
funding for middle schools and high schools.
Math Now for Elementary School Students
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the new Math Now for Elementary School Students initiative.
The budget proposes $125,000,000 for this new initiative. Under
this program, the Department would make grants to institutions
of higher education, eligible nonprofit organizations, and
local educational agencies with one or more elementary or
middle schools with significant numbers of students whose math
scores are below grade level or partnerships of these entities.
Grant funds would be used to implement instructional practices,
programs and materials identified by the National Mathematics
Advisory Panel as effective in improving mathematics learning.
Math Now for Middle School Students
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the new Math Now for Middle School Students initiative. The
budget proposes $125,000,000 for this new initiative. Under
this program, the Department would make grants to partnerships
to improve mathematics instruction for middle-school students
whose achievement is significantly below grade level. Awards
would be made to institutions of higher education, eligible
nonprofit organizations, and local educational agencies with
one or more middle schools with significant numbers of students
whose math scores are below grade level or partnerships of
these entities. Grant funds would be used to diagnose the
deficiencies of students who are not proficient in mathematics
on State tests at the 6th and 7th grade level, implement
scientifically based research interventions that involve
intensive and systemic instruction and provide professional
development for teachers, principals and district leaders.
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
The Committee recommends $19,486,000 for the Improving
Literacy Through School Libraries program, the same amount as
the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request.
This program provides funds for urgently needed, up-to-date
school library books and training for school library media
specialists in order to support the scientifically based
reading programs authorized by the Reading First initiative.
LEAs with a child-poverty rate of at least 20 percent are
eligible for the competitive awards. Funds may be used to
acquire school library media resources, including books and
advanced technology; facilitate resource-sharing networks among
schools and school libraries; provide professional development
for school library media specialists; and provide students with
access to school libraries during nonschool hours.
High School Reform
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the new High School Reform initiative. The budget proposed
$1,475,000,000 for this new initiative. Under this proposal,
funds would be used to develop, implement, and evaluate
interventions that increase the achievement of all high school
students, particularly those at risk of failing to meet
challenging State academic content standards, and annual
assessments that would help educators in developing strategies
to meet the needs of at-risk high school students. The proposed
initiative would provide funds to States based on a formula and
SEAs would then make competitive grants to LEAs using 95
percent of appropriated funds, with the balance of funds
available for use by States to develop, implement, and
administer two additional assessments in reading and math, and
for administration, evaluation, and technical assistance.
The budget request proposes bill language that would allow
a portion of the requested funds to be used for continuation
costs for certain Higher Education Act programs; to authorize
this new high school initiative, including the requirement for
States receiving funds under the title I grant funds to develop
and implement the new assessments in reading and math; and to
require each State to participate in 12th grade State National
Assessment of Educational Progress reading and math
assessments. The Committee bill does not include the requested
language.
America's Opportunity Scholarships for Kids
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the proposed America's Opportunity Scholarships for Kids
program. The budget request proposed $100,000,000 for this new
program. Under this proposed program, the Department would make
competitive grant awards to States, local educational agencies,
and nonprofit organizations to enable such entities to provide
school choice or intensive tutoring opportunities to students
from low-income households who attend a school identified for
restructuring under NCLB. The Department proposed to provide a
priority to applications from school districts with a large
number or proportion of schools identified for restructuring.
Migrant Education Program
The Committee recommends $386,524,000 for the Migrant
Education program, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level and the budget request.
The title I Migrant Education program authorizes grants to
State educational agencies for programs to meet the special
educational needs of the children of migrant agricultural
workers and fishermen. Funds are allocated to the States
through a statutory formula based on each State's average per-
pupil expenditure for education and actual counts of migratory
children ages 3 through 21 residing within the States in the
previous year. Only migratory children who have moved within
the last 3 years are generally eligible to be counted and
served by the program.
This appropriation also supports activities to improve
interstate and intrastate coordination of migrant education
programs, as well as identifying and improving services to the
migrant student population.
Neglected and Delinquent
The Committee recommends $49,797,000 for the title I
neglected and delinquent program, the same amount as the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request.
This program provides financial assistance to State
educational agencies for education services to neglected and
delinquent children and youth in State-run institutions and for
juveniles in adult correctional institutions. Funds are
allocated to individual States through a formula based on the
number of children in State-operated institutions and per-pupil
education expenditures for the State.
States are authorized to set aside at least 15 percent, but
not more than 30 percent, of their neglected and delinquent
funds to help students in State-operated institutions make the
transition into locally operated programs and to support the
successful reentry of youth offenders, who are age 20 or
younger and have received a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent. Reentry activities may include
strategies designed to expose the youth to, and prepare the
youth for, postsecondary education, or vocational and technical
training programs.
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the Congress provided
the Secretary with the authority to reserve up to 2.5 percent
of the appropriation for national activities. The Committee
continues to urge the Secretary to fully utilize this authority
to support capacity building in and dissemination of best
practices to State agency programs and to develop a uniform
model for evaluating State performance under this program.
Evaluation
The Committee recommends $9,330,000 for evaluation of title
I programs, the same amount as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 and the budget request.
Evaluation funds are used to support large-scale national
surveys that examine how the title I program is contributing to
student academic achievement. Funds also are used to evaluate
State assessment and accountability systems and analyze the
effectiveness of educational programs supported with title I
funds.
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration
The Committee does not recommend additional funds for the
comprehensive school reform demonstration program. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $7,920,000 and
the budget request did not include any funds for the
comprehensive school reform program.
As authorized under NCLB, this program provided schools
with funding to develop or adopt, and implement, comprehensive
school reforms that will enable children in participating
schools to meet State standards. In the fiscal year 2006 bill,
Congress provided funding only for the continuation of the
Comprehensive School Reform Clearinghouse and Quality
Initiatives grants.
High School Equivalency Program
The Committee recommends $18,550,000 for the high school
equivalency program [HEP], the same amount as the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request.
This program provides 5-year grants to institutions of
higher education and other nonprofit organizations to recruit
migrant students ages 16 and over and provide the academic and
support services needed to help them obtain a high school
equivalency certificate and subsequently gain employment, win
admission to a postsecondary institution or a job-training
program, or join the military. Projects provide counseling,
health services, stipends, and placement assistance. At the
funding level recommended by the Committee, HEP will serve
roughly 7,000 migrants.
College Assistance Migrant Program
For the College Assistance Migrant Program [CAMP], the
Committee recommends $15,377,000, the same amount as the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request.
Funds provide 5-year grants to institutions of higher
education and nonprofit organizations for projects that provide
tutoring, counseling, and financial assistance to migrant
students during their first year of postsecondary education.
Projects also may use up to 10 percent of their grants for
follow-up services after students have completed their first
year of college, including assistance in obtaining student
financial aid.
Impact Aid
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,228,453,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,228,453,000
House allowance......................................... 1,228,453,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,228,453,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,228,453,000
for impact aid for the Department of Education. This is the
same as the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and
the budget request.
Impact aid provides financial assistance to school
districts for the costs of educating children when enrollments
and the availability of revenues from local sources have been
adversely affected by the presence of Federal activities.
Children who reside on Federal or Indian lands generally
constitute a financial burden on local school systems because
these lands do not generate property taxes--a major revenue
source for elementary and secondary education in most
communities. In addition, realignments of U.S. military forces
at bases across the country often lead to influxes of children
into school districts without producing the new revenues
required to maintain an appropriate level of education.
The Committee bill includes language that provides for
continued eligibility for students affected by the deployment
or death of their military parent, as long as these children
still attend the same school district. This language was
included in the budget request and last year's appropriation
bill.
Basic Support Payments.--The Committee recommends
$1,091,867,000 for basic support payments. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both
are $1,091,867,000. Under this statutory formula, payments are
made on behalf of all categories of federally connected
children, with a priority placed on making payments first to
heavily impacted school districts and providing any remaining
funds for regular basic support payments.
Payments for Children with Disabilities.--The Committee
bill includes $49,466,000 for this purpose, the same amount as
the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request. Under this program, additional payments are
made for certain federally connected children eligible for
services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Facilities Maintenance.--The Committee recommends
$4,950,000 for facilities maintenance. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are
$4,950,000 for this purpose. This activity provides funding for
emergency repairs and comprehensive capital improvements to
certain school facilities owned by the Department of Education
and used by local educational agencies to serve federally
connected military dependent students. Funds appropriated for
this purpose are available until expended.
Construction.--The Committee recommends $17,820,000 for
this program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and
the budget request both are $17,820,000 for this purpose.
Formula and competitive grants are authorized to be awarded to
eligible LEAs for emergency repairs and modernization of school
facilities. Funds appropriated for the construction activity
are available for obligation for a period of 2 years.
The fiscal year 2006 appropriation for this activity
stipulated that funds were to be used only on formula
construction grants to eligible school districts. The budget
request proposes bill language this year to provide
construction funds on a competitive basis only. The Committee
has provided this requested authority.
Payments for Federal Property.--The Committee recommends
$64,350,000 for this activity. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are $64,350,000
for this program. These payments compensate local educational
agencies in part for revenue lost due to the removal of Federal
property from local tax rolls. Payments are made to LEAs that
have a loss of tax base of at least 10 percent of assessed
value due to the acquisition since 1938 of real property by the
U.S. Government.
School Improvement Programs
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $5,255,477,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 4,973,158,000
House allowance......................................... 4,764,559,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,029,943,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,029,943,000
for school improvement programs. The comparable funding level
in fiscal year 2006 for this account is $5,255,477,000 and the
budget request includes $4,973,158,000.
State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality
The Committee recommends $2,747,439,000 for State grants
for improving teacher quality. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are $2,887,439,000
for this program.
The appropriation for this program primarily supports
activities associated with the 2007-2008 academic year. Of the
funds provided, $1,312,439,000 will become available on July 1,
2007, and $1,435,000,000 will become available on October 1,
2007. These funds will remain available for obligation until
September 30, 2008.
The No Child Left Behind Act requires States to ensure that
all teachers teaching in core academic subjects are ``highly
qualified'' by the end of the 2005-2006 school year. However,
the Committee is aware that the Secretary of Education has
notified States of her intention not to withhold Federal funds
as provided under NCLB, if States did not reach the 100 percent
goal by the end of the 2005-2006 school year but were making a
good-faith effort to reach the goal as soon as possible.
States and LEAs may use the funds for a range of activities
related to the certification, recruitment, professional
development, and support of teachers and administrators.
Activities may include reforming teacher certification and
licensure requirements, addressing alternative routes to State
certification of teachers, recruiting teachers and principals,
and implementing teacher mentoring systems, teacher testing,
merit pay, and merit-based performance systems. These funds may
also be used by districts to hire teachers to reduce class
sizes.
Early Childhood Educator Professional Development
The Committee recommends $14,549,000 to support
professional development activities for early childhood
educators and caregivers in high-poverty communities. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request are both $14,549,000 for this program. From this
appropriation, the Secretary makes competitive grants to
partnerships of early childhood and family literacy caregivers
and educators in order to provide high quality, sustained and
intensive professional development for early childhood
educators to help them provide developmentally appropriate
school-readiness services for preschool-age children.
Mathematics and Science Partnerships
The Committee recommends $195,000,000 for the mathematics
and science partnerships program. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are
$182,160,000 for this purpose. These funds will be used to
improve the performance of students in the areas of math and
science by bringing math and science teachers in elementary and
secondary schools together with scientists, mathematicians, and
engineers to increase the teachers' subject-matter knowledge
and improve their teaching skills. When the appropriation for
this program is $100,000,000 or greater, the Secretary is
authorized to award grants to States by a formula which
includes consideration of the number of children aged 5 to 17
below the poverty line. States then are required to make grants
competitively to eligible partnerships to enable the entities
to pay the Federal share of the costs of developing or
redesigning more rigorous mathematics and science curricula
that are aligned with State and local standards; creating
opportunities for enhanced professional development that
improves the subject-matter knowledge of math and science
teachers; recruiting math and science majors; and improving and
expanding training of math and science teachers, including the
effective integration of technology into curricula and
instruction.
Innovative Education Program Strategies State Grants
The Committee does not recommend any funding for innovative
education program strategies State grants. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both
are $99,000,000 for this purpose.
The innovative education program is a flexible source of
Federal funds that provides support to States and LEAs for
developing education reform initiatives that will improve the
performance of students, schools, and teachers.
Educational Technology State Grants
The Committee recommends $272,250,000 for educational
technology State grants. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $272,250,000 and the budget request did not
include any funds for this program.
The educational technology State grants program supports
efforts to integrate technology into curricula to improve
student learning. Funds flow by formula to States and may be
used for the purchase of hardware and software, teacher
training on integrating technology into the curriculum, and
efforts to use technology to improve communication with
parents, among other related purposes. An LEA must use at least
25 percent of its formula allocation for professional
development in the integration of technology into the curricula
unless it can demonstrate that it already provides such high-
quality professional development.
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, States may use up to 5
percent of their award for technical assistance and
administrative expenses and then must distribute 50 percent of
remaining funds based on a formula and 50 percent based on a
grant competition. However, the fiscal year 2006 appropriations
act included language allowing States to award up to 100
percent of their funds competitively. The Committee bill
continues this legislative authority.
Supplemental Education Grants
The Committee recommendation includes $18,824,000 for the
supplemental education grants program. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are
$18,001,000 for this program. This grant program was authorized
by the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003. The
act discontinued the eligibility of Republic of Marshall
Islands [RMI] and the Federated States of Micronesia [FSM] for
funding available from Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth
Workforce Investment Act programs, Head Start, Title I Grants
to LEAs, Adult and Vocational Education State Grants, Federal
Work-Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities
Grants. In place of funding from these sources, the act
provided a separate supplemental education grant program that
provides these entities with a more flexible source of funds
that can be tailored to local needs. These funds will be
transferred from the Department of Education to the Secretary
of the Interior for grants to these entities. The Committee
bill includes language, contained in the fiscal year 2006
appropriations act and budget request, that allows up to 5
percent to be used by the FSM and RMI to purchase oversight and
technical assistance, which may include reimbursement of the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education
for such services.
21st Century Community Learning Centers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $981,166,000
for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the
same as both the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request.
Funds are allocated to States by formula, which in turn,
award at least 95 percent of their allocations to local
educational agencies, community-based organizations and other
public and private entities. Grantees use these resources to
establish or expand community learning centers that provide
activities offering significant extended learning
opportunities, such as before-and after-school programs,
recreational activities, drug and violence prevention and
family literacy programs for students and related services to
their families. Centers must target their services on students
who attend schools that are eligible to operate a schoolwide
program under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act or serve high percentages of students from low-income
families.
State Assessments and Enhanced Assessment Instruments
The Committee recommends $407,563,000 for State
assessments, the same as both the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 and the budget request.
A key accountability measure in the No Child Left Behind
Act requires annual State assessments in reading and
mathematics for all students in grades 3-8 beginning in the
2005-2006 school year. The new assessments will be used to
determine whether States, LEAs, and schools are making adequate
yearly progress toward the goal of helping all students attain
proficiency within 12 years of the 2001-2002 school year.
This program has two components. The first provides formula
grants to States to pay the cost of developing standards and
assessments required by the new law. The statute includes
funding ``trigger amounts'' for fiscal years 2002-2007; States
may defer the new assessments for each year the appropriation
falls below the trigger level. The trigger for fiscal year 2007
is $400,000,000. The Committee recommendation includes
$400,000,000 for this purpose.
Under the second component of State assessments--Grants for
Enhanced Assessment Instruments--appropriations in excess of
the trigger level are used for a competitive grant program
designed to support efforts by States to improve the quality
and fairness of their assessment systems. The Committee
recommendation for the second component is $7,563,000, the same
as both the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and
the budget request.
The Committee continues to be concerned that many schools
are unable to properly assess the performance of limited-
English proficient students and students with disabilitites and
is pleased that the Department has established a competitive
preference for applications addressing the assessment of such
students. The Committee urges the Department to continue to
place a high priority on grant applications that aim to improve
the quality of State assessments for students with disabilities
and students with limited English proficiency, and to ensure
the most accurate means of measuring their performance on these
assessments.
Javits Gifted and Talented Education
The Committee recommends $5,025,000 for the Javits Gifted
and Talented Students Education Program, the fiscal year 2006
funding level was $9,596,000. The President's budget proposes
to eliminate funding for this program. Funds are used for
awards to state and local educational agencies, institutions of
higher education, and other public and private agencies for
research, demonstration, and training activities designed to
enhance the capability of elementary and secondary schools to
meet the special educational needs of gifted and talented
students. The Committee recommendation will fund fully all
current State and local educational agencies grants, and
research and development activities.
Foreign Language Assistance
The Committee recommends $26,152,000 for the foreign
language assistance program. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $21,780,000 and the budget request proposes
$23,780,000 for foreign language assistance activities.
The Committee intends for funding available under this
program to promote the goal of well-articulated, long-sequence
language programs that lead to demonstrable results for all
students. The Committee directs the Department not to make
grants to schools that are replacing current traditional
language programs with critical needs language instruction. The
Committee is aware of the considerable research base
demonstrating that second language acquisition leads to easier
additional language learning, because the skills for language
learning are transferable. The Committee believes it is more
appropriate for the Department to build on the foundation of
Federal support for traditional foreign language instruction in
addressing critical needs languages and has provided funding
for a grant competition in fiscal year 2007 to follow the
framework of principles outlined in this paragraph.
Funds from this program support competitive grants to
increase the quality and quantity of foreign language
instruction. At least 75 percent of the appropriation must be
used to expand foreign language education in the elementary
grades. The Committee has included bill language that prohibits
Foreign Language Assistance program funds from being used for
the Foreign Language Incentive program.
The Committee is concerned that this program, which is the
only Federal program designed to help schools meet the need for
foreign language instruction, is unavailable to the poorest
schools because grant recipients must provide a 50 percent
match from non-Federal sources. The Committee, therefore,
strongly urges the Secretary to use her ability to waive the
matching requirement for qualifying schools and to increase
awareness of this accommodation among the affected school
population.
Education for Homeless Children and Youth
For carrying out education activities authorized by title
VII, subtitle B of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act, the Committee recommends $61,871,000. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget request both are
$61,871,000.
This program provides assistance to each State to support
an office of the coordinator of education for homeless children
and youth, to develop and implement State plans for educating
homeless children, and to make subgrants to LEAs to support the
education of those children. Grants are made to States based on
the total that each State receives in title I grants to LEAs.
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youths
Program, State educational agencies must ensure that homeless
children and youth have equal access to the same free public
education, including a public preschool education, as is
provided to other children and youth. States must review and
undertake steps to revise any laws, regulations, practices, or
policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment,
attendance, or success in school of homeless children and
youth.
Training and Advisory Services
For training and advisory services authorized by title IV
of the Civil Rights Act, the Committee recommends $7,113,000.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $7,113,000 for these services.
The funds provided will support awards to operate the 10
regional equity assistance centers [EACs]. Each EAC provides
services to school districts upon request. Activities include
disseminating information on successful practices and legal
requirements related to nondiscrimination on the basis of race,
color, sex, or national origin in education programs.
Education for Native Hawaiians
For programs for the education of Native Hawaiians, the
Committee recommends $33,908,000. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level is $33,907,000 and the budget request
includes $31,433,000 for these programs.
The Committee bill includes language allowing $1,250,000 of
the funds recommended to be used for construction and
renovation of Native Hawaiian educational facilities.
Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence.----The
Committee appreciates the Department's continued support of the
Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence. This
repository houses a compilation of historical and cultural
documents which facilitates preservation and examination of
laws of great significance to Native Hawaiians. The Committee
bill includes language stipulating that $1,250,000 shall be
used for a grant to the Center of Excellence at the University
of Hawaii School of Law.
The Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial.--The Committee
recommends support of projects that support the development of
academic curricula or instructional materials that are based on
archives of oral histories of Native Hawaiian history and
culture. Activities supported with project funds may include
the development of archives for collectable media significant
to the State of Hawaii in memory of former Senate Sergeant at
Arms Henry Kuualoha Giugni. The Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna
Archives will facilitate the acquisition of historical records
and stories unique to the culture of Native Hawaiians. The
establishment of this archival collection is critical for
recording, cataloguing, and digitalization of oral histories,
both new and old, and securing their availability for
development of innovative educational programs to assist Native
Hawaiian students.
Alaska Native Educational Equity
The Committee recommends $33,908,000 for the Alaska Native
educational equity assistance program. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level is $33,907,000 and the budget request
is $33,908,000 for this purpose.
These funds address the severe educational handicaps of
Alaska Native schoolchildren. Funds are used for the
development of supplemental educational programs to benefit
Alaska Natives. The Committee bill includes language which
allows funding provided by this program to be used for
construction. This language is included from last year's
appropriations act. The Committee expects the Department to use
some of these funds to address the construction needs of rural
schools.
Rural Education
The Committee recommends $168,918,000 for rural education
programs, the same as both the comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level and the budget request.
The Committee strongly supports the continued use of
Federal funding specifically for rural education. Rural schools
face difficult challenges in meeting the mandates in the No
Child Left Behind Act, particularly in the areas of attracting
highly qualified teachers and adapting to new assessment
requirements and reporting expectations. The rural education
programs are intended to help level the playing field for small
and high-poverty rural school systems that typically receive
less Federal formula funding than their urban and suburban
counterparts, and are frequently unable to compete for
competitive grants. In addition to providing more total funding
for such districts, the program also allows these districts to
combine funds from four categorical programs and use the money
to address their highest priorities, such as recruiting
teachers, purchasing technology, or upgrading curricula.
The Committee expects that rural education funding will be
equally divided between the Small, Rural Schools Achievement
Program, which provides funds to LEAs that serve a small number
of students, and the Rural and Low-Income Schools Program,
which provides funds to LEAs that serve concentrations of poor
students, regardless of the number of students served.
Comprehensive Centers
The Committee recommends $56,257,000 for the comprehensive
centers program, the same as both the comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level and the budget request.
These funds will provide continued support to a network of
21 comprehensive centers, at least one of which will operate in
each of the 10 regions of the United States. The centers are
operated by research organizations, agencies, institutions of
higher education or partnerships thereof, provide training and
technical assistance on various issues to States, LEAs, and
schools as identified through needs assessments undertaken in
each region. Grantees have developed 5-year plans for
undertaking authorized activities that address the needs of
States in a region and established advisory boards to advise
the centers on allocation of resources, maintaining a high
standard of quality in services delivery and ensuring that
activities promote progress toward improving student
achievement. The National Center for Education Evaluation and
Regional Assistance will provide for ongoing independent
evaluation of each center to assess whether each is meeting its
objectives.
The Committee notes that one of the primary missions of the
16 regional comprehensive centers is to provide intensive
technical assistance to State Educational Agencies to increase
their capacity to assist local educational agencies and schools
with meeting the goals of No Child Left Behind. This assistance
is based in large part on the work of the five content centers,
which are organized by topic area so these centers can develop
the information, materials and resources that the regional
centers need to fulfill their mission. The Committee directs
the Department to inform the centers that the assistance
provided by these centers must be based on scientifically based
research and used, among other activities, to help States,
school districts and schools better utilize the school
improvement funds available under the 4 percent school
improvement set aside and $100,000,000 school improvement grant
program available under the education for the disadvantaged
account, so that schools identified as in need of improvement
can undertake the fundamental changes in instructional
practices and the learning environment that scientifically
based research demonstrates will lead to improved student
achievement.
The Committee is aware that the Department is developing a
Promising Practices Initiative that is intended to share
practices that show promise of improving student achievement
based on the best available evidence. This Committee
understands that this initiative will be led by the Office of
Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. The Committee
requests a report on how this initiative will be integrated and
coordinated with the work of the Institute of Education
Sciences What Work Clearinghouse, the Regional Educational
Laboratories and other technical assistance providers funded by
the Department of Education. The Committee requests a briefing
on this issue not later than 30 days before the launch of this
initiative and a report not later than 30 days after enactment
of this act.
Indian Education
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $118,690,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 118,690,000
House allowance......................................... 118,690,000
Committee recommendation................................ 118,690,000
The Committee recommends $118,690,000 for Indian Education
programs. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $118,690,000 for such activities.
Grants to Local Education Agencies
For grants to local educational agencies, the Committee
recommends $95,331,000. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level and the budget request both are $95,331,000 for
authorized activities.
These funds provide financial support to elementary and
secondary school programs that serve Indian students, including
preschool children. Funds are awarded on a formula basis to
local educational agencies, schools supported and operated by
the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and in some cases directly to
Indian Tribes.
Special Programs for Indian Children
The Committee recommends $19,399,000 for special programs
for Indian children, the same as the comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level and the budget request.
Funds are used for demonstration grants to improve Indian
student achievement through early childhood education and
college preparation programs, and for professional development
grants for training Indians who are preparing to begin careers
in teaching and school administration.
National Activities
The Committee recommends $3,960,000 for national
activities. The comparable fiscal year 2006 amount and the
budget request both are $3,960,000 for authorized activities.
Funds will be used to expand efforts to improve research,
evaluation, and data collection on the status and effectiveness
of Indian education programs.
Innovation and Improvement
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $936,486,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 850,966,000
House allowance......................................... 911,413,000
Committee recommendation................................ 989,942,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $989,942,000
for programs within the innovation and improvement account. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level for these programs is
$936,486,000 and the budget request includes $850,966,000 for
this account.
Troops-to-Teachers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,645,000
for the Troops-to-Teachers program, the same as both the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request.
This program supports the Defense Department's Troops to
Teachers program, which helps recruit and prepare retiring and
former military personnel to become highly qualified teachers
serving in high-poverty school districts. The Secretary of
Education transfers program funds to the Department of Defense
for the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support
to provide assistance, including stipends of up to $5,000 and/
or bonuses of up to $10,000 to eligible members of the Armed
Forces so that they can obtain teacher certification or
licensing. In addition, the program helps these individuals
find employment in a school.
Transition to Teaching
The Committee recommends $44,484,000 for the transition to
teaching program, the same as both the comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level and the budget request.
This program provides grants to help support efforts to
recruit, train, and place nontraditional teaching candidates
into teaching positions and to support them during their first
years in the classroom. In particular, this program is intended
to attract mid-career professionals and recent college
graduates. Program participants are placed in high-need schools
in high-need LEAs.
National Writing Project
The Committee recommends $25,000,000 for the National
Writing Project. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 is $21,532,000 and the budget request proposes to
eliminate Federal funding for this program.
These funds are awarded to the National Writing Project, a
nonprofit organization that supports and promotes K-16 teacher
training programs in the effective teaching of writing.
Teaching of Traditional American History
The Committee recommends $121,000,000 for the teaching of
traditional American history program. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level is $119,790,000 and the budget request
is $50,000,000 for this activity. This program supports
competitive grants to LEAs, and funds may be used only to
undertake activities that are related to American history, and
cannot be used for social studies coursework. Grant awards are
designed to augment the quality of American history instruction
and to provide professional development activities and teacher
education in the area of American history. The Committee
directs the Department to continue its current policy of
awarding 3-year grants.
The budget request proposes to continue language included
in the fiscal year 2006 appropriations act that allows the
Department to reserve up to 3 percent of funds appropriated for
this program for national activities. The Committee bill
includes the requested language. The Committee directs the
Department to prepare and submit an operating plan to the House
and Senate Committees on Appropriations, within 30 days of
enactment of this act, on how these reserved funds will be used
to support the intent of this program.
School Leadership
The Committee recommends $14,731,000 for the school
leadership program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $14,731,000 and the budget request proposes to
eliminate funding for this program. This program provides
competitive grants to assist high-need LEAs to recruit and
train principals and assistant principals through activities
such as professional development and training programs. The
Committee continues to recognize the critical role that
principals and assistant principals play in creating an
environment that fosters effective teaching and high academic
achievement for students.
Advanced Credentialing
The Committee recommends $18,695,000 for the advanced
credentialing program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $16,695,000 and the budget request includes $8,000,000
for one component of the authorized program.
The Committee recommendation includes $10,695,000 for the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards [NBPTS]. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $9,821,000 and the
budget request proposes to eliminate funding for the National
Board. Funds available assist the Board's work in providing
financial support to States for teachers applying for
certification, increasing the number of minority teachers
seeking certification and developing outreach programs about
the advanced certification program.
The fiscal year 2007 appropriation also supports $8,000,000
for the fifth and final year of a grant for the American Board
for the Certification of Teacher Excellence. These funds
support the development and implementation of two levels of
teacher certification. Passport for Teaching is a certification
for teachers entering the profession, while the Master Teacher
certification is for experienced teachers.
Charter Schools Grants
The Committee recommends $214,782,000 for the support of
charter schools. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level
and the budget request both are $214,782,000 for this program.
This appropriation supports the planning, development, and
initial implementation of charter schools, which are public
schools that receive exemption from many statutory and
regulatory requirements in exchange for promising to meet
agreed-upon accountability measures. State educational agencies
that have the authority under State law to approve charter
schools are eligible to compete for grants. If an eligible SEA
does not participate, charter schools from the State may apply
directly to the Secretary. The authorizing statute requires
that amounts appropriated in excess of $200,000,000 and less
than $300,000,000 be used for 5-year competitive grants to
States that operate per-pupil facilities aid programs for
charters schools. Federal funds are used to match State funded
programs in order to provide charter schools with additional
resources for charter school facilities financing. At the
Committee recommendation $14,782,000 will be available to
continue support for per-pupil facilities aid grants.
The Committee notes that the Department plans to use
$8,000,000 in appropriated funds for national activities, which
will include support for a rigorous evaluation of charter
schools, technical assistance and dissemination of model
charters and charter school laws. The Committee encourages the
Department to continue to support such efforts and expects that
additional information on these activities will be included in
the fiscal year 2008 congressional budget justification.
Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities
The Committee does not recommend any funding for this
program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and
the budget request both are $36,611,000 for this purpose. The
Committee notes that the authorization for this program expired
in fiscal year 2005 and, due to limited resources, does not
fund this unauthorized activity. The budget request includes
bill language that would continue to authorize this activity in
fiscal year 2007.
This program provides assistance to help charter schools
meet their facility needs. Funds are provided on a competitive
basis to public and non-profit entitities, to leverage non-
Federal funds that help charter schools obtain school
facilities through purchase, lease, renovation and
construction.
Voluntary Public School Choice
The Committee recommends $26,278,000 for the voluntary
public school choice program, the same as both the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request.
This program supports efforts by States and school
districts to establish or expand State- or district-wide public
school choice programs, especially for parents whose children
attend low-performing public schools.
Magnet Schools Assistance
The Committee recommends $106,693,000 for the magnet
schools assistance program, the same as both the comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget request.
This program supports grants to local educational agencies
to establish and operate magnet schools that are part of a
court-ordered or federally approved voluntary desegregation
plan. Magnet schools are designed to attract substantial
numbers of students from different social, economic, ethnic,
and racial backgrounds. Grantees may use funds for planning and
promotional materials, teacher salaries, purchase of computers,
and other educational materials and equipment.
Fund for the Improvement of Education
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $238,879,000
for the Fund for the Improvement of Education [FIE]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $158,510,000
and the budget request includes $104,043,000 for comparable
activities.
For programs of national significance authorized under
section 5411 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
[ESEA], the Committee recommendation includes $700,000 for the
National Institute of Building Sciences to continue operation
of the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, the
Nation's sole source for comprehensive information about school
planning, design, financing, construction, and maintenance. The
Committee recommends an additional $300,000 for this purpose
within Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities National
Programs to address issues related to school safety and healthy
school buildings.
The Committee recommendation also includes resources for
the following activities: National Mathematics Panel; Teach for
America; Reach Out and Read; evaluation and data quality
initiatives designed to improve the quality of data collected
from, and evaluations conducted by, grantees under elementary
and secondary education programs; peer review and other grant
activities authorized under section 5411 of the ESEA.
The Committee commends the Music Educators National
Conference for their work on the National Anthem Project and
for highlighting the important role music teachers play in
teaching our musical heritage. The Committee encourages the
Department to work with the National Anthem Project to further
their goal of teaching Americans the National Anthem.
The budget request also proposed funding the Language
Teacher Corps, Teacher to Teacher initiative, Math and Science
evaluation, and State Scholars activity under this authority.
Due to limited resources, the Committee recommendation does not
include funding for these activities. The Committee notes that
the Teacher to Teacher initiative and State Scholars activity
have been funded previously, though no funding was provided
explicitly for these items.
Within the total amount for FIE, the Committee
recommendation also includes funding for separately authorized
programs as described in the paragraphs below.
The Committee recommends $25,043,000 to award a contract to
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. [RIF] to provide reading-
motivation activities. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2006 and the budget request both are $25,043,000 for this
purpose. RIF, a private nonprofit organization, helps prepare
young children and motivate older children to read, through
activities including the distribution of books. Federal funds
provide up to 75 percent of the costs of books, except for
migrant and seasonal farmworker programs which may receive up
to 100 percent of the costs of books.
The administration recommended eliminating funding for
activities listed below.
The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for the Star Schools
program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$14,850,000. The Star Schools program is designed to improve
instruction in math, science, foreign languages, and other
areas such as vocational education, to underserved populations
by means of telecommunications technologies.
The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for the Ready to Teach
program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$10,890,000. Ready to Teach encompasses funding for PBS
TeacherLine and one or more nonprofit entities, for the purpose
of continuing to develop telecommunications-based programs to
improve teacher quality in core areas. It also includes digital
educational programming grants, which encourage community
partnerships among local public television stations, State and
local educational agencies, and other institutions to develop
and distribute digital instructional content based on State and
local standards.
The Committee recommendation includes $9,500,000 for the
Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations [ECHO]
Act of 2001, as authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $8,910,000.
Programs authorized under ECHO provide a broad range of
educational, cultural, and job training opportunities for
students from communities across the Nation, including Alaska,
Hawaii, Massachusetts and Mississippi.
The Committee has included $36,500,000 for arts in
education. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$35,277,000. Within the total, $6,369,000 is for the John F.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; $7,440,000 is for VSA
arts; $13,755,000 is for the competitive art education model
grant program for the development of model projects that
effectively strengthen and integrate arts and cultural
partnerships into the core curriculum; $7,936,000 is for grants
for professional development for music, dance, drama, and
visual arts educators to be administered by the U.S. Department
of Education; and $1,000,000 is to continue the evaluation and
national dissemination of information regarding model programs
and professional development projects funded through the Arts
in Education section, including dissemination promising
practices from funded projects and technical assistance for
self-evaluation. Within the amount for evaluation, funds
provided above the fiscal year 2006 level shall be used to
support the National Center for Education Statistics Fast
Response Survey System to collect data for the report of Arts
Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools during the
2007-2008 school year. The Committee expects this survey and
reporting to have the comprehensive quality of the 2002 report
and to include national samples of elementary and secondary
school principals, as well as surveys of elementary and
secondary classroom teachers and arts specialists.
The Committee recommends $39,600,000 for Parental
Information and Resource Centers, which provide training,
information, and support to parents, State and local education
agencies, and other organizations that carry out parent
education and family involvement programs. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $39,600,000.
The Committee notes that the No Child Left Behind Act
requires grantees to use at least 30 percent of their awards to
establish, expand, or operate Parents as Teachers, Home
Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters, or other early
childhood parent education programs.
The Committee recommends $5,000,000 to continue support for
the Mental Health Integration in Schools program. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $4,910,000.
This program supports grants to or contracts with State
educational agencies, local educational agencies or Indian
tribes to increase student access to mental health care by
linking schools with their local mental health systems. The
Committee expects this program to continue to be carried out by
the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.
The Committee includes $2,926,000 for the women's
educational equity program. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $2,926,000. This program supports projects
that assist in the local implementation of gender equity
policies and practices.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for
activities authorized by the Excellence in Economics Education
Act. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding is $1,473,000.
These funds will support a grant to a nonprofit educational
organization to promote economic and financial literacy among
kindergarten through 12th grade students.
The Committee recommendation includes $2,436,000 to carry
out the American History and Civics Education Act of 2004. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $1,980,000.
From the amount available, the Department will make grants to
support Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History
and Civics and Congressional Academies for Students of American
History and Civics.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers, Lexington, MA, $100,000
for a public school initiative program in New
Hampshire.............................................
Adams County 12 Five Star Schools, Thornton, CO, for 100,000
modern language labs..................................
Alamosa School District RE 11J, Alamosa, CO, for 100,000
afterschool programs..................................
Alaska Educational Services, Anchorage, AK, for its 400,000
after school alternatives program.....................
Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, AK, for a Marine 250,000
Ecosystems Education Program..........................
American Foundation for Negro Affairs National 200,000
Education and Research Fund, Philadelphia, PA, to
raise the achievement level of minority students and
increase minority access to higher education..........
Avante Garde Learning Associates, Anchorage, AK, for 1,000,000
following the leaders program in Alaska...............
Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District, 200,000
Oakhurst, CA, for music and art education programs....
Beaver County, PA, to implement educational programming 100,000
for K-12 students, including safe and appropriate use
of the Internet.......................................
Best Buddies International, Inc., Miami, FL, to enhance 250,000
the lives of people with mental retardation by
providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and
integrated employment.................................
Best Buddies Virginia, McLean, VA, for program 100,000
expansion.............................................
Best Buddies, Miami, FL, for establishment of a Best 250,000
Buddies program in New Hampshire......................
Best Buddies, Miami, FL, to develop a Nevada site...... 500,000
Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, NY, to 150,000
support character and leadership development programs.
Boys and Girls Harbor, New York, NY, for arts education 100,000
programs at the Harbor Conservatory for Performing
Arts..................................................
Bridgerland Community Ice Arena, North Logan, UT, for 100,000
educational outreach and programming that meet the
Utah core curriculum requirements in physical
education.............................................
Brigham City Corporation, Brigham City, UT, to support 100,000
a distance learning initiative........................
Brigham Young University of Provo, UT, for the 400,000
Comprehensive Literacy Program to improve the literacy
performance of low achieving students.................
Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn, NY, for the Learning 500,000
Centers...............................................
Calcasieu Parish School Board, Westlake, LA, for 100,000
technology enhancements...............................
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, for 400,000
science education programs............................
Carnegie Hall, NY, NY, for the National Music Education 250,000
Programs..............................................
Cedar Rapids School District, IA, for technology to 350,000
monitor student progress and supplement teaching......
Celeste Foundation, Mt. Doro, FL, to provide technical 1,400,000
assistance to parents and caregivers of autistic
children on early intervention therapies..............
Center for Advancing Partnerships in Education, 100,000
Allentown, PA, for distance learning programs and
technology upgrades...................................
Challenger Learning Center of Maine, Bangor, ME, for a 115,000
school improvement initiative.........................
Chamber Education Foundation, Warwick, RI, for a 200,000
mentoring program.....................................
Charter School Development Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, 500,000
for technology upgrades...............................
Charter School Institute, Philadelphia, PA, for the 200,000
Shipyard Industrial Charter School Project............
Chester County Intermediate Unit, Downingtown, PA, for 100,000
a vocational-technical education program..............
Child and Family Network Centers, Alexandria, VA, for 150,000
education services to at-risk children................
Children Uniting Nations, Los Angeles, CA, for the Los 200,000
Angeles Mentoring Model...............................
Children's Literacy Initiative, Philadelphia, PA, to 100,000
improve the reading readiness and early literacy of
children in high-poverty communities by providing
professional development to teachers and principals...
Christ Lutheran Community Outreach Corp., Upper Darby, 100,000
PA, in partnership with the Upper Darby School
District, for education programs......................
City of Compton, CA, for educational programs at 200,000
Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum........................
City of Fresno, CA, for the Teacher Housing Program 300,000
Pilot.................................................
City of Indianapolis, IN, for the Indianapolis Center 400,000
for Education Innovation..............................
City of Ogden, Ogden, UT, for historical education 100,000
programming, including curriculum development and
materials, at Fort Buenaventura in Ogden, UT..........
City of Springfield, Springfield, MO, for program 500,000
development, expansion, equipment and technology for
the Ready to Learn Program............................
City of Warwick, RI, for after school programming...... 250,000
City of West Valley, West Valley City, UT, for a 140,000
community education partnership.......................
City Year New Hampshire, Stratham, NH, for expansion of 200,000
the Young Heroes program..............................
City Year, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, to reduce truancy 200,000
and drop out rates in Philadelphia high schools.......
Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, to expand 350,000
the Newcomer Academy..................................
Clay County School system, WV, for the continuation of 100,000
Following the Leaders programs in Clay and Roane
counties..............................................
Clemens Center for the Performing Arts, Elmira, NY, for 250,000
their classical literature program at schools.........
Communities in Schools, Richmond, VA, to continue 100,000
providing assistance to at-risk students..............
Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD, for the urban 300,000
education corridor program............................
COSI Toledo, Toledo, OH, for a science education 250,000
initiative............................................
Creative Visions in Des Moines, IA for outreach to at- 150,000
risk youth............................................
Cristo Rey High School, Chicago, IL, for its Library 300,000
and Technology Center.................................
Cuyahoga County Board of County Commissioners, 150,000
Cleveland, OH, for the Invest in Children early
learning program......................................
Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology, 100,000
Bethlehem, PA to support science education initiatives
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS, for the Delta 1,000,000
Education Initiative..................................
Des Moines Community School District and Urban Dreams, 350,000
Des Moines, IA, to continue a demonstration on full
service community schools.............................
Des Moines Community School District to expand pre- 750,000
kindergarten programs.................................
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program, Detroit, 175,000
MI, for program expansion efforts and curriculum
development...........................................
East Penn School District, Emmaus, PA, for a leadership 100,000
training program......................................
East Saint Louis High School, East Saint Louis, IL, to 300,000
upgrade the school's technology and sciences programs.
Educating Young Minds, Los Angeles, CA, for educational 100,000
programs..............................................
Educational Service District 101, Spokane WA, for 150,000
afterschool programs..................................
Eisenhower Foundation for replication of the Delaney 700,000
Street project in Iowa................................
Esmeralda County School District, NV, for an 100,000
accelerated reading and math program..................
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District in 200,000
Fairbanks, AK for the 4 R Children's program..........
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District in 250,000
Fairbanks, AK to expand the PLATO Learning initiative.
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, 1,500,000
Fairbanks, AK, for educational programs...............
First Book, Washington, DC, for the expansion of 220,000
programs in West Virginia.............................
First Book, Washington, DC, for the Maine Rural 100,000
Outreach Initiative...................................
First Tee, Saint Augustine, FL, for the Life Skills 500,000
Initiative............................................
Galena School District in Galena, AK, for a boarding 500,000
school for low performing Native students from remote
villages across Western Alaska........................
George C. Marshall Foundation, Lexington, VA to expand 100,000
educational programs..................................
Granite School District, Salt Lake City, UT, for the 100,000
Granite Digital Student Achievement Management System.
Guardian Angel Community Services, Joliet, IL for 100,000
before and after school programs......................
Harford County Board of Education, Aberdeen, MD, for 300,000
the Math and Science Academy at Aberdeen High School
in partnership with the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground
Harrisburg School District, Harrisburg, PA, for school 100,000
reform and technology initiative......................
Hartford Public Schools, Hartford, CT, to expand the 100,000
English as a Second Language program..................
Homer-Center School District, Homer City, PA, for 100,000
development and implementation of a science curriculum
Internet Keep Safe Coalition, Salt Lake City, UT, for 600,000
an internet education safety program..................
Iowa Association of School Boards, Des Moines, IA for 500,000
the Lighthouse for School Reform project..............
Iowa City Community School District, IA, to implement a 500,000
literacy program......................................
Iowa Department of Education to continue the Harkin 8,090,000
grant program.........................................
Iowa School Boards Association to expand the Following 3,000,000
the Leaders project in Iowa...........................
Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission, Williamsburg, 150,000
VA for curriculum development.........................
Jazz at Lincoln Center, NY, NY, for education programs. 250,000
Jeremiah Cromwell Disabilities Center, Portland, ME, to 100,000
support an elementary school disabilities awareness
program...............................................
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, for the Center 150,000
for Talented Youth....................................
Jumpstart, Boston, MA, to expand the One Child at a 125,000
Time project in Rhode Island..........................
Jumpstart, Boston, MA, to expand the One Child at a 250,000
Time project in the state of Washington...............
Kanawha County School System, WV, for the continuation 900,000
of Following the Leaders program......................
Kanawha County School System, WV, to implement the 1,000,000
Project GRAD program..................................
Kansas Learning Center for Health, Halstead, KS, for 100,000
health education programs.............................
Kauai Economic Development Board, HI, for math and 100,000
science education.....................................
Kenai Borough School District, Soldotna, AK, for the 100,000
after the bell tutoring program.......................
KICKSTART, Houston, TX, for a character development 200,000
program...............................................
Kids Voting--USA, Tempe, Arizona, for the Kids Vote for 120,000
Their Future--Illinois Initiative.....................
KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, CA, to subgrant to KIPP 200,000
schools in the State of Tennessee, to support student
programs..............................................
KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, CA, for curriculum 200,000
development and teacher training for California
schools, including subgrants..........................
KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, CA, to subgrant to KIPP 100,000
Philadelphia Charter School for educational programs..
Klingberg Family Centers, New Britain, Connecticut, for 600,000
the special education enhancement initiative..........
La Causa Charter School, Milwaukee, WI, for science and 100,000
robotics curriculum and equipment.....................
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ, for the Hudson 100,000
Harbor and Estuary Ecological Learning Initiative.....
Lincoln Parish School Board, Ruston, LA, for technology 100,000
enhancements..........................................
LISC Rhode Island Child Care Facilities Fund, 250,000
Providence, RI, for training and technical assistance
designed to improve the quality of early care and
education.............................................
Livingston Parish School Board, Walker, LA, for 100,000
technology enhancements...............................
Loess Hills Area Education Agency in Iowa for a 750,000
demonstration in early childhood education............
Logan City School District, Logan, UT, for the 6th 100,000
Grade Reading Assistance Project......................
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, West 200,000
Springfield, MA, for the procurement of educational
equipment and development of academic programs........
Maine Alliance for the Arts Education, Augusta, ME to 100,000
provide access to high-quality arts education.........
Marketplace of Ideas/Marketplace for Kids, Inc., 250,000
Mandan, ND, for a statewide program focused on
entrepreneurship education............................
Maui Economic Development Board, HI, for the girls into 300,000
science program.......................................
McKelvey Foundation, New Wilmington, PA, to support 100,000
McKelvey entrepreneurial college scholarships for
rural, low-income Pennsylvania high school graduates..
Meeting Street School, Providence, RI, for a school 250,000
readiness initiative..................................
Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, Wilmington, DE, 150,000
for Achievement Matters!..............................
Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, WI, for 1,300,000
afterschool programs..................................
Milwaukee SCORES, Milwaukee, WI, for afterschool 100,000
programs..............................................
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 100,000
for the Center for Economic Education.................
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA, for ocean science 200,000
education for students learning English...............
National American Indian, Alaskan, and Hawaiian 400,000
Educational Development Center, Sheridan, WY, to
expand its training of staff serving Native students
in an early literacy learning and math framework......
National History Day for a history competition in Iowa. 100,000
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, MO, for 250,000
curriculum development................................
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, for the 139,000
Southern New Mexico Science, Engineering, Mathematics
and Aerospace Academy.................................
New Orleans Outreach, New Orleans, LA, to coordinate 300,000
volunteer efforts at charter schools..................
New School University, New York, NY, for the Institute 950,000
for Urban Education...................................
New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY, for science 600,000
exhibits and educational programming..................
Nome Public Schools, Nome, AK, to support vocational 250,000
training provided by the Northwestern Alaska Career
and Technical Center..................................
North Country Education Services Agency, Gorham, NH, 300,000
for educational opportunities through the North
Country Gear Up College Prep Initiative...............
North Slope Borough School District, Barrow, AK, for an 300,000
Early Childhood Education Program.....................
Oakland School of the Arts, CA, for educational 300,000
programs..............................................
Ogden City School District, Ogden, UT, for the Ogden 100,000
Telepresence-Enabled Academic Mentoring pro- gram....
Ohio Council of Urban Leagues, Elyria, OH, for a 500,000
mentoring initiative..................................
Pacific Islands Center for Educational Development in 400,000
American Samoa, for a mentoring program aimed at
college prep..........................................
PE4life Foundation, Kansas City, MO, for expansion and 600,000
assessment of PE4life programs across Iowa............
Pennsylvania Department of Education, Harrisburg, PA, 200,000
for development of an instructional model for
improving instruction and student outcomes............
People for People, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, to expand an 300,000
after school program..................................
Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for 100,000
Nonviolence Inc., Philadelphia, PA, for its College
for Teens program.....................................
Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia, PA for a 1,000,000
summer school initiative..............................
Plaquemines Parish School Board, Harvey, LA, for 100,000
technology enhancements...............................
Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center, St. Louis, 100,000
MO, to develop an after school art program for
underserved students..................................
Project GRAD Knoxville, TN, for school reform 200,000
activities............................................
Project HOME, Philadelphia, PA, for an after school 100,000
program...............................................
Project Rainbow, Philadelphia, PA, for early childhood 100,000
services and after-school programs....................
Providence Community Action Program, Inc, Providence, 100,000
RI, for the Providence Interim Middle School
Intervention Center...................................
Providence School Department, Providence, RI, for an 200,000
extended learning pilot program.......................
Provo Community Arts Center, Provo, UT, for a community 100,000
arts program..........................................
Public/Private Ventures, Philadelphia, PA, for Youth 100,000
Net programs, in partnership with the School District
of Philadelphia.......................................
Putnam County Educational Service Center, Ottawa, OH, 300,000
for a structured reading mentoring project primarily
for children with disabilities........................
Rapides Parish School Board, Alexandria, LA, for 100,000
technology enhancements...............................
Ready Readers, St. Louis, MO, to serve additional 100,000
students through the after school reading program.....
Re-Inventing Schools Coalition, Anchorage, AK to expand 500,000
statewide its Alaska Quality Schools Model............
Rhode Island MicroEnterprise Association, North 100,000
Kingstown, RI, for the Rhode Island Youth
Entrepreneurship Program..............................
Riverside School District, Taylor, PA, for curriculum 100,000
and equipment for a physical education program........
Roberto Clemente Charter School, Allentown, PA, to 100,000
enable bi-lingual, economically disadvantaged high
school students to prepare for careers in nursing and
other healthcare professions..........................
Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA, for educational 100,000
programming...........................................
Rose Brooks Center, Kansas City, MO, for a school based 250,000
anti-violence education project.......................
Rutgers University-Camden Campus, Center For Strategic 965,000
Urban Community Leadership, Camden, for the LEAP Early
Child Research Learning Academy.......................
Saint Bernard Parish School Board, Chalmette, LA, for 100,000
technology enhancements...............................
Saint Joseph Institute for the Deaf, Chesterfield, MO, 250,000
for special education services to the hearing impaired
Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, to develop 100,000
a Public Education Partnership to provide professional
development for area principals and teachers..........
Saint Louis SCORES, Saint Louis, MO, for an after 200,000
school education pilot project........................
San Bernardino Boys and Girls Club, San Bernardino, CA, 1,000,000
to serve at-risk youth................................
San Juan School District, Blanding, UT, for the PUSH 110,000
program...............................................
San Miguel School, Providence, RI, for curriculum 100,000
development, community education and operating costs.
Save the Children, Westport, CT, for early childhood, 500,000
after school, summer, or in-school literacy programs
in rural or Gulf Coast areas in Mississippi, which may
be carried out through subgrants to local partners....
Save the Children, Westport, CT, to implement literacy 500,000
programs in rural schools in Nevada...................
Scholars' Academy, St. Louis, MO, for curriculum 100,000
development...........................................
Scranton School District, Scranton, PA, for curriculum 100,000
development and training to teachers in foreign
language, arts and humanities instruction.............
Sevier School District, Richfield, UT, for math and 100,000
literacy interventions................................
Slater Mill, Pawtucket, RI, for curriculum-based museum 150,000
education programming.................................
Sophia Academy, Providence, RI, to improve education 100,000
for girls from socio-economically disadvantaged
backgrounds...........................................
SouthCoastConnected, New Bedford, MA, for 100,000
implementation of the Drop the Drop-Out Rate
Initiative............................................
Southeast Island School District, Thorne Bay, AK, to 100,000
develop two-way interactive video conferencing to
provide special education services at isolated school
sites in Southeast Alaska.............................
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, for the 300,000
Dallas Kids Program...................................
State of Alaska Department of Education and Early 2,950,000
Development, Anchorage, AK, for a statewide teacher
mentoring and retention initiative....................
Susquehanna Valley House of Hope, Selinsgrove, PA, for 100,000
education programs for at-risk youth..................
Teach for America, Las Vegas, NV, to expand Teach for 250,000
America's operations in Clark County, Nevada..........
Technological Research and Development Authority, 100,000
Titusville, FL, for Endeavor Academy Titusville, FL...
The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, Hartford, CT, 250,000
for the Arts Education Community Engagement Program...
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Washington, DC, for 250,000
jazz education programs in Alaska schools.............
Town of Barnstable, MA, for the development of programs 250,000
and procurement of educational equipment at youth and
community center......................................
Tri-County Community Action Partnership, Bridgeton, NJ, 250,000
for the Literacy Program..............................
United Inner City Services, Kansas City, MO, to enhance 750,000
and expand early learning programs....................
University of Maine, Orono, ME, for Sports Done Right 140,000
for defining, shaping and maintaining healthy
interscholastic and youth sports programs.............
University of Northern Iowa to continue the 2+2 teacher 500,000
education demonstration program.......................
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, for an 100,000
early childhood science and math program..............
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, to 500,000
support a global languages and culture program to
serve area K-12 students..............................
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 1,000,000
for the Center for Literacy and Assessment............
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 300,000
for the Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies...
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, to establish the 3,000,000
Educational Excellence program........................
University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI, 150,000
to establish an English as a Second Language teacher
certification program.................................
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, to 150,000
establish a certification program for science teachers
Urban Family Council in partnership with the School 200,000
District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, for the
Saturday Morning Alternative Reach and Teach program..
Utah State Office of Education, Salt Lake City, UT, for 1,000,000
a teacher mentoring program...........................
Vermillion Parish School Board, Abbeville, LA, for 100,000
technology enhancements...............................
W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center in Kansas City, MO, for 100,000
an after school tutoring program......................
Waldo County Preschool & Family Service, Belfast, ME, 100,000
to increase reading and learning success for Maine
children..............................................
Washington County School District, St. George, UT, for 100,000
the Family Focus Project..............................
Washington Education Foundation, Issaquah WA, for the 1,000,000
Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program...................
Washington Jesuit Academy, Washington, DC, for a 400,000
mentoring and achievement program.....................
Washoe County School District, Reno, NV, to expand the 350,000
Classroom on Wheels program...........................
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, Harrisburg, 100,000
PA, for science instruction through the arts..........
Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, for curriculum 100,000
development and equipment acquisition.................
YMCA of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, to expand 250,000
after school programming at the Monsanto Family YMCA..
York School District, York, PA, for technology and 100,000
equipment.............................................
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., Harrisburg, PA, for 300,000
alternative school services...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teacher Incentive Fund
The Committee recommendation includes $99,000,000 for the
teacher incentive fund program. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are
$99,000,000 for this purpose.
The appropriation supports a pilot program to develop and
implement innovative ways to provide financial incentives for
teachers and principals who raise student achievement and close
the achievement gap in some of our Nation's highest-need
schools. Under this program, the Secretary shall use not less
than 95 percent of these funds to award competitive grants to
local educational agencies [LEAs], including charter schools
that are LEAs, States, or partnerships of (1) a local
educational agency, a State, or both and (2) at least one non-
profit organization to design and implement fair,
differentiated compensation systems for public school teachers
and principals based primarily on measures of gains in student
achievement, in addition to other factors, for teachers and
principals in high-need schools. Performance-based compensation
systems must consider gains in student achievement as well as
classroom evaluations conducted multiple times during each
school year and provide educators with incentives to take on
additional responsibilities and leadership roles. Each
applicant for funding must demonstrate a significant investment
in, and ensure the sustainability of, its project by committing
to pay for an increasing share of the total cost of the
project, for each year of the grant, with State, local, or
other non-Federal funds. In addition, the Secretary gives a
priority to applications that demonstrate the majority support
of educators for such compensation systems.
Not more than 5 percent of the appropriation may be used by
the Secretary to provide schools with assistance in
implementing this program through one or more grants to an
organization or organizations with expertise in providing
research-based expert advice to support schools initiating and
implementing differentiated compensation systems, training
school personnel, disseminating information on effective
teacher compensation systems, and providing program outreach
through a clearinghouse of best practices. This set aside also
will support the design and implementation of an appropriate,
long-term and rigorous evaluation of this program which will be
used to inform Congress on the results achieved under this
program.
The budget request, and Committee bill, continue language
included in last year's appropriations act authorizing this
program.
Ready to Learn Television
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $24,255,000
for the Ready to Learn Television program. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both
are $24,255,000 for this purpose.
Ready to Learn Television supports the development and
distribution of educational television programming designed to
improve the readiness of preschool children to enter
kindergarten and elementary school. The program also supports
the development, production, and dissemination of educational
materials designed to help parents, children, and caregivers
obtain the maximum advantage from educational programming.
The Committee directs the Department to utilize funds
provided for fiscal year 2007 in the same proportions as fiscal
year 2006 program resources. In the statement of the managers
accompanying the fiscal year 2006 appropriations act, the
conferees indicated that funds provided above the fiscal year
2005 level were to be used for the outreach cooperative
agreement to expand successful models of public television
station-based outreach activities that incorporate local adult
training workshops. The Committee intends for outreach funds to
be used in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 for this purpose.
Dropout Prevention
The Committee does not recommend any funding for the
dropout prevention program. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $4,851,000 and the budget request did not
include any funding for the dropout prevention program. These
funds have been used to help schools implement school dropout
prevention and re-entry programs.
Close Up Fellowships
The Committee recommendation includes $1,500,000 for Close
Up Fellowships. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 is $1,454,000 and the budget request did not include any
funds for this purpose. The Close Up Fellowships, formerly
called Ellender Fellowships, which is administered by the Close
Up Foundation of Washington, DC, provides fellowships to
students from low-income families and their teachers to enable
them to spend 1 week in Washington attending seminars and
meeting with representatives of the three branches of the
Federal Government.
Advanced Placement Program
The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for advanced
placement. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$32,175,000 and the budget request includes $122,175,000 for
this purpose.
The first priority of the program is to subsidize test fees
for low-income students who are enrolled in an advanced
placement class and plan to take an advanced placement test.
The balance of the funds are allocated for advanced placement
Incentive Program grants, which are used to expand access for
low-income individuals to advanced placement programs. Eligible
activities include teacher training and participation in online
advanced placement courses, among other related purposes.
The budget request proposes bill language to require grant
recipients to offer incentives to teachers to become qualified
to teach advanced placement courses in math, sciences and
critical foreign languages, and to teachers whose students pass
tests in those subjects. The budget request also proposes bill
language to require grantees to provide a match of $2 in non-
Federal funds for each $1 in Federal funds received under this
program.
The Committee bill does not include the requested language,
but the Committee notes that the No Child Left Behind Act
establishes clear priorities for the Department to utilize in
conducting grant competitions under the advanced placement
incentive program. The Committee intends for funds to be used
for these priorities to increase the availability of such
programs in the highest poverty school districts.
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $729,518,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 266,627,000
House allowance......................................... 623,627,000
Committee recommendation................................ 653,204,000
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities
The Committee recommends a total of $653,204,000 for
activities to promote Safe Schools and Citizenship Education.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $729,518,000
and the budget request includes $266,627,000 for these
activities.
State Grant Program.--The Committee recommends $310,000,000
for the safe and drug-free schools and communities State grant
program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$346,500,000 and the budget request did not include any funds
for this purpose. The State grant program is the backbone of
youth drug prevention efforts in the United States. This
formula-based State grant program provides resources to
Governors, State educational agencies, and local educational
agencies for developing and implementing activities that help
create and maintain safe and drug-free learning environments in
and around schools.
National Programs.--The Committee has included $131,112,000
for the national programs portion of the safe and drug-free
schools and communities program. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 is $141,112,000 and the budget request
includes $196,992,000 for these programs. The Committee
recommendation includes $4,000,000 for Project SERV (School
Emergency Response to Violence), which provides education-
related services to LEAs in which the learning environment has
been disrupted due to a violent or traumatic crisis. These
funds are available until expended.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the
increasing problem of alcohol and drug abuse on college
campuses. The Committee has included bill language requiring
the Department to spend $850,000 on a program under the
guidelines in section 120(f) of Public Law 105-244. This
program identifies and provides models of alcohol and drug
abuse prevention and education programs in higher education.
The Committee includes these funds within the requested
$6,584,000 for post-secondary alcohol prevention efforts
proposed in the budget request.
The Committee expects that the Department will provide
$300,000 for the continued operation of the National
Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities. These funds will be
used to address issues related to school safety and healthy
school buildings. The Committee has included additional funds
for the Clearinghouse through the Fund for the Improvement of
Education.
The Committee recommendation does not include $52,500,000
as requested by the Department for a new grant program for
local educational agencies. This program was proposed to
replace the State grant program, a proposal rejected by the
Committee.
The Committee recommendation includes $27,000,000 to
continue and expand the school safety initiative. The Committee
believes that this initiative should be broadened to include
grants for non-profit organizations to support technical
assistance that helps early care and education programs
undertake crisis response planning that will better prepare
early care and education providers for necessary actions that
will need to be taken in the event of an emergency. The
Committee is aware that such programs were not prepared
adequately for the Gulf hurricanes and are not being integrated
into crisis response planning that is being undertaken. The
Committee encourages the Department to coordinate with the
Administration for Children and Families of the Department of
Health and Human Services on this initiative.
The Committee recommendation includes $11,000,000 for
school-based drug testing programs for students. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level is $10,380,000 and the budget
request includes $15,000,000. Within this amount, the Committee
has included $1,900,000 for the ongoing rigorous evaluation of
the student drug testing grants.
The Committee recommendation also includes $3,036,000 to
continue data management improvement grants and related
technical assistance; $72,792,000 for Safe Schools Healthy
Students; $1,400,000 for the required impact evaluation; and
$5,000,000 for other activities.
Alcohol Abuse Reduction
The Committee recommends $32,409,000 for grants to LEAs to
develop and implement programs to reduce underage drinking in
secondary schools. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 is $32,409,000 and the budget request did not include any
funds for this purpose. The Committee directs the Department
and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration [SAMHSA] in the Department of Health and Human
Services to continue to work together on this effort.
Mentoring
The Committee recommends $19,000,000 to support mentoring
programs and activities for children who are at risk of failing
academically, dropping out of school, getting involved in
criminal or delinquent activities, or who lack strong positive
role models. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$48,814,000 and the budget request is $19,000,000 for this
purpose.
Character Education
The Committee recommends $24,248,000 to provide support for
the design and implementation of character education programs.
The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request both are $24,248,000 for this purpose.
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling
The Committee recommends $34,650,000 to establish or expand
counseling programs in elementary schools. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level is $34,650,000 and President's
budget proposes to eliminate funding for this program. As
authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act, all amounts
appropriated up to $40,000,000 are used only for elementary
school counseling programs.
Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress Program
The Committee recommends $72,674,000 to help LEAs and
community-based organizations initiate, expand and improve
physical education programs for students in grades K-12, as
authorized by Public Law 107-110. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 is $72,674,000 and the budget request
includes $26,387,000 for this program. Provision of this
funding will help schools and communities nationwide improve
their structured physical education programs for students and
help children develop healthy lifestyles to combat the epidemic
of obesity in the Nation.
Civic Education
The Committee recommends $29,111,000 for grants to improve
the quality of civics and government education, to foster civic
competence and responsibility, and to improve the quality of
civic and economic education through exchange programs with
emerging democracies. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $29,111,000 and the budget request proposed to
eliminate funding for this purpose.
Civic Education program funds support both the We the
People programs and the Cooperative Education Exchange. The
Committee recommends $17,039,000 for the nonprofit Center for
Civic Education to support the We the People programs. We the
People has two primary components: the Citizen and the
Constitution program, which provides teacher training,
curriculum materials, and classroom instruction for upper
elementary, middle, and high school students; and Project
Citizen, a program for middle school students that focuses on
the role of State and local governments in the American Federal
system.
Within the amount for the We the People program, the
Committee recommends the following: that $2,995,000 be reserved
to continue the comprehensive program to improve public
knowledge, understanding, and support of American democratic
institutions which is a cooperative project among the Center
for Civic Education, the Center on Congress at Indiana
University, and the Trust for Representative Democracy at the
National Conference of State Legislatures; and that $1,498,000
be used for continuation and expansion of the school violence
prevention demonstration program including the Native American
program.
The Committee recommends $12,072,000 for the Cooperative
Education Exchange program. Within this amount, the Committee
has included $4,527,000 for the Center for Civic Education and
$4,527,000 for the National Council on Economic Education. The
remaining $3,018,000 should be used for a competitive grant
program for civics and government education, and for economic
education.
English Language Acquisition
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $669,008,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 669,007,000
House allowance......................................... 669,007,000
Committee recommendation................................ 669,007,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $669,007,000
for English language acquisition. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 is $669,008,000 and the budget request is
$669,007,000 for authorized activities.
The Department makes formula grants to States based on each
State's share of the Nation's limited-English-proficient and
recent immigrant student population. The program is designed to
increase the capacity of States and school districts to address
the needs of these students. The No Child Left Behind Act also
requires that 6.5 percent of the appropriation, an amount equal
to $43,485,000 at the Committee recommendation funding level,
be used to support national activities, which include
professional development activities designed to increase the
number of highly qualified teachers serving limited English
proficient students; a National Clearinghouse for English
Language Acquisition and Language Instructional Programs; and
evaluation activities. The budget request includes language
that would allow national activities funds to be available for
2 years. The Committee bill includes the requested language.
Special Education
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $11,653,013,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 11,697,502,000
House allowance......................................... 11,753,013,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,610,367,000
The Committee recommends $11,610,367,000 for special
education programs authorized by the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level is $11,653,013,000 and the budget request
includes $11,697,502,000 for such programs.
No Child Left Behind [NCLB] and the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act [IDEA 04].--The Committee is aware
of the effort made on behalf of students with disabilities as
changes in NCLB policy have directly impacted these students as
States have been given flexibility in assessment options with
the Interim Two Percent Policy and Draft Two Percent Rule. The
Committee believes the Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitation Services should strengthen and increase its role
in recommending guidance to States and LEAs that will define
how students are identified for the Two Percent Rule and ensure
eligible students have every possible opportunity for full and
consistent participation in the general education curriculum
and be on track to graduate with a regular diploma.
Specific Learning Disabilities [SLD].--The Committee
commends the Office of Special Education Programs [OSEP] for
its consistent efforts to support and conduct work on behalf of
individuals with specific learning disabilities. The Committee
believes OSEP should assist States and LEAs in identifying the
criteria for determining an SLD and ensuring the consistency
and integrity of the classification system across the States,
and provide guidance and technical assistance systems for the
improvement of SLD identification and eligibility. OSEP should
disseminate to and assist both States and LEAs with replicable
models that produce measurable positive improvements in student
learning, including reliable and valid information on
Responsiveness/Response to Intervention [RTI]. OSEP should
provide positive, proactive guidance, based on the well
established RTI models in the country, on the appropriate use
of RTI in the eligibility process. OSEP should seek counsel
from practitioner leaders as well as university researchers to
accomplish this function. The Committee encourages OSEP to
coordinate with the Parent Training and Information Centers,
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
and other national partners to disseminate information about
accurate identification of SLDs to parents, including
information on RTI, so parents will have a firm understanding
of what the process may look like in their school and how to be
informed and be an active partner in the process. The Committee
also encourages OSEP to coordinate efforts within the
Department of Education, National Institutes of Health,
National Science Foundation and other Federal agencies working
on related activities.
No Child Left Behind [NCLB] and the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act [IDEA 04].--The Committee urges OSEP
to improve and increase its activities to educate parents of
students with learning disabilities with the critical
information they need to understand the impact of the
Individualized Education Program Team decisions related to
options for statewide assessments required by NCLB and how to
improve the academic achievement of students through School
Choice, Supplemental Education Services and other provisions of
NCLB. The Committee encourages OSEP to develop a Toolkit for
Parents of Students with Disabilities to accompany and reflect
the information made available to parents of required NCLB
subgroups through the Office of Communications and Outreach.
The Committee notes that parents of students with disabilities
need essential information on NCLB to ensure their student has
every possible opportunity for full and consistent
participation in the general education curriculum and to be on
track to graduate with a regular diploma.
Grants to States
The Committee recommends $10,582,961,000 for special
education grants to States, as authorized under part B of the
IDEA. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$10,582,961,000 and the budget request includes
$10,682,961,000. This program provides formula grants to assist
States, Outlying Areas, and other entities in meeting the costs
of providing special education and related services for
children with disabilities. States pass along most of these
funds to local educational agencies, but may reserve some for
program monitoring, enforcement, technical assistance, and
other activities.
The appropriation for this program primarily supports
activities associated with the 2007-2008 academic year. Of the
funds available for this program, $5,158,761,000 will become
available on July 1, 2007 and $5,424,200,000 will become
available on October 1, 2007. These funds will remain available
for obligation until September 30, 2008.
The budget request includes language capping the Department
of Interior set-aside at the prior year level, adjusted by the
lower of the increase in inflation or the increase in the
appropriation for grants to States. The Committee bill includes
this language.
Preschool Grants
The Committee recommends $380,751,000 for preschool grants.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $380,751,000. The preschool grants program
provides formula grants to States to assist them in making
available special education and related services for children
with disabilities aged 3 through 5. States distribute a
significant share of the funds to local educational agencies,
if they serve all eligible children with disabilities aged 3
through 5 and have an approved application under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Grants for Infants and Families
The Committee recommends $436,400,000 for grants for the
infants and families program under part C of the IDEA. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $436,400,000. This program provides formula
grants to States, Outlying Areas and other entities to
implement statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive,
multidisciplinary interagency programs to make available early
intervention services to all children with disabilities, ages 2
and under, and their families.
State Personnel Development
The Committee recommendation does not include a fiscal year
2007 appropriation for the State personnel development program.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $50,146,000
and the budget request does not include any funds for this
program. The program formerly was known as the State
improvement grant program, until it was changed by the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of
2004. Under the reauthorization, this program focuses on the
professional development needs in States by requiring that 90
percent of funds be used for professional development
activities. The program supports grants to State educational
agencies to help them reform and improve their personnel
preparation and professional development related to early
intervention, educational and transition services that improve
outcomes for students with disabilities.
The Committee understands that the fiscal year 2006
appropriation is available still for use to cover the costs
associated with fiscal year 2007 awards, so it has concurred
with the budget request to not provide any funds under this
authority in fiscal year 2007.
Transition Initiative
The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 for this
initiative, which is intended to support State efforts to
develop and use data to improve post-school outcomes for
students with disabilities. The budget request includes
$2,000,000 for this new initiative. Funds would be used to help
States improve high school graduation rates; identify effective
interventions such as counseling, personnel training and
transition services; establish better data collection systems;
and analyze and use student information through research-based
practices. Grants would be made to State educational agencies
on a competitive basis.
The Committee recommendation also includes $3,827,000 under
the demonstration and training program in the Rehabilitation
Services and Disability Research account to support this
initiative.
Technical Assistance and Dissemination
The Committee recommends $48,903,000 for technical
assistance and dissemination. The comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level and the budget request both are $48,903,000 for
these activities. This program supports awards for technical
assistance, model demonstration projects, the dissemination of
useful information and other activities. Funding supports
activities that are designed to improve the services provided
under IDEA.
Personnel Preparation
The Committee recommends $89,720,000 for the personnel
preparation program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level and the budget request both are $89,720,000 for this
program. Funds support competitive awards to help address
State-identified needs for personnel who are qualified to work
with children with disabilities, including special education
teachers and related services personnel. The reauthorization of
IDEA also establishes requirements to fund several other broad
areas including training for leadership personnel and personnel
who work with children with low incidence disabilities, and
providing enhanced support for beginning special educators.
Parent Information Centers
The Committee recommends $25,704,000 for parent information
centers. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $25,704,000 for authorized activities.
This program makes awards to parent organizations to support
parent training and information centers, including community
parent resource centers. These centers provide training and
information to meet the needs of parents of children with
disabilities living in the areas served by the centers,
particularly underserved parents, and parents of children who
may be inappropriately identified.
Technology and Media Services
The Committee recommends $38,428,000 for technology and
media services. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level
is $38,428,000 and the budget request includes $31,063,000 for
such activities. This program makes competitive awards to
support the development, demonstration, and use of technology,
and educational media activities of value to children with
disabilities.
The Committee recommendation includes $11,880,000 for
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Inc. [RFB&D]. These funds
support the continued development, production, and circulation
of recorded textbooks, increased outreach activities to print-
disabled students and their teachers, and accelerated use of
digital technology. The administration proposed eliminating the
earmark for RFB&D for these activities.
The Committee also recommends $1,485,000 to continue
support of the Reading Rockets program, administered by the
Greater Washington Educational Television Association. Last
year, this program received $1,448,000. The administration
proposed eliminating support for this program.
Special Olympics Education Programs
The Committee recommendation includes $5,500,000 for
Special Olympics education programs. This is a new program in
fiscal year 2007 and the budget request did not include any
funds for this purpose. Under the Special Olympics Sport and
Empowerment Act of 2004, the Secretary is authorized to provide
financial assistance to Special Olympics for activities that
promote the expansion of Special Olympics and for the design
and implementation of education programs that can be integrated
into classroom instruction and are consistent with academic
content standards.
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $3,125,544,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 3,180,414,000
House allowance......................................... 3,244,247,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,248,312,000
The Committee recommends $3,248,312,000 for rehabilitation
services and disability research. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level is $3,125,544,000 and the budget request
includes $3,180,414,000 for programs in this account.
The authorizing statute for programs funded in this
account, except for those authorized under the Assistive
Technology Act, expired September 30, 2004. The program
descriptions provided below assume the continuation of current
law.
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants
The Committee provides $2,837,160,000 for vocational
rehabilitation grants to States. The Committee recommendation
provides the full amount authorized by the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$2,720,192,000 and the budget request includes $2,837,160,000
for this program.
Basic State grant funds assist States in providing a range
of services to help persons with physical and mental
disabilities prepare for and engage in meaningful employment.
Authorizing legislation requires States to give priority to
persons with the most significant disabilities. Funds are
allotted to States based on a formula that takes into account
population and per capita income. States must provide a 21.3
percent match of Federal funds, except the State's share is 50
percent for the cost of construction of a facility for
community rehabilitation program purposes.
The Rehabilitation Act requires that no less than 1 percent
and not more than 1.5 percent of the appropriation in fiscal
year 2007 for vocational rehabilitation State grants be set
aside for grants for Indians. Service grants are awarded to
Indian tribes on a competitive basis to help tribes develop the
capacity to provide vocational rehabilitation services to
American Indians with disabilities living on or near
reservations.
Client Assistance
The Committee recommends $11,782,000 for the client
assistance program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level and the budget request both are $11,782,000 for
authorized activities.
The client assistance program funds State formula grants to
assist vocational rehabilitation clients or client applicants
in understanding the benefits available to them and in their
relationships with service providers. Funds are distributed to
States according to a population-based formula, except that
increases in minimum grants are guaranteed to each of the 50
States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and
guaranteed to each of the outlying areas, by a percentage not
to exceed the percentage increase in the appropriation. States
must operate client assistance programs in order to receive
vocational rehabilitation State grant funds.
Training
The Committee recommends $38,438,000 for training
rehabilitation personnel. The comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level and the budget request both are $38,438,000 for
training activities.
The purpose of this program is to ensure that skilled
personnel are available to serve the rehabilitation needs of
individuals with disabilities. It supports training,
traineeships, and related activities designed to increase the
numbers of qualified personnel providing rehabilitation
services. The program awards grants and contracts to States and
public or nonprofit agencies and organizations, including
institutions of higher education, to pay all or part of the
cost of conducting training programs. Long-term, in-service,
short-term, experimental and innovative, and continuing
education programs are funded, as well as special training
programs and programs to train interpreters for persons who are
deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind.
Demonstration and Training Programs
The Committee bill includes $12,603,000 for demonstration
and training programs for persons with disabilities. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and budget request
both are $6,511,000 for authorized activities. This program
awards grants to States and nonprofit agencies and
organizations to develop innovative methods and comprehensive
services to help individuals with disabilities achieve
satisfactory vocational outcomes. Demonstration programs
support projects for individuals with a wide array of
disabilities.
Within the Committee recommendation, $3,827,000 is
available to support the Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services' Special Education--Vocational
Rehabilitation Transition Initiative. Together with the
$2,000,000 provided under the Special Education account, these
funds will be used to assist States with improving high school
graduation rates and post-school outcomes for students with
disabilities.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, in $250,000
partnership with the Lions Club, statewide, to expand
services to low-vision Alaskans.......................
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, 500,000
Alexandria, VA, for continued support of Project
Quantum Leap..........................................
Cleveland Sight Center, Cleveland, OH, for the 300,000
development of Braille technology.....................
Deaf Blind Service Center, Seattle, WA, for the 300,000
National Support Service Provider pilot project.......
Enable America, Inc., Tampa, Florida, for civic/ 500,000
citizenship demonstration project for disabled adults.
Groden Center, Providence, RI, for the Arts and 100,000
Business Training Center..............................
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and 2,000,000
Adults, Sands Point, NY for program support...........
Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center, Homer, AK, 200,000
for the Total Recreation and Independent Living
Services Project......................................
National Ability Center, Park City, UT, to provide ADA 250,000
accessible transportation for individuals with
cognitive and physical disabilities...................
National Sports Center for the Disabled, Denver, CO, 500,000
for adaptive equipment, sports program expansion and
research..............................................
Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, Enola, PA, for 100,000
specialized services for the blind or visually
impaired..............................................
Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders, Blue 300,000
Springs, MO, to expand day habilitation programming
available to individuals with severe disabilities.....
Southeast Alaska Independent Living, Juneau, AK, to 200,000
continue a joint recreation and employment project
with the Tlingit and Haida Tribe of Alaska in
Southeast Alaska......................................
Vocational Guidance Services, Cleveland, OH, for 300,000
equipment acquisition which will help automate sewing
operations and improve employment opportunities for
individuals with disabilities.........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
The Committee recommends $2,279,000 for migrant and
seasonal farmworkers, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level. The administration proposes
eliminating separate funding for this program.
This program provides grants limited to 90 percent of the
costs of the projects providing comprehensive rehabilitation
services to migrant and seasonal farm workers with disabilities
and their families. Projects also develop innovative methods
for reaching and serving this population. The program
emphasizes outreach, specialized bilingual rehabilitation
counseling, and coordination of vocational rehabilitation
services with services from other sources.
Recreational Programs
The Committee provides $2,518,000 for recreational
programs, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level. The budget request does not include funding for
this program.
Recreational programs help finance activities such as
sports, music, dancing, handicrafts, and art to aid in the
employment, mobility, and socialization of individuals with
disabilities. Grants are awarded to States, public agencies,
and nonprofit private organizations, including institutions of
higher education. Grants are awarded for a 3-year period with
the Federal share at 100 percent for the first year, 75 percent
for the second year, and 50 percent for the third year.
Programs must maintain the same level of services over the 3-
year period.
Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights
The Committee recommends $16,489,000 for protection and
advocacy of individual rights. The comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level and the budget request both are $16,489,000.
This program provides grants to agencies to protect and
advocate for the legal and human rights of persons with
disabilities who are not eligible for protection and advocacy
services available through the Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act or the Protection and
Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act.
Projects with Industry
The Committee recommends $19,246,000 for projects with
industry. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$19,538,000 and the administration proposes eliminating
separate funding for this program.
The projects with industry [PWI] program promotes greater
participation of business and industry in the rehabilitation
process. PWI provides training and experience in realistic work
settings to prepare individuals with disabilities for
employment in the competitive job market. Postemployment
support services are also provided. The program supports grants
to a variety of agencies and organizations, including
corporations, community rehabilitation programs, labor and
trade associations, and foundations.
Supported Employment State Grants
The Committee's bill includes $29,700,000 for the supported
employment State grant program. The comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level is $29,700,000 and the administration proposes
eliminating separate funding for this program.
This program assists the most severely disabled individuals
by providing the ongoing support needed to obtain competitive
employment. Short-term vocational rehabilitation services are
augmented with extended services provided by State and local
organizations. Federal funds are distributed on the basis of
population.
Independent Living State Grants
The Committee recommends $22,588,000 for independent living
State grants. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006
and the budget request both are $22,588,000 for authorized
activities.
The independent living State formula grants program
provides funding to improve independent living services,
support the operation of centers for independent living,
conduct studies and analysis, and provide training and
outreach.
Independent Living Centers
The Committee recommends $74,638,000 for independent living
centers. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $74,638,000 for the centers.
These funds support consumer-controlled, cross-disability,
nonresidential, community-based centers that are designed and
operated within local communities by individuals with
disabilities. These centers provide an array of independent
living services.
Independent Living Services for Older Blind Individuals
The Committee provides $32,895,000 for independent living
services to older blind individuals. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level and the budget request both are $32,895,000
for these activities. Through this program, assistance is
provided to persons aged 55 or older to adjust to their
blindness, continue living independently and avoid societal
costs associated with dependent care. Services may include the
provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids, mobility
training, braille instruction and other communication services,
community integration, and information and referral. These
services help older individuals age with dignity, continue to
live independently and avoid significant societal costs
associated with dependent care. The services most commonly
provided by this program are daily living skills training,
counseling, the provision of low-vision devices community
integration, information and referral, communication devices,
and low-vision screening.
Program Improvement Activities
The Committee recommends $835,000 for program improvement
activities. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and
the budget request both are $835,000 for authorized activities.
In fiscal year 2007, funds for these activities will continue
to support technical assistance efforts to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation
program and improve accountability efforts. The funds provided
are sufficient to support technical assistance and other
ongoing program improvement activities, such as improved
program performance measurement.
Evaluation
The Committee recommends $1,473,000 for evaluation
activities. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and
the budget request both are $1,473,000 for such activities.
These funds support evaluations of the impact and
effectiveness of programs authorized by the Rehabilitation Act.
The Committee recommendation continues to support a new multi-
year study of the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services
program. The Department awards competitive contracts for
studies to be conducted by persons not directly involved with
the administration of Rehabilitation Act programs.
Helen Keller National Center
The Committee recommends $8,511,000 for the Helen Keller
National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level and budget request both are
$8,511,000 for this purpose.
The Helen Keller National Center consists of a national
headquarters in Sands Point, New York, with a residential
training and rehabilitation facility where deaf-blind persons
receive intensive specialized services; a network of 10
regional field offices which provide referral and counseling
assistance to deaf-blind persons; and an affiliate network of
agencies. At the recommended level, the center would serve more
than 110 persons with deaf-blindness at its headquarters
facility and provide field services to approximately 2,400
individuals and families and approximately 1,100 organizations.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
The Committee recommends $106,705,000 for the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research [NIDRR].
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $106,705,000 for authorized activities.
NIDRR develops and implements a comprehensive and
coordinated approach to the conduct of research, demonstration
projects, and related activities that enable persons with
disabilities to better function at work and in the community,
including the training of persons who provide rehabilitation
services or who conduct rehabilitation research. The Institute
awards competitive grants to support research in federally
designated priority areas, including rehabilitation research
and training centers, rehabilitation engineering research
centers, research and demonstration projects, and dissemination
and utilization projects. NIDRR also supports field-initiated
research projects, research training, and fellowships.
The Committee commends NIDRR for recognizing Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] as an unmet area of research. The
Committee encourages NIDRR to continue to pursue CFS-related
research proposals through its investigator-initiated and other
grants programs.
Assistive Technology
The Committee recommends $30,452,000 for assistive
technology. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$30,452,000 and the budget request includes $22,389,000 for
some of the activities authorized by the Assistive Technology
Act of 1998.
The Assistive Technology program is designed to improve
occupational and educational opportunities and the quality of
life for people of all ages with disabilities through increased
access to assistive technology services and devices. The
program support various activities that help States to develop
comprehensive, consumer-responsive statewide programs that
increase access to, and the availability of, assistive
technology devices and services. Under the recent
reauthorization, the administration of this program was moved
to the Rehabilitation Services Administration from the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The
reauthorization also requires that an annual report be
submitted to Congress by December 31 of each year.
The Committee recommendation includes $24,425,000 for State
grant activities authorized under section 4, $4,975,000 for
protection and advocacy systems authorized by section 5, and
$1,052,000 for technical assistance activities authorized under
section 6.
The Committee encourages States to use the additional funds
provided for State grant activities authorized under section 4
for State-level alternative financing programs. The Committee
is concerned that funds are not be utilized as intended to
expand access to assistive technology devices and services
directly through State programs or based on coordination and
collaboration with other alternative financing programs
operated in a State. The Committee looks forward to reviewing
the Department's mandated report on State implementation of
this program, particularly the activities related to State
financing and coordination and collaboration.
Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $17,572,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 17,573,000
House allowance......................................... 18,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,000,000
The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for the American
Printing House for the Blind [APH]. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level is $17,572,000 and the budget request
includes $17,573,000 for this purpose.
This appropriation helps support the American Printing
House for the Blind, which provides educational materials to
students who are legally blind and enrolled in programs below
the college level. The Federal subsidy provides more than 60
percent of APH's total sales income. Materials are distributed
free of charge to schools and States through per capita
allotments based on the total number of students who are blind.
Materials provided include textbooks and other educational aids
in braille, large type, and recorded form and computer
applications. Appropriated funds may be used for staff salaries
and expenses, as well as equipment purchases and other
acquisitions consistent with the purpose of the Act to Promote
the Education of the Blind.
In addition to its ongoing activities, the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act assigned to the American
Printing House for the Blind the responsibility of establishing
and maintaining a National Instructional Materials Access
Center. The Center will serve as a national clearinghouse,
maintaining a repository of textbook files provided in the
National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard format
by textbook publishers. The Center will manage the transfer of
these files to State and local education agencies for
production in media that are readily accessible to the blind,
visually impaired, and print disabled.
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $56,141,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 55,349,000
House allowance......................................... 57,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 57,500,000
The Committee recommends $57,500,000 for the National
Technical Institute for the Deaf [NTID]. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level is $56,141,000 and the budget request
includes $55,349,000 for this purpose.
The Institute, located on the campus of the Rochester
Institute of Technology, was created by Congress in 1965 to
provide a residential facility for postsecondary technical
training and education for persons who are deaf. NTID also
provides support services for students who are deaf, trains
professionals in the field of deafness, and conducts applied
research. At the discretion of the Institute, funds may be used
for the Endowment Grant program.
GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $106,998,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 107,598,000
House allowance......................................... 110,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 110,500,000
The Committee recommends $110,500,000 for Gallaudet
University. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$106,998,000 and the budget request includes $107,598,000 for
the university.
Gallaudet University is a private, nonprofit institution
offering undergraduate, and continuing education programs for
students who are deaf, as well as graduate programs in fields
related to deafness for students who are hearing and deaf. The
University conducts basic and applied research related to
hearing impairments and provides public service programs for
the deaf community.
The Model Secondary School for the Deaf serves as a
laboratory for educational experimentation and development,
disseminates curricula, materials, and models of instruction
for students who are deaf, and prepares adolescents who are
deaf for postsecondary academic or vocational education or the
workplace. The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School develops
and provides instruction for children from infancy through age
15.
The budget request includes $600,000 earmarked in bill
language to conduct evaluation activities related to the
education programs and administrative operations of the
University and the Department's findings during the Program
Assessment Rating Tool [PART] process. The Committee
understands the Department is now updating its PART for the
University, so the Committee recommendation does not include
the requested funding nor the earmark language.
Vocational and Adult Education
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,992,159,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 579,552,000
House allowance......................................... 1,925,858,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,899,858,000
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$1,899,858,000 for vocational and adult education, consisting
of $1,296,306,000 for vocational education, $579,552,000 for
adult education and $24,000,000 for other activities. The
comparable funding level in fiscal year 2006 is $1,992,159,000
and the budget request includes $579,552,000 for this account.
The authorizing statute for vocational and adult education
programs and the State grants for incarcerated youth offenders
program funded in this account expired September 30, 2004.
Descriptions for these programs provided below assume the
continuation of current law.
Vocational Education
The Committee recommends $1,296,306,000 for vocational
education. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$1,296,306,000 and the budget request does not include any
funds for these activities. The administration proposed to
redirect the funds currently allocated for vocational education
to a new High School initiative.
Basic Grants.--The Committee recommends $1,182,388,000 for
basic grants, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level. The budget request does not include any
funds for this purpose. Funds provided under the State grant
program assist States, localities, and outlying areas to expand
and improve their programs of vocational education and provide
equal access to vocational education for populations with
special needs. Persons assisted range from secondary students
in prevocational courses through adults who need retraining to
adapt to changing technological and labor market conditions.
Funds are distributed according to a formula based on State
population and State per capita income.
Under the Indian and Hawaiian Natives programs, competitive
grants are awarded to federally recognized Indian tribes or
tribal organizations and to organizations primarily serving and
representing Hawaiian Natives for services that are in addition
to services such groups are eligible to receive under other
provisions of the Perkins Act.
Of the funds available for this program, $391,388,000 will
become available on July 1, 2007 and $791,000,000 will become
available on October 1, 2007. These funds will remain available
for obligation until September 30, 2008.
Tech-Prep Education.--The Committee recommends $104,754,000
for tech-prep programs. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $104,754,000 and the budget request proposes to
eliminate funding for this program. This program is designed to
link academic and vocational learning and to provide a
structured link between secondary schools and postsecondary
education institutions. Funds are distributed to the States
through the same formula as the basic State grant program.
States then make planning and demonstration grants to consortia
of local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions to
develop and operate model 4-year programs that begin in high
school and provide students with the mathematical, science,
communication, and technological skills needed to earn a 2-year
associate degree or 2-year certificate in a given occupational
field.
National Programs, Research.--The Committee recommends
$9,164,000 for national research programs and other national
activities. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$9,164,000 and the budget request proposes to eliminate
separate funding for this program.
Funds provided under this program support research,
development, dissemination, evaluation and assessment designed
to improve the quality and effectiveness of vocational and
technical education. Funds have been provided to the National
Research Center for Career and Technical Education and the
National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical
Education to conduct research and provide technical assistance
to vocational educators. The results of the applied research
done by these Centers inform technical assistance to reform and
improve vocational education instruction in schools and
colleges. Resources made available through this program also
are used to support a variety of activities to identify and
promote effective research-based programs and practice in
vocational education.
ADULT EDUCATION
The Committee recommends $579,552,000 for adult education,
the same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level. The budget request includes $579,552,000 for this
purpose.
Adult Education State Programs.--For adult education State
programs, the Committee recommends $563,975,000, the same
amount as the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level. The
budget request includes $563,975,000 for authorized activities.
These funds are used by States for programs to enable
economically disadvantaged adults to acquire basic literacy
skills, to enable those who so desire to complete a secondary
education, and to make available to adults the means to become
more employable, productive, and responsible citizens.
The Committee recommendation continues the English literacy
and civics education State grants set aside within the Adult
Education State grant appropriation. Within the total,
$67,896,000 is available to help States or localities affected
significantly by immigration and large limited-English
populations to implement programs that help immigrants acquire
English literacy skills, gain knowledge about the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship and develop skills that will
enable them to navigate key institutions of American life.
National Activities.--The Committee recommends $9,005,000
for national leadership activities. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are
$9,005,000 for this purpose. Under this program, the Department
supports applied research, development, dissemination,
evaluation and program improvement activities to assist States
in their efforts to improve the quality of adult education
programs.
National Institute for Literacy.--The Committee recommends
$6,572,000 for the National Institute for Literacy, authorized
under section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy
Act. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $6,572,000 for this purpose. The
Institute provides leadership and coordination for national
literacy efforts by conducting research and demonstrations on
literacy, establishing and maintaining a national center for
adult literacy and learning disabilities, and awarding
fellowships to outstanding individuals in the field to conduct
research activities under the auspices of the Institute.
Smaller Learning Communities
The Committee does not recommend additional funds for this
program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$93,531,000 and the budget request does not include any funds
for this purpose. This program has supported competitive grants
to local educational agencies to enable them to create smaller
learning communities in large schools. Funds have been used to
study, research, develop and implement strategies for creating
smaller learning communities, as well as professional
development for staff. Two types of grants were made under this
program: 1-year planning grants, which help LEAs plan smaller
learning communities and 3-year implementation grants, which
help create or expand such learning environments.
State Grants for Incarcerated Youth Offenders
The Committee has included $24,000,000 for education and
training for incarcerated youth offenders. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $22,770,000. The
administration proposes to eliminate funding for these
activities. This program provides grants to State correctional
education agencies to assist and encourage incarcerated youth
to acquire functional literacy, life and job skills, through
the pursuit of a postsecondary education certificate or an
associate of arts or bachelor's degree. Grants also assist
correction agencies in providing employment counseling and
other related services that start during incarceration and
continue through prerelease and while on parole. Under current
law, each student is eligible for a grant of not more than
$1,500 annually for tuition, books, and essential materials,
and not more than $300 annually for related services such as
career development, substance abuse counseling, parenting
skills training, and health education. In order to participate
in a program, a student must be no more than 25 years of age
and be eligible to be released from prison within 5 years.
Youth offender grants are for a period not to exceed 5 years, 1
year of which may be devoted to study in remedial or graduate
education.
Student Financial Assistance
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $14,926,975,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 13,747,000,000
House allowance......................................... 14,890,745,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,488,458,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$14,488,458,000 for student financial assistance. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $14,926,975,000
and the budget request includes $13,747,000,000 for this
purpose.
Programs in this account are authorized currently through
September 30, 2006, under the terms of the Second Higher
Education Extension Act of 2006. Program authorities and
descriptions assume the continuation of current law.
Federal Pell Grant Program
For Pell grant awards in the 2007-2008 academic year, the
Committee recommends $12,606,713,000 to maintain the record
maximum Pell Grant award level of $4,050. The appropriation
provided in this bill, plus the estimated $271,000,000
available from the fiscal year 2006 appropriation, will
maintain the current grant level without creating a shortfall
in the program.
Pell grants provide need-based financial assistance that
helps low-and middle-income undergraduate students and their
families defray a portion of the costs of postsecondary
education and vocational training. Awards are determined
according to a statutory need analysis formula that takes into
account a student's family income and assets, household size,
and the number of family members, excluding parents, attending
postsecondary institutions. Pell grants are considered the
foundation of Federal postsecondary student aid.
The budget request assumes the enactment of three
legislative proposals related to the Pell Grant program. The
Committee recommendation assumes this program will operate
under current law.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
The Committee recommends $770,933,000 for Federal
supplemental educational opportunity grants [SEOG]. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $770,933,000 for this purpose. This program
provides funds to postsecondary institutions for need-based
grants to undergraduate students. Institutions must contribute
25 percent towards SEOG awards, which are subject to a maximum
grant level of $4,000. School financial aid officers have
flexibility to determine student awards, though they must give
priority to Pell grant recipients with exceptional need.
Federal Work-Study Programs
The Committee bill provides $980,354,000 for the Federal
work-study program, the same amount as both the comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget request.
This program provides grants to more than 3,300
institutions to help an estimated 810,000 undergraduate,
graduate, and professional students meet the costs of
postsecondary education through part-time employment. Work-
study jobs must pay at least the Federal minimum wage and
institutions must provide at least 25 percent of student
earnings. Institutions also must use at least 7 percent of
their grants for community-service jobs.
The Committee continues to strongly support and encourage
the Work College program authorized in section 448 of the
Higher Education Act. Alice Lloyd College and Berea College in
Kentucky, Blackburn College in Illinois, the College of the
Ozarks in Missouri, Sterling College in Vermont, and Warren
Wilson College in North Carolina not only provide a high
quality education for their students, but also ensure access
for thousands of students from families of modest means to a
college education--while avoiding overwhelming these students
and their families with large student loan debts. The Committee
encourages the Work Colleges to find new ways to familiarize
the broader higher education community with the work college
philosophy and practice, and bring new institutions into the
work college family. The Committee directs the Department to
provide $6,000,000 for the Work Colleges from the regular
Federal Work Study appropriation.
Federal Perkins Loans
The Committee bill does not include any funds for Federal
Perkins loans capital contributions. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level did not include such funds and the budget
request does not provide any funds for this purpose.
The Federal Perkins loan program supports student loan
revolving funds built up with capital contributions to nearly
1,900 participating institutions. Institutions use these
revolving funds, which also include Federal capital
contributions [FCC], institutional contributions equal to one-
third of the FCC, and student repayments, to provide low-
interest (5 percent) loans that help financially needy students
pay the costs of postsecondary education.
The Committee recommends $65,471,000 for loan
cancellations, the same amount as the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006. The budget request did not include any
funds for this purpose. These funds reimburse institutional
revolving funds on behalf of borrowers whose loans are
cancelled in exchange for statutorily specified types of public
or military service, such as teaching in a qualified low-income
school, working in a Head Start Program, serving in the Peace
Corps or VISTA, or nurses and medical technicians providing
health care services.
The Committee recommendation does not include language
proposed in the budget request to recall the Federal portion of
loan repayments made during fiscal year 2007 to the revolving
funds held by participating institutions.
The Committee recommendation will maintain a robust loan
program that will support more than $1,100,000,000 in loans to
more than 500,000 individuals.
The Committee recognizes the importance of the Perkins Loan
Forgiveness Program for professionals in all eligible fields of
study, including social work. The Committee requests that the
Department of Education implement measures to better publicize
that this loan forgiveness program is available to individuals
in multiple fields identified in the Higher Education Act.
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program
For the leveraging educational assistance partnership
[LEAP] program, the Committee recommends $64,987,000, the same
amount as the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006.
The budget proposes to eliminate funding for this program.
The leveraging educational assistance partnership program
provides a Federal match to States as an incentive for
providing need-based grant and work-study assistance to
eligible postsecondary students. When the appropriation exceeds
$30,000,000, amounts above this threshold must be matched by
States on a 2:1 basis. federally supported grants and job
earnings are limited to $5,000 per award year for full-time
students, but States may also make awards to part-time
students.
Student Aid Administration
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $118,800,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 733,720,000
House allowance......................................... 713,720,000
Committee recommendation................................ 713,720,000
The Committee recommends $713,720,000 for the Student Aid
Administration account. The comparable fiscal year 2006
discretionary funding level is $118,800,000 and the budget
request includes $733,720,000 for activities funded under this
account, as reauthorized by the Higher Education Reconciliation
Act of 2005. These funds are available until expended. That act
reclassified most of the administrative costs of the Student
Aid Account that were classified as mandatory spending through
fiscal year 2006. In fiscal year 2006, the comparable amount of
mandatory funding provided under the Higher Education
Reconciliation Act was $600,000,000.
Funds appropriated for the Student Aid Administration
Account will support the Department's student aid management
expenses. The Office of Federal Student Aid and Office of
Postsecondary Education have primary responsibility for
administering Federal student financial assistance programs.
Higher Education
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $1,951,053,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 1,108,711,000
House allowance......................................... 1,964,203,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,003,192,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,003,192,000
for higher education programs. The comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level is $1,951,053,000 and the budget request includes
$1,108,711,000 for such activities.
Except for the activities authorized by the Mutual
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 and Carl D.
Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, funded programs
in this account are authorized through September 30, 2006 under
the Second Higher Education Extension Act of 2006. All program
authorities and descriptions assume the continuation of current
law.
Aid for Institutional Development
The Committee recommends $505,814,000 for aid for
institutional development authorized by titles III and V of the
Higher Education Act. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2006 is $505,814,000 and the budget request includes
$503,229,000 for authorized activities.
Strengthening Institutions.--The Committee bill includes
$79,535,000 for the part A strengthening institutions program.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $79,535,000 for this activity. The part A
program supports competitive, 1-year planning and 5-year
development grants for institutions with a significant
percentage of financially needy students and low educational
and general expenditures per student in comparison with similar
institutions. Applicants may use part A funds to develop
faculty, strengthen academic programs, improve institutional
management, and expand student services. Institutions awarded
funding under this program are not eligible to receive grants
under other sections of part A or part B.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions [HSI].--The Committee
recommends $94,914,000 for institutions at which Hispanic
students make up at least 25 percent of enrollment. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $94,914,000 for these institutions.
Institutions applying for title V funds must meet the regular
part A requirements and show that at least one-half of their
Hispanic students are low-income college students. Funds may be
used for acquisition, rental or lease of scientific or
laboratory equipment, renovation of instructional facilities,
development of faculty, support for academic programs,
institutional management, and purchase of educational
materials. Title V recipients are not eligible for other awards
provided under title III, parts A and B.
Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and
Universities.--The Committee recommends $238,095,000 for part B
grants. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $238,095,000 for authorized activities.
The part B strengthening historically black colleges and
universities [HBCU] program makes formula grants to HBCUs that
may be used to purchase equipment, construct and renovate
facilities, develop faculty, support academic programs,
strengthen institutional management, enhance fundraising
activities, provide tutoring and counseling services to
students, and conduct outreach to elementary and secondary
school students. The minimum allotment is $500,000 for each
eligible institution. Part B recipients are not eligible for
awards under part A.
Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions.--
The Committee recommends $57,915,000 for the part B, section
326 program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and
the budget request both are $57,915,000 for such activities.
The section 326 program provides 5-year grants to strengthen
historically black graduate institutions [HBGIs]. The Higher
Education Amendments of 1998 increased the number of recipients
to 18 named institutions, but reserved the first $26,600,000
appropriated each year to the 16 institutions included in the
previous authorization. Grants may be used for any part B
purpose and to establish an endowment.
Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving
Institutions.--The Committee recommends $11,785,000 for this
program, the same amount as last year. The budget request
includes $9,200,000 for authorized activities. The purpose of
this program is to improve and expand the capacity of
institutions serving Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian
students. Funds may be used to plan, develop, and implement
activities that encourage: faculty and curriculum development;
better fund and administrative management; renovation and
improvement of educational facilities; student services; and
the purchase of library and other educational materials. As
initial funding cycles expire, the Committee encourages the
Department to use simplified application forms to permit
participating institutions to obtain continuation funding for
successful programs funded under this authority.
Strengthening Tribally Controlled Colleges and
Universities.--The Committee recommends $23,570,000 for
strengthening tribal colleges and universities [TCUs]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request both are $23,570,000 for this program. Tribal colleges
and universities rely on a portion of the funds provided to
address developmental needs, including faculty development,
curriculum and student services.
In past years, the Committee has supported a competitive
grant program to assist institutions in addressing long overdue
and high-priority infrastructure and facilities requirements.
The Committee intends for the funds provided to be used to
support continuation of existing basic grants and new planning
or implementation grant awards. The remaining funds shall be
available for grants for renovation and construction of
facilities to continue to address urgently needed facilities
repair and expansion.
International Education and Foreign Language Studies
The bill includes a total of $105,751,000 for international
education and foreign language programs. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level is $105,751,000 and the budget request
includes $106,751,000 for such activities.
The Committee bill includes language allowing funds to be
used to support visits and study in foreign countries by
individuals who plan to utilize their language skills in world
areas vital to the United States national security in the
fields of government, international development and the
professions. Bill language also allows up to 1 percent of the
funds provided to be used for program evaluation, national
outreach and information dissemination activities. This
language is continued from last year's bill and was proposed in
the budget request.
Domestic Programs.--The Committee recommends $91,541,000
for domestic program activities related to international
education and foreign language studies, including international
business education, under title VI of the HEA. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level is $91,541,000 and the budget
request includes $92,541,000 for authorized activities.
Domestic programs include national resource centers,
undergraduate international studies and foreign language
programs, international research and studies projects,
international business education projects and centers, American
overseas research centers, language resource centers, foreign
language and area studies fellowships, and technological
innovation and cooperation for foreign information access.
Overseas Programs.--The bill includes $12,610,000 for
overseas programs authorized under the Mutual Educational and
Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, popularly known as the
Fulbright-Hays Act. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level and the budget request both are $12,610,000 for these
programs. Under these overseas programs, grants are provided
for group and faculty research projects abroad, doctoral
dissertation research abroad, and special bilateral projects.
Unlike other programs authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act and
administered by the Department of State, these Department of
Education programs focus on training American instructors and
students in order to improve foreign language and area studies
education in the United States.
Institute for International Public Policy.--The Committee
bill recommends $1,600,000 for the Institute for International
Public Policy. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 and the budget request both are $1,600,000 for authorized
activities. This program is designed to increase the number of
minority individuals in foreign service and related careers by
providing a grant to a consortium of institutions for
undergraduate and graduate level foreign language and
international studies. An institutional match of 50 percent is
required.
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
The Committee recommends $80,529,000 for the Fund for the
Improvement of Postsecondary Education [FIPSE]. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget request both are
$21,989,000 for this purpose. FIPSE stimulates improvements in
education beyond high school by supporting exemplary, locally
developed projects that have potential for addressing problems
and recommending improvements in postsecondary education. The
Fund is administered by the Department with advice from an
independent board and provides small, competitive grants and
contracts to a variety of postsecondary institutions and
agencies, including 2- and 4-year colleges and universities,
State education agencies, community-based organizations, and
other non-profit institutions and organizations concerned with
education beyond high school.
The Committee recommendation includes $17,030,000, the full
amount requested for the comprehensive program, as well as
funds for international consortia programs.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIB College of Business, Des Moines, IA, for $500,000
scholarships in captioning and court reporting........
Albertson College of Idaho, for a library technology 600,000
infrastructure upgrade................................
Alpena Community College, MI, for its Rural Homeland 200,000
Security Preparedness Education and Training
Initiative............................................
American Prosthodontic Society Foundation, Osceola 150,000
Mills, PA, for scholarships and program costs related
to prosthetic dentistry and clinical prosthodontics...
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, to 100,000
collaborate with the University of Memphis, and the
University of Mississippi, for the Delta Bridge
Education Project to provide professional development
for teachers..........................................
Assumption College, Worcester, MA for the procurement 150,000
of technology infrastructure and educational program
development...........................................
Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Clarks Summit, PA, 100,000
for equipment and technology acquisition..............
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 250,000
for educational equipment and curriculum development
to support medical technology professional training
programs..............................................
Blue Mountain Community College, Pandleton, OR to 300,000
expand and enhance distance education infrastructure..
Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA, to expand 200,000
adult literacy and career development academic
programs..............................................
Cabrini College, Radnor, PA, for equipment and 100,000
educational programming for the Center for Science,
Education and Technology..............................
California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA, 100,000
for a Math and Science Institute......................
Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA, for a nursing 100,000
education program.....................................
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA, for 100,000
equipment acquisition for mathematics and science
laboratories..........................................
Clinton School of Public Service, Little Rock, AR, for 1,000,000
endowment scholarships and curriculum develop- ment..
College Misericordia, Dallas, PA, for technology 100,000
upgrades and infrastructure...........................
Community College of Beaver County, Monaca, PA, for 100,000
technology training courses and technological
infrastructure upgrades...............................
Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 100,000
for a distance learning initiative....................
Community College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, to 750,000
expand and improve Internet-based course offerings,
including equipment purchase..........................
Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut, 500,000
for the Statewide Teacher Training Initiative.........
Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, for archiving 170,000
of former Senator George McGovern's papers............
Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, for an 1,000,000
interdisciplinary initiative on engineering and
medicine..............................................
Deaf West Theatre, North Hollywood, CA, for cultural 600,000
experiences for the deaf..............................
Dean College, Franklin, MA, to develop programs and 235,000
procure equipment for the Learning Center.............
East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA, for 100,000
science, math and technology training programs........
Eastern Iowa Community College, Davenport, IA, for the 350,000
creation of a center on sustainable energy, including
equipment.............................................
Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM, for 885,000
computer and telecommunications equipment for a
foreign language instruction laboratory...............
Eastern University, St. Davids, PA, for laboratory 100,000
equipment and technological infrastructure
improvements..........................................
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA, to 100,000
support a computer forensics training program at the
Western Pennsylvania High Tech Crime Training Center..
Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, for support 200,000
of science and math programs and increase academic
research opportunities for students...................
Emerson College, Boston, MA, for educational equipment 400,000
and program development...............................
Emmanuel College, Boston, MA, for the procurement of 220,000
educational equipment and program develop- ment......
Florida Memorial University, Miami, FL, for equipment 100,000
for the Library Enhancement Initiative................
George Meany Center for Labor Studies- the National 900,000
Labor College for curriculum development..............
Golden Apple Foundation, Chicago, IL, for a math and 350,000
science teacher training initiative...................
Greenville Technical College, Greenville, SC, for 100,000
curriculum development for the Greenville Technical
Middle College program................................
Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA, for 100,000
laboratory and equipment upgrades in support of
programs at the Community Center for Technology and
the Arts..............................................
Henry Kuualoha Giugni Archives at the University of 100,000
Hawaii at Manoa, to establish an archival facility of
historical Native Hawaiian records and stories........
Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, for education 100,000
programs to prepare post-secondary students for
careers in biomedical research, public health and
biotechnology.........................................
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA, for educational 200,000
equipment and information technology..................
Houston Community College, Houston, TX, for the 150,000
Accelerated Nursing Proficiency Center................
Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY, to expand 500,000
the nursing program...................................
Huntington Junior College, Huntington, WV, for the 1,200,000
expansion of the captioning program...................
Immaculata University, Immaculata, PA, for technology 100,000
acquisition and infrastructure improvements...........
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, for 100,000
equipment acquisition and program support related to a
mine safety and mapping initiative....................
James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, 200,000
Charleston, SC, for equipment acquisition and program
support...............................................
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI for 200,000
special education teacher training....................
Keystone College, LaPlume, PA, for classroom and 100,000
laboratory equipment..................................
King's College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, for support of the 100,000
Center for Community Engagement and Learning..........
La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA, for the 100,000
University Science and Technology Center to support
math and science instruction for teachers, including
tuition support.......................................
Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, PA, to 100,000
support an Academy of Arts, Sciences and Advanced
Technologies..........................................
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA in partnership with 100,000
Lesley University Education Center, Las Vegas, NV, to
develop an online special education teacher
certification program.................................
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, for educational and 250,000
research equipment to support new science instruction
laboratories..........................................
Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID, to continue 450,000
and expand the American Indian Students in the
Leadership of Education Program.......................
Lincoln University, Lincoln University, PA, for campus- 100,000
wide technology upgrades and wiring...................
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 100,000
for program support and equipment related to a
distance education initiative.........................
Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA for professional 400,000
development partnerships and related services.........
Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, PA, for 100,000
support of the Regional Public Safety Training
Institute.............................................
Maryland Association of Community Colleges, Annapolis, 1,250,000
MD, to expand and improve nursing programs at
Maryland's sixteen community colleges.................
Messiah College, Grantham, PA, for wireless technology 100,000
and technology infrastructure improvements............
MidAmerica Nazarine University, Olathe, KS for the 200,000
Distance Education Initiative in Western Kansas.......
Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, for 115,000
training and certification programs in renewable
energy technologies...................................
Miles Community College, Miles City, MT, for curriculum 500,000
development and equipment for the Pathways to Careers
in Health project.....................................
Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, 100,000
PA, for teacher preparation programs in math and
science...............................................
Mississippi Immigrants Community Development 500,000
Corporation, Jackson, MS, an English language pilot
program...............................................
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS for 1,200,000
the National Center on Rural Early Childhood Learning
Initiatives...........................................
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS for 2,000,000
acquisition of digital technology and studio
production systems....................................
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, for 300,000
support of a teacher preparation and enhancement
initiative............................................
Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS, for 500,000
foreign language and international studies curriculum
development and program support.......................
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, for program 1,000,000
development and equipment and technology for the
Distance Learning Project on the West Plains Campus...
Montana State University--Billings for program 500,000
development in the College of Technology..............
Montana State University--Billings, Billings, MT, to 500,000
develop health care-related degree and professional
development education programs........................
Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA, for 200,000
curriculum development and equipment acquisition......
Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, for equipment, 100,000
technology, and curriculum development for a science
initiative............................................
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher 400,000
Education, Silver Spring, MD, for the Undergraduate
Credit Discipline Education and Mentoring Program at
Wilberforce University and Central State University in
Ohio..................................................
National Student Partnerships, Washington, DC, for 100,000
student volunteer training activities to improve and
evaluate methods of expansion for national training
programs..............................................
Nevada State College, Henderson, NV, to create a 375,000
partnership with the Community College of Southern
Nevada and Clark County School District to increase
the number of math and science teachers in Clark
County................................................
New Hampshire Community Technical College System, 500,000
Concord, NH, for technology and telecommunications
systems linking the community college campuses........
New Mexico State University, New Mexico, to establish a 200,000
new bridge program in manufacturing tech- nology.....
North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND, to 400,000
train students in nanoscience and other advanced
technologies..........................................
Northeast Community College, Nebraska, for the 700,000
development of a new college center...................
Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY, 1,500,000
for technology, equipment, curriculum development and
program development for the Infrastructure Management
Institute.............................................
Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, for equipment for 400,000
the health professions campus.........................
Penn State Worthington Scranton, Dunmore, PA, for 150,000
support of the Corporate Community Center.............
Philadelphia University, PA, for technology upgrades 100,000
and to develop an instructional delivery system which
will focus on the integration of technology into
coursework............................................
Pierce College, Lakewood WA, for the Center of 150,000
Excellence for Homeland Security......................
Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative, Pittsburgh, 100,000
PA, for program development...........................
Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, for 500,000
a collaborative research institute for sustainable
rural economics.......................................
Portland State University, Portland, OR, for the 300,000
Science Research and Teaching Center..................
Regis University, Henderson, NV, to design and adapt an 250,000
online teacher education course.......................
Rhodes College, Memphis, TN to support the Rhodes 250,000
College Learning Corridor and expand educational
programs..............................................
Rice University, Houston, TX, for equipment for the 750,000
Earth Sciences Laboratory at Weiss School of Natural
Sciences..............................................
Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA, for 100,000
equipment and support of nursing and allied health
programs..............................................
Rochester Area Colleges, Rochester, NY, for a Center 800,000
for Excellence in Math and Science....................
Salish Kootenai College, Pablo, MT, for faculty, 500,000
student recruitment and retention, and support of the
nursing program.......................................
San Juan College, New Mexico, to expand training and 1,000,000
academic programs in the School of Energy.............
Security On Campus, Inc., King of Prussia, PA, to 100,000
develop and conduct regional training sessions on
compliance with the Clery Act and the technical
assistance handbook...................................
Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, for 100,000
technology and infrastructure upgrades................
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, NM, to 400,000
expand training programs including equipment purchase.
Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, for curriculum 250,000
development and equipment for the Center for Hispanic
Studies...............................................
Stonehill College, Easton, MA, to procure equipment and 200,000
develop programs for the Center for Non-Profit
Management............................................
Sweetwater Education Foundation, Chula Vista, CA, for 100,000
administration of the Compact for Success program.....
Syracuse University, NY, to create the Global Justice 250,000
Center................................................
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, for support of the 100,000
Fox School of Business and Management Center for
Competitive Government................................
Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 100,000
College Station, TX, for curriculum development and
program support.......................................
Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, for equipment 200,000
for the Center for Human and Material Science
Performance...........................................
Texas Women's University, Denton, TX, for equipment and 250,000
technology acquisition for the Institute of Health
Sciences Dallas Center................................
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster, PA, 250,000
for support of technical education programs...........
Thiel College, Greenville, PA, for campus-wide 100,000
technology infrastructure upgrades....................
Touro University School of Nursing, Henderson, NV, to 500,000
recruit, train and place rural students in post-
graduate nursing education............................
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11, McVeytown, PA, for a 100,000
distance education initiative.........................
University of Alaska, Anchorage for the Alaska Native 1,000,000
Students in Engineering program.......................
University of Alaska/Southeast for the Alaska Distance 2,500,000
Education Technology Consortium.......................
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little 380,000
Rock, AR, for curriculum and infrastructure
development enabling UAMS to participate and
administer development of a multi-state master's
degree program in genetic counseling and continuing
education cou.........................................
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, to provide 500,000
faculty with appropriate instructional technology,
software, and curriculum development support..........
University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa for the 500,000
establishment of a nursing education program..........
University of Hawaii at Hilo for an Applied Rural 750,000
Science program and a Clinical Pharmacy Training
Program...............................................
University of Hawaii School of Law, for a health policy 150,000
center and cultural education programs................
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, for support of the 500,000
Gateway to Math Program, a statewide, Internet-based
outreach program for pre-college math students........
University of Maryland, College Park, to develop a 3,000,000
Maryland Center for Public Service....................
University of Mississippi Research Foundation, Oxford, 500,000
MS....................................................
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, for program and 3,000,000
curriculum development in public policy leader- ship.
University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, for the Center for 100,000
Student Cultural Diversity............................
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA to support the 200,000
Dick Thornburgh Legacy Project........................
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, for an 200,000
infants and toddlers care professional development
program...............................................
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, for 200,000
science center equipment..............................
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, to promote health 100,000
education through the Center for Global Health,
Education, and Rehabilitation.........................
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 300,000
for the Integrated Learning Initiative................
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, 100,000
Philadelphia, PA, for a Science Education Partnership.
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, for an information 160,000
technology initiative.................................
University of Vermont of Burlington, VT, to establish 300,000
advanced practice graduate nursing program in
psychiatric-mental health nursing.....................
University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA, for the 300,000
Nursing Faculty Consortium............................
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, for 200,000
equipment for nanotechnology education pro- grams....
Urban College of Boston, Boston, MA, to support higher 750,000
education programs serving low-income and minority
students..............................................
Utah Valley State College, Orem, UT, for equipment and 100,000
software for the Digital Learning Center..............
Villa Julie College, Stevenson, MD, to expand the 500,000
Nursing Distance Learning Program.....................
Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA, for 100,000
curriculum development and program support............
Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA, for a 100,000
foreign language distance instruction initiative......
Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA, for 100,000
support of foreign language instruction...............
Washington Center for Internships and Academic 100,000
Seminars, Washington, DC, for support of an internship
program for minority college students and recent
graduates.............................................
Washington State University, to expand and enhance 500,000
science education for women...........................
Weber State University, Ogden, UT, to improve access 750,000
for and graduation rates of nursing students..........
West Chester University, West Chester, PA, for 100,000
technology infrastructure upgrades....................
Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City, IA, 100,000
for equipment.........................................
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, for 1,500,000
technology and equipment for the Kentucky Academy of
Mathematics and Science...............................
Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT, for 100,000
development of distance learning technology and curri-
culum................................................
Westmoreland County Community College, Waynesburg, PA, 100,000
for classroom equipment and technology associated with
programs at EverGreene Technology Park................
Wheaton College, Norton, MA, to procure educational 200,000
equipment and information technology to support
science center expansion..............................
Wheelock College, Boston, MA, for educational equipment 250,000
and curriculum development for the K-9 science
teachers program......................................
William Paterson University, for the Center for the 200,000
Study of Critical Languages...........................
Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA, for support of the 100,000
Institute for Women and Girls in Science, Mathematics
and Technology........................................
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and 200,000
Universities, Madison, WI, to coordinate
administrative support................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority Science and Engineering Improvement
The Committee recommends $8,730,000 for the Minority
Science and Engineering Improvement program [MSEIP]. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget
request both are $8,730,000 for this program. Funds are used to
provide discretionary grants to institutions with minority
enrollments greater than 50 percent to purchase equipment,
develop curricula, and support advanced faculty training.
Grants are intended to improve science and engineering
education programs and increase the number of minority students
in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering.
Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Vocational Institutions
The Committee recommends $7,366,000 for tribally controlled
postsecondary vocational institutions. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level and the budget request both are
$7,366,000 for this purpose. This program provides grants for
the operation and improvement of two tribally controlled
postsecondary vocational institutions to ensure continued and
expanding opportunities for Indian students: United Tribes
Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Crownpoint
Institute of Technology in Crownpoint, New Mexico.
The Committee bill includes language carried over from last
year's bill and proposed in the budget request that allows
grantees to charge the regular indirect cost rate to their
grants.
Federal TRIO Programs
The Committee recommends $828,178,000 for Federal TRIO
Programs. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$828,178,000 and the budget request includes $380,100,000 for
this program. The budget request redirects the savings from the
reduction proposed for TRIO programs to provide support for a
proposed High School Reform initiative.
TRIO programs provide a variety of services to improve
postsecondary education opportunities for low-income
individuals and first-generation college students: Upward Bound
offers disadvantaged high school students academic services to
develop the skills and motivation needed to continue their
education; Student Support Services provides remedial
instruction, counseling, summer programs and grant aid to
disadvantaged college students to help them complete their
postsecondary education; Talent Search identifies and counsels
individuals between ages 11 and 27 regarding opportunities for
completing high school and enrolling in postsecondary
education; Educational Opportunity Centers provide information
and counseling on available financial and academic assistance
to low-income adults who are first-generation college students;
and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
supports research internships, seminars, tutoring, and other
activities to encourage disadvantaged college students to
enroll in graduate programs.
The Committee is concerned about the potential impact of
the Invitational Priority for the Upward Bound program
published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2006 and its
potential impact on services to eligible students. The
Committee encourages the Department to consider fully comments
on this proposed priority. The Committee requests a briefing by
the Department on this issue, prior to the announcement of the
competition for the Upward Bound program.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
[GEARUP]
The Committee recommends $303,423,000 for GEARUP. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $303,423,000 and
the budget request does not include any funds for this purpose.
The budget proposes to redirect these funds to provide support
for a proposed High School Reform initiative.
Under this program funds are used by States and
partnerships of colleges, middle and high schools, and
community organizations to assist middle and high schools
serving a high percentage of low-income students. Services
provided help students prepare for and pursue a postsecondary
education.
Byrd Honors Scholarships
The Committee recommends $41,000,000 for the Byrd honors
scholarship program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $40,590,000 and the budget request does not include
any funds for this program.
The Byrd honors scholarship program is designed to promote
student excellence and achievement and to recognize
exceptionally able students who show promise of continued
excellence. Funds are allocated to State education agencies
based on each State's school-aged population. The State
education agencies select the recipients of the scholarships in
consultation with school administrators, teachers, counselors,
and parents. The funds provided will support a new cohort of
first-year students in 2007, and continue support for the 2004,
2005, and 2006 cohorts of students in their fourth, third and
second years of study, respectively. The amount recommended
will provide scholarships of $1,500 to 27,333 students.
Javits Fellowships
The Committee recommends $9,699,000 for the Javits
Fellowships program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level and the budget request both are $9,699,000 for this
program.
The Javits Fellowships program provides fellowships of up
to 4 years to students of superior ability who are pursuing
doctoral degrees in the arts, humanities, and social sciences
at any institution of their choice. Each fellowship consists of
a student stipend to cover living costs, and an institutional
payment to cover each fellow's tuition and other expenses. The
Committee bill includes language proposed in the budget that
stipulates that funds provided in the fiscal year 2007
appropriation support fellowships for the 2008-2009 academic
year.
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need [GAANN]
The Committee recommends $30,067,000 for graduate
assistance in areas of national need. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level and the budget request both are
$30,067,000 for GAANN. This program awards competitive grants
to graduate academic departments and programs for fellowship
support in areas of national need as determined by the
Secretary. In fiscal year 2005, the Secretary designated the
following areas of national need: biology, chemistry, computer
and information sciences, engineering, geological and related
sciences, mathematics, physics, and nursing. Recipients must
demonstrate financial need and academic excellence, and seek
the highest degree in their fields.
The Committee is especially pleased that the Secretary
included nursing as an area of national need in its fiscal year
2006 program announcement. Given the magnitude of the nursing
shortage, the Committee was pleased to see the Secretary take
this step in establishing a priority for a nursing program that
focuses on the preparation of nurse scholars at the PhD level
for educational leadership roles.
The Committee believes that the GAANN program can make a
difference in helping our Nation prepare for the projected need
for 1.2 million new and replacement nurses by 2014 as
identified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The
Committee encourages the Secretary to include nursing as an
area of national need in future years until our Nation develops
an adequate supply of nurses and ends this projected shortage.
Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants
The Committee recommends $57,000,000 for the teacher
quality enhancement grants program. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level is $59,895,000 and the budget request
proposes to eliminate funding for this program.
The program was established to support initiatives that
best meet specific teacher preparation and recruitment needs.
Further, the Higher Education Act provides and designates
funding for the program in three focus areas: 45 percent of
resources support a State grant program, 45 percent of funds
are used for a partnership program, and 10 percent are
designated for a recruitment grant program.
The Committee bill includes language that would allow the
Department to fund awards under the three program areas at the
discretion of the Department, instead of as mandated by the
Higher Education Act. The Committee continues this language
from last year's bill in order to prevent funds available under
this program from going unused.
Under the State grant program, funds may be used for a
variety of State-level reforms, including more rigorous teacher
certification and licensure requirements; provision of high-
quality alternative routes to certification; development of
systems to reward high-performing teachers and principals; and
development of efforts to reduce the shortage of qualified
teachers in high-poverty areas.
Teacher training partnership grants, which are awarded to
local partnerships comprised of at least one school of arts and
science, one school or program of education, a local education
agency, and a K-12 school, may be used for a variety of
activities designed to improve teacher preparation and
performance, including efforts to provide increased academic
study in a proposed teaching specialty area; to prepare
teachers to use technology effectively in the classroom; to
provide preservice clinical experiences; and to integrate
reliable research-based teaching methods into the curriculum.
Partnerships may work with other entities, with those involving
businesses receiving priority consideration. Partnerships are
eligible to receive a one-time-only grant to encourage reform
and improvement at the local level.
The recruitment grant program supports efforts to reduce
shortages of qualified teachers in high-need school districts
as well as provide assistance for high-quality teacher
preparation and induction programs to meet the specific
educational needs of the local area.
Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $15,810,000
for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School [CCAMPIS]
program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $15,810,000 for this program. CCAMPIS
was established in the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 to
support the efforts of a growing number of non-traditional
students who are struggling to complete their college degrees
at the same time that they take care of their children.
Discretionary grants of up to 4 years are made to institutions
of higher education to support or establish a campus-based
childcare program primarily serving the needs of low-income
students enrolled at the institution.
Advancing America through Foreign Language Partnerships
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
this new program. The budget request proposes $24,000,000 for a
new program of grants to increase the number of Americans with
professional levels of competency in languages critical to
national security. Under this new program grants would be
awarded to institutions of higher education for partnerships
with school districts to create programs of study in
kindergarten through 16th grade in critical needs languages.
The budget proposes bill language to create this new program.
Demonstration Projects to Ensure Quality Higher Education for Students
With Disabilities
The Committee recommends $6,875,000 for this program, the
same amount as the comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level.
The budget proposes no funding for this program. This program's
purpose is to ensure that students with disabilities receive a
high-quality postsecondary education. Grants are made to
support model demonstration projects that provide technical
assistance and professional development activities for faculty
and administrators in institutions of higher education.
The Committee urges the Department to utilize resources
available under the GPRA/data collection program to support a
rigorous evaluation of outcomes achieved by grantees funded
under this program and to identify the impact that these funds
are having on improving opportunities for students with
disabilities at institutions of higher education throughout the
United States.
Underground Railroad Program
The Committee recommendation includes $1,980,000 for the
Underground Railroad program, the same amount as the comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level. The budget request does not
include any funds for this activity. The program was authorized
by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 and was funded for
the first time in fiscal year 1999. Grants are provided to
research, display, interpret, and collect artifacts relating to
the history of the underground railroad. Educational
organizations receiving funds must demonstrate substantial
private support through a public-private partnership, create an
endowment fund that provides for ongoing operation of the
facility, and establish a network of satellite centers
throughout the United States to share information and teach
people about the significance of the Underground Railroad in
American history.
GPRA/Higher Education Act Program Evaluation
The Committee recommends $970,000 for data collection
associated with the Government Performance and Results Act data
collection and to evaluate programs authorized by the Higher
Education Act. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level
and the budget request both are $970,000 for these activities.
These funds are used to comply with the Government Performance
and Results Act, which requires the collection of data and
evaluation of Higher Education programs and the performance of
recipients of Higher Education funds.
B.J. Stupak Olympic Scholarships
The Committee recommendation does not include funding for
this program. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is
$970,000 and the budget request did not include funds for this
activity. Funds appropriated in fiscal year 2006 will be used
to provide financial assistance to athletes who are training at
the United States Olympic Education Center or one of the United
States Olympic Training Centers and who are pursuing a
postsecondary education at an institution of higher education.
Unlike most other Federal student aid programs, scholarships
are provided without consideration of expected family
contributions.
Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program
The Committee recommendation does not include any funds for
the Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program.
The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $2,946,000
and the budget request does not include any funds for this
purpose.
Under this program, funds help low-income, minority or
disadvantaged college students with the information,
preparation and financial assistance to enter and complete law
school study. The Higher Education Act stipulates that the
Secretary make an award to or contract with the Council on
Legal Education Opportunity to carry out authorized activities.
Howard University
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $237,391,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 237,392,000
House allowance......................................... 237,392,000
Committee recommendation................................ 237,392,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $237,392,000
for Howard University. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $237,391,000 and the budget request includes
$237,392,000 for this purpose. Howard University is located in
the District of Columbia and offers undergraduate, graduate,
and professional degrees through 12 schools and colleges. The
university also administers the Howard University Hospital,
which provides both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as
training in the health professions. Federal funds from this
account support more than 50 percent of the university's
projected educational and general expenditures, excluding the
hospital. The Committee recommends, within the funds provided,
not less than $3,600,000 shall be for the endowment program.
Howard University Hospital.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee recommends $29,461,000 for the Howard University
Hospital. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level and the
budget request both are $29,461,000 for this purpose. The
hospital serves as a major acute and ambulatory care center for
the District of Columbia and functions as a major teaching
facility attached to the university. The Federal appropriation
provides partial funding for the hospital's operations.
College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $567,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 486,000
House allowance......................................... 486,000
Committee recommendation................................ 486,000
Federal Administration.--The Committee bill includes
$486,000 for Federal administration of the CHAFL program. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $567,000 and the
budget request includes $486,000 for such expenses.
These funds will be used to reimburse the Department for
expenses incurred in managing the existing CHAFL loan portfolio
during fiscal year 2007. These expenses include salaries and
benefits, travel, printing, contracts (including contracted
loan servicing activities), and other expenses directly related
to the administration of the CHAFL program.
Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $208,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 190,000
House allowance......................................... 190,000
Committee recommendation................................ 190,000
Federal Administration.--The Committee recommends $190,000
for Federal administration of the Historically Black College
and University [HBCU] Capital Financing Program. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level is $208,000 and the budget
request includes $190,000 for this activity.
The HBCU Capital Financing Program makes capital available
to HBCUs for construction, renovation, and repair of academic
facilities by providing a Federal guarantee for private sector
construction bonds. Construction loans will be made from the
proceeds of the sale of the bonds.
Institute of Education Science
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $517,468,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 554,468,000
House allowance......................................... 534,916,000
Committee recommendation................................ 535,916,000
The bill includes $535,916,000 for the Institute of
Education Sciences. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding
level is $517,468,000 and the budget request includes
$554,468,000 for comparable activities. This account supports
education research, data collection and analysis activities,
and the assessment of student progress.
Research, Development and Dissemination
The Committee recommends $162,552,000 for education
research, development and national dissemination activities.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 amount and the budget request
both are $162,552,000 for these activities. Funds are available
for obligation for 2 fiscal years. These funds support
research, development, and dissemination activities that are
aimed at expanding fundamental knowledge of education and
promoting the use of research and development findings in the
design of efforts to improve education.
The Committee strongly supports the Department's efforts to
carry out congressionally authorized evaluations of Federal
education programs using rigorous methodologies, particularly
random assignment, that are capable of producing scientifically
valid knowledge regarding which program activities are
effective. To ensure that authorized evaluations are conducted
in a rigorous manner that is independent of the program office
and includes scientific peer review, the Committee believes
that the Institute of Education Sciences should be the lead
agency for the design and implementation of these evaluations.
The Committee believes further that it is essential for program
offices to work collaboratively with the Institute to include a
priority or requirement in program solicitations for grantee
participation in such evaluations, including random assignment,
to the extent the Institute deems appropriate and where not
specifically prohibited by law. The Committee notes that
program offices and the Institute have already collaborated in
this manner to advance rigorous evaluations in programs such as
Student Drug Testing, Smaller Learning Communities, Student
Mentoring, and Striving Readers.
The Committee is pleased with the framework identified by
the Institute in June 2, 2006 correspondence from the Director
that outlines concrete steps the Institute is taking to
implement the national research and development centers program
in fiscal year 2006, consistent with the intent of the
Committee. This correspondence stated that the Institute would
spend $18,000,000 in fiscal year 2006 funds for base grants for
nine research and development centers, with the balance of
funds available for supplemental funding of centers that have
been in operation for at least 1 year. The correspondence
further stated that supplemental funding requests would be
considered for research and related activities relevant to and
aligned with the original objectives of center awards, even if
such proposals overlapped 2007 competitions announced by the
Institute. The Committee intends that fiscal year 2007 funds
available to the Institute will be utilized in the same manner
and amounts.
The Committee is pleased that the Institute conducted a
round of field-initiated research this year. The Committee
recognizes the critical role the Institute plays in achieving
the important goals set by the No Child Left Behind Act and
encourages the Institute to continue its progress in
translating scientifically based research findings into
classroom practice. The Committee supports the implementation
of programs that bring advances in cognitive, developmental,
educational science and neuroscience into the classroom by
informing curriculum development in schools and in graduate
schools of education.
The Committee encourages the Institute to establish a
research priority in the area of identifying and serving gifted
students from culturally diverse, disabled, economically
disadvantaged and other populations traditionally underselected
for gifted and talented education programs. The Committee is
aware that a research and development center will be awarded in
this area during fiscal year 2006, but believes that there is
great potential for additional research opportunities at
institutions with a long history of producing and disseminating
high-quality work in this area.
Statistics
The Committee recommends $91,022,000 for data gathering and
statistical analysis activities of the National Center for
Education Statistics [NCES]. The comparable fiscal year 2006
funding level is $90,022,000 and the budget request includes
$93,022,000 for this purpose.
The NCES collects, analyzes, and reports statistics on
education in the United States. Activities are carried out
directly and through grants and contracts. The Center collects
data on educational institutions at all levels, longitudinal
data on student progress, and data relevant to public policy.
The NCES also provides technical assistance to State and local
education agencies and postsecondary institutions.
The Committee has included funds above the fiscal year 2006
level under the arts in education evaluation activity and
within this program for the National Center for Education
Statistics to utilize its Fast Response Survey System to
collect data for the report of Arts Education in Public
Elementary and Secondary Schools during the 2007-2008 school
year. The Committee expects this survey to be co-requested by
the Office of Innovation and Improvement and the National
Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Institute for
Education Sciences. The Committee believes the survey must have
the comprehensive quality of the 2002 report and should include
national samples of elementary and secondary school principals,
as well as surveys of elementary and secondary classroom
teachers and arts specialists.
Regional Educational Laboratories
The Committee recommends $65,470,000 to continue support
for the regional educational laboratories. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget request both are
$65,470,000 for this purpose. Program funds support a network
of 10 laboratories that are responsible for promoting the use
of broad-based systemic strategies to improve student
achievement.
The Committee is pleased that the research, development,
dissemination, and technical assistance activities carried out
by the regional educational laboratories will be consistent
with the standards for scientifically based research prescribed
in the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002. The Committee
believes that the laboratories, working collaboratively with
the comprehensive centers and Department-supported technical
assistance providers, have an important role to play in helping
parents, States, and school districts improve student
achievement as called for in No Child Left Behind. In
particular, the Committee intends for the laboratories and
their technical assistance provider partners to provide
products and services that will help States and school
districts utilize the school improvement funds available in the
Education for the Disadvantaged account to support school
improvement activities that are supported by scientifically
based research. The Committee requests that the 2008
congressional justification include specific information about
the actions taken to support the Committee's intention in
providing resources for this program, other technical
assistance providers and school improvement activities.
Research and Innovation in Special Education
The Committee recommends $71,840,000 for research and
innovation in special education. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request both are
$71,840,000 for this purpose. The reauthorization of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act created a new
National Center for Special Education Research. This new center
will address gaps in scientific knowledge in order to improve
special education and early intervention services and outcomes
for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Funds
provided to the center will be available for obligation for 2
fiscal years.
The Committee commends the Institute for its efforts to
transform education into an evidence-based field in which
decisionmakers routinely seek out the best available research
and data before adopting programs or practices that will affect
significant numbers of students. The Committee encourages the
Institute to coordinate with the Head Start Bureau, the Office
of Special Education Programs, the National Institutes of
Health and other Federal agencies conducting research in the
field of early learning, early identification, early
intervention and scientific, research-based reading instruction
to ensure collaboration wherever possible on the research
initiatives that directly affect students with specific
learning disabilities and those most at risk for specific
learning disabilities.
Special Education Studies and Evaluations
The Committee recommends $9,900,000 for special education
studies and evaluations. Funding for this activity was made
available previously as a set-aside from the Special Education
State Grants program until this new authority was created by
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of
2004. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request both are $9,900,000 for this purpose.
This program will support competitive grants, contracts,
and cooperative agreements to assess the implementation of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Funds also will be
used to evaluate the effectiveness of State and local efforts
to deliver special education services and early intervention
programs. Funds are available for obligation for 2 fiscal
years.
Statewide Data Systems
The Committee recommendation includes $38,000,000 for
Statewide Data Systems. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2006 is $24,552,000 and the budget request includes
$54,552,000.
This program supports competitive grants to State
educational agencies to enable such agencies to design,
develop, and implement statewide, longitudinal data systems to
manage, analyze, disaggregate, and use individual student data.
Funds are available for obligation for 2 fiscal years. The
Committee believes these funds are necessary to help States
measure individual student performance, particularly as it
relates to adequate yearly progress goals, more efficiently and
accurately.
The Committee commends the Institute for its work in
establishing an expert team to design the program and plan the
2005 grant competition. These actions are the first steps
toward fulfilling the goals established in the Educational
Technical Assistance Act and the statement of the managers
accompanying the fiscal year 2005 Department of Education
appropriations act. The Committee supports the progress of the
Institute of Education Sciences in implementing the Statewide
Longitudinal Data Systems program through the 14 grant awards
made to States to date. The goals of these grants are to
enhance the ability of States to use education data from
individual student records to make data-driven decisions to
improve student learning, to facilitate research to increase
student achievement and close achievement gaps, and to comply
with requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 and other reporting requirements. The Committee
intends for the Institute to continue to administer this
program in a manner that addresses all of these goals.
Assessment
The Committee recommends $97,132,000 for assessment. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $93,132,000 and
the budget request includes $97,132,000 for authorized
activities.
These funds provide support for the National Assessment of
Educational Progress [NAEP], a congressionally mandated
assessment created to measure the educational achievement of
American students. The primary goal of NAEP is to determine and
report the status and trends over time in educational
achievement, subject by subject. Beginning in 2002, the
Department began paying for State participation in biennial
reading and mathematics assessments in grades 4 and 8.
The budget request includes an increase of $4,000,000 to
support essential activities for implementing in 2009 State-
level assessments in the 12th grade. The Committee
recommendation includes these requested funds.
The Committee expects the Department to administer the
National Assessment of Educational Progress in the Arts in
2008, as is indicated in the 2007 congressional justification,
which states that the fiscal year 2007 appropriation will be
used in part to prepare for this assessment.
Within the funds appropriated, the Committee recommends
$5,037,000 for the National Assessment Governing Board [NAGB],
which is responsible for formulating policy for NAEP. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 amount and the budget request both
are $5,037,000 for NAGB.
Departmental Management
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $411,150,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 425,966,000
House allowance......................................... 423,916,000
Committee recommendation................................ 423,916,000
The Committee recommends $423,916,000, for program
administration. The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level
is $411,150,000 and the budget request includes $425,966,000
for this purpose.
Funds support personnel compensation and benefits, travel,
rent, communications, utilities, printing, equipment and
supplies, automated data processing, and other services
required to award, administer, and monitor approximately 180
Federal education programs. Support for program evaluation and
studies and advisory councils is also provided under this
activity.
The budget request includes $4,550,000 for building
renovations and related expenses associated with the upgrade of
the Mary E. Switzer building. The Committee recommendation
includes $2,500,000 for this purpose and makes the funds
available until expended, as proposed in the budget request.
The Committee is aware that several leading professional
societies and lay organizations have recognized the importance
of managing life-threatening food allergies in the school
setting. It is estimated that 94 percent of the Nation's
schools have students with food allergy, and the incidence is
increasing. The Committee encourages the Department to work
with the Department of Health and Human Services and
knowledgeable private sector organizations on the development
of guidelines for the management of children with food allergy
as well as a plan to disseminate these guidelines to State and
local educational agencies.
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $90,611,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 92,866,000
House allowance......................................... 92,866,000
Committee recommendation................................ 92,866,000
The Committee bill includes $92,866,000 for the Office for
Civil Rights [OCR]. The comparable fiscal year 2006 amount was
$90,611,000 and the budget request is $92,866,000 for this
purpose.
The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for the
enforcement of laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age in
all programs and institutions funded by the Department of
Education. To carry out this responsibility, OCR investigates
and resolves discrimination complaints, monitors desegregation
and equal educational opportunity plans, reviews possible
discriminatory practices by recipients of Federal education
funds, and provides technical assistance to recipients of funds
to help them meet civil rights requirements.
In last year's Senate report (109-103), the Committee
expressed concern over the Department's ``Additional
Clarification of Intercollegiate Athletics Policy: Three-Part
Test--Part Three'' issued in March 2005 and asked the
Department to prepare a report addressing the other sources of
information besides surveys institutions consider to assess
student interest under the third prong of the three-part test.
The Committee is aware that the Secretary has reassured the
Congress through several exchanges of correspondence, and in
its report, that the Additional Clarification does not
establish any new legal standards, but rather is intended to
provide institutions with additional guidance on compliance
with the third part of the three-part test. Accordingly, the
Committee understands that the 2005 Additional Clarification
does not change the legal standards for compliance with prong
three set forth in the 1996 Policy Clarification, and that a
presumption of compliance with prong three may not be achieved
solely through reliance on a survey. Rather, the Committee
understands that the Additional Clarification is intended to
provide recipients with a model survey that they may use as one
tool in the process of evaluating their compliance with prong
three and any such survey may only be used in conjunction with
the other methods for assessing interest that the 1996
Clarification requires recipients to evaluate (such as
interviews with students and coaches and participation rates in
area high school, club, intramural and community sports). The
Committee also understands that any nonresponse to the Model
Survey will be considered a nonresponse, rather than an
expression of lack of interest, unless the institution takes
appropriate and effective measures to follow up with each
nonrespondent to obtain a valid response to each survey
question. To eliminate confusion regarding the use of interest
surveys to demonstrate compliance with prong three, the
Committee urges the Department to provide public notice of the
understanding of the Additional Clarification expressed in the
preceding sentences to all entities covered under title IX,
including by posting such notice on the Department's website.
The Committee requests that the Department take this action no
later than 60 days after enactment of this act.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $48,510,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 53,145,000
House allowance......................................... 51,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 51,000,000
The Committee recommends $51,000,0000 for the Office of the
Inspector General. The comparable fiscal year 2006 amount is
$48,510,000 and the budget request includes $53,145,000 for
authorized activities.
The Office of the Inspector General has the authority to
investigate all departmental programs and administrative
activities, including those under contract or grant, to prevent
and detect fraud and abuse, and to ensure the quality and
integrity of those programs. The Office investigates alleged
misuse of Federal funds, and conducts audits to determine
compliance with laws and regulations, efficiency of operations,
and effectiveness in achieving program goals.
General Provisions
The Committee bill contains language which has been
included in the bill since 1974, prohibiting the use of funds
for the transportation of students or teachers in order to
overcome racial imbalance (sec. 301).
The Committee bill contains language included in the bill
since 1977, prohibiting the involuntary transportation of
students other than to the school nearest to the student's home
(sec. 302).
The Committee bill contains language which has been
included in the bill since 1980, prohibiting the use of funds
to prevent the implementation of programs of voluntary prayer
and meditation in public schools (sec. 303).
The Committee bill includes a provision giving the
Secretary of Education authority to transfer up to 1 percent of
any discretionary funds between appropriations (sec. 304).
The Committee bill includes a provision related to
eligibility and the computation of payments for the Impact Aid
program (sec. 305).
TITLE IV
RELATED AGENCIES
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $4,622,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 4,995,000
House allowance......................................... 4,995,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,995,000
The Committee recommends $4,995,000 for fiscal year 2007
for Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or
Severely Disabled. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2006 is $4,622,000 and the budget request includes $4,995,000
for this program.
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or
Severely Disabled was established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day
Act of 1938 as amended. Its primary objective is to increase
the employment opportunities for people who are blind or have
other severe disabilities and, whenever possible, to prepare
them to engage in competitive employment.
Corporation for National and Community Service
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $899,960,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 851,462,000
House allocation........................................ 822,940,000
Committee recommendation................................ 876,537,000
\1\ Excludes $10,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
The Committee recommends $876,537,000 for the Corporation
for National and Community Service, a decrease of $33,423,000
below the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and $25,075,000
above the budget request.
The Corporation for National and Community Service, a
Corporation owned by the Federal Government, was established by
the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (Public
Law 103-82) to enhance opportunities for national and community
service and provide national service education awards. The
Corporation makes grants to States, institutions of higher
education, public and private nonprofit organizations, and
others to create service opportunities for students, out-of-
school youth, and adults.
DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS
The Committee recommends $313,058,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the domestic volunteer service programs of the Corporation
for National and Community Service. This amount is the same as
the administration request. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006 is $313,050,000. Programs authorized under the
Domestic Volunteer Service Act include: the Volunteers in
Service to America Program [VISTA]; the Foster Grandparent
Program; the Senior Companion Program; and the Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program.
VISTA
The Committee recommends $95,466,000 for the Volunteers in
Service to America [VISTA] Program. This amount is $2,000 above
the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and is the
same as the budget request.
VISTA, created in 1964 under the Economic Opportunity Act,
provides capacity building for small community-based
organizations. VISTA volunteers raise resources for local
projects, recruit and organize volunteers, and establish and
expand local community-based programs in housing, employment,
health, and economic development activities.
National Senior Volunteer Corps
The Committee recommends $217,592,000 for the National
Senior Volunteer Corps programs, which is $6,000 above the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the same as
the budget request.
The maximum total dollars which may be used in fiscal year
2007 for Grants.gov/eGrants support, Training and Technical
Assistance, and Recruitment and Retention activities shall not
exceed the amount enacted for these activities in fiscal year
2006.
Further, funds appropriated for fiscal year 2007 may not be
used to implement or support service collaboration agreements
or any other changes in the administration and/or governance of
national service programs prior to passage of a bill by the
authorizing committee of jurisdiction specifying such changes.
The CNCS shall comply with the directive that use of funds
appropriated for FGP, RSVP, SCP, and VISTA shall not be used to
fund demonstration activities. The Committee has not included
funding for senior demonstration activities.
Foster Grandparent Program
The Committee recommends $110,943,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Foster Grandparent Program, which is $6,000 above the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the same as
the budget request. This program provides volunteer
opportunities to low-income seniors age 60 and over who serve
at-risk youth. This program not only involves seniors in their
communities, but also provides a host of services to children.
Senior Companion Program
The Committee recommends $46,964,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Senior Companion Program. This amount is the same as
both the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the
budget request.
This program enables senior citizens to provide personal
assistance and companionship to adults with physical, mental,
or emotional difficulties. Senior companions provide vital in-
home services to elderly Americans who would otherwise have to
enter nursing homes. The volunteers also provide respite care
to relieve care givers.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
The Committee recommends $59,685,000 for the Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program. This amount is the same as both the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 and the budget
request.
This program involves persons age 55 and over in volunteer
opportunities in their communities such as tutoring youth,
responding to natural disasters, teaching parenting skills to
teen parents, and mentoring troubled youth.
NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The Committee recommends $488,214,000 for the programs
authorized under the National Community Service Act of 1990, a
decrease of $26,673,000 below the comparable fiscal year 2006
level and $25,075,000 above the budget request.
The National and Community Service Programs of the
Corporation for National and Community Service include: the
AmeriCorps program (including AmeriCorps State and National and
the National Civilian Community Corps); Learn and Serve
America, Innovation, Demonstration, Assistance and Evaluation
activities; State Commission Administration grants; and the
National Service Trust.
The Committee recommendation includes $271,475,000 for
AmeriCorps State and National operating grants (including
$12,516,000 for State administrative expenses); $124,720,000
for the National Service Trust; $12,324,000 for subtitle H fund
activities; $26,730,000 for AmeriCorps NCCC; $34,155,000 for
Learn and Serve; $3,960,000 for audits and evaluations;
$9,900,000 for the Points of Light Foundation; and $4,950,000
for America's Promise.
AmeriCorps Grants Program (not including NCCC]
Within the amount provided for AmeriCorps grants, the
Committee is providing $55,695,000 for national direct
grantees.
The Committee requests that the Corporation continue
providing monthly reports to the Committee on Appropriations
and the Corporation's Inspector General on the actual and
projected year-end level of AmeriCorps membership enrollment,
usage, and earnings, and the financial status of the Trust fund
(revenue, expenses, outstanding liabilities, reserve, etc.).
The Committee recognizes that the Corporation has improved
its management of AmeriCorps grant funds. Over the past 5
years, the Corporation has reduced the cost per AmeriCorps
member service year, reduced average carryover balances even as
funding has grown, and taken action to increase the rate at
which grantees expend awarded funds.
However, the Committee still has concerns about the
Corporation's carryover balances. In fiscal year 2006 the
Corporation ``recoded'' unexpended balances in order to award
disaster augmentation grants. While this has helped to reduce
carryover funds, the Committee does not believe that this
approach is a fiscally responsible long-term solution to the
carryover problem. Instead, the Committee encourages the
Corporation to take further steps to maximize AmeriCorps grant
fund utilization while maintaining sound fiscal management
practices. These steps should include giving grantees more
flexibility to refill vacated member positions and to move
positions among subgrantees or program sites to ensure that
they are filled. The Committee notes that States, tribes, and
territories frequently do not request all of the funds alloted
to them. The Committee encourages the Corporation to identify
and recapture unexpended funds while they are still available
for redistribution to States that can use more than their base
allocation.
The Committee recognizes that, even with these
improvements, a small lapse is to be expected in AmeriCorps
grants due to member turnover. Therefore, the Committee has
included bill language allowing the Corporation to transfer any
funds deobligated from closed out AmeriCorps grants to the
National Service Trust, offsetting the need for new budget
authority in that account in the future.
Innovation, Assistance and Other Activities
Within the amount recommended for innovation,
demonstration, and assistance activities, the Committee
recommends $1,300,000 for next generation grants; $500,000 for
Martin Luther King Jr. Day grants; $725,000 for Service
Learning Clearinghouse and Exchange; $2,250,000 for training
and technical assistance; $3,999,000 for disability programs;
$400,000 for Presidential Freedom Scholarships; $125,000 for
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives; $302,000 for the
Presidential Council on Service and Presidential Volunteer
Service Award; $5,000 for the National Volunteer Hotline; and
$1,980,000 for Communities in Schools, Inc. The Committee has
not provided any funding in this account for Teach for America;
these funds were requested by the administration within the
Department of Education.
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps
Within the amount provided for the NCCC, the Committee has
included $5,000,000 to prepare two NCCC sites for relocation in
fiscal year 2007. The possible location of these sites will be
identified in the report requested by the Committee in last
year's conference report. The Committee expects the results of
this report to be released by September 1, 2006.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $70,315,000
for the Corporation's salaries and expenses. This amount is
$4,233,000 above the comparable level to fiscal year 2006 and
is the same as the budget request. The Committee reiterates the
directive under the program account that the Corporation must
fund all staffing needs from the salaries and expenses account.
The salaries and expenses appropriation provides funds for
staff salaries, benefits, travel, training, rent, advisory and
assistance services, communications and utilities expenses,
supplies, equipment, and other operating expenses necessary for
management of the Corporation's activities under the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,950,000 for
the Office of Inspector General [OIG]. This amount is $990,000
below the comparable level for fiscal year 2006 and is the same
as the budget request.
The goals of the Office of Inspector General are to
increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness and to
prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The Office of Inspector
General within the Corporation for National and Community
Service was transferred to the Corporation from the former
ACTION agency when ACTION was abolished and merged into the
Corporation in April 1994.
The Committee continues to direct the OIG to review the
Corporation's management of the National Service Trust fund.
The Committee directs the OIG to continue reviewing the monthly
Trust reports and to notify the Committees on Appropriations on
the accuracy of the reports.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Committee has included four administrative provisions
carried in prior year appropriations acts as follows: language
regarding: qualified student loans eligible for education
awards; the availability of funds for the placement of
volunteers with disabilities; the Inspector General to levy
sanctions in accordance with standard Inspector General audit
resolutions procedures; and language regarding the Corporation
to make significant changes to program requirements or policy
through public rulemaking and public notice and grant selection
process.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $400,000,000
Appropriations, 2008.................................... 400,000,000
Budget estimate, 2009...................................................
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................ $400,000,000
The Committee recommends $400,000,000 be made available for
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], as an advance
appropriation for fiscal year 2009. The comparable funding
level provided last year was $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
The budget request does not include advance funds for this
program.
In addition, the Committee recommends $29,700,000 be made
available in fiscal year 2007 for the conversion to digital
broadcasting, the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2006. The budget request included authority to
permit CPB to spend up to $38,000,000 in previously
appropriated fiscal year 2007 funds for digital conversion
activities, the House provided the same authority.
In addition, the Committee recommends $36,000,000 be made
available in fiscal year 2007 for the final stage in the
replacement project of the interconnection system. In fiscal
year 2006, $34,650,000 was appropriated for this purpose. The
House included authority to permit CPB to spend up to
$36,000,000 in previously appropriated fiscal year 2007 funds
for the Satellite Interconnection system.
The current interconnection system is entirely satellite
based. This satellite is currently nearing the end of its
useful life, and while satellite technology is currently the
most cost-effective method for distribution in a point-to-
multipoint system, terrestrial technology is far more
economical when data is distributed between single points. The
Next Generation Interconnection System will utilize a
combination of satellite and terrestrial technologies for a
more flexible system. In addition, a portion of the provided
funds will be used to upgrade existing ground station and
transmit/receive equipment to be compatible with the new
system.
The Committee recognizes the importance of the partnership
CPB has with the National Minority Public Broadcasting
Consortia, which helps develop, acquire, and distribute public
television programming to serve the needs of African American,
Asian American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, and
many other viewers. As many communities in the Nation welcome
increased numbers of citizens of diverse ethnic backgrounds,
the local public television stations should strive to meet
these viewers' needs. With an increased focus on programming to
meet local community needs, the Committee encourages CPB to
continue to support and expand this critical partnership.
The Committee is aware that public radio stations are
taking advantage of experimental authority to develop their
digital operations including multicasting. We encourage the
corporation to work with the Federal Communications Commission
to enable public radio and television stations to utilize the
full range of digital broadcasting technology as soon as
possible, including the use of multicasting for public radio
stations.
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $42,601,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 42,842,000
House allowance......................................... 42,842,000
Committee recommendation................................ 42,842,000
The Committee recommends $42,842,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service [FMCS]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $42,601,000
and the budget request includes $42,842,000 for this program.
The FMCS was established by Congress in 1947 to provide
mediation, conciliation, and arbitration services to labor and
management. FMCS is authorized to provide dispute resolution
consultation and training to all Federal agencies.
Within the funds provided, $400,000 is for the Labor-
Management Cooperation grant program. The Committee continues
to reject the administration's proposal to eliminate this
program. The 1978 Labor-Management Cooperation Act authorized
FMCS to encourage and support joint labor-management
committees. This program awards grants to encourage these
committees to develop innovative joint approaches to solve
workplace problems. It has demonstrated success in improving
workplace relationships and in instilling effective and
efficient conflict resolution. The Committee strongly supports
an approach to bridge labor-management relations prior to
conflict.
The Committee continues to support the FMCS program to
prevent youth violence and is especially pleased with the
initiative to train educators in conflict resolution. The
Committee commends FMCS for their innovative look at youth
violence conflict resolution and their development of a CD-ROM
that will address this issue among preschool and elementary age
children. Funding was not provided to continue this program,
but the Committee encourages FMCS to work with other agencies
and organizations to ensure full use of the substantial
research and progress that has been made in the area of school
mediation.
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $7,731,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 7,576,000
House allowance......................................... 7,731,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,731,000
The Committee recommends $7,731,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $7,731,000 and
the budget request includes $7,576,000 for this program.
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
provides administrative trial and appellate review of legal
disputes under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
The five-member Commission provides review of the Commission's
administrative law judge decisions.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $247,143,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 262,240,000
House allowance......................................... 280,415,000
Committee recommendation................................ 260,075,000
The Committee recommends $260,075,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $247,144,000
and the budget request includes $262,240,000 for this program.
Office of Museum Services Operations Grants
The Committee recommends $17,152,000 for operations grants.
These funds support grants to museums for building increased
public access, expanding educational services, reaching
families and children, and using technology more effectively in
support of these goals. In addition, non-competitive grants are
awarded for technical assistance in four types of assessments:
Institutional, Collections Management, Public Dimension, and
Governance. In addition to the total recommended, $982,000 has
been provided for the 21st Century Museum Professionals
program, $442,000 for museum assessment, $970,000 for Native
American Museum service grants, and $900,000 for Museum Grants
for African American History and Culture.
Museum Conservation Programs
The Committee recommends $3,579,000 for Conservation
programs. These funds support grants to allow museums to survey
collections, perform training, research, treatment, and
environmental improvements. In addition, grantees may receive
additional funds to develop an education component that relates
to their conservation project. In addition, non-competitive
grants are awarded for technical assistance in conservation
efforts.
Museum National Leadership Projects
The Committee recommends $7,920,000 for National Leadership
projects. The National Leadership Grants encourage innovation
in meeting community needs, widespread and creative use of new
technologies, greater public access to museum collections, and
an extended impact of Federal dollars through collaborative
projects.
Office of Library Services State Grants
The Committee recommends $165,000,000 for State grants.
Funds are provided to States by formula to carry out 5-year
State plans. These plans must set goals and priorities for the
State consistent with the purpose of the act, describe
activities to meet the goals and priorities and describe the
methods by which progress toward the goals and priorities and
the success of activities will be evaluated. States may
apportion their funds between two activities, technology and
targeted services. For technology, States may use funds for
electronic linkages among libraries, linkages to educational,
social and information services, accessing information through
electronic networks, or link different types of libraries or
share resources among libraries. For targeted services, States
may direct library and information services to persons having
difficulty using a library, underserved urban and rural
communities, and children from low income families. In addition
to the total recommended, $3,759,000 has been provided for
library services to Native Americans and Native Hawaiians. The
Committee is aware that many traditional healers are aging and
the world may soon lose the knowledge that they possess. For
that reason, the Committee encourages IMLS to work for the
preservation and documentation of Native Hawaiian traditional
cultural healing practices. It is essential that these
practices be documented in creative media formats due to the
variety and complexity of the practices and the healers.
Library National Leadership Projects
The Committee recommends $22,575,000 for national
leadership projects. These funds support activities of national
significance to enhance the quality of library services
nationwide and to provide coordination between libraries and
museums. Activities are carried out through grants and
contracts awarded on a competitive basis to libraries,
agencies, institutions of higher education and museums.
Priority is given to projects that focus on education and
training of library personnel, research and development for the
improvement of libraries, preservation, digitization of library
materials, partnerships between libraries and museums and other
activities that enhance the quality of library services
nationwide. In addition to the total recommended, $25,000,000
has been provided for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
program.
Museum and Library Services Administration
The Committee recommends $11,797,000 for program
administration, the same as the budget request. Funds support
personnel compensation and benefits, travel, rent,
communications, utilities, printing, equipment and supplies,
automated data processing, and other services.
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia PA to promote $100,000
natural science research..............................
African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh, PA for 100,000
exhibit design and development........................
Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage, AK in 250,000
conjunction with Koahnic Broadcasting Corporation for
an Elders Oral History Project........................
Autry National Center of the American West, Los 300,000
Angeles, CA, for the Native American Learning Lab.....
Bangor Public Library Association, Bangor, PA for 150,000
educational programming and outreach..................
Bishop Museum in Honolulu, HI, to enhance library 150,000
services..............................................
Boston Children's Museum, Boston, MA, for the 200,000
development of exhibitions............................
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA to 200,000
upgrade environmental conditions of collection and
exhibit development...................................
Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, Cedar Rapids, IA, to 400,000
support the Residency program.........................
Children's Museum of Richmond, Richmond, VA for exhibit 100,000
design and development................................
City of Dallas, TX, to the expand outreach and 250,000
programming efforts of the Women's Museum.............
City of Portsmouth Department of Museums, Portsmouth, 100,000
VA for exhibit and program upgrades...................
County of Amador, CA, for the Library Literacy Project. 150,000
Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, New Hampshire, for 500,000
expansion of cultural and educational facilities......
Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE, for outreach to 250,000
schools...............................................
Des Moines Art Center, IA, for exhibits................ 350,000
Figge Foundation, Davenport, Iowa, exhibits, education 400,000
programs, community outreach, and/or opera- tions....
Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, 100,000
Fredericksburg, VA to support exhibit design and
expansion.............................................
Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, for 100,000
technology upgrades and care and preservation of
collection............................................
High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon for exhibit design and 100,000
development...........................................
Holbrook Public Library, Holbrook, MA, for the 150,000
development of exhibits...............................
Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRRIS), to 250,000
expand services.......................................
Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville, TN for technology upgrades 200,000
and educational outreach..............................
Lakeview Museum, Peoria, Illinois, for exhibits, 250,000
equipment and technology for the museum outreach
program...............................................
Mercer University, Macon, GA for technology upgrades 100,000
and care and preservation of their collection.........
Municipality of Penn Hills, Penn Hills, PA for the Penn 250,000
Hills Public Library for care and preservation of
their collection......................................
Museum of Afro-American History, Boston, MA, for the 250,000
development of youth educational programs.............
Museum of Utah Art & History, Salt Lake City, UT for 500,000
exhibit development and technology upgrades...........
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, for the Virtual 500,000
Herbarium.............................................
Orem City Public Library, Orem, Utah for technology 600,000
upgrades and care of their collection.................
Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science, 400,000
Davenport, IA, for exhibits and community outreach....
Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence; for 175,000
cataloguing and on-line public access project.........
Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA to preserve 100,000
materials at the Fred Rogers Center...................
Salem Public Library, Hamlin, PA, for technology 50,000
upgrades and equipment................................
Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA develop 300,000
educational outreach programs.........................
State of Vermont Department of Libraries, Montpelier, 250,000
VT, to support a mobile library literacy program in
Vermont...............................................
Texas Historical Commission, Austin, TX, for 250,000
educational programming, outreach, and exhibit develop-
ment................................................
University of Alaska Fairbanks for the continuation of 250,000
the Alaska Digital Archives project...................
University of Vermont of Burlington, VT to undertake 500,000
digitization project for the preservation of Vermont
cultural heritage materials...........................
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, 100,000
Inc., Virginia Beach, VA to expand educational
programs..............................................
Virginia Holocaust Museum, Richmond, VA for exhibit 100,000
development, technology upgrades, educational
outreach, and care of collection......................
Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, VA to expand 100,000
educational programs..................................
Western Folklife Center, Elko, NV, to develop exhibits 200,000
and conduct outreach to education programs............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $10,066,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 10,457,000
House allowance......................................... 10,457,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,457,000
The Committee recommends $10,457,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission [MedPAC]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $10,066,000
and the budget request includes $10,457,000 for this program.
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provided an additional
$550,000 for two studies to be conducted by MedPAC in fiscal
year 2006.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission was established by
Congress as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law
105-33). Congress merged the Physician Payment Review
Commission with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission
to create MedPAC.
National Commission on Libraries and Information Science
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $983,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 983,000
House allowance......................................... 983,000
Committee recommendation................................ 983,000
The Committee recommends $983,000 for fiscal year 2007 for
the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.
The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $983,000
and the budget request includes $983,000 for this program.
The Commission determines the need for, and makes
recommendations on, library and information services, and
advises the President and Congress on the development and
implementation of national policy in library and information
sciences.
National Council on Disability
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $3,113,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 2,772,000
House allowance......................................... 3,180,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,180,000
The Committee recommends $3,180,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the National Council on Disability. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $3,113,000 and the budget request
includes $2,772,000 for this program.
The Council is mandated to make recommendations to the
President, the Congress, the Rehabilitation Services
Administration, and the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research, on the public issues of concern to
individuals with disabilities. The Council gathers information
on the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the
Americans with Disabilities Act and looks at emerging policy
issues as they affect persons with disabilities and their
ability to enter or reenter the Nation's work force and to live
independently.
National Labor Relations Board
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $249,745,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 249,789,000
House allowance......................................... 249,789,000
Committee recommendation................................ 249,789,000
The Committee recommends $249,789,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the National Labor Relations Board [NLRB]. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $249,745,000 and the
budget request includes $249,789,000 for this program.
The NLRB is a law enforcement agency which adjudicates
disputes under the National Labor Relations Act.
The Committee is aware that the mission of the NLRB is to
carry out the statutory responsibilities of the National Labor
Relations Act as efficiently as possible and in a manner that
gives full effect to the rights afforded to employees, unions,
and employers under the act. The Committee strongly supports
this mission and understands that the caseload fluctuates based
on economic conditions and changes in labor regulations. The
Committee continues to be disappointed that the administration
has repeatedly underestimated the funding necessary to process
the increase in case intakes, but stands firm in its commitment
to ensure that all cases are heard and given due process. The
Committee strongly encourages the NLRB to work to address the
backlog of cases.
National Mediation Board
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $11,512,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 11,749,000
House allowance......................................... 11,749,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,500,000
The Committee recommends $12,500,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the National Mediation Board [NMB]. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $11,512,000 and the budget
request includes $11,749,000 for this program.
The National Mediation Board protects interstate commerce
as it mediates labor-management relations in the railroad and
airline industries under the Railway Labor Act. The Board
mediates collective bargaining disputes, determines the choice
of employee bargaining representatives through elections, and
administers arbitration of employee grievances.
The Committee is deeply concerned that it takes the NMB
arbiters 30 months on average to resolve a case. The Committee
finds it equally distressing that it funding for arbitration
cases routinely runs out several months before the end of the
fiscal year. The Committee concludes that the administration
has repeatedly underestimated the funding necessary to fulfill
the arbitration portion of the NMB's mission. Therefore, within
the funds provided, $750,000 is to specifically address the
backlog of cases held by the NMB. The Committee directs the NMB
to provide detailed information as to how these funds are used
and their impact on the backlog in the fiscal year 2008 budget
justification.
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $10,405,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 10,346,000
House allowance......................................... 10,510,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,346,000
The Committee recommends $10,346,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $10,405,000
and the budget request includes $10,346,000 for this program.
The Commission serves as a court to justly and
expeditiously resolve disputes between the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration [OSHA] and employers charged with
violations of health and safety standards enforced by OSHA.
Railroad Retirement Board
DUAL BENEFITS PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $96,030,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 88,000,000
House allowance......................................... 88,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 88,000,000
The Committee recommends $88,000,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Dual Benefits Payments Account, of these funds
$6,000,000 is from income taxes on vested dual benefits. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $96,030,000
and the budget request includes $88,000,000 for this program.
This appropriation provides for vested dual benefit
payments authorized by the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, as
amended by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981. This
separate account, established for the payment of dual benefits,
is funded by general fund appropriations and income tax
receipts of vested dual benefits.
FEDERAL PAYMENTS TO THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $150,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 150,000
House allowance......................................... 150,000
Committee recommendation................................ 150,000
The Committee recommends $150,000 for fiscal year 2007 for
interest earned on non-negotiated checks. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2006 is $150,000 and the budget
request includes $150,000 for this program.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $101,518,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 103,518,000
House allowance......................................... 103,518,000
Committee recommendation................................ 103,518,000
The Committee recommends $103,518,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the administration of railroad retirement/survivor benefit
programs. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2006 is
$101,518,000 and the budget request includes $103,518,000 for
this program.
The Board administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and
unemployment-sickness insurance benefit programs for the
Nation's railroad workers and their families. This account
limits the amount of funds in the railroad retirement and
railroad unemployment insurance trust funds which may be used
by the Board for administrative expenses.
The Committee has included language to prohibit funds from
the railroad retirement trust fund from being spent on any
charges over and above the actual cost of administering the
trust fund, including commercial rental rates.
LIMITATION ON THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $7,124,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 7,606,000
House allowance......................................... 7,606,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,606,000
The Committee recommends $7,606,000 for fiscal year 2007
for the Office of the Inspector General. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2006 is $7,124,000 and the budget request
includes $7,606,000 for this program.
The Committee has included bill language to allow the
Office of the Inspector General to use funds to conduct audits,
investigations, and reviews of the Medicare program. The
Committee finds that as long as the RRB has the authority to
negotiate and administer the separate Medicare contract, the
RRB Inspector General should not be prohibited from using funds
to review, audit, or investigate the Railroad Retirement
Board's separate Medicare contract.
The Committee continues to be concerned about a proposal to
consolidate the financial statements and audit of the National
Railroad Retirement Investment Trust with that of the Railroad
Retirement Board in the context of the preparation of the
Railroad Retirement Board's Statement of Social Insurance. The
conferees note that the Railroad Retirement and Survivors'
Improvement Act of 2001 mandates that the Trust functions
independently from the Railroad Retirement Board, and that the
results of this audit be included in the Trust's Annual
Management Report to Congress. The Committee expects that the
Trust be administered and audited solely in conformance with
the act of 2001.
Social Security Administration
PAYMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $20,470,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 27,756,000
House allowance......................................... 27,756,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,756,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,756,000
for payments to Social Security trust funds. The comparable
fiscal year 2006 funding level is $20,470,000 and the budget
request includes $27,756,000 for this purpose. This amount
reimburses the old age and survivors and disability insurance
trust funds for special payments to certain uninsured persons,
costs incurred administering pension reform activities, and the
value of the interest for benefit checks issued but not
negotiated. This appropriation restores the trust funds to the
same financial position they would have been in had they not
borne these costs, properly charged to the general funds.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $29,369,174,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 29,125,000,000
House allowance......................................... 29,065,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 29,023,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$29,023,000,000 for supplemental security income. This is in
addition to the $11,110,000,000 appropriated last year as an
advance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $29,369,174,000
and the budget request includes $29,125,000,000. The Committee
also recommends an advance appropriation of $16,810,000,000 for
the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 to ensure uninterrupted
benefits payments. The program level supported by the Committee
recommendation is $40,133,000,000, compared to the total
program level requested in the budget of $40,235,000,000.
These funds are used to pay benefits under the SSI Program,
which was established to ensure a Federal minimum monthly
benefit for aged, blind, and disabled individuals, enabling
them to meet basic needs. It is estimated that approximately 7
million persons will receive SSI benefits each month during
fiscal year 2006. In many cases, SSI benefits supplement income
from other sources, including Social Security benefits. The
funds are also used to reimburse the Social Security trust
funds for the administrative costs for the program with a final
settlement by the end of the subsequent fiscal year as required
by law, to reimburse vocational rehabilitation agencies for
costs incurred in successfully rehabilitating SSI recipients
and for research and demonstration projects.
Beneficiary Services
The Committee recommendation does not include a fiscal year
2007 appropriation for beneficiary services. The comparable
funding level in fiscal year 2006 is $52,000,000 and the budget
request does not include any funding for these services. This
amount is available for payments to Employment Networks for
successful outcomes or milestone payments under the Ticket to
Work program and for reimbursement of State vocational
rehabilitation agencies and alternate public or private
providers. Carryover budget authority of more than $150,000,000
is available for a portion of the obligations made during
fiscal year 2006 and all of the obligations made in fiscal year
2007.
Research and Demonstration Projects
The Committee recommendation includes $27,000,000 for
research and demonstration projects conducted under sections
1110 and 1115 of the Social Security Act. The comparable fiscal
year 2006 funding level and the budget request both are
$27,000,000 for authorized activities.
This amount will support SSA's efforts to strengthen its
policy evaluation capability and focus on research of: program
issues, the impact of demographic changes on future workloads
and effective return-to-work strategies for disabled
beneficiaries.
Administration
The Committee recommendation includes $2,902,000,000 for
payment to the Social Security trust funds for the SSI
Program's share of SSA's base administrative expenses. The
comparable fiscal year 2006 amount is $2,733,000,000 and the
budget request includes $3,004,000,000 for such activities.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2006 \1\................................ $9,108,606,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 9,494,000,000
House allowance......................................... 9,293,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,093,000,000
\1\ Excludes $38,000,000 in emergency supplemental appropriations
enacted pursuant to Public Law 109-234.
The Committee recommends a program funding level of
$9,093,000,000 for the limitation on administrative expenses.
The comparable fiscal year 2006 funding level is $9,108,606,000
and the budget request includes $9,494,000,000 for this
purpose.
This account provides resources from the Social Security
trust funds to administer the Social Security retirement and
survivors and disability insurance programs, and certain Social
Security health insurance functions. As authorized by law, it
also provides resources from the trust funds for certain
nontrust fund administrative costs, which are reimbursed from
the general funds. These include administration of the
supplemental security income program for the aged, blind, and
disabled; work associated with the Pension Reform Act of 1984;
and the portion of the annual wage reporting work done by the
Social Security Administration for the benefit of the Internal
Revenue Service. The dollars provided also support automated
data processing activities and fund the State disability
determination services which make initial and continuing
disability determinations on behalf of the Social Security
Administration. Additionally, the limitation provides funding
for computer support, and other administrative costs.
The Committee recommendation includes $8,975,000,000 for
routine operating expenses of the agency, as well as the
resources derived from the user fees which are discussed below.
The budget request includes bill language earmarking not
less than $289,000,000 of funds available within this account
for continuing disability reviews under Social Security's
disability programs and an additional $201,000,000 earmark for
continuing disability reviews. The Committee bill language does
not include the requested language. Despite the proven cost
effectiveness of SSA's program integrity workloads, including
continuing disability reviews which have a demonstrated return
of $10 in mandatory program savings for every $1 in
discretionary administrative expenses, the Committee is unable
to provide the requested funding level for continuing
disability reviews because of budgetary constraints.
The Committee encourages SSA officials to educate
adjudicators at all levels about the functional impact of CFS
and the application of the April 1999 CFS ruling (99-2p) to
ensure that adjudicators remain up to date on the evaluation of
disability that results from this condition. The Committee
encourages SSA to examine obstacles to benefits for persons
with CFS and to keep medical information updated throughout all
levels of the application and review process.
Social Security Advisory Board
The Committee has included not less than $2,000,000 within
the limitation on administrative expenses account for the
Social Security Advisory Board for fiscal year 2007.
User Fees
In addition to other amounts provided, the Committee
recommends $118,000,000 for administrative activities funded
from user fees. Of this amount, $117,000,000 is derived from
fees paid to SSA by States that request SSA to administer State
SSI supplementary payments. The remaining $1,000,000 will be
generated from a fee payment process for non-attorney
representatives of claimants.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2006.................................... $91,476,000
Budget estimate, 2007................................... 96,000,000
House allowance......................................... 94,411,000
Committee recommendation................................ 91,476,000
The Committee recommends $91,476,000 for activities for the
Office of the Inspector General. The comparable fiscal year
2006 funding level is $91,476,000 and the budget request
includes $96,000,000 for this office. This includes a general
fund appropriation of $25,740,000 together with an obligation
limitation of $65,736,000 from the Federal old-age and
survivors insurance trust fund and the Federal disability
insurance trust fund.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee recommendation includes provisions which:
authorize transfers of unexpended balances (sec. 501); limit
funding to 1 year availability unless otherwise specified (sec.
502); limit lobbying and related activities (sec. 503); limit
official representation expenses (sec. 504); prohibit funding
of any program to carry out distribution of sterile needles for
the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug (sec. 505);
clarify Federal funding as a component of State and local grant
funds (sec. 506); limit use of funds for abortion (sec. 507 and
sec. 508); restrict human embryo research (sec. 509); limit the
use of funds for promotion of legalization of controlled
substances included last year (sec. 510); prohibits the use of
funds to promulgate regulations regarding the individual health
identifier (sec. 511); limits use of funds to enter into or
review contracts with entities subject to the requirement in
section 4212(d) of title 38, United States Code, if the report
required by that section has not been submitted (sec. 512);
prohibits transfer of funds made available in this Act to any
department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. Government,
except as otherwise provided by this or any other act (sec.
513); prohibits Federal funding in this act for libraries and
elementary and secondary schools unless they are in compliance
with the Children's Internet Protection Act (sec. 514 and sec.
515); prohibits funds for the Railroad Retirement Board from
being used for a non-governmental disbursing agent (sec. 516);
maintains a provision clarifying procedures for reprogramming
of funds (sec. 517).
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
---------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount of Committee Amount of
allocation bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations
to its subcommittees of budget totals for 2007:
Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education:
Mandatory............................................... 447,571 447,571 NA \1\ 447,445
Discretionary........................................... 142,800 142,800 NA \1\ 145,088
Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation:
2007.................................................... ........... ........... ........... \2\ 592,533
2008.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 61,718
2009.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 14,547
2010.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 3,001
2011 and future years................................... ........... ........... ........... 562
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 267,927 NA 229,803
2007.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\ Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee report on
general appropriations bills identify each Committee amendment
to the House bill ``which proposes an item of appropriation
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously
passed by the Senate during that session.''
The following items are identified pursuant to this
requirement: Workforce Investment Act; Older Americans Act;
Homeless Veterans Reintegration program; Title VII of the
Public Health Services Act; National Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank
Program; Universal Newborn Hearing Screening; Organ
Transplantation; Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants; Denali
Commission; Family Planning; State Offices of Rural Health;
Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices; Trauma/EMS;
Health Centers; National Health Service Corps; Children's
Hospital Graduate Medical Education; Healthy Start; Ryan White
AIDS programs; Telehealth; Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Programs; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;
Infectious Diseases; Health Promotion; Health Information and
Services; Environmental Health and Injury; Occupational Safety
and Health; Global Health; Public Health Research; Public
Health Improvement and Leadership; Preventive Health and Health
Services Block Grant; CDC Business Services; Title V of the
Public Health Services Act; Adolescent Family Life; Office of
Minority Health; Office of Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; Refugee
and Entrant Assistance; Child Care and Development Block Grant;
Head Start; Abstinence Education; Native American Programs;
Community Services; Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to
States; Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research, except
sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Assistive Technology Program;
National Technical Institute for the Deaf; Gallaudet
University; Vocational Education; Adult Education; Corporation
for National and Community Service; and National Council on
Disability.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(C), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on July 20, 2006,
the Committee ordered reported, en bloc: H.R. 5631, making
appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes, with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 3708, an original
bill making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health
and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes;
H.R. 5576, making appropriations for the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development,
the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and independent agencies
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other
purposes, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and
H.R. 5385, making appropriations for Military Construction and
Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes, with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the
title; with each bill subject to further amendment and each
subject to the budget allocation, by a recorded vote of 28-0, a
quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Cochran
Mr. Stevens
Mr. Specter
Mr. Domenici
Mr. Bond
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Burns
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Gregg
Mr. Bennett
Mr. Craig
Mrs. Hutchison
Mr. DeWine
Mr. Brownback
Mr. Allard
Mr. Byrd
Mr. Inouye
Mr. Leahy
Mr. Harkin
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Reid
Mr. Kohl
Mrs. Murray
Mr. Dorgan
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or a joint resolution repealing or amending any
statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or part thereof
which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a comparative print
of that part of the bill or joint resolution making the
amendment and of the statute or part thereof proposed to be
amended, showing by stricken through type and italics, parallel
columns, or other appropriate typographical devices the
omissions and insertions which would be made by the bill or
joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by the
committee.''
The Committee bill as recommended contains no such
provisions.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation compared with (+ or
Committee )
Item 2006 comparable Budget estimate House allowance recommendation -----------------------------------------------------
2006 comparable Budget estimate House allowance
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Grants to States:
Adult Training, current year.................................. 152,199 ................ 142,000 88,000 ^64,199 +88,000 ^54,000
Advance from prior year................................... (704,880) (712,000) (712,000) (712,000) (+7,120) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 712,000 712,000 712,000 712,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adult Training.......................................... 864,199 712,000 854,000 800,000 ^64,199 +88,000 ^54,000
Youth Training................................................ 940,500 840,500 935,500 935,500 ^5,000 +95,000 ................
Dislocated Worker Assistance, current year.................... 341,811 27,266 345,264 345,264 +3,453 +317,998 ................
Advance from prior year................................... (839,520) (848,000) (848,000) (848,000) (+8,480) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 848,000 848,000 848,000 848,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker Assistance............................ 1,189,811 875,266 1,193,264 1,193,264 +3,453 +317,998 ................
Federally Administered Programs:
Dislocated Worker Assistance National Reserve:
Current year.............................................. 70,092 27,316 70,800 70,800 +708 +43,484 ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)............. 125,000 ................ ................ ................ ^125,000 ................ ................
Advance from prior year \1\............................... (86,130) (212,000) (212,000) (212,000) (+125,870) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 212,000 212,000 212,000 212,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker Assistance Nat'l Reserve.............. 407,092 239,316 282,800 282,800 ^124,292 +43,484 ................
Less funding reserved for Community College Initiative (^125,000) ................ (^125,000) (^125,000) ................ (^125,000) ................
(NA).....................................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker Assistance Nat'l Reserve............ 282,092 239,316 157,800 157,800 ^124,292 ^81,516 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Dislocated Worker Assistance................... 1,596,903 1,114,582 1,476,064 1,476,064 ^120,839 +361,482 ................
Native Americans.............................................. 53,696 51,458 50,000 50,000 ^3,696 ^1,458 ................
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.............................. 79,252 ................ 80,053 80,053 +801 +80,053 ................
National Activities:
Pilots, Demonstrations and Research....................... 29,700 17,700 43,361 44,815 +15,115 +27,115 +1,454
Responsible Reintegration of Youthful Offender............ 49,104 ................ ................ 60,000 +10,896 +60,000 +60,000
Evaluation................................................ 7,857 4,921 4,921 4,921 ^2,936 ................ ................
Prisoner Re-entry......................................... 19,642 19,642 ................ ................ ^19,642 ^19,642 ................
Community College initiative.............................. ................ 150,000 ................ ................ ................ ^150,000 ................
Community College initiative (NA) \1\................. (125,000) ................ (125,000) (125,000) ................ (+125,000) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, CC initiative, program level.............. 125,000 150,000 125,000 125,000 ................ ^25,000 ................
Denali Commission......................................... 6,875 ................ ................ 6,875 ................ +6,875 +6,875
Other..................................................... 1,980 ................ ................ 1,604 ^376 +1,604 +1,604
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National activities........................... 115,158 192,263 48,282 118,215 +3,057 ^74,048 +69,933
=============================================================================================================================
Subtotal, Federal activities............................ 655,198 483,037 461,135 531,068 ^124,130 +48,031 +69,933
Current Year........................................ (443,198) (271,037) (249,135) (319,068) (^124,130) (+48,031) (+69,933)
Fiscal Year 2008.................................... (212,000) (212,000) (212,000) (212,000) ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Training and Employment Services................. 3,649,708 2,910,803 3,443,899 3,459,832 ^189,876 +549,029 +15,933
Current Year........................................ (1,877,708) (1,138,803) (1,671,899) (1,687,832) (^189,876) (+549,029) (+15,933)
Emergency appropriations........................ (125,000) ................ ................ ................ (^125,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.................................... (1,772,000) (1,772,000) (1,772,000) (1,772,000) ................ ................ ................
COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS.................. 432,311 432,311 420,000 432,311 ................ ................ +12,311
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES...................... 966,400 938,600 938,600 938,600 ^27,800 ................ ................
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPERATIONS
Unemployment Compensation:
State Operations.............................................. 2,497,770 2,650,175 2,640,175 2,536,775 +39,005 ^113,400 ^103,400
National Activities........................................... 9,900 ................ 9,900 9,900 ................ +9,900 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Unemployment Compensation......................... 2,507,670 2,650,175 2,650,075 2,546,675 +39,005 ^103,500 ^103,400
Employment Service:
Allotments to States:
Federal Funds............................................. 22,883 22,016 22,016 22,016 ^867 ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................... 693,000 666,753 666,753 666,753 ^26,247 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, allotments to States.......................... 715,883 688,769 688,769 688,769 ^27,114 ................ ................
ES National Activities........................................ 33,428 32,918 32,918 32,918 ^510 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Subtotal, Employment Service................................ 749,311 721,687 721,687 721,687 ^27,624 ................ ................
Federal Funds........................................... 22,883 22,016 22,016 22,016 ^867 ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................. 726,428 699,671 699,671 699,671 ^26,757 ................ ................
One-Stop Career Centers/Labor Market Information.................. 81,662 63,855 40,000 63,000 ^18,662 ^855 +23,000
Work Incentives Grants............................................ 19,514 ................ ................ 19,514 ................ +19,514 +19,514
=============================================================================================================================
Total, State Unemployment and Employment Srvcs.............. 3,358,157 3,435,717 3,411,762 3,350,876 ^7,281 ^84,841 ^60,886
Federal Funds........................................... 124,059 85,871 62,016 104,530 ^19,529 +18,659 +42,514
Trust Funds............................................. (3,234,098) (3,349,846) (3,349,746) (3,246,346) (+12,248) (^103,500) (^103,400)
ADVANCES TO THE UI AND OTHER TRUST FUNDS \2\...................... 465,000 452,000 452,000 452,000 ^13,000 ................ ................
NEW YORK STATE UNINSURED EMPLOYERS FUND: Supplemental (Public Law 50,000 ................ ................ ................ ^50,000 ................ ................
109-148) (emergency).............................................
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Adult Employment and Training..................................... 43,195 44,788 44,788 44,788 +1,593 ................ ................
Trust Funds................................................... 7,846 8,134 8,134 8,134 +288 ................ ................
Youth Employment and Training..................................... 10,630 39,975 39,975 11,397 +767 ^28,578 ^28,578
Employment Security............................................... 5,979 6,426 6,426 6,426 +447 ................ ................
Trust Funds................................................... 72,113 82,801 82,801 84,801 +12,688 +2,000 +2,000
Apprenticeship Services........................................... 21,438 21,415 21,415 21,415 ^23 ................ ................
Executive Direction............................................... 6,132 6,156 6,156 6,156 +24 ................ ................
Trust Funds................................................... 2,090 1,859 1,859 1,859 ^231 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Program Administration............................... 169,423 211,554 211,554 184,976 +15,553 ^26,578 ^26,578
Federal Funds........................................... 87,374 118,760 118,760 90,182 +2,808 ^28,578 ^28,578
Trust Funds............................................. 82,049 92,794 92,794 94,794 +12,745 +2,000 +2,000
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Employment and Training Administration............... 9,090,999 8,380,985 8,877,815 8,818,595 ^272,404 +437,610 ^59,220
Federal Funds........................................... 5,774,852 4,938,345 5,435,275 5,477,455 ^297,397 +539,110 +42,180
Current Year........................................ (4,002,852) (3,166,345) (3,663,275) (3,705,455) (^297,397) (+539,110) (+42,180)
Emergency appropriations........................ (175,000) ................ ................ ................ (^175,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.................................... (1,772,000) (1,772,000) (1,772,000) (1,772,000) ................ ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................. 3,316,147 3,442,640 3,442,540 3,341,140 +24,993 ^101,500 ^101,400
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Enforcement and Participant Assistance............................ 111,238 120,300 120,300 120,300 +9,062 ................ ................
Policy and Compliance Assistance.................................. 17,283 18,000 18,000 18,000 +717 ................ ................
Executive Leadership, Program Oversight and Admin................. 5,029 5,273 5,273 5,273 +244 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, EBSA................................................. 133,550 143,573 143,573 143,573 +10,023 ................ ................
PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
Pension insurance activities...................................... (42,122) (78,614) (78,614) (78,614) (+36,492) ................ ................
Pension plan termination.......................................... (161,117) (193,450) (193,450) (193,450) (+32,333) ................ ................
Operational support............................................... (93,739) (125,580) (125,580) (125,580) (+31,841) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, PBGC (Program level)................................. (296,978) (397,644) (397,644) (397,644) (+100,666) ................ ................
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Enforcement of Wage and Hour Standards............................ 165,685 177,578 167,359 177,578 +11,893 ................ +10,219
Office of Labor-Management Standards.............................. 45,737 52,406 52,406 47,886 +2,149 ^4,520 ^4,520
Federal Contractor EEO Standards Enforcement...................... 81,285 83,657 80,000 84,657 +3,372 +1,000 +4,657
Federal Programs for Workers' Compensation........................ 99,128 104,174 99,128 104,174 +5,046 ................ +5,046
Trust Funds................................................... 2,028 2,076 2,076 2,076 +48 ................ ................
Program Direction and Support..................................... 17,201 17,526 17,526 19,000 +1,799 +1,474 +1,474
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, ESA salaries and expenses............................ 411,064 437,417 418,495 435,371 +24,307 ^2,046 +16,876
Federal Funds........................................... 409,036 435,341 416,419 433,295 +24,259 ^2,046 +16,876
Trust Funds............................................. 2,028 2,076 2,076 2,076 +48 ................ ................
SPECIAL BENEFITS
Federal employees compensation benefits........................... 234,000 227,000 227,000 227,000 ^7,000 ................ ................
Longshore and harbor workers' benefits............................ 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Special Benefits..................................... 237,000 230,000 230,000 230,000 ^7,000 ................ ................
SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR DISABLED COAL MINERS
Benefit payments.................................................. 308,000 298,000 298,000 298,000 ^10,000 ................ ................
Administration.................................................... 5,250 5,373 5,373 5,373 +123 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, fiscal year 2007 program level.................... 313,250 303,373 303,373 303,373 ^9,877 ................ ................
Less funds advanced in prior year....................... ^81,000 ^74,000 ^74,000 ^74,000 +7,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Current Year, fiscal year 2007....................... 232,250 229,373 229,373 229,373 ^2,877 ................ ................
New advances, 1st quarter fiscal year 2008.............. 74,000 68,000 68,000 68,000 ^6,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Special Benefits for Disabled Coal Miners............ 306,250 297,373 297,373 297,373 ^8,877 ................ ................
ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION FUND, Part B 96,081 102,307 102,307 102,307 +6,226 ................ ................
Administrative Expenses..........................................
BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND
Benefit payments and interest on advances......................... 1,010,011 1,011,465 1,011,465 1,011,465 +1,454 ................ ................
Employment Standards Admin., Salaries and expenses................ 33,050 33,578 33,578 33,578 +528 ................ ................
Departmental Management, Salaries and expenses.................... 24,239 25,255 25,255 25,255 +1,016 ................ ................
Departmental Management, Inspector General........................ 344 346 346 346 +2 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Black Lung Disability............................. 1,067,644 1,070,644 1,070,644 1,070,644 +3,000 ................ ................
Treasury Department Administrative Costs.......................... 356 356 356 356 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Black Lung Disability Trust Fund..................... 1,068,000 1,071,000 1,071,000 1,071,000 +3,000 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Employment Standards Administration.................. 2,118,395 2,138,097 2,119,175 2,136,051 +17,656 ^2,046 +16,876
Federal Funds........................................... 2,116,367 2,136,021 2,117,099 2,133,975 +17,608 ^2,046 +16,876
Current year........................................ (2,042,367) (2,068,021) (2,049,099) (2,065,975) (+23,608) (^2,046) (+16,876)
Fiscal year 2008.................................... (74,000) (68,000) (68,000) (68,000) (^6,000) ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................. 2,028 2,076 2,076 2,076 +48 ................ ................
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Safety and Health Standards....................................... 16,462 16,892 16,892 16,892 +430 ................ ................
Federal Enforcement............................................... 172,575 179,933 179,933 179,933 +7,358 ................ ................
State Programs.................................................... 91,093 91,093 91,093 91,093 ................ ................ ................
Technical Support................................................. 21,435 22,392 22,392 22,392 +957 ................ ................
Compliance Assistance:
Federal Assistance............................................ 72,545 76,557 73,941 73,941 +1,396 ^2,616 ................
State Consultation Grants..................................... 53,357 53,357 53,357 53,357 ................ ................ ................
Training Grants............................................... 10,116 ................ 5,000 10,116 ................ +10,116 +5,116
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Compliance Assistance............................. 136,018 129,914 132,298 137,414 +1,396 +7,500 +5,116
Safety and Health Statistics...................................... 24,253 32,274 32,274 32,274 +8,021 ................ ................
Executive Direction and Administration............................ 10,591 11,169 11,169 11,169 +578 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, OSHA................................................. 472,427 483,667 486,051 491,167 +18,740 +7,500 +5,116
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Coal Enforcement.................................................. 117,152 120,395 118,335 133,395 +16,243 +13,000 +15,060
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)................. 25,600 ................ ................ ................ ^25,600 ................ ................
Metal/Non-Metal Enforcement....................................... 68,062 70,106 68,062 70,106 +2,044 ................ +2,044
Standards Development............................................. 2,481 2,658 2,481 2,658 +177 ................ +177
Assessments....................................................... 5,391 5,566 5,391 5,566 +175 ................ +175
Educational Policy and Development................................ 31,701 32,926 31,701 32,926 +1,225 ................ +1,225
Technical Support................................................. 25,479 27,413 25,479 27,413 +1,934 ................ +1,934
Program evaluation and information resources (PEIR)............... 15,514 15,735 15,514 15,735 +221 ................ +221
Program Administration............................................ 11,906 13,037 11,906 14,637 +2,731 +1,600 +2,731
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Mine Safety and Health Administration................ 303,286 287,836 278,869 302,436 ^850 +14,600 +23,567
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Employment and Unemployment Statistics............................ 165,377 171,056 173,056 171,056 +5,679 ................ ^2,000
Labor Market Information.......................................... 77,067 79,026 79,026 79,026 +1,959 ................ ................
Prices and Cost of Living......................................... 173,031 187,081 187,081 187,081 +14,050 ................ ................
Compensation and Working Conditions............................... 80,717 83,860 83,860 83,860 +3,143 ................ ................
Productivity and Technology....................................... 10,739 11,118 11,118 11,118 +379 ................ ................
Executive Direction and Staff Services............................ 30,168 31,147 31,147 31,147 +979 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of Labor Statistics........................... 537,099 563,288 565,288 563,288 +26,189 ................ ^2,000
Federal Funds........................................... 460,032 484,262 486,262 484,262 +24,230 ................ ^2,000
Trust Funds............................................. 77,067 79,026 79,026 79,026 +1,959 ................ ................
OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Salaries and expenses............................................. 27,655 20,319 20,319 27,655 ................ +7,336 +7,336
DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Executive Direction............................................... 25,534 29,795 29,795 25,534 ................ ^4,261 ^4,261
Departmental IT Crosscut.......................................... 29,462 29,405 28,000 27,651 ^1,811 ^1,754 ^349
Departmental Management Crosscut.................................. 1,683 1,108 ................ ................ ^1,683 ^1,108 ................
Legal Services.................................................... 80,143 84,866 84,866 84,866 +4,723 ................ ................
Trust Funds................................................... 308 322 322 322 +14 ................ ................
International Labor Affairs....................................... 72,516 12,363 12,363 72,516 ................ +60,153 +60,153
Administration and Management..................................... 32,865 31,746 31,746 31,746 ^1,119 ................ ................
Frances Perkins building security enhancements.................... 6,875 1,893 1,893 1,893 ^4,982 ................ ................
Adjudication...................................................... 26,855 28,931 27,126 26,855 ................ ^2,076 ^271
Women's Bureau.................................................... 9,666 9,348 9,000 10,000 +334 +652 +1,000
Civil Rights Activities........................................... 6,386 6,735 6,386 6,735 +349 ................ +349
Chief Financial Officer........................................... 5,287 5,579 5,287 5,287 ................ ^292 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries and expenses................................ 297,580 242,091 236,784 293,405 ^4,175 +51,314 +56,621
Federal Funds........................................... 297,272 241,769 236,462 293,083 ^4,189 +51,314 +56,621
Current Year........................................ (297,272) (241,769) (236,462) (293,083) (^4,189) (+51,314) (+56,621)
Trust Funds............................................. 308 322 322 322 +14 ................ ................
OFFICE OF JOB CORPS \2\
Job Corps:
Administration \3\............................................ 28,578 ................ ................ 28,578 ................ +28,578 +28,578
Operations.................................................... 865,260 810,602 874,000 900,210 +34,950 +89,608 +26,210
Advance from prior year................................... (585,090) (591,000) (591,000) (591,000) (+5,910) ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)......... 16,000 ................ ................ ................ ^16,000 ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 591,000 591,000 591,000 591,000 ................ ................ ................
Construction and Renovation................................... 7,920 ................ 8,000 10,000 +2,080 +10,000 +2,000
Advance from prior year................................... (99,000) (100,000) (100,000) (100,000) (+1,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 100,000 100,000 50,000 100,000 ................ ................ +50,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Job Corps........................................ 1,608,758 1,501,602 1,523,000 1,629,788 +21,030 +128,186 +106,788
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
State administration, Grants...................................... 160,791 161,218 160,791 161,218 +427 ................ +427
Federal Administration............................................ 30,131 32,417 32,417 32,417 +2,286 ................ ................
National Veterans' Training Institute............................. 1,964 1,969 1,969 1,969 +5 ................ ................
Homeless Veterans Program......................................... 21,780 21,838 21,838 21,838 +58 ................ ................
Veterans Workforce Investment Programs............................ 7,425 7,445 7,425 7,425 ................ ^20 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Employment and Training..................... 222,091 224,887 224,440 224,867 +2,776 ^20 +427
Federal Funds........................................... 29,205 29,283 29,263 29,263 +58 ^20 ................
Trust Funds............................................. 192,886 195,604 195,177 195,604 +2,718 ................ +427
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Program Activities................................................ 65,549 68,073 68,073 70,073 +4,524 +2,000 +2,000
Trust Funds................................................... 5,552 5,688 5,688 5,688 +136 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of Inspector General.......................... 71,101 73,761 73,761 75,761 +4,660 +2,000 +2,000
Federal funds........................................... 65,549 68,073 68,073 70,073 +4,524 +2,000 +2,000
Trust funds............................................. 5,552 5,688 5,688 5,688 +136 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Departmental Management.............................. 2,199,530 2,042,341 2,057,985 2,223,821 +24,291 +181,480 +165,836
Federal Funds........................................... 2,000,784 1,840,727 1,856,798 2,022,207 +21,423 +181,480 +165,409
Trust Funds............................................. 198,746 201,614 201,187 201,614 +2,868 ................ +427
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
Working capital fund.............................................. 6,168 13,954 ................ ................ ^6,168 ^13,954 ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Title I, Department of Labor......................... 14,889,109 14,074,060 14,549,075 14,706,586 ^182,523 +632,526 +157,511
Federal Funds........................................... 11,295,121 10,348,704 10,824,246 11,082,730 ^212,391 +734,026 +258,484
Current Year........................................ (8,758,121) (7,817,704) (8,343,246) (8,551,730) (^206,391) (+734,026) (+208,484)
Emergency appropriations........................ (216,600) ................ ................ ................ (^216,600) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.................................... (2,537,000) (2,531,000) (2,481,000) (2,531,000) (^6,000) ................ (+50,000)
Trust Funds............................................. 3,593,988 3,725,356 3,724,829 3,623,856 +29,868 ^101,500 ^100,973
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES
BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
Community health centers.......................................... 1,781,076 1,962,861 1,988,000 1,926,076 +145,000 ^36,785 ^61,924
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)................. 4,000 ................ ................ ................ ^4,000 ................ ................
Free Clinics Medical Malpractice.................................. 40 ................ 10 10 ^30 +10 ................
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act............................... 1,916 1,917 1,917 1,917 +1 ................ ................
National Hansen's Disease Services................................ 15,894 15,905 15,905 16,705 +811 +800 +800
Buildings and Facilities...................................... 220 220 220 220 ................ ................ ................
Payment to Hawaii, treatment of Hansen's.......................... 1,995 1,996 1,996 1,996 +1 ................ ................
Black lung clinics................................................ 5,887 5,891 5,891 6,000 +113 +109 +109
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Bureau of Primary Health Care..................... 1,811,028 1,988,790 2,013,939 1,952,924 +141,896 ^35,866 ^61,015
BUREAU OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
National Health Service Corps:
Field placements.............................................. 40,270 40,298 42,218 40,298 +28 ................ ^1,920
Recruitment................................................... 85,171 85,230 89,310 85,230 +59 ................ ^4,080
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National Health Service Corps..................... 125,441 125,528 131,528 125,528 +87 ................ ^6,000
Health Professions
Training for Diversity:
Centers of excellence......................................... 11,872 ................ 11,880 11,872 ................ +11,872 ^8
Health careers opportunity program............................ 3,957 ................ ................ 3,957 ................ +3,957 +3,957
Faculty loan repayment........................................ 1,288 ................ ................ 1,288 ................ +1,288 +1,288
Scholarships for disadvantaged students....................... 46,625 9,733 46,657 46,625 ................ +36,892 ^32
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Training for Diversity............................ 63,742 9,733 58,537 63,742 ................ +54,009 +5,205
Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry................... 40,823 ................ 40,851 50,000 +9,177 +50,000 +9,149
Interdisciplinary Community-Based Linkages:
Area health education centers................................. 28,661 ................ 28,681 28,661 ................ +28,661 ^20
Allied health and other disciplines........................... 3,957 ................ 3,960 4,000 +43 +4,000 +40
Geriatric programs............................................ ................ ................ 31,548 ................ ................ ................ ^31,548
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Interdisciplinary Comm. Linkages.................. 32,618 ................ 64,189 32,661 +43 +32,661 ^31,528
Public health, preventive med. and dental programs................ 7,915 ................ ................ 8,000 +85 +8,000 +8,000
Nursing Programs:
Advanced Education Nursing.................................... 57,021 57,061 57,061 57,061 +40 ................ ................
Nurse education, practice, and retention...................... 37,265 37,291 37,291 37,291 +26 ................ ................
Nursing workforce diversity................................... 16,096 16,107 16,107 16,107 +11 ................ ................
Loan repayment and scholarship program........................ 31,034 31,055 31,055 31,055 +21 ................ ................
Comprehensive geriatric education............................. 3,390 3,392 3,392 3,392 +2 ................ ................
Nursing faculty loan program.................................. 4,770 4,773 4,773 4,773 +3 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Nursing programs.................................. 149,576 149,679 149,679 149,679 +103 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Subtotal, Health Professions................................ 294,674 159,412 313,256 304,082 +9,408 +144,670 ^9,174
Patient Navigator................................................. ................ ................ ................ 5,000 +5,000 +5,000 +5,000
Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education................... 296,795 99,000 300,000 200,000 ^96,795 +101,000 ^100,000
National Practitioner Data Bank................................... 15,700 15,700 15,700 15,700 ................ ................ ................
User Fees..................................................... ^15,700 ^15,700 ^15,700 ^15,700 ................ ................ ................
Health Care Integrity and Protection Data Bank.................... 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 ................ ................ ................
User Fees..................................................... ^4,000 ^4,000 ^4,000 ^4,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Bureau of Health Professions...................... 716,910 383,940 744,784 634,610 ^82,300 +250,670 ^110,174
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant............................. 692,521 693,000 700,000 693,000 +479 ................ ^7,000
Sickle cell anemia demonstration program.......................... 2,176 2,178 2,178 3,000 +824 +822 +822
Traumatic Brain Injury............................................ 8,904 ................ 8,910 8,910 +6 +8,910 ................
Healthy Start..................................................... 101,448 101,518 101,518 101,518 +70 ................ ................
Universal Newborn Hearing......................................... 9,794 ................ 10,000 10,000 +206 +10,000 ................
Emergency medical services for children........................... 19,786 ................ 19,800 20,000 +214 +20,000 +200
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.................. 834,629 796,696 842,406 836,428 +1,799 +39,732 ^5,978
HIV/AIDS BUREAU
Ryan White AIDS Programs:
Emergency Assistance.......................................... 603,576 603,993 603,993 605,993 +2,417 +2,000 +2,000
Comprehensive Care Programs................................... 1,119,744 1,190,518 1,190,518 1,190,518 +70,774 ................ ................
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) (NA).................. (789,005) (789,546) (789,546) (844,546) (+55,541) (+55,000) (+55,000)
Early Intervention Program.................................... 193,488 218,622 193,622 195,488 +2,000 ^23,134 +1,866
Children, Youth, Women, and Families.......................... 71,744 71,794 71,794 73,294 +1,550 +1,500 +1,500
AIDS Dental Services.......................................... 13,077 13,086 13,086 13,598 +521 +512 +512
Education and Training Centers................................ 34,676 34,700 34,700 35,200 +524 +500 +500
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Ryan White AIDS programs.......................... 2,036,305 2,132,713 2,107,713 2,114,091 +77,786 ^18,622 +6,378
Evaluation Tap Funding (NA)................................... (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Ryan White AIDs program level..................... (2,061,305) (2,157,713) (2,132,713) (2,139,091) (+77,786) (^18,622) (+6,378)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, HIV/AIDS Bureau................................... 2,036,305 2,132,713 2,107,713 2,114,091 +77,786 ^18,622 +6,378
HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS BUREAU
Organ Transplantation............................................. 23,033 23,049 23,049 25,049 +2,016 +2,000 +2,000
National Cord Blood Inventory..................................... 3,957 ................ ................ 3,960 +3 +3,960 +3,960
Bone Marrow Program............................................... 25,145 22,687 25,162 22,687 ^2,458 ................ ^2,475
Office of Pharmacy Affairs........................................ ................ 2,970 2,970 2,970 +2,970 ................ ................
Trauma Care....................................................... ................ ................ ................ 1,000 +1,000 +1,000 +1,000
Poison control.................................................... 23,052 13,168 23,068 23,068 +16 +9,900 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Healthcare systems bureau......................... 75,187 61,874 74,249 78,734 +3,547 +16,860 +4,485
RURAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Rural outreach grants............................................. 38,858 10,365 40,000 38,885 +27 +28,520 ^1,115
Rural Health Research............................................. 8,731 8,737 9,000 8,737 +6 ................ ^263
Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants................................. 63,494 ................ 40,000 38,538 ^24,956 +38,538 ^1,462
Delta Health Initiative........................................... ................ ................ ................ 35,000 +35,000 +35,000 +35,000
Rural and community access to emergency devices................... 1,484 ................ 1,500 1,500 +16 +1,500 ................
State Offices of Rural Health..................................... 8,135 8,141 8,400 8,141 +6 ................ ^259
Denali Commission................................................. 39,283 ................ ................ 39,283 ................ +39,283 +39,283
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Rural health programs............................. 159,985 27,243 98,900 170,084 +10,099 +142,841 +71,184
Family Planning................................................... 282,907 283,103 283,103 283,103 +196 ................ ................
Health Care-related Facilities and activities..................... ................ ................ 248,146 260,028 +260,028 +260,028 +11,882
Bioterrorism hospital grants to States \5\........................ 494,658 486,606 486,606 486,606 ^8,052 ................ ................
Telehealth........................................................ 6,814 6,819 10,000 6,819 +5 ................ ^3,181
Program Management................................................ 144,432 141,071 141,071 144,432 ................ +3,361 +3,361
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Health resources and services........................ 6,562,855 6,308,855 7,050,917 6,967,859 +405,004 +659,004 ^83,058
Total, Health resources and services program level.......... (6,587,855) (6,333,855) (7,075,917) (6,992,859) (+405,004) (+659,004) (^83,058)
Evaluation tap funding.................................. (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) ................ ................ ................
HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOANS (HEAL) PROGRAM:
Liquidating account........................................... (4,000) (1,000) (1,000) (1,000) (^3,000) ................ ................
Program management............................................ 2,885 2,887 2,887 2,887 +2 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, HEAL................................................. 2,885 2,887 2,887 2,887 +2 ................ ................
VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM TRUST FUND:
Post-fiscal year 1988 claims.................................. 60,972 62,802 62,802 62,802 +1,830 ................ ................
HRSA administration........................................... 3,562 3,564 3,564 3,564 +2 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund............... 64,534 66,366 66,366 66,366 +1,832 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Health Resources and Services Admin.................. 6,630,274 6,378,108 7,120,170 7,037,112 +406,838 +659,004 ^83,058
Total, HRSA program level................................... (6,659,274) (6,404,108) (7,146,170) (7,063,112) (+403,838) (+659,004) (^83,058)
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Infectious Diseases............................................... 1,671,261 1,772,890 1,828,843 1,713,443 +42,182 ^59,447 ^115,400
Supplemental (Public law 109-234) (emergency)................. 8,000 ................ ................ ................ ^8,000 ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding........................................ (12,794) (12,794) (12,794) (12,794) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... (1,692,055) (1,785,684) (1,841,637) (1,726,237) (+34,182) (^59,447) (^115,400)
Health Promotion.................................................. 958,025 929,208 964,466 967,671 +9,646 +38,463 +3,205
Health Information and Service.................................... 87,770 127,439 226,400 246,280 +158,510 +118,841 +19,880
Evaluation Tap Funding........................................ (134,235) (134,235) ................ ................ (^134,235) (^134,235) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... (222,005) (261,674) (226,400) (246,280) (+24,275) (^15,394) (+19,880)
Environmental health and injury................................... 287,474 279,309 278,000 276,658 ^10,816 ^2,651 ^1,342
Occupational safety and health \6\................................ 165,812 163,123 163,929 170,810 +4,998 +7,687 +6,881
Supplemental (Public Law 109-13) (emergency).................. 10,000 ................ ................ ................ ^10,000 ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding........................................ (87,071) (87,071) (87,071) (87,071) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level \6\................................. (262,883) (250,194) (251,000) (257,881) (^5,002) (+7,687) (+6,881)
Global health..................................................... 311,624 381,103 312,000 368,892 +57,268 ^12,211 +56,892
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)................. 68,000 ................ ................ ................ ^68,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Global health..................................... (379,624) (381,103) (312,000) (368,892) (^10,732) (^12,211) (+56,892)
Terrorism preparedness and response \5\........................... 1,576,173 1,657,161 1,605,000 1,578,260 +2,087 ^78,901 ^26,740
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)................. 55,000 ................ ................ ................ ^55,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Terrorism preparedness and response \5\........... 1,631,173 1,657,161 1,605,000 1,578,260 ^52,913 ^78,901 ^26,740
Public Health research:
Federal Funds................................................. ................ ................ 31,000 31,000 +31,000 +31,000 ................
Evaluation Tap Funding........................................ (31,000) (31,000) ................ ................ (^31,000) (^31,000) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... (31,000) (31,000) (31,000) (31,000) ................ ................ ................
Public health improvement and leadership.......................... 189,106 190,165 207,165 219,828 +30,722 +29,663 +12,663
Supplemental (Public Law 109-13) (emergency).................. 75,000 ................ ................ ................ ^75,000 ................ ................
Preventive health and health services block grant................. 98,932 ................ 100,000 100,000 +1,068 +100,000 ................
Pandemic Influenza One-Time Supplemental Funding Supplemental 77,000 ................ ................ ................ ^77,000 ................ ................
(Public Law 109-13) (emergency)..................................
Buildings and Facilities.......................................... 158,291 29,700 29,700 100,000 ^58,291 +70,300 +70,300
Business services................................................. 317,615 303,854 327,000 323,058 +5,443 +19,204 ^3,942
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Centers for Disease Control.......................... 6,115,083 5,833,952 6,073,503 6,095,900 ^19,183 +261,948 +22,397
Emergency appropriations................................ (293,000) ................ ................ ................ (^293,000) ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding (NA)............................. (265,100) (265,100) (99,865) (99,865) (^165,235) (^165,235) ................
Total, Centers for Disease Control program level............ (6,380,183) (6,099,052) (6,173,368) (6,195,765) (^184,418) (+96,713) (+22,397)
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
National Cancer Institute......................................... 4,790,063 4,753,609 4,753,609 4,799,063 +9,000 +45,454 +45,454
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute......................... 2,919,750 2,901,012 2,901,012 2,924,299 +4,549 +23,287 +23,287
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research............ 389,069 386,095 386,095 389,669 +600 +3,574 +3,574
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.. 1,703,753 1,694,298 1,694,298 1,707,753 +4,000 +13,455 +13,455
Juvenile diabetes (mandatory)................................. (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, NIDDK............................................. (1,853,753) (1,844,298) (1,844,298) (1,857,753) (+4,000) (+13,455) (+13,455)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke........... 1,533,703 1,524,750 1,524,750 1,537,703 +4,000 +12,953 +12,953
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases............. 4,263,268 4,295,496 4,270,496 4,295,496 +32,228 ................ +25,000
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)................. 18,000 ................ ................ ................ ^18,000 ................ ................
Global HIV/AIDS Fund Transfer................................. 99,000 100,000 ................ 100,000 +1,000 ................ +100,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, NIAID............................................. 4,380,268 4,395,496 4,270,496 4,395,496 +15,228 ................ +125,000
National Institute of General Medical Sciences.................... 1,934,288 1,923,481 1,923,481 1,934,888 +600 +11,407 +11,407
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.......... 1,263,900 1,257,418 1,257,418 1,264,500 +600 +7,082 +7,082
National Eye Institute............................................ 666,298 661,358 661,358 666,898 +600 +5,540 +5,540
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences............... 640,692 637,323 637,323 641,292 +600 +3,969 +3,969
National Institute on Aging....................................... 1,045,912 1,039,828 1,039,828 1,048,912 +3,000 +9,084 +9,084
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disea- 507,583 504,533 504,533 508,583 +1,000 +4,050 +4,050
ses............................................................
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.. 393,188 391,556 391,556 395,188 +2,000 +3,632 +3,632
National Institute of Nursing Research............................ 137,248 136,550 136,550 137,848 +600 +1,298 +1,298
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism................ 435,630 433,318 433,318 436,630 +1,000 +3,312 +3,312
National Institute on Drug Abuse.................................. 999,342 994,829 994,829 1,000,342 +1,000 +5,513 +5,513
National Institute of Mental Health............................... 1,402,551 1,394,806 1,394,806 1,403,551 +1,000 +8,745 +8,745
National Human Genome Research Institute.......................... 485,715 482,942 482,942 486,315 +600 +3,373 +3,373
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering....... 296,606 294,850 294,850 297,606 +1,000 +2,756 +2,756
National Center for Research Resources............................ 1,098,346 1,098,242 1,123,242 1,104,346 +6,000 +6,104 ^18,896
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine........ 121,382 120,554 120,554 121,982 +600 +1,428 +1,428
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities......... 195,271 194,299 194,299 196,771 +1,500 +2,472 +2,472
John E. Fogarty International Center.............................. 66,332 66,681 66,681 66,832 +500 +151 +151
National Library of Medicine...................................... 314,694 313,269 313,269 315,294 +600 +2,025 +2,025
Evaluation Tap Funding........................................ (8,200) (8,200) (8,200) (8,200) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, NLM............................................... 322,894 321,469 321,469 323,494 +600 +2,025 +2,025
Office of the Director \5\........................................ 527,238 667,825 667,825 687,825 +160,587 +20,000 +20,000
Biodefense countermeasures \5\................................ (96,030) (96,030) (96,030) (96,030) ................ ................ ................
Buildings and Facilities.......................................... 81,025 81,081 81,081 81,081 +56 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, National Institutes of Health (NIH).................. 28,329,847 28,350,003 28,250,003 28,550,667 +220,820 +200,664 +300,664
Emergency appropriations................................ (18,000) ................ ................ ................ (^18,000) ................ ................
Global HIV/AIDS Fund Transfer........................... ^99,000 ^100,000 ................ ^100,000 ^1,000 ................ ^100,000
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................. (8,200) (8,200) (8,200) (8,200) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, NIH, Program Level................................... (28,239,047) (28,258,203) (28,258,203) (28,458,867) (+219,820) (+200,664) (+200,664)
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA)
Mental Health:
Programs of Regional and National Significance................ 263,080 228,101 269,303 290,994 +27,914 +62,893 +21,691
Mental Health block grant..................................... 406,561 406,843 406,843 406,843 +282 ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (21,803) (21,629) (21,629) (21,629) (^174) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (428,364) (428,472) (428,472) (428,472) (+108) ................ ................
Children's Mental Health...................................... 104,006 104,078 104,078 104,078 +72 ................ ................
Grants to States for the Homeless (PATH)...................... 54,223 54,261 54,261 54,261 +38 ................ ................
Protection and Advocacy....................................... 34,000 34,000 34,000 34,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Mental Health..................................... 861,870 827,283 868,485 890,176 +28,306 +62,893 +21,691
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... (883,673) (848,912) (890,114) (911,805) (+28,132) (+62,893) (+21,691)
Substance Abuse Treatment:
Programs of Regional and National Significance................ 394,375 371,079 322,395 338,366 ^56,009 ^32,713 +15,971
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (4,300) (4,300) (4,300) (4,300) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (398,675) (375,379) (326,695) (342,666) (^56,009) (^32,713) (+15,971)
Substance Abuse block grant............................... 1,678,225 1,679,391 1,754,800 1,709,391 +31,166 +30,000 ^45,409
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (79,200) (79,200) (79,200) (79,200) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (1,757,425) (1,758,591) (1,834,000) (1,788,591) (+31,166) (+30,000) (^45,409)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Substance Abuse Treatment..................... 2,072,600 2,050,470 2,077,195 2,047,757 ^24,843 ^2,713 ^29,438
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (2,156,100) (2,133,970) (2,160,695) (2,131,257) (^24,843) (^2,713) (^29,438)
Substance Abuse Prevention: Programs of Regional and National 192,767 180,598 195,805 196,729 +3,962 +16,131 +924
Significance.....................................................
Program Management................................................ 75,996 75,521 75,521 76,521 +525 +1,000 +1,000
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)................................... (16,000) (21,000) (21,000) (21,000) (+5,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... 91,996 96,521 96,521 97,521 +5,525 +1,000 +1,000
=============================================================================================================================
Total, SAMHSA............................................... 3,203,233 3,133,872 3,217,006 3,211,183 +7,950 +77,311 ^5,823
Evaluation Tap funding.................................. (121,303) (126,129) (126,129) (126,129) (+4,826) ................ ................
Total, SAMHSA program level................................. (3,324,536) (3,260,001) (3,343,135) (3,337,312) (+12,776) (+77,311) (^5,823)
AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY
Research on Health Costs, Quality, and Outcomes:
Federal Funds................................................. ................ ................ 260,695 260,695 +260,695 +260,695 ................
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)................................... (260,695) (260,695) ................ ................ (^260,695) (^260,695) ................
Clinical effectiveness research (NA)...................... (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) (15,000) ................ ................ ................
Reducing medical errors (NA).............................. (84,000) (84,000) (84,000) (84,000) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (260,695) (260,695) (260,695) (260,695) ................ ................ ................
Medical Expenditures Panel Surveys:
Federal Funds................................................. ................ ................ 55,300 55,300 +55,300 +55,300 ................
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)................................... (55,300) (55,300) ................ ................ (^55,300) (^55,300) ................
Program Support:
Federal Funds................................................. ................ ................ 2,700 2,700 +2,700 +2,700 ................
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)................................... (2,700) (2,700) ................ ................ (^2,700) (^2,700) ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, AHRQ................................................. ................ ................ 318,695 318,695 +318,695 +318,695 ................
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)............................. (318,695) (318,695) ................ ................ (^318,695) (^318,695) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, AHRQ program level................................... (318,695) (318,695) (318,695) (318,695) ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Public Health Service appropriation.................. 44,278,437 43,695,935 44,979,377 45,213,557 +935,120 +1,517,622 +234,180
Total, Public Health Service program level.................. (44,921,735) (44,340,059) (45,239,571) (45,373,751) (+452,016) (+1,033,692) (+134,180)
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES
GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID
Medicaid current law benefits..................................... 204,166,276 189,499,928 189,499,928 189,499,928 ^14,666,348 ................ ................
State and local administration.................................... 9,803,100 9,349,700 9,349,700 9,349,700 ^453,400 ................ ................
Vaccines for Children............................................. 1,502,333 2,006,445 2,006,445 2,006,445 +504,112 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Medicaid program level............................ 215,471,709 200,856,073 200,856,073 200,856,073 ^14,615,636 ................ ................
Less funds advanced in prior year....................... ^58,517,290 ^62,783,825 ^62,783,825 ^62,783,825 ^4,266,535 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Grants to States for medicaid........................ 156,954,419 138,072,248 138,072,248 138,072,248 ^18,882,171 ................ ................
New advance, 1st quarter................................ 62,783,825 65,257,617 65,257,617 65,257,617 +2,473,792 ................ ................
PAYMENTS TO HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS
Supplemental medical insurance.................................... 128,920,000 139,351,000 139,351,000 139,351,000 +10,431,000 ................ ................
Hospital insurance for the uninsured.............................. 202,000 239,000 239,000 239,000 +37,000 ................ ................
Federal uninsured payment......................................... 206,000 229,000 229,000 229,000 +23,000 ................ ................
Program management................................................ 164,000 153,000 153,000 153,000 ^11,000 ................ ................
General revenue for Part D benefit................................ 53,596,000 56,574,000 56,574,000 56,574,000 +2,978,000 ................ ................
General revenue for Part D administration......................... 677,000 453,391 453,391 453,391 ^223,609 ................ ................
HCFAC reimbursement............................................... ................ 118,404 ................ ................ ................ ^118,404 ................
Prescription drug eligibility determinations...................... 99,100 18,000 18,000 18,000 ^81,100 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Payments to Trust Funds, current law.............. 183,864,100 197,135,795 197,017,391 197,017,391 +13,153,291 ^118,404 ................
Less funds advanced in prior year....................... ^5,216,900 ................ ................ ................ +5,216,900 ................ ................
New Advance Fiscal Year 2008............................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Payments to Trust Funds, current law................. 178,647,200 197,135,795 197,017,391 197,017,391 +18,370,191 ^118,404 ................
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT \7\
Research, Demonstration, Evaluation............................... 57,420 41,528 46,673 57,376 ^44 +15,848 +10,703
Medicare Operations \8\........................................... 2,143,242 2,145,208 2,145,208 2,130,208 ^13,034 ^15,000 ^15,000
Revitalization plan............................................... 23,963 22,765 22,765 22,765 ^1,198 ................ ................
State Survey and Certification.................................... 258,128 283,524 283,524 283,524 +25,396 ................ ................
Federal Administration \8\........................................ 637,065 655,377 655,377 655,377 +18,312 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Program management, Limitation on new BA............. 3,119,818 3,148,402 3,153,547 3,149,250 +29,432 +848 ^4,297
Survey and Certification user fee (leg prop)............ ................ (^35,000) (^35,000) (^35,000) (^35,000) ................ ................
Total, Program management, program level.................... (3,119,818) (3,113,402) (3,118,547) (3,114,250) (^5,568) (+848) (^4,297)
HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL
Part D drug benefit/medicare advantage (MIP)...................... ................ 85,634 ................ ................ ................ ^85,634 ................
HHS Office of Inspector General................................... ................ 11,336 ................ ................ ................ ^11,336 ................
Department of Justice............................................. ................ 11,336 ................ ................ ................ ^11,336 ................
Medicaid and SCHIP financial management........................... ................ 10,098 ................ ................ ................ ^10,098 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control.................. ................ 118,404 ................ ................ ................ ^118,404 ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services............ 401,505,262 403,732,466 403,500,803 403,496,506 +1,991,244 ^235,960 ^4,297
Federal funds........................................... 398,385,444 400,465,660 400,347,256 400,347,256 +1,961,812 ^118,404 ................
Current year........................................ (335,601,619) (335,208,043) (335,089,639) (335,089,639) (^511,980) (^118,404) ................
New advance, fiscal year 2008....................... (62,783,825) (65,257,617) (65,257,617) (65,257,617) (+2,473,792) ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................. 3,119,818 3,266,806 3,153,547 3,149,250 +29,432 ^117,556 ^4,297
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
FAMILY SUPPORT PAYMENTS TO STATES
Payments to territories........................................... 38,000 38,000 38,000 38,000 ................ ................ ................
Repatriation...................................................... 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,300 +300 +300 +300
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Welfare payments.................................. 39,000 39,000 39,000 39,300 +300 +300 +300
Child Support Enforcement:
State and local administration................................ 3,611,494 3,595,162 3,595,162 3,595,162 ^16,332 ................ ................
Federal incentive payments.................................... 458,000 471,000 471,000 471,000 +13,000 ................ ................
Access and visitation......................................... 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Child Support Enforcement......................... 4,079,494 4,076,162 4,076,162 4,076,162 ^3,332 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Family support payments program level................ 4,118,494 4,115,162 4,115,162 4,115,462 ^3,032 +300 +300
Less funds advanced in previous years................... ^1,200,000 ^1,200,000 ^1,200,000 ^1,200,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Family support payments, current year................ 2,918,494 2,915,162 2,915,162 2,915,462 ^3,032 +300 +300
New advance, 1st quarter, fiscal year 2008.............. 1,200,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 ^200,000 ................ ................
LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
Formula grants.................................................... 1,979,725 1,782,000 1,930,000 1,980,000 +275 +198,000 +50,000
Deficit Reduction Act (Public Law 109-171) (NA)............... (500,000) ................ ................ ................ (^500,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Formula grants.................................... 2,479,725 1,782,000 1,930,000 1,980,000 ^499,725 +198,000 +50,000
Contingency fund.................................................. 179,960 ................ 181,170 181,170 +1,210 +181,170 ................
Deficit Reduction Act (Public Law 109-171) (NA)............... (500,000) ................ ................ ................ (^500,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Contingency fund................................ 679,960 ................ 181,170 181,170 ^498,790 +181,170 ................
Emergency allocation.............................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, LIHEAP............................................... 2,159,685 1,782,000 2,111,170 2,161,170 +1,485 +379,170 +50,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, LIHEAP, program level................................ 3,159,685 1,782,000 2,111,170 2,161,170 ^998,515 +379,170 +50,000
REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE
Transitional and Medical Services................................. 265,365 282,333 282,333 282,333 +16,968 ................ ................
Victims of Trafficking............................................ 9,809 14,816 9,816 9,816 +7 ^5,000 ................
Social Services................................................... 153,898 149,610 154,004 149,610 ^4,288 ................ ^4,394
Preventive Health................................................. 4,745 4,748 4,748 4,748 +3 ................ ................
Targeted Assistance............................................... 48,557 48,590 48,590 48,590 +33 ................ ................
Unaccompanied minors.............................................. 77,249 105,022 95,022 95,022 +17,773 ^10,000 ................
Victims of Torture................................................ 9,809 9,816 9,816 9,816 +7 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Refugee and entrant assistance....................... 569,432 614,935 604,329 599,935 +30,503 ^15,000 ^4,394
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT............................ 2,060,664 2,062,081 2,062,081 2,062,081 +1,417 ................ ................
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (TITLE XX)............................ 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 ................ ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)................. 550,000 ................ ................ ................ ^550,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Social services block grant.......................... 2,250,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 ^550,000 ................ ................
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS
Programs for Children, Youth and Families:
Head Start, current funded.................................... 5,396,062 5,396,971 5,399,771 5,399,771 +3,709 +2,800 ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)............. 90,000 ................ ................ ................ ^90,000 ................ ................
Advance from prior year................................... (1,386,000) (1,388,800) (1,388,800) (1,388,800) (+2,800) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 1,388,800 1,388,800 1,388,800 1,388,800 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Head Start, program level..................... 6,874,862 6,785,771 6,788,571 6,788,571 ^86,291 +2,800 ................
Consolidated Runaway, Homeless Youth Program.................. 87,777 87,837 87,837 87,837 +60 ................ ................
Prevention grants to reduce abuse of runaway youth............ 15,017 15,027 15,027 15,027 +10 ................ ................
Child Abuse State Grants...................................... 26,988 27,007 27,007 27,007 +19 ................ ................
Child Abuse Discretionary Activities.......................... 25,762 25,780 26,130 27,530 +1,768 +1,750 +1,400
Community based child abuse prevention........................ 42,401 42,430 42,430 42,430 +29 ................ ................
Abandoned Infants Assistance.................................. 11,827 11,835 11,835 11,835 +8 ................ ................
Child Welfare Services........................................ 286,556 286,753 286,753 286,753 +197 ................ ................
Child Welfare Training........................................ 7,330 7,335 7,335 7,335 +5 ................ ................
Adoption Opportunities........................................ 26,830 26,848 26,848 26,848 +18 ................ ................
Adoption Incentive (no cap adjustment)........................ 17,808 29,654 17,820 29,654 +11,846 ................ +11,834
Adoption Awareness............................................ 12,665 12,674 12,674 12,674 +9 ................ ................
Compassion Capital Fund....................................... 64,306 100,000 54,549 54,549 ^9,757 ^45,451 ................
Social Services and Income Maintenance Research................... 5,864 ................ 14,395 16,123 +10,259 +16,123 +1,728
Evaluation tap funding........................................ (6,000) (6,000) (6,000) (6,000) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... (11,864) (6,000) (20,395) (22,123) (+10,259) (+16,123) (+1,728)
Developmental Disabilities Programs:
State Councils................................................ 71,771 71,771 71,771 71,771 ................ ................ ................
Protection and Advocacy....................................... 38,691 38,718 38,718 38,718 +27 ................ ................
Voting access for individuals with disabilities............... 15,709 15,720 15,720 15,720 +11 ................ ................
Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance.. 11,357 11,414 11,414 11,414 +57 ................ ................
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 33,190 33,212 33,213 35,000 +1,810 +1,788 +1,787
Disabilities.................................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Developmental disabilities programs............... 170,718 170,835 170,836 172,623 +1,905 +1,788 +1,787
Native American Programs.......................................... 44,302 44,332 44,332 44,332 +30 ................ ................
Community Services:
Grants to States for Community Services....................... 629,992 ................ 449,037 630,425 +433 +630,425 +181,388
Community Initiative Program:
Economic Development...................................... 32,382 ................ 27,022 32,404 +22 +32,404 +5,382
Individual Development Account Initiative................. 24,435 24,452 24,452 24,452 +17 ................ ................
Rural Community Facilities................................ 7,288 ................ 7,367 7,367 +79 +7,367 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Community Initiative Program.................. 64,105 24,452 58,841 64,223 +118 +39,771 +5,382
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Community Services............................ 694,097 24,452 507,878 694,648 +551 +670,196 +186,770
Domestic Violence Hotline......................................... 2,968 2,970 2,970 2,970 +2 ................ ................
Family Violence/Battered Women's Shelters......................... 124,645 124,731 124,731 124,731 +86 ................ ................
Mentoring Children of Prisoners................................... 49,459 40,000 40,000 40,000 ^9,459 ................ ................
Independent Living Training Vouchers.............................. 46,125 46,157 46,157 46,157 +32 ................ ................
Abstinence Education.............................................. 108,825 136,665 108,900 108,900 +75 ^27,765 ................
Evaluation Tap Funding........................................ (4,500) (4,500) (4,500) (4,500) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level..................................... (113,325) (141,165) (113,400) (113,400) (+75) (^27,765) ................
Faith-Based Center................................................ 1,385 1,386 1,386 1,386 +1 ................ ................
Program Direction................................................. 183,239 188,123 186,265 186,265 +3,026 ^1,858 ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Children and Families Services Programs.............. 8,931,756 8,238,602 8,652,666 8,856,185 ^75,571 +617,583 +203,519
Current Year............................................ (7,542,956) (6,849,802) (7,263,866) (7,467,385) (^75,571) (+617,583) (+203,519)
Emergency appropriations............................ (90,000) ................ ................ ................ (^90,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (1,388,800) (1,388,800) (1,388,800) (1,388,800) ................ ................ ................
Evaluation Tap funding.................................. (10,500) (10,500) (10,500) (10,500) ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Program level........................................ 8,942,256 8,249,102 8,663,166 8,866,685 ^75,571 +617,583 +203,519
PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES \9\............................ 305,000 345,000 345,000 345,000 +40,000 ................ ................
Discretionary Funds........................................... 89,039 89,100 89,100 75,000 ^14,039 ^14,100 ^14,100
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION
Foster Care....................................................... 4,685,000 4,757,000 4,757,000 4,757,000 +72,000 ................ ................
Adoption Assistance............................................... 1,883,000 2,044,000 2,044,000 2,044,000 +161,000 ................ ................
Independent living................................................ 140,000 140,000 140,000 140,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Payments to States................................... 6,708,000 6,941,000 6,941,000 6,941,000 +233,000 ................ ................
Less Advances from Prior Year........................... ^1,767,200 ^1,730,000 ^1,730,000 ^1,730,000 +37,200 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, payments, current year............................... 4,940,800 5,211,000 5,211,000 5,211,000 +270,200 ................ ................
New Advance, 1st quarter................................ 1,730,000 1,810,000 1,810,000 1,810,000 +80,000 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Administration for Children and Families............. 27,154,870 25,767,880 26,500,508 26,735,833 ^419,037 +967,953 +235,325
Current year............................................ (22,836,070) (21,569,080) (22,301,708) (22,537,033) (^299,037) (+967,953) (+235,325)
Emergency appropriations............................ (640,000) ................ ................ ................ (^640,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (4,318,800) (4,198,800) (4,198,800) (4,198,800) (^120,000) ................ ................
Evaluation Tap funding.................................. (10,500) (10,500) (10,500) (10,500) ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Administration for Children and Families............. 27,165,370 25,778,380 26,511,008 26,746,333 ^419,037 +967,953 +235,325
ADMINISTRATION ON AGING
Grants to States:
Supportive Services and Centers............................... 350,354 350,595 350,595 350,595 +241 ................ ................
Preventive Health............................................. 21,385 ................ 21,400 21,400 +15 +21,400 ................
Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans--Title VII........... 20,142 19,166 20,156 21,156 +1,014 +1,990 +1,000
Family Caregivers............................................. 156,060 154,187 156,167 156,167 +107 +1,980 ................
Native American Caregivers Support............................ 6,237 6,241 6,241 6,241 +4 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Caregivers........................................ 162,297 160,428 162,408 162,408 +111 +1,980 ................
Nutrition:
Congregate Meals.......................................... 385,054 383,401 389,211 385,319 +265 +1,918 ^3,892
Home Delivered Meals...................................... 181,781 180,998 183,742 181,905 +124 +907 ^1,837
Nutrition Services Incentive Program...................... 147,744 147,110 149,339 147,846 +102 +736 ^1,493
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Nutrition..................................... 714,579 711,509 722,292 715,070 +491 +3,561 ^7,222
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants to States.............................. 1,268,757 1,241,698 1,276,851 1,270,629 +1,872 +28,931 ^6,222
Grants for Native Americans....................................... 26,116 26,134 26,134 26,134 +18 ................ ................
Program Innovations............................................... 24,578 35,485 44,135 40,235 +15,657 +4,750 ^3,900
Aging Network Support Activities.................................. 13,124 13,133 13,133 13,133 +9 ................ ................
Alzheimer's Disease Demonstrations................................ 11,660 ................ 11,668 12,000 +340 +12,000 +332
Program Administration............................................ 17,688 18,385 18,385 18,385 +697 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administration on Aging.............................. 1,361,923 1,334,835 1,390,306 1,380,516 +18,593 +45,681 ^9,790
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT:
Federal Funds................................................. 177,180 197,165 194,700 199,346 +22,166 +2,181 +4,646
Trust Funds................................................... 5,792 5,851 5,792 5,851 +59 ................ +59
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.................................................... 182,972 203,016 200,492 205,197 +22,225 +2,181 +4,705
Adolescent Family Life (Title XX)............................. 30,256 30,372 30,277 30,277 +21 ^95 ................
Minority health............................................... 56,455 46,775 46,775 57,325 +870 +10,550 +10,550
Office of Women's Health...................................... 28,245 28,369 28,265 28,869 +624 +500 +604
Minority HIV/AIDS............................................. 51,855 51,891 51,891 51,891 +36 ................ ................
Afghanistan................................................... 5,888 6,016 5,892 6,016 +128 ................ +124
Embryo adoption awareness campaign............................ 1,979 1,980 ................ 2,000 +21 +20 +2,000
Evaluation tap funding (ASPE) (NA)............................ (39,552) (39,552) (39,552) (39,552) ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, General Departmental Management...................... 357,650 368,419 363,592 381,575 +23,925 +13,156 +17,983
Federal Funds........................................... 351,858 362,568 357,800 375,724 +23,866 +13,156 +17,924
Trust Funds............................................. 5,792 5,851 5,792 5,851 +59 ................ +59
Evaluation tap funding.................................. (39,552) (39,552) (39,552) (39,552) ................ ................ ................
OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS........................... 59,359 74,250 70,000 70,000 +10,641 ^4,250 ................
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION 42,343 87,872 86,070 51,313 +8,970 ^36,559 ^34,757
TECHNOLOGY \10\..................................................
Evaluation tap funding........................................ (18,900) (28,000) (11,930) (11,930) (^6,970) (^16,070) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Health Information Tech. program level............... (61,243) (115,872) (98,000) (63,243) (+2,000) (^52,629) (^34,757)
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL:
Federal Funds................................................. 39,388 43,760 41,415 43,760 +4,372 ................ +2,345
HIPAA funding (NA)........................................ (160,000) (160,000) (160,000) (160,000) ................ ................ ................
Medicaid integrity program: Deficit Reduction Act (Public Law 109- (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) ................ ................ ................
171) (NA)........................................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Inspector General program level...................... (224,388) (228,760) (226,415) (228,760) (+4,372) ................ (+2,345)
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS:
Federal Funds................................................. 31,341 32,969 32,969 32,969 +1,628 ................ ................
Trust Funds................................................... 3,281 3,314 3,314 3,314 +33 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office for Civil Rights.............................. 34,622 36,283 36,283 36,283 +1,661 ................ ................
MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS:
Retirement payments........................................... 256,193 266,441 266,441 266,441 +10,248 ................ ................
Survivors benefits............................................ 15,600 16,224 16,224 16,224 +624 ................ ................
Dependents' medical care...................................... 56,759 59,029 59,029 59,029 +2,270 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total,Medical benefits for Commissioned Officers............ 328,552 341,694 341,694 341,694 +13,142 ................ ................
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE EMERGENCY FUND
HRSA homeland security activities \5\............................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
CDC homeland security activities \5\.............................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NIH homeland security activities \5\.............................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Office of the Secretary homeland security activities.............. 59,984 81,595 81,595 88,027 +28,043 +6,432 +6,432
Other PHSSEF homeland security activities......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Pandemic influenza preparedness................................... ................ 78,880 78,880 78,880 +78,880 ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-148) (emergency)................. 3,082,000 ................ ................ ................ ^3,082,000 ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)................. 2,300,000 ................ ................ ................ ^2,300,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, PHSSEF............................................... 5,441,984 160,475 160,475 166,907 ^5,275,077 +6,432 +6,432
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Office of the Secretary.............................. 6,303,898 1,112,753 1,099,529 1,091,532 ^5,212,366 ^21,221 ^7,997
Federal Funds........................................... 6,235,466 1,029,338 1,020,423 1,012,367 ^5,223,099 ^16,971 ^8,056
Emergency appropriations............................ 5,382,000 ................ ................ ................ ^5,382,000 ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................. 68,432 83,415 79,106 79,165 +10,733 ^4,250 +59
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Title II, Dept of Health and Human Services.......... 480,604,390 475,643,869 477,470,523 477,917,944 ^2,686,446 +2,274,075 +447,421
Federal Funds........................................... 477,416,140 472,293,648 474,237,870 474,689,529 ^2,726,611 +2,395,881 +451,659
Current year........................................ (410,313,515) (402,837,231) (404,781,453) (405,233,112) (^5,080,403) (+2,395,881) (+451,659)
Emergency appropriations........................ (6,337,000) ................ ................ ................ (^6,337,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.................................... (67,102,625) (69,456,417) (69,456,417) (69,456,417) (+2,353,792) ................ ................
Trust Funds............................................. 3,188,250 3,350,221 3,232,653 3,228,415 +40,165 ^121,806 ^4,238
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
EDUCATION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED
Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs):
Basic Grants:
Advance from prior year................................... (1,383,584) (1,478,584) (1,478,584) (1,478,584) (+95,000) ................ ................
Forward funded............................................ 5,326,387 5,326,352 5,326,352 5,326,352 ^35 ................ ................
Current funded............................................ 3,437 3,472 3,472 3,472 +35 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Basic grants current year approp.............. 5,329,824 5,329,824 5,329,824 5,329,824 ................ ................ ................
Subtotal, Basic grants total funds available............ (6,713,408) (6,808,408) (6,808,408) (6,808,408) (+95,000) ................ ................
Basic Grants Fiscal Year 2008 Advance......................... 1,478,584 1,478,584 1,478,584 1,478,584 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Basic grants, program level....................... 6,808,408 6,808,408 6,808,408 6,808,408 ................ ................ ................
Concentration Grants:
Advance from prior year................................... (1,365,031) (1,365,031) (1,365,031) (1,365,031) ................ ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008 Advance.................................. 1,365,031 1,365,031 1,365,031 1,365,031 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Concentration Grants program level................ 1,365,031 1,365,031 1,365,031 1,365,031 ................ ................ ................
Targeted Grants:
Advance from prior year................................... (2,219,843) (2,269,843) (2,269,843) (2,269,843) (+50,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008 Advance.................................. 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Targeted Grants program level................. 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 ................ ................ ................
Education Finance Incentive Grants:
Advance from prior year................................... (2,219,843) (2,269,843) (2,269,843) (2,269,843) (+50,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008 Advance.................................. 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Education Finance Incentive Grants............ 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 2,269,843 ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Subtotal, Grants to LEAs, program level................. 12,713,125 12,713,125 12,713,125 12,713,125 ................ ................ ................
Even Start........................................................ 99,000 ................ 70,000 ................ ^99,000 ................ ^70,000
School improvement grants......................................... ................ 200,000 200,000 100,000 +100,000 ^100,000 ^100,000
Reading First:
State Grants (forward funded)................................. 1,029,234 1,029,234 1,029,234 1,000,000 ^29,234 ^29,234 ^29,234
Advance from prior year....................................... (195,000) ................ ................ ................ (^195,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Reading First State Grants........................ 1,029,234 1,029,234 1,029,234 1,000,000 ^29,234 ^29,234 ^29,234
Early Reading First............................................... 103,118 103,118 103,118 100,000 ^3,118 ^3,118 ^3,118
Striving readers.................................................. 29,700 100,000 35,000 35,000 +5,300 ^65,000 ................
Math Now for elementary school students........................... ................ 125,000 ................ ................ ................ ^125,000 ................
Math Now for middle school students............................... ................ 125,000 ................ ................ ................ ^125,000 ................
Literacy through School Libraries................................. 19,486 19,486 19,486 19,486 ................ ................ ................
High School reform................................................ ................ 1,475,000 ................ ................ ................ ^1,475,000 ................
America's opportunity scholarships for kids....................... ................ 100,000 ................ ................ ................ ^100,000 ................
State Agency Programs:
Migrant....................................................... 386,524 386,524 386,524 386,524 ................ ................ ................
Neglected and Delinquent/High Risk Youth...................... 49,797 49,797 49,797 49,797 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State Agency programs............................. 436,321 436,321 436,321 436,321 ................ ................ ................
Evaluation........................................................ 9,330 9,330 9,330 9,330 ................ ................ ................
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration......................... 7,920 ................ 3,000 ................ ^7,920 ................ ^3,000
Migrant Education:................................................
High School Equivalency Program............................... 18,550 18,550 18,550 18,550 ................ ................ ................
College Assistance Migrant Program............................ 15,377 15,377 15,377 15,377 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Migrant Education................................. 33,927 33,927 33,927 33,927 ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Education for the disadvantaged...................... 14,481,161 16,469,541 14,652,541 14,447,189 ^33,972 ^2,022,352 ^205,352
Current Year............................................ (7,097,860) (9,086,240) (7,269,240) (7,063,888) (^33,972) (^2,022,352) (^205,352)
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (7,383,301) (7,383,301) (7,383,301) (7,383,301) ................ ................ ................
Subtotal, forward funded.................................... (6,928,562) (8,566,907) (7,099,907) (6,897,673) (^30,889) (^1,669,234) (^202,234)
IMPACT AID
Basic Support Payments............................................ 1,091,867 1,091,867 1,091,867 1,091,867 ................ ................ ................
Payments for Children with Disabilities........................... 49,466 49,466 49,466 49,466 ................ ................ ................
Facilities Maintenance (Sec. 8008)................................ 4,950 4,950 4,950 4,950 ................ ................ ................
Construction (Sec. 8007).......................................... 17,820 17,820 17,820 17,820 ................ ................ ................
Payments for Federal Property (Sec. 8002)......................... 64,350 64,350 64,350 64,350 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Impact aid........................................... 1,228,453 1,228,453 1,228,453 1,228,453 ................ ................ ................
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS
State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality........................ 1,452,439 1,452,439 1,302,000 1,312,439 ^140,000 ^140,000 +10,439
Advance from prior year....................................... (1,435,000) (1,435,000) (1,435,000) (1,435,000) ................ ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.............................................. 1,435,000 1,435,000 1,285,000 1,435,000 ................ ................ +150,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality, (2,887,439) (2,887,439) (2,587,000) (2,747,439) (^140,000) (^140,000) (+160,439)
program level..............................................
Early Childhood Educator Professional Development................. 14,549 14,549 14,549 14,549 ................ ................ ................
Mathematics and Science Partnerships.............................. 182,160 182,160 225,000 195,000 +12,840 +12,840 ^30,000
State Grants for Innovative Education (Education Block Grant)..... 99,000 99,000 150,000 ................ ^99,000 ^99,000 ^150,000
Educational Technology State Grants............................... 272,250 ................ ................ 272,250 ................ +272,250 +272,250
Supplemental Education Grants..................................... 18,001 18,001 18,001 18,824 +823 +823 +823
21st Century Community Learning Centers........................... 981,166 981,166 981,166 981,166 ................ ................ ................
State Assessments/Enhanced Assessment Instruments................. 407,563 407,563 407,563 407,563 ................ ................ ................
Javits gifted and talented education.............................. 9,596 ................ ................ 5,025 ^4,571 +5,025 +5,025
Foreign language assistance....................................... 21,780 23,780 21,780 26,152 +4,372 +2,372 +4,372
Education for Homeless Children and Youth......................... 61,871 61,871 61,871 61,871 ................ ................ ................
Training and Advisory Services (Civil Rights)..................... 7,113 7,113 7,113 7,113 ................ ................ ................
Education for Native Hawaiians.................................... 33,907 31,433 31,433 33,908 +1 +2,475 +2,475
Alaska Native Education Equity.................................... 33,907 33,908 33,908 33,908 +1 ................ ................
Rural Education................................................... 168,918 168,918 168,918 168,918 ................ ................ ................
Comprehensive Centers............................................. 56,257 56,257 56,257 56,257 ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, School improvement programs.......................... 5,255,477 4,973,158 4,764,559 5,029,943 ^225,534 +56,785 +265,384
Current Year............................................ (3,820,477) (3,538,158) (3,479,559) (3,594,943) (^225,534) (+56,785) (+115,384)
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (1,435,000) (1,435,000) (1,285,000) (1,435,000) ................ ................ (+150,000)
Subtotal, forward funded.................................... (3,625,367) (3,353,117) (3,296,518) (3,399,207) (^226,160) (+46,090) (+102,689)
INDIAN EDUCATION
Grants to Local Educational Agencies.............................. 95,331 95,331 95,331 95,331 ................ ................ ................
Federal Programs:
Special Programs for Indian Children.......................... 19,399 19,399 19,399 19,399 ................ ................ ................
National Activities........................................... 3,960 3,960 3,960 3,960 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Federal Programs.................................. 23,359 23,359 23,359 23,359 ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Indian Education..................................... 118,690 118,690 118,690 118,690 ................ ................ ................
INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT
Troops-to-Teachers................................................ 14,645 14,645 14,645 14,645 ................ ................ ................
Transition to Teaching............................................ 44,484 44,484 44,484 44,484 ................ ................ ................
National Writing Project.......................................... 21,532 ................ 21,532 25,000 +3,468 +25,000 +3,468
Teaching of Traditional American History.......................... 119,790 50,000 50,000 121,000 +1,210 +71,000 +71,000
School Leadership................................................. 14,731 ................ 14,731 14,731 ................ +14,731 ................
Advanced Credentialing............................................ 16,695 8,000 18,695 18,695 +2,000 +10,695 ................
Charter Schools Grants............................................ 214,782 214,782 214,782 214,782 ................ ................ ................
Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities.................. 36,611 36,611 36,611 ................ ^36,611 ^36,611 ^36,611
Voluntary Public School Choice.................................... 26,278 26,278 26,278 26,278 ................ ................ ................
Magnet Schools Assistance......................................... 106,693 106,693 106,693 106,693 ................ ................ ................
Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE)....................... 158,510 104,043 183,962 238,879 +80,369 +134,836 +54,917
Teacher Incentive Fund, Current funded............................ 4,950 4,950 4,950 4,950 ................ ................ ................
Teacher Incentive Fund, Forward funded............................ 94,050 94,050 94,050 94,050 ................ ................ ................
Ready-to-Learn television......................................... 24,255 24,255 ................ 24,255 ................ ................ +24,255
Dropout Prevention Programs....................................... 4,851 ................ ................ ................ ^4,851 ................ ................
Close Up Fellowships.............................................. 1,454 ................ ................ 1,500 +46 +1,500 +1,500
Advanced Placement................................................ 32,175 122,175 80,000 40,000 +7,825 ^82,175 ^40,000
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Innovation and Improvement........................... 936,486 850,966 911,413 989,942 +53,456 +138,976 +78,529
Subtotal, Forward funded.................................... (94,050) (94,050) (94,050) (94,050) ................ ................ ................
SAFE SCHOOLS AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities: State Grants, forward 346,500 ................ 310,000 310,000 ^36,500 +310,000 ................
funded...........................................................
National Programs................................................. 141,112 196,992 196,992 131,112 ^10,000 ^65,880 ^65,880
Alcohol Abuse Reduction........................................... 32,409 ................ ................ 32,409 ................ +32,409 +32,409
Mentoring Programs................................................ 48,814 19,000 19,000 19,000 ^29,814 ................ ................
Character education............................................... 24,248 24,248 24,248 24,248 ................ ................ ................
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling........................ 34,650 ................ 22,000 34,650 ................ +34,650 +12,650
Carol M. White Physical Education Program......................... 72,674 26,387 26,387 72,674 ................ +46,287 +46,287
Civic Education................................................... 29,111 ................ 25,000 29,111 ................ +29,111 +4,111
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Safe Schools and Citizenship Education............... 729,518 266,627 623,627 653,204 ^76,314 +386,577 +29,577
Current Year............................................ (729,518) (266,627) (623,627) (653,204) (^76,314) (+386,577) (+29,577)
Subtotal, Forward funded.................................... (346,500) ................ (310,000) (310,000) (^36,500) (+310,000) ................
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Current funded.................................................... 43,486 43,485 43,485 43,485 ^1 ................ ................
Forward funded.................................................... 625,522 625,522 625,522 625,522 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, English Language Acquisition......................... 669,008 669,007 669,007 669,007 ^1 ................ ................
SPECIAL EDUCATION
State Grants:
Grants to States Part B current year.......................... 5,158,761 4,467,761 4,708,907 5,158,761 ................ +691,000 +449,854
Part B advance from prior year............................ (5,413,000) (5,424,200) (5,424,200) (5,424,200) (+11,200) ................ ................
Grants to States Part B (Fiscal Year 2008).................... 5,424,200 6,215,200 6,024,200 5,424,200 ................ ^791,000 ^600,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants to States, program level................... 10,582,961 10,682,961 10,733,107 10,582,961 ................ ^100,000 ^150,146
Preschool Grants.............................................. 380,751 380,751 380,751 380,751 ................ ................ ................
Grants for Infants and Families............................... 436,400 436,400 436,400 436,400 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State grants, program level....................... 11,400,112 11,500,112 11,550,258 11,400,112 ................ ^100,000 ^150,146
IDEA National Activities (current funded):
State Personnel Development................................... 50,146 ................ ................ ................ ^50,146 ................ ................
Special Education-Voc Rehab transition initiative............. ................ 2,000 ................ 2,000 +2,000 ................ +2,000
Technical Assistance and Dissemination........................ 48,903 48,903 48,903 48,903 ................ ................ ................
Personnel Preparation......................................... 89,720 89,720 89,720 89,720 ................ ................ ................
Parent Information Centers.................................... 25,704 25,704 25,704 25,704 ................ ................ ................
Technology and Media Services................................. 38,428 31,063 38,428 38,428 ................ +7,365 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, IDEA special programs............................. 252,901 197,390 202,755 204,755 ^48,146 +7,365 +2,000
Special Olympics Education programs............................... ................ ................ ................ 5,500 +5,500 +5,500 +5,500
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Special education.................................... 11,653,013 11,697,502 11,753,013 11,610,367 ^42,646 ^87,135 ^142,646
Current Year............................................ (6,228,813) (5,482,302) (5,728,813) (6,186,167) (^42,646) (+703,865) (+457,354)
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (5,424,200) (6,215,200) (6,024,200) (5,424,200) ................ (^791,000) (^600,000)
Subtotal, Forward funded.................................... (6,026,058) (5,284,912) (5,526,058) (5,975,912) (^50,146) (+691,000) (+449,854)
REHABILITATION SERVICES AND DISABILITY RESEARCH
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants............................ 2,720,192 2,837,160 2,837,160 2,837,160 +116,968 ................ ................
Client Assistance State grants.................................... 11,782 11,782 11,782 11,782 ................ ................ ................
Training.......................................................... 38,438 38,438 38,438 38,438 ................ ................ ................
Demonstration and training programs............................... 6,511 6,511 8,246 12,603 +6,092 +6,092 +4,357
Migrant and seasonal farmworkers.................................. 2,279 ................ 2,279 2,279 ................ +2,279 ................
Recreational programs............................................. 2,518 ................ 2,518 2,518 ................ +2,518 ................
Protection and advocacy of individual rights (PAIR)............... 16,489 16,489 16,489 16,489 ................ ................ ................
Projects with industry............................................ 19,538 ................ 19,538 19,246 ^292 +19,246 ^292
Supported employment State grants................................. 29,700 ................ 29,700 29,700 ................ +29,700 ................
Independent living:
State grants.................................................. 22,588 22,588 22,588 22,588 ................ ................ ................
Centers....................................................... 74,638 74,638 74,638 74,638 ................ ................ ................
Services for older blind individuals.......................... 32,895 32,895 32,895 32,895 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Independent living................................ 130,121 130,121 130,121 130,121 ................ ................ ................
Program Improvement............................................... 835 835 835 835 ................ ................ ................
Evaluation........................................................ 1,473 1,473 1,473 1,473 ................ ................ ................
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf/Blind Youth and Adults...... 8,511 8,511 8,511 8,511 ................ ................ ................
National Inst. Disability and Rehab. Research (NIDRR)............. 106,705 106,705 106,705 106,705 ................ ................ ................
Assistive Technology.............................................. 30,452 22,389 30,452 30,452 ................ +8,063 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, discretionary programs............................ 405,352 343,254 407,087 411,152 +5,800 +67,898 +4,065
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Rehabilitation services.............................. 3,125,544 3,180,414 3,244,247 3,248,312 +122,768 +67,898 +4,065
SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND............................. 17,572 17,573 18,000 20,000 +2,428 +2,427 +2,000
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF (NTID):
Operations.................................................... 55,349 55,349 57,000 57,500 +2,151 +2,151 +500
Construction.................................................. 792 ................ ................ ................ ^792 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, NTID................................................. 56,141 55,349 57,000 57,500 +1,359 +2,151 +500
GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY:
Operations.................................................... 106,998 106,998 110,500 110,500 +3,502 +3,502 ................
Evaluation.................................................... ................ 600 ................ ................ ................ ^600 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Gallaudet............................................ 106,998 107,598 110,500 110,500 +3,502 +2,902 ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities... 180,711 180,520 185,500 188,000 +7,289 +7,480 +2,500
VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION
Vocational Education:
Basic State Grants/Secondary and Technical Education:
State Grants, current funded.............................. 391,388 ................ 391,388 391,388 ................ +391,388 ................
Advance from prior year................................... (791,000) (791,000) (791,000) (791,000) ................ ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008.......................................... 791,000 ................ 791,000 791,000 ................ +791,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Basic State Grants, program level............. 1,182,388 ................ 1,182,388 1,182,388 ................ +1,182,388 ................
Tech-Prep Education State Grants.............................. 104,754 ................ 104,754 104,754 ................ +104,754 ................
National Programs............................................. 9,164 ................ 9,164 9,164 ................ +9,164 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Vocational Education.............................. 1,296,306 ................ 1,296,306 1,296,306 ................ +1,296,306 ................
Adult Education:
State Grants/Adult basic and literacy education: State Grants, 563,975 563,975 563,975 563,975 ................ ................ ................
current funded...............................................
National Programs:
National Leadership Activities............................ 9,005 9,005 9,005 9,005 ................ ................ ................
National Institute for Literacy........................... 6,572 6,572 6,572 6,572 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National programs............................. 15,577 15,577 15,577 15,577 ................ ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Subtotal, Adult education............................... 579,552 579,552 579,552 579,552 ................ ................ ................
Smaller Learning Communities, current funded...................... 4,677 ................ 2,500 ................ ^4,677 ................ ^2,500
Smaller Learning Communities, forward funded...................... 88,854 ................ 47,500 ................ ^88,854 ................ ^47,500
State Grants for Incarcerated Youth Offenders..................... 22,770 ................ ................ 24,000 +1,230 +24,000 +24,000
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Vocational and adult education....................... 1,992,159 579,552 1,925,858 1,899,858 ^92,301 +1,320,306 ^26,000
Current Year............................................ (1,201,159) (579,552) (1,134,858) (1,108,858) (^92,301) (+529,306) (^26,000)
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (791,000) ................ (791,000) (791,000) ................ (+791,000) ................
Subtotal, forward funded.................................... (1,196,482) (579,552) (1,132,358) (1,108,858) (^87,624) (+529,306) (^23,500)
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Pell Grants maximum grant (NA).................................... (4,050) (4,050) (4,150) (4,050) ................ ................ (^100)
Pell Grants....................................................... 13,045,230 12,659,713 13,009,000 12,606,713 ^438,517 ^53,000 ^402,287
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants............... 770,933 770,933 770,933 770,933 ................ ................ ................
Federal Work Study................................................ 980,354 980,354 980,354 980,354 ................ ................ ................
Federal Perkins loan cancellations................................ 65,471 ................ 65,471 65,471 ................ +65,471 ................
Perkins Loan Assets Recall \11\................................... ................ ^664,000 ................ ................ ................ +664,000 ................
LEAP program...................................................... 64,987 ................ 64,987 64,987 ................ +64,987 ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Student Financial Assistance......................... 14,926,975 13,747,000 14,890,745 14,488,458 ^438,517 +741,458 ^402,287
STUDENT AID ADMINISTRATION: Student aid administration \12\....... 118,800 733,720 713,720 713,720 +594,920 ^20,000 ................
HIGHER EDUCATION
Aid for Institutional Development:................................
Strengthening Institutions.................................... 79,535 79,535 79,535 79,535 ................ ................ ................
Hispanic Serving Institutions................................. 94,914 94,914 94,914 94,914 ................ ................ ................
Strengthening Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs)............. 238,095 238,095 238,095 238,095 ................ ................ ................
Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions........ 57,915 57,915 57,915 57,915 ................ ................ ................
Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving 11,785 9,200 9,200 11,785 ................ +2,585 +2,585
Institutions.................................................
Strengthening Tribal Colleges................................. 23,570 23,570 23,570 23,570 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Aid for Institutional development................. 505,814 503,229 503,229 505,814 ................ +2,585 +2,585
International Education and Foreign Language:
Domestic Programs............................................. 91,541 92,541 91,541 91,541 ................ ^1,000 ................
Overseas Programs............................................. 12,610 12,610 12,610 12,610 ................ ................ ................
Institute for International Public Policy..................... 1,600 1,600 1,600 1,600 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, International Education and Foreign Lang.......... 105,751 106,751 105,751 105,751 ................ ^1,000 ................
Fund for the Improvement of Postsec. Ed. (FIPSE).................. 21,989 21,989 90,115 80,529 +58,540 +58,540 ^9,586
Minority Science and Engineering Improvement...................... 8,730 8,730 8,730 8,730 ................ ................ ................
Tribally Controlled Postsec Voc/Tech Institutions................. 7,366 7,366 7,366 7,366 ................ ................ ................
Federal TRIO Programs............................................. 828,178 380,100 828,178 828,178 ................ +448,078 ................
GEAR UP........................................................... 303,423 ................ 303,423 303,423 ................ +303,423 ................
Byrd Honors Scholarships.......................................... 40,590 ................ ................ 41,000 +410 +41,000 +41,000
Javits Fellowships................................................ 9,699 9,699 9,699 9,699 ................ ................ ................
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need..................... 30,067 30,067 30,067 30,067 ................ ................ ................
Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants................................ 59,895 ................ 59,895 57,000 ^2,895 +57,000 ^2,895
Child Care Access Means Parents in School......................... 15,810 15,810 15,810 15,810 ................ ................ ................
Advancing America thru foreign language partnerships.............. ................ 24,000 ................ ................ ................ ^24,000 ................
Demonstration in Disabilities/Higher Education.................... 6,875 ................ ................ 6,875 ................ +6,875 +6,875
Underground Railroad Program...................................... 1,980 ................ ................ 1,980 ................ +1,980 +1,980
GPRA data/HEA program evaluation.................................. 970 970 970 970 ................ ................ ................
B.J. Stupak Olympic Scholarships.................................. 970 ................ 970 ................ ^970 ................ ^970
Thurgood Marshall legal education opportunity program............. 2,946 ................ ................ ................ ^2,946 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Higher education..................................... 1,951,053 1,108,711 1,964,203 2,003,192 +52,139 +894,481 +38,989
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Academic Program.................................................. 204,404 204,331 204,331 204,331 ^73 ................ ................
Endowment Program................................................. 3,526 3,600 3,600 3,600 +74 ................ ................
Howard University Hospital........................................ 29,461 29,461 29,461 29,461 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Howard University.................................... 237,391 237,392 237,392 237,392 +1 ................ ................
COLLEGE HOUSING AND ACADEMIC FACILITIES LOANS(CHAFL).............. 567 486 486 486 ^81 ................ ................
HBCU CAPITAL FINANCING PROGRAM--Federal Adm....................... 208 190 190 190 ^18 ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)................. 15,000 ................ ................ ................ ^15,000 ................ ................
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
Research, development and dissemination........................... 162,552 162,552 162,552 162,552 ................ ................ ................
Statistics........................................................ 90,022 93,022 93,022 91,022 +1,000 ^2,000 ^2,000
Regional Educational Laboratories................................. 65,470 65,470 65,470 65,470 ................ ................ ................
Research in special education..................................... 71,840 71,840 71,840 71,840 ................ ................ ................
Special education studies and evaluations......................... 9,900 9,900 9,900 9,900 ................ ................ ................
Statewide data systems............................................ 24,552 54,552 35,000 38,000 +13,448 ^16,552 +3,000
Assessment:.......................................................
National Assessment........................................... 88,095 92,095 92,095 92,095 +4,000 ................ ................
National Assessment Governing Board........................... 5,037 5,037 5,037 5,037 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Assessment...................................... 93,132 97,132 97,132 97,132 +4,000 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, IES................................................ 517,468 554,468 534,916 535,916 +18,448 ^18,552 +1,000
DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:
Salaries and Expenses......................................... 411,150 421,416 421,416 421,416 +10,266 ................ ................
Building Modernization........................................ ................ 4,550 2,500 2,500 +2,500 ^2,050 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Program administration............................. 411,150 425,966 423,916 423,916 +12,766 ^2,050 ................
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS........................................... 90,611 92,866 92,866 92,866 +2,255 ................ ................
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL................................... 48,510 53,145 51,000 51,000 +2,490 ^2,145 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental management.............................. 550,271 571,977 567,782 567,782 +17,511 ^4,195 ................
HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY
Aid for Elementary and Secondary Education, Supplemental (Public
Law 109-148) (emergency):
Programs to restart school operations......................... 750,000 ................ ................ ................ ^750,000 ................ ................
Assistance for homeless children and youth.................... 5,000 ................ ................ ................ ^5,000 ................ ................
Temporary emergency impact aid for displaced students......... 645,000 ................ ................ ................ ^645,000 ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)............. 50,000 ................ ................ ................ ^50,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Elementary and Secondary Education............ 1,450,000 ................ ................ ................ ^1,450,000 ................ ................
Aid for Institutions of Higher Education, Supplemental (Public Law 200,000 ................ ................ ................ ^200,000 ................ ................
109-148) (emergency).............................................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)................. 235,000 ................ ................ ................ ^235,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Hurricane Education Recovery....................... 1,885,000 ................ ................ ................ ^1,885,000 ................ ................
TITLE III GENERAL PROVISIONS
Pell grant shortfall payoff....................................... 4,300,000 ................ ................ ................ ^4,300,000 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Title III, Department of Education................... 64,872,953 57,168,374 58,986,342 58,630,101 ^6,242,852 +1,461,727 ^356,241
Current Year............................................ (49,839,452) (42,134,873) (43,502,841) (43,596,600) (^6,242,852) (+1,461,727) (+93,759)
Emergency appropriations............................ (1,900,000) ................ ................ ................ (^1,900,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2008........................................ (15,033,501) (15,033,501) (15,483,501) (15,033,501) ................ ................ (^450,000)
TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY 4,622 4,995 4,995 4,995 +373 ................ ................
DISABLED.........................................................
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA).......................... 95,464 95,466 95,464 95,466 +2 ................ +2
National Senior Volunteer Corps:
Foster Grandparents Program................................... 110,937 110,943 110,937 110,943 +6 ................ +6
Senior Companion Program...................................... 46,964 46,964 46,964 46,964 ................ ................ ................
Retired Senior Volunteer Program.............................. 59,685 59,685 59,685 59,685 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Senior Volunteers................................. 217,586 217,592 217,586 217,592 +6 ................ +6
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Domestic Volunteer Service Programs.................. 313,050 313,058 313,050 313,058 +8 ................ +8
National and Community Service Programs:
National service trust........................................ 138,600 124,720 124,720 124,720 ^13,880 ................ ................
AmeriCorps grants............................................. 264,825 258,959 218,060 258,959 ^5,866 ................ +40,899
Innovation, assistance, and other activities.................. 16,281 9,029 3,966 12,324 ^3,957 +3,295 +8,358
Evaluation.................................................... 3,960 3,960 2,460 3,960 ................ ................ +1,500
National Civilian Community Corps............................. 26,730 4,950 26,730 26,730 ................ +21,780 ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency)............. 10,000 ................ ................ ................ ^10,000 ................ ................
Learn and Serve America: K-12 and Higher Ed................... 37,125 34,155 34,155 34,155 ^2,970 ................ ................
State Commission Administrative Grants........................ 12,516 12,516 12,516 12,516 ................ ................ ................
Points of Light Foundation.................................... 9,900 9,900 9,900 9,900 ................ ................ ................
America's Promise............................................. 4,950 4,950 4,950 4,950 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National and Community Service Programs........... 524,887 463,139 437,457 488,214 ^36,673 +25,075 +50,757
National and Community Service, Salaries and expenses \13\........ 66,083 70,315 67,483 70,315 +4,232 ................ +2,832
Office of Inspector General....................................... 5,940 4,950 4,950 4,950 ^990 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Corp. for National and Community Service............. 909,960 851,462 822,940 876,537 ^33,423 +25,075 +53,597
CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING:
Fiscal year 2009 (current) with fiscal year 2008 comparable... 400,000 ................ ................ 400,000 ................ +400,000 +400,000
Fiscal year 2008 advance with fiscal year 2007 comparable (400,000) (400,000) (400,000) (400,000) ................ ................ ................
(NA).........................................................
Rescission of fiscal year 2008 funds (NA)................. ................ (^50,000) ................ ................ ................ (+50,000) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, fiscal year 2008 program level................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Fiscal year 2007 advance with fiscal year 2006 comparable (396,000) (400,000) (400,000) (400,000) (+4,000) ................ ................
(NA).........................................................
Rescission of fiscal year 2007 funds (NA)................. ................ (^53,500) ................ ................ ................ (+53,500) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, fiscal year 2007 program level................ 396,000 346,500 400,000 400,000 +4,000 +53,500 ................
Digitalization program, current funded........................ 29,700 ................ ................ 29,700 ................ +29,700 +29,700
Previous appropriated funds (NA) \14\..................... ................ (38,000) (38,000) ................ ................ (^38,000) (^38,000)
Interconnection, current funded............................... 34,650 ................ ................ 36,000 +1,350 +36,000 +36,000
Previous appropriated funds (NA) \14\..................... ................ (36,000) (36,000) (36,000) (+36,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, fiscal year 2007 appropriation................ 64,350 ................ ................ 65,700 +1,350 +65,700 +65,700
FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE........................ 42,601 42,842 42,842 42,842 +241 ................ ................
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION.................. 7,731 7,576 7,731 7,731 ................ +155 ................
INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES.......................... 247,143 262,240 280,415 260,075 +12,932 ^2,165 ^20,340
MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION.............................. 10,066 10,457 10,457 10,457 +391 ................ ................
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND INFO SCIENCE................. 983 983 983 983 ................ ................ ................
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY.................................... 3,113 2,772 3,180 3,180 +67 +408 ................
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD.................................... 249,745 249,789 249,789 249,789 +44 ................ ................
NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD.......................................... 11,512 11,749 11,749 12,500 +988 +751 +751
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION.................. 10,405 10,346 10,510 10,346 ^59 ................ ^164
RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD
Dual Benefits Payments Account.................................... 96,030 88,000 88,000 88,000 ^8,030 ................ ................
Less Income Tax Receipts on Dual Benefits......................... ^6,930 ^6,000 ^6,000 ^6,000 +930 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Dual Benefits..................................... 89,100 82,000 82,000 82,000 ^7,100 ................ ................
Federal Payment to the RR Retirement Account...................... 150 150 150 150 ................ ................ ................
Limitation on Administration...................................... 101,518 103,518 103,518 103,518 +2,000 ................ ................
Inspector General............................................. 7,124 7,606 7,606 7,606 +482 ................ ................
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Payments to Social Security Trust Funds........................... 20,470 27,756 27,756 27,756 +7,286 ................ ................
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Federal benefit payments.......................................... 37,487,174 37,204,000 37,204,000 37,204,000 ^283,174 ................ ................
Beneficiary services.............................................. 52,000 ................ ................ ................ ^52,000 ................ ................
Research and demonstration........................................ 27,000 27,000 27,000 27,000 ................ ................ ................
Administration.................................................... 2,733,000 3,004,000 2,944,000 2,902,000 +169,000 ^102,000 ^42,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, SSI program level................................. 40,299,174 40,235,000 40,175,000 40,133,000 ^166,174 ^102,000 ^42,000
Less funds advanced in prior year....................... ^10,930,000 ^11,110,000 ^11,110,000 ^11,110,000 ^180,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, regular SSI current year.......................... 29,369,174 29,125,000 29,065,000 29,023,000 ^346,174 ^102,000 ^42,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, SSI, current request................................. 29,369,174 29,125,000 29,065,000 29,023,000 ^346,174 ^102,000 ^42,000
New advance, 1st quarter, fiscal year 2008.............. 11,110,000 16,810,000 16,810,000 16,810,000 +5,700,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, SSI program.......................................... 40,479,174 45,935,000 45,875,000 45,833,000 +5,353,826 ^102,000 ^42,000
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
OASDI Trust Funds................................................. 4,573,993 4,587,000 4,587,000 4,429,000 ^144,993 ^158,000 ^158,000
HI/SMI Trust Funds................................................ 1,679,613 1,642,000 1,642,000 1,642,000 ^37,613 ................ ................
Social Security Advisory Board.................................... 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 ................ ................ ................
SSI............................................................... 2,733,000 2,944,000 2,944,000 2,902,000 +169,000 ^42,000 ^42,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, regular LAE....................................... 8,988,606 9,175,000 9,175,000 8,975,000 ^13,606 ^200,000 ^200,000
Additional CDR Funding:
OASDI Trust Funds............................................. ................ 141,000 ................ ................ ................ ^141,000 ................
SSI........................................................... ................ 60,000 ................ ................ ................ ^60,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, additional CDR funding............................ ................ 201,000 ................ ................ ................ ^201,000 ................
User Fees:
SSI User Fee activities....................................... 119,000 117,000 117,000 117,000 ^2,000 ................ ................
SSPA User Fee Activities...................................... 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, User fees......................................... 120,000 118,000 118,000 118,000 ^2,000 ................ ................
Supplemental (Public Law 109-234) (emergency) \15\...... 38,000 ................ ................ ................ ^38,000 ................ ................
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Limitation on Administrative Expenses................ 9,146,606 9,494,000 9,293,000 9,093,000 ^53,606 ^401,000 ^200,000
MEDICARE REFORM FUNDING
Medicare reform funding \16\...................................... (100,842) ................ ................ ................ (^100,842) ................ ................
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Federal Funds..................................................... 25,740 27,000 26,435 25,740 ................ ^1,260 ^695
Trust Funds....................................................... 65,736 69,000 67,976 65,736 ................ ^3,264 ^2,240
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of Inspector General.......................... 91,476 96,000 94,411 91,476 ................ ^4,524 ^2,935
Adjustment: Trust fund transfers from general revenues............ ^2,733,000 ^3,004,000 ^2,944,000 ^2,902,000 ^169,000 +102,000 +42,000
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Social Security Administration....................... 47,004,726 52,548,756 52,346,167 52,143,232 +5,138,506 ^405,524 ^202,935
Federal funds........................................... 40,683,384 46,107,756 46,047,191 46,004,496 +5,321,112 ^103,260 ^42,695
Current year........................................ (29,573,384) (29,297,756) (29,237,191) (29,194,496) (^378,888) (^103,260) (^42,695)
New advances, 1st quarter........................... (11,110,000) (16,810,000) (16,810,000) (16,810,000) (+5,700,000) ................ ................
Trust funds............................................. 6,321,342 6,441,000 6,298,976 6,138,736 ^182,606 ^302,264 ^160,240
=============================================================================================================================
Total, Title IV, Related Agencies........................... 49,164,849 54,197,241 53,985,032 54,281,641 +5,116,792 +84,400 +296,609
Federal Funds........................................... 42,724,799 47,634,660 47,564,475 48,021,324 +5,296,525 +386,664 +456,849
Current Year........................................ (31,214,799) (30,824,660) (30,754,475) (30,811,324) (^403,475) (^13,336) (+56,849)
Fiscal Year 2008 Advance............................ (11,110,000) (16,810,000) (16,810,000) (16,810,000) (+5,700,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2009 Advance............................ (400,000) ................ ................ (400,000) ................ (+400,000) (+400,000)
Trust Funds............................................. 6,440,050 6,562,581 6,420,557 6,260,317 ^179,733 ^302,264 ^160,240
SUMMARY
Federal Funds..................................................... 596,309,013 587,445,386 591,612,933 592,423,684 ^3,885,329 +4,978,298 +810,751
Current year.................................................. (500,125,887) (483,614,468) (487,382,015) (488,192,766) (^11,933,121) (+4,578,298) (+810,751)
2008 advance.................................................. (95,783,126) (103,830,918) (104,230,918) (103,830,918) (+8,047,792) ................ (^400,000)
2009 advance.................................................. (400,000) ................ ................ (400,000) ................ (+400,000) (+400,000)
Trust Funds....................................................... 13,222,288 13,638,158 13,378,039 13,112,588 ^109,700 ^525,570 ^265,451
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total................................................. 609,531,301 601,083,544 604,990,972 605,536,272 ^3,995,029 +4,452,728 +545,300
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes rescission of $125 million for Community College Initiative.
\2\ Two year availability.
\3\ Job Corps transferred in fiscal year 2006 Act from ETA to Depart. Management but requested in ETA for fiscal year 2007.
\4\ Includes Administration for Job Corps funding that transferred from ETA to DM in fiscal year 2006 Act.
\5\ Funds provided for biodefense activities are reflected within HRSA, CDC, and NIH respectively.
\6\ Includes Mine Safety and Health.
\7\ The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provided $74 million for CMS Program Management.
\8\ Fiscal Year 2006 Appropriations Act included a $60 million program administrative reduction.
\9\ The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provided $20 million for the Promoting Safe and Stable Entitlement Program.
\10\ An additional $50 million for Health IT within AHRQ.
\11\ The President's budget did not included this offset proposal within this account. However this display reflects the programmatic impact of the proposal.
\12\ In fiscal year 2006, $600 million was included as mandatory funding.
\13\ Current funded.
\14\ Requested funds for these activities are from previously appropriated funds.
\15\ Funds are transferred from funds appropriated to FEMA.
\16\ Carryover funding available from Public Law 108-173.