[Senate Report 110-107]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 110-107
_______________________________________________________________________
Calendar No. 238
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2008
----------
R E P O R T
of the
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
U.S. SENATE
on
S. 1710
June 27, 2007.--Ordered to be printed
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2008 (S. 1710)
Calendar No. 238
110th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 110-107
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2008
_______
June 27, 2007.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Harkin, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 1710]
The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 1710)
making appropriations for Departments of Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, 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............. $605,536,474,000
Amount of 2007 appropriations....................... 545,857,321,000
Amount of 2008 budget estimate...................... 596,378,249,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2007 appropriations............................. +59,679,153,000
2008 budget estimate............................ +9,158,225,000
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Summary of Budget Estimates and Committee Recommendations........ 4
Overview and Bill Highlights..................................... 4
Highlights of the Bill........................................... 4
Transpancy in Congressional Directives........................... 6
Title I: Department of Labor:
Employment and Training Administration....................... 11
Employee Benefits Security Administration.................... 24
Employment Standards Administration.......................... 26
Occupational Safety and Health Administration................ 30
Mine Safety and Health Administration........................ 32
Bureau of Labor Statistics................................... 34
Office of Disability Employment Policy....................... 35
Departmental Management...................................... 36
General Provisions........................................... 41
Title II: Department of Health and Human Services:
Health Resources and Services Administration................. 43
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention................... 75
National Institutes of Health................................ 106
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.... 164
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality................... 174
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services................... 177
Administration for Children and Families..................... 184
Administration on Aging...................................... 199
Office of the Secretary...................................... 204
General Provisions........................................... 214
Title III: Department of Education:
Education for the Disadvantaged.............................. 217
Impact Aid................................................... 223
School Improvement Programs.................................. 224
Indian Education............................................. 229
Innovation and Improvement................................... 230
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education....................... 242
English Language Acquisition................................. 244
Special Education............................................ 245
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research.............. 247
Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities:
American Printing House for the Blind.................... 253
National Technical Institute for the Deaf................ 253
Gallaudet University..................................... 254
Career, Technical, and Adult Education....................... 254
Student Financial Assistance................................. 257
Student Aid Administration................................... 259
Higher Education............................................. 259
Howard University............................................ 271
College Housing and Academic Facilities Loans................ 271
Historically Black College and University Capital Financing
Program.................................................... 272
Institute of Education Science............................... 272
Departmental Management:
Program Administration................................... 276
Office for Civil Rights.................................. 277
Office of the Inspector General.......................... 278
General Provisions........................................... 278
Title IV: Related Agencies:
Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely
Dis-
abled...................................................... 280
Corporation for National and Community Service............... 280
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.......................... 285
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service................... 285
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission............. 286
Institute of Museum and Library Services..................... 286
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission......................... 289
National Commission on Libraries and Information Science..... 289
National Council on Disability............................... 289
National Labor Relations Board............................... 290
National Mediation Board..................................... 290
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission............. 290
Railroad Retirement Board.................................... 291
Social Security Administration............................... 292
Title V: General Provisions...................................... 296
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 297
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the Sen-
ate............................................................ 297
Compliance With Paragraph 7(C), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 298
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 299
Comparative Statement of New Budget Authority.................... 300
SUMMARY OF BUDGET ESTIMATES AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
For fiscal year 2008, the Committee recommends total budget
authority of $605,536,474,000 for the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies.
Of this amount, $149,872,000,000 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
$5,247,010,000 for job training programs. This includes
$1,659,872,000 for the Office of Job Corps, an increase of
$53,595,000 over the 2007 level and $109,500,000 more than the
request. The Committee rejected the administration's proposal
to cancel $335,000,000 in job training funds currently
available for training purposes.
Worker Protection.--The Committee bill provides
$828,473,000 to ensure the health and safety of workers,
including $498,445,000 for the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration and $330,028,000 for the Mine Safety and Health
Administration. This total is $40,335,000 more than the 2007
level and $24,718,000 more than the budget request.
Child Labor.--The Committee bill includes $82,516,000 for
activities designed to end abusive child labor. This is
$10,000,000 above the 2007 level.
National Institutes of Health.--A total of $29,899,887,000
is recommended to fund biomedical research at the 27 Institutes
and Centers that comprise the NIH. This represents an increase
of $1,000,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level and
$1,278,646,000 over the budget request.
Health Centers.--The recommendation includes $2,238,039,000
for health centers, $250,000,000 over the fiscal 2007 level.
Nursing Education.--The Committee recommends $169,679,000
for nursing education, $20,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007
level.
Autism.--The Committee bill includes $53,500,000 for
prevention of and support for families affected by autism and
other related developmental disorders. This is an increase of
$18,500,000 over last year's appropriation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.--A total of
$6,426,833,000 is provided in this bill for the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. This is an increase of
$224,161,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level. This level does
not include funding for the influenza pandemic, which is
appropriated in the HHS Office of the Secretary.
Substance Abuse.--The Committee bill provides
$3,404,798,000 for substance abuse prevention and treatment
programs. Included in this amount is $2,185,159,000 for
substance abuse treatment, $197,108,000 for substance abuse
prevention and $923,812,000 for mental health programs.
Pandemic Influenza.--The Committee recommendation includes
$888,000,000 to prepare for and respond to an influenza
pandemic. Funds are available for the development and purchase
of vaccine, antivirals, necessary medical supplies,
diagnostics, and other surveillance tools.
Head Start.--The Committee bill includes $7,088,571,000 for
the Head Start Program. This represents an increase of
$200,000,000 over the 2007 comparable level.
Persons With Disabilities.--The Committee recommendation
includes $228,548,000 to promote independent living in home and
community-based settings. This includes $27,712,000 for the
Office of Disability Employment Policy at the Department of
Labor and $190,836,000 for programs funded under the Help
America Vote Act and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act. It also includes $10,000,000 for Real
Choice Systems Change Grants through the Center for Medicaid
and Medicare Services.
Title I (Education).--The Committee has provided
$13,909,900,000 for title I grants to LEAs, an increase of
$1,071,775,000 over the fiscal year 2007 appropriation, and
$500,000,000 for school improvement grants, an increase of
$375,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level.
Student Financial Aid.--The Committee recommends
$16,368,883,000 for student financial assistance. The Pell
Grant Program continues its current maximum grant award of
$4,310.
Higher Education Initiatives.--The Committee bill provides
$2,028,302,000 for initiatives to provide greater opportunities
for higher education, including $858,178,000 for Federal TRIO
programs, an increase of $30,000,000, and $313,423,000 for GEAR
UP, an increase of $10,000,000.
Education for Individuals With Disabilities.--The Committee
bill provides $12,330,374,000 to help ensure that all children
have access to a free and appropriate education. This amount
includes $11,240,000,000 for Part B grants to States, an
increase of $457,039,000 over last year and $748,059,000 more
than the budget request. The recommended level will reverse the
declining share of Federal resources for educating students
with disabilities and raise it to 17.65 percent, the same
amount as it was in 2006.
Rehabilitation Services.--The bill recommends
$3,286,942,000 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 and rejected the
Department's proposal to freeze State grant funding at the 2007
level.
Services for Older Americans.--For programs serving older
Americans, the Committee recommendation includes
$3,298,628,000. This recommendation includes $217,586,000 for
senior volunteer programs, $483,611,000 for community service
employment for older Americans, $350,595,000 for supportive
services and centers, $162,595,000 for family caregiver support
programs and $773,570,000 for senior nutrition programs. For
the medical research activities of the National Institute on
Aging, the Committee recommends $1,073,048,000. The Committee
recommendation also includes not less than $35,000,000 for the
Medicare insurance counseling program.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.--The Committee bill
recommends an advance appropriation for fiscal year 2010 of
$420,000,000 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In
addition, the Committee bill includes $29,700,000 for
conversion to digital broadcasting and $26,750,000 for the
replacement project of the interconnection system in fiscal
year 2008 funding.
Transparency in Congressional Directives
On January 18, 2007, the Senate passed S. 1, The
Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007, by a
vote of 96-2. While the Committee awaits final action on this
legislation, the chairman and ranking member of the Committee
issued interim requirements to ensure that the goals of S. 1
are in place for the appropriations bills for fiscal year 2008.
The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the
purse. The Committee believes strongly that Congress should
make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money. In
order to improve transparency and accountability in the process
of approving earmarks (as defined in S. 1) in appropriations
measures, each Committee report includes, for each earmark:
--(1) the name of the Member(s) making the request, and where
appropriate, the President;
--(2) the name and location of the intended recipient or, if
there is no specifically intended recipient, the
intended location of the activity; and
--(3) the purpose of such earmark.
The term ``congressional earmark'' means a provision or
report language included primarily at the request of a Senator,
providing, authorizing, or recommending a specific amount of
discretionary budget authority, credit authority, or other
spending authority for a contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant,
loan authority, or other expenditure with or to an entity, or
targeted to a specific state, locality or congressional
district, other than through a statutory or administrative,
formula-driven, or competitive award process.
For each earmark, a Member is required to provide a
certification that neither the Member (nor his or her spouse)
has a pecuniary interest in such earmark, consistent with
Senate Rule XXXVII(4). Such certifications are available to the
public at http://appropriations.senate.gov/senators.cfm or go
to appropriations.senate.gov and click on ``Members''.
In addition the Committee has significantly reduced the
number and amount of earmarks included in the fiscal year 2008
bill as compared to fiscal year 2005.
The Committee has instituted these reforms to ensure that
there is accountability in how it executes its constitutional
authority to spend Federal dollars. The executive branch must
do the same. The Committee notes, for example, that the
Department of Health and Human Services awarded almost
$2,000,000,000 in contracts not subject to full and open
competition in 2006. In addition, a recent Congressional
Research Service report found that 90 percent of the funds
under the Department of Labor's High Growth Job Training
Initiative were awarded non-competitively, resulting in more
than $250,000,000 being awarded over the past 5 years without
any competition or public oversight Therefore, the Committee
has included a general provision in title V requiring the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education
to provide a quarterly report to the Committee listing all
contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements awarded by the
Department over the past 90 days for amounts over $100,000 that
were not awarded competitively.
Initiatives
Improving the Implementation of NCLB
The No Child Left Behind Act includes dozens of authorized
funding programs. But when people talk about the need to
adequately fund the law, they're usually thinking of title I
grants to local educational agencies. And rightly so. The
largest and most important of the Federal education programs,
title I grants to LEAs help the students who need help the
most--the millions who are being left behind. It is also the
program that, under the NCLB, holds schools accountable for
improving student performance. That is why, when Congress wrote
the NCLB, it authorized specific funding levels for title I for
each year through fiscal year 2007.
Regrettably, the Federal Government fell short of its
commitment on title I each year, and each year the gap between
the authorized and appropriated levels grew wider, reaching a
cumulative total of $54,700,000,000, while the accountability
requirements on schools grew more and more demanding.
For fiscal year 2008, the Committee attempts to reverse
this trend by recommending the largest increase for title I in
5 years--$1,071,775,000. The administration called for the same
increase, but offset the additional funds by proposing to
terminate dozens of other programs, including career and
technical education State grants, education technology State
grants, arts in education, and school counseling; the Committee
recommendation achieves its title I increase while preserving
most of the targeted programs.
Increasing funding for title I grants to LEAs is not the
only way that Federal appropriations can be used to improve the
implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act, however.
Particularly in the areas of research and technical assistance,
it's far more efficient and effective for the Federal
Government to provide key education services than expecting
States and localities to reinvent the wheel many times over.
Therefore, the Committee has made it a top priority to identify
those pots of money that will help schools meet their NCLB
accountability requirements, and increase their funding to the
extent possible.
School Improvement Grants.--More than 10,000 schools are
currently designated in need of improvement, meaning they
failed to meet NCLB accountability standards for 2 years in a
row. The school improvement grants program targets title I
funding directly to such schools, with the goal of turning them
around. Congress funded this program for the first time in the
fiscal year 2007 joint funding resolution, at a level of
$125,000,000. For fiscal year 2008, the Committee recommends an
increase to $500,000,000.
Enhanced Assessment Instruments.--Accurate assessments are
key to measuring student achievement. But concerns have been
raised about the quality of those currently in use. The
Committee recommends $16,000,000--more than double the fiscal
year 2007 appropriation of $7,563,000--for competitive grants
to develop enhanced assessment instruments. The Committee
intends the Department to put a priority on assessments for
students with disabilities and students with limited English
proficiency--two groups for which high-quality assessments have
been particularly problematic to develop.
Comprehensive Centers.--These 21 centers, spread out
geographically across the country, are charged with advising
States how to implement NCLB and meet the law's accountability
goals. Some, for example, help States develop ways to provide
professional development, track student achievement data, and
offer assistance to schools that have been designated in need
of improvement. The Committee recommends increasing funding for
this program from $56,257,000 to $60,000,000.
Research, Development and Dissemination.--This program
supports investments in research intended to generate solutions
to critical problems in education. The Committee notes that one
of the bipartisan recommendations of the Commission on No Child
Left Behind is to double the research budget at IES and target
the increase to research that assists schools in meeting the
goals of NCLB. The Committee recommends increasing funding for
this purpose from $162,552,000 to $182,552,000.
Regional Educational Laboratories.--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 recommends increasing funding for
this program from $65,470,000 to $68,000,000 to increase their
capacity to provide timely responses to requests for assistance
on issues of urgent regional need.
Statewide Data Systems.--This program supports competitive
grants to State educational agencies to enable them to design,
develop, and implement statewide, longitudinal data systems for
managing, analyzing, disaggregating, and using individual
student data. The Committee notes that one of the bipartisan
recommendations of the Commission on No Child Left Behind is to
assist States with the development, implementation and ongoing
support of sufficient data systems, by increasing the budget
for this program by an additional $100,000,000 for each of the
next 4 years. Funding provided to date has assisted 14 States,
with another 17 expected to be funded this year. The Committee
recommends increasing funding for this program from $24,552,000
to $58,000,000, to enable more States to develop and strengthen
their data systems.
Elimination of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
For fiscal year 2008, the Committee has increased funding
for a variety of activities aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and
abuse of taxpayer dollars. These program integrity initiatives
have been shown to be a wise investment of Federal dollars
resulting in billions of dollars of savings from Federal
entitlement programs--unemployment insurance, Medicare and
Medicaid, and Social Security.
Unemployment Insurance Program Integrity.--The Committee
recommendation includes $50,000,000, an increase of
$40,000,000, to conduct eligibility reviews of claimants of
Unemployment Insurance. This increase will save an estimated
$200,000,000 annually in inappropriate Unemployment Insurance
payments.
Social Security Program Integrity.--The Committee
recommendation includes $476,970,000 for conducting continuing
disability reviews [CDRs] and redeterminations of eligibility
for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income
benefits. CDRs save $10 in benefit payments for every $1 spent
to conduct these activities, while redeterminations save $7 in
payments for every $1 for doing this work.
TANF Improper Payments.--The Committee recommendation
includes an increase of $6,200,000 for the Administration for
Children and Families [ACF] to establish error rates for the
temporary assistance to needy families [TANF] and child care
programs. Efforts to minimize improper payments in these
programs are particularly important given that they total over
$34,000,000,000 in Federal and State funds annually. Previous
ACF program integrity efforts have achieved over $600,000,000
in savings in the Head Start and foster care programs.
Health Care Program Integrity.--In fiscal year 2006,
Medicare and Medicaid outlays accounted for nearly $1 out of
every $5 of the total Federal outlays. Fraud committed against
Federal health care programs puts Americans at increased risk
and diverts critical resources from providing necessary health
services to some of the Nation's most vulnerable populations.
The Committee has included $383,000,000 for Health Care
Fraud and Abuse Control activities at the Center for Medicare
and Medicaid Services. This is $200,000,000 more than requested
by the administration.
Investment in health care program integrity more than pays
for itself based on 10 years of documented recoveries to the
Medicare Part A Trust Fund. In fiscal year 2006 the Medicare
Integrity Program [MIP] reported savings of more than
$10,000,000,000. This computes to a 14:1 overall return on
investment from MIP oversight activities. The overall return on
investment has been consistent since the inception of MIP with
special projects and initiatives achieving even higher returns.
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.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $3,556,272,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 2,972,039,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,587,138,000
The Committee recommends $3,587,138,000 for this account in
2008 which provides funding primarily for activities under the
Workforce Investment Act [WIA]. The comparable 2007 level is
$3,556,272,000 and the administration request is
$2,972,039,000. The Committee recommendation rejects the
proposed $335,000,000 cancellation of unexpended balances
proposed in the 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 2008 will support
the program from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. A portion
of this account's funding, $1,772,000,000, is advance
appropriated, yet still available for the forward-funded
program year.
The Committee expects that, while the Workforce Investment
Act, Wagner-Peyser Act, and Trade Adjustment Act are 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.
Therefore, legislative language is included in section 107 of
the general provisions that prohibits the Department from
taking such action while Congress considers legislation
reauthorizing these acts.
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
includes language in section 108 of the general provisions
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. This language
is continued from last year's bill.
The Committee notes that the number of unemployed workers
has increased by 842,000, while the number of manufacturing
jobs has decreased by 3 million since 2001. Despite these
trends, the Department of Labor has consistently proposed
cutting funding available for job training. The Committee once
again rejects these proposed cuts.
While the Committee is interested in ensuring that more
training is accomplished with the funds available--a stated
concern of the Department as well--the Committee disagrees with
the proposed solutions of the Department. These can be stated
simply as funding cuts and consolidation of programs. The
Committee believes these policy solutions are not the right
ones to move American workers forward in this competitive
global marketplace.
Grants to States
The Committee recommendation includes $2,994,510,000 for
Training and Employment Services Grants to States, the same as
the fiscal year 2007 comparable amount. The budget request
includes $2,455,439,000 for this purpose. In addition, the
budget proposes to cancel $335,000,000 of job training funds
currently available to the workforce development system. The
Committee rejects this proposal and notes that the Government
Accountability Office has analyzed spending of the workforce
development system and found that these funds generally are
being spent within authorized timeframes. For example, the GAO
found that 44 States spent 90 percent or more of their program
year 2000 allotment within 2 years, even though 3 years is the
amount of time they have to spend these funds.
The budget request also proposes legislative language to
increase the amount of funds that a local workforce board may
transfer between the adult and dislocated worker assistance
program from the 30 percent under current law to 40 percent,
with the approval of the Governor. The Committee bill does not
provide the recommended increase to 40 percent and the
Committee notes that many States report that no funds have been
transferred under this authority while other States have
received waivers from the Department to transfer 100 percent of
such funds.
The budget request also includes language allowing the
Secretary to reallocate funds available under the Adult, Youth
and Dislocated Worker programs if the total amount of
unexpended balances in a State exceeds 30 percent during
program year 2006. These funds would be reallocated using
program year 2007 funds to States that have unexpended balances
lower than 30 percent. The Committee recommendation does not
include the requested language and notes that this issue is
most appropriately addressed during the reauthorization of the
Workforce Investment Act.
Adult Employment and Training.--For Adult Employment and
Training Activities, the Committee recommends $864,199,000. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $864,199,000 and the
budget request includes $712,000,000 for this purpose. 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.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2008
activities, which occur from July 1, 2008 through June 30,
2009. The bill provides that $152,199,000 is available for
obligation on July 1, 2008, and that $712,000,000 is available
on October 1, 2008. Both categories of funding are available
for obligation through June 30, 2009.
Youth Training.--For Youth Training, the Committee
recommends $940,500,000. The comparable fiscal year 2007 level
is $940,500,000 and the budget request includes $840,500,000
for this purpose. 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 supported include mentoring, training, supportive
services, and summer employment directly linked to academic and
occupational learning, incentives for recognition and
achievement, and activities related to leadership development,
citizenship, and community service.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2008
activities, which occur from April 1, 2008 through June 30,
2009. The bill provides that $940,500,000 is available for
obligation on April 1, 2008 and available for obligation
through June 30, 2009.
Dislocated Worker Assistance.--For Dislocated Worker
Assistance, the Committee recommends $1,189,811,000. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $1,189,811,000 and the
budget request includes $902,939,000 for this purpose. This
program is a State-operated effort which provides core and
intensive services, training, and support 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, and programs such as Advanced
Manufacturing Integrated Systems Technology.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2008
activities, which occur from July 1, 2008 through June 30,
2009. The bill provides that $341,811,000 is available for
obligation on July 1, 2008, and that $848,000,000 is available
on October 1, 2008. Both categories of funding are available
for obligation through June 30, 2009.
Federally Administered Programs
Dislocated Worker Assistance National Reserve.--The
Committee recommends $282,092,000 for the Dislocated Worker
National Reserve, which is 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 a community college initiative.
Funds made available in this bill support program year 2008
activities, which occur from July 1, 2008 through June 30,
2009. The bill provides that $66,392,000 is available for
obligation on July 1, 2008, and that $212,000,000 is available
on October 1, 2008. Both categories of funding are available
for obligation through June 30, 2009.
The bill also provides that $3,700,000 of the funds
available from the National Reserve are available on October 1,
2007 for non-competitive grants made within 30 days of the date
of enactment of this act. The Department shall make non-
competitive grants of $1,500,000 to the AFL-CIO Working for
America Institute (Funding for this grant was requested by
Senator Harkin) and $2,200,000 to the AFL Appalachian Council,
Incorporated (Funding for this grant was requested by Senator
Specter).
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 is aware of the economic diversification
opportunity brought on by the recent closures of U.S. pineapple
plantations and encourages the Department to consider possible
collaborations between State and statewide agricultural
organizations that sponsor multi-culturally sensitive on-farm
food safety training to mitigate worker dislocation.
Community-Based Job Training Initiative.--Within the
Committee recommendation for the Dislocated Worker Assistance
National Reserve, $125,000,000 is available to continue the
Community College/Community-Based Job Training Grant
initiative. The comparable fiscal year 2007 level is
$125,000,000 and the budget request includes $150,000,000 for
this purpose. 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
recommendation includes a general provision requiring these
grants to be awarded competitively.
The Committee notes the lack of baselines and performance
information on training outcomes achieved under this program.
The Committee requests that the Department include in its
fiscal year 2009 budget justification a thorough analysis of
available grantee reporting on training outcomes and a
description of how the Department intends to evaluate the
effectiveness of this new program.
Native American Programs.--For Native American programs,
the Committee recommends $53,696,000. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 level is $53,696,000 and the budget request includes
$45,000,000 for this purpose. 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 Farmworker Programs.--For Migrant and
Seasonal Farmworkers, the Committee recommends $79,752,000. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $79,752,000, while the
budget proposes to eliminate funding for this purpose.
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 recommendation provides that $74,302,000 be
used for State service area grants. The Committee
recommendation also includes bill language directing that
$4,950,000 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 recommendation also includes
$500,000 to be used for section 167 training, technical
assistance and related activities, including funds for migrant
rest center activities. 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.
Women in Apprenticeship.--The Committee recommends
$1,000,000 for program year 2008 activities as authorized under
the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations Act
of 1992. The comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $1,000,000,
while the budget proposes to eliminate funding for this
purpose. These funds provide for technical assistance to
employers and unions to assist them in training, placing, and
retraining women in nontraditional jobs and occupations.
YouthBuild.--The Committee recommends $65,000,000 for the
YouthBuild program. The comparable fiscal year 2007 level is
$49,500,000 and the budget request includes $50,000,000 for
this purpose.
The YouthBuild program provides the opportunity for
eligible youth to learn construction trade skills by building
or rehabilitating housing for low-income individuals, earn a
high school diploma or equivalency degree, and prepare for
postsecondary training. Personal counseling and training in
life skills and financial management also are provided. The
students are a part of a mini-community of adults and youth
committed to each other's success and to improving the
conditions in their neighborhoods.
The Committee notes that 68,000 YouthBuild students have
built or rehabilitated 16,000 units of affordable housing since
1994. Construction projects range from constructing new homes
to restoring multi-unit buildings to rebuilding entire
neighborhoods.
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 proposed
returning the program to the Employment and Training
Administration. This program is described in a separate account
in this report.
National Activities
Pilots, Demonstrations, and Research.--The Committee
recommends $30,650,000 for pilots, demonstration and research
authorized by section 171 of the Workforce Investment Act. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $14,700,000 and the budget
request includes $13,000,000 for this purpose. These funds
support grants or contracts to conduct research, pilots or
demonstrations that improve techniques or demonstrate the
effectiveness of programs.
The Committee encourages the Department to re-assess the
performance measures currently in use for pilots,
demonstrations, evaluation and research. The ones currently
utilized are process goals that don't address how such funds
are used to improve the effectiveness of Department programs.
The Committee bill also includes language under section 105 of
the general provisions that requires the Department to submit
an operating plan by July 1, 2008 which details the planned
expenditure of these funds.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alu Like, Inc., Honolulu, HI, $100,000 Inouye
for training and education.
Arc of Blackstone Valley, 325,000 Reed
Pawtucket, RI, to recruit
individuals to work as direct
support professionals in the
human services.
Baltimore Department of 500,000 Cardin
Planning, Baltimore, MD, to
support the expansion of
workforce development
resources.
Barnabus Uplift, Des Moines, 500,000 Harkin
Iowa, for job training and
supportive services.
Bismarck State College, 1,000,000 Dorgan, Conrad
Bismarck, ND, for the energy
training program.
Brockton Area Private Industry 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Council, Inc., Brockton, MA,
for workforce development
programs.
Capps Workforce Training 500,000 Cochran
Center, Moorhead, MS, for
Workforce Training.
Catholic Charities, Chicago, 550,000 Durbin
IL, for vocational training
and support programs at the
Saint Leo Residence for
Veterans.
Community Agricultural 250,000 Murray
Vocational Institute, Yakima,
WA, for training of
agricultural workers.
Community College of Allegheny 75,000 Specter
College, Pittsburgh, PA, for
job training programs.
Community Solution for 150,000 Smith
Clackamas County, Oregon City,
Oregon, to expand the Working
for Independence (WFI) program.
Community Transportation 500,000 Harkin
Associatin of America,
Washinton, DC, for the
Joblinks program for
continuation costs.
Cook Inlet Tribal Council, 500,000 Stevens
Inc., Anchorage, AK, for the
Alaska's People program to
provide job training and
employment counseling.
Crowder College, Neosho, MO, to 775,000 Bond
expand technical education
programs for workforce
development.
Des Moines Area Community 250,000 Harkin, Grassley
College, Des Moines, Iowa, for
Project Employ- ment.
Eastern Michigan University, 400,000 Stabenow, Levin
Ypsilanti, MI, for retraining
of displaced workers.
Eastern Technology Council, 75,000 Specter, Casey
Wayne, PA, for job training
programs.
Fort Lewis College, Durango, 150,000 Allard, Salazar
CO, for the development of
entrepreneurship programs to
enhance regional development.
Foundation for an Independent 150,000 Reid
Tomorrow, Las Vegas, NV, for
job training, vocational
education, and related support.
Foundation of the Delaware 75,000 Specter
County Chamber, Media, PA, for
job training programs.
Goodwill Industries of 250,000 Kohl
Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.,
Milwaukee, WI, to provide
training, employment and
supportive services, including
for individuals with
disabilities.
Hamilton County Government, 150,000 Alexander
Chattanooga, TN, for a
workforce initiative.
Harrisburg Area Community 75,000 Specter
College, Harrisburg, PA, for
job training pro- grams.
Idaho Women Work! at Eastern 150,000 Craig
Idaho Technical College, Idaho
Falls, ID, to continue and
expand the Recruiting for the
Information Technology Age
(RITA) initiative in Idaho.
Iowa Policy Project, Mount 400,000 Harkin
Vernon, IA, for a study on
temporary and contingent
workers.
Iowa Valley Community College, 175,000 Harkin
Marshalltown, IA, for
community outreach and
training center.
Linking Employment, Abilities 200,000 Brown
and Potential, Cleveland,
Ohio, for training and skill
development services for
individuals with disabilities
in coordination with the local
workforce investment system.
MAGLEV Inc., McKeesport, PA, 100,000 Specter
for a training program in
advanced precision fabrication.
Massachussets League of 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Community Health Centers, East
Boston, MA, for a health-care
workforce development program.
Maui Community College, HI, for 2,400,000 Inouye
the Remote Rural Hawaii Job
Training project.
Maui Community College Training 1,800,000 Inouye
and Educational Opportunities,
HI, for training and education.
Maui Economic Development 475,000 Inouye
Board, HI, for high tech
training.
Maui Economic Development 300,000 Inouye
Board, HI, for the rural
computer utilization training
program.
Memphis, Tennessee, for a 250,000 Alexander
prisoner re-entry program.
Minnesota State Colleges and 1,000,000 Coleman, Klobuchar
Universities, St. Paul, MN,
for rapid reemployment
services for veterans.
Minot State University, Minot, 750,000 Dorgan, Conrad
ND, to provide training and
master's degrees to Job Corps
Center senior management
personnel.
Mississippi State University, 400,000 Cochran
Mississippi State, MS, for the
Mississippi Integrated
Workforce Performance System.
Mississippi State University, 200,000 Cochran
Mississippi State, MS, for
training development and
delivery system at the
Distributed Learning System
for Workforce Training Program.
Mississippi Technology 150,000 Cochran
Alliance, Ridgeland, MS, for
the Center for Innovation and
Entrepreneurial Services.
Mississippi Valley State 200,000 Cochran
University, Itta Bena, MS, for
training and development
programs at the Automated
Identification Technology
(AIT)/Automatic Data
Collection (ADC).
Moreno Valley, CA, to provide 150,000 Boxer
vocational training for young
adults, as well as the
development of an internship
with local businesses to put
the trainees' job skills to
use upon graduation.
National Council of La Raza in 500,000 Harkin
Washington, DC, to provide
technical assistance on
Hispanic workforce issues
including capacity building,
language barriers, and health
care job training in Iowa and
other Midwestern States.
Neumann College, Aston, PA, for 75,000 Specter
the Partnership Advancing
Training for Careers in Health
program.
North Side Industrial 75,000 Specter
Development Corporation,
Pittsburgh, PA, for job
training programs.
Northwest Washington Electrical 150,000 Murray
Industry Joint Apprenticeship
and Training Committee, Mount
Vernon, WA, for expanded
training capability, including
the acquisition of training
equipment, to meet the need
for skilled electrical workers.
Northwest Wisconsin 300,000 Kohl
Concentrated Employment
Program, Inc., Ashland, WI,
for workforce development
training in Northwest
Wisconsin.
Pacific Mountain Workforce 200,000 Murray
Consortium, Tumwater, WA, for
training of qualified
foresters and restoration
professionals in Lewis County.
Pennsylvania Women Work!, 100,000 Specter
Pittsburgh, PA, for job
training programs.
Philadelphia Shipyard 100,000 Specter
Development Corporation,
Philadelphia, PA, for job
training programs.
Philadelphia Veterans Multi- 75,000 Specter
Service & Education Center,
Philadelphia, PA, for veterans
job training.
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber 75,000 Specter
of Commerce Enterprise
Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA,
for workforce development.
Port Jobs, in partnership with 100,000 Murray
South Seattle Community
College, Seattle, WA, for
training of entry-level
airport workers.
Portland Community College, 100,000 Wyden, Smith
Portland, OR, to support the
Center for Business and
Industry.
Project ARRIBA, El Paso, TX, 100,000 Hutchison
for workforce development in
the West Texas region.
Rhodes State College, Lima, 150,000 Brown
Ohio, for equipment,
curriculum development,
training and internships for
high-tech engineering
technology programs.
Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, 100,000 Inhofe
Inc., Durant, OK, for
entrepreneurship training
programs.
Saint Leonard's Ministries, 350,000 Durbin
Chicago, IL, for job training
and placement for ex-offenders.
San Jose, CA, for job training 400,000 Feinstein
for the homeless.
Santa Ana, CA, for the Work 900,000 Feinstein, Boxer
Experience and Literacy
Program.
Santa Maria El Mirador, Santa 700,000 Domenici
Fe, NM, to provide an
employment training program.
Southwest Washington Workforce 200,000 Murray
Development Council,
Vancouver, WA, to create and
sustain a partnership between
business, education and
workforce leaders in Southwest
Washington.
STRIVE/East Harlem Employment 500,000 Schumer, Clinton
Service, Inc., New York, NY,
for the Core job training
program.
Twin Cities Rise!, Minneapolis, 300,000 Klobuchar
MN, for job training
initiatives.
United Auto Workers Region 9 250,000 Schumer, Clinton
Training Initiative, in New
York, for Competitive
Employment Training Assistance.
University of Mississippi, 100,000 Cochran
University, MS, for the
Southeastern Center for Human
Resources Management to
develop a partnership between
corporations and university
scholars.
University of Southern 500,000 Cochran
Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS,
for Workforce Training in
Marine Composite.
University of West Florida, 100,000 Martinez
Pensacola, FL, for the
Hometown Heroes Teach program,
for teaching certificates for
veterans.
Urban League of Lancaster 75,000 Specter
County, Inc., Lancaster, PA,
for job training programs.
Vermont Department of Labor, 600,000 Leahy
Montpelier, VT, for job
training of female inmates in
Vermont as they prepare to
reenter the workforce.
Vermont Healthcare and 250,000 Leahy
Information Technology
Education Center, Williston,
VT, for advanced manufacturing
training of displaced workers.
Vermont Healthcare and 650,000 Leahy
Information Technology
Education Center, Williston,
VT, for health care training
of displaced workers.
Vermont Technical College and 700,000 Leahy
Vermont Workforce Development
Council, Randolph Center, VT,
to provide job training to
displaced workers in Vermont.
Washington Workforce 500,000 Murray
Association, Vancouver, WA,
for job shadowing,
internships, and scholarships
to prepare students for high-
demand occupations.
Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha 450,000 Kohl
Workforce Development Inc.,
Pewaukee, WI, for advanced
manufacturing and technology
training.
Wisconsin Community Action 325,000 Kohl
Program, Madison, WI, for job
training assistance of low-
income individuals.
Wisconsin Regional Training 300,000 Kohl
Partnership, Milwaukee, WI, to
assess, prepare, and place job-
ready candidates in
construction, manufacturing,
and other skilled trades and
industries.
Workforce Connections, Inc., La 150,000 Kohl
Crosse, WI, to develop and
implement strategic workforce
development activities in
Western Wisconsin.
Workforce Resource, Inc., 250,000 Kohl
Menomonie, WI, for employment
assistance.
Wrightco Technologies, Inc, 100,000 Specter
Claysburg, PA, to provide job
training, retraining and
vocational educational
programs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsible Reintegration of Youthful Offenders.--The
Committee recommendation includes $55,000,000 to continue
funding for the current Responsible Reintegration of Youthful
Offenders program. The comparable fiscal year 2007 level is
$49,104,000, while the budget proposed to eliminate funding for
this program. 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 intends that funds available for this purpose
under the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and this act be used
to continue the youth violence prevention initiative initiated
with program year 2006 funds.
Prisoner Re-entry.--The Committee recommendation does not
include funding for the Prisoner Re-entry initiative. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $19,642,000, while the
budget request proposed eliminating funding for this purpose.
The budget proposes to redirect these funds to a new
Responsible Reintegration of Ex-Offenders program described
below.
Responsible Reintegration of Ex-Offenders.--The Committee
recommends $13,642,000 for the Responsible Reintegration of Ex-
Offenders program. The budget request includes $39,600,000 for
this new initiative. Funds would be used to connect adult ex-
offenders with pre-release, mentoring, housing, case management
and employment services, utilizing the best practices learned
from the Prisoner Re-entry initiative.
The Committee urges the Department to award grants to
organizations that will: (1) implement programs, practices, or
strategies shown in well-designed randomized controlled trials
to have sizable, sustained effects on important workforce and
reintegration outcomes; (2) adhere closely to the specific
elements of the proven program, practice, or strategy; and (3)
obtain sizeable matching funds for their project from other
Federal or non-Federal sources, such as the Adult Training
formula grant program authorized under the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998, or State or local programs.
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.
The comparable fiscal year 2007 level is $4,921,000 and the
budget request includes $7,000,000 for this purpose.
Community-based Job Training Grants.--The Committee
recommends $125,000,000 for this initiative from the Dislocated
Worker National Reserve, as described earlier in this section.
This is the same financing arrangement provided for in last
year's bill. The budget request includes $150,000,000 for this
initiative. The Committee recommendation includes a general
provision requiring these grants to be awarded competitively.
Denali Commission.--The Committee recommends $6,875,000 for
the Denali Commission, as authorized in Public Law 108-7, for
job training in connection with infrastructure building
projects it funds in rural Alaska. The comparable fiscal year
2007 level is $6,875,000, while the budget proposes to
eliminate funding for this purpose. Funding will allow un-and
underemployed rural Alaskans to train for better jobs in their
villages.
Other.--The Committee does not recommend additional
resources for the provision of technical assistance activities
funded previously from this category. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 level is $480,000 and the budget request did not
recommend funding for this activity. Funds are available for
this purpose under the pilots, demonstrations and research
program.
Job Training for Employment in High Growth Industries.--The
Committee continues to have a strong interest in the
initiatives funded from H-1B fees for job training services and
related capacity-building activities. The Committee is
concerned that 90 percent of the funds made available under the
High Growth Job Training Initiative have not been awarded on a
competitive basis. The Committee recommendation continues
language similar to that included in last year's bill which
requires awards under the High Growth Job Training Initiative,
Community Based Job Training Grants and Workforce Innovation in
Regional Economic Development initiative to be made on a
competitive basis.
The Committee notes that there is limited evidence of the
training outcomes achieved under the Department's Demand Driven
Workforce Initiative, which includes the High Growth Job
Training Initiative, Community Based Job Training Grants
program, and Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic
Development initiative. The Committee is also concerned that
this initiative is not sufficiently linked with the workforce
development system. The Committee requests the Department
provide information in the fiscal year 2009 budget
justification on the initiative's integration with the public
workforce development system, evaluation plan, and performance
outcomes and measures.
The Committee notes that the United States is in the midst
of a nursing shortage that is expected to intensify as baby
boomers age and the need for health care grows. In April 2006,
the Health Resources and Services Administration released
projections that the Nation's nursing shortage would grow to
more than one million nurses by the year 2020. According to
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, U.S. nursing
schools turned away almost 42,000 qualified nursing school
applicants due in part to an insufficient number of faculty.
The Committee encourages the Department to consider ways to
support nursing schools efforts to address this workforce
shortage, including methods of alleviating the nurse faculty
shortage.
COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $483,611,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 350,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 483,611,000
The Committee recommends $483,611,000 for community service
employment for older Americans. The comparable fiscal year 2007
level is $483,611,000 and the budget request includes
$350,000,000. 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 a forward-funded program, so the fiscal year
2008 appropriation will support the program from July 1, 2008,
through June 30, 2009.
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, 2007.................................... $837,600,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 888,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 888,700,000
The Committee recommends $888,700,000 for Federal
Unemployment Benefits and Allowances. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 amount is $837,600,000 and the budget request
includes $888,700,000 for this purpose. Trade adjustment
benefit payments are expected to increase from $558,000,000 in
fiscal year 2007 to $606,000,000 in fiscal year 2008, while
trade training in fiscal year 2008 will remain roughly constant
at $259,700,000 with an estimated 80,000 participants.
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002 that
amended the Trade Act of 1974 was signed into law on August 6,
2002. This act consolidated the previous Trade Adjustment
Assistance [TAA] and NAFTA Transitional Adjustment Assistance
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, 2007.................................... $3,340,350,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 3,338,753,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,386,632,000
The Committee recommends $3,386,632,000 for this account.
The recommendation includes $3,288,223,000 authorized to be
drawn from the Employment Security Administration account of
the unemployment trust fund, and $98,409,000 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.
The Committee bill includes language proposed in the budget
request that would allow States to pay the cost of penalty mail
from funds allotted to them under the Wagner-Peyser Act.
Previously, the Department held such funds back from State
allotments and paid these costs directly. New language proposed
in the budget also is included that allows States to use funds
appropriated under this account to assist other States if they
are impacted by a major disaster declared by the President.
The Committee recommends a total of $2,561,223,000 for
unemployment insurance activities.
For unemployment insurance [UI] State operations, the
Committee recommends $2,510,723,000. These funds are available
for obligation by States through December 31, 2008. However,
funds used for automation acquisitions are available for
obligation by States through September 30, 2010.
The recommendation includes $10,000,000 to conduct in-
person reemployment and eligibility assessments in one-stop
career centers of claimants of unemployment insurance. In
addition, $40,000,000 is available for this purpose through a
discretionary cap adjustment, as provided for in the fiscal
year 2008 budget resolution. These program integrity activities
will save more than $200,000,000 annually in overpayments from
the unemployment insurance trust fund. The Committee bill
includes language proposed in the budget request that requires
the Secretary of Labor to submit interim and final reports on
the outcomes achieved through these activities, their
associated estimated savings, and identification of best
practices that may be replicated.
In addition, the Committee recommendation provides for a
contingency reserve amount should the unemployment workload
exceed an average weekly insured claims volume of 2,786,000.
This contingency amount would fund the administrative costs of
the unemployment insurance workload over the level of 2,786,000
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 provides for a contingency threshold level
of 2,629,000.
For unemployment insurance national activities, the
Committee recommends $10,500,000. These funds are directed to
activities that benefit the State/Federal unemployment
insurance program, including helping States adopt common
technology-based solutions to improve efficiency and
performance, supporting training and contracting for actuarial
support for State trust fund management.
For the Employment Service allotments to States, the
Committee recommends $715,883,000 which includes $22,883,000 in
general funds together with an authorization to spend
$693,000,000 from the Employment Security Administration
account of the unemployment trust fund. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 amount is $715,883,000 and the budget request
includes $688,779,000 for allotments to States. These funds are
available for the program year of July 1, 2008 through June 30,
2009.
The Committee also recommends $34,000,000 for Employment
Service national activities. The comparable fiscal year 2007
amount is $33,428,000 and the budget request includes
$32,766,000 for these activities. Within the recommendation,
$12,740,000 is for foreign labor certification programs and
$2,349,000 is for technical assistance and training, and State
workforce agency independent retirement plans, the full amounts
requested in the budget. The recommendation also includes
$19,000,000 for the administrative activities related to the
work opportunity tax credit program.
For One-Stop Career Centers and Labor Market Information,
the Committee recommends $55,985,000. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 level is $63,855,000 and the budget request includes
$55,985,000 for these activities. 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 Committee recommends $19,541,000 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. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 level is $19,514,000, while the budget request
proposes to eliminate funding for these activities. 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 Committee recommendation includes sufficient
funding for evaluation, capacity building, training, and
technical assistance activities, which continues to be needed
given the recent expansion to 47 States.
ADVANCES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND AND OTHER FUNDS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $465,000,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 437,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 437,000,000
The Committee recommends $437,000,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $465,000,000 and
the budget request includes $437,000,000 for this purpose. 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 Committee recommendation assumes that fiscal
year 2008 advances will be made to the Black Lung Disability
Trust Fund, as proposed in the budget request.
The separate appropriations provided by the Committee for
all other accounts eligible to borrow from this account in
fiscal year 2008 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, 2007.................................... $199,708,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 216,162,000
Committee recommendation................................ 185,505,000
The Committee recommendation includes $91,133,000 in
general funds for this account, as well as authority to expend
$94,372,000 from the Employment Security Administration account
of the unemployment trust fund, for a total of $185,505,000.
The recommendation includes the full amount requested to
accelerate the processing of backlogged foreign labor
certificate cases. The Committee expects a progress report by
August 31, 2007, detailing the status of efforts to eliminate
the backlog of pending foreign labor certification
applications.
The Committee recommendation reflects shifting $28,872,000
in Job Corps staffing costs to a separate appropriation
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.
In addition, $13,000,000 is estimated to be available from
H-1B fees for processing H-1B alien labor certification
applications. It is estimated that an additional $475,000 will
be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for
support of disaster unemployment activities.
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.
Employee Benefits Security Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $141,573,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 147,425,000
Committee recommendation................................ 143,262,000
The Committee recommends $143,262,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $141,573,000 and the
budget request includes $147,425,000.
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.
The Committee recommendation is below the budget request
because the Department assumed that Congress had not provided
any funds for the EFAST2 system during the fiscal year 2007
appropriation process. However, funding was made available in
fiscal year 2007, so $5,000,000 of the request for this system
is not needed.
The Committee recommendation also assumes that EBSA will
contribute an additional amount of $2,500,000 from its fiscal
years 2007 and 2008 appropriations for the EFAST2 system,
generated by one-time cost savings proposed in the last 2
years' budget requests. The Committee expects EBSA to avoid any
negative impact of the project's financing on enforcement
activities, and compliance outreach and education programs. The
Committee requests a briefing on EBSA's plans for the EFAST2
system prior to the announcement of the availability of funds
for its development.
PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
The Corporation's estimated obligations for fiscal year
2008 include single employer benefit payments of
$4,831,000,000, multiemployer financial assistance of
$106,000,000 and administrative expenses of $411,151,000.
Administrative expenses are comprised of three activities: (1)
Pension insurance activities, $74,784,000; (2) pension plan
termination expenses, $205,158,000; and (3) operational
support, $131,209,000. 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 President's budget proposes a contingency fund for the
PBGC when the number of participants in terminated plans
exceeds 100,000. When the trigger is reached, an additional
$9,200,000 becomes available for every 20,000 participants in
terminated plans. The Committee recommendation includes this
language to ensure that the PBGC can take immediate,
uninterrupted action to protect participants' pension benefits.
The Committee expects to be notified immediately of the
availability of any funds made available by this provision.
The President's budget also includes language that provides
$50,000 in additional funds for investment management fees for
every $25,000,000 in assets received by the PBGC. The language
also stipulates that the Committees on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and Senate be notified of the
availability of funds made available by this provision. The
Committee bill includes the requested language.
The single-employer program protects about 34.2 million
participants in about 28,800 defined benefit pension plans. The
multi-employer insurance program protects about 9.7 million
participants in more than 1,600 plans.
Employment Standards Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $420,871,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 447,659,000
Committee recommendation................................ 438,508,000
The Committee recommendation includes $438,508,000 for this
account. The bill contains authority to expend $2,111,000 from
the special fund established by the Longshore and Harbor
Workers' Compensation Act; the remainder of $436,397,000 are
general funds. In addition, an amount of $32,761,000 is
available by transfer from the black lung disability trust
fund. Language also is included that authorizes the Employment
Standards Administration to assess and collect fees to defray
the cost for processing applications for homeworker and special
minimum wage certifications, and applications for registration
under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection
Act.
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).
This recommendation provides sufficient funding to offset
the impact of inflation, and includes $5,000,000 for both
existing and newly funded investigators to conduct inspections
and investigations of industries with high concentrations of
low-wage and other vulnerable workers, and industries with high
levels of wage and hour violations, including overtime
violations.
The Committee requests the Department to include, as part
of its fiscal year 2009 budget justification, a detailed report
on its enforcement efforts aimed at low-wage industries,
including: the measures being used to gauge compliance; the
enforcement strategy being pursued in each of these industries;
the number of investigators who are bilingual (and in what
languages); the number of investigations prompted by complaints
from workers and those initiatied by the Department; the number
of workers covered by those investigations; the employer
practices that form the basis of complaints; and the findings
and actions taken, including recovery of back wages.
The Committee is concerned about the misclassification of
employees as independent contractors, which undermines
enforcement of the Nation's worker-protection laws. The
Committee encourages the Wage and Hour Division to focus
increased attention of investigative personnel and resources to
detecting and taking enforcement actions against the illegal
misclassification of workers and unreported cash pay. The
Committee requests that the fiscal year 2009 budget
justification include detailed information on the Department's
enforcement strategy and record on misclassification and
unreported cash pay, including: the measures established to
gauge compliance; the number of investigations prompted by
complaints from workers and those initiated by the Department;
the number of workers covered by those investigations;
descriptive data on the employer practices that form the basis
of the complaint; and the findings and actions taken, including
recovery of back pay, other compensatory measures, and cross-
referral of complaints to the Internal Revenue Service.
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.
The Committee recommendation includes a rescission of
$70,000,000 in unexpended balances from H-1B fee receipts the
Department has been unable to spend over the past several
fiscal years. The budget proposes to rescind $50,000,000 of
these balances.
SPECIAL BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $227,000,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 203,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 203,000,000
The Committee recommends $203,000,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $227,000,000 and the
budget request includes $203,000,000 for this purpose. The
appropriation primarily provides benefits under the Federal
Employees' Compensation Act [FECA]. The payments are prescribed
by law. In fiscal year 2008, an estimated 140,000 injured
Federal workers or their survivors will file claims; 55,000
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 recommendation also continues language
allowing carryover of unobligated balances from fiscal year
2007 to be used in the following year.
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, 2007.................................... $229,373,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 208,221,000
Committee recommendation................................ 208,221,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $208,221,000
in fiscal year 2008 for special benefits for disabled coal
miners. This is in addition to the $68,000,000 appropriated
last year as an advance for the first quarter of fiscal year
2008. 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.
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 is already responsible for the
part C claims filed after December 31, 1973. In fiscal year
2008, an estimated 31,800 beneficiaries will receive benefits.
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
$62,000,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, 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, 2007.................................... $102,307,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 104,745,000
Committee recommendation................................ 104,745,000
The Committee recommends $104,745,000 for the Energy
Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program [EEOICP].
The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $102,307,000 and the
budget request includes $104,745,000 for this program.
The objective of the EEOICP 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 2008, the volume of incoming claims under part B of the
EEOICP is estimated to remain stable at about 7,000 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.
Under part E, the Department is expected to receive
approximately 12,000 new claims during fiscal year 2008. Under
this authority, the Department provides benefits to eligible
DOE contractor employees or their survivors who were found to
have work-related occupational illnesses due to exposure to a
toxic substance at a DOE facility.
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 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, 2007.................................... $1,069,546,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,068,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,068,000,000
The Committee recommends $1,068,000,000 for this account in
2008. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $1,069,546,000
and the budget request includes $1,068,000,000 for this
purpose.
The appropriation language continues to provide indefinite
authority for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to provide
for benefit payments. The recommendation assumes that
$1,009,763,000 for benefit payments and interest, comprised of
$270,763,000 for benefits payments and $739,000,000 for
interest payments will be paid in fiscal year 2008. In
addition, the appropriation bill provides for transfers from
the trust fund for administrative expense for the following
Department of Labor agencies: up to $32,761,000 for the
Employment Standards Administration, up to $24,785,000 for
Departmental Management, Salaries and Expenses, and up to
$335,000 for Departmental Management, Inspector General. The
bill also allows a transfer of up to $356,000 for the
Department of Treasury.
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 32,820 individuals will be receiving
black lung benefits financed through the end of the fiscal year
2008.
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, 2007.................................... $486,925,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 490,277,000
Committee recommendation................................ 498,445,000
The Committee recommends $498,445,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $486,925,000 and the
budget request includes $490,277,000 for authorized activities.
This agency is responsible for enforcing the Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1970 in the Nation's workplaces.
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 is concerned that OSHA's standard setting and
enforcement capabilities have been diminished over the past
several years, due in part to declining budgets. The number of
employees covered by inspections has fallen from almost 2.1
million in fiscal year 2000 to just more than 1.2 million in
fiscal year 2006, a decline of more than 70 percent. The
Committee recommendation takes a first step toward reversing
that decline by providing an increase of more than $11,000,000
for Federal enforcement. The Committee directs a portion of
these additional funds to address the recommendations of the
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's related to the
March 2005 Texas City refinery explosion, including: conducting
comprehensive inspection of facilities at the greatest risk of
catastrophic accident and hiring or developing new, specialized
inspectors capable to enforce the process safety management
standard. Funds not used for this purpose shall be directed
toward rebuilding the overall enforcement capacity at OSHA
through the hiring of new inspectors. Not later than 30 days
after the date of enactment of this act, the Committee directs
OSHA to provide a report on its plan for meeting the Board's
recommendations and the Committee's intent in providing these
additional funds, and quarterly reports thereafter on progress
toward implementing this plan.
The Committee also is concerned about the pace of
occupational safety and health standards setting at OSHA, which
has essentially drawn to a halt despite planned timetables
announced in its regulatory agendas. In a number of areas,
including the personal protective equipment standard which has
been in development for 8 years, and the diacetyl standard,
OSHA has not met its own deadlines for developing and issuing
occupational health and safety standards. The Committee directs
OSHA to provide a detailed timetable for planned actions on
occupational health and safety standards not later than 30 days
after enactment of this act and quarterly reports thereafter on
progress on implementing the plan, including an explanation of
any deviations from the initial timetable provided to the
Committee.
Over the past 2 years, the Committee has provided
$5,620,000,000 to prepare for the outbreak of an influenza
pandemic and includes an additional $888,000,000 in this bill
for that purpose. However, despite this sense of urgency for
the Committee and other executive branch agencies, the
Committee notes the Department believes that in order to issue
an emergency standard to protect the health and safety of
healthcare workers and emergency responders the United States
needs to be in the midst of an influenza pandemic. The
Committee is troubled by this interpretation and urges OSHA to
reconsider the standard-setting actions it can take on an
emergency or expedited basis related to an influenza pandemic.
The Committee requests a letter report not later than July 31,
2007 detailing the Department's reconsideration of this issue
and a plan for developing and issuing a standard on this issue.
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 issue a final standard before November
30, 2007 that is at least as protective as the one promulgated
in 1999.
The Committee notes that, in 2005, there were 375,540
serious ergonomic injuries resulting in time off the job
reported by employers. The Committee is concerned that the
Department has failed to make sufficient progress on its
comprehensive plan to address ergonomic injuries, which
included industry-targeted guidelines and tough enforcement
measures. Despite this commitment, the Department only issued
one ergonomic citation over the past 2 years and 3 of 16
guidelines. Since 2004, the Department has almost abandoned any
action on its announced plan. The Committee directs OSHA to
provide not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of
this act a report to the Committee detailing the specific steps
it will take to complete the issuance of the remaining
guidelines and actions to practice the tough enforcement
measures. This report should include a timeframe by which all
16 guidelines will be issued and for the implementation of
increased enforcement on this issue.
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.
Mine Safety and Health Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $301,570,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 313,478,000
Committee recommendation................................ 330,028,000
The Committee recommendation includes $330,028,000 for this
account. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $301,570,000
and the budget request includes $313,478,000 for the Mine
Safety and Health Administration.
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 2007 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.
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 includes $13,000,000 above the
budget request to accelerate the implementation of the MINER
Act and improve the health and safety of miners. The Committee
believes MSHA needs to move more aggressively in a number of
areas where evidence reveals that insufficient progress is
being made, as described below. The additional funds provided
over the request are specifically directed toward ensuring MSHA
is able to conduct and follow-up on effectively 100 percent of
its mandatory inspections; adequately train and hire coal mine
safety enforcement personnel; expedite the development and
issuance of standards and regulations related to belt-air and
refuge chambers; improve the infrastructure at the National
Mine Health and Safety Academy; accelerate the certification
and approval of safety and health equipment, including the
communication and tracking technologies required in the MINER
Act; and ensure the compliance with and effectiveness of
statutory training requirements. In each of these areas and
others specifically required by the MINER Act, the Committee
requests quarterly progress reports on the progress being made
with funding provided by this Committee.
The Committee notes that MSHA conducted 98 percent of
mandatory inspections in the coal industry during fiscal year
2006, a fact that this Committee finds unacceptable. These
inspections form the core of the agency's enforcement efforts,
and without them, the health and safety of miners is
jeopardized. The Committee expects MSHA to ensure that no less
than 100 percent of mandatory health and safety inspections are
completed in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 and any follow-up
actions required are taken in a timely manner.
The Committee also is aware that the Government
Accountability Office [GAO] implementation report issued in May
of this year identified continued concerns about MSHA's
preparedness for dealing with its future workforce needs, which
is expected to be significant given that more than 40 percent
of underground coal mine inspectors are eligible to retire
within the next 5 years. Many of these retirees are highly
experienced inspectors, which adds to the impact of these
losses. Despite this Committee's efforts, which resulted in an
additional $25,600,000 for MSHA to hire 170 additional
enforcement staff and replace losses due to retirement during
fiscal years 2006 and 2007, GAO has concluded that MSHA lacks a
clear and well-thought-out plan to address the expected
turnover in its experienced workforce which could undermine
this progress. The Committee urges MSHA to undertake a
strategic planning process to identify goals and measures for
monitoring and evaluating its progress on staying ahead of the
retirement wave and meeting the needs of its enforcement
workforce.
The Committee recommendation includes language, under
section 110 of the general provisions of this act, requiring
the Secretary to revise regulations not later than June 20,
2008, related to the ventilation of active working places in
underground coal mines utilizing belt haulage entries. In
addition, this section requires, by June 15, 2008, the
Secretary of Labor to issue regulations, pursuant to the design
criteria recommended by the National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health and the MINER Act, requiring installation of
rescue chambers in the working areas of underground coal mines.
The Committee has provided additional resources to ensure that
these deadlines can be met.
The Committee also notes more than 130 proposals for new
communication and tracking technology have been submitted since
January 2006, yet MSHA has field tested 19 systems. In
addition, MSHA has received 51 applications since January 2006
for approval of communication and tracking systems, but 34 are
still being reviewed. Additional resources have been provided
under technical support to accelerate the testing of this
technology and other equipment to improve the safety and health
of miners.
The Committee recommendation includes an increase over the
budget request of $3,000,000 to strengthen the monitoring of
training and improve the infrastructure at the National Mine
Safety and Health Academy, which provides professional
education and training services to the mining community. The
GAO recently found that MSHA oversight of miner training is
complicated by a number of factors, including inconsistent
instructor approval standards and limited agency monitoring of
training sessions. The additional funds should be used to
address these deficiencies and ensure that the Academy is
capable of keeping up with the training and professional
education needs of the mining community.
The Committee recommendation also includes $2,200,000 for
an award to the United Mine Workers Association to provide
classroom and simulated rescue training for mine rescue teams
at its Beckley, West Virginia and Washington, Pennsylvania
career centers (Funding for this program was requested by
Senators Byrd and Specter). The Committee notes that a GAO
report issued in May 2007 found that 81 percent of mine
operators considered the availability of special training
facilities for mine rescue team training in simulated
environments to be a challenge. The recommendation also
includes $1,350,000 for an award to Wheeling Jesuit University
in Wheeling, West Virginia for the National Technology Transfer
Center to continue the coal slurry impoundment project (Funding
for this program was requested by Senator Byrd).
Bureau of Labor Statistics
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $548,123,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 574,443,000
Committee recommendation................................ 560,000,000
The Committee recommends $560,000,000 for this account. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $548,123,000 and the
budget request includes $574,443,000 for this purpose. The
recommendation includes $78,000,000 from the Employment
Security Administration account of the unemployment trust fund,
and $482,000,000 in Federal funds. Language contained in the
fiscal year 2006 bill is retained, pertaining to the Current
Employment Survey.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal factfinding
agency in the Federal Government in the broad field of labor
economics.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 to be used
to conduct research studies on work-related injuries and
illnesses. These studies, previously conducted by BLS, are
important to employers, researchers and policymakers interested
in preventing workplace injuries.
The Committee is interested in the progress being made on
the minimum wage impact study required by section 8014 of the
U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and
Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007. The Committee
requests the Bureau of Labor Statistics submit an interim
report not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of
this act on the methodology being applied to this study and the
progress being made in meeting the required transmittal date.
The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000, which may
be used to continue the Mass Layoff Statistics Program. The
Committee bill also includes bill language continued from the
fiscal year 2006 act which requires BLS to maintain the survey
content issued prior to June 2005 with respect to the women
worker series.
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $27,712,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 18,602,000
Committee recommendation................................ 27,712,000
The Committee recommends $27,712,000 for this account in
2008. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $27,712,000 and
the budget request includes $18,602,000 for this account. 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. The Committee continues to believe that this
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 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, 2007.................................... $298,920,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 254,236,000
Committee recommendation................................ 313,718,000
The Committee recommendation includes $313,718,000 for this
account. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $298,920,000
and the budget request includes $254,236,000 for this purpose.
In addition, an amount of $24,785,000 is available by transfer
from the black lung disability trust fund.
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 $28,680,000 for
Executive Direction. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is
$28,189,000 and the budget request includes $28,680,000.
The Committee recommendation includes $10,300,000 for the
Women's Bureau. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level
is $9,666,000 and the budget request includes $9,832,000 for
the bureau. The recommendation includes sufficient funds to
increase support for resources, technical assistance and
trainings to help women enter, re-enter and advance in the
workforce.
The Committee is disappointed that the Department of Labor
has once again proposed a budget 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 [ILAB], which this Committee
has consistently supported. For over the past decade, the
International Labor Affairs Bureau has built up a staff of
professional experts with a knowledge base on the issue of
exploitative child labor that is unrivaled in any other U.S.
government agency.
Clearly, these programs administered by ILAB 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 pursuing 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 80 percent reduction.
Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes
$82,516,000 for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs. Of
this amount, the Committee directs $42,610,000 be used for the
United States contribution to expand on the successful efforts
of the ILO's International Program for the Elimination of Child
Labor [IPEC] (Funding for this program was requested by Senator
Harkin).
Also included is $26,770,000 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 2008 report,
all former GSP recipients that have achieved a Free Trade
Agreement with the United States over the preceding year.
The Committee directs the Secretary to establish an annual
non-monetary award recognizing the extraordinary efforts by an
individual, company, organization or national government toward
the reduction of the worst forms of child labor. The award
shall be named, ``the United States Department of Labor's Iqbal
Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor.'' Iqbal Masih
was a Pakistani carpet weaver sold into slavery at age four. He
escaped from his servitude at age 12 and became an outspoken
advocate against child slavery. He told the world of his plight
when he received the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1994. He was
tragically killed a year later at the age of 13 in his native
Pakistan.
The Committee requests an operating plan to be prepared by
ILAB and provided to the Committee not later than 30 days after
the date of enactment of this act which details the staffing
requirements to meet statutory monitoring, oversight and
reporting responsibilities of ILAB. In carrying out these
responsibilities, the Committee expects ILAB to limit its
practice of deducting salaries from funds intended for grant
programs and establish cost effective practices for meeting its
mission.
The Committee recommends $95,162,000 for the Office of the
Solicitor. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$85,488,000 and the budget request includes $95,162,000 for
this purpose. The Committee intends for the increase provided
to support no less than an increase of 19 FTEs over the fiscal
year 2007 staffing level for enforcement support for the Mine
Safety and Health Administration.
OFFICE OF JOB CORPS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,578,277,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,522,372,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,659,872,000
For Job Corps, the Committee recommends $1,659,872,000. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $1,578,277,000 and the
budget request includes $1,522,372,000 for this purpose. The
recommendation includes $28,872,000 for Federal administrative
expenses, for 188 full-time equivalent positions. The budget
request and comparable fiscal year 2007 level include these
administrative costs in the ETA Program Administration account.
The Senate recommendation for operations of job corps
centers is $1,516,000,000, comprised of $925,000,000 in fiscal
year 2008 funds, and $591,000,000 in advance appropriations
from last year's bill. For operations, the Committee also
recommends advance funding of $591,000,000, which will become
available on October 1, 2008.
In response to this Committee's direction to competitively
select sites for an expansion of Job Corps Centers, the
Department of Labor selected three new Job Corps Center sites
in February 2007. The Committee includes an additional
$15,000,000 to continue development of these facilities on the
timelines provided to the Committee and selected sites. The
Committee requests the Department of Labor to include in its
fiscal year 2009 budget justification an analysis of the future
funding needs for the new centers and a status report on the
progress being achieved toward meeting each of the centers
opening dates. In addition, $100,000,000 in construction,
rehabilitation and acquisition funds are provided in advance
funding, which will make these funds available on October 1,
2008 through June 30, 2011.
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 recommends returning the Job Corps program to
the Employment and Training Administration.
The Committee has recognized over the years the quality
academic and vocational services Job Corps has provided to over
2 million economically disadvantaged youth. Currently, Job
Corps has the capacity to serve 1 percent of the over 6 million
youth in our country that have been left behind by traditional
education programs. The Committee has also recognized and
responded to this growing service gap by mandating an expansion
of the program in new communities in fiscal year 2006 and
fiscal year 2007. The Committee rejects the Department of
Labor's proposal to reduce Job Corps student training slots by
over 4,300. Rather, the Committee includes sufficient funding
to maintain student services at the existing 122 Job Corps
centers, as well as to operate any new centers. This funding
will ensure that determined young people wanting to participate
in Job Corps will not be turned away from an opportunity to
become successful and self-sufficient members of their
communities.
The Committee urges the Department to work with the Job
Corps contractor community, employers and unions to ensure that
the training slot level mandated by this act is used
efficiently and effectively toward meeting the goal of
expanding services to eligible youth. In particular, the
Committee notes the fragmentation of contracts for outreach and
admissions, from operations, and placement which could make it
difficult for centers to utilize fully available training slots
and meet their performance goals. Therefore, the Committee
requests the Department to report in the fiscal year 2009
budget justification actions proposed and taken that will
enhance the ability of centers to meet their performance goals.
Given that so few of the eligible Job Corps population is
served currently, the Committee recognizes the need for
additional Job Corps centers, particularly in rapidly growing
metropolitan areas without a Job Corps center. Many of these
communities have high numbers of eligible youth and are forced
to export students to other Job Corps centers. The Committee
anticipates providing additional funding in the future to begin
the process of establishing new Job Corps centers in large
urban areas currently without one. Therefore, the Committee
requests that the Department be prepared during the fiscal year
2009 budget process to consider ways to structure and announce
a competition for new Job Corps center sites meeting the
priority areas discussed in this paragraph.
The Committee is aware of the Department of Labor's new
initiative to increase the number of Job Corps graduates
entering post-secondary education. While the Committee agrees
that it is a worthwhile goal to increase the number of Job
Corps graduates going on to higher education, it is also aware
of the challenge facing Job Corps students who need access to
student financial aid programs. Therefore, the Committee
directs the Office of Job Corps and the Department of
Education's Federal Student Aid Office to explore possible
approaches to increasing awareness of and preparedness for Job
Corps students and graduates to enter postsecondary education
programs and benefit from assistance available through Federal
grant, loan and work-study programs. The Committee directs the
Departments of Labor and Education to provide a letter report
not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this act
on the steps that can be taken by each Department.
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $223,189,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 228,096,000
Committee recommendation................................ 228,198,000
The Committee recommends $228,198,000 for this account,
including $31,055,000 in general revenue funding and
$197,143,000 to be expended from the Employment Security
Administration account of the unemployment trust fund.
For State grants the bill provides $161,894,000 which
includes funding for the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program and
the Local Veterans Employment Representative Program.
For Federal administration, the Committee recommends
$33,282,000. 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 recommends $1,967,000 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 recommends $23,620,000 for the Homeless
Veterans Program. The Committee also recommends $7,435,000 for
the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, the same as the
budget request.
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $72,766,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 78,658,000
Committee recommendation................................ 79,658,000
The Committee recommends $79,658,000 for this account. The
bill includes $73,929,000 in general funds and authority to
transfer $5,729,000 from the Employment Security Administration
account of the unemployment trust fund. In addition, an amount
of $335,000 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 Labor Department to report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the projects awarded under research and
demonstration projects (sec. 105).
Require the Secretary to award competitively funds
available in this act for Community College Initiative Grants,
Community-Based Job Training Grants, and grants for job
training for employment in high growth industries (sec. 106).
Prohibit the Secretary from finalizing or implementing any
proposed regulation under the Workforce Investment Act, Wagner-
Peyser Act or the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act until
such time as such legislation is enacted (sec. 107).
Prohibit the Secretary from taking any action to alter the
procedure for redesignating local areas under subtitle B of
title I of the Workforce Investment Act (sec. 108).
Prohibit the Department of Labor from using funds under
this or any other appropriations act to carry out a public-
private competition or direct conversion under Office of
Management and Budget circular A-76 until 60 days after the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
and Senate receive a report from the Government Accountability
Office on the use of competitive sourcing at the Department of
Labor (sec. 109).
Requires the Secretary of Labor to revise regulations
related to the use of belt haulage entries to ventilate active
working places of underground coal mines without prior approval
from the Assistant Secretary of Labor and to issue regulations
requiring installation of rescue chambers in the working areas
of underground coal mines (sec. 110).
Limit compensation from Federal funds to a rate not greater
than Executive Level II for any recipient or subrecipient of
funds under the heading, ``Employment and Training
Administration'' (sec. 111).
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $6,415,702,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 5,820,805,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,868,673,000
The Committee provides a program level of $6,868,673,000
for the Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA].
The Committee recommendation includes $6,843,673,000 in budget
authority and an additional $25,000,000 via transfers available
under section 241 of the Public Health Services Act. The fiscal
year 2007 comparable program level was $6,415,702,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $5,820,805,000.
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 $2,238,039,000 for the community
health centers program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable program
level was $1,988,039,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $1,988,467,000. 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 ongoing effort to
increase the number of people who have access to medical
services at health centers, and notes that this program
receives one of the largest increases in funding in the
Committee recommendation.
Within the amount provided, $40,000,000 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
$44,055,000 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 2008.
The Committee supports continued efforts to expand the
Health Centers program into those areas of the country with
high poverty and no current access to a health center. The
Committee urges HRSA to implement such an expansion to address
the lack of access in the neediest communities of the country,
and that eligibility for new funding not be limited to certain
geographic areas, such as counties. The Committee directs HRSA
to expedite awards to new access points by funding sufficiently
high-scoring applications from the fiscal year 2007 cycle that
were left unfunded.
Further, the Committee urges HRSA to make funding available
to increase capacity at existing centers, and for service
expansion awards adding mental health services, dental
services, and pharmacy services at community health centers.
The Committee expects HRSA to implement any new expansion
initiative using the existing, and statutorily-required,
proportionality for urban and rural communities, as well as
migrant, homeless and public housing health centers.
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 very high poverty and extremely underserved rural
areas experience significant challenges in getting resources
together to form a successful application. 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 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 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 Frontier Health Plan
initiative, 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 and increase the clinical education sites to
increase nurse education. Specifically, the Committee
encourages HRSA to explore granting these health centers the
ability to apply for FQHC Look-Alike status.
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 $70,000,000 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 2008 (This funding was
requested by Senators Inouye and Akaka).
The Committee is pleased with the administration's response
and recognition of the island designation and seeks continued
support in meeting the unique health care access challenges
innate to clinics, Federally qualified health centers or
hospitals located on these islands. 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.
The Committee recognizes that there has been a rapid growth
in the emerging Hispanic population of Hawaii and such may
necessitate new training requirements for healthcare providers
and educators in areas of cultural awareness and language.
Free Clinics Medical Malpractice Coverage
The Committee provides $40,000 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 2007 comparable level was $41,000 and the fiscal
year 2008 budget request included $100,000 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.
National Hansen's Disease Program
The Committee has included $16,500,000 for the National
Hansen's Disease Program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level
was $15,972,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$16,109,000. 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 in the continental United States and
Puerto Rico.
National Hansen's Disease Program Buildings and Facilities
The Committee provides $220,000 for buildings and
facilities. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $220,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $100,000 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 2007 comparable level was $1,996,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $1,976,000.
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.
BUREAU OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
National Health Service Corps: Field Placements
The Committee provides $40,443,000 for field placement
activities. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$40,443,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$30,729,000. 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 2007 comparable level was
$85,230,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 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.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
The Committee provides $357,425,000 for all HRSA health
professions programs. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$334,425,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$115,040,000.
Training for Diversity
Centers of Excellence
The Committee provides $11,880,000 for the Centers of
Excellence program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$11,880,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 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 $3,960,000 for the Health Careers
Opportunity Program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$3,960,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 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.
For fiscal year 2008, 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 $1,289,000 for the Faculty Loan
Repayment program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$1,289,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 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 $46,657,000 for the Scholarships for
Disadvantaged Students program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $46,657,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 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 $48,851,000 for Training in Primary
Care Medicine and Dentistry programs. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $48,851,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 did not include any funding for this program.
The Committee has included bill language funding family
medicine activities at $24,614,000; the general dentistry
program at $5,000,000; and the pediatric dentistry program at
$5,000,000.
Even though it is most easily preventable, dental decay is
the most common chronic childhood disease in the United
States--five times more common than asthma. When dental
problems go untreated, the proximity to the brain can lead to
fatal conditions.
Interdisciplinary, Community-based Linkages
Area Health Education Centers
The Committee provides $28,681,000 for the Area Health
Education Centers program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $28,681,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 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 $5,960,000 for the Allied Health and
Other Disciplines program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $3,960,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 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 2007.
Within the funds provided, the Committee has included
$2,000,000 for the dental workforce programs authorized under
section 340G of the Public Health Service Act. The fiscal year
2007 level of $2,000,000 was appropriated in Program Management
and the fiscal year 2008 budget did not request any funds for
this purpose.
The Graduate Psychology Education Program provides
interdisciplinary training for health service psychologists to
offer mental and behavioral health care services to underserved
populations, such as older adults, children, chronically ill
persons and victims of abuse or trauma. While being trained in
both rural and urban communities, trainees also provide direct
services to those who would otherwise not receive them.
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 $8,920,000 for these programs. The
fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $7,920,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 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 $169,679,000 for the Nursing
Workforce Development programs. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $149,679,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $105,307,000. 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 $68,889,000 for the Advanced
Education Nursing programs. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $57,061,000 and the administration did not request
funding for this program in fiscal year 2008. 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 2007 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 2007
comparable level and the budget request for fiscal year 2008
were $37,291,000. The nurse education, practice and retention
program is a broad authority with targeted purposes under three
priority areas--education, practice and retention--in response
to the growing nursing shortage. The Committee encourages HRSA
to incorporate innovative methods, such as competitive grants
for competency-based distance learning technologies, to
increase the number of trained nurses in the field. 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 2007 comparable
level was $16,107,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 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 $36,000,000 for the Nurse Loan
Repayment and Scholarship programs. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $31,055,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $43,744,000. 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.
Comprehensive Geriatric Education
The Committee provides $3,392,000 for Comprehensive
Geriatric Education grants. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 were
$3,392,000. These grants prepare nursing personnel to care for
the aging population.
Nurse Faculty Loan Program
The Committee provides $8,000,000 for the Nursing Faculty
Loan program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 were $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.
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 2007 comparable level was $297,009,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 was $110,018,000.
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 $18,900,000 for the national
practitioner data bank. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level
was $16,200,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$18,900,000. 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 $3,825,000 for the health care
integrity and protection data bank. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $3,825,000 and the administration did not
request funding for this program in fiscal year 2008. The
Committee assumes 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 $673,000,000 for the maternal and
child health [MCH] block grant. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $673,000,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $673,000,000. The Committee is moving the
appropriations for Leadership Education for Neurodevelopmental
Disabilities and the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
Training Program from the SPRANS set-aside into a new line for
Autism and related Development Disabilities. The Committee
provided $20,000,000 for these autism-related activities in
fiscal year 2007.
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 does not intend to cut grants to States or
the grants for community integrated service systems. Therefore,
the Committee has included a statutory provision to hold
harmless both of these grant programs.
The Committee has included bill language identifying
$95,936,920 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. The
Committee is aware of the critical need for a public awareness
campaign to increase seizure recognition.
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 are effective treatments or
interventions. Screening detects disorders in newborns that,
left untreated, can cause death, disability, mental retardation
and other serious illnesses.
The Committee encourages HRSA to prioritize Fragile X as a
key prototype in the development of cost-effective public
health screening and genetic counseling programs. The Committee
requests a report by July 1, 2008, on progress made in the
development of a screening tool for Fragile X and encourages
HRSA to work with the NICHD to work toward the inclusion of
Fragile X in newborn screening programs.
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. 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. The Committee
encourages HRSA to provide incentives to the Centers to
leverage resources and seek matching funds to strengthen center
activities.
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.
The most crucial need for individuals suffering from
chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS] is effective, compassionate
medical care. HRSA has piloted effective ways of delivering
health care services to underserved populations. CDC has
identified that fewer than 20 percent of patients with CFS have
been diagnosed by a health care professional, suggesting that
this population is underserved. The Committee encourages HRSA
to develop models for CFS clinical care with the goal of
improving the diagnosis and management of individuals with CFS
throughout our country.
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 persons with bleeding
disorders and clotting disorders. The Committee urges HRSA to
continue its support of this model disease management network.
Autism and Other Developmental Disorders
The Committee provides $37,000,000 for the autism and other
developmental disorders initiative. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $20,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $20,000,000. The program supports
surveillance, early detection, education and intervention
activities on autism and other developmental disorders, as
authorized in the Combating Autism Act of 2006.
The Committee has included sufficient funding to continue
and expand the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and
Related Disabilities [LEND] program, previously funded in the
MCHB SPRANS account. These University-based programs provide
long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training as well as
services and care for infants, children, and adolescents with
disabilities.
Sickle Cell Anemia Program
The Committee provides $3,180,000 for the sickle cell
anemia demonstration program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $2,180,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $2,184,000.
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
The Committee provides $10,000,000 for the traumatic brain
injury program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$8,910,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 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 notes that brain injury is a signature injury of
service in Iraq and that the returning National Guard soldiers
rely on community-based systems of care. The Committee includes
$3,400,000 for protection and advocacy services, as authorized
under section 1305 of Public Law 106-310.
Healthy Start
The Committee provides $101,518,000 for the healthy start
infant mortality initiative. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $101,518,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $100,503,000.
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 $12,000,000 for universal newborn
hearing screening and early intervention activities. The fiscal
year 2007 comparable level was $9,804,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 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 2007 comparable level
was $19,800,000 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.
Family-To-Family Health Information Centers
The Committee has not provided funding for the Family-To-
Family Health Information Centers program. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $3,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 included $4,000,000 for this initiative. The
Committee notes that the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005
appropriated $4,000,000 for this activity in fiscal year 2008.
HIV/AIDS BUREAU
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME
Ryan White AIDS Programs
The Committee provides $2,170,919,000 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 2007 comparable level was $2,137,795,000 and
the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $2,157,912,000.
Next to the Medicaid program, the Ryan White AIDS programs
are the largest Federal investment in the care and treatment of
people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. These
programs 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 2007.
The Committee is concerned that at least 25 percent of
persons living with HIV are coinfected with HCV, and that HCV-
related complications are the leading cause of death among
persons with HIV/AIDS. The Committee requests that HRSA provide
additional guidance to grantees on providing services to
coinfected individuals, and more education and training to
medical providers treating HIV/HCV coinfected persons.
The recent Ryan White CARE Act reauthorization provides not
less than 25 percent of available funds under titles I and II
for ``support services,'' necessary for individuals with HIV/
AIDS to achieve their medical outcomes. The Committee is aware
that food and nutrition services--which have been provided
under the Act since 1990--are essential to the comprehensive
treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Emergency Assistance
The Committee provides $603,993,000 for emergency
assistance grants to eligible metropolitan areas
disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The
fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $603,993,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 included $603,993,000.
These funds are provided to metropolitan areas meeting certain
criteria. Two thirds of the funds are awarded by formula and
the remainder is awarded through supplemental competitive
grants.
Comprehensive Care Programs
The Committee provides $1,225,518,000 for HIV health care
and support services. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$1,195,500,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$1,215,518,000. 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 providing $814,546,000 for AIDS medications in the
AIDS Drug Assistance Program [ADAP]. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $789,546,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $814,546,000. 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 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
The Committee provides $193,622,000 for early intervention
grants. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $193,722,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 included
$199,821,000. 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.
Children, Youth, Women, and Families
The Committee provides $75,000,000 for grants for
coordinated services and access to research for women, infants,
children and youth. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level and
the budget request for 2008 were $71,794,000. 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.
The Committee has included increased funding to address the
potential influx of new cases identified through the
President's testing initiative funded through the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. The Committee intends that 50
percent of the increase be used to increase the average title
IV grant amount to increase capacity in the existing grantee
network. The Committee notes that title IV funds may be used
for 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.
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
technical assistance to title IV grantees and to conduct policy
analysis and research.
AIDS Dental Services
The Committee provides $13,086,000 for AIDS Dental
Services. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 were both $13,086,000. 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.
AIDS Education and Training Centers
The Committee provides $34,700,000 for the AIDS education
and training centers [AETC's]. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $34,700,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 included $28,700,000. 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.
HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS BUREAU
Organ Donation and Transplantation
The Committee provides $25,049,000 for organ donation and
transplantation activities. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 were both
$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 applauds the efforts of the Division of
Transplantation to implement the new provision of Public Law
108-116, the Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act which
provides for reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses
of living organ donors. The Committee strongly supports this
means of increasing the rate of successful transplantations and
has provided $2,000,000 over the budget request to continue
this program.
The Committee commends HRSA for its leadership in promoting
increased organ and tissue donations, however the Committee is
concerned with recent funding reductions for research and
demonstration projects that have historically led to increased
organ donation and encourages HRSA to restore these programs.
National Cord Blood Inventory
The Committee has provided $12,000,000 for the National
Cord Blood Inventory, which is the successor of the National
Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank program. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $3,960,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $1,966,000. 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 pleased that the first cohort of banks has
been established and has included sufficient funds to continue
this cohort and initiate two more.
C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program
The Committee provides $22,701,000 for the C.W. Bill Young
Cell Transplantation Program, which is the successor of the
National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level for the Registry was $25,168,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $22,701,000.
Office of Pharmacy Affairs
The Committee provides $2,940,000 for the Office of
Pharmacy Affairs. The budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$2,940,000 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 aware that, on January 12, 2007, HRSA
issued proposed guidelines that would make significant changes
to the long-standing definition of the term ``patient'' under
the 340B program. The Committee agrees with HRSA that certain
aspects of the current patient definition guidelines require
clarification. However, the proposed guidelines may place undue
burden on pharmacists to undertake independent investigations
and may inadvertantly reduce participation in this important
program. The Committee directs HRSA to modify the proposed
guidelines in response to public comments received. The
Committee directs that HRSA report to the Committee on its plan
for future guidance no later than September 15, 2007.
Poison Control Centers
The Committee provides $23,000,000 for Poison Control
Center activities. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$23,000,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$10,000,000. 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. 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.
RURAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grants
The Committee provides $40,000,000 for rural health
outreach grants. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$38,885,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 did not
include funds for this program. 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 (This
language was requested by Senator Cochran).
Rural Health Research
The Committee provides $9,500,000 for the Rural Health
Research. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $8,737,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 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 Hospital Flexibility Grants
The Committee provides $38,538,000 for rural hospital
flexibility grants. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$63,538,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 did not
include funds for this program.
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 $25,000,000 for the Delta Health
Initiative as authorized in section 223 of this act (This
funding was requested by Senator Cochran). HRSA awarded a
multi-year grant in fiscal year 2006 to implement the Delta
Health Initiative. The Committee notes that continuation of
this award in fiscal year 2008 in the same manner and with the
same requirements will satisfy the requirements of section 222.
Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices
The Committee provides $3,000,000 for rural and community
access to emergency devices. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $1,487,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 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 this program
were implemented in a manner that disproportionately impacted
rural areas. The Committee expects that fiscal year 2008
funding be equally divided between urban and 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.
State Offices of Rural Health
The Committee provides $9,000,000 for the State Offices of
Rural Health. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 were both $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.
Black Lung Clinics
The Committee provides $6,000,000 for black lung clinics.
The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $5,891,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $5,886,000. 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.
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
2007 comparable level was $1,919,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $1,904,000. 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.
Native and Rural Alaskan Health Care
The Committee provides $39,283,000 for the Denali
Commission. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$39,283,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 did not
include funding for this program. These funds support the
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.
Family Planning
The Committee provides $300,000,000 for the title X family
planning program. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was
$283,146,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$283,103,000.
Title X grants support primary health care services at more
than 4,400 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 timeframe 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 $191,235,000 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 2007 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addison County Dental Care, $200,000 Sanders
Middlebury, VT, for equipment
and facility upgrades.
AIDS Resource Center Wisconsin, 150,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, WI, to provide
health care and case
management services.
Alaska Family Practice 1,000,000 Stevens
Residency Program, Anchorage,
AK, to support its family
practice residency programs.
Alaska Federal Health Care 250,000 Stevens
Access Network, Anchorage, AK,
to support activities of the
Alaska Telemedicine Advisory
Committee.
Alaska Native Medical Center, 750,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for equipment.
Alaska Psychiatric Institute, 400,000 Stevens
Juneau, AK, for the
Telebehavioral Health Project
in Alaska.
Albany Medical Center, Albany, 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
NY, for the establishment of
the Patient Safety Center.
Albuquerque Indian Health 100,000 Bingaman
Center, New Mexico, for
renovations and equip- ment.
Alegent Health Care System, 100,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
Omaha, NE, for a community-
based Electronic Medical
Records System.
Allegheny General Hospital, 200,000 Specter
Pittsburgh, PA, for equipment.
Allegheny Singer Research 100,000 Specter
Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, for
equipment.
Allen Memorial Hospital, Moab, 50,000 Hatch
Utah, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
AltaMed Health Services 100,000 Boxer
Corporation, Los Angeles, CA,
for construction and equipment.
Anchorage Neighborhood Health 400,000 Murkowski
Center, Anchorage, AK, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
AnMed Health, Anderson, SC, for 100,000 Graham
renovation and equipment.
Arc of Northern Virginia, Falls 150,000 Warner, Webb
Church, VA, for equipment and
software to create a Resource
Navigator System for
individuals with developmental
disabilities in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Armstrong County Memorial 100,000 Specter
Hospital, Kittanning, PA, for
equipment.
Association for Utah Community 350,000 Bennett, Hatch
Health, Salt Lake City, Utah,
for electronic health records
for Utah Community Health
Centers.
Atchison Hospital Association, 400,000 Brownback
Atchison, KS, for renovation
and equipment.
Barnes-Kasson County Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Susquehanna, PA, for
renovation and equipment.
Baylor College of Medicine, 200,000 Hutchison
Houston, TX, for construction,
renovation, and equipment at
the Vannie E. Cook, Jr.
Children's Cancer and
Hematology Clinic.
Baylor Research Institute, 250,000 Cornyn
Dallas, Texas, for renovation
and equipment.
Bear River Health Department, 50,000 Hatch
Logan, Utah, for the Medical
Reserve Corps Program.
Beaver Valley Hospital, Beaver, 50,000 Hatch
Utah, for renovation and
equipment.
Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, 200,000 Biden, Carper
DE, for construction,
renovation and equip- ment.
Beloit Area Community Health 500,000 Kohl
Center, Beloit, WI, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Benefis Healthcare Foundation, 400,000 Baucus
Great Falls, MT, for health
information technology.
Billings Clinic, Billings, MT, 400,000 Baucus, Tester
for construction, renovation
and equipment of a cancer
center.
Billings Clinic, Billings, MT, 350,000 Baucus
for a Rural Clinical
Information System.
Billings Clinic, Billings, MT, 375,000 Tester, Baucus
for the Diabetes Center to
prevent and treat diabetes.
Bloomsburg Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Bloomsburg, PA, for cardiology
center construction.
Boone County Senior Citizen 1,000,000 Bond
Service Corporation, Columbia,
MO, for equipment and
technology for the Alzheimer's
Disease Demonstration Center
on the Bluff's campus.
Boston Health Care for the 175,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Homeless Program, Boston, MA,
for the construction of a
health care facility.
Boston Medical Center, Boston, 350,000 Kennedy, Kerry
MA, for facilities and
equipment for the J. Joseph
Moakley Medical Services
Building.
Boys Town National Research 900,000 Nelson
Hospital, Omaha, NE, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Brackenridge Hospital, Austin, 200,000 Hutchison
TX, for construction,
renovation, and equip- ment.
Briar Cliff University, Sioux 100,000 Harkin, Grassley
City, IA for facilities and
equipment.
Bridgeport Hospital, 200,000 Dodd, Lieberman
Bridgeport, CT, for
construction, renovation and
equip- ment.
Brockton Hospital, Brockton, 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
MA, for equipment.
Brockton Neighborhood Health 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Center, Brockton, MA, for
construction.
Camillus House, Miami, FL, to 150,000 Bill Nelson, Martinez
construct a new medical
facility.
Carilion Health System, 150,000 Warner, Webb
Roanoke, VA, for renovation
and equipment.
Caring Health Center, Inc., 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Springfield, MA, for equipment
needed to expand urgent care
and oral health programs.
Carnegie Mellon University, 150,000 Specter
Pittsburgh, PA, for equipment
and renovation.
Carolinas Healthcare Center, 350,000 Dole, Burr
Charlotte, North Carolina, for
equipment for the Pediatric
Imaging Center at the Levine
Children's Hospital.
Case Western Reserve 100,000 Voinovich
University, Cleveland, OH, for
equipment.
Central Carolina Allied Health 250,000 Graham
Center, Sumter, SC, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Charles Drew Health Center, 1,000,000 Ben Nelson
Inc., Omaha, NE, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Chester County Hospital, West 100,000 Specter
Chester, PA, for construction.
Children's Hospital of 100,000 Specter
KidsPeace, Orefield, PA, for
construction and equip- ment.
Children's Hospitals and 300,000 Klobuchar, Coleman
Clinics of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, MN, to provide
pediatric palliative care
education and consultation
services to clinicians and
providers.
Children's Health Fund, New 150,000 Cochran
York, NY, for the Mississippi
Gulf Coast Children's Health
Project in Gulfport, MS.
Children's Health Fund, New 300,000 Landrieu
York, NY, to provide mental
health services to children
and families.
Children's Hospital Boston, 220,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Boston, MA, for the
development of comprehensive
pediatric electronic medical
records system.
Children's Hospital of 150,000 Specter
Philadelphia, Philadelphia,
PA, for equipment.
Children's Hospital of 150,000 Specter, Casey
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,
for construction.
Children's Hospital of The 200,000 Warner, Webb
King's Daughters (CHKD) Health
Systems, Norfolk, VA, to
purchase and equip a Mobile
Intensive Care Transport
Vehicle for the critically ill
neonatal and pediatric
populations.
Childrens Hospital of 200,000 Kohl
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Children's Hospital, Aurora, 200,000 Allard, Salazar
CO, for equipment.
Children's Institute, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Pittsburgh, PA, for
construction and program
expansion.
Children's Medical Center, 200,000 Hutchison, Cornyn
Dallas, TX, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
Children's Specialized 300,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
Hospital, Mountainside, NJ,
for construction, renovation
and equipment.
Chippewa Valley Hospital, 200,000 Kohl
Durand, WI, for equipment.
CHOICE Regional Health Network, 500,000 Murray
Olympia, WA, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Christiana Care Health System, 500,000 Biden, Carper
Wilmington, DE, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's 200,000 Hutchison
Hospital, San Antonio, TX, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Clarion Hospital Healthcare 100,000 Specter
System, Clarion, PA, for
electronic medical rec- ords.
Clearfield Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Clearfield, PA, for equipment.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 900,000 Clinton, Schumer
Cold Spring Harbor, NY, for
The Women's Cancer Genomics
Center.
College Misericordia, Dallas, 100,000 Specter
PA, for construction.
College of Saint Scholastica, 300,000 Coleman, Klobuchar
Duluth, MN, to implement a
rural health and technology
demonstration project.
Community Action Agency of 500,000 Domenici, Bingaman
Southern New Mexico, Las
Cruces, NM, for the Access to
Healthcare Initiative.
Community College of Rhode 250,000 Reed
Island, Lincoln, RI, for
equipment and laboratory
facilities for health care
education.
Community Health Center of 500,000 Brownback
Southeast Kansas, Pittsburg,
KS, for renovation and
equipment.
Community Health Center of the 400,000 Johnson, Thune
Black Hills, Rapid City, SD,
for facilities and equipment.
Community Health Centers in 2,300,000 Harkin
Iowa.
Community Health Centers of 600,000 Lincoln, Pryor
Arkansas, North Little Rock,
AR, for an infrastructure
development program.
Community Health Centers of the 100,000 Sanders
Rutland Region, Bomoseen, VT,
for equipment.
Community Home, Health & 250,000 Murray, Cantwell
Hospice, Longview, WA, to
implement a home health
telemonitoring system.
Community Hospital Telehealth 300,000 Landrieu, Vitter
Consortium, Lake Charles, LA,
to support the information
technology networks of
regional not-for-profit
community health systems.
Community Medical Center, 350,000 Baucus, Tester
Missoula, MT, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Cook Children's Medical Center, 200,000 Hutchison
Fort Worth, TX, for equipment.
Cooperative Telehealth Network, 350,000 Craig, Crapo
Portneuf Medical Center,
Pocatello, ID, to provide and
improve distance healthcare
access in southeast Idaho.
Counseling Services of Addison 400,000 Leahy
County, Middlebury, VT, to
implement an electronic
medical record.
Crumley House Brain Injury 100,000 Alexander
Rehabilitation Center,
Limestone, TN, for brain
injury programs.
Culpeper Regional Hospital, 300,000 Warner, Webb
Culpeper, VA, for facility
design, engineering and
construction to expand the
Emergency Department.
CVPH Medical Center, 1,500,000 Schumer, Clinton
Plattsburgh, NY, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Defiance College, Defiance, 200,000 Brown
Ohio, for training autism
caregivers.
Delta Dental of Iowa, Ankeny, 150,000 Harkin, Grassley
IA, for a dental loan
repayment program.
Delta Dental of South Dakota, 200,000 Johnson
Pierre, SD, to provide mobile
dental health services.
Denver Health and Hospital 200,000 Salazar
Authority, Denver, CO, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Desert Hot Springs, Downey, CA, 100,000 Boxer
to construct a primary and
urgent care medical clinic.
DuBois Regional Medical Center, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Dubois, PA, for equipment.
East Carolina University, 100,000 Burr, Dole
Greenville, NC, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment for the Metabolic
Institute.
East Orange General Hospital, 750,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
East Orange, NJ, for
facilities and equipment.
Easter Seals Iowa, Des Moines, 400,000 Harkin
IA, for construction and
enhancement of a health care
center.
Easter Seals Metropolitan 650,000 Obama, Durbin
Chicago, Chicago, IL, for
their therapeutic School and
Center for Autism Research.
Eastern Oklahoma State College, 100,000 Inhofe
Wilburton, OK, for health
information systems and
pharmacy technology programs.
Eastern Shore Rural Health 125,000 Webb, Warner
System Onley Community Health
Center, Nassawadox, VA, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, 250,000 Boxer
CA, for construction,
renovations and equipment.
Elliot Health System, 250,000 Gregg
Manchester, NH, for a backup
and support system for
continuity of services.
Ephrata Community Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Ephrata, PA, for equipment.
Family Health Centers of San 100,000 Boxer
Diego, Inc., San Diego, CA,
for construction, renovation
and equipment.
Fenway Community Health Center, 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Boston, MA, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Fish River Rural Health, Eagle 100,000 Collins, Snowe
Lake, ME, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
Fletcher Allen Health Care, 500,000 Leahy
Burlington, VT, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Fort Wayne, IN, for training of 200,000 Bayh
emergency medical personnel,
including equipment purchase.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, 150,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
equipment.
Franklin County Medical Center, 250,000 Craig
Preston, ID, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
Free Clinic of the Greater 100,000 Kohl
Menomonie Area, Inc,
Menomonie, WI, for equip-
ment.
Free Clinics of Iowa in Des 400,000 Harkin
Moines, IA, to support a
network of free clinics.
Fulton County Medical Center, 100,000 Specter
McConnellsburg, PA, for
equipment.
Garfield Memorial Hospital, 100,000 Hatch
Panguitch, Utah, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment of the emergency
room and adjacent clinic.
Geisinger Health System, 200,000 Specter
Danville, PA, for construction
and equipment.
Generations, Inc, Camden, NJ, 450,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
for construction of a medical
center.
Georgia Southern University, 100,000 Chambliss
Statesboro, GA, for rural
health outreach and training.
Glory House, Sioux Falls, SD, 100,000 Johnson
to construct a methamphetamine
treatment center.
Good Samaritan Regional Medical 100,000 Specter
Center, Pottsville, PA, for
medical out- reach.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation 100,000 Specter
Hospital, Allentown, PA, for
equipment.
Grady Health System, Atlanta, 200,000 Chambliss, Isakson
GA, to implement a new
Electronic Health Record
System.
Greene County, Waynesburg, PA, 100,000 Specter
for a telemedicine initiative.
Gritman Medical Center, Moscow, 450,000 Craig, Crapo
ID, for equipment and
technology.
Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, La 200,000 Kohl
Crosse, WI, for a health
information technology system.
Halifax Regional Health System, 150,000 Warner, Webb
South Boston, VA, for
equipment purchase and
technology system upgrades for
electronic medical records.
Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA, 100,000 Specter
for construction and equipment.
Hazleton General Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Hazleton, PA, for equipment.
Health Care Foundation of North 250,000 Cochran
Mississippi, Tupelo, MS, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Health Occupation Students of 200,000 Cochran
America, Flower Mound, TX, for
the HOSA Mississippi Emergency
Preparedness Pipeline.
HealthHUB, South Royalton, VT, 100,000 Sanders
for equipment and facilities.
Heartland Partnership, Peoria, 500,000 Durbin
IL, for construction of a
cancer research laboratory.
Helene Fuld College of Nursing, 100,000 Schumer, Clinton
New York, NY, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Henry Ford Health System, 350,000 Levin, Stabenow
Flint, MI, for training in
advanced techniques.
Heritage Valley Health System, 100,000 Specter
Beaver, PA, for construction.
Hidalgo Medical Services Inc., 1,000,000 Domenici, Bingaman
Lordsburg, NM, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment for a Community
Health Center in Silver City,
New Mexico.
Hilo Medical Center, HI, for a 100,000 Inouye
medical robotics training lab.
Holy Cross Hospital, Chicago, 1,200,000 Durbin
IL, for equipment.
Holy Cross Hospital, Silver 375,000 Mikulski, Cardin
Spring, MD, for equipment.
Holy Redeemer Health System, 100,000 Specter
Huntingdon Valley, PA, for
construction.
Holy Rosary Healthcare, Miles 200,000 Tester
City, MT, for a tele-radiology
program.
Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp 100,000 Specter
Hill, PA, for equipment.
Holyoke Hospital, Holyoke, MA, 220,000 Kennedy, Kerry
for equipment.
Hood River County, Hood River, 350,000 Wyden, Smith
OR, for construction of an
integrated health care
facility.
Hospice Care Plus, Berea, KY, 150,000 Bunning
for construction, renovation,
and equipment.
Hospital for Special Surgery, 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
New York, NY, for expansion
and modernization of its
clinical facilities.
House of Mercy in Des Moines, 300,000 Harkin
Iowa, for renovation of the
medical clinic.
Hunter's Hope Foundation, 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
Orchard Park, NY, for
equipment in the Krabbe's
disease programs.
Huntridge Teen Center and 175,000 Reid
Nevada Dental Association, Las
Vegas, NV, to purchase
equipment and coordinate care
for the Huntridge Dental
Clinic.
Illinois Primary Health Care 550,000 Durbin, Obama
Association, to develop an
electronic medical record
system.
Indiana Regional Medical 100,000 Specter
Center, Indiana, PA, for
services expansion.
Inova Health System, Falls 100,000 Warner, Webb
Church, VA, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma City, 100,000 Inhofe
OK, for statewide digital
radiology equip- ment.
Iowa Caregivers Association, 350,000 Harkin
for training and support of
certified nurse assistants.
Jackson Medical Mall 200,000 Cochran
Foundation, Jackson, MS, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Jackson State University, 400,000 Cochran
Jackson, MS, for Southern
Institute for Mental Health
Research and Training.
Jameson Hospital, New Castle, 100,000 Specter
PA, for construction.
Jefferson Regional Medical 2,000,000 Lincoln, Pryor
Center, Pine Bluff, AR, for
equipment.
Jefferson Regional Medical 100,000 Specter
Center, Pittsburgh, PA, for
equipment.
Jewish Renaissance Medical 200,000 Menendez, Lautenberg
Center, Perth Amboy, NJ, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Johns Hopkins University, 350,000 Mikulski
Baltimore, MD, to expand the
Critical Event Preparedness
and Response program.
Kane Community Hospital, Kane, 100,000 Specter
PA, for equipment.
Kansas State University, 500,000 Brownback
Manhattan, KS, for equipment
for the Midwest Institute for
Comparative Stem Cell Biology.
Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS, for 250,000 Cochran
equipment for Regional
Telepathology in South
Mississippi.
Kennedy Krieger Institute, 350,000 Mikulski, Cardin
Baltimore, MD, for medical
equipment.
Kenosha Community Health 200,000 Kohl
Center, Kenosha, WI, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Kootenai Medical Center, 250,000 Craig
Sandpoint, ID, to continue
providing and improving
distance healthcare access in
north Idaho.
Lakeshore Foundation, 600,000 Sessions
Birmingham, AL, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Lamoille Community Health 100,000 Sanders
Services, Morrisville, VT, for
rural outreach activities.
Lane County, Eugene, Oregon, 150,000 Smith, Wyden
for construction, renovation,
and equipment of the
Springfield Community Health
Center.
Le Bonheur Children's Medical 500,000 Alexander
Center, Memphis, TN, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Le Mars Dialysis Center, 250,000 Harkin
LeMars, IA, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Legacy Health System, Portland, 100,000 Smith
Oregon, for telemedicine
equipment.
Lehigh Valley Hospital and 100,000 Specter
Health Network, Allentown, PA,
for construction.
Lewis and Clark Community 350,000 Obama
College, Godfrey, IL, to
purchase and equip a mobile
health clinic to serve rural
areas.
LifeBridge Health of Baltimore, 500,000 Mikulski, Cardin
MD, to implement the
Computerized Physician Order
Entry Initiative.
Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Institute, 400,000 Ensign
Las Vegas, NV, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Madison Community Health 325,000 Kohl
Center, Madison, WI, for
equipment.
Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
equipment.
Magee-Womens Research Institute 100,000 Specter
and Foundation, Pittsburgh,
PA, for equipment.
Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, 190,000 Collins, Snowe
Ellsworth, ME, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Maliheh Free Clinic, Salt Lake 50,000 Hatch
City, Utah, for renovation and
equipment.
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 300,000 Baucus
Hamilton, MT, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Marcus Institute, Atlanta, GA, 200,000 Chambliss, Isakson
for equipment.
Marian Community Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Carbondale, PA, for equipment.
Marias Medical Center, Shelby, 200,000 Baucus
MT, to purchase equipment.
Marquette University, 250,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, WI, for a dental
health outreach program.
Marshall University, WV, for 1,575,000 Byrd
the Bioengineering and
Biomanufacturing Insti- tute.
Marshall University, WV, for 3,250,000 Byrd
the construction of a patient
care and clinical training
site in Southwestern West
Virginia.
Marshall University, WV, for 1,575,000 Byrd
the Virtual Colonoscopy
Outreach Program.
Maryland Hospital Association, 450,000 Mikulski
Elkridge, MD, for the Nursing
Career Lattice Program.
Maui Community Health Center, 800,000 Inouye
HI, for construction,
renovation and equip- ment.
Maui Economic Development 150,000 Inouye
Board, HI, for the Lanai
Women's Initiative.
McKinley County, New Mexico, 1,000,000 Domenici, Bingaman
Gallup, NM, for construction,
renovation, and equipment of
the dialysis center.
Meadville Medical Center, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Meadville, PA, for
construction and equipment.
Medical Education Development 1,000,000 Specter, Casey
Consortium, Scranton, PA, for
construction.
Memorial Hospital of Laramie 400,000 Enzi
County, Cheyenne, WY, for
design of the Comprehensive
Community Cancer Center.
Memorial Hospital, York, PA, 100,000 Specter
for information technology
equipment.
Memphis Bioworks Foundation, 500,000 Alexander
Memphis, TN, for construction,
renovation, and equipment at
the research park.
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Darby, PA, for equipment.
Mercy Health Foundation, 200,000 Salazar
Durango, CO, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Mercy Health Partners, 100,000 Specter
Scranton, PA, for equipment.
Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
equipment.
Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 850,000 Mikulski
for equipment.
Mercy Medical Center, 225,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Springfield, MA, for equipment.
Methodist Hospital System, 200,000 Hutchison, Cornyn
Houston, TX, for equipment.
Methodist Hospital, Houston, 500,000 Cornyn, Hutchison
Texas, for renovation and
equipment.
Metro Health, Cleveland, OH, 100,000 Voinovich
for The Northeast Ohio Senior
Health and Wellness Center.
Mid Valley Hospital, Peckville, 100,000 Specter
PA, for equipment,
construction and renova- tion.
Minot State University, Minot, 500,000 Dorgan, Conrad
ND, to monitor and treat
individuals with autism
spectrum disorder in rural
areas with limited access to
health professionals.
Mississippi Hospital 400,000 Cochran
Association, Madison, MS, for
the Managed Growth Initiative.
Mississippi Primary Health Care 400,000 Cochran
Association, Jackson, MS,.
Mississippi State University, 350,000 Cochran
Mississippi State, MS, for the
Tissue Engineering Research
Center.
Monongahela Valley Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Monongahela, PA, for equipment.
Monticello, Utah, to provide 100,000 Hatch
preventive screening for
Monticello Mill Legacy.
Moses Taylor Hospital, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Scranton, PA, for equipment.
Mount Nittany Medical Center, 100,000 Specter, Casey
State College, PA, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Mount Sinai Medical Center, 400,000 Bill Nelson, Martinez
Miami Beach, FL, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Mountain State University, 3,600,000 Byrd
Beckley, WV, for the
construction of the Allied
Health Technology Tower.
Myrna Brind Center of 100,000 Specter
Integrative Medicine,
Philadelphia, PA, to develop
three models of integrative
programs of clinical
excellence.
Nebraska Hospital Association, 400,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
Lincoln, NE, to expand the
Nebraska Statewide Telehealth
Network.
Nevada Rural Hospital Partners, 350,000 Reid
Reno, NV, to expand and
enhance a rural telemedicine
project.
New Hampshire Community Health 400,000 Gregg
Centers, Concord, NH, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
New Orleans Office of Homeland 1,000,000 Landrieu
Security and Emergency
Preparedness, New Orleans, LA,
for equipment and supplies for
a mobile medical hospital.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 600,000 Clinton, Schumer
NY, for cardiac care telemetry.
Noble Hospital, Westfield, MA, 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
for construction, renovation
and equipment.
Norman Regional Health System, 100,000 Inhofe
Norman, OK, for a health
information technology system.
North Country Children's 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
Clinic, Inc., Watertown, NY,
for construction and
renovation.
North Dakota State University, 1,000,000 Dorgan, Conrad
Fargo, ND, to expand a
statewide telepharmacy project.
North General Hospital, New 700,000 Clinton, Schumer
York, NY, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Northcentral Montana Healthcare 200,000 Tester
Alliance, Great Falls, MT, for
health information technology.
Northeastern Pennsylvania 100,000 Specter
Technology Institute,
Scranton, PA, to connect the
eighteen regional hospitals
with state and federal medical
experts during incident
response and recovery.
Northern Larimer County Health 100,000 Salazar
District, Fort Collins, CO,
for the Acute Mental Health
and Detoxification Facility.
Northern Maine Community 150,000 Collins, Snowe
College, Presque Isle, ME, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Northern Virginia Urban League, 150,000 Warner, Webb
Alexandria, VA, for services
and equipment to promote
healthy pregnancy outcomes in
the Northern Virginia region.
Northwest Colorado Visiting 150,000 Salazar
Nurse Association, Inc.,
Steamboat Springs, CO, to
construct and equip a
community health clinic.
Northwest Hospital and Medical 1,150,000 Murray, Cantwell
Center, Seattle, WA, for a
Community Health Education and
Simulation Center.
Northwest Hospital, Baltimore, 375,000 Mikulski
MD, for equipment.
Northwest Nazarene University, 350,000 Craig, Crapo
Nampa, ID, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
Northwest Research and 350,000 Baucus
Education Institute, Billings,
MT, to create a continuing
medical education program.
NYU School of Medicine, New 900,000 Clinton, Schumer
York, NY, for the Basic
Research and Imaging Program.
Oconee Memorial Hospital, 100,000 Graham
Seneca, SC, to design,
develop, and implement a
community-wide health
information exchange system.
Ohio State University 100,000 Voinovich
Comprehensive Cancer Center,
Columbus, OH, for design,
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 200,000 Brown
for the Appalachian Healthcare
Screening Program.
Ohio Valley General Hospital, 100,000 Specter
McKees Rocks, PA, for
equipment.
Oklahoma Foundation for Kidney 100,000 Inhofe
Disease, Oklahoma City, OK,
for telehealth applications.
Oklahoma Medical Research 100,000 Inhofe
Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK,
for construction, renovation,
and equipment of a Biotech
Research Tower.
Oklahoma State University, 100,000 Inhofe
Center for Health Sciences,
Tulsa, OK, for mobile health
clinics.
Orange County Government, 200,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson
Orlando, FL, for health
information technology
equipment.
Ottumwa Regional Health Center, 445,000 Harkin, Grassley
Ottumwa, IA, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical 700,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
Center, Camden, NJ, for
facilities and equip- ment.
Owensboro Medical Center, 150,000 Bunning
Owensboro, KY, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Penn State Milton S. Hershey 200,000 Specter
Medical Center/College of
Medicine, Hershey, PA, for
construction.
Philadelphia College of 100,000 Specter
Osteopathic Medicine,
Philadelphia, PA, for equip-
ment.
Phoebe Putney Memorial 100,000 Chambliss
Hospital, Albany, GA, to
partner with Dougherty County
School System to implement a
pilot program to promote
healthy lifestyles in school
children.
Piedmont Access to Health 175,000 Webb, Warner
Services, Inc. (PATHS),
Danville, VA, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Pinnacle Health System, 100,000 Specter
Harrisburg, PA, for
construction.
Pioneer Valley Life Sciences 450,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Institute, Springfield, MA,
for the construction of
biomedical research facilities.
Pocono Medical Center, East 100,000 Specter
Stroudsburg, PA, for
construction.
Pointe Coupee Better Access 350,000 Landrieu, Vitter
Community Health (BACH), New
Roads, LA, to sustain a
community-based clinic and
diabetic outreach program.
Powell County, Deer Lodge, MT, 100,000 Baucus
for equipment for the Powell
County Medical Center.
Primary Care Association of HI, 1,000,000 Inouye, Akaka
for construction, renovation,
equipment, disability services
and outreach at the State's
health centers.
Providence Community Health 300,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Center, Providence, RI, for
construction.
Providence Medical Center, 500,000 Brownback
Kansas City, KS, for
telehealth upgrades.
Providence Telehealth Network 300,000 Murray
Rural Outreach Program,
Spokane, WA, for equipment.
Rapid City Area School District 100,000 Thune
51/4, Rapid City, SD, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment for a school-based
health clinic.
Reading Hospital and Medical 100,000 Specter
Center, West Reading, PA, for
equipment.
Redevelopment Authority of the 100,000 Specter
County of Washington,
Washington, PA, for
construction and renovation at
Washington Hospital.
Rhode Island Quality Institute, 700,000 Whitehouse, Reed
Providence, RI, to build a
health information exchange.
Rice University, Houston, TX, 500,000 Hutchison
for equipment for the
Collaborative Research Center.
Riverside County, Moreno 500,000 Feinstein
Valley, CA, for Riverside
County Regional Medical Center
Trauma Center renovation.
Riverside Healthcare, Kankakee, 350,000 Obama
IL, for a computerized
physician order entry system.
Rochester General Hospital, 250,000 Clinton, Schumer
Rochester, NY, for heart
failure equipment and training.
Roper/Saint Francis Healthcare, 200,000 Graham
Charleston, SC, for the
expansion initiative for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Rosebud Alcohol Drug Treatment 800,000 Johnson
Center, Rosebud, SD, for the
construction of a treatment
wing.
Rosebud Inter-facility 200,000 Johnson
Transport, Rosebud, SD, for
purchase of emergency vehicles
and equipment.
Rural Wisconsin Health 225,000 Kohl
Cooperative, Sauk City, WI,
for health information
technology.
Sac and Fox Tribe of the 750,000 Harkin
Mississippi in Iowa for a
Tribal Health Care Clinic.
Sacred Heart Hospital of 100,000 Specter
Allentown,, Allentown, PA, for
equipment.
Saint Agnes Hospital, 850,000 Mikulski, Cardin
Baltimore, MD, for equipment.
Saint Alphonsus Regional 250,000 Craig
Medical Center, Boise, ID, for
rural emergency medical
services training and
equipment.
Saint Ambrose University, 500,000 Harkin, Grassley
Davenport, IA, for the
construction of a Center for
Health Sciences Education.
Saint Anthony Hospital, 100,000 Inhofe
Oklahoma City, OK, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment of a Level II
Newborn Nursery.
Saint Bernard Health Center, 1,500,000 Landrieu, Vitter
Inc., Chalmette, LA, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Saint Croix Regional Family 180,000 Collins, Snowe
Health Center, Princeston, ME,
for construction, renovation,
and equipment.
Saint Francis Hospital, 300,000 Levin, Stabenow
Escabana, MI, for
construction, renovation and
equipment.
Saint Francis University, 100,000 Specter
Loretto, PA, for equipment.
Saint Joseph's Hospital, 700,000 Sununu, Gregg
Nashua, NH, for the Patient
Focused Technology Initiative.
Saint Joseph's Hospital, 500,000 Kyl
Phoenix, AZ, to purchase and
equip a mobile prenatal clinic
for the MoMobile program.
Saint Louis Children's 1,000,000 Bond
Hospital, St. Louis, MO, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment of the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit Expansion.
Saint Luke's Episcopal 200,000 Hutchison
Hospital, Houston, TX, for
equipment for the Neuroscience
Center.
Saint Luke's Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Allentown, PA, for
construction and equipment.
Saint Luke's Miners Memorial 100,000 Specter
Hospital, Coaldale, PA, for
equipment.
Saint Luke's Regional Medical 200,000 Craig, Crapo
Center, Boise, ID, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Saint Mary Medical Center, 100,000 Specter
Langhorne, PA, for health
outreach programs.
Saint Mary's Good Samaritan 500,000 Durbin
Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL,
for equipment.
Saint Mary's Hospital 650,000 Lieberman, Dodd
Incorporated, Waterbury, CT,
for construction, renovation
and equipment.
Saint Mary's Medical Center, 205,000 Collins, Snowe
Lewiston, ME, for equipment.
Saint Patrick Hospital and 400,000 Baucus, Tester
Health Sciences Center,
Missoula, MT, to implement an
electronic medical records
system.
Saint Peter's Hospital, Helena, 150,000 Baucus
MT, for construction,
renovation and equip- ment.
Saint Vincent Healthcare 750,000 Baucus, Tester
Foundation, Billings, MT, for
a feasibility study on the
establishment of the Montana
Children's Hospital Network.
Saint Vincent Regional Medical 750,000 Domenici, Bingaman
Center, Santa Fe, NM, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Saint Vincent's Hospital, 200,000 Dodd
Bridgeport, CT, for renovation
and equipment.
San Diego County, Santee, CA, 500,000 Feinstein
to purchase equipment for
Edgemoor Hospital renovation.
San Francisco, CA, for HIV/AIDS 700,000 Feinstein
outreach programs.
San Luis Valley Regional 200,000 Salazar
Medical Center, Alamosa, CO,
for health information
technology.
Sanford Health Mid-Dakota 100,000 Johnson
Medical Center, Chamberlain,
SD, for medical equipment.
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 1,500,000 Murray, Cantwell
Seattle, WA, for equipment.
Sharon Regional Health System, 100,000 Specter
Sharon, PA, for equipment.
Shodair Children's Hospital, 150,000 Baucus
Helena, MT, for project Cancer
Genetics.
Sierra Vista Hospital, Truth or 750,000 Domenici, Bingaman
Consequences, NM, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Sixteenth Street Community 325,000 Kohl
Health Center, Milwaukee, WI,
for renovations.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial 100,000 Specter
Hospital, Wellsboro, PA, for
emergency department expansion.
Somerset Hospital, Somerset, 100,000 Specter
PA, for equipment.
South Carolina Office of Rural 200,000 Graham
Health, Lexington, SC, for an
electronic medical records
system.
South Dakota State University, 300,000 Johnson
Brookings, SD, for
construction of a pharmacy
education space.
South Dakota State University, 350,000 Johnson
Brookings, SD, to construct
the Center for Accelerated
Design, Screen, and
Development of Biomaterials.
South Sound Health 250,000 Cantwell
Communication Network, Tacoma,
WA, for a community Health
Record Bank.
Southcentral Foundation, 750,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, to purchase
equipment for the Primary Care
Center in Anchorage, Alaska.
Southern Methodist University, 200,000 Hutchison
Dallas, TX, for facilities and
equipment at the Southwestern
Consortium for Anti-Infectives
and Virological Research.
Stone Soup Group, Anchorage, 200,000 Stevens
AK, to continue and expand
services to Alaskans with
autism in Alaska.
Straub Hospital Burn Center, 100,000 Inouye
HI, for health professions
training in burn treatment.
Susquehanna Health System, 100,000 Specter
Williamsport, PA, for
equipment.
Swedish Medical Center, 250,000 Cantwell
Seattle, WA, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Temple University Health 200,000 Specter, Casey
System, Philadelphia, PA, for
construction and renovation.
Tennessee State University, 250,000 Alexander
Nashville, TN, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment of an animal
research facility for
biomedical research.
Texas A&M University, College 300,000 Hutchison
Station, TX, for equipment in
the Michael E. DeBakey
Institute.
Texas Health Institute, Austin, 200,000 Hutchison
TX, for equipment for an
emergency communications
demonstration project.
Texas Medical Center, Houston, 200,000 Hutchison
TX, for the National Center
for Human Performance.
Thomas Jefferson University 200,000 Specter, Casey
Hospital, Philadelphia, PA,
for construction and equipment.
Toumey Health Care System, 100,000 Graham
Sumter, SC, for equipment.
Touro University, Henderson, 500,000 Reid
NV, for construction and
equipment for the Center for
Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Translational Genomics Research 500,000 Kyl
Institute, Phoenix, AZ, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
Trinitas Health Foundation, 200,000 Menendez, Lautenberg
Elizabeth, NJ, for
construction, equipment and
renovation.
Trinity County, Weaverville, 100,000 Boxer
CA, for renovation and
equipment to Mountain
Community Medical Services.
Tyrone Hospital, Tyrone, PA, 100,000 Specter
for equipment.
UMass Memorial Health Care in 900,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Worcester, MA for a high-speed
network and Picture Archiving
and Communication System.
University of Alabama, 11,000,000 Shelby
Tuscaloosa, AL, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
University of Alaska Statewide 500,000 Stevens
Office, Fairbanks, AK, for the
Health Distance Education
Program in Alaska.
University of Alaska Statewide 750,000 Stevens
Office, Fairbanks, AK, to
develop and implement a
statewide health agenda in
Alaska.
University of Alaska/Anchorage, 250,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for the
Geriatric and Disabled Care
Training Program in Anchorage,
Alaska.
University of Colorado, Denver, 300,000 Allard, Salazar
CO, for construction,
renovation, and equip- ment.
University of Delaware, Newark, 450,000 Biden, Carper
DE, for the Delaware
Biotechnology Institute.
University of Findlay, Findlay, 250,000 Brown
Ohio, for public health
training programs.
University of Georgia, Athens, 100,000 Chambliss
GA, for construction,
renovation, and equip ment.
University of Iowa, Iowa City, 3,000,000 Harkin
IA, for the School of Public
Health.
University of Iowa, Iowa City, 5,000,000 Harkin, Grasssley
IA, for the Iowa Institute for
Biomedical Dis- covery.
University of Kentucky Research 1,500,000 McConnell
Foundation, Lexington, KY, for
equipment and renovation.
University of Kentucky Research 500,000 McConnell
Foundation, Lexington, KY, for
the Kentucky Oral Health
Initiative.
University of Louisville 10,750,000 McConnell
Research Foundation,
Louisville, KY, to upgrade and
expand cardiovascular
facilities at the University
of Louisville.
University of Maryland School 1,000,000 Mikulski, Cardin
of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, for
the Institute for Educators in
Nursing and Health Professions.
University of Miami Miller 500,000 Bill Nelson
School of Medicine, Miami, FL,
for the Center for Patient
Safety.
University of Minnesota, 350,000 Coleman, Klobuchar
Minneapolis, MN, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
University of Mississippi 3,000,000 Cochran
Medical Center, Jackson, MS,
for construction, renovation,
and equipment at the Arthur C.
Guyton Laboratory Building.
University of Mississippi 150,000 Cochran
Medical Center, Jackson, MS,
for equipment for the School
of Dentistry.
University of Mississippi 2,200,000 Cochran
School of Pharmacy,
University, MS, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
University of Mississippi, 5,000,000 Cochran
University, MS, for Phase II
of the National Center for
Natural Products Research.
University of Mississippi, 500,000 Cochran
University, MS, for the Center
for Thermal Pharmaceutical
Processing.
University of Nebraska Medical 900,000 Ben Nelson
Center, Omaha, NE, for
construction of a cancer floor.
University of Nebraska Medical 200,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
Center, Omaha, NE, for
construction, renovation and
equipment at the College of
Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska.
University of Nebraska Medical 100,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
Center, Omaha, NE, for the
NEED-IT program for statewide
lung cancer screenings.
University of Nevada Health 1,000,000 Reid
Sciences System, Las Vegas,
NV, for construction and
equipment.
University of Nevada School of 1,500,000 Reid
Medicine, Center for Molecular
Medicine, Reno, NV, for the
purchase of equipment and for
construction.
University of Nevada, Las 600,000 Reid
Vegas, NV, for construction at
the School of Public Health.
University of New Mexico, 3,750,000 Domenici
Albuquerque, NM, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
University of North Dakota 1,500,000 Dorgan, Conrad
School of Medicine and Health
Services, Grand Forks, ND, for
construction of a forensic
facility.
University of Pennsylvania, 200,000 Specter, Casey
Philadelphia, PA, for
equipment.
University of Pittsburgh Cancer 200,000 Specter
Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, for
equipment.
University of Pittsburgh 100,000 Specter
Medical Center, Pittsburgh,
PA, for equipment.
University of South Alabama, 600,000 Sessions
Mobile, AL, for renovation and
equipment.
University of South Dakota, 200,000 Johnson
Vermillion, SD, for biomedical
laboratory facilities and
equipment.
University of South Dakota 2,000,000 Johnson
Sanford School of Medicine,
Vermillion, SD, for medical
equipment.
University of Tennessee Health 250,000 Alexander
Science Center, Memphis, TN,
for equipment at the regional
biocontainment laboratory.
University of Texas M.D. 500,000 Hutchison
Anderson Cancer Center,
Houston, TX, for equipment.
University of Texas Medical 250,000 Hutchison
Branch at Galveston,
Galveston, TX, for equip-
ment.
University of Washington, 200,000 Cantwell
Seattle, WA, for the Bothell
Nursing Faculty Consortium.
University of Wisconsin 150,000 Kohl
Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, for
construction and equipment of
a primary care facility.
University of Wisconsin 200,000 Kohl
Superior, Superior, WI, for
construction and equip- ment.
Valley Baptist Health System, 200,000 Hutchison
Harlingen, TX, for the
Hispanic Stroke Care Center of
Excellence for equipment.
Vermont Information Technology 500,000 Leahy
Leaders, Inc, Montpelier, VT,
for health information
technology.
Village of Kiryas Joel, NY, for 150,000 Clinton, Schumer
construction of a primary care
clinic.
Virginia Dental Health 100,000 Warner, Webb
Foundation, Richmond, VA, for
the Mission of Mercy project.
Virginia Primary Care 200,000 Webb, Warner
Association, Richmond, VA, for
health information technology.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals, 200,000 Dole
Raleigh, North Carolina, for
the Emergency Operations and
Regional Call Center.
Washingon State University, 1,500,000 Murray, Cantwell
Seattle, WA, for construction
and equipment at the College
of Nursing.
Wayne Memorial Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Honesdale, PA, for equipment.
Wayne Memorial Hospital, Jesup, 100,000 Chambliss, Isakson
GA, for construction,
renovation, and equipment.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, 450,000 Gregg, Sunune
Dover, NH, for equipment.
Wesley College, Dover, DE, for 200,000 Carper, Biden
the expansion of the nursing
program.
West Virginia University, for 3,150,000 Byrd
the construction and equipping
of medical simulation research
and training centers in
Morgantown, Charleston and
Martinsburg.
West Virginia University, for 4,050,000 Byrd
the construction of a Multiple
Sclerosis Center.
Westerly Hospital, Westerly, 500,000 Reed
RI, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Western Kentucky University 500,000 McConnell
Research Foundation, Bowling
Green, KY, for the Western
Kentucky University Mobile
Health Screening Unit.
Western Pennsylvania Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Pittsburgh, PA, for
construction.
Wetzel County Hospital, WV, for 1,000,000 Byrd
the expansion and remolding of
the Emergency Department.
Whitman Walker Clinic of 150,000 Webb, Warner
Northern Virginia, Arlington,
VA, for construction,
renovation and equipment.
Wills Eye Health System, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
equipment.
Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, 100,000 Specter
PA, for construction.
Wolfson Children's Hospital, 500,000 Bill Nelson
Jacksonville, FL, for
equipment.
Wyoming Health Resources 500,000 Enzi
Network, Inc., Cheyenne, WY,
to expand recruitment and
retention of medical
professionals in Wyoming.
Wyoming Valley Health Care 100,000 Specter
System-Hospital, Wilkes-Barre,
PA, for equip- ment.
Youth Crisis Center, 100,000 Martinez, Bill Nelson
Jacksonville, FL, for
construction, renovation, and
equipment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $7,000,000 for telehealth
activities. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 were both $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.
The Committee intends for HRSA to continue to carry out
activities initiated in fiscal year 2006 related to the
telehealth resource centers, network grants, telehomecare, and
the programs under which health licensing boards or various
States cooperate to develop and implement policies that will
reduce statutory and regulatory barriers to telehealth.
Program Management
The Committee provides $145,000,000 for program management
activities for fiscal year 2008. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $146,294,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $144,191,000.
The Committee commends HRSA for working with stakeholders
to develop recommendations and implement cost effective
clinical pharmacy services to improve patient health outcomes
as components of federally qualified health centers, rural
hospital programs, academic medical centers, Indian Health
Service programs, Ryan White programs, and all HRSA supported
programs in which medications play an integral part of patient
care. The Committee looks forward to receiving a report of
these activities. The Committee strongly encourages HRSA to
continue to develop and implement cost effective clinical
pharmacy programs in all of the various safety net provider
settings.
The Committee further encourages HRSA to establish a
pharmacy collaborative to identify and implement best
practices, which may improve patient care by establishing the
pharmacist as an integral part of a patient-centered,
interprofessional health care team.
HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOANS
The Committee provides $1,000,000 to liquidate obligations
from loans guaranteed before 1992. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $4,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 was $1,000,000. For administration of the HEAL
program including the Office of Default Reduction, the
Committee provides $2,906,000. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $2,898,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $2,906,000.
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 $61,075,000 be released from
the vaccine injury compensation trust fund in fiscal year 2008,
of which $3,528,000 is for administrative costs. The total
fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $59,853,000 and the total
budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $61,075,000.
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, 2007.................................... $6,202,672,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 5,982,651,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,426,833,000
The Committee provides a program level of $6,426,833,000
for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. The
Committee recommendation includes $6,157,169,000 in budget
authority and an additional $269,664,000 via transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Services Act.
The fiscal year 2007 comparable program level was
$6,202,672,000 and the program level budget request for fiscal
year 2008 was $5,982,651,000.
The Committee notes that an additional $158,000,000 is
appropriated within the Public Health and Social Services
Emergency Fund in this act and will be transferred to the CDC
for activities to prepare for an influenza pandemic. These
amounts are included in the President's request for CDC, but
not in the Committee recommendation figures below. Including
the pandemic funding, the comparable fiscal year 2008
programmatic amount total for CDC would be $6,584,513,000.
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 2007 and the fiscal year 2008 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 $1,774,877,000 for infectious
disease related programs at the CDC. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $1,804,231,000 and the comparable budget
request level for fiscal year 2008 was $1,794,368,000. The
Committee recommendation includes $12,794,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Services Act.
The Coordinating Center for Infectious Disease reorganized
in fiscal year 2007. The new four center structure includes:
Zoonotic, Vector Borne, and Enteric Diseases; Preparedness,
Detection and Control of Infectious Diseases; HIV/AIDS, Viral
Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention; and Immunization and
Respiratory Diseases.
Zoonotic, Vector Borne, and Enteric Diseases
The Committee has included $70,070,000 for fiscal year 2008
for this center. The fiscal year 2007 level was $70,070,000 and
the 2008 budget request was $62,952,000. This Center provides
outbreak investigation, infection control and scientific
evaluations of zoonotic, vector borne and enteric diseases; and
conducts food-borne illness surveillance and investigation. All
activities in this Center have been funded at last year's
level.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.--The Committee has included
funding to continue a public awareness campaign on chronic
fatigue syndrome. The Committee also commends the excellent
work of the CDC's CFS research program and its systems biology
approach to CFS and understands that it is recognized as a
leading program globally. The Committee awaits reports from CDC
regarding how the organizational restructuring will impact the
CFS program and how CDC will address emerging evidence
concerning human herpesvirus 6A and Epstein-Barr virus and CFS.
Food Safety.--The Committee notes that 76 million Americans
suffer from food borne illnesses each year and the CDC
coordinates with State and local health officials to respond to
the most severe outbreaks. The Committee is concerned by recent
E. coli outbreaks linked to spinach and lettuce, and urges the
CDC to work with the Food and Drug Administration to prevent
future outbreaks.
Morgellons Disease.--The Committee urges the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention to study an unexplained skin
condition commonly known as Morgellons Disease, which affects
over 10,000 individuals with skin lesions, joint pain, and
neurological difficulties, among other symptoms. The Committee
encourages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to
work as quickly as possible to plan and begin this important
research to increase the amount of information available to
practitioners and the public.
West Nile Virus.--The Committee is aware of the active role
that State laboratories play in testing for west nile virus.
This highly seasonal activity is at the forefront of the
public's interaction with local health departments and labs.
The Committee strongly supports these efforts and has rejected
the proposed cut to these important activities.
Preparedness, Detection and Control of Infectious Diseases
The Committee has included $156,966,000 for fiscal year
2008 for this Center. The comparable level for fiscal year 2007
was $155,966,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008
was $129,641,000. This Center builds epidemiology and
laboratory capacity and provides technical assistance to
identify and monitor infectious diseases. With the exception
noted below, all activities in this Center are funded at the
same level as the 2007 operating plan.
Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee is aware that
infectious pathogens such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylosossus aureus [MRSA] are rapidly gaining new forms of
resistance to available antimicrobial drugs. The Committee
commends the CDC for its work in tracking trends over time in
community acquired MRSA [CA-MRSA] and urges the CDC to continue
supporting this surveillance effort. The Committee further
encourages the CDC to strengthen research on CA-MRSA
prevention, control and treatment strategies, including the
expansion and routinization of it collection of isolates of
resistant pathogens from a broad range of sites for analysis by
CDC experts. Finally, the Committee encourages the CDC to post
timely and pertinent information available to the public
through its website.
Emerging Infectious Diseases.--The Committee provides
$136,671,000 for all other emerging infectious diseases. This
increase of $1,000,000 will provide sufficient resources to
expand laboratory capacity, research and support for detecting
and characterizing influenza and other infectious diseases.
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, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
The Committee has included $1,020,191,000 for the
activities at this Center in fiscal year 2008. The fiscal year
2007 level was $1,010,191,000 and the 2008 budget request was
$1,056,798,000. Recognizing the intersection among these
diseases, and the need for a focal point for leadership and
accountability, CDC combines HIV, STD, Viral Hepatitis, 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; providing confidential, culturally
competent counseling to identify and reach those who have been
exposed to infection and who may not know it; and promoting
individual and population level health to reduce high risk
behaviors. With the exception of an additional $10,000,000 for
TB prevention activities, the Committee has provided funding at
the level of the fiscal year 2007 operating plan.
Hepatitis and Diversity.--The Committee continues to be
concerned with the high prevalence of hepatitis among Asian
Americans. One out of ten Asian Americans are affected with
hepatitis B, which along with hepatitis C is associated with an
increased incidence of liver cancer. The Committee encourages
the CDC to develop targeted research and approaches towards the
Asian American community in its work on hepatitis.
Hepatitis B.--The Committee applauds CDC's efforts to
develop and implement a new strategy to screen at risk
individuals for chronic hepatitis B. As only approximately one-
third of individuals with hepatitis B are aware of their
condition, the Committee urges CDC to continue to collaborate
with NIDDK in the development of a public health strategy to
expand the screening of individuals at risk for chronic
hepatitis B. In addition, the Committee notes that accurate
national statistics are lacking as to the number of Americans
infected with hepatitis B, as existing population-based surveys
have not included Asian/Pacific Islander groups in whom
hepatitis B is by far the most common. The Committee urges CDC
to continue to implement the recommendations of the National
Hepatitis C Prevention strategy and the report of the National
Viral Hepatitis roundtable.
Hepatitis C.--The Committee notes that, as 2008 will be the
10th anniversary of the National Hepatitis C Prevention
Strategy, this plan may need to be reviewed and updated. The
Committee continues to be concerned that less than half the
people infected with hepatitis C are aware of their condition,
and encourages any update of the strategy to include an
aggressive screening program. In addition to targeting at-risk
populations, the Committee encourages the consideration of age
based screening policies to more effectively reach infected
populations.
Hepatitis Prevention.--The Committee continues to be
concerned about the prevalence of hepatitis and urges CDC to
promote liver wellness with increased attention to childhood
education and primary prevention.
HIV/AIDS Initiative.--The Committee is strongly supportive
of the HIV/AIDS initiative begun in fiscal year 2007 and has
included sufficient funding to maintain that effort within
CDC's HIV/AIDS-related activities. 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 Committee notes that quick
HIV tests that can provide results in less than an hour are a
critical component of the initiative. The Committee continues
to support bulk purchases of HIV quick tests for distribution
to providers.
In fiscal year 2007, the Committee provided no funding for
the Early Diagnosis and Screening program authorized in section
2625 of the Public Health Service Act because no State was
eligible for the program. The Committee is aware of legislation
pending in several States that may qualify those States for
funding under this program. Therefore, the Committee has
provided $30,000,000 for the program within HIV prevention
funding, should States become eligible.
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 have 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.
Tuberculosis.--The Committee understands that tuberculosis
[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, approximately a
third of the world's population is currently infected.
At a recent hearing, the Committee heard testimony about
current testing methods that take 6 to 16 days to correctly
diagnose the presence of TB bacteria. The Committee is
concerned by this long delay. The Department of Defense has
been working on biological and chemical detection and
identification technology that can confirm the presence of
specific bacteria in just 2 hours. This technology is currently
being developed to identify chemical and biological threat
agents but may be adapted for use in medical diagnosis. The
Committee encourages the CDC to work with the Department of
Defense and the National Institutes of Health to develop new
diagnostic tools to identify TB more rapidly.
Drug Resistant Tuberculosis.--The Committee has heard
testimony about drug resistant tuberculosis and extensively
drug resistant TB [XDR-TB]. The Committee is concerned that the
under-funding of TB treatment programs worldwide is
contributing to this dangerous illness. The Committee has
included $10,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007 operating plan
for TB in an effort to shore up the public health efforts to
prevent TB in general and its progression into XDR-TB. The
Committee remains hopeful about the ability of the United
States to meet its TB elimination goals.
The Committee understands that Phase II of CDC's new
formula under the TB Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative
Agreements is scheduled to be implemented in fiscal year 2008.
The Committee expects the CDC to implement Phase II within the
increase provided.
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
The Committee has included a program level of $527,650,000
for the activities of this Center in fiscal year 2008. The
comparable level for fiscal year 2007 was $568,004,000 and the
budget request included $544,977,000 for this Center. The
Committee notes that the fiscal year 2007 level and budget
request for 2008 include funding to prepare for an influenza
pandemic, an activity that the Committee has chosen to fund
through the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund.
This Center supports the immunization efforts of States by
purchasing vaccines and supporting infrastructure; building
domestic and international capacity to address annual
influenza; and continuously monitoring vaccines for safety.
With the exception of influenza activities noted below, all of
the activities of this Center are funded at the 2007 comparable
level.
The Committee recommends $457,523,000 for the program
authorized under section 317 of the Public Health Service Act.
The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $457,523,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $425,123,000. 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.
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.
The Committee understands that infrastructure costs of
delivering vaccines to children in remote areas are
substantially higher than in other areas of the country,
because of the distances that must be traveled to administer
the vaccine. Some communities are so remote, they must be
served primarily by air, dramatically increasing the cost of
each dose. The Committee encourages CDC to increase section 317
grant support for infrastructure development and purchase of
vaccines for States facing these extreme challenges.
Adolescent and Adult Immunizations.--The Committee
recognizes the success that vaccines research and development,
as well as a strong national immunization program, have played
in protecting children, adolescents, and adults against many
previously life-threatening and debilitating infectious
diseases. The section 317 program, overseen by CDC's National
Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, has
demonstrated success by helping to raise childhood immunization
coverage rates across the United States to their highest
levels. The Committee recognizes that States have not been able
to direct sufficient resources toward adult immunization
despite extremely high rates of vaccine-preventable deaths
among adults. Moreover, States now face increased challenges in
expanding coverage rates as several new, and expensive,
vaccines are becoming available for all age groups.
The Committee is pleased with the report on the 317 program
that CDC provided, and expects the report to be updated and
promptly submitted next year by February 1, 2008, to reflect
fiscal year 2009 cost estimates. The updated report should also
include an estimate of optimum State and local operations
funding as well as CDC operations funding needed relative to
current levels to conduct and support childhood, adolescent and
adult programs. This estimate should include the cost of
vaccine administration; surveillance and assessment of changes
in immunization rates; vaccine storage, handling and quality
assurance; implementation of centralized vaccine distribution
and other vaccine business improvement practices; needs to
support provider and public outreach and education on new
vaccines; identification of barriers to immunization and
strategies to address such barriers; maintenance, utilization,
and enhancement of Immunization Information Systems [IIS]
including integration with public health preparedness and other
public health information technology systems; innovative
strategies to increase coverage rates in hard-to-reach
populations and geographic pockets of need; and other non-
vaccine resource needs of a comprehensive immunization program.
Each of these activities is critical to ensuring the delivery
of life-saving vaccines to our nation. The Committee urges CDC
to consider integrating the data from this report into its
budget justification on an annual basis.
Influenza.--The Committee includes $7,311,000 for influenza
activities in fiscal year 2008. This funding level is not
intended to support the pandemic flu activities that were
requested in the President's budget, as the Committee has
appropriated all pandemic flu activities out of the Office of
the Secretary Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.
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 $979,876,000 for Health Promotion-
related activities at the CDC. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $959,662,000 and the budget request for fiscal year
2008 was $958,732,000.
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.
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION
The Committee has recommended $851,180,000 for chronic
disease prevention and health promotion. The comparable level
for fiscal year 2007 was $834,998,000 and the budget request
for 2008 was $834,195,000. Within the total provided, the
following amounts are available for the following categories of
funding above the comparable amount for fiscal year 2007:
$4,431,000 to expand heart disease and stroke-related
activities; $2,000,000 to expand diabetes-related activities;
$19,228,000 to expand cancer prevention and control activities;
$1,000,000 to expand epilepsy and lupus-related activities;
$2,000,000 to expand tobacco-related activities; $3,000,000 for
nutrition physical activity and obesity; $775,000 to expand
health promotion activities; $50,000 to expand safe motherhood
and infant health activities; $500,000 for prevention centers;
and $497,000 for Primary Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The
Committee has included more specific information regarding the
allocation of these increases below. With the exceptions noted,
the Committee has provided funding at the level of the fiscal
year 2007 operating plan.
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.--There is growing
scientific evidence that many of the same strategies that
preserve overall health may also help prevent or delay the
onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. For example,
epidemiological studies appear to link known risk factors for
diabetes and heart disease with those for Alzheimer's disease.
Within the health promotion increase, the Committee has
provided $150,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level to continue
CDC-supported activities to promote brain health and prevent
Alzheimer's disease.
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 2007: $10,000,000 to expand breast and
cervical cancer activities including $6,535,000 to expand
Wisewoman; $9,133,000 to expand comprehensive cancer activities
and $100,000 to expand activities related to cancer
survivorship. All other cancer activities are funded at the
fiscal year 2007 level.
Colorectal Cancer.--The Committee is pleased with the
leadership of CDC's National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable in
promoting the availability and advisability of screening to
both health care providers and the general public.
Cerebral Palsy.--The Committee is aware of new research
into the prevalence of cerebral palsy in cases of preterm
birth, which may indicate a potential correlation between
cerebral palsy rates and neonatal treatments. This type of
research highlights the need for epidemiologic data on cerebral
palsy. The Committee requests a report by July 31, 2008 on what
types of data are most needed for a public health response to
cerebral palsy and the strengths and weaknesses of the various
methods of collecting epidemiologic data in this population. As
part of that report, the Committee encourages the CDC to
consider establishing cerebral palsy surveillance and
epidemiology systems that would work in concert with similar
disorders.
Chronic Kidney Disease.--The Committee previously has
expressed concern regarding the need to expand public health
strategies to combat chronic kidney disease [CKD] given that
many individuals are diagnosed too late to initiate treatment
regimens that could reduce morbidity and mortality. The
Committee has included $175,000 over the 2007 operating plan
within the health promotion increase to continue planning for
capacity and infrastructure at CDC for a kidney disease
epidemiology, research and outcomes program and to institute a
CKD surveillance system. The Committee encourages CDC to
continue development of a Public Health Strategy for Chronic
Kidney Disease.
COPD Self Management Demonstration.--The Committee is aware
that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] is a chronic
condition similar to diabetes that requires an aggressive self-
management in order to prevent continued deterioration,
hospitalization, and costly medical interventions. In view of
the increasing mortality, morbidity, and cost to the Nation's
health care system, the Committee urges CDC to demonstrate and
validate intervention and training protocols that are needed to
improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs for COPD
patients.
Diabetes.--The Committee has included an increase of
$2,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level for diabetes-related
activities. Approximately 14.6 million Americans have diabetes,
and an estimated 6.2 million people are undiagnosed and
therefore untreated. The Committee encourages CDC to conduct
public awareness campaigns aimed at getting at-risk individuals
to identify the stage of their diabetes and to prevent or slow
the progression of their disease. In particular, the Committee
is pleased with CDC's goal 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 expand diabetes
education activities to encourage individuals to be tested and
know their A1C levels so they can take appropriate steps to
control their conditions.
SEARCH Study.--The Committee applauds the CDC and NIDDK for
their strong support and continuation of the Search for
Diabetes in Youth Study [SEARCH] which has, for the first time,
assembled robust data on the epidemic of type 1 and type 2
diabetes in American youth. The Committee encourages the CDC to
expand this important work, including the consideration of
ancillary studies and innovative analyses on the biosamples
collected through SEARCH.
Diabetes and Obesity in Diverse Populations.--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 these
populations. 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.
Eating Disorders.--The Committee is concerned about the
increasing prevalence of eating disorders affecting 8 to 10
million Americans. Research suggests that for females between
15 and 24 years of age, the mortality rate associated with
anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than for all other causes
of death. The Committee urges the CDC to implement data
collection regarding the morbidity and mortality of anorexia
nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and related eating disorders so that
prevention and treatment strategies may be most effective.
Epilepsy.--The Committee strongly supports the CDC epilepsy
program, which has made considerable progress over the past
decade in establishing and advancing a public health agenda to
meet the needs of Americans with epilepsy. The Committee
applauds CDC's activities to train first-responders, educators,
school nurses, employers, family caregivers and other health
care professionals in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment
of seizures. The Committee provides $500,000 over fiscal year
2007 levels to continue efforts to expand public health
activities on behalf of persons with epilepsy.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information.--The Committee
encourages CDC to create an information center on food allergy
and anaphylaxis. Food allergy is the leading cause of
anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction) outside the hospital setting, 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.
Glaucoma and Other Vision Disorders.--Despite the fact that
half of all blindness can be prevented, it is estimated that
the number of blind and visually impaired people will double by
2030 if nothing is done to curb vision problems. Within the
increase for health promotion activities, the Committee has
included an increase of $125,000 to expand vision screening
programs in preventing blindness and vision impairments among
many of the more than 30 million adults that suffer from eye-
related disorders.
In addition, 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. Within the health promotion increase, the Committee
has included an increase of $125,000 for the expansion of
vision screening and education programs and to evaluate the
efficacy of glaucoma screening using mobile units.
Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Program.--The
Committee is encouraged by the progress that has been made by
CDC, in coordination with the Office of Women's Health at the
Public Health Service, to initiate a national education
campaign on Gynecologic Cancers. The Committee strongly urges
the rapid completion of the evaluation of past and present
activities to increase the awareness and knowledge regarding
gynecologic cancers and the creation of a strategy for
improving efforts to increase awareness and knowledge of the
public and health care providers with respect to gynecological
cancers.
Heart Disease and Stroke.--The Committee remains strongly
supportive of CDC's new Division for Heart Disease and Stroke
Prevention and has included $4,431,000 over the fiscal year
2007 level to support and expand it's work. Heart disease,
stroke and other cardiovascular diseases continue to be the
leading cause of death in every state; however, effective
prevention efforts are not practiced universally. Additionally,
the current surveillance systems in the United States cannot
track our progress towards achieving our Healthy People 2010
goals to reduce the epidemic burden of heart disease and
stroke.
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. The Committee has
provided $2,000,000 within the program, for CDC to continue and
expand these activities (Requested by Senator Cochran).
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]. Within the health promotion
increase, the Committee has included $100,000 over the fiscal
year 2007 operating plan level for these activities.
Interstitial Cystitis.--The Committee understands the
burden of lack of information regarding interstitial cystitis
and supports the continuation of these activities at $100,000
over the fiscal year 2007 funding level within the health
promotion increase.
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 $500,000 over the fiscal year 2007 operating plan
level to continue and expand CDC's lupus-related activities.
Mind-Body Research.--The Committee continues to support
mind-body research. The Committee supports this activity at the
2007 funding level.
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.--The Committee
has included $3,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level for
nutrition, physical activity, and obesity activities. 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
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2007 level to sustain and
expand CDC's support of the 5 A Day Program.
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.
Nutrition and Salt Study.--Within the amount provided for
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, the Committee has
provided $1,000,000 for 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 Committee continues to be concerned with the prevalence
of obesity among Native Hawaiians. The Committee urges the CDC
to use culturally-sensitive methods to promote diet, exercise,
and healthy behaviors in children, adolescents, and adults,
particularly among Native Hawaiians.
Office on Smoking and Health.--For years the Committee has
expressed its strong support for OSH's work to reduce tobacco
use, the leading preventable cause of disease and death in
America. The Committee recognizes that efforts to reduce
smoking and other forms of tobacco use are among the most
effective and cost effective investments in prevention that can
be made. As a part of its efforts to improve health and reduce
health care costs through prevention, the Committee has
increased funding for OSH by $2,000,000 over the fiscal year
2007 level.
In light of renewed efforts to more appropriately regulate
tobacco products and to take better advantage of CDC's unique
laboratory capacity, the Committee intends that the increase in
funding for OSH be used to support a substantially stepped up
effort by the Environmental Health Laboratory to analyze
tobacco products and cigarette smoke. These efforts are
essential to providing critical information about how chemical
make-up and product design influence the health consequences of
tobacco products and how chemical additives, constituents and
design affect the toxicity and addictiveness of tobacco
products and the delivery of nicotine, carcinogens and other
toxic substances.
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 as proposed in the President's budget,
but at the same funding level as in fiscal year 2007.
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. The Committee has included $500,000 above
the 2007 operating plan for these centers.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.--The Committee has
included $497,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level for CDC to
support a national physician education and public awareness
campaign, including a targeted outreach to underserved
communities, featuring public service announcements, physician
symposia, publications, a website and educational materials,
and mailings to physicians, school nurses, daycare centers, and
others. The Committee is pleased that the current campaign has
generated more than $75,000,000 in donated media coverage and
other contributions over 3 years, or about 10 private dollars
for every public dollar invested. This has directly resulted in
a three-fold increase in diagnosis, testing and treatment since
the campaign began.
Prostatitis.--The committee encourages the CDC to consider
expanding its investigation of the etiology of prostatitis.
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.
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.
Preterm Birth.--Preterm birth is a serious and growing
public health problem that occurs in 12.5 percent of all births
in the United States. The Committee encourages the CDC to
conduct additional epidemiological studies on preterm birth,
including the relationship between prematurity, birth defects
and developmental disabilities. The Committee also encourages
the establishment of systems for the collection of maternal-
infant clinical and biomedical information to link with the
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System [PRAMS] and other
epidemiological studies of prematurity in order to track
pregnancy outcomes and prevent preterm birth.
Sleep Disorders.--The Committee is pleased with the
activities of the National Sleep Awareness Roundtable. The
Committee encourages the CDC to continue activities to promote
public awareness of the benefits of sleep.
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
the President's request level 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 has included $261,000 for
SIDS prevention activities. In addition, the Committee
encourages CDC to consider supporting a National Campaign for
Cribs pilot program. 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
The Committee has included $128,696,000 for birth defects,
developmental disabilities, disability and health in fiscal
year 2008. The comparable level for 2007 was $124,664,000 and
the 2008 budget request was $124,537,000.
Within the total provided, the following amounts are
provided above the comparable amount for fiscal year 2007 for
the following catagories of funding: $200,000 for craniofacial
malformation; $3,782,000 for activities within Human
Development and Disability; and $50,000 for Cooley's Anemia
programs. With the exceptions noted, all other programs are
funded at the level of the fiscal year 2007 request.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.--Within human
development and disability funding, the Committee has included
an increase of $100,000 to support and expand activities
designed to provide information, support services and health
professional education regarding attention deficit/
hyperactivity disorder.
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. Within the human development and
disability increase, the Committee has included $1,407,000 over
the fiscal year 2007 level to continue the Center's
surveillance and research programs, including the CADDRE and
ADDM Network and the National awareness campaign.
Blood Disorders.--The Committee has provided sufficient
funding to sustain the hereditary blood disorders programs,
including treatment centers, at the fiscal year 2007 levels.
The Committee requests strategic plan of action regarding
research, outreach activities, and resources needed to address
key blood disorders. In preparing this report, CDC should seek
input from patient and physician organizations, research
scientists, and public health officials.
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.
Birth Defects Research, Surveillance and Prevention.--The
Committee understands that birth defects are a leading cause of
infant mortality and about 120,000 babies are born each year
with a birth defect. Both genetic and environmental factors can
cause a birth defect, however the causes of 70 percent of birth
defects are unknown. The Committee supports CDC's efforts in
the area of birth defects surveillance, research and prevention
and encourages CDC to continue the promising research being
conducted by the regional centers for birth defects research
and prevention. The Committee has included sufficient funding
to maintain the current level for states to continue birth
defects surveillance systems, programs to prevent birth defects
and activities to improve access to health services for
children with birth. The Committee encourages the CDC to expand
the birth defects studied in the National Birth Defects
Prevention Study to include single gene disorders [SGD], like
Fragile X. Although these disorders are rare individually, when
grouped together they affect approximately 1 in 300 births.
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; education and awareness, patient recruitment, and
other services are being provided; and CDC has created an
archive of tested and analyzed blood samples. The Committee has
included an increase of $50,000 to continue and expand these
activities 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 included an
additional $200,000 over last year's level 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. The Committee intends that
the increase be used to develop and test a pediatric
craniofacial outcomes reporting instrument with the goal of
creating an optimum standard of treatment which will improve
the level of care for all children nationwide. In addition, the
increase may be used to expand and enhance CDC's ongoing
studies of children with craniofacial malformations,
specifically those relating to ways to decrease secondary
surgeries, thus saving healthcare cost and trauma to the child.
Diamond Blackfan Anemia.--The Committee has provided
sufficient funds to continue CDC's public health outreach and
surveillance programs for Diamond Blackfan Anemia [DBA] as
included in the budget request.
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.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee commends the CDC for
initiating a study to document the onset and course of
secondary and related developmental and mental disorders in
individuals with Down syndrome. The Committee encourages
further research relating to these areas of dual diagnosis.
Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy.--The Committee has
provided a $100,000 increase within the human development and
disability 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 public health information, the
Committee has provided sufficient resources to continue these
activities. The Committee notes that the National Task Force on
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect is due to
expire in October 2007. The Committee requests that the CDC
submit a progress report within six months on the Task Force's
contributions to preventing and reducing fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders. The report should outline future plans for the Task
Force, including programmatic and funding priorities.
Folic Acid Campaign.--The Committee is encouraged with the
progress made in preventing neural tube defects, but is
concerned by a recent analysis which found that folate
concentrations among non-pregnant women of child bearing age
decreased by 16 percent from 1999-2000 through 2003-2004. 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,
particularly those that engage Hispanic women and other at-risk
populations.
Fragile X.--Within the increase for human development and
disability, the Committee has included an additional $1,000,000
over last year's level to support the CDC's continuation of
public health activities in the areas of Fragile X, Fragile X-
associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and Fragile X-associated
premature ovarian failure. The Committee urges the CDC to focus
its efforts primarily on increasing epidemiological research,
surveillance, and screening efforts, with particular attention
towards collecting epidemiological data on the incidence and
prevalence of Fragile X and related conditions, including
autism. The Committee is aware of the potential benefit of a
national registry to track patients living with Fragile X which
could be utilized to create a common data entry and management
system across research and clinical sites, as well as to track
the impact of therapeutic interventions.
The Committee encourages CDC to establish Fragile X
surveillance and epidemiology sites throughout the United
States based on the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental
Disabilities Study and the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental
Disabilities Surveillance Program. The Committee strongly urges
the CDC to leverage Federal funding with private and other
public institutions involved in the same work, and to
prioritize epidemiological research connecting Fragile X,
autism, and autism spectrum disorders.
The Committee requests that CDC report back to the
Committee no later than April 2008 with a progress update on
the agency's efforts and spending priorities as they relate to
Fragile X.
Healthy Athletes Initiative.--The Committee has included
funding at last year's level for the Healthy Athletes Program,
activities requested in the President's budget to provide
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.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.--The Committee is
aware of interest in the establishment of a Hereditary
Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia [HHT] National Resource Center. 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
provides funding to continue at no less than fiscal year 2007
levels CDC activities addressing these challenges.
Paralysis programs.--The Committee recommendation for human
development and disability funding includes an increase of
$500,000 over fiscal year 2007 for activities to increase
awareness of paralysis treatments and services, as well as
health promotion activities meant to expand access to activity-
based rehabilition.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee recognizes that Spina Bifida
is the leading permanently disabling birth defect in the United
States, and that spina bifida and related neural tube defects
are highly preventable. In an effort to continue to prevent
spina bifida and improve the quality-of-life for individuals
affected by spina bifida, the Committee recommendation for
human development and disability increases funding by $500,000
over the fiscal year 2007 level to provide information and
support services. 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.
Tourette Syndrome.--The Committee commends CDC for its
support of activities 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 $175,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level for these
activities within the increase for the human development and
disability category.
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 resources at the 2007 funding level
for CDC 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
National Center for Health Marketing, and a National Center for
Public Health Informatics.
The Committee recommends a program level of $232,653,000
for Health Information and Service related activities at the
CDC. The fiscal year 2007 comparable program level was
$222,653,000. The budget request for 2008 was $243,496,000.
Health Statistics
CDC's statistics give context and perspective on which to
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 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 premier 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 an increase of $8,000,000
above the fiscal year 2007 level.
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.
Food Allergy.--Life-threatening food allergies severely
impair the quality of life for allergic children and their
parents, and the incidence of food allergies seems to be
increasing. For that reason, the Committee encourages the CDC
to include food allergy in its National Health Interview
Survey, or a comparable annual tracking mechanism.
Genomics.--With the success and continual improvement of
genomic technologies, the Committee encourages CDC to consider
expanding NHANES to include the genotyping of participants
(with appropriate consideration for consent and privacy) and
assessing the genomic impact on public health, along with
nutrition and environmental factors.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria.--The Committee is concerned
that nontuberculous mycobacteria [NTM] incidence continues to
rise. Mycobacteria are environmental organisms found in both
water and soil that cause significant respiratory damage. The
Committee continues to encourage NCHS to include questions
regarding NTM testing in ongoing surveys to enhance
understanding of the epidemiology of this emergent disease
Psoriasis.--As many as 7.5 million Americans are affected
by psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis--chronic, inflammatory,
painful and disfiguring diseases for which there are limited
treatment options and no cure. The Committee understands that
there are few efforts to collect epidemiologic and other
related data on individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis, and as such, researchers and clinicians are limited
in their longitudinal understanding of the disease and its
effects. As such, the Committee strongly encourages the NCHS to
add psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis specific components to
the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
[NHANES]. Further, the Committee is concerned by reports that
there is a dearth of scientists conducting epidemiologic
research in dermatology. As such, the Committee encourages the
NCHS to work with others within CDC and NIAMS in developing
programs to encourage dermatologists to work in the field of
epidemiology.
Vital Statistics.--The Committee values the National Center
for Health Statistics and its critical role in monitoring our
Nation's health. The Committee has included sufficient funding
to ensure that NCHS collects a full year's worth of data on
births, deaths, and other vital information under the agreed
upon terms of the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. In
addition, CDC should consider ways to encourage local
jurisdictions to implement electronic systems that will improve
the timeliness, quality, and security of birth and death data.
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.
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.
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 $296,338,000 for environmental
health and injury prevention related activities at the CDC. The
fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $288,104,000 and the
budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $287,674,000.
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. The Committee
recommendation includes an increase of $3,317,000 over the
fiscal year 2007 level for environmental health activities.
With the exceptions noted below, all activities are funded at
the level of the 2007 operating plan.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry.--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 is concerned that ALS is often misdiagnosed
as another neurodegenerative disorder. The Committee believes
that a more comprehensive registry, focusing on ALS but
including other neurodegenerative disorders, will provide a key
resource for efforts to understanding the biology and
epidemiology of ALS. The Committee has provided an additional
$2,000,000 over the 2007 operating plan to continue and expand
the national ALS Registry to other neurodegenerative disorders
in line with pending authorization legislation.
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. In addition, the
Committee is deeply concerned with the high incidence of asthma
among Hawaiian children, and the high prevalence of asthma
among Native Hawaiians compared to other adults, including
those who are similarly located. The Committee is pleased with
the efforts that the CDC has taken to monitor lung function and
other asthma interventions among this and other disparately
affected populations and encourages the CDC to continue this
important research.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention.--The Committee
continues to commend 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. The Committee has included $1,000,000
over last year's level for a pilot program for newborn
screening for severe combined immunodeficiency disease.
Health Tracking Network.--The Committee supports the
continued development of a Health Tracking Network, 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.
Laboratory Measurement of Trans Fat.---The Committee is
aware that experimental evidence shows an increasing risk of
heart disease associated with trans fat intake, and that many
State and local governments are proposing bans in restaurants
and schools. The Committee encourages the CDC to explore the
development of a surveillance system to monitor trans fat
levels and other important fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty
acids, in humans.
Landmine Survivor Network.--The Committee strongly supports
peer support networks for landmine survivors worldwide. The
Committee has included $300,000 over the fiscal year 2007
operating plan 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.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Prevention.--Mycobacteria are
environmental organisms found in both water and soil that can
cause significant respiratory damage. The Committee is aware of
the increasing incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria [NTM]
pulmonary infections and encourages the CDC to study the
environmental issues related to NTM transmission and infection
via water and soil, as well as to implement a public health
education and outreach initiative to promote NTM education for
health care providers and the general public. Further the
Committee encourages that CDC develop specific epidemiology
studies regarding prevalence, geographic, demographic and host
specific data regarding NTM infection in the population.
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 has included $17,000 over the
fiscal year 2007 level for research into the health effects of
volcanic emissions and encourages the CDC to explore 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.
The Committee has included an increase of $4,917,000 for
injury prevention and control. Within the increase provided,
the Committee has provided the following increases over the
fiscal year 2007 level: $1,000,000 for traumatic brain injury;
$1,982,000 for youth violence prevention; and $1,935,000 for
rape prevention. All other activities are funded at the level
of the fiscal year 2007 operating plan.
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.
Falls Prevention.--The Committee is pleased that the CDC
has initiated a falls prevention and safety program to teach
older Americans how to prevent falls. The Committee encourages
the CDC to engage in an awareness campaign to train health care
professionals on the prevention of falls.
Injury Control Research Centers.--The Committee recognizes
the need for an Injury Control Research Center specializing in
children and adolescents. Injury is the leading cause of death
and disability among children and teenagers in the United
States. Currently, no existing Centers focus exclusively on
childhood and adolescent injuries. Therefore, if new Centers
are to be added to the program, the Committee encourages CDC to
give preference to applicants with proven experience in
children and adolescent injury control and prevention research.
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 continues to urge
the CDC 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.
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 an increase of
$1,982,000 for CDC's youth violence prevention activities. The
Committee notes that the increasing level of youth violence in
schools and in cities around the Nation is troubling and urges
the CDC to expand efforts to reduce it.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
The Committee recommends $272,397,000 for occupational
safety and health programs. The fiscal year 2007 level was
$254,099,000 and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was
$252,998,000. The Committee recommendation includes $92,071,000
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
operating plan.
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
$1,982,000 over the amount appropriated for ERCs in fiscal year
2007.
Farm Health and Safety.--The Committee has included funding
to continue the farm health and safety initiative. 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 $10,000,000 over the 2007 level for mine safety
technology research, development, and testing. The Committee is
pleased by the additional research being conducted into mine
refuge chambers, emergency tracking, respiratory and
communication devices in line with the MINER Act of 2006. The
Committee is concerned that the focus on MINER Act deadlines
may have inadvertently put other important mine safety research
on hold, and expects that additional funding in fiscal year
2008 will be used to ensure that NIOSH's research agenda in
areas such as dust monitoring, roof control and disaster
prevention are not abandoned. The Committee directs NIOSH to
expand the required progress reports on grantmaking and
research findings to these related research goals.
The Committee is strongly supportive of the memorandum of
understanding NIOSH has worked out with the U.S. Army
surrounding communication devices and is eager to see NIOSH
expand on this model of collaboration with other Agencies and
industries. In particular, the Committee encourages NIOSH to
investigate establishing an innovation challenge award similar
to those given out by NASA and the Department of Defense to
leverage private resources to tackle difficult technological
problems.
Miners' Choice Health Screening Program.--The Committee has
provided an increase of $300,000 to further implement the
Miners' Choice Health Screening Program in fiscal year 2008.
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 of 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 $5,000,000 in
increased 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
worksite 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 provided
an increase of $100,000 for the continuation and expansion 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 $916,000 above the fiscal year 2007
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.
Volcanic Emissions.--The Committee strongly urges NIOSH to
continue to study the impact of potentially toxic volcanic
emissions. In particular, preexisting respiratory conditions
such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema seem to be
particularly susceptible to the effects of sulfur dioxide. 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 a multi-disciplinary approach in
studying the short-and long-term health effects of the volcanic
emissions.
GLOBAL HEALTH
The Committee recommends $334,038,000 for global health-
related activities at the CDC in fiscal year 2008. The fiscal
year 2007 comparable level was $334,038,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 was $379,719,000. 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. The
Committee notes that the President's request includes pandemic
flu activities that the Committee appropriated in the Public
Health and Social Services Emergency Fund through the HHS
Office of the Secretary.
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
$144,438,000 for global immunization activities, including
$101,240,000 for polio vaccine, surveillance, and program
operations for the highly successful, yet unfinished polio
eradication efforts; and $43,198,000 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 recognizes that malaria is a
global emergency affecting mostly poor women and children.
While malaria is treatable and preventable, it remains one of
the leading causes of death and disease worldwide. The
Committee appreciates the integral and unique role that the CDC
Malaria Program plays in national and global efforts.
Insecticide resistance and drug resistance have the potential
to compromise global malaria efforts and point to the need for
the development and testing of new technologies and materials
for insecticide treated nets and new anti-malarial therapies.
The Committee is concerned that failure to support these
efforts could seriously impair future control efforts. In
addition, the Committee supports CDC's role in providing
technical assistance to the President's Malaria Initiative, the
World Bank, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and
Malaria, and other malaria control initiatives. These programs
are in need of greater expertise and capacity in monitoring and
evaluation to support documentation of impact of efforts. The
Committee recognizes and appreciates that the impact of malaria
is not limited to Africa; millions of cases and thousands of
deaths occur in Asia and the Americas--areas not currently
targeted by the President's Malaria Initiative. Therefore, the
Committee intends the CDC Director may have discretion to use
some of the funding provided for technical assistance and
support program research in non-African malaria-affected
countries, which, in turn, can then be used to strengthen
control efforts in African countries.
TERRORISM
The Committee provides $1,632,448,000 for CDC terrorism
preparedness activities. The comparable fiscal year 2007 level
was $1,541,300,000 and the administration requested
$1,504,375,000 for these activities in fiscal year 2008.
Within the funds provided, $760,470,000 is for Upgrading
State and Local Capacity through grants and cooperative
agreements; $9,500,000 is for anthrax vaccine studies;
$11,095,000 is for quarantine stations; and $581,335,000 is for
the Strategic National Stockpile. All other activities are
funded at the fiscal year 2007 operating plan level.
Centers for Public Health Preparedness.--The Committee is
aware that the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act,
Public Law 109-417, mandated three central responsibilities for
Centers for Public Health Preparedness that include developing
core academic curricula based on established competencies,
administering a core competency-based training program, and
conducting public health systems research. The Committee
expects the Secretary and CDC to submit an implementation plan
to the Committee prior to making program changes to ensure
continuity of competency-based education and training as a
public health systems research agenda is developed and added to
the program.
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
therefore urges the Department to assure that any performance
metrics intended to measure public health preparedness include
measures of local health department performance in the context
of their own communities' emergency management systems.
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; and (7) proximity to a
major port, including major port ranked on number of cargo
containers arriving at the port per year.
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.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
Public Health Research.--The Committee has provided
$31,000,000 to fund the Public Health Research program. The
fiscal year 2007 comparable level and 2008 budget request were
also $31,000,000. The Committee is strongly supportive of
public health and prevention research, which bridges 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 $209,829,000 for public health
improvement and leadership activities at the CDC. The fiscal
year 2007 comparable level was $189,808,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 was $190,412,000.
Leadership and Management
The Committee provides $162,879,000 for leadership and
management costs at the CDC in fiscal year 2008. The fiscal
year 2007 comparable level was $162,214,000 and the budget
request for fiscal year 2008 was $162,879,000.
In addition, the Committee has included sufficient funding
for the following projects in the following amounts for fiscal
year 2008:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Voice for All, Wilmington, $400,000 Harkin
DE, for speech and language
evaluations for persons with
disabilities.
Alaska Department of Health and 500,000 Stevens
Social Services, Juneau, AK,
for an Obesity Prevention and
Control project in Alaska.
Alaska Department of Health and 500,000 Stevens
Social Services, Juneau, AK,
for continuation and expansion
of program to detect and
control tuberculosis in Alaska.
Alaska Multiple Sclerosis 150,000 Stevens
Center, Anchorage, AK, for
multiple sclerosis related
activities.
Albert Einstein Healthcare 200,000 Specter
Network, Philadelphia, PA, for
college student screening
programs.
American Optometric 500,000 Byrd
Association, Alexandria, VA,
for the InfantSee program.
Brown County Oral Health 300,000 Kohl
Partnership, Green Bay, WI, to
expand an oral health program.
Camden County, Camden, NJ, to 400,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
purchase, equip and staff a
mobile health van.
Cascade AIDS, Portland, Oregon, 200,000 Smith
to conduct HIV/AIDS awareness
and prevention programs.
Center for International 250,000 Harkin
Rehabilitation, Chicago, IL,
for the Disability Rights
Monitor.
Colorado School of Mines, 200,000 Allard, Salazar
Golden, CO, for the
development and deployment of
Mine safety and Rescue through
Sensing Networks and Robotics
Technology (Mine-SENTRY).
Community Health Centers in 175,000 Inouye
Hawaii for Childhood Rural
Asthma Project, for childhood
rural asthma project.
Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 300,000 Chambliss, Isakson
for the Southeastern Center
for Emerging Biologic Threats.
ExemplaSaint Joseph Hospital 100,000 Salazar
Foundation, Denver, CO, for
the mobile mammography program.
Fletcher Allen Health Care, 200,000 Leahy
Burlington, VT, to develop
chronic disease regis- tries.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis 120,000 Harkin
Network, Fairfax, VA, for the
Iowa Food Allergy Education
program.
Georgia Rural Water 100,000 Chambliss
Association, Barnesville, GA,
for the National Fluoridation
Training Institute.
Health Care Medical Technology, 100,000 Johnson
Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, for
comprehensive health education.
Health Care Network, Inc, 100,000 Kohl
Racine, WI, to coordinate
dental services for low-income
patients.
Healthy Futures, Columbia, SC, 250,000 Graham
to educate the community to
recognize the health concerns,
specifically obesity, of youth
in the minority community.
Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania 100,000 Specter
Initiative, Clarks Summit, PA,
for health education.
Henderson, Henderson, NV, for a 200,000 Reid
diabetes screening, education
and counseling program for
seniors.
Institute of Medical Humanism, 200,000 Leahy
Inc, Bennington, VT, for an
end-of-life care initiative.
Iowa Chronic Care Consortium, 150,000 Harkin, Grassley
Des Moines, Iowa, for a
preventative health
demonstration program.
Iowa Department of Public 2,000,000 Harkin
Health to continue the Harkin
Wellness Grant program.
Iowa Games, Ames, IA, to 100,000 Harkin
continue the Lighten Up Iowa
program.
Iowa Health Foundation, for 100,000 Harkin
wellness activities for
dementia patients.
Iowa State University, Ames, 450,000 Harkin, Grassley
IA, for the Iowa Initiative
for Healthier Schools and
Student Wellness.
Kennedy Health System, 450,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
Voorhees, NJ, for the Women
and Children's Health
Pavillion's Advanced Cancer
Prevention and Treatment
Initiative.
Kids Kicking Cancer, Inc., 700,000 Levin, Stabenow
Lansing, MI, for cancer
treatment support activi-
ties.
Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol, 100,000 Specter
PA, for autism therapy
evaluation.
Marin County, San Rafael, CA, 150,000 Boxer
for breast cancer screening
and epidemiology.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer 100,000 Vitter
Center, Baton Rouge, LA, for
additional C.A.R.E Network
screenings and program
development.
Michigan Health and Hospital 500,000 Levin, Stabenow
Association, Kalamazoo, MI, to
improve quality of care and
patient safety in hospital
surgery settings.
Nazareth Hospital, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for health
outreach.
Northeast Regional Cancer 100,000 Specter
Institute, Scranton, PA, for
cancer screening evaluation.
Nueva Esperanza, Philadelphia, 100,000 Specter
PA, for HIV/AIDS programs.
Pennsylvania Breast Cancer 100,000 Specter, Casey
Coalition, Ephrata, PA, for
education, awareness, and
publication production.
Pittsburgh Regional Health 100,000 Specter
Initiative, Pittsburgh, PA,
for an infection control
training program.
Potter County Human Services, 100,000 Specter
Roulette, PA, for health
promotion programs.
Providence Multiple Sclerosis 100,000 Smith, Wyden
Center, Portland, Oregon, to
develop a registry for
multiple sclerosis.
Saint Michael's Medical Center, 200,000 Menendez, Lautenberg
Newark, NJ, for heart disease
screening.
Sister to Sister-Everyone Has a 250,000 Cardin
Heart Foundation to increase
women's awareness of heart
disease, Washington, D.C.
South Dakota State University, 125,000 Johnson, Thune
Brookings, SD, for
interdisciplinary research on
obesity prevention and
treatment.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy 500,000 Schumer, Clinton,
Foundation, New York, NY, for Harkin, Specter
outreach, patient education
and registries.
Supporting Autism Families 100,000 Specter
Everywhere, Wilkes-Barre, PA,
for Autism programs and
education.
Texas Tech University Health 500,000 Hutchison
Sciences Center at El Paso, El
Paso, TX, for the Center for
Research and Re-Emerging
Infectious Diseases.
United Mine Workers of America, 100,000 Specter
Fairfax, VA, for a fuel-cell
coalmine vehicle demonstration
project.
University of Colorado School 200,000 Johnson
of Dentistry, Aurora, CO, for
a rural oral health care
program.
University of Kansas, Lawrence, 1,400,000 Roberts
KS, for the biodiversity
research center.
University of Montana 150,000 Baucus
Rehabilitation, Research, and
Training Center, Missoula, MT,
to develop program Living Well
and Working Well with a
Disability: Improving Health,
Promoting Employment, and
Reducing Medical Costs.
University of Montana, 180,000 Tester
Missoula, MT, for
Methamphetamine Detection and
Health Effects Research.
University of North Carolina at 700,000 Dole
Chapel Hill with East Carolina
University, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, for the Program in
Racial Disparities in
Cardiovascular Disease.
University of North Texas, 400,000 Hutchison
Denton, TX, for the Center for
Computational Epidemiology.
University of Pittsburgh 200,000 Specter
Medical Center, Pittsburgh,
PA, for health outreach.
University of Wisconsin 240,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, for
evidence based adolescent
pregnancy prevention programs.
WellSpan Health, York, PA, for 100,000 Specter
health outreach.
Youth and Family Services, 300,000 Johnson, Thune
Rapid City, SD, for the Health
Connections Pro- gram.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Training.--The Committee
has included $2,000,000 for the Applied Epidemiology Fellowship
Training program to address the documented shortages of these
core public health professionals in State and local health
departments.
Director's Discretionary Fund.--The Committee has provided
$7,851,000 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.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
The Committee has provided $99,000,000 for the Preventive
Health and Health Services Block grant. The fiscal year 2007
comparable level was $99,000,000 and the budget request for
fiscal year 2008 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 $220,000,000 for the planning,
design, and construction of new facilities, repair and
renovation of existing CDC facilities, and data security and
storage. The fiscal year 2007 comparable level was $134,400,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 was $20,000,000.
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.
BUSINESS SERVICES AND SUPPORT
The Committee provides $344,377,000 for business services
support functions at the CDC. The fiscal year 2007 comparable
level was $344,377,000 and the administration requested a
comparable level of $319,877,000 for fiscal year 2008. 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.
National Institutes of Health
When the 5-year effort to double funding for the National
Institutes of Health ended in fiscal year 2003, few could have
imagined that the agency would be in the position it finds
itself today. After 4 years of stagnant budgets, its funding
has dropped 8.3 percent in real terms. The overall success rate
for research project grants stands at just 21 percent. Young
investigators have only the slimmest chance of getting approved
on their first try, and even some well-established biomedical
researchers are leaving the field.
The impact of this funding squeeze goes far beyond those
directly involved in awarding and receiving grants. More
importantly, it threatens the pace of biomedical research and
could delay cures and treatments that are within reach. And the
ripple effect could be felt for decades to come if, as feared,
we lose the next generation of scientists to other careers.
The Committee took steps to reverse this trend in the
fiscal year 2007 joint funding resolution, which increased NIH
funding by $570,000,000--enough to launch the National
Children's Study, add another 500 research grants, and provide
additional funding for high-risk grants and young
investigators.
Regrettably, the budget request calls for cutting NIH
funding by $278,646,000, for a total of $28,621,241,000. The
Committee recommendation rejects that cut and instead provides
a $1,000,000,000 increase over the fiscal year 2007
appropriation, for a total of $29,899,887,000. This amount will
allow the NIH, for the first time since fiscal year 2005, to
plan on increasing the average costs of new grants (by 3
percent) and provide the full ``committed level'' for
noncompeting grants.
The recommendation provides $110,900,000 for the second
full year of implementing the National Children's Study. The
fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $69,000,000. The Committee
also fully funds the budget request of $300,000,000 for
transfer to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria. The fiscal year 2007 transfer was $99,000,000.
The recommendation also includes $96,130,000 for
radiological, nuclear and chemical countermeasures, and
$91,250,000 for Director's 1-year Bridge awards.
The Committee recommends $531,300,000 for the Common Fund.
This is a 10 percent increase over the fiscal year 2007
appropriation of $483,000,000. The budget request is
$486,153,000. Within the fund, the Committee recommends
$28,459,000 for Director's Pioneer Awards, $55,000,000 for
Director's New Innovator Awards and up to $25,000,000 that can
be awarded using a flexible research authority described in a
general provision in the bill.
The Committee strongly endorses the goals of the Common
Fund, as articulated in the National Institutes of Health
Reform Act of 2006. In recognition of the growing importance of
this funding mechanism, and in an effort to provide greater
transparency, the Committee instituted two changes in the
fiscal year 2007 joint funding resolution. First, it specified
the exact amount appropriated for the Common Fund in bill
language. Second, it ended the practice of transferring a
certain percentage of each Institute and Center's appropriation
to the fund.
This report marks another related change. The Committee
will now display the Common Fund level on the funding table at
the back of the report, within the Office of the Director.
These changes present a challenge in comparing the
President's fiscal year 2008 budget request (which was prepared
before the completion of the fiscal 2007 joint funding
resolution) with the fiscal year 2007 appropriated level and
with the fiscal year 2008 Committee recommendation on the
funding table. Under the ``budget estimate'' column, the
funding level for each Institute and Center includes a 1.3
percent contribution to the Common Fund, in addition to the
base amount for each IC. For the fiscal year 2007 appropriated
level and the fiscal year 2008 Committee recommendation, the
Institute and Center amounts do not include any Common Fund
contributions--just the base amount for each IC--while the
total Common Fund amount is shown on its own line within the
Office of the Director.
As a result, the ``budget estimate'' for each IC reflects
an amount that is higher relative to the other two columns,
while the ``budget estimate'' for the Common Fund is lower
relative to the other columns. In future years, all the columns
will be consistent.
The Committee includes a new general provision in the bill
that transfers funds to HRSA and AHRQ, to be used for National
Research Service Awards.
Budget Justification Materials.--The Committee commends the
NIH for making significant improvements to its budget
justification materials, in response to last year's report
language. The Committee reiterates its desire for the
justifications to include a funding table for stem cell
research. The table should include amounts for human and non-
human research involving embryonic and non-embryonic stem
cells, from fiscal years 2004 through 2009.
The Committee also expects the justifications to include
the funding level necessary to implement the public access
policy described below.
Public Access.--The Committee has included bill language
that would require investigators who are funded by the NIH to
submit an electronic version of their final peer-reviewed
manuscripts to the National Library of Medicine's PubMed
Central upon acceptance for publication. The manuscript shall
be made publicly available on PubMed Central as soon as
possible, but no later than 12 months after the official date
of publication. The Committee highly encourages collaborations
with journal publishers that would enable them to deposit
manuscripts on behalf of the funded investigators, if all
parties agree. The Committee directs the NIH to seek and
carefully take into account the advice of journal publishers on
the implementation of this policy.
In particular, the Committee directs the NIH to ensure that
publishers' copyright protections are maintained. The Committee
also directs the NIH to provide a report by April 1, 2008, on
the status of the program, including how many manuscripts have
been made publicly available through PubMed Central and how
many have been deposited but not yet made publicly available.
The report should also break down the amounts by the various
submission methods, including author deposit, bulk deposit and
the NIH portfolio.
Stem Cell Research.--The Committee includes legislative
language (sec. 520) that would supersede the administration's
guidelines on human embryonic stem cell research, which
stipulate that only those stem cell lines derived by August 9,
2001, are eligible for NIH-funded research. Only 21 lines meet
those criteria, fewer than 10 of which are commonly used by
researchers--not nearly enough to reflect the diversity of the
human population. Furthermore, all 21 are contaminated with
mouse feeder cells, and many are showing abnormalities.
The bill language sets a new cut-off date of June 15, 2007,
and institutes new ethical guidelines that are lifted from S.
5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, and are
tighter than those under the administration's policy. The new
provision is not a replacement for S. 5, which would allow NIH-
funded research on any stem cell line regardless of the date on
which it was derived. However, it would create exciting new
potential for treatments and cures by greatly expanding the
number of eligible lines.
Until this provision is implemented, the Committee strongly
urges the NIH to support human embryonic stem cell research to
the greatest extent possible under the current guidelines. The
Committee also expects the NIH to explore all other avenues of
stem cell research, including adult stem cells and stem cells
from the placenta, amniotic fluid, cord blood and other
sources; and alternative methods of establishing pluripotent
stem cell lines that do not involve the destruction of an
embryo.
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $4,797,639,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 4,782,114,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,910,160,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,910,160,000
for the National Cancer Institute [NCI]. The budget request was
$4,782,114,000. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$4,797,639,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Blood Cancers.--The incidence of lymphoma, multiple myeloma
and acute leukemia/myelodysplasia increases dramatically with
age, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL] is almost
exclusively a disease of the aged. The Committee urges the NCI
to place greater emphasis on translational and clinical
research in blood cancers, with particular attention to blood
cancers that affect the elderly.
Brain Tumors.--The Committee strongly encourages the NCI to
continue its support for clinical research consortia and SPOREs
that focus on brain tumors.
Breast Cancer.--The Committee again strongly urges the NCI
to give increased attention to breast cancer, particularly in
the areas of lymphedema, stress, nutrition, exercise, weight,
the environment, and ways to help women more fully restore and
improve their quality of life after treatment. The Committee
also 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 Clinical Trials.--Only 3 percent of adult cancer
patients participate in trials, and the participation by senior
citizens is even more limited. The Committee urges the NCI to
support research to investigate decision-making by patients,
particularly with respect to barriers to, and decisions on,
participation in clinical trials. This research effort should
be undertaken to inform strategies to enhance accrual in cancer
clinical trials. Current low levels of accrual are often rate-
limiting in the development of novel treatment approaches, and
solving this problem would ultimately improve outcomes for
cancer patients.
Cancer Genome.--The Committee commends the NHGRI and NCI
for launching The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA], which will
accelerate the understanding of the molecular basis of cancer
using genome analysis technologies, including large-scale
genome sequencing, copy number variation, and expression
analysis.
Cancer in Minority Communities.--The Committee commends the
NCI for its continuing efforts to establish a cancer center at
a minority institution focused on research, treatment, and
prevention of cancer in African American and other minority
communities.
Cancer in Native Hawaiians.--The Committee continues to be
deeply concerned that mortality rates for all cancers are much
higher for Native Hawaiian males and females compared to other
residents of the State. The Committee strongly urges the NCI to
increase research that is focused towards understanding cancer
among Native Hawaiians.
Cancer Metastasis to Bone.--A frequent complication of
cancer is its spread to bone. The Committee understands that
immune response plays a role in cancer metastasis and urges the
NCI to focus research in the emerging area of osteoimmunology.
The Committee encourages the NCI, NIAMS, NIA, and NIDDK to
support research to determine mechanisms to identify, block and
treat cancer metastasis to bone. Furthermore, the Committee
urges the 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.
In addition, the NCI is encouraged to expand research on tumor
dormancy as it relates to bone metastasis.
Communication Research.--The Committee is pleased to note
that the NCI has a long history of supporting research on
behavioral and sociocultural influences on cancer outcomes and
access to care, including support for communication research to
ensure that the public receives accurate, easily understood
information about the human papillomavirus vaccine, and thus
facilitate access for those who need appropriate care.
Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Trials Cooperative Group.--
The Committee urges the NCI to provide additional resources to
fund clinical trials through the Gynecologic Oncology Clinical
Trials Cooperative Group. Priority should be given to
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.
HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer.--The Committee urges the
NCI to fund research that will allow for the identification of
the most cost-effective management strategy for cervical cancer
screening in the era of HPV L1 vaccines and to identify the
circumstances where Pap test/HPV screening fails in vaccinated
women.
Imaging Systems Technologies.--The Committee is aware of
the 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 further
encourages the 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 notes that the incidence of
primary liver cancer continues to increase, liver cancer is the
only cancer experiencing continuing increases in mortality, and
treatment options for physicians remain very limited.
Therefore, the Committee urges the NCI to work closely with the
NIDDK to develop a basic, clinical and translational research
program designed to reverse these trends and enhance
survivability. In addition, the Committee welcomes the
conclusions of the October 2006 NCI-Hepatitis B Foundation
workshop regarding the early detection of liver cancer, and it
urges the NCI to support more work in this area.
Lung Cancer.--Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer
death among women and minority populations. 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 Lymphatic Diseases.--The Committee
urges the NCI to support research on lymphedema and to devote
increased resources toward the study of lymphangiogenesis and
lymphatic imaging.
Lymphoma Translational and Clinical Research.--The
Committee urges the NCI to capitalize on the recent investment
in basic research on lymphoma by aggressively funding
translational and clinical research on this disease. The basic
research program has resulted in significant information about
the biology of lymphoma and better strategies for identifying
critical metabolic pathways and immune system functioning in
lymphoma. The translational and clinical research effort should
be strengthened to accelerate therapeutic development for
lymphoma.
Melanoma.--The Committee commends the NCI for a workshop in
February 2007 to develop a Strategic Action Plan for Melanoma
Research. The Committee strongly encourages the NCI to devote
sufficient funds in the areas of research opportunity
identified by the plan and issue program announcements in those
areas. The Committee requests the NCI to report by July 1,
2008, on steps it has taken to implement the plan. In addition,
the Committee encourages the NCI to support the creation of a
Melanoma Investigators Consortium, and to fund a multi-site,
multi-year, population-based clinical trial to testy the
efficacy of early detection methods. The Committee also
recommends increased collaboration between the NCI and the
NIAMS on their melanoma research activities.
Mesothelioma Research.--The Committee is concerned with the
pace of mesothelimoma research. The NCI is encouraged to
establish up to 10 mesothelioma centers and increase related
research, including clinical trials, detection and prevention
methods, palliation of disease symptoms and pain management.
Nanosystems Biology.--The Committee encourages the NCI and
the Office of the Director to continue to support a
collaborative effort to bring nanotechnology, systems biology
and molecular imaging together to examine the molecular basis
of cancer. 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 [NF].--Recognizing NF's connection to
many of the most common forms of human cancer, the Committee
encourages the 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 clinical and pre-clinical and
clinical trials. The Committee also encourages the NCI to
create, fund, and implement NF clinical and pre-clinical trials
infrastructures including NF centers, pre-clinical mouse
consortiums, patient data bases, and tissue banks. The
Committee further encourages the 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.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.--The incidence rates for non-Hodgkin
lymphoma in the general population have doubled since the
1970s, for reasons that are not clear. The Committee strongly
recommends an enhanced commitment to research focusing on the
possible environmental links to lymphoma. The Committee
suggests that the NCI direct funds to: (1) studies on the
identification of environmental-genetic interactions that may
influence the development of lymphoma; (2) studies of adequate
scope to assure the identification of environmental risk
factors for specific subtypes of lymphoma; (3) small studies
designed to improve detection and quantification of
historically difficult-to-measure environmental factors; (4)
studies that are directed toward enhancing the understanding of
the role of the immune system in the initiation and progression
of lymphoma; and, (5) studies that examine the simultaneous
presence of a wide profile of infectious agents among
individuals with lymphoma. The Committee also notes that
lymphoma is often diagnosed in young adulthood and middle age,
and survivors may experience immediate, and also late and long-
term effects of the disease and treatment. The Committee urges
the NCI to dedicate some of its survivorship research funds on
research issues related to problems confronted by lymphoma
survivors.
Ovarian Cancer.--The Committee urges the NCI to support
randomized, prospective studies that would lead to the
validation and acceptance of biomarkers for the early detection
of ovarian cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer.--Research on pancreatic cancer, the
country's fourth leading cause of cancer death among men and
women, remains underfunded as compared to the top five cancers
based on mortality. The Committee notes that the NCI currently
categorizes grants as falling under a specific cancer type if
the grant is at least 25 percent relevant to that cancer. The
Committee urges the NCI to increase this criterion to 50
percent relevancy for pancreatic cancer research and to fund
more pancreatic cancer grants at this higher level so that the
minimal dollars being funded toward the disease are truly
pushing the research forward. Further, the Committee requests
that the Institute ensure that pancreatic cancer grants are
reviewed by at least three reviewers who are experts in
pancreatic cancer research. Finally, the Committee is
disappointed that the three existing pancreatic cancer
Specialized Projects of Research Excellence [SPORE] grants have
never been fully funded, and it urges the Institute to fully
fund no fewer than three pancreatic cancer SPOREs this year.
Prostate Cancer.--The Committee commends the NCI for its
considerable investment in prostate cancer and encourages the
Institute to continue to support research to improve the
accuracy of screening and early detection of this disease.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee applauds
the NCI for supporting a multi-center clinical trial on TSC,
and it urges the Institute to support additional clinical
trials. The Committee also encourages the NCI to continue to
support basic research on the mTOR signaling pathway and the
role of the TSC1/2 genes in nutrient sensing, insulin signaling
and cell growth and proliferation.
NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $2,922,929,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 2,925,413,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,992,197,000
The Committee recommendation includes $2,992,197,000 for
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI]. The
fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $2,922,929,000 and the
budget request was $2,925,413,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
ACCORD Trial.--The Committee commends the NHLBI on the
ACCORD trial, which should definitively address the
relationship between glucose levels, blood pressure and lipids
in the formation of macrovascular disease. The NHLBI is urged
to consider utilization of new therapeutic options,
particularly continuous glucose sensors, to assist those
patients in the study for whom current treatments are not
allowing target glycemic control levels to be achieved.
Advanced Imaging Technology.--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.
Bleeding and Clotting Disorders.--The Committee commends
the NHLBI for its commitment to research in bleeding and
clotting disorders and encourages the Institute to continue
these efforts focusing on improved and novel therapies for
these disorders and maintaining its collaborative relationship
with patient-advocacy groups and the scientific and medical
research community.
Bone Marrow Failure Diseases.--The Committee applauds the
NHLBI for funding research that has led to a greater
understanding of bone marrow failure diseases. The Committee
encourages the NHLBI to collaborate with the NCI to fund new
research efforts that seek new treatments and cures for
aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and paroxysmal
nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Cardiovascular Diseases.--The Committee commends the
Institute for its leadership in undertaking an inclusive
strategic planning process, which included a national
conference on heart disease that was recommended by this
Committee in fiscal year 2006. The Committee continues to
regard research on heart disease, stroke and other
cardiovascular diseases as a top health priority, and it
expects the Institute to aggressively expand its investment in
basic, clinical, translational, and trans-institute research
through all available mechanisms.
Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease [COPD].--The
Committee commends the NHLBI for launching a national public
awareness campaign designed to increase awareness, diagnoses,
and treatment for COPD. The Committee is aware that the
Division of Lung Diseases has sponsored several COPD workshops
that have recommended additional research focused on the
disease process, pathogenesis, and therapy and other
recommendations. The Committee recommends that the NHLBI
aggressively pursue COPD research as recommended by these
expert panels and convene a panel of leading researchers to
create a COPD Research Action Plan to identify opportunities
and to accelerate the pace of research.
Congenital Heart Disease.--The Committee commends the NHLBI
for convening a working group to address congenital heart
diseases, and supports its recommendation that action be taken
to prevent needless disability and premature mortality. The
Committee urges the NHLBI to work with patient associations,
other appropriate NIH Institutes, and the CDC to develop
education and research initiatives targeted to the life-long
needs of congenital heart defect survivors.
Cooley's Anemia [Thalassemia].--The Committee remains
supportive of the effort being undertaken by the Thalassemia
Clinical Research Network. In addition, the Committee commends
the NHLBI for its commitment to pursue gene therapy and urges
the Institute to move more aggressively in pursuing a research
agenda that will lead to a cure.
Depression and Heart Disease.--The NHLBI is encouraged to
work closely with the NIMH to ensure that projects examining
depression in heart disease patients, or how treatment of
depression may improve adherence to cardiovascular health
regimens, are routed to the appropriate Institute and review
groups so that this type of research may be supported.
Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease.--Research has shown that
heart disease begins as early as childhood or adolescence in
type 1 diabetes patients. The NHLBI is encouraged to promote
research to identify early biomarkers of cardiovascular disease
in young diabetic patients to learn who might benefit from
therapeutic agents that are currently used in adults.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia [DBA].--The Committee is pleased
with the NHLBI's support of research initiatives investigating
DBA and the enhancement of the DBA Registry. The Committee
understands that important advancements have been achieved in
the areas of further gene discovery and the indication that DBA
is the first human disorder linked to a ribosome protein
deficiency. Understanding that breakthroughs in this disorder
may lead to important strides in additional research areas
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
continues to commend the NHLBI for its attention to this
important disorder.
Heart Disease in Native Hawaiians.--The Committee continues
to be concerned that Native Hawaiians have a higher rate of
mortality from heart disease and cerebrovascular disease
compared to other residents of the State. The Committee
strongly urges the NHLBI to increase research that is focused
towards understanding heart disease and cerebrovascular disease
among Native Hawaiians.
Hematology.--The Committee commends the NHLBI for
developing a strategic plan based on input from its broad
constituency and for committing 70 percent of its budget to the
funding of investigator-initiated research. The Committee
encourages the NHLBI, in conjunction with the NIDDK, NCI and
NIA and experts in hematology research, to identify hematology
research priorities that can impact chronic malignant and non-
malignant bleeding disorders.
Kidney Disease.--The Committee notes that chronic kidney
dysfunction is a unique and important risk factor for the
development of cardiovascular disease. Additionally,
hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the second-leading
cause of end-stage renal disease [ESRD]. Given the significant
morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease
among patients with kidney disease, the Committee recognizes
the importance of the urgency to examine the relationship
between cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. The
Committee encourages the NHBLI and NIDDK to work together to
develop appropriate basic and clinical research initiatives
addressing the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events in
patients with kidney disease and exploring therapeutic and
preventive interventions. The Committee also encourages the
NHBLI to work with the renal community to support ongoing
educational programs directed to health professionals, patients
and the public to raise the awareness of the relationship
between cardiovascular disease, hypertension and kidney
disease.
Lupus.--The Committee strongly encourages the NHLBI to
expand and intensify research on lupus, with a special focus on
its links to early-onset cardiovascular disease.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.--The Committee
commends the NHLBI for its leadership role in lymphatic
research and strongly encourages amplified continuation of
these efforts in concert with the NCI, NIAID, NIDDK, NIAMS, and
other relevant ICs. In addition, 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 the NHLBI for its
strong leadership on Marfan syndrome research, particularly its
sponsorship of a landmark ``Pediatric Heart Network'' clinical
trial focused on the drug losartan. The Committee encourages
the NHLBI to continue to partner with the Marfan syndrome
community and explore ways to support promising ancillary
studies to the clinical trial. The Committee also applauds the
Institute for establishing a Working Group on Marfan Syndrome.
Neurofibromatosis [NF].--The Committee applauds the NHLBI
for its involvement with NF research and with NF patient
advocacy groups, and it encourages the Institute to continue to
expand its NF research portfolio.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria [NTM].--The Committee commends
the NIH for its planning meetings regarding NTM and recommends
further collaboration with the NIAID, the advocacy community,
and other Federal agencies to provide a better understanding of
NTM, enhance diagnostic and treatment options and outcomes, and
promote education of health care providers. The Committee also
encourages the NHLBI to issue a program announcement or other
appropriate mechanism to ensure the initiation of grant
proposals.
Pulmonary Hypertension [PH].--The Committee continues to
view research on PH as a high priority. It encourages the NHLBI
to expand its successful SCCOR program in this area and
establish a PH Research Network to facilitate collaboration and
data sharing among leading PH investigators.
Sickle Cell Disease [SCD].--The Committee encourages the
Institute to continue to strengthen its efforts related to the
funding of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers, the SCD
Comprehensive Clinical Network centers, and related activities.
Specifically, the Committee encourages the expansion of
opportunities available for patients to participate in large,
multi-center clinical trials to support the development of more
treatment options and the establishment of a central
prospective registry of several thousand well-characterized
individuals with SCD. Additionally, the Institute is encouraged
to bring new health and medical professionals and researchers
into the field to support the next generation of researchers
equipped to integrate genomics, proteomics and high-throughput
screening expertise into the SCD research field. The Committee
also encourages the Institute to expand the use of transgenic
mice and a tissue bank facility, and to encourage collaboration
between the NHLBI, HRSA, CDC, and national and local
organizations. The Committee requests an update on these
efforts in the fiscal year 2009 congressional budget
justifications.
Sleep Disorders.--The Committee continues to urge the
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research to partner with
other Federal agencies and voluntary health organizations to
implement a sleep education and public awareness initiative
using the roundtable model.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--The Committee urges the NHLBI
to support basic research on the mTOR signaling pathway and the
role of the TSC1/2 genes in cell growth and proliferation in
the heart and lungs. The Committee also urges the NHLBI to
continue and expand intramural and extramural programs on
lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM], a lung disorder that primarily
affects women. In particular, research should focus on the
natural history of LAM in TSC and sporadic LAM, as well as
support for clinical trials.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $389,703,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 389,722,000
Committee recommendation................................ 398,602,000
The Committee recommendation includes $398,602,000 for the
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [NIDCR].
The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $389,703,000 and the
budget requested $389,722,000. The comparable amounts for the
budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office
of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institutes's budget. The other amounts do not
include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders [TMJDs].--The
Committee commends the NIDCR for its efforts to increase
funding for TMJDs research and stimulate interest in young
investigators in TMJD research. The Committee urges the NIDCR
to give priority to the recommendations of the Fourth
Scientific Meeting of The TMJ Association, especially those
calling for the establishment of Regional TMJD Centers of
Excellence. Because the multifaceted nature of TMJDs requires
an approach that coordinates the work of many interested
parties at the NIH, the Committee expects the NIDCR to continue
to collaborate and coordinate research and awareness activities
with the NIBIB, NINDS, NIAMS, ORWH and all other relevant ICs
as well as the trans-NIH Pain Consortium and the NIH Blueprint
for Neuroscience Research. 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, 2007.................................... $1,705,868,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,708,045,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,747,784,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,747,784,000
for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases [NIDDK]. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$1,705,868,000 and the administration's request is
$1,708,045,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimates
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Acute Liver Failure.--The Committee is aware that there is
no effective and approved medical procedure to maintain liver
function after acute failure for a period of time until a liver
becomes available for transplantation or the liver repairs
itself naturally. The Committee urges research in this area,
consistent with the Liver Disease Research Action Plan, to
reduce the mortality rate for those who suffer from acute liver
failure.
Animal Models of Diabetes.--The Committee applauds the
NIDDK, in partnership with the NHLBI, for its renewal of the
Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium [AMDCC].
While the AMDCC focuses on rodent models, the NIDDK is also
encouraged to support the development and use of larger animal
models that more closely mimic diabetes in humans and that can
be used for preclinical testing of new therapeutic agents to
treat complications.
Beta Cell Biology.--The Committee urges the NIDDK to
support research focused on translating the fundamental
discoveries made by the Beta Cell Biology Consortium into
clinical applications that may directly benefit type 1 diabetes
patients.
Clinical Trials for Type 1 Diabetes.--The Committee urges
the NIDDK to continue to expand the pipeline of new therapies
being tested by the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet to accelerate the
rate of drug discovery and development to combat type 1
diabetes. For example, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies represent
a breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes and, for the
first time, provide a way to intervene in the natural history
of the disease. The Committee urges the NIDDK and the NIAID to
foster mechanistic and clinical research aimed at understanding
how anti-CD3 works so that drug design can be optimized to
reduce side effects and define all patient populations who
might benefit from anti-CD3 therapy.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring.--Recent advances in
continuous glucose monitoring technology have the potential to
revolutionize the way diabetes is managed on a daily basis, but
more research is needed to validate this technology in a
variety of patient populations under ``real world'' conditions.
Moreover, biomedical research progress is enabling increasing
numbers of type 1 diabetes patients to live with this disease
for more than 50 years. The NIDDK is urged to support clinical
research on the potential benefits of continuous glucose
monitoring in type 1 diabetes patients over the age of 65.
Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee continues to support NIDDK
research on iron chelation and non-invasive iron measurement,
and to encourage the NIDDK to work closely with the NIBIB to
develop and perfect non-invasive means of measuring iron that
accumulates in the heart and liver.
Diabetes in Native Hawaiians.--The Committee is concerned
about the high prevalence of diabetes among Native Hawaiians,
and it urges the NIDDK to continue research in this area.
Digestive Diseases.--The Committee continues to encourage
the NIDDK to expand its Digestive Disease Centers program, with
an increased emphasis on irritable bowel syndrome.
Drug-induced Liver Injury.--In view of the increasing
incidence of liver injury from prescription and nonprescription
drugs, the Committee urges an expansion of the Drug-Induced
Liver Injury Network.
Environmental Triggers of Type 1 Diabetes.--The Committee
encourages the NIDDK to ensure that resources are made
available to maximize the knowledge about type 1 diabetes that
can be gained from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes
in the Young Study [TEDDY], including the support of innovative
ancillary studies using biosamples and data collected from
TEDDY participants.
Fragile X.--The symptoms of Fragile X syndrome include
digestive difficulties. 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 the NIMH, NINDS, NICHD, NHGRI and the Fogarty
International Center.
Genetics of Diabetic Kidney Disease.--The NIDDK is
recognized for supporting the whole genome sequencing of the
Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes [GoKinD] collection of genetic
samples from nearly 1,900 type 1 diabetes patients and their
relatives. This work should help identify the genetic factors
that make some diabetic patients more susceptible to kidney
disease.
Genetics of Type 1 Diabetes.--The Committee commends the
NIDDK for its oversight of the International Type 1 Diabetes
Genetics Consortium, which is in the final stages of recruiting
2,800 families with two or more children with type 1 diabetes.
As the sample collection phase nears completion, the NIDDK is
encouraged to support researchers who plan to use the genetic
collection to fully understand the genetic causes of type 1
diabetes.
Glomerular Disease Research.--The Committee continues to be
pleased with the work of the NIDDK in the area of glomerular
disease research, particularly as it relates to focal segmental
glomerulosclerosis.
Hematology.--Research into basic mechanisms of blood cell
formation and function is intimately linked to determining the
health risks of different diseases and in developing novel
therapies for treatment. An example is the study of anemias of
inflammation and chronic disease, which would greatly improve
the understanding of chronic infection and immune activation,
severe trauma, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. The
Committee urges the NIDDK, using the findings of the 2006
workshop on this topic, to work with the NHLBI, NCI, NIA, NIAID
and NIAMS to develop a research agenda on anemias of
inflammation and chronic disease. The Committee requests an
update in the fiscal year 2009 congressional budget
justification on the research opportunities identified and the
next steps to be taken.
Hepatitis B.--The Committee is pleased with the NIH
commitment to conduct a consensus conference in 2008 on best
treatment practices for individuals with hepatitis B. The
Committee is aware that there are six hepatitis B
pharmaceutical products on the market and that three of them
have become available in the last two years. The growing number
of treatment options is encouraging and suggests a strong
rationale for conducting a consensus conference to provide
state of the art treatment guidelines for the practicing
physician community. As only approximately one-third of
individuals with hepatitis B are aware of their condition, the
Committee urges the NIDDK to continue to collaborate with the
CDC in the development of a public health strategy to expand
the screening of individuals at risk for chronic hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C.--The Committee encourages implementation of
clinical studies aimed at overcoming antiviral drug resistance
to hepatitis C, possibly by utilizing novel agents in
combination.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD].--The Committee has been
encouraged in recent years by discoveries related to Crohn's
disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as IBD. The
Committee commends the NIDDK for its strong leadership in this
area and continues to encourage the Institute to increase
funding for research, particularly pediatric research, focused
on; (1) the cellular, molecular and genetic structure of IBD,
(2) identification of the genes that determine susceptibility
or resistance to IBD in various patient subgroups, and (3)
translation of basic research findings into patient clinical
trails 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.
Interstitial Cystitis [IC] and Painful Bladder Syndrome
[PBS].--The Committee is concerned by a pattern of inconsistent
funding at the NIDDK on IC/PBS-specific research, and it urges
the Institute to make a sustained investment in this area. The
Committee urges the NIDDK to issue a request for applications
for IC/PBS-specific research in areas that examine
predisposition/risk factors, underlying cellular and molecular
pathology of IC/PBS and the association/cross-sensitization of
IC/PBS with other disorders/diseases. The Committee also
encourages translational research in IC/PBS that includes pilot
therapy testing and early intervention of lifestyle/behavioral
changes to prevent or lessen symptoms. The Committee remains
concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding the
nomenclature and definition of IC, and it urges the NIDDK to
host a meeting of international IC experts that specifically
addresses these issues not only to update its own research
criteria and clarify its investigative questions on IC but also
to ensure that the United States continues to be at the
forefront of all IC research activities. In addition, the
Committee is discouraged by the lack of progress in the NIDDK-
funded RAND study on the epidemiology of IC. The NIDDK is urged
to take an active role in the last two years of this study to
ensure that any design flaws are addressed, outside experts are
consulted and it is well executed.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS].--The Committee is pleased
that the NIDDK is formulating an action plan for digestive
diseases through the National Commission on Digestive Diseases
and that IBS will be included. The Committee continues to urge
the NIDDK to expedite this plan and ensure that IBS be given
sufficient attention.
Islet Transplantation.--The Committee acknowledges the
productive collaboration of the NIDDK and NIAID in overseeing
the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium. The development
of seven clinical trial protocols of islet transplantation
marks a significant step toward validating this procedure as a
viable treatment for Type 1 diabetes patients suffering from
extremely ``brittle'' or difficult-to-control blood sugar
levels. The NIDDK and NIAID are urged to take steps to ensure
the efficient launch of these trials and to expedite patient
recruitment and enrollment.
Kidney Disease.--The Committee encourages the NIDDK to
expand the kidney disease research infrastructure through an
increased number of kidney research core centers to promulgate
collaborative research on a local, regional and national level.
In addition, the Committee recommends expanded support for
investigator-initiated research projects in five priority areas
of greatest importance clinically: acute renal failure,
diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, transplantation, and uremic
cardiovascular toxicity. The Committee commends the NIDDK for
moving forward with the Clinical Trials Cooperative Group and
supports collaboration with the renal community to seek new
strategies and energize clinical investigation in the above-
mentioned areas.
Lupus.--The Committee encourages the NIDDK to expand and
intensify research on lupus, which can damage virtually any
organ system in the body, including the kidneys, stomach and
intestinal tract.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.--The NIDDK is
urged to study the metabolic link between lymphatic function
and obesity, dyslipedema and diabetes. In addition, the
Committee strongly urges the NIDDK to study protein-losing
enteropathy, a life-threatening complication associated with
numerous syndromes involving congenital lymphatic
malformations.
Management of Pediatric Kidney Disease.--The complexity and
variety of causes unique to childhood kidney diseases requires
multiple detailed treatment regimens for chronic kidney
disease, dialysis and kidney transplantation. When these
medication and treatment plans are not followed, patients
experience life-threatening complications and costly
hospitalizations. The Committee urges the NIDDK to conduct
trans-institute trials to study methods to improve adherence
with treatment regimens for children and adolescents,
particularly in the areas of dialysis and post kidney
transplantation. Additionally, the Committee urges NIDDK to
support collaborating networks of health care providers to
collect data and plan trials to improve therapy for the
spectrum of childhood kidney diseases and the transition of
children with kidney disease into adulthood.
National Commission of Digestive Diseases.--The Committee
applauds the continuing work of the National Commission of
Digestive Diseases to develop a 10-year plan and urges that the
chapter on liver disease encompass the findings and
recommendations of the recently updated Liver Disease Research
Action Plan.
Obesity and Translational Research.--The Committee urges
the NIDDK to address the growing obesity crisis by
investigating the role of the gastrointestinal tract in
regulating food intake, how obesity causes liver disease and
colon cancer, and the best treatment options and novel
therapeutic approaches for preventing and treating obesity,
including novel endoscopic therapies and other approaches that
extend beyond existing treatment modalities.
Obesity-related Liver Disease.--There has been a dramatic
increase in obesity-related chronic liver disease, which may
affect as many as one in four adults and a significant number
of obese children. This diagnosis encompasses a spectrum of
severity 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 urges the NIDDK to
continue to support fatty liver disease clinical trials that
includes both adult and pediatric populations.
Polycystic Kidney Disease [PKD].--The Committee is pleased
that NIH-supported research has rapidly led to the development
of multiple human clinical trials and interdisciplinary studies
focused on slowing or even reversing the progression of PKD.
However, the Committee is deeply concerned by recent cuts in
NIH funding for PKD research, combined with coding errors that
made it appear as if NIDDK funding for PKD were higher than the
actual figures. Therefore, the Committee strongly urges the
NIDDK to increase its investment in PKD research by promoting
additional PKD clinical trials and multidisciplinary research,
and expanding studies of pathophysiology and molecular biology.
Prostatitis.--The Committee supports the efforts of the
Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network [CPCRN] to
find the cause and a cure for prostatitis. The past 10 years of
research by the CPCRN have produced important progress, and the
Committee urges the NIDDK to fund the research to completion.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee encourages the Institute to
undertake research efforts to study the causes and care of the
neurogenic bladder to improve the quality of life of children
and adults with spina bifida.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.--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 continue to
support basic research on the mTOR signaling pathway and the
role of the TSC1/2 genes in nutrient sensing, insulin signaling
and cell growth and proliferation. The Committee also urges the
NIDDK to support research on the link between TSC and PKD.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,535,545,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,537,019,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,573,268,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,573,268,000
for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
[NINDS]. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $1,535,545,000
and the budget request is $1,537,019,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimates include funds to be
transferred from the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Alzheimer's Disease.--The Committee recognizes that the
NINDS has funded several new areas of research on Alzheimer's
that may ultimately contribute to the development of
therapeutics, as well as a translational project involving the
screening of small molecules that may prevent mutant proteins
linked to inherited forms of the disease from contributing to
detrimental cellular changes. The Committee encourages the
NINDS to continue to assign a high priority to its Alzheimer
research portfolio; 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;
and to continue to work in collaboration with the NIA, NIMH and
other Institutes.
Basic and Translational Research.--The Committee recognizes
the NINDS for its cooperative efforts in expanding basic and
translational research on the processes and mechanisms involved
in the experience, expression, and regulation of emotion.
Brain Tumors.--The Committee continues to believe that the
NINDS should give additional attention to identifying causes of
and treatments for brain tumors, and it encourages the
Institute to continue working with the NCI to carry out the
recommendations of the Report of the Brain Tumor Progress
Review Group.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth [CMT].--The Committee commends the
NINDS for holding a workshop on peripheral neuropathies that
focused on developing research opportunities to address CMT.
The workshop concluded that a number of specific research
directions are relevant to developing treatments for CMT and
related disorders, including: (1) the development of high-
throughput screening to identify candidate treatments that may
currently be available for patients; (2) research into novel
mechanisms to repair genetic abnormalities in patients with
CMT; (3) research into interactions between neurons and glial
cells that are disrupted and cause disability in many CMT
patients; and (4) research into the biological role of
inflammatory cells that may exacerbate disability in CMT
patients. The Committee strongly urges the NINDS to capitalize
on these recommendations and follow up with a relevant program
announcement or request for applications. The Committee also
requests an update on these activities in the fiscal year 2009
congressional budget justifications.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy [CIDP].--
The Committee urges the NINDS to support research to assist in
the diagnosis and treatment of CIDP, a rare disorder of the
peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing
weakness of the legs and arms.
Cognitive and Emotional Health Project [CEHP].--The
Committee commends the NINDS 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.
Dandy-Walker.--The Committee urges the NINDS to form a
coordinating committee for Dandy-Walker and hydrocephalus
research, and to sponsor a workshop to increase awareness and
set national research priorities for these diseases.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee notes the recent publication
of a number of breakthrough studies concerning the structure
and function of synapses in cognitive circuits in mouse models
of Down syndrome. These findings suggest that important
advances are possible in the near future that could enhance
cognitive function in both children and adults with this
disorder. The Committee notes that these advances were, in
part, forecast by the Down syndrome workshop sponsored by the
NINDS. The Committee commends the NINDS for its leadership in
organizing the workshop and urges it to build upon the
important findings that came out of the meeting. In particular,
the Committee encourages the NINDS to identify opportunities
for investigating the genetic and cellular basis for
abnormalities in the structure and function of cognitive
circuits in both the developing and mature nervous systems of
people with Down syndrome. The NINDS is also encouraged to work
with the NIA to develop strategies to investigate the biology
of age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and
Parkinson's disease, in people with Down syndrome.
Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy [DBMD] Translational
Research.--The Committee understands that the NIH plans to
convene a workshop examining DBMD translational opportunities
later this year. The Committee is pleased that these actions
are taking place and requests that the NINDS and the Muscular
Dystrophy Coordinating Committee develop and submit to the
Committee, by February 1, 2008, specific measurable milestones
needed to establish a DBMD Translational Research Initiative.
This information should be part of the annual report called for
under the MD Care Act and be provided by the NINDS, with
support from other appropriate Institutes, including the NIAMS
and NHLBI. The Committee further requests a detailed timeline
for establishing a DBMD translational research initiative by
July 1, 2007, and it urges the involvement of representatives
from the six MD centers of excellence.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.--The Committee is pleased that
the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee [MDCC] has
approved the Action Plan for the Muscular Dystrophies. However,
the plan does not make clear the agency or agencies tasked with
primary and secondary responsibilities for achieving each of
the 76 research objectives. The Committee requests the MDCC to
designate those agencies by February 1, 2008. The Committee
also encourages the NINDS, NIAMS, and NHLBI to provide the
funding needed to support the research agenda at each of the
six Paul Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research
Centers.
Dystonia.--The Committee continues to support the expansion
of research and treatment developments regarding dystonia, and
it commends the NINDS for sponsoring the scientific workshop on
dystonia in June 2006.
Epilepsy.--The Committee applauds the Institute on the
second ``Curing Epilepsy'' conference, held in March 2007, and
it encourages the NINDS, along with the epilepsy community, to
update the Epilepsy Research Benchmarks to reflect promising
future directions for research toward a cure. The Committee
requests an update in the fiscal year 2009 congressional budget
justifications on the state of the science in epilepsy research
and critical areas for future study, which should include
collaborative initiatives with the NIMH, NIA, NICHD and patient
and scientific organizations.
Fragile X.--The Committee strongly endorses accelerated
funding for basic and translational Fragile X research,
especially efforts to analyze the linkages among Fragile X
syndrome, autism, and autism spectrum disorders. The Committee
urges the NINDS to participate in the scientific session
described under the section on the NICHD and to collaborate
with the Fragile X Centers of Excellence as well as the Fragile
X Clinics Consortium.
Hydrocephalus.--The NINDS is commended for taking lead
sponsorship of the 2005 workshop ``Myths, New Facts, Clear
Directions'' to set national research priorities for
hydrocephalus. The Committee urges the Institute to
significantly increase funding for hydrocephalus research and
awareness along with actively soliciting grant applications
based on the findings from the workshop. The Committee also
encourages the NINDS to seek opportunities to collaborate with
other Institutes, including the NIA, NICHD, NEI, NIBIB and ORD,
in developing a coordinating committee to support research
collaboratively in epidemiology.
Lupus.--The Committee encourages the NINDS to expand and
intensify research on lupus, which can attack the blood vessels
in the brain, causing seizures, psychosis, and stroke.
Mucolipidosis Type IV [ML4].--The gene causing this
debilitating genetic metabolic disorder has been identified, so
the Committee believes it is timely to increase funding that
could lead to a treatment or cure. In particular, this should
include research involving other organisms that bear genes
resembling the one whose mutation in humans causes ML4.
Neurofibromatosis [NF].--The Committee encourages the NINDS
to continue its 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
applauds the ongoing work of analyzing DNA of NF tumor samples,
which not only will help find a treatment for NF but also
connect it to other forms of cancers and other diseases.
Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome [OMS].--The Committee
continues to urge the Institute to accelerate research efforts
to identify OMS susceptibility genes and biomarkers and to
develop innovative immunotherapeutic strategies.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee is concerned that NIH
spending on Parkinson's disease research, overall, is
declining. The Committee urges the NINDS to dedicate additional
funding to pursue promising translational and clinical research
that may result in scientific breakthroughs for people living
with Parkinson's disease. The Committee commends the NIH for
preparing the 2006 Parkinson's Disease Strategic Research Plan
and requests a report by June 1, 2008, that would provide
additional information on the Plan's implementation, including
funding mechanisms used, such as program announcements,
requests for proposals; budgetary estimates associated with
each of the priority research areas identified by the Plan;
anticipated next steps; and necessary funding levels.
The Committee continues to support the Morris K. Udall
Parkinson's Disease Research Centers of Excellence and applauds
the creation of an additional center to further focus and
manage their interdisciplinary efforts. The Committee further
encourages NIH to require that the centers include a
significant clinical component, in addition to their ongoing
basic and translational research.
Peripheral Neuropathy.--More than 60 percent of diabetic
patients experience some degree of nerve damage that can lead
to skin ulceration on the feet, poor wound healing, and, in
extreme cases, lower limb amputation. The NINDS is recognized
for organizing a workshop of leading experts in diabetic nerve
damage who defined challenges and barriers to the successful
implementation of clinical trials to combat this long-term
complication. The NINDS is urged to consider establishing a
clinical trial network to design and conduct clinical research
protocols of new agents to prevent or treat diabetic nerve
damage.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee encourages the Institute to
continue and expand research to address issues related to the
prevention and treatment of spina bifida and associated
secondary conditions such as hydrocephalus.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--The Committee commends the
NINDS for the advancement of the SMA Therapeutics Development
program and strongly urges the Institute to continue
identifying and completing preclinical research and development
of SMA drug candidates. The Committee urges the NINDS to plan
and budget for the successive stages of the project, including,
most importantly, funding for clinical trials and
infrastructure (e.g., site support, patient registries,
biomarker development and natural history studies). Lastly, the
Committee notes the need to expand basic research funding on
SMA and requests that a request for applications be issued.
Stroke.--The Committee commends the Institute for its
leadership in initiating a strategic planning process for
stroke research and expects that the NINDS will work with
experts in the field to develop this initiative. The Committee
urges the Institute to aggressively expand its investment in
basic, clinical, translational, and trans-institute stroke
research through all available mechanisms. The Committee is
encouraged that the NINDS convened stroke experts to conduct a
midpoint review of the 10-year plan outlined in the Stroke
Progress Review Group report. The Committee strongly supports
the full and timely implementation of the SPRG report, and it
requests a written update on the implementation of the report
by July 1, 2008, highlighting activities and initiatives for
each of the remaining fiscal years of the plan.
Stroke Rehabilitation.--The Committee notes the growing
body of evidence that stroke victims do not achieve the fullest
possible recovery from rehabilitation because of limited
awareness of appropriate rehabilitation protocols. The
Committee therefore urges the convening of an experts panel to
examine this issue with the goal of developing consensus
treatment protocols. Finally, the Committee urges
implementation of the Stroke Progress Review Report's
recommendations on recovery and rehabilitation.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee applauds
the leadership undertaken at the NINDS to coordinate research
on TSC through the Trans-NIH Tuberous Sclerosis Coordinating
Committee. The Committee believes the scope of the committee
should be broadened to include planning of international
conferences and annual targeted workshops on specific areas of
TSC research. The Committee also urges the NINDS Human Genetics
Resource Center to develop a TSC DNA Repository that would
serve as a research resource for the TSC research community.
Finally, the Committee urges the NINDS to stimulate and support
research on the role of early-onset seizures in TSC and
subsequent cognitive development.
Vulvodynia.--The Committee urges the NINDS, in coordination
with the NICHD, ORWH, NIH Pain Consortium and other ICs, to
expand its support of research in vulvodynia, with a focus on
etiology and multi-center therapeutic trials. The Committee
also calls on the NINDS to work with the 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, 2007.................................... $4,367,708,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 4,592,482,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,668,472,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,668,472,000
for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
[NIAID]. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $4,367,708,000
and the budget request is $4,592,482,000. Included in these
funds is $300,000,000 to be transferred to the Global Fund to
Fight HIV/ AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis. The fiscal year
2007 transfer amount was $99,000,000. The comparable amounts
for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from
the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
The Committee has included bill language requested by the
President that allows sums obligated in fiscal years 2003
through 2007 for extramural facilities construction grants to
remain available until expended.
Antiviral Drug Resistance.--One of the major challenges in
implementing therapies for hepatitis B and hepatitis C is
antiviral drug resistance. The Committee encourages the
development of standardized terminology to describe this
resistance, as well as studies of the mechanism of resistance
and methods to overcome it.
Asthma.--The Committee urges the NIAID to continue to
improve its focus and effort on asthma management, especially
as it relates to children.
Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma/Allergic Diseases.--The
Committee applauds the NIAID for focusing on atopic dermatitis
[AD] as a risk factor for adverse reactions to the smallpox
vaccine. However, the Committee believes that the NIAID should
focus additional attention on the relationship between AD and
asthma and other allergic diseases. Studies have confirmed that
individuals with severe AD are more likely to develop
particularly severe asthma and allergies. The Committee
encourages the NIAID to coordinate with other Institutes on a
multidisciplinary initiative to encourage investigator-
initiated research projects on AD as it relates to the
progression to asthma and other allergic diseases as well as
changes in immune responses to allergen exposure in sensitized
patients.
Autoimmune Disease Research.--The Committee commends the
NIAID for its successful renewal of the Autoimmune Prevention
Centers initiative, which has generated and tested innovative
ideas in autoimmune research.
Biocontainment Labs.--In 2003, the NIH awarded contracts
for construction of two extramural National Biocontainment
Laboratories for research on infectious agents and related
countermeasures. These facilities are due to open in 2008. The
Committee encourages NIH to provide the Committee with its
strategic plan for the continued operations of these facilities
and for protection of the substantial Federal investment in
them.
Drug Development for Type 1 Diabetes.--The NIAID, in
collaboration with the NIDDK, is recognized for its successful
renewal of the Immune Tolerance Network [ITN], which designs
and conducts clinical trials of new immune modulating therapies
for type 1 diabetes and other diseases. The Committees
encourages the NIAID to continue to explore opportunities for
testing drugs that are already approved by the FDA for other
indications for use as therapies for Type 1 diabetes.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis.--The Committee is pleased
that the NIAID plans to solicit grant applications for research
on food allergy, and it urges the highest possible level of
funding for this initiative. The Committee believes that a
similar, complementary effort should be undertaken with respect
to anaphylaxis. A report of a second symposium on anaphylaxis
co-sponsored by the NIAID 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
report also noted that the three-step treatment follow-up
recommended for anaphylaxis is ``infrequently performed in
North American emergency departments.'' The Committee urges the
NIAID to stimulate investigator-initiated research on
anaphylaxis including clinical studies of ways to improve its
diagnosis and prevention as well as emergency treatment. The
Committee requests a report outlining these efforts in the
fiscal year 2009 congressional budget justifications.
Hepatitis B.--The Committee encourages the NIAID to
continue work in the area of therapeutic drug discovery for
hepatitis B.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IBD].--The Committee continues
to encourage the NIAID to expand its research partnerships with
the IBD community 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,
particularly in pediatric populations.
Liver Transplantation.--The Committee applauds the
significant progress in developing successful techniques for
liver transplantation, but notes that more work remains on
improving the long-term quality of life of individuals who
receive such transplants. The Committee urges additional
research in this area, as well as research to improve patient
and graft survival, and pre-transplant graft evaluation and
preservation, with a particular focus on research to reduce and
eventually eliminate a transplant recipient's dependence on
immunosuppressive drugs.
Lupus.--The Committee urges the NIAID to expand and
intensify genetic, clinical, and basic research on lupus, with
particularly strong focus on gene-gene and gene-environmental
interactions, epidemiological research, biomarkers, pediatric
research, environmental factors, and factors related to the
health disparities and co-morbidities associated with this
diseases.
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.
Malaria.--The Committee urges the NIAID to allocate
additional resources to support malaria vaccine development,
drug development, diagnostics, vector control, infrastructure
and research capability, and to strengthen components of the
Implementation Plan for Global Research on Malaria. The
Committee is concerned that reports of drug-resistant malaria
and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes are on the rise. To that
end, the Committee urges the NIAID to undertake additional
research on the basic biology and ecology of mosquitoes, as
well as work in genomics to develop new insecticides or render
mosquitoes incapable of transmitting malaria.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria [NTM].--The Committee commends
the NIAID for its planning meetings regarding NTM and
recommends further collaboration with the NHLBI, the advocacy
community and other Federal agencies. The Committee encourages
the NIAID to advance the understanding of NTM by establishing a
national registry of patients. Further, the Committee
encourages the NIAID to issue a program announcement or other
appropriate mechanism to ensure the initiation of grant
proposals and other activities in NTM.
Parasitic Tropical Diseases.--The Committee urges the NIAID
to continue research on the development of new vaccines,
diagnostics, and safe, effective treatments for cholera,
African trypanosomiasis (African Sleeping Sickness), American
trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), visceral leishmaniasis,
Buruli ulcer, and other debilitating parasitic infections.
Primary Immunodeficiency [PI] Diseases.--The NIAID is the
lead agency for research into bone marrow transplantation,
which can cure some primary immunodeficiencies. The Institute
has made significant progress in reducing graft versus host
disease [GVHD] and improving therapies when GVHD develops. With
newborn screening of certain PI diseases being piloted in the
States, the Committee urges the Institute to redouble its
efforts to assure that identified patients have the best
possible chance for survival.
Tuberculosis.--The Committee is extremely concerned about
the spread of tuberculosis in the United States and around the
world, and urges the NIAID to continue supporting research
toward the development of improved medications; an effective,
safe vaccine; and diagnostics.
U.S. Immunodeficiency Network [USIDNet].--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the USIDNET research and training
portfolio and urges the NIAID to increase support for the
consortium. This unique program provides a mechanism to foster
progress in this important and under-supported group of primary
immunodeficiency diseases [PIDD] that historically have
impacted clinical medicine far beyond their proportional
representation in the population. The program supports research
in this area by both new and established investigators with a
goal of training the next generation of clinicians and
scientists to take on the questions that can continue to
benefit the greater population with suppressed immune systems.
A DNA and cell repository and an immunodeficiency patient
registry have been established to further facilitate research
in this area. The registry can provide a mechanism of improved
communication with patients to assist recognition of new
patterns of disease and long-term surveillance of the effect of
therapeutics and live-agent vaccines in this patient group.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,935,808,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,941,462,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,978,601,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,978,601,000 for
the National Institute of General Medical Sciences [NIGMS]. The
fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $1,935,808,000 and the
administration's request is $1,941,462,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Behavioral Research.--The Committee continues to be
concerned that the NIGMS does not support basic behavioral
research. The Institute's statutory mandate includes basic
behavioral research and training, and the Committee believes
that the NIGMS has a scientific mandate in this area because of
the clear relevance of fundamental behavioral factors to a
variety of diseases and health conditions. To date, the NIGMS
has not responded to this concern despite the recommendation of
an NIH working group that called for the establishment of such
a program, and similar recommendations from the National
Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and others. The
Committee expects the NIGMS to support basic behavioral
research and training.
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. In addition, the Committee encourages the
NIGMS to seek out innovative partnerships with professional
societies and other scientific and educational organizations to
recruit and retain minority or disadvantaged students in the
research pipeline.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,254,707,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,264,946,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,282,231,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,282,231,000
for the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development [NICHD]. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$1,254,707,000 and the administration's request is
$1,264,946,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcome.--A recent national study showed
that the rate of pre-term births among first pregnancies has
increased 50 percent over the past decade; women in their first
pregnancy are at highest risk for developing preeclampsia; and
black women have a two-fold higher risk of these problems than
white women. The Committee requests that the NICHD launch an
intensive research study of first pregnancy women in order to
fill the major gap in the research on the etiology, mechanisms
and prevention of these complications. The Committee also urges
the NICHD to investigate the rates of adverse pregnancy
outcomes in pregnancies associated with assisted reproductive
technology [ART]. The Committee urges the NICHD to support a
multi-center cohort study on ART that would emphasize pregnancy
outcomes, and short-and long-term effects on children, to
determine if the adverse outcomes are specifically related to
ART procedures versus underlying factors within the couple.
Behavioral Science.--The Committee continues its strong
support for the broad portfolio of behavioral research at the
NICHD.
Childhood Obesity.--The Committee continues its support for
NICHD research on the behavioral and social factors that
contribute to childhood obesity.
Demographic Research.--The Committee applauds the NICHD for
its strong support of demographic research, which has resulted
in a greater understanding of such topics as family dynamics
and immigration. The NICHD is encouraged to provide additional
resources on research that addresses the future of America's
families, including the forces affecting birth rates and family
investments in children. The Institute should also actively
support opportunities for interdisciplinary research into the
complex socioeconomic and biological mechanisms that produce
health disparities within our population. To ensure the
continued vitality of this program, the Committee urges the
NICHD to maintain its levels of investment in demographic
training and infrastructure support.
Diabetes Research in Children.--The Committee commends the
NICHD for its support of the Diabetes Research in Children
Network [DirecNet], which has made excellent progress in
studying glucose control and the application of new
technologies in a pediatric population with diabetes.
Dietary Intervention to Prevent Juvenile Diabetes.--The
Committee applauds the NICHD for its oversight of the Trial to
Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk [TRIGR] study, which is
testing whether substitution of hydrolyzed cow's milk in an
infant's diet can reduce the rate of type 1 diabetes in
children. The Committee urges the NICHD to continue its strong
support of TRIGR to follow the study participants over the next
10 years.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee commends the NICHD on earlier
efforts to supply mouse models of Down syndrome for the
research community. It now encourages the NICHD to partner with
the 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
urges the NICHD to take a leadership role in providing a robust
research portfolio that addresses the problems that affect
children with Down syndrome and to work collaboratively with
other Institutes to carry out this mission.
Early Language Development.--The Committee applauds the
NICHD's continued support of research in early language
development, particularly studies that underscore the
importance of social interaction as a necessary component for
language learning. The Committee encourages further research to
help understand which components of social interaction are
critical for language development, and how this knowledge can
be used to improve the linguistic skills of those with social
impairments.
Epilepsy.--Epilepsy often begins in childhood, and even in
its mildest forms can modify brain development, with lifelong
effects on cognitive processes ranging from learning
disabilities to severe developmental disabilities. Recurring
seizures are also common for children with autism, brain
tumors, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, tuberous sclerosis
and a variety of genetic syndromes and may dramatically add to
the burden of these disorders. The Committee urges the NICHD to
make research in epilepsy a priority, with particular emphasis
on developmental effects, and to coordinate these efforts with
the NINDS.
Family Formation.--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.
Fragile X.--The Committee strongly encourages the NICHD to
support upcoming clinical drug trials of pharmaceuticals
indicated for treatment for Fragile X. In addition, the
Committee endorses accelerated funding for basic and
translational Fragile X research, including efforts to analyze
the linkages among Fragile X, autism, and autism spectrum
disorders. The Committee is encouraged by the efforts of all of
the Institutes supporting Fragile X research to coordinate
Fragile X research and encourages them to intensify and
expedite this effort. The Committee urges the NIH, through the
NICHD and other participating Institutes, to convene a
scientific session in 2008 to develop pathways to new
opportunities for collaborative, directed research across
Institutes, and to produce a blueprint of coordinated research
strategies and public-private partnership opportunities for
Fragile X. In these efforts, the NICHD is urged to collaborate
with the three existing federally funded Fragile X Centers of
Excellence as well as the Fragile X Clinics Consortium. The
Committee requests the NICHD to report to Congress by September
1, 2008, on its progress in achieving these goals. The
Committee also urges the NICHD to continue to prioritize
Fragile X as a key prototype in the development of cost-
effective newborn screening programs.
Fragile X-associated 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 it is often
associated with the FMR1 gene, the same gene that causes
Fragile X syndrome. The Committee acknowledges the importance
of furthering research into the FMR1 premutation to inform the
research community about the genetic causes of infertility and
disorders of altered ovarian function. The Committee supports
further research efforts focused on collecting genetic
information from women who possess a mutation of the FMR1 gene
as well as women who have POF. To accomplish this goal, the
Committee urges the NICHD to include the collection of genetic
data on women who are relatives of people living with Fragile X
in the development of a National Fragile X Patient Registry in
order to facilitate genetic screening and counseling services
for family members who may be at risk of Fragile X.
Additionally, the NICHD is encouraged to address POF as it
relates to the FMR1 gene in the development of a blueprint on
Fragile X research opportunities.
Liver Wellness in Children.--The National Children's Study
provides a unique opportunity to study the prevalence of
obesity-related chronic liver disease, also known as non-
alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], from birth to early
adulthood. The Committee urges the NICHD to analyze the
prevalence of NASH under the NCS to better understand obesity-
related chronic illnesses in children and to work with other
agencies in the screening and prevention of these diseases.
Mental Retardation.--The Committee recognizes the
contributions of the Mental Retardation/Developmental
Disabilities Research Centers [MRDDRC] toward understanding why
child development goes awry, discovering ways to prevent
developmental disabilities, and discovering treatments and
interventions to improve the lives of people with developmental
disabilities and their families. The Committee is particularly
pleased with the MRDDRC contributions in the areas of autism,
Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome and other genetic and
environmentally induced disorders. However, the Committee is
concerned that the MRDDRCs do not have sufficient resources to
sustain the progress made in this critical area and is
especially concerned with the cut in support for recently
funded centers. The Committee urges the NICHD to restore these
reductions and to the extent possible provide additional
resources to the MRDDRCs.
National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
[NCMRR].--The Committee notes that while the NCMRR has the lead
at NIH for medical rehabilitation, 15 other institutes and
centers also fund research in this area. The Committee urges
the NCMRR to provide leadership for this trans-NIH research and
to increase its focus on institutional and career development
awards with the goal of raising the applicant success rates of
the several under-represented health professions that can
contribute significantly to the field, such as occupational
therapists. The Committee also urges the NCMRR to support
research on pulmonary rehabilitation.
Neurofibromatosis.--The Committee continues to encourage
the 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.
Preterm Birth.--The Committee commends the NICHD for its
sustained investment in prematurity research through the
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Network, the Neonatal Research Network
and the Genomics and Proteomics Network. The Committee strongly
encourages the NICHD to expand research on the underlying
causes of preterm delivery and the development of treatments
for the prevention of premature birth.
Primary Immunodeficiency [PI] Diseases.--The Committee
continues to support the NICHD's efforts to educate physicians
and the public regarding this class of about 140 diseases. The
Committee also encourages the Institute's focus on newborn
screening research as States begin to implement pilot newborn
screening programs for SCID, one of the most severe forms of
PI. The NICHD is urged to coordinate its efforts with the CDC
and the States in this implementation period.
Obstetric Systematic Reviews.--The Committee continues to
encourage the NICHD to support obstetric systemic reviews,
which provide an important resource to practicing physicians
and the general public.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee strongly urges the NICHD to
make a greater investment in the prevention and treatment of
spina bifida and its associated secondary conditions. In
particular, the Committee urges a stronger emphasis on
understanding the myriad co-morbid conditions experienced by
children with spina bifida, including paralysis and
developmental delay.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--The Committee has stated in
previous years that improving the diagnosis of SMA and
accelerating the development of treatments for this disease is
consistent with the NICHD's mission. However, the Committee is
concerned that the NICHD has dedicated only minimal resources
specifically to initiate work and sustain ongoing resources for
SMA. The Committee again urges the NICHD to fund specific
basic, translational and clinical research initiatives on SMA.
Further, the Committee urges the NICHD to coordinate its
efforts with the NINDS and NIGMS.
Stillbirth.--The Committee applauds the NICHD's efforts to
address stillbirth and urges the Institute to fully fund the
cooperative network's ongoing study using a standard protocol
at five clinical sites.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--Individuals with TSC--
many of whom are infants and young children--face a lifetime of
suffering with seizures, behavioral disorders, autism and
mental retardation. The Committee urges the NICHD to stimulate
and support research on the link between autism and TSC,
specifically the role of the TSC1/2 genes in autism. The
Committee also urges the NICHD to stimulate and support
research on the role of early-onset seizures in TSC and
subsequent cognitive development.
Uterine Fibroids.--The Committee encourages the NICHD to
expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and
support of research with respect to uterine fibroids. Current
research and available data do not provide adequate information
on the rates of prevalence and incidents of fibroids in Asian,
Hispanic, and other minority women, the costs associated with
treating fibroids, and the methods by which fibroids may be
prevented in these women.
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 the NICHD for reissuing its program announcement in
this area; however, to ensure that experts in vulvodynia, and
related chronic pain and female reproductive system conditions,
are adequately represented on peer review panels, the Committee
recommends that future program announcements on vulvodynia be
issued with ``special review.'' The Committee commends the
NICHD for supporting two new projects on vulvodynia in 2006 and
strongly urges the Institute to increase the number of awards
for vulvodynia studies in fiscal year 2008, with a particular
emphasis on etiology and multi-center therapeutic trials.
Finally, the Committee commends the NICHD for working with the
ORWH to implement an educational outreach campaign on
vulvodynia, and calls upon the Institute to continue these
efforts.
NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $667,116,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 667,820,000
Committee recommendation................................ 681,962,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $681,962,000
for the National Eye Institute [NEI]. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $667,116,000 and the budget request is
$667,820,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Age-related Macular Degeneration [AMD].--The Committee
commends the NEI for its trans-institute research into the
cause, prevention and treatment of AMD, the Nation's leading
cause of blindness, including the identification of gene
variants associated with an increased risk for AMD, which
presents an opportunity to predict and preempt the disease. The
Committee encourages further research into diagnostics for
early detection and appropriate therapies. The Committee also
applauds the NEI for initiating the second phase of its Age-
related Eye Disease Study [AREDS], in which additional dietary
supplements are being studied to determine if they can
demonstrate or enhance their protective effects against
progression to the advanced form of AMD, as shown with dietary
zinc and antioxidant vitamins in the study's first phase.
Diabetes Management Devices.--The Committee is aware that a
significant proportion of Americans with diabetes are visually
impaired and that there are currently no state-of-the-art
glucose monitoring or insulin delivery devices that are user-
friendly and accessible to Americans with blindness and low
vision. The Committee therefore urges the NEI, in collaboration
with the NIDDK and the Food and Drug Administration, to sponsor
a scientific workshop that would include representatives from
diabetes management device manufacturers and representatives of
organizations that address the technology access needs of
Americans with low vision or blindness to document and clarify
the technical capabilities of the devices currently on the
market and to develop standards for device accessibility for
Americans with low vision or blindness.
Diabetic Eye Disease.--The Committee applauds the NEI for
the collaborative efforts of the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical
Research Network to test innovative treatments for diabetic eye
disease. The Institute is encouraged to expand and extend the
network by increasing the number of clinical trials with new
drugs and therapeutics that can treat and prevent diabetic
retinopathy.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $642,002,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 637,406,000
Committee recommendation................................ 656,176,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $656,176,000
for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
[NIEHS]. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $642,002,000
and the budget request was $637,406,000. The comparable amounts
for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from
the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Alternative Methods.--The Committee commends the National
Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Methods/
Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of
Alternative Methods [NICEATM/ICCVAM] for commencing a process
for developing 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 5-year plan shall be
used to prioritize areas, including tiered testing and
evaluation frameworks, that have the potential to most
significantly and rapidly reduce, refine or replace laboratory
animal methods while at the same time providing an adequate
degree of scientific certainty for protection of health and the
environment.
Asthma.--Given the link between environmental factors and
the onset of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
[COPD], and pulmonary fibrosis, the Committee encourages the
NIEHS to further develop research initiatives 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 remains strongly interested in
possible environmental causes or triggers of autism. The
Committee commends the NIEHS for convening an expert panel in
May 2006 regarding thimerosal exposure in response to fiscal
year 2006 report language. The report from the workshop, titled
``Thimerasol Exposure in Pediatric Vaccines,'' concluded that
comparing the rates of autism in the Vaccine Safety Datalink
[VSD] over the time period before, during and after the removal
of thimerasol from most childhood vaccines would be
``uninformative and potentially misleading.'' The report also
outlined three alternate studies that could address possible
associations between thimerosal exposure and increased rates of
autism. The Committee urges the NIEHS to evaluate the merit of
conducting these alternate studies and provide an update in the
fiscal year 2009 congressional budget justifications.
Behavioral Research.--The Committee encourages the NIEHS to
maintain its steps toward integrating basic behavioral and
social science research into its portfolio. The NIEHS is urged
to expand partnerships with OBSSR and other institutes to fund
research on common interest including gene and environment
interactions and health.
Bone Marrow Failure Diseases.--While there are no known
causes of bone marrow failure diseases such as aplastic anemia,
myelodysplastic syndromes [MDS], and paroxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuria [PNH], they have been linked to environmental
factors. The Committee encourages the NIEHS to work with the
NHLBI and NCI to fund research that explores these links.
Genes and Environment Initiative.--The Committee strongly
supports the trans-institute effort of the NIEHS and NHGRI to
identify the genetic and environmental underpinnings of asthma,
diabetes, cancer, and other common illnesses, focusing on the
development of innovative technologies for assessing the role
that environmental exposures and genetic variation play in the
risk of developing disease.
Global Environmental Health.--The Committee encourages the
Institute's effort to develop a Global Environmental Health
Initiative designed to identify diseases where environment
plausibly constitutes a significant contributor to human
disease, develop methodological approaches for advancing
research and interventions/therapies on this topic, and support
successful and meaningful research in global environmental
health.
Lupus.--As lupus can be triggered by environmental factors,
the Committee encourages the Institute to expand and intensify
research on this disease.
Parkinson's Disease.--The Committee commends the NIEHS for
funding the Collaborative Centers for Neurodegenerative Disease
Environmental Research [CCNDER] to foster multidisciplinary
research approaches to elucidate gene-environment interactions
in neurodegenerative diseases. The Committee encourages the
NIEHS to ensure that the CCNDER program continues to pursue
promising Parkinson's research resulting from the Collaborative
Centers for Parkinson's Disease Environmental Research [CCPDER]
program. The Committee also encourages the NIEHS to work in
conjunction with other NIH institutes and CDC, as necessary, to
investigate the incidence of Parkinson's disease, including
age, occupation, and geographic population clusters, and
related environmental factors relating to the disease. The
Committee requests an update on these efforts in the report
discussed under the NINDS.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,047,260,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,047,148,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,073,048,000
The Committee recommendation includes $1,073,048,000 for
the National Institute on Aging [NIA]. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $1,047,260,000 and the budget request was
$1,047,148,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Aging and the Workplace.--NIA is encouraged to continue its
program of research on aging and work, on such important topics
as improved design of jobs, the workplace, and work schedules
to accommodate an aging workforce; potential changes in benefit
plans for an aging workforce; and changing attitudes toward
work and retirement as the baby boom generation reaches what
was once considered the age of retirement.
Alzheimer's Disease.--Unless science soon finds ways to
prevent, cure or more effectively treat Alzheimer's, by mid-
century as many as 16 million persons will be living with this
disease. To prevent this will require a stepped-up investment
in a comprehensive Alzheimer research strategy that includes:
basic investigator-initiated research to isolate the best
targets for drug development; cost-effective interdisciplinary
research across multiple institutions that shares data and
biological materials; multi-site clinical trials to test
potential therapies; and larger-scale clinical studies,
including neuroimaging techniques, to find early biomarkers of
disease so as to speed drug discovery and to identify those at
risk so treatment can start soon enough to make a difference.
As the lead institute in Alzheimer research, the NIA is urged
to expand its investment into finding more effective treatments
and prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.
Behavioral Research.--The Committee commends the NIA for
participating in the Cognitive and Emotional Health Project in
collaboration with the NIMH and NINDS, which will support
research on maintaining cognitive and emotional health in later
life.
Biology of Aging.--The Committee commends the NIA for work
it has done to improve understanding of the biological factors
that regulate the processes of aging. These new discoveries
have led many scientists to believe that it may become possible
to postpone the onset of a wide range of fatal and disabling
diseases, in a coordinated fashion, by retardation of the aging
process. It is widely understood that chronic illness is a
powerful driver of medical costs, which in the United States
are expected to reach $16,000,000,000,000 annually by 2030. To
alleviate this financial burden and to develop interventions
that can extend health and longevity, the Committee urges the
NIH to increase dramatically its annual investment in the
biological basis of aging.
Bone Strength.--The Committee continues to encourage the
NIA, in conjunction with the NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDDK, NCRR
and NHLB, to support research, including research on bone
structure and periosteal biology, that will achieve
identification of the parameters that influence bone strength
and lead to better prediction for prevention and treatment of
bone diseases.
Demographic and Economic Research.--The Committee urges the
NIA to sustain its commitment to the Demography of Aging
centers program and continue its current support of the
economic and demographic components of the Roybal Centers for
Applied Gerontology. Finally, the Committee commends the NIA
for elevating the dialogue surrounding global aging issues by
hosting with the Department of State the Summit on Global
Aging.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee commends the 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 the
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, the 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 urges the NIA to collaborate with other institutes to
address the issues that face elderly adults with Down syndrome.
Epilepsy.--The Committee urges the NIA, working with the
NINDS, to continue research on why epilepsy develops in
association with diseases of the elderly and to develop
therapies to prevent the occurrence of seizures and to diminish
their consequences in this population.
Exercise and Aging.--Given the positive impact of exercise
on many aspects of aging, from improved cognition and decreased
depression to fewer falls and fractures, the Committee is very
supportive of NIA's taking additional steps in exercise
research.
Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome [FXTAS].--The
Committee urges the NIA to expand its existing dialogue with
the NINDS to fund research on FXTAS. Given the link between
FXTAS and adult-onset disorders, this disease may serve as a
gateway to understanding parkinsonism and dementia. The NIA is
urged to participate in the NIH's efforts to develop a
coordinated design of Fragile X research strategies and public-
private partnership opportunities as they relate to FXTAS.
Healthy Brain.--The Committee encourages the NIA's
cooperation with other Institutes and Centers on the Healthy
Brain Project.
Hematology.--The Committee commends the Institute for its
increased emphasis on research in thrombotic disorders and
anemia in the elderly. The frequency of other hematologic
diseases, including most of the blood cancers, also increases
dramatically with age. The Committee encourages the NIA to
further its efforts in research in hematologic issues affecting
the elderly, including hematologic malignancies and anemias of
inflammation and chronic disease.
Stereotypes.--The NIA is encouraged to expand its work on
the role of stereotypes in the functioning of the aging and
elderly. The Committee is interested in the social and cultural
transformation that is taking place as the population ages, and
as the workforce ages, and encourages additional research on
stereotypes that may hinder or otherwise affect how our society
manages the transformation.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $508,240,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 508,082,000
Committee recommendation................................ 519,810,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $519,810,000
for the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases [NIAMS]. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$508,240,000 and the budget request is $508,082,000. The
comparable amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be
transferred from the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Burden of Skin Diseases.--The Committee continues to urge
the NIAMS to expand its research portfolio on skin disease and
develop partnerships with the skin disease research community.
Congenic and Genetic Disease of Bone.--The Committee
understands that the science of genetics has led to a greater
understanding of numerous systems that affect bone health, but
little of this technology is being applied to bone research.
The Committee encourages the NIAMS and NICHD to support
research focusing on mechanisms for 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. Furthermore, the
Committee urges the NIAMS, NICHD, NIDCR, and NIDDK to expand
research on skeletal stem cell biology and the genetics and
pathophysiology of rare disorders such as fibrous dysplasia,
melhoreostosis, XLinked hypophosphatemic rickets and
fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
Lupus.--The Committee urges the NIAMS to expand and
intensify genetic, clinical, and basic research on lupus, with
particular focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of
disease, gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions,
epidemiological research, lupus and kidney disease, biomarkers,
pediatric research, environmental factors and factors related
to the health disparities and comorbidities associated with
lupus.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.--The lymphatics
are central to the function of bone, muscle, skin and joint
tissues. The Committee urges the NIAMS to place a high priority
on research in lymphatic biology and disease, with the goal of
improving the understanding of inflammatory, autoimmune and
fibrotic mechanisms that impact a myriad of diseases and bodily
functions.
Marfan Syndrome.--The Committee commends the NIAMS for the
leading role it has played in advancing basic research on
Marfan syndrome. The Committee notes with interest an NHLBI-
sponsored clinical trial on the potential benefits of the drug
losartan in addressing the cardiovascular manifestations of
Marfan syndrome. The Committee encourages the NIAMS to partner
with the NHLBI on this research where appropriate, including
support for ancillary studies that fall under the mission and
jurisdiction of the NIAMS.
Musculoskeletal Trauma and Skeletal Pain.--The Committee
urges the NIAMS, NIA, NIDCR, and NCCAM to study ways to better
understand the epidemiology of back pain and improve existing
diagnostic techniques, as well as develop new ones. The
Committee also encourages the NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDCR, NIDDK
and NIA to expand research to improve diagnostic and
therapeutic approaches to lower the impact of musculoskeletal
traumas, as well as research on accelerated fracture healing--
including the use of biochemical or physical bone stimulation,
the role of hematopoietic niches to preserve bone stem cells,
the use of mesenchymal bone stem cells, and biomaterials and
biologicals in bone repair and regeneration--and research into
repair of nonunion fractures in osteogenesis imperfecta.
Paget's Disease.--The Committee urges the NIAMS to continue
to study the prevalence, cause, and treatment of Paget's
disease.
Psoriasis.--The Committee strongly urges the NIAMS to
expand genetic, clinical, and basic research related to the
understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research. Moreover,
additional attention is needed to conclusively identify the
major psoriasis gene as well as others that contribute to
psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis genetic susceptibility.
The Committee is concerned about recent studies illustrating an
elevated risk for certain chronic diseases, such as heart
attack and diabetes, among individuals with psoriasis, and
therefore urges the NIAMS to examine the relationship between
co-morbidities and psoriasis, including shared molecular
pathways. Further, the Committee encourages the NIAMS to
undertake studies to understand individual response to
particular therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis,
determine if psoriatic arthritis can be prevented in those who
are at risk, and examine joint inflammation and the associated
damage caused by psoriatic arthritis.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee urges the
NIAMS to support clinical trials that specifically target skin
manifestations of TSC (facial angiofibromas, hypomelanotic
macules, Shagreen patches, etc.). The Committee also urges the
NIAMS to support basic research on the mTOR signaling pathway
and the role of the TSC1/2 genes in skin and muscle cells.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $393,668,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 393,682,000
Committee recommendation................................ 402,680,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $402,680,000
for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders [NIDCD]. The budget request is $393,682,000 and the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $393,668,000. The comparable
amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be transferred
from the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Animal Models of Plasticity.--The Committee emphasizes the
importance of research into the brain's response to and changes
due to stimulation by sound or electricity, as hearing loss
will increasingly be ameliorated through advanced restorative
technologies such as amplification devices and cochlear
prostheses. Focus should be on how hearing loss changes the
central nervous system, with studies at the level of synaptic
connections through studies of perceptual learning. These
should include studies of neural coding, neural network
function, and ``critical periods'' during life when central
auditory processing is affected. The Committee also encourages
the use of new methodologies, including computational models,
emerging optical tools and new anatomical methods and models.
Early Detection and Intervention.--The Committee continues
to support expanded research on early detection, diagnosis and
optimal intervention strategies for infants identified at birth
with hearing loss and other communication disorders. The
Committee urges the NIDCD to accelerate efforts to define the
role of congenital exposure to cytomegalovirus in progressive
hearing loss in childhood and foster research to identify novel
effective intervention strategies to prevent otitis media and
lessen dependence on antibiotic therapies.
Environmentally Induced Hearing Loss.--The Committee
remains concerned by the number of Americans who suffer from
chemical and noise-induced hearing loss. It strongly supports
informing the public of the risks to the auditory system from
excessive noise, with special emphasis on young individuals.
Therefore, the expansion of NIDCD's Wise Ears! Campaign is
greatly encouraged.
Funding Strategies.--The Committee suggests that the NIDCD
consider novel funding formats such as multi-year project
periods, with the first several years devoted to technology
development and the second several years devoted to
implementation of the technology. The Committee also encourages
the NIDCD to consider funding collaborations with foundations
and/or other non-government funders of deafness-related
research.
Hearing Devices.--Recognizing that more people are
receiving cochlear implants, the Committee recommends tissue
engineering research to improve their efficacy and, for
recipients of two implants, research to improve spatial
hearing. The Committee also encourages the NIDCD to support
research building on developments in brain stem prostheses.
Hereditary Hearing Loss.--The Committee urges the NIDCD to
continue to support molecular and cellular research to identify
the structure, regulation and function of genes whose mutation
results in human communication disorders. In addition,
acknowledging the progress of the HapMap Project, the Committee
encourages the NIDCD to consider large-scale screening of
patients with hearing and other communication disorders to
determine the loci of mutant genes relevant to susceptibility
to manifestation of various outcomes.
Inner Ear Hair Cell Regeneration.--The Committee applauds
past support of regenerative studies and urges the NIDCD to
continue to give a high priority to biological molecular and
genetic research aimed at preventing the loss of hair cells and
replacing lost and dying inner ear hair cells and other cells
compromised by aging, drugs, noise and genetic conditions. The
Committee encourages the NIDCD to build on animal studies
demonstrating the possibility of regenerating lost sensory
cells and the potential use of stem cells or endogenous
precursors to replace lost sensory cells or auditory nerve
cells.
Mouse Models.--The Committee recommends developing new
mouse genetic models for in vivo studies of hair cell
development, regeneration and damage/protection, including
models of hair cell damage not caused by aminoglycosides.
Neurofibromatosis.--NF2 accounts for approximately 5
percent of genetic forms of deafness. The Committee therefore
encourages the NIDCD to expand its NF2 research portfolio.
Presbycusis.--Presbycusis, the gradual loss of hearing from
aging, is the most prevalent type of hearing loss and the third
leading chronic disease in people over 65. The Committee
encourages continuing studies of the declining stria vascularis
metabolism, as well as investigations of the central mechanisms
of presbycusis.
Tinnitus.--The Committee recommends that the NIDCD expand
its research into causal mechanisms underlying peripheral and
central tinnitus and pursue research to develop therapies for
treatment. In 2005, the NIDCD held a workshop to explore areas
of needed research for the treatment and cure of tinnitus. The
Committee urges the Institute to devote additional resources to
follow up on the workshop's recommendations, including
increasing collaboration with the Department of Defense and the
Veterans Administration to support a mutli-disciplinary
research approach that promotes accurate diagnosis and
treatment to cure tinnitus.
Translational Research.--The Committee applauds the NIDCD's
establishment of a Translational Research Branch and urges the
continuation of research activities and clinical trials that
can be used in treatments of communication disorders.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $137,404,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 137,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 140,456,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $140,456,000
for the National Institute of Nursing Research [NINR]. The
budget request is $137,800,000 and the fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $137,404,000. The comparable amounts for the
budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office
of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Nurse-Family Partnership Program.--The Committee urges the
NINR to expand Nurse-Family Partnership Programs affiliated
with nurse-managed health centers and involve advanced practice
nurses in research and demonstration projects.
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. The 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 the NINR to facilitate research
projects located in rural areas that serve minority nursing
students through community colleges.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $436,259,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 436,505,000
Committee recommendation................................ 445,702,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $445,702,000
for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
[NIAAA]. The budget request is $436,505,000 and the fiscal year
2007 appropriation was $436,259,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Alaska Natives.--The Committee is aware of serious problems
with alcohol and substance abuse among Alaska Natives and of
the need for translating research into clinical applications
for this population. The Committee urges the NIAAA to sponsor a
research-to-practice forum with SAMHSA and other experts to
focus on bridging the gap between researchers and practitioners
and translating scientific research into clinical applications.
Clinician's Guide.--The Committee commends the NIAAA for
widely disseminating its publication ``Helping Patients Who
Drink Too Much: A Clinician's Guide.'' The Committee encourages
the 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. The Committee also
encourages the NIAAA to develop supporting training materials
for physicians and other health care providers.
Collaboration with Single State Authorities [SSAs].--The
Committee urges the NIAAA to work with State substance abuse
agencies, also known as Single State Authorities [SSAs], on
collaborative initiatives to ensure that research findings are
relevant and adaptable by publicly funded State substance abuse
systems.
Environmental Effects Underlying Alcoholism.--The Committee
encourages the 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.
Hepatitis Prevention.--The Committee urges the NIAAA to
work with voluntary health organizations to promote liver
wellness, education, and primary prevention of both hepatitis
and substance abuse.
Mechanisms of Behavior Change.--The Committee commends the
NIAAA for launching an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at
understanding the social, behavioral and psychological factors
in discontinuing harmful drinking by young adults.
Patterns of Alcohol Consumption.--The Committee encourages
the NIAAA's efforts to include measurement of quantity and
frequency of alcohol consumption in new classification systems
of alcohol problems. The Committee also encourages the NIAAA to
continue to fund research that defines both safe and hazardous
levels of alcohol consumption for various segments of the
population.
Underage Drinking.--The Committee notes that the Surgeon
General calls for measures to decrease the availability of
alcohol to youth. The Committee urges the NIAAA to conduct
further research on the most effective means of reducing youth
access to alcohol and increasing the cost of obtaining it.
Understanding the Processes of Change in Drinking
Behavior.--The Committee understands that a number of distinct
treatment approaches have been developed to address alcohol use
disorders. While each approach is useful in reducing alcohol
consumption, research suggests that these approaches have
similar levels of effectiveness. Recent research has also
demonstrated that many individuals transition out of alcohol
dependence without professional treatment, while others drink
heavily but never develop complications required for a
diagnosis of dependence. The Committee applauds recent NIAAA
research initiatives supporting mechanisms of behavioral change
using professional treatment mechanisms. The Committee
encourages the NIAAA to further expand research in this area by
stimulating interdisciplinary research that integrates
biomedical, psychological and social science perspectives on
mechanisms of behavior change.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,000,621,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,000,365,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,022,594,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,022,594,000
for the National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. The budget
request is $1,000,365,000 and the fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $1,000,621,000. The comparable numbers for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Adolescent Brain Development.--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.
Blending Research and Practice.--The Committee notes that
it takes far too long for clinical research results to be
implemented as part of routine patient care, and that this lag
in diffusion of innovation is costly for society, devastating
for individuals and families, and wasteful of knowledge and
investments made to improve the health and quality of people's
lives. The Committee applauds NIDA's collaborative approach
aimed at involving all entities invested in changing the system
and making it work better.
Brain Imaging.--The Committee applauds the Institute's
efforts to find new and important uses for brain imaging
technologies--such as through the new RFA titled ``Brain
Imaging Drug Use Prevention Messages''--and urges the Institute
to continue work in this area.
Centers of Excellence for Physician Information.--The
Committee is pleased that NIDA has created Centers of
Excellence for Physician Information, and understands that
these centers will serve as national models to support the
advancement of addiction awareness, prevention, and treatment
in primary care practices.
Clinical Trials Network.--The Committee is pleased with the
continued success and progress of NIDA's National Drug Abuse
Treatment Clinical Trials Network, which provides an
infrastructure to test the effectiveness of new and improved
interventions in real-life community settings with diverse
populations.
Collaboration with Single State Authorities [SSAs].--The
Committee commends NIDA for its outreach and work with SAMHSA's
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and State substance abuse
directors, also known as Single State Authorities [SSAs], to
reduce the lag between the discovery of an effective treatment
intervention and its availability at the community level.
Co-occurring Disorders.--The Committee encourages NIDA to
continue 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.
Criminal Justice Population.--The Committee commends NIDA
for the success of its Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment
Studies program. By providing evidence-based training to judges
about the neurological and behavioral underpinnings of
substance abuse and treatment, this program helps ensure that
addicted offenders will receive appropriate treatment. The
Committee encourages NIDA to continue its support of behavioral
research that can further our understanding about the
underlying cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors that
lead to drug abuse relapses in prisons and how to prevent them.
Disseminating Addiction Research Information to the General
Public.--The Committee congratulates NIDA for its collaboration
with HBO and other partners on the production of the
groundbreaking documentary film, ``Addiction.'' This film
details the latest scientific knowledge on addiction and
presents it in a compelling way to help the lay public
understand addiction as a brain disease that can be
successfully treated.
Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDS.--The Committee understands that
drug abuse and addiction continue to fuel the spread of HIV/
AIDS, and that drug abuse prevention and treatment
interventions can be very effective in reducing HIV risk.
Research should continue to examine every aspect of HIV/AIDS,
drug abuse, and addiction, including risk behaviors associated
with both injection and non-injection drug abuse; how drugs of
abuse alter brain function and impair decision making; and HIV
prevention and treatment strategies for diverse groups. The
Committee also applauds the Institute for holding a spring 2007
conference titled ``Drug Abuse and Risky Behaviors: The
Evolving Dynamics of HIV/AIDS.''
Emerging Drug Problems.--The Committee is pleased with
NIDA's efforts to monitor drug use trends and to rapidly inform
the public of emerging drug problems.
Genes, Environment, and Development.--The Committee
recognizes and commends NIDA for its leadership role in
launching the Genes, Environment, and Development Initiative
[GEDI] with the NCI. This initiative will add to the
understanding of the contribution of genetic, environmental and
developmental factors to the etiology of substance abuse and
related phenotypes, and could lead to improved and tailored
drug abuse and addiction prevention and treatment
interventions.
Health Disparities.--The Committee notes that the
consequences of drug abuse disproportionately impact
minorities, especially African American populations. The
Committee encourages NIDA to conduct more studies in these
populations, especially in criminal justice settings and
geographic areas where HIV/AIDS rates are high.
Hepatitis Prevention.--The Committee urges NIDA to work
with voluntary health organizations to promote liver wellness,
education, and primary prevention of both hepatitis and
substance abuse.
Inhalant Abuse.--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 urges NIDA to continue to
support research on the long-term consequences of marijuana use
and work with the private sector to develop medications
focusing on marijuana addiction.
Methamphetamine Abuse.--The Committee urges NIDA to
continue supporting research to address the medical
consequences of methamphetamine abuse.
Pain Medications and Addiction.--The Committee commends
NIDA for taking a leadership role in addressing issues around
pain medications and addiction. The prevalence of, and process
of how to prevent, reduce, and treat, negative health
consequences such as intoxication and physical dependence are
not well understood. The Committee is pleased that NIDA brought
a focus to this important issue, in collaboration with the
American Medical Association and in conjunction with the NIH
Pain Consortium, via its spring 2007 conference ``Pain,
Opioids, and Addiction: An Urgent Problem for Doctors and
Patients.'' Research in this area should continue to be a
priority, through such efforts as the Prescription Opioid Use
and Abuse in the Treatment of Pain initiative. The Committee
applauds NIDA for continuing to work with private industry to
develop anti-addiction medications.
Primary Care Settings and Youth.--The Committee encourages
NIDA to continue to support health services research on
effective ways to educate primary care providers about drug
abuse, 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.
Social Neuroscience.--The Committee encourages the
Institute to continue its focus on the interplay between genes,
environment, and social factors and their relevance to drug
abuse and addiction. In particular, the Committee applauds
NIDA's involvement in last year's ``social neuroscience''
request for applications and this year's ``genes, environment,
and development initiative'' request for applications.
Support for Young Investigators.--The Committee
congratulates NIDA for its focus on supporting young
investigators, especially in the area of clinical research.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,404,494,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,405,421,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,436,001,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,436,001,000
for the National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH]. The budget
request is $1,405,421,000 and the fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $1,404,494,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Alzheimer's Disease.--The NIMH plays a vital role in
efforts to develop new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's
disease, from basic neuroscience studies to treatment and
services research. For example, the Institute is supporting a
large practical clinical trial examining the effectiveness of
antipsychotic medications for treating agitation and other
behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer patients. The Committee
encourages the NIMH to continue to advance understanding of
Alzheimer's disease.
Basic Behavioral Science.--The Committee urges the NIMH to
put a higher priority on the study of basic behavioral
functions such as cognition, emotion, decision-making, and
motivation, and to maintain its support for research on the
promotion of mental health and the study of basic psychological
factors that influence behavior.
Clinical Research.--The Committee applauds NIMH's continued
commitment to the goals of the NIH Roadmap Initiative on
reengineering the clinical research enterprise through the new
clinical trials networks on bipolar disorder, depression, and
schizophrenia. The Committee strongly supports these efforts
and urges the NIMH to examine treatments of mental disorders
across the lifespan, with particular attention paid to aging
populations and youth, and to the effects of
psychopharmacological treatments on cognition, emotional
development, and other co-morbid conditions. The Committee
further urges the NIMH to examine cultural factors, such as
stigma, that influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental
disorders.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee encourages the 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 the NIMH to
coordinate its research on Down syndrome with the NICHD, NINDS,
NIA and other Institutes.
Epilepsy.--The connections between epilepsy and depression
as well as the cognitive burden of epilepsy are of particular
importance to the Committee. The Committee strongly urges the
Institute to coordinate research into this area with the NINDS
and to intensify efforts at understanding the etiology and
treatment of co-morbid mental and neurological disorders.
Fragile X.--The Committee urges the NIMH to enhance its
Fragile X translational research efforts that were identified
during focused meetings from November 2001 through July 2004.
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 encourages the NIMH
participate in the scientific session described under the
section on the NICHD.
Frontier Mental Health Needs.--The Committee commends the
NIMH on its outreach efforts to determine the unique mental
health needs that may exist in remote frontier communities,
including Alaska. The Committee encourages the NIMH to expand
its research efforts into these communities, which are often
ignored in research projects but continue to suffer from high
incidences of mental health problems including depression,
suicide and co-occurring disorders with substance abuse.
Immigrant Health.--The Committee recognizes that immigrants
to the United States experience unique stresses, prejudice, and
poverty and can be considered at-risk subpopulations for
health, emotional and behavioral problems as well as, in the
case of children, learning and academic difficulties. The
effects of immigration on the psychological and social well-
being are especially profound for certain populations,
including children, women, individuals with disabilities, and
those with limited financial resources. To address this, the
Committee urges the NIMH to partner with other Institutes to
boost research on the adaptation, development, health, and
mental health needs of diverse immigrant children, youth, and
families.
Older Adults.--The Committee urges the NIMH to place a
stronger emphasis on research on adults over age 65 to reflect
the growth in numbers of this population. The Committee
requests that the Institute provide data in the fiscal year
2009 congressional budget justifications on the amount of NIMH
funding directed toward geriatric mental health research over
the past 5 years.
Social Neuroscience.--The Committee is pleased that the
emerging field of social neuroscience is among NIMH's
priorities. The Committee recognizes that research into the
biological mechanisms underlying social behaviors related to
mental health has great potential in efforts to understand and
treat mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Suicide Prevention.--The Committee is pleased that the NIMH
is supporting two developing centers for interventions to
prevent suicide. The Committee encourages the NIMH to increase
its investment in suicide prevention research by supporting
advanced centers for this purpose and creating new developing
centers.
NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $486,491,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 484,436,000
Committee recommendation................................ 497,031,000
The Committee recommendation includes $497,031,000 for the
National Human Genome Research Institute [NHGRI]. The budget
request is $484,436,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation
was $486,491,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Fragile X.--FMRP, the protein whose absence results in
Fragile X syndrome, is a regulator of translation of many genes
including those involved in learning and memory. A genomic
approach to understanding the diverse pathways regulated by
FMRP would enhance the understanding of human cognition and
identify potential targets for drug design to alleviate the
symptoms of Fragile X and related disorders. The Committee
urges the NHGRI to consider expanding its research activities
on Fragile X and to coordinate these efforts with other
Institutes working on related activities.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--The Committee supports the
development of a pan-ethnic carrier screening program for SMA
and commends the NHGRI and NICHD for their plans to jointly
convene a workshop in early 2008 to stimulate carrier screening
technology development, enhance education and awareness among
professional and patient communities, and promote policy
discussions regarding the ethical and social issues related to
implementing new carrier screening programs for disorders such
as SMA. The Committee requests an update on the workshop in the
fiscal year 2009 congressional budget justifications.
Furthermore, the Committee urges the NHGRI to work
collaboratively and cooperatively with the advocacy community
in this effort.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--The Committee urges the
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, 2007.................................... $296,887,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 300,463,000
Committee recommendation................................ 304,319,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $304,319,000
for the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering [NIBIB]. The budget request is $300,463,000 and
the fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $296,887,000. The
comparable amounts for the budget estimate include funds to be
transferred from the Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Institute's budget. The other amounts above do
not include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Artificial Pancreas.--A fully automated pancreas that
responds rapidly to changes in diet, physical activity, and
metabolic status has the potential to improve daily glucose
control and dramatically reduce the risk of long-term diabetic
complications. The NIBIB is urged to foster research on
algorithms that can replicate normal glucose control and
accurately close the loop between glucose monitoring and
insulin treatment.
Imaging Beta Cells.--The ability to painlessly and non-
invasively visualize pancreatic islets in people with type 1
diabetes has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and
therapy of type 1 diabetes. The Committee recognizes the NIBIB,
along with the NIA, NIAID, and NIDDK, for their collaborative
efforts to promote research on the development of new islet
imaging technologies. The Committee encourages the NIBIB and
NIDDK to support translational research efforts to convert
advances made in imaging of islets in animal models into
technologies that can be applied to human type 1 diabetes
patients.
Positron emission tomography [PET].--The Committee
continues to encourage the NIBIB to devote significant
resources to molecular imaging technologies such as 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 NIBIB to
collaborate with other, disease-specific Institutes at NIH, so
that new imaging technologies are closely tied to the research
projects being undertaken throughout the NIH.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,133,240,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,112,498,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,177,997,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,177,997,000
for the National Center for Research Resources [NCRR]. The
budget request is $1,112,498,000 and the fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $1,133,240,000. The comparable amounts for
the budget estimate include funds to be transferred from the
Office of AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Center's budget. The other amounts above do not
include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Clinical and Translational Science Awards [CTSAs].--The
Committee strongly endorses the CTSA initiative and urges the
NCRR to adhere to its goal of supporting 60 CTSAs by 2012. In
doing so, the Committee urges the NCRR to maintain or
strengthen the clinical research infrastructure component
currently provided by the longstanding General Clinical
Research Centers [GCRC] program. The Committee requests an
update on these activities in the fiscal year 2009
congressional budget justifications.
Imaging.--The Committee applauds the NCRR for its
development and support of a national Image Guided Therapy
[IGT] Center for research, training, and services related to
novel imaging tools for disease diagnosis and therapy. The NCRR
is encouraged to work with the NIDDK and NIBIB to ensure that
this unique resource center engages with the diabetes research
community to accelerate the development of new methods for the
non-invasive imaging of pancreatic islets for applications in
Type 1 diabetes research and treatment.
Institutional Development Awards [IDeA].--The Committee has
provided $223,607,000, for the IDeA program authorized by
section 402(g) of the Public Health Service Act. The fiscal
year 2007 funding level was $218,153,000. The Committee
recognizes the importance of the Centers of Biomedical Research
Excellence and the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research
Excellence programs in improving the infrastructure and
strengthening the biomedical research capacity and capability
of research institutions within the IDeA States.
Islet Cell Resource Centers.--The Committee applauds the
NCRR for renewal of the Islet Cell Resource Centers [ICRs]
program, a vital resource for the isolation and distribution of
clinical grade human islets for transplantation and basic
diabetes research.
Positron Emission Tomography [PET].--The Committee
continues to urge the NCRR to support research resource centers
for the development and refinement of PET as a unique imaging
technology to diagnose and stage diseases of the brain,
including Alzheimer's disease.
Rare Disease Initiative.--The Committee understands that
obtaining adequate human biospecimen tissues and clinical data
for research for many of the more than 7,000 rare diseases
known today has been a major barrier to adequately expanding
research aimed ultimately to treat and cure these rare
diseases. The Committee, therefore, encourages the NCRR and the
Office of Rare Diseases to expand their emphasis on rare
diseases human tissue/biospecimen procurement and storage
activities for rare diseases research.
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. The Committee encourages the NIH to strengthen
participation from minority institutions and increase resources
available in this area. The Committee recommends that the NCRR
direct supplemental funds to high-impact, high-risk research
activities within the RCMI program such as creating an
integrated translational research network to help reduce health
disparities.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $121,576,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 121,699,000
Committee recommendation................................ 124,213,000
The Committee has included $124,213,000 for the National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The budget
request is $121,699,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation
was $121,576,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Center's budget. The other amounts above do not
include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Improving Liver Disease Outcomes.--The Committee is pleased
with the progress made in studying the benefit of active
ingredients in milk thistle and SAM-e, a naturally occurring
compound in ameliorating and improving the outcome of
individuals with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]. As NASH-
related liver disease has become an important indicator for
liver transplantation, in the absence of better interventions,
the need for NASH-related liver transplantation will increase
significantly over time.
Portfolio Balance.--The Committee endorses the goal
articulated in NCCAM's 2005-2009 strategic plan to put a
greater emphasis on basic research and preclinical studies
before engaging in costly clinical trials.
NATIONAL CENTER ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $199,444,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 194,495,000
Committee recommendation................................ 203,895,000
The Committee has included $203,895,000 for the National
Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The budget
request is $194,495,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation
was $199,444,000. The comparable amounts for the budget
estimate include funds to be transferred from the Office of
AIDS Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Center's budget. The other amounts above do not
include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Ethnic Minorities and Research.--The Committee encourages
the NIH to invest in training programs that seek to prepare
ethnic minorities and others for research and services careers
that address the needs of the Nation's racial and ethnic
diverse populations and to ensure, whenever feasible, that
psychology is recognized as an eligible discipline for funding
applications for such training programs.
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 the
NCMHD to explore collaboration with the NIDDK to support
research activities related to glomerular injury.
Lupus.--Lupus is two to three times more common among
African American, Hispanic, Asian American and Native American
women than Caucasian women--a health disparity that remains
unexplained. Moreover, lupus mortality has increased over the
past three decades and is higher among older African-American
women. The Committee urges the NCMHD to prioritize lupus
research with a particular focus on exploring the associated
health disparities and co-morbidities such as heart disease,
depression, and renal disease.
Project EXPORT.--The Committee commends the NCMHD for its
successful ``Project EXPORT'' initiative and urges continued
support for this program.
Research Endowments.--The Committee commends the NCMHD for
its leadership in addressing the longstanding problem of health
status disparities in minority and medically underserved
populations. The Committee continues to encourage the NCMHD to
implement its research endowment program in a manner that is
consistent with the authorizing legislation.
JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDY IN THE HEALTH
SCIENCES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $66,446,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 66,594,000
Committee recommendation................................ 68,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $68,000,000
for the Fogarty International Center [FIC]. The budget request
is $66,594,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$66,446,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the Center's budget. The other amounts above do not
include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD].--The
Committee notes that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death
worldwide, and encourages the Fogarty International Center to
expand its COPD research and training activities.
Global Health Challenges.--The Committee commends the
Center for the success of its programs to strengthen science
and public health research institutions in low-income
countries, specifically in malaria, TB, and neglected tropical
diseases. The Committee urges the FIC to continue supporting
research training, focused in these areas, to enable developing
country scientists to develop effective, evidence-based
strategies to prevent, treat, and diagnose these debilitating
diseases. While major investments in biomedical research are
resulting in new tools and medical advances, the Committee is
concerned that improvements in health outcomes will be delayed
without local scientific expertise to translate research
findings into practice. The Committee urges the FIC to promote
applied health research in developing countries to speed the
implementation of new health interventions for malaria, TB, and
neglected tropical diseases.
Training Programs.--The Committee is pleased with the FIC's
leadership in training American researchers in global health
research though its International Clinical Research Scholars
Program and the International Research Scientist Development
Award Program. The Committee encourages the expansion of the
FIC's training programs that support junior U.S. scientists.
The Committee is also pleased with the 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. The Committee
encourages the FIC to support activities, such as the Pan-
African Thoracic Society's Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical
and Operations Research [MECOR] program, to expand training
opportunities for physicians in Africa.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $329,050,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 320,762,000
Committee recommendation................................ 336,017,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $336,017,000
for the National Library of Medicine [NLM]. The budget request
is $320,762,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$329,050,000. 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.
As explained in the opening section on the NIH, the budget
request includes a contribution to the Common Fund equal to 1.3
percent of the NLM's budget. The other amounts above do not
include any contribution for the Common Fund.
Communication of Research Findings.--One of the fundamental
charges to the NIH is to facilitate the translation of research
findings into practice. In this regard, the Committee is
pleased that the NLM has helped to launch NIH MedlinePlus
magazine, which provides consumers and health professionals
authoritative health information based on the latest NIH-
supported research in a user-friendly format. The Committee
strongly urges the NLM to substantially expand the distribution
of this new publication.
Disease Management Technology.--The Committee urges the NLM
to conduct outreach activities to all public and private sector
organizations which have demonstrated capabilities in health
information technology.
Native Hawaiian Healthcare Resources.--The Committee urges
the NLM to work with Native Hawaiian organizations to increase
access to health information and health resources for Native
Hawaiians.
Registry of Liver Toxicities.--The Committee applauds the
NLM's plan to create an accessible, online registry of the
liver toxicity of medications and sees this as an important
step to help physicians and patients avoid the devastating
consequences of liver failure. The registry will include
information regarding the liver toxicity of more than 400
drugs. The Committee urges the inclusion in the registry of
databases that develop information on the interrelationship
between environmental toxins and genes.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,046,901,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 517,062,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,145,790,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,145,790,000
for the Office of the Director [OD]. The budget request is
$517,062,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$1,046,901,000. The comparable amounts for the budget estimate
include funds to be transferred from the Office of AIDS
Research.
The Committee has included bill language specifying the
amount for the Common Fund as $531,300,000. The comparable
amount for fiscal year 2007 was $483,000,000, and the
comparable amount for the budget request is $486,153,000. The
discrepancy between the latter amount and the amount on the
funding table is explained at the beginning of the section on
the NIH.
The Committee includes bill language providing up to
$500,000 for the Foundation for the NIH.
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
Basic Behavioral Research.--The Committee is aware that
basic behavioral research focused on such areas as cognition,
perception, emotion, social interaction, and learning have led
to important advances and improved treatments for depression,
bipolar and other affective disorders, diabetes, compliance on
behavior change related to diabetes, heart disease, cancer,
obesity, and more effective public health announcements and
interventions. In view of the fact that 8 out of the 10 leading
causes of death have a significant behavioral component and
that basic research is the underpinning of advances in
behavioral research, the Committee is concerned by the
continued lack of focus of scientific leadership at NIH for
this important field of science. It is therefore requested that
the Director submit a report to the Committee by December 1,
2007, indicating the scientific leadership structure for this
field within the appropriate grant-making Institute.
Gene-Environment Interactions and Health.--The Committee
encourages the OBSSR to work with other Institutes and Centers
to spur progress on understanding the interactions among
genetic and environmental factors, especially regarding how
they might contribute to health disparities in minority
populations.
Office of Rare Diseases
CETT Program.--The Collaborative, Education and Test
Translation [CETT] Program promotes the translation of rare
disease genetic tests from research to clinical laboratories.
The Committee believes that this program can be enhanced by
using microarray technology in the development of new tests and
by close collaboration with and support from those Institutes
whose research agendas already relate to specific rare
diseases. The Director is urged to assure such trans-institute
collaborations are aggressively fostered.
Office of Research on Women's Health
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS].--The Committee commends the
Office of Research on Women's Health for its leadership on CFS
research, particularly the coordination of the request for
applications that culminated in the October 2006 announcement
of seven new awards for in this area. The Committee recognizes
the opportunity created by the requirement that the
investigators funded under this initiative meet annually and
encourages the NIH to use this meeting to stimulate new
research initiatives and build multi-center collaborations. The
Committee again urges the NIH to develop an intramural CFS
research program and to implement the recommendation made by
the CFS Advisory Committee 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 also urges special attention to CFS
research as part of the NIH effort to refine its disease/
research categories.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS].--The Committee is pleased
with the focus on IBS at the Office of Research of Women's
Health and urges additional research in this area.
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 this condition.
The Committee supports the funding of new and continuing NIH
studies on postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and
understanding the impact of hormones on women's vascular
systems. The Committee urges the NIH to increase research in
stroke among women of all ages, with specific attention to
gender-related differences in stroke risk, prevention
interventions, acute stroke management, the use of clot buster
drugs, 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 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 urges and 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 the last decade, the NIH has supported
three 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 effort
should involve the NICHD, NINDS and other relevant ICs, as well
as the NIH Pain Consortium. The Committee also commends the
ORWH for working with patient groups, other relevant ICs and
women's health offices in other governmental agencies to plan
an educational outreach campaign on vulvodynia, as previously
requested by the Committee. 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.
Multi-Institute Research Initiatives
Antibacterial Therapy.--The Committee is concerned about
the alarming rates of antibiotic resistance and the related
increase in morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Little
research has been devoted to defining optimal dosing regimens,
particularly in defining the minimal duration of therapy
necessary to cure many types of infections. The Committee
recognizes that studies of this type require a long-term
commitment and are not likely to be funded by pharmaceutical
manufacturers since the products are already approved by the
FDA. The consensus of many experts is that infections are
frequently treated for longer periods of time than are
necessary, needlessly increasing the antimicrobial resistance.
Therefore, the Committee urges the NIH to support a Clinical
Trials Network devoted to defining optimal antibacterial
therapy. Multi-center randomized controlled trials to define
the necessary length of therapy would create an excellent basis
of evidence from which coherent and defensible recommendations
could be developed.
Autism.--The Committee requests that the Director report to
the Committee by July 1, 2008, on progress made to implement
the provisions of the Combating Autism Act that are relevant to
the NIH, including funding levels for relevant components of
the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee's strategic
research plan.
Bridging the Sciences.--The Committee believes the
``Bridging the Sciences'' demonstration program fulfills a need
not met elsewhere in the Federal Government by supporting
research at the interface between the biological, behavioral,
and social sciences with the physical, chemical, mathematical,
and computational sciences. The Committee urges the Director to
give high priority to the program and to urge active
consultation and collaboration with the Department of Energy,
the National Science Foundation, and other agencies. The
Committee notes the importance of compliance with the statutory
provisions dealing with appropriate, multidisciplinary peer
review panels and the unique type of research envisioned.
Children's Brain Tumors.--Brain tumors are the most common
solid tumor type for children, and the leading cause of
pediatric solid tissue cancer deaths. The most common forms of
childhood brain tumors, affecting patients ages 0 to 19, are
Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytomas [JPA] and other Pediatric Low
Grade Astrocytomas [PLGA]. Because current treatments--
chemotherapy and radiotherapy--are invasive, toxic, and cause
debilitating side effects/impairments, the Committee strongly
urges the NCI, NINDS, NIBIB, and ORD to develop a comprehensive
research plan, including specific timeframes, to focus on
children's brain tumors, with the goal of identifying
alternative, safer and more effective treatments, as well as a
cure. The Committee further encourages the NIH to achieve this
objective by targeting basic and clinical research,
accelerating the enhancement of the Institutes' cancer research
portfolios, creating research priorities with a sequential
agenda and timeline, and facilitating the coordination and
collaboration of organizations (both public and private)
already funding related research initiatives.
Chromosome Abnormalities.--One out of every 180 babies born
has a chromosome abnormality that by its very nature is
multisystemic because it involves a copy number change in
dozens of contiguous genes. The frequency and complexity of
these conditions have a major impact on childhood morbidity and
mortality. The key to helping these children is creating
interdisciplinary, multi-institute research teams. The
Committee commends the NIH for supporting some independent
investigators studying chromosome abnormalities and for
partnering to sponsor meetings on many conditions, as described
in the fiscal year 2008 congressional budget justification. The
Committee also encourages the NIH to sponsor mechanisms to
support multidisciplinary research focused on devising
treatments for the 20,000 babies born every year with a
chromosome abnormality, especially those involving chromosome
18.
Class B Animal Dealers.--While the Committee recognizes
that the use of animals in research, under certain
circumstances, has been beneficial to the advancement of
biomedical research, the Committee would like assurances that
such research is conducted as humanely as possible. In the case
of the use of dogs and cats used in research and obtained from
Class B dealers, the Committee is concerned that such dealers
have the potential to provide animals that have not been
treated in accord with USDA regulations for use in federally
supported research. The Committee asks the NIH to seek an
independent review by a nationally recognized panel of experts
of the use of Class B dogs and cats in federally supported
research to determine how frequently such animals are used in
NIH research and to propose recommendations outlining the
parameters of such use, if determined to be necessary.
Cooley's Anemia.--The Committee is encouraged by promising
research being undertaken in gene therapy, especially regarding
thalassemia, or Cooley's anemia. The NIH has indicated that
human clinical trials could begin between 2008 and 2010. The
Committee urges that this research move forward without delay
at the earliest possible date, consistent with safety.
Distribution of Resources.--In light of the doubling of the
agency's budget over the past 5 years and the rapid
encroachment of new medical research challenges such as SARS
and threats of bioweapons, the Committee believes that the NIH
should encourage funding of large-scale collaborative efforts
to address these and other medical challenges. In addition,
while the pace of new challenges has increased, review time for
proposals submitted to the Institutes at NIH continues to
average about 18 months. The Committee strongly encourages the
Director to develop means of encouraging large-scale, multi-
institution projects to address significant areas of medical
research and to devise means of reducing the time frames
between submission of proposals and awarding of grants.
Down Syndrome.--The Committee is deeply concerned by the
significant decrease in funding for Down syndrome research
since fiscal year 2003, and it strongly urges the NIH to
increase its investment in this area. Due to recent studies and
advances, the Committee believes that further research into how
to successfully reduce the many adverse health effects of Down
syndrome, including eradicating all the ill effects of the
extra chromosome 21 of Down syndrome, is an emerging area of
study that deserves NIH's immediate attention. The Committee
urges the Director to take note of recent advances in the
neurobiology of Down syndrome, especially concerning the
structure and function of neural circuits that mediate
cognition. These advances point to Down syndrome as a fertile
area for research investments that could lead to effective
treatments for cognitive difficulties in both adults and
children with this disorder. Because the responsibility for
researching Down syndrome rests with multiple Institutes, the
Committee notes that it is an ideal candidate for a trans-NIH
initiative. The Committee requests an update on these efforts
in the fiscal year 2009 congressional budget justifications.
Fragile X.--The Committee strongly urges the Director to
facilitate and fund public/private partnerships to advance
possible treatment strategies and clinical drug trials for this
orphan indication, including, but not limited to, mGluR5
antagonists, ampakines, aripiprazole, and lithium. Nine NIH
Institutes and the NCRR currently fund 85 diverse grants to
find a treatment and cure for Fragile X. Given this array of
efforts, the Committee urges the NIH to prepare and implement a
blueprint to focus and coordinate strategy for maximizing
resources dedicated to Fragile X. In addition, the Committee
urges the NIH to convene a scientific session in 2008 to
develop pathways to new opportunities for collaborative,
directed research across Institutes. The Committee requests
that the Director supply to the Committee, no later than
September 1, 2008, a progress update on all aspects of Fragile
X translational research, including the agency's progress in
stimulating and funding partnerships between industry,
academia, voluntary health organizations and NIH Institutes
focused on pharmacological and other therapeutic interventions.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia [HHT].--The Committee
encourages the Director to coordinate the development of an HHT
Research Plan with the NINDS, NIDDK, NHLBI, NHGRI, and NICHD
and to issue an RFA to optimize opportunities for research
identified at the NIH workshop on HHT vascular biology and
pathophysiology. The Committee also encourages the NIH to
establish an HHT tissue registry through coordination with the
Office of Rare Diseases.
Human Tissue Supply.--The Committee understands that there
is an increased need to provide NIH intramural and extramural
researchers with human tissues and organs to study human
diseases. The Committee strongly urges the Director, NCRR, and
Institutes such as the NCI, NHGRI, NHLBI, NICHD, NIMH, and
NINDS to identify and expand support for nonprofit
organizations that supply human tissues to NIH-funded
researchers.
Lymphatic Research and Lymphatic Diseases.-- Lymphatic
system research falls within and between numerous IC missions,
a situation that contributes to its relative neglect as an
investigative focus. Therefore, the Committee once again
strongly urges that the NIH foster lymphatic research
initiatives and awareness across all relevant NIH Institutes
and Centers. The Committee also reiterates its earlier requests
that relevant ICs specifically cite lymphatic system research
in related funding mechanism requests where a lymphatic
research component is appropriate.
Minority Institutions.--The Committee continues to be
pleased with the NIH Director's implementation of various
programs focused on developing the research infrastructure at
minority health professions institutions, including Research
Centers at Minority Institutions, Extramural Biomedical
Research Facilities, and the NCMHD. The Committee encourages
the Director to work closely with the NCMHD to establish a
program of coordination among these various mechanisms and
partner with minority health professions schools to address
their infrastructure needs.
Mitochondrial Disease.--The Committee encourages the NIH to
intensify its research efforts into primary mitochondrial
disease, which is also implicated in numerous other diseases
such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease, diabetes and
cancer. The Committee understands that intensified research
into primary mitochondrial disease will help to further
understand these other conditions.
Nanosystems Biology.--The Committee encourages the
Director, along with the 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. 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 disappointed
that the President's budget once again has proposed to
eliminate funding for the National Children's Study. The
Committee supports full and timely implementation of the study
and has included $110,900,000 within the Office of the Director
for that purpose. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$69,000,000. The 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. The funding provided will help expand the number
of study centers and study locations across the Nation. The
Committee urges the NIH to coordinate the involvement of all
the relevant Federal partners such that this study is ready for
the field by no later than 2008.
Osteoporosis.--The Committee urges the NIH to support
research into the pathophysiology of bone loss in diverse
populations in order to develop targeted therapies to improve
bone density and bone quality and to identify racial
differences in bone and the origin of racial differences in
fracture patterns. 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
current and developing osteoporosis treatments on these
patients.
Pain Consortium.--The Committee is pleased with the
increased activity of the NIH Pain Consortium, including the
recent meeting showcasing NIH-funded pain research projects.
However, the Committee believes that much more needs to be done
to realize the Consortium's full potential. The Committee urges
the NIH to convene a conference of outside experts in pain
research and care to review the current pain research portfolio
at NIH and make recommendations with respect to gaps in pain
research that still need to be explored as the end of the
congressionally declared Decade of Pain Control and Research
approaches. The Committee also suggests that the Pain
Consortium have a mechanism for ongoing extramural
participation and input, such as an advisory committee
consisting of outside experts.
Pharmacy.--The Committee is pleased that the NIH recognizes
the importance of doctors of pharmacy across the research
spectrum as evidenced by the newly created ``PharmD Gateway''
on the NIH website. The Committee encourages interested
organizations to find opportunities that will increase the
participation of colleges and schools of pharmacy and doctor of
pharmacy clinical scientists in NIH post-graduate training
programs such as the clinical pharmacology research (T32)
program.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA].--The Committee strongly
urges the OD to ensure the success of the SMA Project at the
NINDS by providing active and ongoing support from the OD as
well as from other related Institutes. The current SMA Project
is scheduled to reach its near-term milestones in 2007 and thus
it is imperative that the NIH begin planning and budgeting for
the necessary successive stages of the project, including
funding for clinical trials and the infrastructure that will be
needed to support of each of the stages of drug development.
Statistics.--The Committee encourages the Office of
Extramural Research to update and improve its data-gathering
capacity so that it may better track and analyze grant and
training award success rates by the academic discipline of the
principle investigator.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders [TMJDs].--The
Committee remains encouraged by actions taken over the last
year by NIH to expand research on TMJDs. However, significant
additional work is necessary. Because TMJDs are a complex
family of diseases and disorders influenced by genetics, gender
and environmental and behavioral triggers, research should
involve collaborations between many ICs, including the OD,
ORWH, NIDCR, NIAMS, NINDS, NIBIB, NIDCD, NIAD, NIDDK, NIMH,
NCRR, and NHLBI, as well as the NIH Pain Consortium. The NIH is
urged to take quick action to implement the recommendations of
the Fourth Scientific Meeting of the TMJ Association,
especially its call for the establishment of regional TMJD
Centers of Excellence. The Committee again urges the NIBIB to
work with the NIDCR to develop bioengineering approaches that
will improve diagnostics as well as treatments for TMJD
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 coordinate the
work of all relevant ICs and give priority to collaborative,
cross-cutting research. While the Committee is pleased that the
NIH has developed a new brochure for TMJD patients, it once
again calls on the NIH to develop informational materials
directed to medical, dental and allied health professionals to
improve understanding of TMJDs and their frequent co-
morbidities such as mitral valve prolapse, irritable bowel
syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex [TSC].--Because of the effects
of TSC on multiple organ systems, the Committee urges the
Office of the Director to continue the coordination of TSC
research activities through the Trans-NIH Tuberous Sclerosis
Coordinating Committee.
Urological Research.--The Committee strongly urges the
Director to continue to increase and accelerate the research
portfolio in urology. The Committee further urges the Director
to coordinate and stimulate urology-related research across the
NIH and other Federal agencies.
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. The NIH Revitalization Act
Amendments of 1993 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, 2007.................................... $81,081,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 136,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 121,081,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $121,081,000
for buildings and facilities [B&F]. The budget request is
$136,000,000 and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$81,081,000.
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.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $3,327,021,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 3,167,589,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,404,798,000
The Committee recommends $3,404,798,000 for the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] for
fiscal year 2008. This amount is $77,777,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and $237,209,000 above the
administration request. The recommendation includes
$126,663,000 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.
CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $883,858,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 807,228,000
Committee recommendation................................ 923,812,000
The Committee recommends $923,812,000 for mental health
services. This amount is $39,954,000 above the comparable level
for fiscal year 2007 and $116,584,000 above the administration
request. The recommendation includes $21,413,000 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 $298,217,000 for programs of
regional and national significance. This amount is $34,954,000
above the comparable level for fiscal year 2007 and
$111,584,000 above the administration request. Programs of
regional and national significance [PRNS] 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 notes that current prevention and health
promotion programs are filtered through a fractured array of
services and systems, with behavioral health often not seen as
an integral part of overall health. Effective collaboration
among mental health and public health systems is essential to
provide a comprehensive range of services to promote the health
and well-being of children, families, and communities. The
Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 for SAMHSA to
assist local communities in the coordination and improvement of
the integration of behavioral/mental and physical health
services. The Committee expects SAMHSA to collaborate with HRSA
on this initiative, as well as coordinate with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
The Committee intends that the funding provided will allow
local communities to undertake a range of prevention activities
that include: (1) the development of a comprehensive plan to
integrate behavioral and physical health; (2) integration of
early childhood systems of care to blend services and supports
from health, mental health, substance abuse, education and
social services; and (3) development of community-based
networks for preventative and primary care that coordinates and
integrates behavioral and physical health service delivery.
Successful grantees must be able to demonstrate partnerships
among public health, mental health, substance abuse and early
childhood and elementary education systems. The Committee
expects that grantees must be able to evaluate the success of
the program based on their ability to provide evidence-based
services.
The Committee remains deeply concerned that each year more
than 3,000 Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 die by
suicide, making suicide the third leading cause of death among
adolescents. Beginning in fiscal year 2005, the Committee has
provided funding each year 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. The Committee also provides $5,000,000 for the
Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
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 initiative by $17,446,000. The Committee believes that
enhanced school and community-based services can strengthen
healthy child development, thus reducing violent behavior and
substance use.
The Committee recommendation provides funding at last
year's level for statewide consumer network grants and
statewide family network grants. The administration proposed
eliminating both of these programs. 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 reiterates its strong support for the
national child traumatic stress network [NCTSN]. The
recommendation includes $35,000,000 to support grants through
the NCTSN that will develop knowledge of best practices, offer
trauma training to mental health and other child-serving
providers, and provide mental health services to children and
families suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]
and other trauma-related disorders as a result of having
witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. The Committee
encourages the expansion of the number of network centers, with
preference to applicants with prior experience in the NCTSN and
extensive experience in the field of trauma-related mental
disorders in children, youth, and families.
The Committee recommendation restores over $73,000,000 in
funding to programs that the administration proposed to be
reduced or eliminated within PRNS. The budget request proposes
to eliminate the minority fellowship program, mental health
systems transformation activities, children's programs, the
anti-stigma campaign, as well as the older adult program. The
administration has proposed a reduction of $6,216,000 for the
State incentives grant for transformation. The Committee
recommendation includes funding at last year's level for these
and other programs within CMHS.
Disaster Mental Health.--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.
Juvenile Justice.--The Committee encourages SAMSHA to give
high priority to projects that coordinate, screen, assess,
diagnose and treat juveniles who have had encounters with the
juvenile justice system. The Committee is encouraged by the
results of such programs that have shown significant decreases
in contacts with law enforcement.
Mental Health of Older Adults.--The Committee recognizes
that older adults are among the fastest growing subgroups of
the U.S. population. Approximately 20-25 percent of older
adults have a mental or behavioral health problem. In fact,
older white males (age 85 and over) currently have the highest
rates of suicide of any group in the United States. The
Committee acknowledges the efforts of SAMHSA to address the
mental and behavioral health needs of older adults through the
targeted capacity expansion grant program. The Committee
encourages increased support for communities to assist them in
building a solid foundation for delivering and sustaining
effective mental health outreach, treatment and prevention
services for older adults at risk for a mental disorder.
Teenage Depression and Suicide.--According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, teen suicide rates in the
United States increased by 18 percent between 2003 and 2004.
The Committee is deeply concerned by this disturbing
development and urges SAMHSA to strengthen its efforts to
assist local educational systems and non-profit entities to
implement mental health screening and suicide prevention
programs and to identify evidence-based practices for
facilitating treatment for youth at risk. As evidence-based
programs are developed and identified, the Committee strongly
urges SAMHSA to determine how these practices can be best
implemented at the community level.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access Community Health $500,000 Durbin
Network, Chicago, IL, for
behavioral health integration
programs.
Carroll County Youth Service 350,000 Cardin, Mikulski
Bureau, Westminster, MD, for
mental health programs for
youth.
Children's Coalition for 250,000 Landrieu
Northeast Louisiana, Monroe,
LA, to expand a nationally-
recognized, community-based
mental illness screening
program for middle school
youth.
Community Counseling Center, 100,000 Collins, Snowe
Portland, ME, for the
expansion of the Greater
Portland Trauma Assistance
Network.
Corporate Alliance for Drug 100,000 Specter
Education, Philadelphia, PA,
for mental health programs.
Essex County, Newark, NJ, for a 750,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
mental health initiative.
New Mexico Human Services 250,000 Bingaman, Domenici
Department, Behavioral Health
Collaborative, Santa Fe, NM,
to transform the behavioral
health services system.
Oregon Partnership, Portland, 100,000 Smith
Oregon, for mental health
services and pro- grams.
Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, 150,000 Johnson
SD, Rosebud, SD, for youth
residential and outpatient
therapy at Piya Mani Otipi.
Sacramento Housing and 100,000 Boxer
Redevelopment Agency,
Sacramento, CA, for services
to the chronically homeless.
Samaritans of Rhode Island, 250,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Providence, RI, to enhance the
Suicide Crisis Hotline.
Spurwink Services, New 135,000 Collins, Snowe
Gloucester, ME, to improve
early detection, training,
timely access and evaluating
best practice models for child
mental health services.
United Way of Anchorage, 600,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for the 211
project to provide a statewide
health and human services
management system for Alaska.
Wisconsin Department of 100,000 Kohl
Agriculture, Transportation
and 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 $428,256,000 for the community
mental health services block grant, which is the same as the
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount and the administration
request. The recommendation includes $21,413,000 in transfers
available under section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
The community mental health services block grant
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 encourages SAMHSA to 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 the same as the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and 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 the same as the comparable fiscal year 2007
level and 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 $39,000,000 for the protection and
advocacy for individuals with mental illness [PAIMI] program,
which is $5,000,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007 level
and the administration request. This program helps ensure that
the rights of mentally ill individuals are protected while they
are patients in all public and private 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.
The Committee is aware that many protection and advocacy
[P&A] agencies are playing a role in correctional facilities,
which are increasingly holding people with mental illness who
have not received the supports they need in the community.
Nationally as many as 20 percent of Americans in jail or prison
have a serious mental disorder. Providing P&A services to
individuals with mental illness leaving correctional facilites
can improve their reentry into communities and can reduce
recidivism. The additional funding provided by the Committee
will allow P&A agencies to improve conditions in jails and
prisons, promote prevention and diversion initiatives, and
ensure that prisoners with mental illness are prepared to
reenter society with the supports and services needed to do
well.
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $2,157,540,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 2,110,681,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,185,159,000
The Committee recommends $2,185,159,000 for substance abuse
treatment programs. This amount is $27,619,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level and $74,478,000 above
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 SAMHSA for its outreach and work
with the National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA] and individual
State substance abuse authorities 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 SAMHSA for continuing its
work with NIDA to strengthen State agencies' capacity to
support and engage in research that will foster statewide
adoption of meritorious science-based policies and practices.
The Committee encourages SAMHSA to continue collaborative work
with NIDA and individual States to ensure that research
findings are relevant and adaptable by State substance abuse
systems.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee recommends $426,568,000 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
$27,619,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007 level and
$74,478,000 above the administration request.
Programs of regional and national significance include
activities to increase capacity by implementing service
improvements using proven evidence-based approaches and science
to services activities, which promote the identification of
practices thought to have potential for broad service
improvement.
The Committee appreciates the administration's emphasis on
funding substance abuse treatment services through the access
to recovery [ATR] program, screening, brief intervention,
referral and treatment [SBIRT] and treatment drug courts, but
strongly believes that the reduction or elimination of other
treatment capacity efforts and the elimination of most of the
science to service activities from the request is not in the
Nation's best interest. The administration's requested
increases are offset by decreases in opioid treatment
activities, treatment for homeless persons and persons with co-
occurring substance use and mental health disorders, children
and families programs, pregnant and postpartum women programs,
recovery support services, and other programs that are small in
costs but that provide critical support to States and
communities that are attempting to address their serious
substance abuse services needs. The administration also
proposes to eliminate science to service activities such as
Addiction Technology Transfer Centers [ATTCs], the minority
fellowship program, Recovery Month and consumer affairs
activities that support public education campaigns on
prescription drug abuse, drug abuse among the elderly, abuse of
inhalants and youth steroid use.
Because of the significant value provided by these
activities in combating substance use disorders, the Committee
has provided funding for all of CSAT's PRNS activities at no
less than last year's level.
Within the funds appropriated for CSAT, the Committee
recommends $20,000,000 for residential treatment programs for
pregnant and postpartum women and their children. This amount
is $9,610,000 above the comparable level for fiscal year 2007
and $16,068,000 above the administration request.
The Committee has provided last year's level for the SBIRT
program. 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 recommendation includes an increase of
$13,709,000, as requested by the administration, for criminal
justice activities including treatment drug court grants. The
Committee urges SAMHSA to ensure through the grant application
process that successful applicants for treatment drug court
programs demonstrate evidence of consultation and collaboration
with the corresponding State substance abuse agency in the
planning, implementation and evaluation of the grant.
Blood Borne Pathogens.--The Committee is concerned about
the prevalence of substance abuse, hepatitis and other blood
borne pathogens and encourages SAMHSA to promote liver health
education and primary prevention activities. This effort could
include the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors for all
age groups and secondary prevention to promote recovery for
those infected with blood borne pathogens.
Rural and Native Communities.--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.
Screening Persons with HIV.--According to the nationally
representative HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study [HCSUS],
almost half of persons with HIV screened positive for illicit
drug use or a mental disorder, including depression and anxiety
disorder. Unfortunately, health care providers fail to notice
mental disorder and substance use problems in almost half of
patients with HIV/AIDS, and mental health and substance use
screening is not common practice in primary care settings. The
Committee encourages SAMHSA to collaborate with HRSA to train
health care providers to screen HIV/AIDS patients for mental
health and substance use problems.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akeela, Inc., Anchorage, AK, $200,000 Stevens
for the Re-Entry Program in
Anchorage, Alaska.
Anchorage Dept. of Health and 400,000 Stevens
Social Services, Anchorage,
AK, for the Pathways to
Sobriety Project in Anchorage,
Alaska.
Asian American Recovery 200,000 Feinstein
Services, Inc., San Francisco,
CA, for substance abuse
treatment programs.
Eddy County, Carlsbad, NM, for 1,000,000 Domenici
substance abuse treatment
services.
Heartland Family Services, 100,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
Inc., Omaha, NE, for the Sarpy
County Methamphetamine
Treatment Program for women
and children.
Maine Lighthouse Corp., Bar 100,000 Collins, Snowe
Harbor, ME, for the
Therapeutic Community for the
Substance Abuse Treatment
project.
Maniilaq, Inc., Kotzebue, AK, 500,000 Stevens
for the Mavsigviq Family
Recovery Program in Northwest
Arctic Borough Alaska.
Marin Services for Women, Inc., 200,000 Feinstein
Greenbrae, CA, for substance
abuse treatment for low-income
women and their children.
Martin Addiction Recovery 200,000 Johnson
Center, Martin, SD, to enhance
and expand substance abuse
intervention and treatment
services.
Metro Homeless Youth Services 250,000 Feinstein
of Los Angeles, CA, for
substance abuse counseling.
Nicasa in Round Lake, IL, for 350,000 Durbin
evening outpatient substance
abuse treatment program for
women.
San Francisco Department of 600,000 Feinstein, Boxer
Human Services, CA, for mental
health and substance abuse
services for the homeless.
University of South Dakota 200,000 Johnson
Center for Disabilities, Sioux
Falls, SD, for a rural
substance abuse technical
assistance center.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
The Committee recommends $1,758,591,000 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 the
same as the comparable level for fiscal year 2007 and 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 has not included bill language requested by
the administration to withhold at least 5 percent of block
grant funds from States unable to submit National Outcome
Measures [NOMs] data. The Committee strongly opposes this
proposal and believes that punitive policies could threaten or
interrupt service delivery.
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $192,902,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 156,461,000
Committee recommendation................................ 197,108,000
The Committee recommends $197,108,000 for programs to
prevent substance abuse, which is $4,206,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and $40,647,000 above the
administration request.
Programs of Regional and National Significance
The Committee has provided $197,108,000 for programs of
regional and national significance [PRNS]. 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 expects CSAP to focus its efforts on
preventing substance use among youth through environmental and
population-based strategies due to the cost effectiveness of
these approaches. Further, the Committee instructs that given
the paucity of resources for bona fide substance abuse
prevention programs and strategies, money specifically
appropriated to CSAP for these purposes shall not be
reallocated for any other programs or purposes within SAMHSA.
The Committee recommendation includes funding at last
year's level for the strategic prevention framework State
incentive grant [SPF SIG] program, which is designed to
promote, bolster and sustain prevention infrastructure in every
State in the country. The Committee recognizes that the
lynchpin of the SPF SIG program is State flexibility.
Therefore, the Committee urges SAMHSA to promote flexibility in
the use of SPF SIG funds in order to allow each State to tailor
prevention services based on a needs assessment or plan, rather
than pre-determined strategies that may not be appropriate for
the populations in their own jurisdiction.
The Committee provides funding at no less than last year's
level for the Centers for the Application of Prevention
Technologies [CAPTs] instead of the proposed elimination of
this program. The Committee is extremely concerned with
SAMHSA's proposal to eliminate the CAPTs. The purpose of the
CAPTs is to translate the latest substance abuse prevention
science and improve the practices of prevention professionals
and community coalition members. The CAPTs are SAMHSA's only
regional network system that provides substance abuse
prevention workforce training through regional conferences,
workshops, customized technical assistance, curriculum
development, online courses, and trainer events.
The Committee commends the Surgeon General's ``Call to
Action'' on underage drinking, which emphasizes that alcohol
remains the most heavily abused substance by America's youth
and focuses national attention on this major public health and
safety problem. The Committee shares the Surgeon General's
concern about new research indicating that the developing
adolescent brain may be particularly susceptible to long-term
harms from alcohol use, including neurocognitive impairment.
Those findings add new urgency to public and private sector
efforts to prevent and reduce underage drinking.
The Committee expects the Intergovernmental Coordinating
Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking [ICCPUD] and
its member agencies to continue coordinating national efforts
to prevent and reduce underage drinking and its consequences,
and develop and pursue efforts to carry out the Surgeon
General's Call to Action. Those efforts should include
supporting and assisting State and local efforts to carry out
the Surgeon General's recommendations. In reporting Monitoring
the Future and other substance use surveillance data, the
Committee expects SAMHSA to collaborate with NIDA and other
ICCPUD agencies to separately and prominently highlight
alcohol-related findings.
In support of the Surgeon General's recommendations for
strengthening national efforts to prevent and reduce underage
drinking, the the Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000
for activities authorized by the Sober Truth on Preventing
[STOP] Underage Drinking Act. This amount includes $1,000,000
for continuation of the national adult-oriented media campaign
to prevent underage drinking and $3,000,000 for grants to help
community coalitions address underage drinking.
The Committee supports the continuation and enhancement of
SAMHSA's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders [FASD] Center for
Excellence, and has included funding at last year's level for
FASD activities. The Committee requests that SAMHSA submit a
progress report in its fiscal year 2009 congressional budget
justification on the Center's accomplishments and lessons
learned in preventing and reducing fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders. The report should outline future plans for the
Center, including programmatic and funding priorities.
The Committee recommendation also includes language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, $400,000 Johnson
Eagle Butte, SD, for a
methamphetamine prevention
program.
Clinton County Office of 100,000 Specter
District Attorney, Lock Haven,
PA, for substance abuse
prevention programs.
Community Health Center on the 200,000 Inouye
Big Island of Hawaii.
Institute for Research, 100,000 Specter
Education and Training in
Addictions, Pittsburgh, PA,
for substance abuse prevention
programs.
Iowa Office of Drug Control 100,000 Harkin
Policy, Des Moines, IA, to
educate parents about drug use
by teenagers.
Municipality of Anchorage, 400,000 Stevens, Murkowski
Anchorage, AK, for
methamphetamine education
project in Alaska.
Seton Hill University, 100,000 Specter
Greensburg, PA, for substance
abuse prevention programs.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Fort 400,000 Johnson
Yates, ND, for a
methamphetamine prevention
program.
Tanana Chiefs Conference, 500,000 Stevens
Fairbanks, AK, for the
Ch'eghutsen Children's Mental
Health Program in Interior
Alaska.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The Committee recommends $98,719,000 for program management
activities of the agency. The recommendation includes
$21,750,000 in transfers available under section 241 of the
Public Health Service Act. The recommendation is $5,998,000
above the comparable level for fiscal year 2007 and $5,500,000
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 has included an
additional $4,000,000 to maintain the level of effort for the
National Survey on Drug Use and Health [NSDUH].
Despite the significant levels of Federal, State, and local
funding for mental health services, and a growing consensus
that the Nation's mental healthcare system must be reformed,
there are no current regular and periodic population-based
sources of data on adults with serious mental illness and
children with serous emotional disturbance. The Committee
believes that such data are necessary to help policymakers
implement the recommendations in the President's New Freedom
Commission on Mental Health report ``Achieving the Promise:
Transforming Mental Health Care in America.''
On the recommendation of a meeting in December 2006 of
mental health researchers and stakeholders, the Committee is
funding the development and calibration of a module in the
National Survey on Drug Use and Health [NSDUH] to provide
reliable and valid data on adults with serious mental illness.
The meeting of experts also recommended the use of the
National Health Interview Survey [NHIS], conducted by the
National Center for Health Statistics at CDC, as the best
mechanism to collect information on children with serious
emotional disturbance. Thus the Committee is providing, in
addition to the funds needed to continue the validation and
calibration studies on NSDUH, $1,500,000 to include mental
health questions in the NHIS and to carry out studies necessary
to ensure the validity and reliability of the NHIS data.
The Committee is aware of collaborative work by SAMHSA and
State substance abuse directors to implement outcomes data
collection and reporting through the NOMs initiative. The
Committee commends States and SAMHSA for working to streamline
data reporting, reduce administrative burden, and improve
accountability. The Committee is encouraged by work to examine
and promote effective non-proprietary data management tools and
State-to-State problem solving solutions. The Committee notes
that States are making progress in reporting NOMs information
through the SAPT block grant. According to SAMHSA,
approximately 40 States voluntarily reported substance abuse
outcomes data through the SAPT block grant in 2006. States
reported positive improvements in a number of data domains--
including abstinence from alcohol and drug use; housing status;
criminal justice involvement; and employment.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $318,986,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 329,564,000
Committee recommendation................................ 329,564,000
The Committee recommends $329,564,000 for the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ]. This amount is
$10,578,000 above the comparable funding level for fiscal year
2007 and is the same as 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 $271,564,000 for research on health
costs, quality and outcomes [HCQO]. This amount is $10,578,000
above the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 and is
the same as 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 $78,934,000 to continue AHRQ's patient safety program.
Of this amount, $44,820,000 will support the Department's
initiative to promote the development, adoption, and diffusion
of information technology in health care.
The Committee has not provided funding for the
administration's personalized health care initiative. Instead,
the Committee recommendation includes $30,000,000 for research
regarding the outcomes, comparative effectiveness and
appropriateness of health care interventions. The Committee's
recommendation doubles the amount provided for this research,
which was authorized under section 1013 of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.
The Committee is aware that despite having the most
expensive health care system in the world based on per capita
expenditures, the United States ranks well below other
countries on key health indicators, such as overall life
expectancy and infant survival. Studies have shown that much of
this is due to health care that lacks a basis in evidence.
Studies have estimated that up to 30 percent of the Nation's
health care spending pays for ineffective, inappropriate or
redundant care.
In order to help providers and patients achieve the best
quality care, the Committee believes we need a sound foundation
of evidence about which treatments work best. AHRQ's
comparative effectiveness research program helps patients and
providers make informed decisions about treatment options by
providing them with unbiased, practically useful information on
the benefits and risks of treatments for common health
problems. With funding provided by the Committee in previous
years, AHRQ has released final reports focusing on
interventions of special importance to Medicare beneficiaries,
such as the effectiveness of the most commonly prescribed
antidepressants, the use of stents for patients with narrow
kidney arteries, and the accuracy of noninvasive tests for
breast cancer. The additional funding provided by the Committee
will allow AHRQ to undertake a greater number of reviews of
health care interventions including drugs, devices, medical
procdedures and other treatments that have the most impact on
Medicare, as well as allow the agency to expand its research to
the Medicaid and SCHIP programs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis.--Numerous studies conducted on deep
vein thrombosis [DVT] have shown that there is a gap between
knowledge and practice. A recent large scale national study
found that only one-third of acute hospital patients who were
at risk for DVT actually received the pharmacological or
mechanical prophylaxis according to established guidelines. The
Committee urges AHRQ to disseminate and make available
evidence-based information to healthcare providers and patients
as a step toward reducing the risks of serious and life-
threatening complications from DVT.
Investigator-initiated Research.--The Committee values AHRQ
for its critical role in supporting health services research to
improve health care quality, reduce costs, advance patient
safety, decrease medical errors, eliminate health care
disparities, and broaden access to essential services. However,
the Committee is troubled that AHRQ's investigator-initiated
research portfolio has languished, even though many of the
sentinel studies that have changed the face of health and
health care in the United States are the result of researchers'
ingenuity and creativity. To advance scientific discovery and
the expansion of knowledge, AHRQ should invest at least as much
on an investigator-initiated research agenda as it does on
intramural health services research. The Committee urges the
Department to expand funding for AHRQ's investigator-initiated
research in its fiscal year 2009 budget request.
Safe Patient Handling.--The Committee is concerned about
the consequences of manual patient lifting in hospitals,
nursing homes and other patient care settings that increase the
risk to patients of injuries such as skin tears, skin
ulceration, falls and shoulder dislocations. Moreover,
workplace injuries to nurses, such as back, shoulder and neck
injuries, exacerbate the nursing shortage with loss of work
time or debilitating, career-ending injuries. The Committee
urges AHRQ to study the impact of utilizing assistive devices
and patient lifting equipment on patient injuries and outcomes,
as well as the health and safety of nurses.
Spina Bifida.--The Committee encourages AHRQ to continue
its efforts to validate quality patient treatment data measures
for the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry being developed
in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. The Committee requests that the Agency report on
the status of this effort in its fiscal year 2009 congressional
budget justification.
Unit-of-use Packaging.--The Committee is aware that the
Institute of Medicine has recognized the potential benefits
provided to patients by unit-of-use packaging, which are drug
products dispensed directly to patients in containers that
provide enough medication for use during a specified time
interval. The Committee urges AHRQ to conduct a comprehensive
study to evaluate unit-of-use packaging and design approaches
that would support various patient populations in their
medication self-management, including children, chronically ill
patients, patients taking prescription narcotics, and patients
taking antibiotics.
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 2007 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 2007
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, 2007....................................$105,470,957,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 141,628,056,000
Committee recommendation................................ 141,628,056,000
The Committee recommends $141,628,056,000 for Grants to
States for Medicaid, the same amount as the administration's
request. This amount excludes $65,257,617,000 in fiscal year
2007 advance appropriations for fiscal year 2008. In addition,
$67,292,669,000 is provided for the first quarter of fiscal
year 2009, as requested by the administration.
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, 2007....................................$176,298,480,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 188,628,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 188,828,000,000
The Committee recommends $188,828,000,000 for Federal
payments to health care trust funds. This amount is
$200,000,000 more than the administration's request. 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
$140,704,000,000 for the Federal payment to the Supplementary
Medical Insurance Trust Fund. This payment provides matching
funds for premiums paid by Medicare part B enrollees. The
Committee further provides $46,299,000,000 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 $269,000,000 for hospital
insurance for the uninsured. The Committee also recommends
$237,000,000 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. The Committee recommendation includes
$192,000,000 to be transferred to the Hospital Insurance Trust
Fund as the general fund share of CMS Program Management
administrative expenses. The Committee recommendation also
includes $744,000,000 to be transferred to the Supplementary
Insurance Trust Fund as the general fund share of part D
administrative expenses. The Committee recommendation includes
$383,000,000 in reimbursements to the Health Care Fraud and
Abuse Control [HCFAC] fund.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $3,141,107,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 3,274,026,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,248,088,000
The Committee recommends $3,248,088,000 for CMS program
management, which is $106,981,000 more than the fiscal year
2007 enacted level.
Research, Demonstrations, and Evaluations
The Committee recommends $35,325,000 for research,
demonstrations, and evaluation activities, $1,625,000 more than
the administration's request.
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 recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Chronic Care Practice $675,000 Johnson
Research Network, Sioux Falls,
SD, to evolve and continue the
Medicare Coordinated Care
Demonstration project.
Mississippi Primary Health Care 100,000 Cochran
Association, Jackson, MS, for
the Mississippi PharmNet South
340B Initiative, a 340B health
information technology model.
Mosaic, Des Moines, IA, for the 350,000 Harkin
Iowa Community Integration
Project.
University of Mississippi, 400,000 Cochran
University, MS, for the
Medication Use and Outcomes
Research Group.
University of North Carolina 100,000 Burr
School of Pharmacy, Chapel
Hill, NC, to study the impact
of a primary care practice
model utilizing clinical
pharmacist practitioners to
improve the care of Medicare-
eligible populations in NC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Operations
The Committee recommends $2,276,052,000 for Medicare
operations, which is $27,563,000 less than the administration's
request.
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 $35,000,000 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 recommendation includes $500,000 to support
activities of the National Center on Senior Benefits Outreach
and Enrollment within the Administration on Aging. CMS is
directed to coordinate with AoA to utilize cost effective
strategies to find and enroll those with greatest need in part
D and other health and human services assistance for which they
are eligible.
The Committee includes bill language that extends the
availability of funds for Medicare contracting reform until
September 30, 2009 but does not include language, requested by
the Administration that directs CMS to ensure that no fewer
than 15 Medicare administrative contractors begin operations by
December 15, 2008.
The Committee recommends that $49,869,000 be made available
for obligation over a 2-year period ending September 30, 2009,
for contract costs pursuant to the development of the
Healthcare Integrated General Ledger Accounting System
[HIGLAS].
Advances in medicine have enabled increasing numbers of
Type 1 diabetes patients to live with this disease for more
than 50 years. Recent advances in continuous glucose monitoring
technology have the potential to revolutionize the way diabetes
is managed on a daily basis. While research is underway, the
Committee urges CMS not to make premature coverage decisions
for this durable medical equipment nor take actions that would
delay the private adoption of these technologies.
In early 2007 CMS promulgated new regulations for long term
acute care hospitals [LTACHS]. The Committee is concerned that
the CMS guidelines once again set arbitrary quota limits for
the number of patients which an LTACH can accept from any one
hospital. Patients who need access to LTACHS are among the most
vulnerable of the sick.
This Committee has previously stated that the decision as
to which patients should go into a LTACH should be made by
physicians based on well-defined patient and hospital
admissions criteria--not on arbitrary quotas. The Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission [MEDPAC] in its March 22, 2007
letter to CMS warned that arbitrary criteria increase the risk
of unintended consequences.
The Committee expects that CMS will work closely with
providers and others in an expedited timetable to develop and
promulgate realistic and workable admissibility criteria which
will allow for the reasonable and measured expansion of the
LTACH system.
The Committee is aware of concerns that Medicare
beneficiaries have inconsistent access to recreational therapy
[RT] services in various inpatient settings due a lack of
clarity in CMS regulations. These settings are inpatient
rehabilitation facilities [IRFs], skilled nursing facilities
[SNFs] and inpatient psychiatric hospitals [IPFs]. CMS has not
adequately communicated policies to these inpatient providers
through revisions to its regulations or the Medicare Benefits
Policy Manual [MBPM]. This lack of clarity is creating
confusion among Medicare providers and contractors and
resulting in inconsistent access to recreational therapy for
Medicare beneficiaries in need of these services.
The Committee encourages CMS to issue revised regulations
or publish policy guidance in the MBPM that clarifies policies
related to recreational therapies.
The Committee is aware of the significant Medicare
reductions (in excess of 25 percent on average) to the Power
Mobility Device [PMD] fee schedule amounts, which became
effective November 15, 2006. The Committee strongly encourages
CMS not to alter further the PMD fee schedule in effect
November 15, 2006 during fiscal year 2008. The Committee
further encourages CMS to validate any subsequent alterations
in a report based on claims data under current PMD fee schedule
amounts. The Committee is concerned that the Medicare
Modernization Act provision requiring mandatory provider
accreditations has not been fully implemented. Such a
requirement will reduce fraud and abuse and ensure beneficiary
access only to quality providers and equipment. The Committee
believes that the provision of medically necessary PMDs can
save Medicare money through cost-avoidance associated with
expensive institutional care or hospitalization resulting from
falls by the growing elderly population.
The Committee is aware that the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services [CMS] has proposed a national coverage
decision memorandum for the use of Erythropoiesis Stimulating
Agents [ESAs] in Cancer and Related Neoplastic Conditions.
Recent concerns have been raised by both CMS and the Food and
Drug Administration about the use of ESAs in treating anemia
that results from chemotherapy. These concerns may be valid for
patients treated with ESAs to high hemoglobin targets (above
12g/dL), but, as the FDA noted, they do not apply to all
individuals treated for chemotherapy-induced anemia or bone
marrow failure diseases, eg. myelodysplasia. The Committee is
concerned that evidence from some studies is being broadly and
inappropriately extrapolated, resulting in proposals that are
not evidence-based or scientifically rigorous. The committee
requests that CMS delay finalizing the Proposed Decision Memo
for Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents [ESAs] for non-renal
disease indications (CAG-00383N) until after the FDA has
completed its current review of ESA labeling.
State Survey and Certification
The Committee recommends $293,524,000 for Medicare State
survey and certification activities, which is the same as the
administration's request.
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.
The Committee has included language, requested by the
administration, which authorizes the Secretary to charge fees
associated with the cost of conducting revisits of certain
health care facilities.
Federal Administration
The Committee recommends $643,187,000 for Federal
administration costs, which is the same as the budget request.
The Committee recommends continuing the Healthy Start, Grow
Smart program, which disseminates educational brochures to low-
income pregnant women and new mothers. The prenatal brochure
provides information on prenatal care and highlights the link
between maternal behaviors and development of the unborn child.
The remaining brochures are distributed at birth and at key
developmental points during the first two years of life. The
publications offer vital health and safety information for new
parents and focuses on infant brain development and skills
these children need to be successful in school.
The Committee commends CMS for supporting rural health
interdisciplinary training initiatives. The Committee strongly
supports demonstration projects to develop interdisciplinary,
collaborative and culturally appropriate family medicine
residency, nursing and allied health professions training in
rural areas. These projects have the potential to reduce health
disparities and to improve access to culturally appropriate
health care for underserved populations. The Committee urges
CMS to consider waivers of population density requirements for
demonstration projects in rural and/or isolated areas.
The Committee encourages CMS to use existing waiver
authority under the Public Health Service Act to issue waivers
of the governance requirements for Federally Qualified Health
Centers [FQHC] look-alike centers to nurse practice
arrangements commonly referred to as nurse-managed health
centers.
The Committee recognizes that nurse practitioners and
nurse-managed health centers are an important part of the
Nation's healthcare safety-net serving vulnerable and
underserved populations. Vulnerable populations are populations
comprised of a high percentage of uninsured patients that lack
access to adequate primary care services. The Committee
understands that States have the primary role regarding the
scope of practice for nurse practitioners and other health
practitioners. The Committee is pleased that CMS has taken some
steps to ensure that these providers do not face provider-based
discrimination when applying for admission to the primary care
provider networks of managed care organizations [MCO] operating
around the Nation. The Committee is, however, concerned that a
large percentage of MCOs have established policies which
unfairly exclude nurse practitioners as a class of providers
from their provider panels. The Committee encourages CMS to
develop written guidance informing MCOs that Federal
regulations allow and encourage nurse practitioners to be part
of an MCO's panel of providers. The Committee also encourages
CMS to conduct a survey of MCOs to determine the extent to
which nurse practitioners are part of their panel of providers
and if not, the reasons for that.
Since January 1, 1998, 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 order or
certify home health care for patients. CMS has referenced the
sections 1861(r) of the Social Security Act's definition of
physician, which does not include nurse practitioner. The
Committee encourages CMS to expand its interpretation of the
word ``physician'' in Part A, section 1814, of the Medicare law
to enable nurse practitioners to certify and order hospice and
home health care.
The Committee encourages the Secretary to work across the
Department to direct its resources toward programs with the
highest evidentiary standards, such as randomized trials. For
example, the Committee is aware of extensive evidence that
Nurse-Family Partnership, an early home visitation program for
first-time low-income mothers, prevents child abuse and
childhood injury, helps develop positive parent-child
relationships, and helps the brain development of the children
served. The Committee requests that the Secretary apply the
high evidentiary standards to programs across the Department,
and to support agencies within the Department, such as Health
Resources and Services Administration [HRSA] and Administration
for Children and Families [ACF], adopting evidence-based
programs.
The Committee encourages the Division of Nursing [DON] to
use existing authority under the Nurse Reinvestment Act to
consider establishing a grant program that will assist nurse
practice arrangements commonly referred to as nurse-managed
health centers in securing an alternative means of prospective
payment reimbursement for their Medicare and Medicaid clients.
This Committee has supported demonstration projects that
have assessed the efficacy of using interactive video
technology as a means for providing intensive behavioral health
services to individuals with serious emotional and behavioral
challenges, such as autism and other at-risk populations. Such
projects have assessed the effectiveness of the medium in
providing a range of services such as behavior analysis, case
management, medical services, psychiatric services, support to
education and training. However, the Committee has observed
that one of the most serious obstacles to the integration of
telemedicine into health practices is the absence of
consistent, comprehensive reimbursement policies. Medicare
authorizes only partial reimbursement. Medicaid policies set at
state levels vary widely and are inconsistent from State to
State. The Committee believes that telehealth technology is a
way to provide intensive behavioral health therapy services in
a cost effective manner. Further, since the 1999 Supreme Court
Olmstead decision, the Committee has been dedicating resources
towards States to move individuals out of institutions into
community-based settings. The Committee recognizes the
potential benefits that telehealth technologies can have in
supporting the independence, productivity and integration into
the community of persons with developmental disabilities.
The Committee urges CMS this year to provide it with a
comprehensive survey on a State-by-State basis of telehealth
services provided under Medicaid. It further requests that CMS
meet with an appropriate array of telehealth specialists
including those who have been involved in the demonstration
projects supported by this Committee to survey and assess best
practices and professional criteria standards and make
recommendations to the Committee concerning national standards
for telehealth reimbursement which advances and encourages this
technology.
The Committee is aware that many low-income Medicare part D
enrollees living with HIV/AIDS have benefited from effective
medication management programs. In its fiscal year 2008 budget
justification, CMS noted that it was considering demonstration
authority as a way to test best practice models of medication
therapy management programs. The Committee strongly encourages
CMS to develop such demonstrations in fiscal year 2008.
The Committee is concerned that many seniors do not have a
good understanding of the benefits covered, and not covered,
under the Medicare program. In particular, studies have
indicated that a majority of adults who are 45 or older
overestimate Medicare coverage for long-term care. The
Committee commends CMS for stating its intention to inform all
target households through its initial mailings that ``Medicare
generally does not pay'' for long-term care. The Committee also
encourages the Department to use other communication methods,
in addition to the Internet and direct mail, to clarify widely
held misperceptions about Medicare and long-term care. This
policy would allow individuals to better prepare for their
potential long-term care needs without impoverishing themselves
to qualify for Medicaid.
HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL
Appropriations, 2007....................................................
Budget estimate, 2008................................... $183,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 383,000,000
The Committee recommends $383,000,000, to be transferred
from the Medicare trust funds, for health care fraud and abuse
control activities. This account has not been funded using
discretionary funds in prior years. This amount, in addition to
the $1,131,031,000 in mandatory monies for these activities,
will provide a total of $1,514,031,000 for health care fraud
and abuse control activities in fiscal year 2008, $200,000,000
over the budget request.
Reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid
continues to be a top priority of the Committee. The Committee
has held a number of hearings on fraud and abuse issues over
the past 10 years and expects to begin holding more hearings on
this issue over the next 12 months.
Administration for Children and Families
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT
PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $3,263,678,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 2,949,713,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,949,713,000
The Committee recommends $2,949,713,000 be made available
in fiscal year 2008 for payments to States for child support
enforcement and family support programs. The Committee
recommendation is the same as the budget request under current
law. The Committee also has provided $1,000,000,000 in advance
funding for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 for the child
support enforcement program, the same as the budget request.
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.
LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $2,161,170,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,782,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,161,170,000
The Committee recommends $2,161,170,000 for fiscal year
2008 for the low income home energy assistance program
[LIHEAP]. This is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 and $379,170,000 above the budget request.
LIHEAP is made up of two components: the State grant program
and a contingency fund.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,980,000,000 for
the State grant program, which is the same as the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $480,000,000 above the
budget request. 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 the contingency
fund. This is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 and $100,830,000 below the budget request. 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.
REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $587,847,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 655,630,000
Committee recommendation................................ 654,166,000
The Committee recommends $654,166,000 for refugee and
entrant assistance. The recommendation is $66,319,000 above the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $1,464,000
below the budget request 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
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 $294,021,000 for transitional
and medical assistance including State administration and the
voluntary agency program; $9,823,000 for victims of
trafficking; $154,005,000 for social services; $4,748,000 for
preventive health; and $48,590,000 for targeted assistance.
The Committee is troubled by reports that HHS has been
hampered by the Department of Homeland Security and the
Department of Justice in providing emergency benefits and
services to child victims of trafficking. Congress clearly
intended in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to
allow children to receive assistance regardless of their
ability or willingness to participate in an investigation and
prosecution of their traffickers. Yet the Committee understands
that, in practice, children are often coerced into working with
law enforcement because they have contacted HHS for access to
services. The Committee expects HHS to use its authority from
the Trafficking Victims Protection Act to expedite the
determination of eligibility of child victims without delays
from law enforcement authorities.
For unaccompanied children, pursuant to section 462 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Committee recommends
$133,162,000. Funds provided are for the care and placement of
unaccompanied alien children [UAC] in the Office of Refugee
Resettlement [ORR].
The Committee notes that $25,000,000 of the funding
increase provided for the UAC program is for shelter needs,
partly due to an estimated 12 percent increase in the average
length of stay in ORR facilities. The Committee is alarmed by
this increase and directs the Department to prepare a report
that identifies factors contributing to increased shelter costs
and delays in the release of children from ORR care. The report
should examine such factors as backlogs in background checks,
issuance of travel documents and delays in repatriations. The
report should also propose cost-effective and expedient
solutions to remedy the delays that are costing the Department
thousands of dollars in shelter care costs per day.
The Committee has not provided the additional funds
requested by the administration for expanded background checks.
ORR currently performs background checks on the adult to whom
the child is released, as well as home visits when deemed
necessary. The Committee believes that expanded background
checks would contribute to even lengthier delays in getting
children released and even longer periods of time in custody.
The Committee directs ORR to use the increase provided to
expand the pro bono legal services initiative. The Committee
recognizes the need for unaccompanied children to be
appropriately represented before immigration courts and is
pleased with the progress ORR has made in providing pro bono
counsel and support services for these children. The Committee
has provided sufficient funding for ORR to increase its efforts
for pro bono legal services in all places where UAC are held in
and released from Federal custody. The Committee expects ORR to
use part of the increase provided to assess the overall impact
of the pro bono legal services initiative.
The Committee also recommends $9,817,000 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.
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $2,062,081,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 2,062,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,062,081,000
The Committee recommends $2,062,081,000 for the child care
and development block grant. This is the same as the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request. 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 Committee recommendation continues specific set asides
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 recommendation sets aside $267,785,718 for
child care quality activities, including $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.
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 a
national toll-free hotline that assists families in accessing
local information on child care options and that provides
consumer education materials. The Committee expects the grantee
to monitor the quality of services provided to families as a
result of the program.
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,700,000,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,700,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,700,000,000
The Committee recommends $1,700,000,000 for fiscal year
2008 for the social services block grant. The amount is the
same as the comparable fiscal year 2007 level and the budget
request. 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, 2007.................................... $8,948,970,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 8,250,089,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,223,832,000
The Committee recommends $9,223,832,000 for fiscal year
2008 for children and families services programs. The
recommendation is $274,862,000 above the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 and $973,743,000 above the budget
request. The recommendation includes $10,500,000 in transfers
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 $7,088,571,000 for Head Start.
This amount is $200,000,000 above the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007 and $300,000,000 above the budget request.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,388,800,000 in advance
funding that will become available on October 1, 2008.
Head Start provides comprehensive development services for
low-income children and families that emphasize 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 in rural areas and among
Native American populations. 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 aware that the Migrant and Seasonal Head
Start [MSHS] program was started in 1969 as a direct response
to the unique needs of migrant farm workers and their families.
In most States, local childcare resources are not available
when migrant families come into a community, especially for
infants and toddlers. Without childcare resources, parents have
no choice but to take children to the fields where they are
exposed to pesticides, hazardous equipment, extreme heat and
other health dangers. MSHS programs serve approximately 38,000
children annually, operating in 40 States in every region of
the country.
Since 2001, when the Department released a study
documenting that only 19 percent of eligible children were able
to access MSHS programs, the Committee has requested that the
Secretary come forth with a plan for serving a larger
proportion of eligible farm worker children. While the
Committee was pleased that $35,000,000 in fiscal year 2005
expansion funds were made available to serve additional migrant
children, the Committee continues to be concerned that the
needs of at risk migrant and seasonal farmworker children are
not being adequately addressed. The Committee continues to look
to the Secretary for a plan that describes how adequate systems
are being put in place within the Department to ensure that
children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers have adequate
access to Head Start programs.
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 $102,837,000 for the consolidated
runaway and homeless youth program. This is $15,000,000 above
the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 and the
budget request. 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 provide services to 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 lessening rates of family conflict and
parental abuse, as well as increasing school participation and
the employment rates of youth. The Committee notes that basic
center grantees serve only a fraction of the youth who run away
or are homeless. The Committee has provided funding above the
request level to expand the number of basic centers and
transitional living grantees so that more at-risk youth can be
served.
The Committee is concerned that the Department has not
published a report on promising strategies to end youth
homelessness, as required by the Runaway, Homeless, and Missing
Children Protection Act of 2003. The Committee urges the
Secretary to release this report to Congress within 6 months of
the enactment of this act.
Runaway Youth Prevention Program
The Committee recommends $20,027,000 for the runaway youth
prevention program. This is $5,000,000 above the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request. 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.
Child Abuse Programs
The Committee recommends $107,175,000 for child abuse
programs. The recommendation is $11,958,000 above the
comparable level for fiscal year 2007 and $1,600,000 above the
budget request. The recommendation includes $27,007,000 for
State grants, $37,738,000 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.
The Committee has included funds for a nurse home
visitation initiative as requested by the administration. These
funds will encourage investment of existing Federal, State and
local funding streams into evidence-based home visitation
programs. The Committee notes that these programs have been
shown not only to reduce child abuse and neglect, but also to
increase employment, lower criminal activity, improve child
health and contribute to child cognitive development.
The Committee expects that when implementing this program,
ACF will adhere closely to effective nurse home visitation
interventions as they were originally developed and evaluated.
ACF should not expand these interventions to integrate other
initiatives or services that could dilute the program.
Within the funds provided for child abuse discretionary
activities, the Committee includes funding for the following
items:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boys and Girls Town of $500,000 Bond
Missouri, St. James, MO, to
expand services to abused and
neglected children.
Catholic Community Services of 400,000 Stevens
Juneau, Juneau, AK, to
continue operations at its
Family Resource Center for
child abuse prevention and
treatment in Juneau, Alaska.
Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks, 200,000 Bond
Springfield, MO, for
programming, equipment,
services and curriculum.
Darkness to Light, Charleston, 400,000 Brown
SC, to expand and disseminate
the Stewards of Children
program in consultation with
the CARE House of Dayton, OH.
Young Women's Christian 100,000 Specter
Association, Williamsport, PA,
for abused and neglected
children's CASA programs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abandoned Infants Assistance
The Committee recommends $11,835,000 for abandoned infants
assistance, which is the same as the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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 caregivers and assisting abandoned infants and
children to reside with their natural families or in foster
care.
Child Welfare Services
The Committee recommends $286,754,000 for child welfare
services. This is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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 child welfare
services. This is the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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 adoption
opportunities, which is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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 $9,500,000 for adoption
incentives. The recommendation is $4,500,000 above the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $4,000,000
below the budget request.
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. The
appropriation allows incentive payments to be made for
adoptions completed prior to September 30, 2008.
Adoption Awareness
The Committee recommends $12,674,000 for adoption
awareness, which is the same as the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request. This 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 train health centers staff serving pregnant women so
that they can inform them about adoption and make referrals on
request to adoption agencies. 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 $53,625,000 for the compassion
capital fund [CCF], which is $10,725,000 below the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $21,375,000 below the
budget request. 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. The CCF
administers three discretionary grant programs: a demonstration
program which provides funding to intermediary organizations to
provide training and technical assistance to smaller faith and
community-based organizations; a program to fund capacity-
building activities; and a program to build the capacity of
organizations that combat gang activity and youth violence.
The Committee is concerned that the compassion capital fund
has yet to demonstrate its effectiveness and for this reason
has not provided funding for new grants. A program assessment
ratings tool [PART] review conducted in 2006 gave the program a
rating of ``Results Not Demonstrated.'' In addition, the
Committee notes that the program lacks baseline data for its
performance measures and therefore it is not possible to
determine the CCF's effectiveness. The Committee understands
that ACF is conducting a multi-year evaluation of the program
to be completed in 2008. The Committee will consider funding
increases for the program when the results of the evaluation
are available.
Social Services Research
The Committee recommends $11,825,000 for social services
research. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 is
$11,868,000 and the budget request is $5,880,000.
The Committee recommendation includes $6,000,000 in
transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act. These funds support research and evaluation
projects focusing on finding programs that are cost effective,
that increase the economic independence of American families
and that contribute to healthy development of children and
youth.
The Committee is aware of the dramatic increase in
multiracial and multiethnic individuals and families in the
United States today that present a unique social and
demographic environment for the development of a knowledge base
to expand and assess public policies that affect the wellbeing
of multiethnic individuals and families. The Committee
recommends the agency provide full and fair consideration of
research proposals for this purpose.
Within the funds provided for social services research, the
Committee includes funding for the following items:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A+ For Abstinence, Waynesboro, $30,000 Specter
PA, for abstinence education
and related services.
Abyssinian Development 150,000 Clinton, Schumer
Corporation, New York, NY, to
support and expand youth and
family displacement prevention
programs.
Alaska Children's Services, 250,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for its program
to serve low income youth in
Anchorage, Alaska.
Alaska Statewide Independent 200,000 Stevens, Murkowski
Living Council, Inc.,
Anchorage, AK, to continue and
expand the Personal Care
Attendant Program and to
expand outreach efforts to the
disabled living in rural
Alaska.
Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA, 100,000 Kennedy, Kerry
the Molly Bish Center for the
Protection of Children and the
Elderly.
Boston Medical Center, Boston, 210,000 Kennedy, Kerry
MA, the Children's AIDS
project.
Catholic Family Center, 250,000 Clinton, Schumer
Rochester, NY, for kinship
care outreach.
Catholic Social Services, 45,000 Specter
Wilkes-Barre, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Child Care Resource and 1,000,000 Murray
Referral Network, Tacoma, WA,
for a child care quality
initiative.
Children's Home Society of 250,000 Craig
Idaho, Boise, ID, for the
Bridge Project to place Idaho
children-in-care in foster
care.
City of Chester, Bureau of 35,000 Specter
Health, Chester, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Community Partnership for 200,000 Bingaman
Children, Inc., Silver City,
NM, for a child care quality
initiative.
Community Services for 100,000 Specter
Children, Inc., Allentown, PA,
for early childhood
development services.
Connecticut Council of Family 400,000 Dodd, Lieberman
Service Agencies,
Wethersfield, CT, for the
Empowering People for Success
(EPS) initiative.
Crozer Chester Medical Center, 35,000 Specter
Upland, PA, for abstinence
education and related services.
Family Center of Washington 500,000 Leahy
County, Montpelier, VT, to
support and expand youth
services.
Family Service & Childrens Aid 30,000 Specter
Society, Oil City, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Fathers and Families Center, 100,000 Bayh
Indianapolis, IN, for
supportive services for
fathers.
Friends Association for Care 100,000 Specter
and Protection of Children,
West Chester, PA, for programs
to provide safe, secure
housing for children through
an emergency shelter for
families, transitional
housing, specialized foster
care and adoption programs.
Guidance Center, Ridgeway, PA, 30,000 Specter
for abstinence education and
related serv- ices.
Heart Beat, Millerstown, PA, 45,000 Specter
for abstinence education and
related services.
Horizons for Homeless Children, 190,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Boston, MA, for mentoring,
educational, and social
development programs.
Keystone Central School 40,000 Specter
District, Mill Hall, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Keystone Economic Development 40,000 Specter
Corporation, Johnstown, PA,
for abstinence education and
related services.
LaSalle University, 55,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, 55,000 Specter
Pittsburgh, PA, for abstinence
education and related services.
My Choice, Inc., Athens, PA, 25,000 Specter
for abstinence education and
related services.
Neighborhood United Against 45,000 Specter
Drugs, Philadelphia, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
New Brighton School District, 35,000 Specter
New Brighton, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Northeast Guidance Center, 250,000 Levin, Stabenow
Detroit, MI, for the Family
Life Center project.
Northwest Family Services, 100,000 Inhofe
Alva, OK, to establish
behavioral health services and
family counseling programs.
Nueva Esperanza, Philadelphia, 35,000 Specter
PA, for abstinence education
and related services.
Partners for Healthier 25,000 Specter
Tomorrows, Ephrata, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Pennsylvania Coalition Against 100,000 Specter
Domestic Violence, Harrisburg,
PA, for domestic violence
programs.
Positively Kids, Las Vegas, NV, 100,000 Reid
to create a program to provide
home, respite, and medical day
care for severely-disabled
children.
Progressive Believers Ministry, 30,000 Specter
Wynmoor, PA, for abstinence
education and related services.
Real Commitment, Gettysburg, 55,000 Specter
PA, for abstinence education
and related services.
School District of 45,000 Specter
Philadelphia, Philadelphia,
PA, for abstinence education
and related services.
Shepherd's Maternity House, 30,000 Specter
Inc., East Stroudsburg, PA,
for abstinence education and
related services.
Southend Community Services, 250,000 Dodd, Lieberman
Inc., Hartford, CT, for social
outreach services to
grandparents raising teenagers.
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit, 45,000 Specter
McVeytown, PA, for abstinence
education and related services.
Urban Family Council, 80,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Washington Hospital Teen 45,000 Specter
Outreach, Washington, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
Women's Care Center of Erie 45,000 Specter
County, Inc., Erie, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
York County Human Life 45,000 Specter
Services, York, PA, for
abstinence education and
related services.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Developmental Disabilities
The Committee recommends $190,836,000 for programs
administered by the Administration on Developmental
Disabilities. The recommendation is $20,001,000 above the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $20,000,000
above the budget request. Within the funds provided,
$174,116,000 is for carrying out the Developmental Disability
Act, and $16,720,000 is for carrying out the Help America Vote
Act of 2002.
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities [ADD]
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 provides funding for
election assistance for individuals with disabilities. This
program is for individuals with any type of disability.
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $77,271,000
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 services 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 $42,718,000 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.
The Committee recommends $16,720,000 for disabled voter
services. Of these funds, $11,390,000 is to promote disabled
voter access, and the remaining $5,330,000 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 grantees to
make polling places more accessible and increase participation
in the voting process of individuals with disabilities.
The Committee recommends $15,414,000 for projects of
national significance to assist persons with developmental
disabilities. This program funds grants and contracts that
develop new technologies and demonstrate innovative methods to
support the independence, productivity, and integration into
the community of persons with developmental disabilities.
The Committee has included $2,000,000 within its
recommendation for a National Clearinghouse and Technical
Assistance Center with local projects in as many States as
funds permit. This Center will promote leadership by families
of children with disabilities in the design and improvement of
family-centered and family-controlled systems of family support
services, as described in Section 202(b)(2) of the Families of
Children with Disabilities Support Act of 2000. The Committee
intends these funds to supplement, not supplant existing
funding for family support activities within the projects of
national significance account.
The Committee recommends $38,713,000 for the University
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities [UCEDDs],
a network of 67 centers that are interdisciplinary education,
research and public service units of a university system or are
public or nonprofit entities associated with universities. The
Centers serve as the major vehicle to translate disability-
related research into community practice and to train the next
cohort of future professionals who will provide services and
supports to an increasingly diverse population of people with
disabilities. The Committee recommendation provides an increase
of $5,501,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007 level,
which will fund the existing centers at their authorized level,
allow them to receive a mdoest cost of living adjustment and
support additional training for critical and emerging national
needs, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Native American Programs
The Committee recommends $49,332,000 for Native American
programs. This is $5,000,000 above the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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.
The Committee is aware that Native American languages are
in rapid decline in this country and that only 20 of the nearly
300 languages originally spoken in America are still being used
by Native youth today. The Esther Martinez Native American
Languages Preservation Act was passed by Congress last year for
the purpose of halting and reversing this alarming trend. In
addition to increasing language fluency, Native language
immersion programs have additional benefits: evidence suggests
they may decrease Native dropout rates and increase educational
attainment among Native youth. The Committee is extremely
supportive of this effort and has included $5,000,000 in its
recommendation to support Native language immersion and other
revitalization programs.
Community Services
The Committee recommends $735,281,000 for the community
services programs. The recommendation is $40,707,000 above the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $710,829,000
above the budget request.
Within the funds provided, the Committee recommends
$670,425,000 for the community services block grant [CSBG],
which is $40,000,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007
funding level. The administration did not request funding for
this program. 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.
Several other discretionary programs are funded from this
account. Funding for these programs is recommended at the
following levels for fiscal year 2008: community economic
development, $32,404,000; individual development accounts,
$24,452,000; and rural community facilities, $8,000,000.
The Committee is aware that the Government Accountability
Office [GAO] has found severe deficiencies in the Office of
Community Services' [OCS] oversight of the CSBG. A GAO review
found that OCS lost 2 year's worth of key documents relating to
State monitoring visits, sent monitoring teams without the
necessary financial expertise to States, and did not use
performance data or audit findings to target its monitoring
resources toward high risk States. The review also found that
training and technical assistance funds were used to support
Federal staff in OCS and that 60 percent of the funding was
used for a variety of grants unrelated to assisting local
agencies with problems. The GAO reported OCS has ignored the
Committee's direction from the fiscal year 2005 appropriations
conference report to implement a training and technical
assistance needs assessment and delivery plan in consultation
with CSBG State and local eligible entities.
The Committee believes the Secretary must make better use
of funds reserved for training and technical assistance by
ensuring that the funds are provided solely to State grantees,
local eligible entities, or their State, regional, and national
associations for the purpose of expanding their capacity to
achieve the purposes of the act effectively. While some share
of these resources should be available to assist State and
local agencies to correct deficiencies, the primary purpose of
such funding should be to build the organizational and
programmatic resources needed to reduce poverty and rebuild
communities. The Committee believes that this funding is not
intended for support of Federal administrative expenses.
The Committee directs that OCS report to the Committee the
results of training and technical activities at the end of each
grant period. Funding for fiscal year 2008 should support, but
not be limited to, a system for rating the quality and
effectiveness of training and technical assistance activities
and providers; a program of technical assistance for
establishing and assessing voluntary local agency benchmarks
for high performance; and a system for providing effective
responses to needs identified by monitoring or corrective
action plans.
Domestic Violence Hotline
The Committee recommends $3,200,000 for the national
domestic violence hotline. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 is $2,970,000, as is the budget request.
This activity 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 $127,000,000 for fiscal year 2008
for battered women's shelters program. This amount is
$2,269,000 above both the comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2007 and the budget request.
These funds 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 $49,493,000 for mentoring children
of prisoners, which is the same as the comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007. The administration requested $50,000,000
for this activity.
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 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 independent living
training vouchers, which is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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. In addition, only 50 percent will have
graduated from high school, whereas 52 percent will be
unemployed and 25 percent will be homeless for one or more
nights.
Abstinence Education
The Committee recommends $84,916,000 for community-based
abstinence education. This is $28,484,000 below the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 and $56,248,000 below the
administration request. The recommendation includes $4,500,000
in transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act.
The Committee notes that the Department's recent multi-
year, experimentally designed evaluation of abstinence-only
education programs funded under title V of the Social Security
Act found that they had no effect on the sexual abstinence of
youth. The Committee notes that community based abstinence
education programs have been required to share the same eight
statutory elements as programs funded under title V. In light
of this evaluation, the Committee has not provided funding for
the administration's proposed increase or for the national
abstinence media campaign. The Committee recommendation fully
funds current granteee continuation costs.
The Committee firmly supports the goal of delaying sexual
activity and preventing teen pregnancy among youth. However,
the Committee believes that the Department must encourage
further innovation in abstinence education programs in order to
develop effective, evidence-based interventions. Until
abstinence programs can demonstrate sizeable and lasting
impacts, the Committee does not believe that new funding is
warranted.
The Committee is disturbed by reports that grantee
materials in this program may not contain scientifically
accurate information. The Committee has included bill language
clarifying that funds provided under this program must be
scientifically accurate as required by Federal law.
Faith-Based Center
The Committee recommends $1,386,000 for the operation of
the Department's Center for Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives. This amount is the same as the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
Program Administration
The Committee recommends $197,225,000 for program
administration. This is $9,449,000 above the comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 and is the same as the budget
request.
The Committee recommendation includes an additional
$6,200,000 to expand the agency's improper payments activities
to establish error rates for the temporary assistance for needy
families [TANF] and child care programs, as well as for foster
care administrative costs. The Committee believes that the
agency's efforts to minimize improper payments are particularly
important given that the TANF and child care programs total
approximately $34,000,000,000 in Federal and State funds
annually. The Committee notes that previous ACF program
integrity efforts have achieved over $600,000,000 in savings in
Head Start and the foster care program.
PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $434,100,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 434,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 434,100,000
The Committee recommends $434,100,000 for promoting safe
and stable families, which is the same as the comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request. The
promoting safe and stable families program is comprised of
$345,000,000 in capped entitlement funds authorized by the
Social Security Act and $89,100,000 in discretionary
appropriations
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 program provides grants to States,
territories, and tribes for provision of four broad categories
of services to children and families: (1) family preservation
services; (2) time-limited family reunification services; (3)
community-based family support services; and (4) adoption
promotion and support services. The Child and Family Services
Improvement Act (Public Law 109-288) allocated $40,000,000 for
formula grants to States to support monthly caseworker visits
to children in foster care and for competitive grants to
regional partnerships to address child welfare issues raised by
parent or caretaker abuse of methamphetamine or other
substance.
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $4,912,000,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 5,067,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,067,000,000
The Committee recommends $5,067,000,000 for payments to
States for foster care and adoption assistance. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 is $4,912,000,000. In
addition, the Committee recommendation provides $1,776,000,000
for an advance appropriation for the first quarter of fiscal
year 2009. The Committee recommendation provides the full
amount requested under current law.
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;
administration and training costs to pay for the efficient
administration of the foster care program; and 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 and health services. 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, 2007.................................... $1,383,007,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,335,146,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,441,585,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,441,585,000
for aging programs. This amount is $58,578,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and $106,439,000 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 the same
as the comparable fiscal year 2007 level and 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, older
individuals with limited english proficiency, and older
individuals 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 the same as the comparable fiscal year 2007
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
$1,000,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007 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 the same as
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and $1,980,000 above the
administration request. Funds appropriated for this activity
establish a multifaceted support system in each State for
family caregivers. All States are expected to implement the
following five components into their program: information to
caregivers about available services; assistance to caregivers
in gaining access to services; caregiver counseling, training
and peer support; respite care to enable caregivers to be
temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities;
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
Administration on Aging [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 $6,428,000 to carry
out the Native American caregiver support program. This amount
is $187,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007 level and 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 $418,519,000 which is $19,600,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and $35,118,000 above the
administration request. For home-delivered meals, the Committee
recommends $197,805,000 which is $9,500,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level and $16,807,000 above the
administration request. These programs address the nutritional
needs 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 a minimum of one-third of
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 is aware that proper nutrition is essential
to the health and wellness of older Americans. A healthy diet
can prevent weakness and frailty, improve resistance to illness
and disease, and lead to better management of chronic health
problems. All of these in turn lead to greater independence and
quality of life for older persons.
The recent reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
recognized the important role that nutrition plays in promoting
the health and well-being of seniors. In addition to reducing
hunger and promoting socialization, the nutrition services
program was reauthorized with the purpose of assisting older
Americans in accessing nutrition and other disease promotion
services that can delay the onset of adverse health conditions.
The act also added greater emphasis on nutrition education,
nutrition counseling and other nutrition services.
Despite increased recognition of nutrition's importance to
the health and well-being of our seniors, the funding level for
the nutrition services program has stagnated in recent years,
while at the same time the population of older Americans
continues to increase. The Committee notes that the number of
meals provided under the nutrition services program has
declined by more than 8 percent from fiscal years 2000 to 2005.
The Committee is aware that flat funding, along with higher
food and transportation costs, has forced many programs to
implement waiting lists and consolidate meal sites in order to
cut costs. The Committee hopes that the funding increase
provided will help alleviate the fiscal strain affecting these
programs and will allow them to continue to provide meals
services that are essential to our seniors.
The Committee recognizes that the recent reauthorization of
the Older Americans Act (Public Law 109-365) continues to allow
States to transfer funds between title III-B, which funds
supportive services, and title III-C, which provides funding
for nutrition services. While such transfers have remained
relatively stable over time, amounting to approximately
$35,000,000 per year transferred from nutrition programs to
supportive services, the Committee is concerned by the decrease
of funds available for nutrition services. The Committee
believes that the specific funding increase provided for
nutrition services in this bill should be used to directly
support, facilitate, or foster nutrition programs, and should
not be transferred for non-nutrition-related supportive
services.
Nutrition Services Incentives Program
The Committee recommendation includes $157,246,000 for the
nutrition services incentives program [NSIP], $9,400,000 above
the comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level and $10,136,000
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 $27,834,000 for grants to Native
Americans, which is $1,700,000 above the comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level and 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.
Program Innovations
The Committee recommends $11,420,000 for program
innovations, which is $12,638,000 below above the comparable
fiscal year 2007 level and $24,065,000 below 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 has provided funding for the choices for
independence initiative in aging network support activities,
rather than in program innovations as proposed by the
administration.
Recognizing that Alzheimer's disease often causes patients
to exhibit unusual and unpredictable behavior, the AoA supports
a 24-hour call center to provide family caregivers with
professional care consultation and crisis intervention through
a national network of community-based organizations. The
Committee has provided $1,000,000 to continue this valuable
program.
The Committee continues to support funding at no less than
last year's level for national programs scheduled to be
refunded in fiscal year 2008 that address a variety of issues,
including elder abuse, Native American issues, and legal
services.
Vision Loss.--The Committee applauds the AoA and CMS' aging
and disability resource center [ADRC] program which supports
State efforts to develop one-stop shop programs at the
community level to provide information on the range of services
and options available to older Americans as well as streamlined
access to publicly funded benefits. The Committee supports the
inclusion of vision loss information among the array of
services offered by the ADRCs so that the needs of older
Americans with vision loss are addressed.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and the following amounts for fiscal year 2008:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging $200,000 Kohl
Groups, Madison, WI, to
conduct outreach and education
for law enforcement and
financial industry on
financial elder abuse.
Disability Rights Wisconsin, 185,000 Kohl
Madison, WI, for nursing home
support services.
Good Samaritan Village of 100,000 Hagel
Hastings, Sioux Falls, SD, for
the continuation of the Sensor
Technology Project for Senior
Independent Living and Home
Health.
Jewish Family & Child Services, 100,000 Smith
Portland, Oregon, for seniors
programs and services at a
Naturally Occurring Retirement
Community.
Jewish Family and Children's 100,000 Specter
Service of Greater
Philadelphia, PA, for
Naturally Occurring Retirement
Community.
Jewish Family Service of New 300,000 Domenici, Bingaman
Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, to
support a Naturally Occurring
Retirement Communities (NORC)
demonstration project.
Jewish Family Services of 200,000 Biden, Carper
Delaware, Wilmington, DE, for
a Naturally Occurring
Retirement Community.
Jewish Federation of Greater 100,000 Chambliss
Atlanta, GA, for a Naturally
Occurring Retirement Community.
Jewish Federation of Greater 750,000 Bayh, Lugar
Indianapolis, IN, for a
Naturally Occurring Retirement
Community.
Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, 500,000 Reid
NV, for the Las Vegas Senior
Lifeline Pro- gram.
Nevada Rural Counties RSVP, 100,000 Reid
Carson City, NV, to provide
home services to seniors in
rural areas.
UJA Federation of Northern New 200,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
Jersey, River Edge, NJ, for a
Naturally Occurring Retirement
Community.
United Jewish Federation of 100,000 Specter
Greater Pittsburgh, PA, for a
Naturally Occurring Retirement
Community.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aging Network Support Activities
The Committee recommends $42,651,000 for aging network
support activities, $29,518,000 above both the comparable
amount for fiscal year 2007 and the administration request. The
Committee recommendation includes funding at the administration
request level for the Eldercare Locator, which is a toll-free,
nationwide directory assistance service for older Americans and
their caregivers. Since 1991, the service has linked more than
700,000 callers to an extensive network of resources for aging
Americans and their caregivers.
The Committee recommendation includes $28,000,000 to begin
national implementation of the choices for independence
program. The Committee has provided funding for this program in
aging network support activities, as reflected in the
reauthorized Older Americans Act. The administration requested
these funds within the program innovations activity. The
choices for independence program will seek to establish long-
term care options for seniors so they can live independently in
their own communities. The program will continue and expand
existing AoA programs that focus on nursing home diversion,
aging and disability resource centers and evidence-based
disease prevention activities.
The Committee has included $1,000,000 within aging network
support activities for the establishment of a National Center
on Senior Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, which was included
in the reauthorization of the Older American Act. Studies show
that, even after decades of outreach efforts, large percentages
of older Americans who are eligible for important public
benefits are not receiving them. Officials estimate that up to
4.4 million low-income beneficiaries are eligible for, but not
receiving, low-income subsidies [LIS] under the Medicare Part D
prescription drug benefit. It is the Committee's intent that
this new Center would work closely with the aging network, as
well as state health insurance assistance programs [SHIPs], the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS], the Social
Security Administration [SSA] and other Federal agencies to
utilize cost-effective strategies to find and enroll those
seniors with greatest economic need. The Committee has also
included $500,000 in CMS and $1,000,000 in SSA for this
purpose.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,676,000 for the
pension counseling and information program. Regional pension
counseling projects provide hands-on personalized advice to
workers, retirees and their family members about employer
sponsored pension and retirement savings plan benefits, and
assistance in pursuing claims when problems arise. The program
has secured nearly $75,000,000 in benefits for the thousands of
clients it has served--a return on Federal investment of more
than five to one. Hundreds of thousands more have benefited
from the program's outreach and information efforts. The
Committee's recommendation includes funds to increase support
for the counseling projects and expand the number of regional
counseling projects from five to six.
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 $11,668,000 for
Alzheimer's disease demonstration grants to States, which is
the same as the comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level. The
administration proposed eliminating funding 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. In light of the
unique demands Alzheimer's disease places on families and
States, the Committee has provided sufficient funds to continue
this program at its current level.
Program Administration
The Committee recommends $18,696,000 for program
administration, which is $311,000 above the comparable fiscal
year 2007 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, 2007.................................... $356,238,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 392,556,000
Committee recommendation................................ 405,237,000
The Committee recommends $405,237,000 for general
departmental management [GDM]. This amount includes $4,000,000
for the Secretary's discretionary fund. 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 $46,756,000 in transfers available under
section 241 of the Public Health Service Act.
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 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 timeframe 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.
The Committee has included $30,000,000 for the
transformation of the Commissioned Corps. The Committee
commends the Secretary on his proposal to transform the Public
Health Service Commissioned Corps into a force that is ready to
respond to public health emergencies and looks forward to
working with him on this important initiative.
The Committee has also included $9,500,000 for the Latin
American health initiative which will focus on training health
care workers in Central and South America. The Committee has
held hearings on global health issues, drug-resistant
tuberculosis, and pandemic influenza and understands that
infectious diseases know no borders. While the United States
has provided strong financial support for the elimination of
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria across the world, the
Committee understands that these efforts cannot succeed without
a basic public health infrastructure in place. The Committee
believes that this health diplomacy initiative will address
that goal by giving local residents the training they need to
provide basic health care in Latin America.
Bill language is included to provide HHS the authority to
work with non governmental organizations in the provision of
medical services. Section 215 of the General Provisions is also
modified so that the State Department can provide the same
embassy personnel, space, and logistics services to the Health
Diplomacy Initiative that it provides to CDC.
The Committee has included $1,000,000 for the Secretary to
implement section 399CC of the Public Health Service Act (as
enacted in the Combating Autism Act, Public Law 109-416)
related to creation and administration of the Interagency
Autism Coordinating Committee.
The Committee recognizes the importance of rebuilding the
health care delivery system in Louisiana following hurricanes
Katrina and Rita in 2005 and encourages the Department of
Health and Human Services to work with the State of Louisiana
to rebuild a redesigned, properly funded health care system for
its citizens. Barriers to expanded access and choice to the
medically uninsured low-income population should be eliminated.
Recognizing the failings and poor health outcomes of the
State's two-tier delivery system, the Committee encourages HHS
to continue working with Louisiana on the development of a
waiver for more flexible use of Federal match DSH dollars to
ensure more expanded access to community and private providers
to the state's low-income population. To combat the growing
pandemic and public health emergency associated with HIV/AIDS,
the Committee urges the Department and NIH to review the range
of approaches available to addressing liability concerns for
the administration and clinical testing of an HIV/AIDS vaccine.
Preterm Birth.--The Committee has provided sufficient
funding to convene a Surgeon General's conference on preterm
birth and produce a report establishing a public-private agenda
to speed the identification of and treatments for the causes
and risk factors for preterm labor and delivery.
Food Allergies.--Approximately 2 million 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.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.--The Committee appreciates the
work of the Department's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory
Committee [CFSAC], especially the August 30, 2006 renewal of
its charter and the personal participation of the Assistant
Secretary for Health in recent meetings. The Committee
encourages the CFSAC to prioritize strategies to address the
low rate of diagnosis of CFS and lack of defined standards of
medical care for CFS patients and the stagnation in research
funding by CDC and NIH in spite of progress being demonstrated
in the field.
Sleep Disorders.--At NIH'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.
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 report
regarding progress made on this initiative.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and in the following amounts for fiscal year 2008:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Transportation $1,000,000 Harkin
Association of America,
Washington, DC, for TA to
human services transportation
providers on ADA requirements.
Palmer College on 400,000 Harkin
Chiropractice, Consortial
Center for Chiropractic
Research in Davenport, Iowa,
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 $30,307,000 for the Adolescent
Family Life Program [AFL], which is the same as the comparable
fiscal year 2007 level.
The AFL program funds demonstration projects that provide
services to pregnant and parenting adolescents, and prevention
projects which promote abstinence from sexual activity for
adolescents.
Minority Health
The Committee recommends $49,475,000 for the Office of
Minority Health, which is $3,980,000 below the comparable level
for fiscal year 2007.
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 initiatives,
including demonstration projects (the Minority Community Health
Partnership HIV/AIDS, the Bilingual/Bicultural Service, and the
Youth Empowerment Program) as well as the Center for Linguistic
and Cultural Competency in Health Care, and the Family and
Community Violence Prevention Program.
The Committee is encouraged by the progress the Office of
Minority Health is making in fiscal year 2007 on the multi-year
effort to address health disparities issues in the gulf coast
region, and looks forward to further progress in this area in
fiscal year 2008.
The Committee continues to support cooperative partnerships
between OMH and our Nation's historically black medical schools
to impact ongoing opportunities and challenges in health
disparities and training which these institutions are uniquely
positioned to address.
The Committee includes the following projects and
activities and in the following amounts for fiscal year 2008:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saint Francis Hospital, $700,000 Biden, Carper
Wilmington, DE, to expand
prenatal, maternity,
pediatric, and other primary
care services to indigent
populations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office on Women's Health
The Committee recommends $30,369,000 for the Office on
Women's Health. This is $3,000,000 above the comparable level
for fiscal year 2007.
The 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 understands 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 an estimated one to two million
individuals. The Committee further understands that public and
health professional recognition and understanding of lupus is
extremely low, contributing to misdiagnoses or late diagnoses
that can result in disability or death. The Committee has
included sufficient funds for the Office of Women's Health to
work with the advocacy community to develop and implement a
sustained lupus awareness and education campaign aimed at
reaching health care professionals and the general public, with
an emphasis on reaching women at greatest risk for developing
lupus.
The Committee has included $1,000,000 for a study by the
Institute of Medicine which would comprehensively review the
status of women's health research, summarize what we have
learned about the how diseases specifically effect woman, and
report back to Congress suggestions for the direction of future
research.
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 the same as
the fiscal year 2007 level. 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 $5,941,000 for the
Secretary's Afghanistan health initiative. 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 Donation and Adoption
The Committee continues to believe that increasing public
awareness of embryo donation and adoption remains an important
goal. The Committee has provided $4,000,000 for the
Department's embryo donation and adoption awareness activities,
which is $2,020,000 more than the comparable fiscal year 2007
funding level. The Committee notes that the costs associated
with embryo adoption may be hindering people from participating
in embryo adoption. The Committee is aware that the medical
procedures involved can be expensive and are not always
successful. To address these challenges, the Committee has
included bill language allowing funds appropriated for embryo
adoption activities to be available to pay medical and
administrative costs deemed necessary to facilitate embryo
donations and adoptions.
OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $59,727,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 70,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,000,000
The Committee provides $70,000,000 for the Office of
Medicare Hearings and Appeals, which is $10,273,000 above the
comparable fiscal year 2007 level.
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.
This office began to process Medicare appeals in 2005. Prior to
that time, appeals had 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, 2007.................................... $61,302,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 117,872,000
Committee recommendation................................ 71,000,000
The Committee provides $71,000,000 to the Office of the
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology [ONC].
This amount is $9,698,000 above the comparable fiscal year 2007
level. The Committee recommendation includes $28,000,000 in
transfers available under section 241 of the Public Health
Service Act.
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.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $215,378,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 241,105,000
Committee recommendation................................ 242,105,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $242,105,000
for the Office of Inspector General [OIG]. which is $1,000,000
above 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 are $196,418,000
in fiscal year 2008.
The Office of Inspector General conducts audits,
investigations, and evaluations, of the programs administered
by the Department of Health and Human Services Operating and
Staff Divisions, including the recipients of HHS's grant and
contract funds. In doing so, the OIG addresses issues of waste,
fraud, and abuse and makes recommendations to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs and operations.
As part of its emphasis on fraud and abuse activities, the
Committee has increased funding for the OIG over the budget
request. This office's oversight of HHS health care programs
from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2006 resulted in a return
on investment of approximately $12 for every $1 spent on IG
activities, with total expected recoveries reaching
$2,700,000,000.
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $34,909,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 37,062,000
Committee recommendation................................ 37,062,000
The Committee recommends $37,062,000 for the Office for
Civil Rights [OCR], which is the same as the Administration's
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.
RETIREMENT PAY AND MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $370,698,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 402,542,000
Committee recommendation................................ 402,542,000
The Committee provides an estimated $402,542,000 for
retirement pay and medical benefits for commissioned officers
of the U.S. Public Health Service, the same as the
administration request.
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, 2007.................................... $717,320,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,753,737,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,699,556,000
The Committee provides $1,699,556,000 to the Public Health
and Social Services Emergency Fund. The Pandemic Preparedness
and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, enacted into law in December,
2006, created the new position of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response.
This appropriation supports the activities of the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and other
activities within the Office of the Secretary to prepare for
the health consequences of bioterrorism and other public health
emergencies, including pandemic influenza and to support the
Department's cyber-security efforts.
Hospital Preparedness
The Committee's recommendation includes $438,843,000 for
hospital preparedness grants, a decrease of $35,151,000 below
the comparable fiscal year 2007 level. This program was
transferred from the Health Resources Services Administration
in 2007.
The Committee's recommendation includes $25,000,000 to
continue the state-of-the-art mass casualty emergency care
demonstration proposed in the Hospital Preparedness fiscal year
2007 budget request and funded in the fiscal year 2007 joint
funding resolution.
The Committee believes that progress has been made in
improving the preparedness of the Nation's trauma centers to
address the consequences of a possible future terrorist attack
or natural disaster, but that a greater level of preparedness
must be achieved. The recently-enacted Pandemic and All Hazards
Preparedness Act recognized the importance of increasing the
response capabilities of the nation's trauma centers.
Consistent with this, the Committee urges the Secretary to
emphasize improvements in this area.
According to a September 2006, report entitled ``U.S.
Trauma Center Preparedness for a Terrorist Attack'' (funded by
the Centers for Disease Control), an assessment of 175 trauma
centers found an overall preparedness level of 74 percent. The
report found that Level I trauma centers were more likely to
score above average in preparedness than Level II centers, that
preparedness (and supporting funding) correlated well with
proximity to large numbers of hazardous sites (especially sites
that could trigger mass decontamination requirements), and that
funding through the National Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness
Program had resulted in high levels of emergency planning
preparedness. However, the report also found significant
variations in decontamination and surge capacity, often
inadequate planning and preparation for prolonged operations in
a ``siege'' environment, the absence of health care resource
capacity monitoring, the absence of adequate preparedness for
special needs populations, and the need for broader
implementation of mutual aid agreements [MAAs) to include cross
credentialing.
The Committee strongly urges the Secretary to review these
recommendations and to incorporate them into the Hospital
Preparedness Cooperative Agreement Grants Program, including
through providing support for local partnerships.
Advanced Research and Development
The Committee recommendation includes $159,000,000 for
advanced research and development, an increase of $60,000,000
over the fiscal year 2007 level.
Other Preparedness and Response Activities
The Committee recommendation includes $158,713,000 for
other preparedness and response activities within the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Resources and Technology,
and the Office of Public Health and Science, and the Office of
the Secretary.
Within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response, those activities include:
--$53,000,000 for the national disaster medical systems, the
same level as the request. This activity was funded by
the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year
2007.
--$22,363,000 for BioShield management, the same level as the
request. This activity was funded in fiscal year 2007
by CDC under the appropriation for the strategic
national stockpile.
--$6,000,000 for the emergency systems for advance
registration of volunteer health professionals. This
program was transferred from the Health Resources
Services Administration in 2007.
The Committee recommendation includes $9,482,000 for the
Office of the Chief Information officer for information
technology cyber-security, the same as the fiscal year 2007
level.
The Committee recommendation includes $14,113,000 for the
medical reserve corps program, which is $1,000,000 less than
the request.
The Committee realizes that managing a possible a multi-
pronged strategy involving the procurement of vaccines,
antibiotics, and post-exposure prophylaxis/therapies. HHS has a
goal to procure enough vaccine to inoculate 25 million people
and up to 200,000 anthrax therapies. To date, however, HHS has
stockpiled 10 million doses of existing vaccine and 30,000
anthrax treatments. The Committee requests that the Department
report to the Committee on their plans to protect the country
in the case of an anthrax attack.
Health Care Credentialing
The Committee recommendation includes $3,300,000 for
Healthcare provider Credentialing and Security and improvement
activities within the Office of the Secretary.
World Trade Center
The Committee recognizes the importance of addressing the
short and long-term health needs of those individuals that were
exposed to the environmental hazards released as a result of
the September 11, 2001 attacks upon the World Trade Center, and
affirms the commitment of the Federal Government to provide
assistance to those whose physical and mental health was
adversely impacted as a result of this exposure.
The Committee has provided $55,000,000 for treatment,
screening, and monitoring activities and has provided bill
language which directs the Secretary to transfer these funds to
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The
Committee intends that the NIOSH not only fund existing
grantees but to also to provide funding to entities that would
provide services to building and construction trade workers,
residents, office and commercial workers, volunteers, students,
and other individuals that were exposed to the environmental
hazards released as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks
upon the World Trade Center
More than 5 years after the attacks, persistent health
effects have been documented among residents, rescue and
recovery workers, such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, and
gastrointestinal conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder
[PTSD], anxiety, depression, and other health effects have also
been diagnosed among many of those that have been exposed. The
Committee encourages the development of a long-term,
comprehensive solution to screen and monitor all individuals
who were exposed to the environmental hazards at the World
Trade Center [WTC] site following the terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001 and provide comprehensive medical services
for those experiencing illnesses or injuries as a result of
these exposures.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
The Committee recommendation includes $888,000,000 for
pandemic influenza preparedness activities. Of this amount,
$652,000,000, to be available until expended, is for activities
including purchase of pre-pandemic vaccine for stockpiling,
vaccine development, the purchase of antivirals and the
research and development of diagnostic tests.
The Committee has led efforts to provide funding for
pandemic flu preparedness and remains committed to preparing
the Nation for the next pandemic. The Committee has provided
$652,000,000 of the $870,000,000 requested for non-recurring
pandemic influenza activities. This amount is based on two
factors: (1) the $5,620,000,000 thus far appropriated for these
activities was done so with maximum flexibility to allow
modifications to plans as technologies evolve and the pattern
of avian flu spread becomes more apparent and (2) over
$2,600,000,000 of the funds thus far appropriated remain
unobligated.
The Committee is aware of the Department's spending plans
and does not intend to imply that the remaining balances are
indicative of poor performance. However, given the remaining
funds and attached flexibility, the case for providing these
additional dollars in a regular appropriations bill is not
strong. The funds provided by the Committee will ensure that
the next steps in the Department's plan can be taken without
impediment while ensuring adequate oversight by the Congress.
The Committee requests monthly reports updating the status of
actions taken and funds obligated.
The Committee has not specified how these no-year funds are
to be used, and is broadly supportive of plans for vaccine
development and purchase, antiviral procurement, and research
and development of diagnostics. However, the Committee
encourages HHS to identify new technologies that might have the
potential to greatly enhance our response to a pandemic, and to
be open to using the provided flexibility to make strategic
investments in these potentially paradigm shifting
technologies. Examples made known to the Committee include
universal vaccines and passive immunotherapy. The Committee
continues to support progress being made in influenza and
pandemic viral vaccine selection and development. The Committee
is aware of new technologies for rapid in vitro high throughput
immune response assessment that could accelerate vaccine
protection against influenza and pandemic viruses and
monitoring of vaccine efficacy, storage and distribution. The
Committee encourages the Department and CDC to consider
supporting the development of such technology.
Also within this amount, $78,000,000 is for ongoing
activities within the department including $4,000,000 for
communication activities, $35,000,000 for pandemic preparedness
and planning, $15,000,000 for international activities,
$15,000,000 for the advanced development of rapid tests and
$9,000,000 for management and administration.
And also within this amount, $158,000,000 is to be
transferred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
within 30 days of enactment for ongoing pandemic influenza
activities, including $10,000,000 for quarantine stations;
$4,000,000 for human-animal interface studies; $48,000,000 for
international surveillance, diagnosis, and epidemic
investigations; $18,000,000 for rapid outbreak response in 15
targeted countries; $20,000,000 for a library of pandemic
reference strains; $15,000,000 for a diagnostic reagent
stockpile; $10,000,000 for real-time assessment and evaluation
of interventions; $15,000,000 for the development of a vaccine
registry to monitor vaccine use and distribution; and
$20,000,000 to fund States to increase annual influenza vaccine
demand.
The Committee strongly encourages HHS and CDC to support
public and professional education, media awareness and outreach
programs, and pandemic influenza risk communication. These
activities would increase seasonal vaccination rates, thereby
lowering influenza-related deaths and hospitalizations. The
Committee strongly encourages CDC and HHS to aggressively
implement initiatives for increasing influenza vaccine demand
to match the increased domestic vaccine production and supply
resulting from pandemic preparedness funding. Developing a
sustainable business model for vaccine production will go a
long way toward making vaccine available when needed.
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 health
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 modifies language pertaining
to use of the Centers for Disease Control aircraft (sec. 220).
The Committee includes a provision pertaining to a new
mandatory ``public access'' policy at the National Institutes
of Health (sec. 221).
The Committee includes a provision which authorizes funding
for the Delta Health Alliance (sec. 222).
The Committee recommendation includes a provision
permitting the National Institutes of Health to use up to
$2,500,000 per project for improvements and repairs of
facilities (sec. 223).
The Committee recommendation includes a provision that
transfers funds from NIH to HRSA and AHRQ, to be used for
National Research Service Awards (sec. 224).
TITLE III
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Education for the Disadvantaged
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $14,725,593,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 16,689,090,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,867,778,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$15,867,778,000 for education for the disadvantaged. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was
$14,725,593,000 and the budget request includes $16,689,090,000
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.
Funds appropriated in this account primarily support
activities in the 2008-2009 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 about 18 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. States must distribute 95 percent of
these reserved funds to local educational agencies for schools
identified for improvement, corrective action, or
restructuring. 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.
Of the funds available for title I grants to LEAs, up to
$4,000,000 shall be available on October 1, 2007, not less than
$5,038,599,000 will become available on July 1, 2008, and
$8,867,301,000 will become available on October 1, 2008. The
funds that become available on July 1, 2008, and October 1,
2008, will remain available for obligation until September 30,
2009.
Title I grants are distributed through four formulas:
basic, concentration, targeted, and education finance incentive
grant [EFIG].
Overall, the Committee recommends $13,909,900,000, the same
as the budget request, for title I grants. The fiscal year 2007
appropriated level was $12,838,125,000. As in past years, the
Committee divided the increase over fiscal year 2007 equally
between the targeted and EFIG formulas, both of which direct a
higher share of funds to poorer students than the basic and
concentration formulas do. The budget request allocates all of
the increase over fiscal year 2007 into the targeted account.
For title I basic grants, including up to $4,000,000
transferred to the Census Bureau for poverty updates, the
Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,808,407,000. The
comparable funding levels for basic grants for fiscal year 2007
and the budget request are both $6,808,408,000. 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 same as the comparable
funding levels for fiscal year 2007 and the budget request.
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 $2,868,231,000. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $2,332,343,000 and the
budget request is $3,466,618,000.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,868,231,000
to be allocated through the EFIG formula. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $2,332,343,000 and the
budget request is $2,269,843,000. The EFIG funding stream is
allocated using State-level equity and effort factors that are
intended to encourage States to improve the equity of their
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
2007 was $82,283,000. 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 $500,000,000, the
same as the budget request, for the school improvement grants
program. This program was funded for the first time in fiscal
year 2007, at $125,000,000. 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 requests that the fiscal year 2009
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.
Reading First State Grants
The Committee recommends $800,000,000 for the Reading First
State Grants program. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2007 was $1,029,234,000. The budget request is
$1,018,692,000.
Reading First is a comprehensive effort to provide States
and LEAs with funds to implement comprehensive reading
instruction for children in grades K-3, to help ensure that
every child can read by the end of third grade.
The funding cut recommended by the Committee is in direct
response to the Education Department's egregious mismanagement
of the program, as described in six reports by the Inspector
General, numerous media accounts and congressional hearings.
The Committee notes that Reading First was long touted by the
administration as a model education program that awarded grants
solely on the basis of solid scientific research and
effectiveness. The Committee responded by providing more than
$5,000,000,000 for the program over the past 5 years, as the
administration requested.
Regrettably, it became clear that the Department and its
contractors frequently ignored evidence of effectiveness while
promoting certain programs that were favored by a few key
individuals, some of whom had a financial interest in the
programs' success. In addition, Department officials flouted
the No Child Left Behind Act by interfering in State and local
decisions regarding the selection of reading curricula. The
Committee appreciates the Department's expressed willingness to
correct its mistakes and restore the public's trust in its
ability to administer Reading First. In the meantime, however,
the Committee does not believe it would be appropriate to
maintain funding for the program at its current level.
Early Reading First
The Committee recommends $117,666,000, the same as the
budget request and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the
Early Reading First program.
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.
Striving Readers
The Committee recommends $36,000,000 for the Striving
Readers initiative. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding
level was $31,870,000 and the budget request is $100,000,000.
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.
Math Now
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the proposed Math Now for Elementary School Students or
Math Now for Middle School Students initiatives. The budget
request for each program is $125,000,000. The purpose of both
programs is to raise student achievement in math. The Committee
notes that it already funds the mathematics and science
partnerships program, and is recommending a small increase for
it.
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
The Committee recommends $23,000,000 for the Improving
Literacy Through School Libraries program. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $19,485,000, the same amount as the budget
request.
This program provides funds for urgently needed, up-to-date
school library books and training for school library media
specialists. 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.
Promise Scholarships
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the proposed Promise Scholarships program. The budget
request is $250,000,000. This program would provide students
from low-income families who are enrolled in persistently low-
performing schools with scholarships that they can use to pay
tuition, fees and other costs to attend private or out-of-
district schools, or to purchase supplemental educational
services.
Opportunity Scholarships
The Committee recommendation does not include any funding
for the proposed Opportunity Scholarships program. The budget
request is $50,000,000. This program would provide competitive
grants to enable students from low-income households who attend
a school identified for improvement, corrective action or
restructuring under the No Child Left Behind Act to attend
private or out-of-district schools, or to purchase supplemental
educational services.
Migrant Education Program
The Committee recommends $386,524,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the migrant education
program. The budget request is $380,295,000.
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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request, for the
title I neglected and delinquent program.
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.
Evaluation
The Committee recommends $9,330,000, the same as the fiscal
year 2007 appropriation, for evaluation of title I programs.
The budget request is $9,327,000.
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 includes $1,634,000 for the comprehensive
school reform demonstration program. The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 was $2,352,000. The budget request
did not include any funds for this program. The Committee
recommendation is sufficient to pay the continuation costs of
the Comprehensive School Reform Clearinghouse.
High School Equivalency Program
The Committee recommends $18,550,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget request, for the
high school equivalency program [HEP].
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.
College Assistance Migrant Program
For the College Assistance Migrant Program [CAMP], the
Committee recommends $15,377,000, the same amount as the fiscal
year 2007 appropriation 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, 2007.................................... $1,228,453,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,228,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,248,453,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,248,453,000
for impact aid. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2007 was $1,228,453,000, and the budget request is
$1,228,100,000.
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 retains 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.
Basic Support Payments.--The Committee recommends
$1,111,867,000 for basic support payments. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $1,091,867,000, the same
as the budget request. 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, the same as the budget request and
the fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for payments for children
with disabilities. 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, the same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for
facilities maintenance. The budget request is $4,597,000. 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, the
same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget
request, for this program. 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 and 2007 appropriations 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, the same as the budget request and the fiscal year
2007 appropriation, for this activity. 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, 2007.................................... $5,255,478,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 4,698,276,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,198,525,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,198,525,000
for school improvement programs. The comparable funding level
in fiscal year 2007 was $5,255,478,000, and the budget request
is $4,698,276,000.
State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality
The Committee recommends $2,887,439,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for State grants for improving
teacher quality. The budget request is $2,787,488,000.
The appropriation for this program primarily supports
activities associated with the 2008-2009 academic year. Of the
funds provided, $1,452,439,000 will become available on July 1,
2008, and $1,435,000,000 will become available on October 1,
2008. These funds will remain available for obligation until
September 30, 2009.
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 $14,550,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, to support professional
development activities for early childhood educators and
caregivers in high-poverty communities. The budget did not
request any funds 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 $184,000,000 for the mathematics
and science partnerships program. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $182,160,000, and the budget request is
$182,124,000. 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. Neither does the
budget request. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2007 was $99,000,000.
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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for educational technology
State grants. 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 Committee bill includes
language allowing States to award up to 100 percent of their
funds competitively.
Supplemental Education Grants
The Committee recommendation includes $18,001,000, the same
as the budget request and the fiscal year 2007 appropriation,
for supplemental education grants to the Republic of Marshall
Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. This grant
program was authorized by the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003. 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 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 $1,000,000,000
for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The
fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $981,166,000, and the budget
request is $981,180,000.
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 $416,000,000 for State assessments
and enhanced assessment instruments. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $407,563,000, and the budget request was
$411,630,000.
This program has two components. The first provides formula
grants to States to pay the cost of developing standards and
assessments required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Under the second component--grants for enhanced assessment
instruments--appropriations in excess of the ``trigger level''
(which is $400,000,000 in fiscal year 2008) 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 $16,000,000, compared with the fiscal year 2007
appropriation of $7,563,000. The Committee recommends increased
funding for this activity as part of its initiative to improve
the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act.
The Committee continues to be concerned that many schools
are unable to properly assess the performance of limited-
English proficient students and students with disabilities. 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 $7,596,000, the same as the fiscal
year 2007 appropriation, for the Javits Gifted and Talented
Students Education Program. The budget requests no 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.
Foreign Language Assistance
The Committee recommends $26,780,000 for the foreign
language assistance program. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 was $23,780,000. The budget request is
$23,755,000.
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.
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 $66,878,000. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $61,871,000, and the budget request is
$61,878,000.
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.
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 same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget
request.
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 $34,500,000 (Funding for this program was
requested by Senators Inouye and Akaka). The comparable fiscal
year 2007 funding level was $33,907,000. The budget request
does not include any funding for this purpose.
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.
The Committee bill includes also 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, for the
Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence. This
repository houses a compilation of historical and cultural
documents that facilitates preservation and examination of laws
of great significance to Native Hawaiians.
The Committee also recommends support of projects that
promote 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 $34,500,000 for the Alaska Native
educational equity assistance program (Funding for this program
was requested by Senator Stevens). The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level was $33,907,000. The budget request did not
include any funds 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. 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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for rural education programs.
The budget request is $168,851,000.
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 $60,000,000 for the comprehensive
centers program. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$56,257,000, and the budget request is $56,256,000.
These funds provide continued support to a network of 21
comprehensive centers, at least one of which will operate in
each of the 10 geographic regions of the United States served
by the regional educational laboratories. The centers are
operated by research organizations, agencies, institutions of
higher education or partnerships thereof, and provide training
and technical assistance on various issues to States, LEAs, and
schools as identified through needs assessments undertaken in
each region.
The system includes 16 regional centers that are charged
with providing 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 recommends increased funding for the centers
as part of its initiative to improve the implementation of the
No Child Left Behind Act..
Indian Education
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $118,690,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 118,683,000
Committee recommendation................................ 118,690,000
The Committee recommends $118,690,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for Indian Education programs.
The budget request is $118,683,000.
Grants to Local Education Agencies
For grants to local educational agencies, the Committee
recommends $95,331,000, the same as the fiscal year 2007
funding level and the budget request.
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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget request, for
special programs for Indian children.
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, the same as the fiscal
year 2007 appropriation, for national activities. The budget
request is $3,953,000. 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, 2007.................................... $837,686,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 922,018,000
Committee recommendation................................ 962,889,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $962,889,000
for programs within the innovation and improvement account. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level for these programs
was $837,686,000 and the budget request is $922,018,000.
Troops-to-Teachers
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,645,000,
the same as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and the budget
request, to support the Defense Department's Troops-to-Teachers
program.
This program 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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the transition to teaching
program. The budget request is $44,482,000.
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 $24,000,000 for the National
Writing Project (Funding for this program was requested by
Senators Cochran, Durbin, Feinstein, Landrieu, Leahy, Mikulski,
Reed, Akaka, Baucus, Bayh, Biden, Bingaman, Boxer, Brown,
Bunning, Cardin, Casey, Clinton, Coleman, Collins, Conrad,
Crapo, Dodd, Grassley, Kennedy, Kerry, Klobuchar, Levin,
Lieberman, Lincoln, Lott, Lugar, Menendez, Obama, Pryor, Reid,
Salazar, Sanders, Schumer, Smith, Snowe, Stabenow, Tester,
Whitehouse and Wyden). The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2007 was $21,532,000. 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 $120,000,000 for the teaching of
traditional American history program. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 funding level was $119,790,000, and the budget
request was $50,000,000. 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 Committee bill retains language that allows the
Department to reserve up to 3 percent of funds appropriated for
this program for national activities.
School Leadership
The Committee recommends $14,731,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the school leadership
program. The budget request proposes to eliminate funding for
this program. The 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 $9,821,000 for the advanced
credentialing program (Funding for this program was requested
by Senators Cochran and Harkin). The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level was $16,695,000. The budget request proposes
to eliminate funds for this program.
The Committee includes bill language directing all of the
funding for this program to the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards [NBPTS]. 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.
No funding is included for the American Board for the
Certification of Teacher Excellence [ABCTE]; the 5-year grant
for the ABCTE ended in fiscal year 2007. The Committee
recommendation is sufficient to continue funding for the NBPTS
at the level it received in fiscal year 2007.
Charter Schools Grants
The Committee recommends $214,783,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the support of charter
schools. The budget request is $214,782,000.
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 shall 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, $14,783,000 will be available to
continue support for per-pupil facilities aid grants.
Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities
The Committee does not recommend any funding for this
program. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was
$36,611,000, the same as the budget request. The Committee
notes that the authorization for this program expired in fiscal
year 2005.
This program provides assistance to help charter schools
meet their facility needs. Funds are provided on a competitive
basis to public and nonprofit entities, 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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the voluntary public school
choice program. The budget request is $26,275,000.
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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the magnet schools
assistance program. The budget request is $106,685,000.
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, and the purchase of
computers and other educational materials and equipment.
Fund for the Improvement of Education
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $218,699,000
for the Fund for the Improvement of Education [FIE]. The fiscal
year 2007 appropriation was $158,510,000, and the budget
request was $58,108,000.
For programs of national significance authorized under
section 5411 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
[ESEA], the Committee recommendation includes $700,000, the
same as the budget request, 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 includes $12,000,000 for Teach
for America. It also includes resources for the following
activities: Reach Out and Read; evaluation and data quality
initiatives; peer review; and other grant activities authorized
under section 5411 of the ESEA.
The budget request also proposed funding the Language
Teacher Corps and the Teacher to Teacher initiative. The
Committee recommendation does not include funding for these
activities.
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 $26,043,000, an increase of
$1,000,000 over the budget request and the fiscal year 2007
appropriation, to award a contract to Reading Is Fundamental
Inc. [RIF] to provide reading-motivation activities. RIF, a
private nonprofit organization, helps prepare young children
and motivate older children to read, through activities
including the distribution of books.
The administration recommended eliminating funding for
activities listed below.
The Committee recommends no funding for the Star Schools
program. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was $11,513,000.
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 $10,890,000, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for the Ready to Teach program.
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 recommends $9,000,000 for the Education
through Cultural and Historical Organizations [ECHO] Act of
2001 (Funding for this program was requested by Senators
Cochran, Inouye, Stevens, and Kennedy). The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $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 $36,277,000 for arts in
education (Funding for this program was requested by Senators
Cochran, Bingaman, and Kennedy). The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007 was $35,277,000. Within the total,
$6,305,310 is for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts; $8,365,600 is for VSA arts; $13,258,080 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; $7,856,640 is for grants for professional
development for music, dance, drama, and visual arts educators
to be administered by the U.S. Department of Education;
$491,040 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; and $500,000 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 2008-2009 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, the same as the
fiscal year 2007 appropriation, 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 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 2007 was $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 $1,879,000, the same as the fiscal
year 2007 appropriation, for the women's educational equity
program. This program supports projects that assist in the
local implementation of gender equity policies and practices.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,473,000, the same
as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation, for activities
authorized by the Excellence in Economics Education Act. 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 $1,980,000, the same
as the fiscal year 2007 appropriation, to carry out the
American History and Civics Education Act of 2004. 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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action for Bridgeport Community $500,000 Lieberman, Dodd
Development, Bridgeport, CT,
to expand and evaluate the
Total Learning model in
Bridgeport schools.
Alaska Department of Education 300,000 Stevens, Murkowski
and Early Development, Juneau,
AK, for Big Brothers/Big
Sisters statewide, in
partnership with Alaska Dept.
of Education, Boys and Girls
Club, and Cook Inlet Tribal
Council for a comprehensive
mentoring program in Alaska.
Alaska Dept. of Education and 1,250,000 Stevens
Early Development, Juneau, AK,
for the Alaska statewide
mentor project.
Alaska Sealife Center, Seward, 250,000 Stevens
AK, for a marine ecosystems
education pro- gram.
Allied Services Foundation, 75,000 Specter, Casey
Clarks Summit, PA, for
dyslexia education programs at
the Allied Services dePaul
School.
American Foundation for Negro 100,000 Specter
Affairs National Education and
Research Fund, Philadelphia,
PA, to raise the achievement
level of minority students and
increase minority access to
higher education.
Anchorage's Promise, Anchorage, 100,000 Stevens
AK, to implement America's
Promise child mentoring and
support program in Anchorage.
ASPIRA Inc. of New Jersey, 100,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
Newark, NJ, to provide
academic assistance and
leadership development.
AVANCE, Inc., San Antonio, 250,000 Cornyn
Texas, for training and
curriculum development for a
parent-child educational
program.
Barnstable, MA, for the 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
development of programs and
procurement of educational
equipment at a youth and
community center.
Beaver County, Beaver County, 75,000 Specter
PA, to implement educational
programming for K-12 students,
including safe and appropriate
use of the Internet.
Berkeley Unified School 100,000 Boxer
District, Berkeley, CA, for a
nutrition education program.
Berks County Intermediate Unit, 100,000 Specter
Reading, PA, for music
education programs.
Best Buddies International, 250,000 Harkin
Inc., Miami, FL, to enhance
the lives of people with
mental retardation by
providing opportunities for
one-to-one friendships and
integrated employment.
Best Buddies, Miami, FL, to 200,000 Reid
develop a Nevada site for Best
Buddies.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of 600,000 Specter
Southeastern Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, for
recruitment, placement, and
oversight of school-based
mentoring programs.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater 300,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, to
expand an early literacy
program for children in
Milwaukee.
Brigham City, Brigham City, 50,000 Hatch
Utah, for acquisition of
equipment for a distance
learning program.
Brooklyn Public Library, 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
Brooklyn, NY, for the Learning
Centers.
Carnegie Hall, NY, NY, for the 250,000 Clinton, Schumer
National Music Education
Programs.
Cedar Rapids Symphony 400,000 Harkin
Orchestra, Cedar Rapids, IA,
to support the Residency
program.
Center for Advancing 75,000 Specter
Partnerships in Education,
Allentown, PA, to develop a
foreign language distance
learning program and for
teacher training.
Charter School Development 500,000 Reid
Fund, Las Vegas, NV, to
integrate technology into the
curriculum at a charter school
in Las Vegas.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 500,000 Cardin, Casey, Warner,
Annapolis, MD, to provide Webb
teacher training, student
education and field
experiences in the Chesapeake
Bay.
Chester County Intermediate 75,000 Specter
Unit, Dowingtown, PA, for a
vocational technical education
program.
Child and Family Network 150,000 Warner, Webb
Centers, Virginia, Alexandria,
VA, for education services for
at-risk youth.
Children Uniting Nations, Los 200,000 Feinstein
Angeles, CA, for foster child
mentoring program in Los
Angeles.
ChildSight New Mexico, Gallup, 50,000 Domenici
NM, for a vision screening and
eye glass program for children.
City Year New Hampshire, 150,000 Gregg
Stratham, NH, for expansion of
an afterschool program for the
Young Heroes Program.
Clark County School District, 250,000 Reid
Las Vegas, NV, to create an
Education Executive Leadership
program.
Clark County School District, 250,000 Reid
Las Vegas, NV, to expand the
Newcomer Academy within Del
Sol High School.
Clay County School system, WV, 200,000 Byrd
for the continuation and
expansion of Skills West
Virginia programs in counties
around West Virginia.
Communities in Schools of 100,000 Chambliss
Georgia, Atlanta, GA, for
mentoring programs.
Community Empowerment 75,000 Specter
Association, Inc., Pittsburgh,
PA, for a truancy reduction
initiative.
Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Inc., Philadelphia, PA, for a
career education and
preparation initiative for at-
risk youth.
Council Bluffs Early Learning 500,000 Harkin
Resource Center, Council
Bluffs, IA, for the FAMILY
program.
Creative Visions in Des Moines, 150,000 Harkin
IA, for outreach to at-risk
youth.
Cristo Rey High School, 400,000 Durbin
Chicago, IL, to improve
technologies for the school's
library and technology center.
Cumberland, RI, for afterschool 500,000 Reed
programs and activities.
Delaware Department of 250,000 Carper, Biden
Education, Dover, DE, for the
Vision Network of Schools and
Districts.
Delta Arts Alliance, Cleveland, 100,000 Cochran
MS, for in-school and after
school arts education programs.
Des Moines Community School 350,000 Harkin
District and Urban Dreams, Des
Moines, IA, to continue a
demonstration on full service
community schools.
Des Moines Community School 750,000 Harkin
District, IA, to expand pre-
kindergarten programs.
Detroit Area Pre-College 200,000 Levin, Stabenow
Engineering Program, Detroit,
MI, for student tracking and
curriculum development.
Early Childhood and Family 500,000 Landrieu
Learning Center Foundation,
New Orleans, LA, to establish
a comprehensive early
childhood center.
East Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, 100,000 Boxer
CA, to provide afterschool
learning and enrichment
activities for the students of
East Palo Alto.
East Saint Louis High School, 600,000 Durbin
East Saint Louis, IL, to
upgrade the school's
technology and sciences
programs.
ECHO Center, Burlington, VT, to 100,000 Leahy
enhance educational
opportunities for students
regarding the Lake Champlain
Quadracentennial.
Educating Young Minds, Los 100,000 Feinstein
Angeles, CA, for educational
programs.
Eisenhower Foundation, 700,000 Harkin
Washington, DC, to replicate
the Delaney Street project in
Iowa.
Esmeralda County School 100,000 Reid
District, Goldfield, NV, to
continue accelerated reading
and math programs for K-8
students in Esmeralda County.
Everybody Wins, Washington, DC, 500,000 Harkin
for childhood literacy
programs.
Fairbanks North Star Borough 250,000 Stevens
School District, Fairbanks,
AK, to expand the PLATO
learning program to Fairbanks
North Star Borough.
Fairfield, Fairfield, CA, to 100,000 Boxer
support daily operation of The
Place to Be After Three
afterschool program at local
school sites.
FirstBook, Washington, DC, for 250,000 Byrd
the expansion of programs in
West Virginia.
FirstBook, Washington, DC, for 100,000 Collins, Snowe
the Maine literacy initiative
for Low Income Children.
Florence Prever Rosten 100,000 Baucus
Foundation, Darby, MT, to
develop MAPS: Media Arts in
the Public Schools program.
Galena City School District, 500,000 Stevens
Galena, AK, for a boarding
school for low performing
Native students from remote
villages across Western Alaska.
George S. Eccles Ice Center, 50,000 Hatch
North Logan, Utah, to expand
the science, physical
education, and creative
movement program.
Hackett-Bower Clinic at 300,000 Cochran
Magnolia Speech School,
Westport, CT, for acquisition
of equipment and programs.
Harford County Board of 400,000 Mikulski
Education, Bel Air, MD, to
support a science and math
program at Aberdeen High
School.
Harrisburg (PA) Area School 500,000 Casey
District, Harrisburg, PA, to
support the district's pre-
kindergarten program.
Hays Community Economic 200,000 Baucus, Tester
Development Corporation, Hays,
MT, to develop a Native
American culturally competent
curriculum.
Homer-Center School District, 100,000 Specter
Homer City, PA, for science
curriculum development and
acquisition of technology.
Houston Independent School 500,000 Cornyn
District, Houston, Texas, to
create an incentive-
performance plan for teachers
at the campus and individual-
teacher levels.
Houston Zoo, Houston, TX, for 100,000 Hutchison
educational programming.
Indianapolis, IN, for the 400,000 Bayh, Lugar
Indianapolis Center for
Education Innovation.
Institute for Student 250,000 Schumer, Clinton
Achievement (ISA), Lake
Success, NY, for the ISA High
School Improvement Program.
Internet Keep Safe Coalition, 450,000 Bennett
Salt Lake City, Utah, to
provide educational materials
to k-12 students regarding
Internet safety.
Iowa Association of School 500,000 Harkin
Boards, Des Moines, IA, for
the Lighthouse for School
Reform project.
Iowa City Community School 500,000 Harkin
District, IA, to implement a
literacy program.
Iowa Department of Education to 7,500,000 Harkin
continue the Harkin grant
program.
Iowa School Boards Foundation, 3,000,000 Harkin
Des Moines, IA, for
continuation and expansion of
the Skills Iowa program.
Iowa State Education 75,000 Grassley
Association, Des Moines, IA,
for an initiative to educate
students on the role of
international trade in the
U.S. economy.
Jazz at Lincoln Center, NY, NY, 250,000 Clinton, Schumer
for education programs.
Jeremiah Cromwell Disabilities 100,000 Collins, Snowe
Center, Portland, ME, for
awareness training for
students.
Johns Hopkins University's 250,000 Mikulski
Center for Talented Youth,
Baltimore, MD, to conduct a
longitudinal study on outcomes
of Center for Talented Youth
summer programs.
Jumpstart for Young Children, 150,000 Reed
Boston, MA, to recruit and
train college students to
serve as mentors for at-risk
preschool children.
Jumpstart for Young Children, 350,000 Murray
Seattle, WA, to expand
Jumpstart's One Child at a
Time mentoring project in
Washington.
Kanawha County School System, 810,000 Byrd
WV, for the continuation of
Following the Leaders programs.
Kansas Learning Center for 100,000 Roberts
Health, Halstead, KS, to
support health education,
including curriculum
development.
Kauai Economic Development 300,000 Inouye, Akaka
Board, HI, for math and
science education.
KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, 100,000 Burr, Dole
CA, for subgrants to support
student programs and extended
learning time at KIPP Gaston
College Preparatory and KIPP
Pride High School in Gaston,
NC.
KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, 300,000 Cardin
CA, to support student
programs and extended learning
time through a subgrant to
KIPP Ujima Village Academy in
Baltimore.
KIPP Foundation, San Francisco, 250,000 Alexander
CA, for subgrants to support
student programs and extended
learning time in Nashville and
Memphis, Tennessee.
Klingberg Family Centers, Inc., 400,000 Dodd, Lieberman
New Britain, CT, for the
acquisition and implementation
of new computer technology
associated with the Klingberg
Family Centers' Special
Education Enhancement
Initiative.
La Causa Charter School, 100,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, WI, to implement a
science and robotics lab.
Lafayette Parish School Board, 67,000 Vitter
Lafayette, LA, for acquisition
of equipment technology
upgrades.
Lander County School District, 250,000 Reid
Battle Mountain, NV, to
continue a math and science
remediation program for high
school students.
Loess Hills Area Education 750,000 Harkin
Agency in Iowa for a
demonstration in early
childhood education.
Loras College, Dubuque, IA, for 500,000 Harkin, Grassley
a literacy program with the
Dubuque elementary schools.
Los Angeles, CA, for the LA's 250,000 Feinstein
BEST afterschool enrichment
program.
Louisiana Family Forum, Baton 100,000 Vitter
Rouge, LA, to develop a plan
to promote better science
education.
Louisiana State University in 300,000 Landrieu, Vitter
Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, to
provide professional
development for teachers and
faculty in Title I schools
with low performance scores.
Lower Pioneer Valley 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Educational Collaborative,
West Springfield, MA, for the
procurement of educational
equipment and development of
academic programs.
Lyndon Baines Johnson 900,000 Harkin
Foundation, Austin, Texas, for
the Presidential timeline
project.
Lynwood, CA, to expand the 100,000 Boxer
afterschool Homework
Assistance Program at the
Lynwood Public Library.
Maine Alliance for Arts 100,000 Collins, Snowe
Education, Augusta, ME, for
the Complete Education for
Rural Students project.
Marketplace of Ideas/ 500,000 Dorgan, Conrad
Marketplace for Kids, Inc.,
Mandan, ND, for a statewide
program focused on
entrepreneurship education.
Massachusetts 2020 Foundation, 220,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Boston, MA, for continued
development of an expanded
instruction demonstration
program.
Maui Economic Development 300,000 Inouye
Board, HI, for the girls into
science program.
McKelvey Foundation, New 100,000 Specter, Casey
Wilmington, PA, to an
entrepreneurial college
scholarships for rural, low-
income Pennsylvania high
school graduates.
Mentoring Partnership of 500,000 Specter
Southwestern Pennsylvania,
Pittsburgh, PA, for
recruitment, placement, and
oversight of school-based
mentoring programs.
Mercy Vocational High School, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for
vocational educational
programs.
Metropolitan Wilmington Urban 500,000 Biden, Carper
League, Wilmington, DE, to
continue a program aimed at
closing the achievement gap
among low-income and minority
students.
Military Heritage Center 75,000 Specter
Foundation, Carlisle, PA, for
the U.S. Army Heritage and
Education Center for history
education programs.
Milwaukee Public Schools, 1,300,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, WI, to support
afterschool activities for at-
risk youth.
Mississippi State University, 500,000 Cochran
Mississippi State, MS, for
enhancing K-12 Science and
Mathematics Preparation.
Mississippi University for 200,000 Cochran
Women, Columbus, MS, for
environmental education
programs for the Science on
the Tennessee-Tombigbee
Waterway program.
National American Indian, 1,000,000 Enzi
Alaskan and Hawaiian
Educational Development
Center, Sheridan, WY, to train
teachers serving Native
American students in an early
literacy learning and math
framework.
New Mexico Military Institute, 50,000 Domenici
Roswell, NM, for a character
development leadership camp at
the New Mexico Military
Institute.
New Mexico State University, 200,000 Domenici
Las Cruces, NM, for the
Southern New Mexico Science,
Engineering, Mathematics and
Aerospace Academy.
New Mexico State University, 400,000 Bingaman, Domenici
Las Cruces, NM, to continue a
program to transition high
school students into technical
careers.
New School University, New 950,000 Clinton, Schumer
York, NY, for the Institute
for Urban Education.
New York Hall of Science, 600,000 Clinton, Schumer
Queens, NY, for science
exhibits and educational
programming.
North Country Education 200,000 Gregg
Services Agency, Gorham, NH,
for the North Country Gear Up
College Prep Initiative,
including online curriculum
development.
North Slope Borough, Anchorage, 300,000 Stevens
AK, for an early education
program.
Northwest Center, Seattle, WA, 250,000 Murray, Cantwell
to provide and expand academic
and vocational resources to
developmentally delayed or
disabled persons in King
County.
Oakland School of the Arts, 500,000 Feinstein
Oakland, CA, for educational
equipment.
Oelwein Community School 125,000 Grassley
District, Oelwein, IA, for
technology and program needs
for a math and science academy.
Ogden City Schools, Ogden, 50,000 Hatch
Utah, to enhance the
aerospace, math, and science
curriculum.
Omaha, Nebraska, for expansion 100,000 Hagel
of the Omaha's after school
initiative.
Ouachita Parish School Board, 66,000 Vitter
Monroe, LA, for acquisition of
equipment technology upgrades.
Pacific Islands Center for 650,000 Inouye
Educational Development in
American Samoa, for a
mentoring program aimed at
college prep.
Parents as Teachers National 225,000 Bond
Center, St. Louis, MO, for
expanded outreach to support
school readiness in the
Gateway Parents as Teachers
program in the City of St.
Louis.
PE4life Foundation, Kansas 500,000 Harkin
City, MO, for expansion and
assessment of PE4life programs
across Iowa.
Philadelphia Martin Luther 100,000 Specter
King, Jr. Association for
Nonviolence Inc.,
Philadelphia, PA, for its
College for Teens program.
Polynesian Voyaging Society, 250,000 Inouye
Honolulu, HI, for cultural
education programs.
Project HOME, Philadelphia, PA, 100,000 Specter
for an after school program.
Provo City, Provo, Utah, to 50,000 Hatch
expand education programs at
the Arts Center.
Rapides Parish School Board, 66,000 Vitter
Alexandria, LA, for
acquisition of equipment
technology upgrades.
Robert H. Clampitt Foundation, 150,000 Landrieu
Inc., New York, NY, to train
elementary and secondary
students in journalism.
Saint Joseph's University, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, to develop a
Public Education Partnership
to provide professional
development to area principals
and teachers.
Saint Louis SCORES, St. Louis, 100,000 Bond
MO, to expand after school
programs.
San Bernadino Boys and Girls 250,000 Boxer
Club, San Bernardino, CA, to
expand programs that are
available in education, health
and the arts.
San Jose, CA, for the Early 200,000 Feinstein
Start/Great Start School
Readiness Initiative.
San Juan School District, 50,000 Hatch
Blanding, Utah, to provide
intervention advocacy and case
management for at-risk
students.
Save the Children, Westport, 200,000 Cochran
CT, for Mississippi Gulf Coast
early childhood in-school and
after school programs.
Save the Children, Westport, 200,000 Reid
CT, to implement supplemental
literacy programs for children
in grades K-8 in rural Nevada
schools.
School at Jacob's Pillow, 180,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Beckett, MA, for the
development of youth cultural
and educational programs.
Sevier School District, 50,000 Hatch
Richfield, Utah, for teacher
training and professional
development to increase
student achievement in
mathematics.
Shiloh Economic and 200,000 Menendez, Lautenberg
Entrepreneurial Lifelong
Development Corporation,
Plainfield, NJ, for academic
enrichment programs.
Skills Alaska, Anchorage, AK, 1,000,000 Stevens
for statewide teacher training
and mentoring program,
Anchorage.
South Dakota Symphony, Sioux 100,000 Johnson
Falls, SD, for educational
outreach to Native Americans.
SouthCoastConnected, New 180,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Bedford, MA, for
implementation of the Drop the
Drop-Out Rate Initiative.
Southeast Island School 100,000 Stevens
District, Thorne Bay, AK, to
develop interactive video
conferencing to provide
special education services to
9 isolated school sites in
Southeast Alaska.
SouthEastern Pennsylvania 150,000 Specter, Casey
Consortium for Higher
Education, Glenside, PA, for
the Institute of Mathematics
and Science to provide
professional development to K-
12 teachers.
Springfield, Missouri, for 600,000 Bond
program development and
expansion, equipment and
technology for the Ready to
Learn Program.
Technical Research and 250,000 Bill Nelson
Development Authority,
Titusville, FL, to provide
professional workshops for
teachers in STEM-related
fields.
Tulane University, New Orleans, 1,500,000 Landrieu
LA, to provide teacher
education and leadership
preparation to support the
rebuilding of New Orleans
schools.
Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, 100,000 Inhofe
OK, for academic programs.
Union County, Elizabeth, NJ, 300,000 Lautenberg, Menendez
for training programs at the
Union County Academy for
Allied Health Sciences.
United Inner City Services, 750,000 Bond
Kansas City, MO, to enhance
and expand early learning
programs.
United Way of Southeastern 400,000 Specter
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,
PA, for recruitment,
placement, and oversight of
school-based mentoring
programs.
University of Alaska/Southeast, 1,750,000 Stevens
Juneau, AK, for the Alaska
Distance Education Technology
Consortium for distance
learning.
University of Maine, Orono, ME, 190,000 Collins, Snowe
to maintain healthy
interscholastic youth sports
programs.
University of North Alabama, 150,000 Sessions
Florence, AL, for research to
develop a model center for
teacher preparation.
University of North Carolina at 100,000 Burr, Dole
Greensboro, Greensboro, NC,
for a teletherapy program to
address the shortage of speech
language pathologists.
University of Northern Iowa, 500,000 Harkin, Grassley
Cedar Falls, IA, to continue
the 2+2 teacher education
demonstration program.
University of Southern 400,000 Cochran
Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS,
for gifted education programs
at the Frances A. Karnes
Center for Gifted Studies
program.
University of Southern 400,000 Cochran
Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS,
for literacy enhancement.
University of Vermont, 3,000,000 Leahy, Byrd, Harkin,
Burlington, VT, to establish Inouye
the Educational Excellence
program.
UrbanFUTURE, St. Louis, MO, to 300,000 Bond
expand literacy, mentoring,
and after-school services.
Utah State Office of Education, 500,000 Bennett
Salt Lake City, Utah, for a
mentoring pro- gram.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine 150,000 Warner, Webb
Science Center (VAMSC),
Virginia Beach, VA, to expand
education outreach programs.
Waldo County Preschool & Family 100,000 Collins, Snowe
Services, Belfast, ME, for the
Maine early language and
literacy initiative.
Washoe County School District, 250,000 Reid
Reno, NV, for equipment for a
parental notification system.
Washoe County School District, 300,000 Reid
Reno, NV, to expand the
Classroom on Wheels Program
for low-income students.
West River Foundation, Rapid 100,000 Johnson
City, SD, for K-12
administrator development.
West Valley City, West Valley 50,000 Hatch
City, Utah, to expand the
after school learning program.
Widener University, Chester, 100,000 Specter
PA, for an early childhood
education program.
YMCA of Greater Saint Louis, 250,000 Bond
St. Louis, MO, to expand after
school programming at the
Monsanto Family YMCA.
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., 100,000 Specter
Harrisburg, PA, for
alternative school ser- vices.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teacher Incentive Fund
The Committee recommendation includes $99,000,000 for the
teacher incentive fund program. The fiscal year 2007
appropriation was $200,000, and the budget request is
$199,000,000.
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 nonprofit
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.
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 a program
evaluation.
The Committee recommendation will support continuation of
awards made in calendar years 2006 and 2007, using fiscal year
2006 funds.
Ready to Learn Television
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,255,000
for the Ready to Learn Television program. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $24,255,000, the same as
the budget request.
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 expects the increase over fiscal year 2007 to be used
for Ready to Learn outreach programs at the Corporation for
Public Broadcasting.
Close Up Fellowships
The Committee recommendation includes $2,500,000 for Close
Up Fellowships (Funding for this program was requested by
Senators Harkin, Craig and Lautenberg). The comparable funding
level for fiscal year 2007 was $1,454,000. The budget request
did not include any funds for this purpose. Close Up
Fellowships, which are administered by the Close Up Foundation
of Washington, DC, provide 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
The Committee recommends $42,000,000 for Advanced Placement
programs. The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was
$37,026,000. 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.
Safe Schools and Citizenship Education
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $729,518,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 324,248,000
Committee recommendation................................ 697,112,000
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities
The Committee recommends a total of $697,112,000 for
activities to promote safe schools and citizenship education.
The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level was $729,518,000
and the budget request is $324,248,000.
State Grant Program.---The Committee recommends
$300,000,000 for the safe and drug-free schools and communities
State grant program. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding
level was $346,500,000. The budget request is $100,000,000.
This formula-based State grant program provides resources to
Governors, State educational agencies, and local educational
agencies for developing and implementing a wide range of
activities that help create and maintain safe and drug-free
learning environments in and around schools.
The Committee anticipates that the program will be more
focused on specific activities when it is reauthorized as part
of the No Child Left Behind Act.
National Programs.--The Committee has included $139,112,000
for the national programs portion of the safe and drug-free
schools and communities program. The comparable funding level
for fiscal year 2007 was $141,112,000, and the budget request
is $224,248,000. The Committee recommendation includes
$1,000,000, a reduction of $2,000,000 from fiscal year 2007,
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 believes that $1,000,000 will be sufficient for
fiscal year 2008, given the carryover of funds from previous
years.
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 postsecondary
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, as the budget requested.
The Committee recommendation includes $79,200,000 to
continue the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative, as the
budget requested. The Committee also includes funds for school
emergency preparedness activities, drug testing, the
continuation of a study on violence prevention, and other
activities.
The Committee recommendation continues the practice of
funding character education as a separate program, rather than
including it within national activities as proposed by the
budget.
The Committee is concerned about the prevalence of bullying
in schools, and it urges Federal support for the implementation
of effective, research-based and comprehensive bullying
prevention programs. The adoption of research and prevention
strategies for bullying that targets obese children and its
effect on the development of low self-esteem is strongly
encouraged.
Alcohol Abuse Reduction
The Committee recommends $33,000,000 for grants to LEAs to
develop and implement programs to reduce underage drinking in
secondary schools. The comparable funding level for fiscal year
2007 was $32,409,000. 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] to continue to work together on this
effort.
Mentoring
The Committee recommends $50,000,000 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 fiscal year 2007 funding level was
$48,814,000. The budget request did not include any funds for
this purpose.
Character Education
The Committee recommends $25,000,000 to provide support for
the design and implementation of character education programs.
The comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was
$24,248,000. The budget request is also $24,248,000 for this
program, but it proposes to include the funding within safe and
drug-free schools and communities national activities.
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling
The Committee recommends $40,000,000 to establish or expand
counseling programs in elementary schools. The comparable
fiscal year 2007 funding level was $34,650,000. The budget
request does not include any funds 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 $80,000,000 to help LEAs and
community-based organizations initiate, expand and improve
physical education programs for students in grades K-12. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $72,674,000.
The budget request does not include any funding 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 $30,000,000 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 (Funding for this program was requested by Senators
Cochran, Landrieu, Leahy, Reed, Akaka, Baucus, Bayh, Biden,
Bingaman, Boxer, Brown, Bunning, Cantwell, Cardin, Clinton,
Coleman, Collins, Conrad, Dodd, Dole, Durbin, Ensign,
Feinstein, Hagel, Kennedy, Kerry, Levin, Lieberman, Lincoln,
Lott, Lugar, Martinez, Menendez, Murkowski, Bill Nelson, Obama,
Pryor, Salazar, Sanders, Schumer, Sessions, Smith, Snowe,
Stabenow, Tester, Whitehouse, and Wyden). The comparable fiscal
year 2007 appropriation was $29,111,000 for civic education,
and the budget request proposed to eliminate funding for this
purpose.
The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for the We the People
programs, which are directed by statute to the Center for Civic
Education, $12,000,000 for the Cooperative Education Exchange,
which are directed by statute to the Center for Civic Education
and the National Council on Economic Education, and $3,000,000
for a competitive grant program to improve public knowledge,
understanding and support of the Congress and the State
legislatures.
English Language Acquisition
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $669,008,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 670,819,000
Committee recommendation................................ 670,819,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $670,819,000,
the same as the budget request, for English language
acquisition. The fiscal year 2007 appropriation was
$669,008,000.
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 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, 2007.................................... $11,802,867,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 11,485,147,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,330,374,000
The Committee recommends $12,330,374,000 for special
education programs authorized by the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]. The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level is $11,802,867,000 and the budget request
includes $11,485,147,000 for such programs.
Grants to States
The Committee recommends $11,240,000,000 for special
education grants to States, as authorized under part B of the
IDEA. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$10,782,961,000 and the budget request includes
$10,491,941,000. 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 2008-2009 academic year. Of the
funds available for this program, $5,315,800,000 will become
available on July 1, 2008 and $5,924,200,000 will become
available on October 1, 2008. These funds will remain available
for obligation until September 30, 2009.
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 2007 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 the bulk
of the funds to local educational agencies. States must 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 $450,000,000 for grants for the
infants and families program under part C of the IDEA. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $436,400,000 and
the budget request includes $423,067,000 for this purpose. 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 recommends $46,000,000 for the State
personnel development program. Funds were not available under
the fiscal year 2007 appropriation or the budget request for
this purpose. 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.
Technical Assistance and Dissemination
The Committee recommends $48,903,000 for technical
assistance and dissemination. The comparable fiscal year 2007
funding level is $48,903,000 and the budget request includes
$48,902,000 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 2007 funding
level is $89,720,000 and the budget request includes
$89,719,000 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
program has 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 $27,000,000 for parent information
centers. The comparable fiscal year 2007 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 $40,000,000 for technology and
media services. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level
is $38,428,000 and the budget request includes $25,063,000 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 $13,000,000 for
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Inc. [RFB&D] (Funding for
this program was requested by Senator Harkin). 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 Committee also recommends $1,500,000 for support of the
Reading Rockets program, administered by the Greater Washington
Educational Television Association (Funding for this program
was requested by Senator Cochran).
Special Olympics Education Programs
The Committee recommendation includes $8,000,000 for
Special Olympics education programs. This is a new program in
fiscal year 2008 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 (Funding for the program was requested by
Senator Harkin).
Within the Committee recommendation, $3,000,000 shall be
used to support the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in
Idaho (Funding for this program was requested by Senator
Craig).
Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $3,242,512,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 3,221,146,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,286,942,000
The Committee recommends $3,286,942,000 for rehabilitation
services and disability research. The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level is $3,242,512,000 and the budget request
includes $3,184,263,000 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 recommends $2,874,043,000 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 2007 is
$2,837,160,000 for this program. The President's budget
proposes to eliminate the increase provided by the consumer
price index adjustment authorized by the authorizing statute.
The Committee rejects this proposal.
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 2008 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 State Grants
The Committee recommends $11,782,000 for the client
assistance State grants program. The comparable fiscal year
2007 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 2007
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 $10,490,000 for demonstration
and training programs for persons with disabilities. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $6,511,000 and the
budget request includes $6,840,000 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 for an
award to the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
for activities that further the purposes of the grant received
by the Academy for the period beginning October 1, 2003
(Funding for this program was requested by Senator Harkin).
The Committee recommendation also includes bill language
requiring that funds be provided to the following organizations
in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska Center for the Blind and $250,000 Stevens
Visually Impaired, Anchorage,
AK, for a partnership with the
Lions Club to expand low
vision services to Alaskans.
Darden Rehabilitation 150,000 Sessions
Foundation, Gadsden, AL, for
programs serving individuals
with disabilities who seek to
enter the work force.
Kenai Peninsula Independent 200,000 Stevens
Living Center, Homer, AK, for
the Total Recreation and
Independent Living Services
(TRAILS) project.
National Ability Center, Park 250,000 Bennett
City, Utah, to provide
transportation for individuals
with cognitive and physical
disabilities to participate
independently in therapeutic
recreational programs.
Rainbow Center for 300,000 Bond
Communicative Disorders, Blue
Springs, MO, to expand
programs available to
individuals with severe
disabilities.
Southeast Alaska Independent 200,000 Stevens
Living, Inc, Juneau, AK, to
continue a joint recreation
and employment project with
the Tlingit-Haida Tribe.
University of Northern Colorado 200,000 Allard
National Center for Low-
Incidence Disabilities,
Greeley, CO, for support to
local schools, educational
professionals, families of
infants, children, and youth
with low-incidence
disabilities.
Deaf Blind Service Center, 400,000 Murray
Seattle, WA, to support the
National Support Service
Provider Pilot Project.
Enable America, Inc., Tampa, 600,000 Harkin
Florida, for civic/citizenship
demonstration project for
disabled adults.
Special Olympics of Iowa, Des 100,000 Harkin
Moines, Iowa, for technology
upgrades.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
The Committee recommends $2,279,000 for migrant and
seasonal farmworkers, the same amount as the comparable fiscal
year 2007 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 2007
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 $17,489,000 for protection and
advocacy of individual rights. The comparable fiscal year 2007
funding level and the budget request both are $16,489,000 for
this purpose.
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 $19,538,000 for projects with
industry. The comparable fiscal year 2007 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 recommends $29,700,000 for the supported
employment State grant program. The comparable fiscal year 2007
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 2007
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 2007 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
2007 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 $633,000 for program improvement
activities. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$835,000 and the budget request includes $633,000 for
authorized activities. In fiscal year 2008, 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 $1,695,000 for evaluation
activities. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$1,473,000 and the budget request includes $1,973,000 for such
activities. The Committee recommendation continues to support a
new multi-year study of the State Vocational Rehabilitation
Services program.
These funds support evaluations of the impact and
effectiveness of programs authorized by the Rehabilitation Act.
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 $9,511,000 for the Helen Keller
National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults. The comparable
fiscal year 2007 funding level is $8,511,000 and the budget
request includes $8,011,000 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. The center serves approximately 110 persons with
deaf-blindness at its headquarters facility and provides field
services to approximately 2,000 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 2007 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 encourages the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research to continue to pursue
CFS-related research proposals through its investigator-
initiated and other grants programs, including sponsoring
studies that will illuminate the nature of disability in CFS,
particularly the predominant feature of post-exertional
relapse, as well as strategies to support the improved function
and rehabilitation of CFS patients.
Assistive Technology
The Committee recommends $32,000,000 for assistive
technology. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$30,452,000 and the budget request includes $26,111,000 for
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 supports 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $26,377,000 for State
grant activities authorized under section 4, $4,570,000 for
protection and advocacy systems authorized by section 5, and
$1,053,000 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
looks forward to reviewing the Department's mandated report on
State implementation of this program, particularly the
activities related to State financing.
Special Institutions for Persons With Disabilities
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $17,573,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 17,573,000
Committee recommendation................................ 22,000,000
The Committee recommends $22,000,000 for the American
Printing House for the Blind [APH]. The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level and budget request both are $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 Committee bill includes language under the special
education account to improve the operation and performance of
the National Instructional Materials Access Center [NIMAC]. The
Committee supports the NIMAC, as established in section 674(e)
of Public Law 108-446, which serves as the central repository
for electronic files used in reproducing instructional
materials in specialized formats for students with print
disabilities. The intent of the statute is to apply this
subsection only to materials with an original publication date
of July 19, 2006 and later.
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $56,141,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 56,262,000
Committee recommendation................................ 59,000,000
The Committee recommends $59,000,000 for the National
Technical Institute for the Deaf [NTID]. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 funding level is $56,141,000 and the budget request
includes $56,262,000 for this purpose. Within the Committee
recommendation, $1,705,000 is available for improvements to the
campus infrastructure of NTID.
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, 2007.................................... $106,998,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 106,998,000
Committee recommendation................................ 111,000,000
The Committee recommends $111,000,000 for Gallaudet
University. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$106,998,000 and the budget request includes $106,998,000 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 evaluate the education programs and administrative
operations of the University. The Committee recommendation
includes the requested funding and language for these
activities.
Career, Technical and Adult Education
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,992,170,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,189,808,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,894,788,000
The Committee recommendation includes a total of
$1,894,788,000 for career, technical and adult education. The
comparable funding level in fiscal year 2007 is $1,992,170,000
and the budget request includes $1,189,808,000 for this
account. The recommendation consists of $1,294,306,000 for
career and technical education, $577,712,000 for adult
education and $22,770,000 for other activities.
Career and Technical Education
The Committee recommends $1,294,306,000 for career and
technical education. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding
level is $1,296,306,000 and the budget request includes
$610,000,000 for these activities.
State Grants.--The Committee recommends $1,181,553,000 for
State grants, the same amount as the comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level. The budget request includes $600,000,000
for this purpose. Funds provided under the State grant program
assist States, localities, and outlying areas to expand and
improve their programs of career and technical education and
provide equal access to career and technical 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, with
hold harmless provisions for small States and for a fiscal year
1998 base guarantee.
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, $390,553,000 will
become available on July 1, 2008 and $791,000,000 will become
available on October 1, 2008. These funds will remain available
for obligation until September 30, 2009.
Tech-Prep Education State Grants.--The Committee recommends
$104,753,000 for tech-prep programs. The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level is $104,753,000, while the budget request
proposes to eliminate funding for this program. This program is
designed to link academic and career and technical education
and to provide a structural link between secondary schools and
postsecondary education institutions. Funds are distributed to
the States through the same formula as the 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.--The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for
national research programs and other national activities. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level and the budget
request both are $10,000,000 for this program.
Funds will be used to support the national research center
on career and technical education, as well as other activities
that will help improve career and technical education programs
in high schools and community colleges.
ADULT EDUCATION
The Committee recommends $577,712,000 for adult education.
The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $579,563,000
and the budget request includes $579,808,000 for this purpose.
The authorizing statute for adult education programs expired on
September 30, 2004. Descriptions of these programs provided
below assume the continuation of current law.
The Committee recognizes the importance of the Adult
Education and Family Literacy Act programs. To ensure that
funding for these programs is benefiting as many students as
possible, the Committee encourages the Secretary to evaluate
and report on whether the amount of funding for State grants
that is allowed to be set aside for State leadership activities
and State program administration is appropriate and how these
set-asides impact the assistance reaching students. The
Committee expects the Department to include the requested
information in the fiscal year 2009 budget justification.
Adult Education State Programs.--For adult education State
programs, the Committee recommends $564,074,000. The comparable
fiscal year 2007 funding level is $563,975,000 and the budget
request includes $564,074,000 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 Leadership Activities.--The Committee recommends
$7,000,000 for national leadership activities. The comparable
funding level for fiscal year 2007 is $9,005,000 and the budget
request includes $9,096,000 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
$6,638,000 for the National Institute for Literacy, authorized
under section 242 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy
Act. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is
$6,583,000 and the budget request includes $6,638,000 for this
purpose. The Institute provides national leadership on issues
related to literacy, coordinates literary services and policy,
and serves as a national resource for adult education and
literacy programs. The center also engages in a variety of
capacity-building activities that support the development of
State, regional, and national literary services.
Smaller Learning Communities
The Committee does not recommend additional funds for this
program. The comparable fiscal year 2007 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 recommends $22,770,000 for education and
training for incarcerated youth offenders, the same as the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007. 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, 2007.................................... $15,542,456,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 14,394,492,000
Committee recommendation................................ 16,368,883,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$16,368,883,000 for student financial assistance. Program
authorities and descriptions assume the continuation of current
law.
Federal Pell Grant Program
For Pell grant awards in the 2008/2009 academic year, the
Committee recommends $14,487,000,000 to maintain the record
maximum Pell grant award level of $4,310. The appropriation
provided in this bill 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 President has proposed increasing the maximum Pell
grant to $4,600 in fiscal year 2008 and has included
legislative language with proposed mandatory savings to pay for
the increase. The Committee agrees with that proposal and has
included sufficient funds to maintain the Pell grant at the
fiscal year 2007 level of $4,310 and plans to work in concert
with the authorizing committees to ensure that the maximum Pell
grant is increased to no less than the $4,600 level this year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
The Committee recommends $770,933,000 for Federal
supplemental educational opportunity grants [SEOG], the same as
the fiscal year 2007 level. The budget did not include fudns
for this program. 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 $980,492,000 for the Federal
work-study program, the same amount as the budget request. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $980,354,000.
This program provides grants to more than 3,300
institutions to help an estimated 880,000 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.
Federal Perkins Loans
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 2007. 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 bill does not include any funds for Federal
Perkins loans capital contributions. The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level did not include such funds and the budget
request does not provide any funds for this purpose.
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 2007.
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.
Student Aid Administration
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $717,950,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 708,216,000
Committee recommendation................................ 708,216,000
The Committee recommends $708,216,000 for the Student Aid
Administration account, the same as the budget request, 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.
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.
The Committee is concerned that there have been a number of
recent reports of abuses by lenders in the student loan
program. Those abuses include questionable ties between lenders
and financial aid officials, including reports of school
officials receiving gifts and other financial inducements to
include a lender on the schools preferred lender list. The
Committee is concerned that lax Federal oversight by the
Department of Education has made the situation worse. The
Committee commends the Secretary for taking the first step
toward addressing this issue with the recent issuance of
regulations but is disappointed that nothing was done by the
Department earlier in its administration.
Higher Education
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $1,951,053,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 1,845,103,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,028,302,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,028,302,000
for higher education programs.
Aid for Institutional Development
The Committee recommends $507,434,000 for aid for
institutional development authorized by titles III and V of the
Higher Education Act. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2007 is $505,814,000.
Strengthening Institutions.--The Committee bill includes
$79,535,000, the same as the fiscal year 2007 comparable level.
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, the same as the fiscal year 2007
comparable level, for institutions at which Hispanic students
make up at least 25 percent of enrollment. Institutions
applying for title V funds must meet the regular part A
requirements. 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 same as the fiscal year 2007 level. 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 same as the fiscal year 2007 level. The
section 326 program provides 5-year grants to strengthen
historically black graduate institutions [HBGIs]. 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 $12,500,000 for this
program, an increase of $715,000 over the fiscal year 2007
level. 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
(Funding for this program was requested by Senators Inouye and
Stevens).
Strengthening Tribally Controlled Colleges and
Universities.--The Committee recommends $24,475,000 for
strengthening tribal colleges and universities [TCUs], an
increase of $905,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level. 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, which is the same as
the fiscal year 2007 level.
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. This is the same
as the fiscal year 2007 level. 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 same as the fiscal year 2007 level.
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. 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 $81,844,000 for the Fund for the
Improvement of Postsecondary Education [FIPSE], an increase of
$59,856,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level. 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 $15,198,000 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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIB College of Business, Des $500,000 Harkin, Grassley
Moines, IA, for scholarships
in captioning and court
reporting.
Aims Community College, 50,000 Salazar
Greeley, CO, for equipment for
career training in the health
professions.
Albertson College of Idaho, 350,000 Craig, Crapo
Caldwell, ID, for acquisition
of equipment, technology and
library upgrade.
Albright College, Reading, PA, 100,000 Specter
for laboratory equipment
acquisition.
Alpena Community College, 300,000 Stabenow, Levin
Alpena, MI, for curriculum
development for the Rural
Communications Initiative.
Alvernia College, Reading, PA, 100,000 Specter
for scholarships and nursing
education programs.
Armstrong Atlantic State 100,000 Chambliss, Isakson
University, Savannah, GA, for
acquisition of equipment and
technology upgrades for a
distance learning classroom.
Assumption College, Worcester, 150,000 Kennedy, Kerry
MA.
Benjamin Franklin Institute of 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Technology, Boston, MA, for
educational equipment and
curriculum development to
support medical technology
professional training programs.
Bristol Community College, Fall 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
River, MA, to expand adult
literacy and career
development academic programs.
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, 100,000 Specter
PA, for laboratory equipment
acquisition.
California Community Colleges, 200,000 Feinstein
Sacramento, CA, for Math and
Science Teacher Initiative.
California University of 100,000 Specter
Pennsylvania, California, PA,
for curriculum development and
teacher training to enhance
math and science instruction.
Cardinal Stritch University, 325,000 Kohl
Milwaukee, WI, to establish a
bachelors of science nurse
degree program.
Carroll College, Helena, MT, 250,000 Baucus, Tester
for curriculum development in
Civil Engineering.
Cedar Crest College, Allentown, 100,000 Specter
PA, for nursing education
programs.
Central Maine Community 150,000 Collins, Snowe
College, Auburn, ME, for
nursing education expansion
and outreach.
Clinton School of Public 1,000,000 Lincoln, Pryor
Service at the University of
Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, for
curriculum development.
College Success Foundation, 300,000 Cantwell
Issaquah, WA, for matching
students to scholarships.
Community College of Southern 750,000 Reid
Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, to
purchase equipment and other
support for Internet-based
course offerings.
Connecticut State University, 400,000 Dodd, Lieberman
Hartford, CT, for nursing
education programs.
Dakota Wesleyan University, 350,000 Johnson, Thune
Mitchell, SD, for archiving of
former Senator George
McGovern's papers.
Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 300,000 Gregg
for a new interdisciplinary
initiative on engineering and
medicine.
Deaf West Theatre, North 250,000 Boxer, Harkin
Hollywood, CA, for cultural
experiences for the deaf.
Dean College, Franklin, MA, to 235,000 Kennedy, Kerry
develop programs and procure
equipment for the Learning
Center.
Delaware County Community 75,000 Specter
College, Media, PA, for
laboratory equipment upgrades
and acquisition.
Dillard University, New 750,000 Landrieu, Vitter
Orleans, LA, to establish a
recruitment and training
program for nursing assistants
and home health aides.
Duquesne University of the Holy 100,000 Specter
Spirit, Pittsburgh, PA, for
equipment and technology
acquisition for a
supercomputing facility.
East Stroudsburg University, 100,000 Specter
East Stroudsburg, PA, for
forensic science education
programs.
Eastern Iowa Community College, 350,000 Harkin, Grassley
Davenport, IA, for the
creation of a center on
sustainable energy, including
equipment.
Eastern New Mexico University, 1,000,000 Domenici
Portales, NM, for
technological equipment
upgrades.
Edinboro University of 100,000 Specter
Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA, to
support a computer forensics
training program at its
Western Pennsylvania High Tech
Crime Training Center.
Emerson College, Boston, MA, 400,000 Kennedy, Kerry
for educational equipment and
program development.
Emmanuel College, Boston, MA, 300,000 Kennedy, Kerry
for the procurement of
educational equipment and
program development.
Flathead Valley Community 350,000 Baucus, Tester
College, Kalispell, MT, for
program development at the
Center for Community
Entrepreneurship Education.
Focus: HOPE Center for Advanced 500,000 Levin, Stabenow
Technologies Experiential
Learning Labs, Detroit, MI, to
establish an experiential
learning laboratory.
Franklin Pierce College, 400,000 Gregg
Rindge, NH, for technology-
based educational programs and
services.
George Meany Center for Labor 900,000 Harkin
Studies--the National Labor
College, Silver Spring, MD,
for curriculum development.
Georgia State University, 100,000 Chambliss
Atlanta, GA, for science
education partnership programs
between colleges,
universities, schools and life
science community educational
organizations.
Golden Apple Foundation, 500,000 Durbin
Chicago, IL, for a math and
science teacher training
initiative.
Henry Kuualoha Giugni Archives 250,000 Inouye, Akaka
at the University of Hawaii at
Manoa, to establish an
archival facility of
historical Native Hawaiian
records and stories.
Hermiston, Hermiston, OR, to 300,000 Smith
support programs and systems
for Latino education.
Holyoke Community College, 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Holyoke, MA, for educational
equipment and information
technology.
Houston Community College, 150,000 Hutchison
Houston, TX, for the
Accelerated Nursing
Proficiency Center.
Hudson Valley Community 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
College, Troy, NY, to expand
the nursing program.
Huntington Junior College, 1,080,000 Byrd
Huntington, WV, for the
expansion of the captioning
program.
Indiana University of 100,000 Specter
Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, for
equipment acquisition and
curriculum development for a
mine safety course.
Iowa Lakes Community College, 250,000 Harkin, Grassley
Estherville, IA, for equipment
to support the Sustainable
Energy Education program.
Kansas City Kansas Community 500,000 Brownback
College, Kansas City, KS, to
provide workforce development
training to improve economic
conditions and to reduce
prisoner recidivism.
Keystone College, LaPlume, PA, 100,000 Specter
for classroom and laboratory
equipment upgrades and
acquisition.
King's College, Wilkes-Barre, 100,000 Specter, Casey
PA, for curriculum and
professional development for
its Center for Community
Engagement and Learning.
Lackawanna College, Scranton, 100,000 Specter
PA, for laboratory equipment
and technology upgrades and
acquisition.
Lesley University, Cambridge, 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
MA, for educational and
research equipment to support
new science instruction
laboratories.
Lewis-Clark State College, 250,000 Craig, Crapo
Lewiston, ID, to continue and
expand the American Indian
Students in Leadership of
Education (AISLE) program.
Lincoln University, Lincoln 100,000 Specter
University, PA, for campus-
wide technology upgrades and
wiring.
Lock Haven University, Lock 100,000 Specter
Haven, PA, to provide
professional development
partnerships and related
services.
Maryland Association of 2,500,000 Mikulski
Community Colleges, Annapolis,
MD, to expand and improve
nursing programs at Maryland's
community colleges.
Massachusetts College of 200,000 Sununu
Pharmacy, Manchester, NH, for
Health Professionals Training.
Messiah College, Grantham, PA, 100,000 Specter
for wireless technology
acquisition and technology
infrastructure improvements.
Metro State College, Denver, 150,000 Allard
CO, for training and equipment
acquisition.
MidAmerica Nazarene University, 300,000 Brownback
Olathe, KS, for equipment
acquisition to expand distance
education for teachers in
western Kansas.
Middle Tennessee State 500,000 Alexander
University, Murfreesboro, TN,
for the comprehensive math and
science teacher training
program.
Miles Community College, Miles 350,000 Baucus, Tester
City, MT, for curriculum
development and equipment for
the Pathways to Careers in
Health project.
Mississippi State University, 100,000 Cochran
Mississippi State, MS, for a
leadership training program at
the Appalachian Leadership
Honors Program.
Mississippi State University, 1,100,000 Cochran
Mississippi State, MS, for
acquisition of equipment and
curriculum development at the
Wise Center-Broadcast Facility
Conversion to Digital.
Missouri State University, 1,000,000 Bond
Springfield, MO, for program
development and expansion,
equipment and technology for
the Distance Learning Project
on the West Plains Campus.
Montana Committee for the 100,000 Baucus
Humanities, Missoula, MT, to
continue civic educational
programs.
Montana State University- 145,000 Tester
Billings, Billings, MT, for
the Montana Energy Workforce
Training Center.
Montana State University- 200,000 Baucus
Billings, Billings, MT, to
develop job-training programs.
Montana State University- 200,000 Baucus, Tester
Billings, Billings, MT, to
expand professional
development education programs
for the health care industry.
Moravian College, Bethlehem, 100,000 Specter
PA, for equipment and
technology acquisition and
curriculum development for a
science initiative.
Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, 100,000 Chambliss, Isakson
to establish a research
initiative to improve college
graduation of minority
students.
Mott Community College--Center 500,000 Levin, Stabenow
for Advanced Manufacturing,
Flint, MI, for a clearinghouse
and pilot program for new
technology.
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, 100,000 Specter
PA, for education and outreach
services to support
undergraduate students with
disabilities.
Nevada State College, 325,000 Reid
Henderson, NV, for math and
science teacher initia- tives.
New Hampshire Community 300,000 Sununu, Gregg
Technical College System,
Concord, NH, to expand and
modernize engineering
technology programs.
New Hampshire Community 250,000 Gregg
Technical College System,
Concord, NH, to standardize
technology and learning across
seven community colleges.
North Dakota State College of 1,000,000 Dorgan, Conrad
Science, Wahpeton, ND, to
train students in nanoscience
and other advanced
technologies.
Northeast Community College, 200,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
Norfolk, NE, for nurse
training, including the
purchase of equipment.
Northern Essex Community 245,000 Kennedy, Kerry
College, Lawrence, MA, for
equipment for allied health
program.
Northern Kentucky University, 150,000 Bunning
Highland Heights, KY, for the
nursing education program.
Northern Kentucky University, 500,000 McConnell
Highland Heights, KY, for the
Infrastructure Management
Institute.
Northern Rockies Educational 100,000 Baucus
Services, Twin Bridges, MT, to
develop Taking Technology to
the Classroom program.
Northwestern State University 200,000 Landrieu, Vitter
of Louisiana, Natchitoches,
LA, for a nursing education
program.
Oregon Coast Community College, 100,000 Smith
Nursing Program, Newport, OR,
for equipment acquisition for
a simulation/skills lab for
the nursing program.
Pennsylvania Highlands 100,000 Specter
Community College, Johnstown,
PA, for laboratory equipment
and technology upgrades and
acquisition.
Peru State College, Peru, NE, 100,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
to support the Adopt-a-High-
School program for first
generation college students in
Southeastern Nebraska.
Philadelphia University, 100,000 Specter
Philadelphia, PA, for the
Scientific Reasoning/Inquiry
Based Education (SCRIBE)
initiative.
Plymouth State University, 250,000 Gregg
Plymouth, NH, for a
collaborative research
institute for sustainable
rural economics.
Portland State University, 400,000 Wyden, Smith
Portland, OR, to equip its
Science Research and Teaching
Center.
Redlands Community College, El 100,000 Inhofe
Reno, OK, for nursing programs.
Riverside Community College, 100,000 Boxer
Riverside, CA, to prepare high
schools students to pursue
postgraduate courses in health
care.
Robert Morris University, Moon 100,000 Specter
Township, PA, for health care
professional education
programs in the use of
electronic health records.
Rochester Area Colleges, 600,000 Schumer, Clinton
Rochester, NY, for Excellence
in Math and Science.
Rust College, Holly Springs, 500,000 Cochran
MS, for acquisition of
equipment for the Science and
Mathematics Annex.
Ryan Foundation, Wayne, PA, for 100,000 Specter
civic education programs.
Saint Anselm College, 250,000 Gregg
Manchester, NH, for a civic
education program.
Salt Lake Community College, 500,000 Bennett
Salt Lake City, Utah, to train
health care professionals.
Salve Regina University, 1,000,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Newport, RI, for historic
preservation education
programs including equipment.
Security on Campus, Inc., King 25,000 Specter
of Prussia, PA, for campus
safety peer education programs.
Seminole State College, 100,000 Inhofe
Seminole, OK, for the Medical
Laboratory Technology Program,
including technology
acquisition.
Shippensburg University, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Shippensburg, PA, for
technology upgrades and
acquisition.
South Carolina Technical 200,000 Graham
College System, Columbia, SC,
to fund apprenticeship pilot
programs in economically
distresses areas.
Southeastern Pennsylvania 500,000 Casey
Consortium for Higher
Education, Glenside, PA, for
equipment.
Southern Utah University, Cedar 50,000 Hatch
City, Utah, to enhance
academic skills and training
of science teachers in
southern Utah through mobile
classroom.
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic 400,000 Bingaman
Institute, Albuquerque, NM, to
expand a renewable energy
training program.
Southwestern University, 200,000 Hutchison
Georgetown, TX, for the Center
for Hispanic Studies.
Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, 100,000 Chambliss
for programs to recruit and
increase graduation rates for
African-American females
pursuing sciences,
mathematics, or dual-
engineering degrees.
Springfield Public Schools 100,000 Smith, Wyden
Academy of Arts and Academics,
Springfield, OR, for classroom
equipment and technology.
Stephen F. Austin State 200,000 Hutchison
University, Nacogdoches, TX,
for outreach and education
programs at the Early
Childhood Research and
Development Center.
State University of New York at 300,000 Schumer, Clinton
New Paltz, New Paltz, NY, for
curriculum development in
economic development and
governance.
Stonehill College, Easton, MA, 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
to procure equipment and
develop programs for the
Center for Non-Profit
Management.
Susquehanna University, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Selinsgrove, PA, for
laboratory equipment and
technology acquisition.
Texas Woman's University, 200,000 Hutchison
Denton, TX, for the Institute
of Health Sciences Dallas
Center, for acquisition of
technology.
Thiel College, Greenville, PA, 100,000 Specter
for technology infrastructure
upgrades and acquisition.
Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS, 200,000 Cochran
for an international study
abroad program.
Turtle Mountain Community 750,000 Dorgan, Conrad
College, Belcourt, ND, to
develop a vocational and
technical training curriculum.
University of Alaska, 350,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for the 49th
State Scholars program.
University of Alaska, 1,000,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for the Alaska
Native Students Science and
Engineering program.
University of Arizona, Tucson, 250,000 Harkin
AZ, for the Integrative
Medicine in Residency program.
University of Arkansas for 400,000 Lincoln, Pryor
Medical Sciences, Little Rock,
AR, for equipment and
curriculum development for
genetic counseling and other
health care programs.
University of Central Arkansas, 400,000 Lincoln, Pryor
Conway, AR, for information
technology.
University of Dubuque in 500,000 Harkin
Dubuque, Iowa for the
establishment of a nursing
education program.
University of Hawaii at Hilo 1,000,000 Inouye, Akaka
for an Applied Rural Science
program and a Clinical
Pharmacy Training Program.
University of Hawaii School of 250,000 Inouye
Law, for a health policy
center and cultural education
programs.
University of Idaho, Moscow, 200,000 Craig, Crapo
ID, for the Gateway to Math
Program, for continued
outreach to pre-college math
students.
University of Mississippi, 3,000,000 Lott
Oxford, MS, for program
development and curriculum.
University of New Hampshire, 400,000 Sununu
Manchester Campus, Manchester,
NH, to expand business and
high technology academic
programs.
University of North Carolina at 250,000 Dole
Wilmington, North Carolina,
for nursing programs including
military veterans, clinical
research and distance learning.
University of Northern Iowa, 200,000 Grassley
Cedar Falls, IA, for the
development of math and
science programs.
University of Scranton, 100,000 Specter, Casey
Scranton, PA, for equipment
acquisition to support nursing
and allied health education
programs.
University of South Dakota, 300,000 Johnson
Vermillion, SD, to establish
degrees in public health.
University of Southern 1,000,000 Lott
Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS,
for curriculum development and
acquisition of equipment.
University of Tennessee, 6,000,000 Byrd, Cochran, Harkin
Knoxville, TN, for the Baker
Center for Public Policy.
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 100,000 Inhofe
for acquisition of equipment
at the Center for Information
Security.
University of Vermont of 300,000 Leahy
Burlington, Burlington, VT, to
establish advanced practice
graduate nursing program in
psychiatric-mental health
nursing.
University of Vermont of 200,000 Leahy
Burlington, VT, Burlington,
VT, to establish a child
psychiatry fellowship program.
University of Wisconsin Eau 200,000 Kohl
Claire, Eau Claire, WI, to
provide educational programs
in nanotechnology.
University of Wisconsin 150,000 Kohl
Platteville, Platteville, WI,
to establish an English as a
Second Language teacher
certification program.
University of Wisconsin 150,000 Kohl
Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, to
establish a certification
program for science teachers.
Urban College of Boston, 750,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Boston, MA, to support higher
education programs serving low-
income and minority students.
Utah Valley State College, 50,000 Hatch
Orem, Utah, to expand nursing
education, including
technology acquisition and
curriculum development.
Vermont Technical College, 500,000 Sanders
Randolph Center, VT, for
equipment for the Fire Science
Program.
Villa Julie College, Stevenson, 750,000 Mikulski
MD, to expand the Nursing
Distance Learning Program.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute 200,000 Warner, Webb
and State University,
Blacksburg, VA, for equipment.
Washburn University, Topeka, 300,000 Brownback
KS, for equipment acquisition
to train students in science
and health-related fields.
Washington & Jefferson College, 100,000 Specter
Washington, PA, for foreign
language programs.
Washington State University, 400,000 Murray, Cantwell
Pullman, WA, for mentoring
programs women in science
programs.
Weber State University, Ogden, 50,000 Hatch
Utah, to provide mentoring for
minority disadvantaged
students.
Weber State University, Ogden, 500,000 Bennett
Utah, for stipends and tuition
assistance for faculty to
pursue advanced nursing degree.
West Chester University, West 100,000 Specter
Chester, PA, for technology
infrastructure upgrades and
acquisition.
Western Iowa Tech Community 100,000 Harkin, Grassley
College, Sioux City, IA, for
equipment.
Western Kentucky University 1,500,000 McConnell
Research Foundation, Bowling
Green, KY, for equipment
acquisition for the science,
technology and engineering
facility.
Western Oregon University, 250,000 Wyden, Smith
Monmouth, OR, for equipping a
nursing simulation laboratory.
Wheaton College, Norton, MA, to 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
procure educational equipment
and information technology to
support science center
expansion.
Wheelock College, Boston, MA, 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
for educational equipment and
curriculum development for the
K-9 science teachers program.
William Paterson University, 250,000 Lautenberg
Wayne, NJ, for curriculum
development and other
activities to establish the
Center for the Study of
Critical Languages.
Wisconsin Association of 200,000 Kohl
Independent Colleges and
Universities, Madison, WI, to
continue implementation of
administrative support
functions for independent
colleges and universities.
York College of Pennsylvania, 100,000 Specter, Casey
York, PA, for laboratory
equipment and technology
upgrades and acquisition.
York College, York, NE, for 100,000 Hagel, Ben Nelson
training of clinical social
workers in central and western
Nebraska, including curriculum
development.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority Science and Engineering Improvement
The Committee recommends $8,730,000 for the Minority
Science and Engineering Improvement program [MSEIP], the same
as the fiscal year 2007 level. 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 Career and Technical Institutions
The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for tribally controlled
postsecondary vocational institutions, an increase of $634,000
over the fiscal year 2007 level. 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.
Federal TRIO Programs
The Committee recommends $858,178,000 for Federal TRIO
Programs, an increase of $30,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007
level.
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.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
[GEARUP]
The Committee recommends $313,423,000 for GEARUP, an
increase of $10,000,000 over the fiscal year 2007 level.
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, an increase of $410,000 over the fiscal
year 2007 level.
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 2008, and continue support for the 2005,
2006, and 2007 cohorts of students in their fourth, third and
second years of study, respectively.
Javits Fellowships
The Committee recommends $9,699,000 for the Javits
Fellowships program, the same as the fiscal year 2007 level.
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 2008
appropriation support fellowships for the 2009-2010 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 same as the fiscal
year 2007 level. 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 Ph.D. 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 $28,521,000 for the teacher
quality enhancement grants program. This amount is $31,374,000
below the fiscal year 2007 level and a sufficient amount to
fund all fiscal year 2008 continuation awards.
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 same as the fiscal year 2007 level. 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 includes $12,000,000 for this
new program. The administration had requested $24,000,000. This
program funds 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 postsecondary education in critical needs
languages.
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 2007 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 does not include funding for
the Underground Railroad program and the budget request does
not include any funds for this activity. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 funding level was $1,980,000. 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. 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 2007 funding level is
$970,000 and the budget request did not include funds for this
activity.
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 2007 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, 2007.................................... $237,391,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 233,866,000
Committee recommendation................................ 237,392,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $237,392,000
for Howard University. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding
level is $237,391,000 and the budget request includes
$233,866,000 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 $3,526,000 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 2007 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, 2007.................................... $571,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 481,000
Committee recommendation................................ 481,000
Federal Administration.--The Committee bill includes
$481,000 for Federal administration of the CHAFL program. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $571,000 and the
budget request includes $481,000 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 2008. 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, 2007.................................... $209,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 188,000
Committee recommendation................................ 188,000
Federal Administration.--The Committee recommends $188,000
for Federal administration of the Historically Black College
and University [HBCU] Capital Financing Program. The comparable
fiscal year 2007 funding level is $209,000 and the budget
request includes $188,000 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, 2007.................................... $517,485,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 594,262,000
Committee recommendation................................ 589,826,000
The Committee recommends $589,826,000 for the Institute of
Education Sciences. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding
level is $517,485,000 and the budget request includes
$594,262,000 for authorized activities. This account supports
education research, data collection and analysis activities,
and the assessment of student progress.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION
The Committee recommends $182,552,000 for education
research, development and national dissemination activities.
The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $162,552,000 and the
budget request includes $162,535,000 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 recommendation includes an increase of
$20,000,000 over the budget request to accelerate research and
development of programs that can help States and local school
districts meet the goals of No Child Left Behind [NCLB]. The
Committee notes that one of the bipartisan recommendations of
The Commission on No Child Left Behind is to double the
research budget at IES and target the increase to research that
assists schools in meeting the goals of NCLB. The Committee
intends for these funds to be used in conjunction with IES base
funding to develop and evaluate approaches to improving student
achievement, such as supplemental education services and
turnaround programs, particularly for schools failing to meet
adequate yearly progress. The Committee believes that these
funds should be used for activities such as, funding large-
scale randomized evaluations of programs that appear to be
particularly promising through small-scale evaluations; funding
non-profit developers of proven programs to help them create
capacity for training, materials production, and other
activities that would enable these programs to be utilized more
widely; and fund researchers to carry out large-scale,
randomized evaluations of existing programs.
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, consistent with the intent of the Committee. The
Committee intends for fiscal year 2007 and 2008 funds available
to the Institute to be utilized in the same manner.
The Committee is encouraged by the Institute's continued
commitment to increasing the scientific quality of its research
projects that translate basic cognitive, developmental and
neuroscience research findings from into effective classroom
practices. The Committee supports the Institute's focus on math
and science cognition research that is necessary for the
nation's competitiveness. To maximize research investments, the
Committee encourages IES to increase its communication and
coordination of research agendas with the National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development to increase academic
achievement for all students, including those with learning
disabilities.
The Committee continues to support the fully integrated use
of technology in schools and urges the Department to continue
evaluating the use of educational technology and its impact on
achievement over the long term. In particular, the Committee
supports the contract recently awarded by the Department to the
RAND Corporation for a study of the impact of Carnegie
Learning's Cognitive Tutor Algebra I Curriculum. The Department
should be prepared to comment on the progress of this study
during the fiscal year 2009 budget hearing.
STATISTICS
The Committee recommends $95,022,000 for data gathering and
statistical analysis activities of the National Center for
Education Statistics [NCES]. The comparable fiscal year 2007
funding level is $90,022,000 and the budget request includes
$119,022,000 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 2007
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 2008-2009 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 $68,000,000 to continue support
for the regional educational laboratories. The comparable
fiscal year 2007 funding level is $65,470,000 and the budget
request includes $65,464,000 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 recommends additional funds
for the laboratories to increase their capacity to provide
timely responses to requests for assistance on issues of urgent
regional need.
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.
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 2007 is $71,840,000 and the budget request
includes $71,829,000 for this purpose. The National Center for
Special Education Research addresses 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 are
available for obligation for 2 fiscal years.
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDIES AND EVALUATIONS
The Committee recommends $9,628,000 for special education
studies and evaluations. The comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007 is $9,900,000 and the budget request includes
$9,628,000 for this purpose.
This program supports 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 $58,000,000 for
statewide data systems. The comparable funding level for fiscal
year 2007 is $24,552,000 and the budget request includes
$49,152,000 for this purpose.
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 $104,784,000 for assessment. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $93,149,000 and
the budget request includes $116,632,000 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 $22,500,000 to
support activities for implementing in 2009 State-level
assessments in the 12th grade. The Committee recommendation
includes a portion of the requested funds.
Within the funds appropriated, the Committee recommends
$6,037,000 for the National Assessment Governing Board [NAGB],
which is responsible for formulating policy for NAEP. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $5,054,000 and the budget
request includes $6,037,000 for NAGB.
Departmental Management
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $418,587,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 446,934,000
Committee recommendation................................ 432,631,000
The Committee recommends $432,631,000 for program
administration. The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level
is $418,587,000 and the budget request includes $446,934,000
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 $17,303,000 for building
renovations and related expenses associated with the upgrade of
the Mary E. Switzer building. The Committee recommendation
includes $3,000,000 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.
The rapid pace of technological change and increasing
global competition constantly challenge our schools to innovate
and to improve training in math, science and engineering. As a
result, a number of promising initiatives are underway to
improve the math and science skills of middle-school students
and to attract students, especially young women and minorities,
into careers in engineering. Some national multimedia
initiatives, for example, combine innovative television
programming with specialized lesson plans and web-based
materials. These multi-faceted approaches complement our
national goals to improve academic achievement and remain
competitive in the global marketplace. The Committee encourages
the Secretary to consider incorporating promising initiatives
into the Department's long-term strategy to improve achievement
in math, science and engineering, particularly among women and
minorities.
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $91,205,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 93,771,000
Committee recommendation................................ 93,771,000
The Committee recommends $93,771,000 for the Office for
Civil Rights [OCR]. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is
$91,205,000 and the budget request includes $93,771,000 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 the Senate report (109-103) for fiscal year 2006, 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 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. To eliminate confusion
regarding the use of interest surveys to demonstrate compliance
with prong three, the Committee directs 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 homepage, and by including such
notice immediately after the title of each printed or
electronic version of the Additional Clarification. 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, 2007.................................... $50,266,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 53,239,000
Committee recommendation................................ 54,239,000
The Committee recommends $54,239,000 for the Office of the
Inspector General. The comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is
$50,266,000 and the budget request includes $53,239,000 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 new provision that prohibits
funds from this act to be used to promulgate, implement, or
enforce any revision to the regulations in effect under section
496 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 on June 1, 2007, until
legislation specifically requiring such revision is enacted,
(sec. 305).
The Committee bill includes a provision related to
eligibility of and computation of payments for certain school
districts under the Impact Aid program (sec. 306) (Funding for
this program was requested by Senator Durbin).
TITLE IV
RELATED AGENCIES
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $4,652,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 4,994,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,994,000
The Committee recommends $4,994,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or
Severely Disabled.
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, 2007.................................... $884,547,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 828,680,000
Committee recommendation................................ 880,909,000
The Committee recommends $880,909,000 for the Corporation
for National and Community Service in fiscal year 2008.
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 103-982) 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 $313,054,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the domestic volunteer service programs of the Corporation
for National and Community Service. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2007 is $316,554,000 and $294,226,000 is the
administration request for fiscal year 2008. 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 $95,468,000 for the Volunteers in
Service to America [VISTA] Program. This amount is equal to the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007. The budget
request for fiscal year 2008 is $89,734,000.
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 $217,586,000 for the National
Senior Volunteer Corps programs, compared to $217,586,000 in
fiscal year 2007 and $204,492,000 in the fiscal year 2008
budget request.
In accordance with the Domestic Volunteer Service Act
[DVSA], the Committee intends that at least one-third of each
program's increase over the fiscal year 2007 level shall be
used to fund Programs of National Significance [PNS] expansion
grants to allow existing FGP, RSVP, and SCP programs to expand
the number of volunteers serving in areas of critical need as
identified by Congress in the DVSA. All remaining funds shall
be used to fund an administrative cost increase for each
existing program nationwide. The amount to be allocated to
individual grantees shall be calculated based on a percentage
of the entire Federal grant award in fiscal year 2007,
including the amount specified for payment of non-taxable
stipends. The Committee directs that the Corporation shall
comply with the directive that use of PNS funding increases in
the FGP, RSVP, SCP, and VISTA shall not be restricted to any
particular activity. The Committee further directs that the
Corporation shall not stipulate a minimum or maximum for PNS
grant augmentation.
The maximum total dollars which may be used in fiscal year
2008 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
2007.
Further, funds appropriated for fiscal year 2008 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 $110,937,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Foster Grandparent Program, which is equal to the
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007. The budget
request for fiscal year 2008 was $97,550,000. 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 2008
for the Senior Companion Program. This amount is the same as
the comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007. The budget
request for fiscal year 2008 was $41,299,000.
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. The comparable level for fiscal year
2007 is $59,685,000 and the administration request for fiscal
year 2008 is 65,643,000.
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. Funding was not
included for a baby boomer initiative that would compete and be
administered separately from the current program.
NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The Committee recommends $491,435,000 for the programs
authorized under the National Community Service Act of 1990.
The comparable level for fiscal year 2007 is $494,066,000 and
the administration request for fiscal year 2008 is
$459,422,000.
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 $288,291,000 for
AmeriCorps State and National operating grants (including
$12,516,000 for State administrative expenses); $117,720,000
for the National Service Trust; $10,550,000 for subtitle H fund
activities; $31,789,000 for AmeriCorps NCCC; $39,125,000 for
Learn and Serve; and $3,960,000 for audits and evaluations.
The Committee has deleted long-standing statutory language
urging the Corporation to reduce the cost-per-member of
service. The Committee appreciates the Corporation's attempt to
drive down costs, however, the Committee believes that there is
much merit to the variety of volunteer opportunities that the
Corporation offers. In particular, the Committee strongly
supports full-time and residential service models which cost
the Government more per unit but also provide a strong branding
effort for Americorps. Part-time service and education award-
only models are an important component of AmeriCorps but should
not become the sole means of service.
In addition, the Committee was disappointed to note
inconsistencies in the calculation of cost-per-member in the
Corporation's 2008 budget justification with respect to the
education award. Those inconsistencies unfairly disadvantaged
residential service programs and were used to justify cuts to
the National Civilian Community Corps. The Committee expects
future calculations of cost-per-member to treat the education
award equally across all programs.
AmeriCorps Grants Program (not including NCCC)
Within the amount provided for AmeriCorps grants, the
Committee is providing $65,000,000 for national direct
grantees.
The Committee is concerned that national direct funding is
awarded in a way that disadvantages rural areas of this
country. The Committee urges the Corporation to put a priority
on national direct applications that serve rural areas and
report to the Committee within 30 days after the end of the
fiscal year on the proportion of awards given to rural and
urban serving areas.
The Committee requests that the Corporation provide annual
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, even with recent
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. The Committee expects
the Corporation to track re-fill rates and include that
information in the annual budget justification.
The Committee requests a report from AmeriCorps that
provides candidate selection and non-selection statistics for
each of their three programs (AmeriCorps State and National,
AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC) based on the following
demographics: ethnicity, gender and educational preparation.
Innovation, Assistance and Other Activities
Within the amount recommended for innovation,
demonstration, and assistance activities, the Committee
recommendation includes no funding for Presidentially requested
earmarks such as Points of Light Foundation or America's
Promise. The Committee has increased the cap on the national
direct competition funding to encourage these and other
previously earmarked entities to compete for the funding.
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.
The Committee expects a spending plan for innovation
activities 60 days after enactment of this act.
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps
The Committee is deeply disappointed that the Corporation
has moved forward with a consolidation of the National Civilian
Community Corps [NCCC] despite clear guidance to the contrary
from this Committee in the last 3 years of appropriations bills
and reports. The Committee has included funding and statutory
direction to restore the two centers closed by the Corporation
in sites identified and evaluated by the Corporation in its
geographic assessment in 2005 and its more specific site
evaluation in October 2006. The Committee expects a class to be
operating out of each facility by the end of fiscal year 2008.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $69,520,000
for the Corporation's salaries and expenses. The comparable
level for fiscal year 2007 was $68,964,000 and the
administration request for fiscal year 2008 was $69,520,000.
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 $6,900,000 for
the Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The comparable level for
fiscal year 2007 was $4,963,000 and the administration request
for fiscal year 2008 was $5,512,000.
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 annual
Trust reports and to notify the Committees on Appropriations on
the accuracy of the reports.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Committee has included five 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; language regarding the Corporation to
make significant changes to program requirements or policy
through public rulemaking and public notice and grant selection
process; and language limiting the Corporation's authority to
transfer funds between programs.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Appropriations, 2008.................................... $400,000,000
Appropriations, 2009.................................... 400,000,000
Budget estimate, 2010...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 420,000,000
The Committee recommends $420,000,000 be made available for
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], as an advance
appropriation for fiscal year 2010. The comparable funding
level provided last year was $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
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 2008 for the conversion to digital
broadcasting, the same as the comparable funding level for
fiscal year 2007. The budget request included authority to
permit CPB to spend up to $30,600,000 in previously
appropriated fiscal year 2008 funds for digital conversion
activities.
The Committee has strongly supported the conversion of
public broadcasting stations to digital formats and continues
to do so in this act. However, the Committee recognizes that
this conversion to digital transmission leaves a great number
of stations with limited programming and makes a substantial
proportion of the public broadcasting library unusable. The
Committee believes that this archive of material is a valuable
asset to the public and to historians. Therefore, the Committee
intends that CPB may spend a portion of the digital conversion
funds to develop a digital public broadcasting archive pursuant
to 47 U.S.C. 396(g)(2)(D). The Committee directs CPB to notify
the Committee of the proposed level of funding for this
activity before making any funds available.
In addition, the Committee recommends $26,750,000 be made
available in fiscal year 2008 for the initial stage in the
replacement project of the radio interconnection system. In
fiscal year 2007, $34,650,000 was appropriated for this
purpose. The budget request for fiscal year 2008 included
authority to permit CPB to spend up to $26,750,000 in
previously appropriated fiscal year 2008 funds for the radio
interconnection system.
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $42,849,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 43,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 44,450,000
The Committee recommends $44,450,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service [FMCS]. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $42,849,000
and the budget request for fiscal year 2008 includes
$43,800,000 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.
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $7,778,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 8,096,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,096,000
The Committee recommends $8,096,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. The
comparable funding level for fiscal year 2007 was $7,778,000
and the fiscal year 2008 budget request includes $8,096,000.
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, 2007.................................... $247,205,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 271,246,000
Committee recommendation................................ 266,680,000
The Committee recommends $266,680,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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, $7,920,000
has been provided for National Leadership Grants for Museums,
$982,000 has been provided for the 21st Century Museum
Professionals program, $442,000 for museum assessment,
$1,000,000 for Native American Museum service grants, and
$842,000 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 $171,500,000 for State grants.
This funding is sufficient to meet the authorization
requirement for an increase in the minimum State grant. 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,
$3,817,000 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 $12,375,000 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, $23,760,000
has been provided for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
program.
Museum and Library Services Administration
The Committee recommends $12,917,000 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. In addition to
the total recommended, $1,715,000 is for data collection
activities formerly conducted by the National Commission on
Libraries and Information Science.
The Committee recommendation also includes funding for the
following organizations in the amounts specified:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Project recommendation Requested by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska Native Heritage Center, $250,000 Stevens
Anchorage, AK, for a
partnership with Koahnic
Broadcasting for a Native
Values project.
Archives Partnership Trust, New 100,000 Reid
York, NY, to digitize fragile
artifacts.
Bethel Performing Arts Center, 1,000,000 Schumer, Clinton
Liberty, NY, for the Museum at
Bethel.
Biolographical Society of 130,000 Voinovich
America, New York, NY, for the
National First Ladies' Library
in Canton, OH, for the First
White House Library Catalogue.
Bishop Museum in Honolulu, HI, 150,000 Inouye
to enhance library services.
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, to 250,000 Inouye
provide Filipino cultural
education.
Boston Children's Museum, 200,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Boston, MA, for the
development of exhibitions.
Dallas, Texas, for the Women's 200,000 Hutchison
Museum to expand outreach and
programming efforts.
Des Moines Art Center, Des 350,000 Harkin
Moines, IA, for exhibits.
Discovery Center of Idaho, 100,000 Crapo
Boise, Idaho, for exhibit
displays, education programs
and acquisition of equipment.
Fairfield County Public 100,000 Graham
Library, Winnsboro, SC, for
acquisition of equipment to
upgrade the library facilities.
Figge Art Museum, Davenport, 400,000 Harkin
Iowa, for exhibits, education
programs, and community
outreach.
Florida Memorial University, 200,000 Bill Nelson
Miami Gardens, FL, for
upgrades to the Nathan W
Collier Library.
Free Library of Philadelphia 100,000 Specter
Foundation, Philadelphia, PA,
for technology upgrades and
acquisition.
Great Basin College, Elko, NV, 350,000 Reid
to develop museum exhibits and
conduct outreach to education
programs.
Holbrook Public Library, 150,000 Kennedy, Kerry
Holbrook, MA, for the
development of exhibits.
Iowa Radio Reading Information 250,000 Harkin
Service (IRRIS), Des Moines,
Iowa, to expand services.
Italian-American Cultural 200,000 Harkin
Center of Iowa in Des Moines,
IA for exhibits, multi-media
collections, display.
James K. Polk Association, 250,000 Alexander
Columbia, TN, for exhibit
preparation at Polk
Presidential Hall.
Kellogg Hubbard Library, 400,000 Leahy
Montpelier, VT, for education
and outreach.
Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art 100,000 Feinstein, Boxer
Museum, Los Angeles, CA, for
education and outreach.
Mid-America Arts Alliance, 100,000 Ben Nelson
Kansas City, MO, for the HELP
program.
Museum of Afro-American 250,000 Kennedy, Kerry
History, Boston, MA, for the
development of youth
educational programs.
Museum of Utah Art & History, 250,000 Bennett
Salt Lake City, Utah, to
improve technology and exhibit
preparation.
New York Botanical Garden, 500,000 Clinton, Schumer
Bronx, NY, for the Virtual
Herbarium.
Newport News, Virginia, to 150,000 Warner, Webb
enhance library services.
Oklahoma City National Memorial 100,000 Inhofe
Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK,
for educational programs and
services.
Oklahoma Native American 100,000 Inhofe
Cultural and Educational
Authority, Oklahoma City, OK,
for exhibits design.
Orem, Utah, for technological 300,000 Bennett, Hatch
upgrades, equipment and
resource sharing for the Orem
public library.
Putnam Museum of History and 400,000 Harkin, Grassley
Natural Science, Davenport,
IA, for exhibits and community
outreach.
Southwest Museum of the 500,000 Feinstein, Boxer
American Indian, Los Angeles,
CA, for the Native American
Learning Lab.
Texas Historical Commission, 200,000 Hutchison
Austin, TX, for educational
programming, outreach, and
exhibit development.
University of Vermont of 500,000 Leahy
Burlington, VT, for a
digitization project.
Warner Robbins Museum of 100,000 Chambliss
Aviation, Warner Robbins, GA,
for multieducational programs
and equipment acquisition.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $12,066,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 10,748,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,748,000
The Committee recommends $10,748,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission [MedPAC].
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission was established by
Congress as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law
1050933). Congress merged the Physician Payment Review
Commission with the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission
to create MedPAC.
National Commission on Libraries and Information Science
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $989,000
Budget estimate, 2008...................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 400,000
The Committee recommends $400,000 for fiscal year 2008 for
the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science
[NCLIS]. The administration budget for fiscal year 2008
requested that NCLIS be eliminated and the activities of the
Commission be taken over by the Institute for Museum and
Library Services. The Committee concurs with this request and
has included $400,000 for close out activities.
The Commission determined the need for, and made
recommendations on, library and information services, and
advised the President and Congress on the development and
implementation of national policy in library and information
sciences.
National Council on Disability
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $3,426,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 3,113,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,113,000
The Committee recommends $3,113,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the National Council on Disability. One time funding was
included in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriation Act of
2007 for technical assistance to the Department of Homeland
Security.
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, 2007.................................... $251,507,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 256,238,000
Committee recommendation................................ 256,988,000
The Committee recommends $256,988,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the National Labor Relations Board [NLRB].
The NLRB is a law enforcement agency which adjudicates
disputes under the National Labor Relations Act.
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.
National Mediation Board
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $11,596,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 12,242,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,992,000
The Committee recommends $12,992,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the National Mediation Board [NMB].
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 the 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 2009 budget
justification.
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $10,471,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 10,696,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,696,000
The Committee recommends $10,696,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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, 2007.................................... $88,000,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 79,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 79,000,000
The Committee recommends $79,000,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Dual Benefits Payments Account, of these funds
$6,000,000 is from income taxes on vested dual benefits.
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, 2007.................................... $150,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 150,000
Committee recommendation................................ 150,000
The Committee recommends $150,000 for fiscal year 2008 for
interest earned on non-negotiated checks.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $103,694,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 103,518,000
Committee recommendation................................ 103,694,000
The Committee recommends $103,694,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the administration of railroad retirement/survivor benefit
programs.
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, 2007.................................... $7,173,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 7,606,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,000,000
The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2008
for the Office of the Inspector General.
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.
Social Security Administration
PAYMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $20,470,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 28,140,000
Committee recommendation................................ 28,140,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,140,000
for payments to Social Security trust funds. The comparable
fiscal year 2007 funding level is $20,470,000 and the budget
request includes $28,140,000 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, 2007.................................... $29,071,169,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 26,911,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 26,959,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
$26,959,000,000 for supplemental security income. This is in
addition to the $16,810,000,000 appropriated last year as an
advance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $29,071,169,000
and the budget request includes $26,911,000,000. The Committee
also recommends an advance appropriation of $14,800,000,000 for
the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 to ensure uninterrupted
benefits payments. The program level supported by the Committee
recommendation is $43,769,000,000, compared to the total
program level requested in the budget of $43,721,000,000.
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 2008. 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 recommends $36,000,000 for beneficiary
services, as proposed in the budget request. The availability
of carryover budget authority allowed the Congress not to
provide additional resources for this activity in fiscal year
2007. 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.
Research and Demonstration Projects
The Committee recommendation includes $28,000,000 for
research and demonstration projects conducted under sections
1110 and 1115 of the Social Security Act. The comparable fiscal
year 2007 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.
The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000 to support
activities of the National Center on Senior Benefits Outreach
and Enrollment within the Administration on Aging [AOA]. SSA is
directed to coordinate with AoA to utilize cost effective
strategies to find and enroll those with greatest need in
income maintenance, health and human services programs for
which they are eligible.
Administration
The Committee recommendation includes $3,030,000,000 for
payment to the Social Security trust funds for the SSI
Program's share of SSA's base administrative expenses. The
comparable fiscal year 2007 amount is $2,950,169,000 and the
budget request includes $2,983,000,000 for such activities.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2007.................................... $9,295,573,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 9,596,953,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,721,953,000
The Committee recommends a program funding level of
$9,721,953,000 for the limitation on administrative expenses.
The comparable fiscal year 2007 funding level is $9,295,573,000
and the budget request includes $9,596,953,000 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 $9,372,953,000 for
routine operating expenses of the agency, as well as the
resources related to program integrity activities and those
derived from the user fees discussed below.
The Committee recommends $125,000,000 more than the budget
request to ensure that the backlog of disability claims will
decrease, as opposed to increase as assumed under the budget
request. The Committee is concerned that over the past several
years resource limitations, increasing legislative mandates and
ineffective administrative reform efforts have created a
situation where the number of cases awaiting a hearing decision
stands at 738,000, leading to average waiting times of 505
days, the highest ever in SSA history. The Committee requests a
letter report not later than August 24, 2007, on current and
planned initiatives to improve the disability process,
including the status and results of the disability service
improvement process being piloted in the New England region and
efforts to improve the hearing process.
The budget request includes bill language earmarking not
less than $263,970,000 of funds available within this account
for continuing disability reviews and redeterminations of
eligibility under Social Security's disability programs. An
additional $213,000,000 earmark for continuing disability
reviews and redeterminations of eligibility also was proposed
in the budget request. The Committee recommendation includes
the requested resources and earmarking language.
Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention have reported that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is as
disabling as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage
renal failure, and multiple sclerosis. The Committee has
encouraged SSA officials to continue the education of
adjudicators at all levels about the functional impact of CFS
to ensure that they remain up to date on the appropriate
evaluation of disability that results from this condition.
Within 60 days of enactment of this act, the Committee requests
a report from SSA on these ongoing educational activities as
well any plans to update the existing policy ruling on CFS, SSR
99-2p.
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 2008.
User Fees
In addition to other amounts provided, the Committee
recommends $136,000,000 for administrative activities funded
from user fees. Of this amount, $135,000,000 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, 2007.................................... $92,051,000
Budget estimate, 2008................................... 95,047,000
Committee recommendation................................ 96,047,000
The Committee recommends $96,047,000 for activities for the
Office of the Inspector General. The comparable fiscal year
2007 funding level is $92,051,000 and the budget request
includes $95,047,000 for this office. This includes a general
fund appropriation of $28,000,000 together with an obligation
limitation of $68,047,000 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); prohibits candidates for scientific
advisory committees from having to disclose their political
activities (sec. 518); includes a new provision that requires
the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and
Education to submit a report on the number and amounts of
contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements awarded by the
Departments on a non-competitive basis (sec. 519); and includes
a new provision that sets a new eligibility cut-off date for
federally funded research on human embryonic stem cells (sec.
520).
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 2008:
Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education:
Mandatory............................................... 455,281 455,281 455,156 \1\ 455,156
Discretionary........................................... 149,236 149,872 147,183 \1\ 147,553
Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation:
2008.................................................... ........... ........... ........... \2\ 512,978
2009.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 65,622
2010.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 14,711
2011.................................................... ........... ........... ........... 3,331
2012 and future years................................... ........... ........... ........... 659
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 275,018 NA 238,532
2008.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\ Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
NOTE.--Consistent with the funding recommended in the bill for continuing disability reviews and Supplemental
Security Income [SSI] redeterminations, control of health care fraud and abuse, and reviews of improper
unemployment insurance payments, and in accordance with subparagraphs A, C, and D of section 207(c)(2) of
Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 (110th Congress), the Committee anticipates that the Budget Committee will
file a revised section 302(a) allocation for the Committee on Appropriations reflecting an upward adjustment
of $636,000,000 in budget authority and associated outlays.
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 Committee is filing an original bill, which is not
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the
spirit of full disclosure.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
and activities which currently lack authorization: Workforce
Investment Act; Trade Act of 2002; Homeless Veterans
Reintegration program; Title VII of the Public Health Services
Act; Title VIII of the Public Health Services Act; Traumatic
Brain Injury Programs; 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; health
centers; National Health Service Corps; Healthy Start;
telehealth; Infectious Diseases; Health Promotion; Birth
Defects; 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; Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Programs, except for Stop Act programs; Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality; Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program; Refugee and Entrant Assistance programs;
Adoption Awareness; Child Care and Development Block Grant;
Head Start; Developmental Disabilities; Native American
Programs; Community Services Block Grant; Rural Facilities;
Individual Development Accounts; Community Economic
Development; Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants; Title V
of the Public Health Services Act; Adolescent Family Life;
Office of Minority Health; Office of Disease Prevention
Services; Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research,
except sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Assistive Technology Program;
Higher Education Act; National Technical Institute for the
Deaf; Gallaudet University; 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 June 21, 2007,
the Committee ordered reported en bloc an original bill (S.
1710) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and authorized
the chairman of the committee or the chairman of the
subcommittee to offer the text of the Senate bill as a
committee amendment in the nature of a substitute to the House
companion measure, with the bill subject to amendment and
subject to the budget allocations, by a recorded vote of 26-3,
a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Byrd Mr. Nelson
Mr. Inouye Mr. Gregg
Mr. Leahy Mr. Brownback
Mr. Harkin
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Kohl
Mrs. Murray
Mr. Dorgan
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Lautenberg
Mr. Cochran
Mr. Stevens
Mr. Specter
Mr. Domenici
Mr. Bond
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Bennett
Mr. Craig
Mrs. Hutchison
Mr. Allard
Mr. Alexander
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 2007 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2008
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation
Committee compared with (+ or -)
Item 2007 comparable Budget estimate recommendation -----------------------------------
2007 comparable Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Grants to States:
Adult Training, current year.............................. 152,199 ................ 152,199 ................ +152,199
Advance from prior year............................... (712,000) (712,000) (712,000) ................ ................
Fiscal year 2009...................................... 712,000 712,000 712,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adult Training...................................... 864,199 712,000 864,199 ................ +152,199
Youth Training............................................ 940,500 840,500 940,500 ................ +100,000
Dislocated Worker Assistance, current year................ 341,811 54,939 341,811 ................ +286,872
Advance from prior year............................... (848,000) (848,000) (848,000) ................ ................
Fiscal year 2009...................................... 848,000 848,000 848,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker Assistance........................ 1,189,811 902,939 1,189,811 ................ +286,872
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants to States........................ 2,994,510 2,455,439 2,994,510 ................ +539,071
Current Year.................................. (1,434,510) (895,439) (1,434,510) ................ (+539,071)
Fiscal year 2009.............................. (1,560,000) (1,560,000) (1,560,000) ................ ................
Federally Administered Programs:
Dislocated Worker Assistance National Reserve:
Current year.......................................... 70,092 ................ 70,092 ................ +70,092
Advance from prior year............................... (212,000) (212,000) (212,000) ................ ................
Fiscal year 2009...................................... 212,000 212,000 212,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker Assistance Nat'l Reserve.......... 282,092 212,000 282,092 ................ +70,092
Less funding reserved for Community College Initiative (-125,000) ................ (-125,000) ................ (-125,000)
(NA).................................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dislocated Worker Assistance Nat'l Reserve.......... 157,092 212,000 157,092 ................ -54,908
Native Americans Programs................................. 53,696 45,000 53,696 ................ +8,696
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Programs................. 79,752 ................ 79,752 ................ +79,752
Women in Apprenticeship................................... 1,000 ................ 1,000 ................ +1,000
YouthBuild................................................ 49,500 50,000 65,000 +15,500 +15,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Federally Administered Programs............... 466,040 307,000 481,540 +15,500 +174,540
Current Year........................................ (254,040) (95,000) (269,540) (+15,500) (+174,540)
Fiscal year 2009.................................... (212,000) (212,000) (212,000) ................ ................
National Activities:
Pilots, Demonstrations and Research................... 14,700 13,000 30,650 +15,950 +17,650
Responsible Reintegration of Youthful Offender........ 49,104 ................ 55,000 +5,896 +55,000
Prisoner Re-entry..................................... 19,642 ................ ................ -19,642 ................
Reintegration of Ex-offenders......................... ................ 39,600 13,642 +13,642 -25,958
Evaluation............................................ 4,921 7,000 4,921 ................ -2,079
Community College initiative.......................... ................ 150,000 ................ ................ -150,000
Community College initiative (NA) \1\............. (125,000) ................ (125,000) ................ (+125,000)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, CC initiative, program level.......... 125,000 150,000 125,000 ................ -25,000
Denali Commission..................................... 6,875 ................ 6,875 ................ +6,875
Other................................................. 480 ................ ................ -480 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National activities....................... 95,722 209,600 111,088 +15,366 -98,512
=========================================================================================
Total, Training and Employment Services............. 3,556,272 2,972,039 3,587,138 +30,866 +615,099
Current Year.................................... (1,784,272) (1,200,039) (1,815,138) (+30,866) (+615,099)
Fiscal year 2009................................ (1,772,000) (1,772,000) (1,772,000) ................ ................
COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT FOR OLDER AMERICANS.............. 483,611 350,000 483,611 ................ +133,611
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES.................. 837,600 888,700 888,700 +51,100 ................
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPERATIONS
Unemployment Insurance (UI):
State Operations.......................................... 2,497,770 2,510,723 2,510,723 +12,953 ................
Additional UI Program Integrity........................... ................ 40,000 40,000 +40,000 ................
National Activities....................................... 9,900 10,500 10,500 +600 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Unemployment Insurance........................ 2,507,670 2,561,223 2,561,223 +53,553 ................
Employment Service:
Allotments to States:
Federal Funds......................................... 22,883 22,016 22,883 ................ +867
Trust Funds........................................... 693,000 666,763 693,000 ................ +26,237
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, allotments to States...................... 715,883 688,779 715,883 ................ +27,104
ES National Activities.................................... 33,428 32,766 34,000 +572 +1,234
=========================================================================================
Subtotal, Employment Service............................ 749,311 721,545 749,883 +572 +28,338
Federal Funds....................................... 22,883 22,016 22,883 ................ +867
Trust Funds......................................... 726,428 699,529 727,000 +572 +27,471
One-Stop Career Centers/Labor Market Information.............. 63,855 55,985 55,985 -7,870 ................
Work Incentives Grants........................................ 19,514 ................ 19,541 +27 +19,541
=========================================================================================
Total, State Unemployment & Employment Srvcs............ 3,340,350 3,338,753 3,386,632 +46,282 +47,879
Federal Funds....................................... 106,252 78,001 98,409 -7,843 +20,408
Trust Funds......................................... (3,234,098) (3,260,752) (3,288,223) (+54,125) (+27,471)
ADVANCES TO THE UI AND OTHER TRUST FUNDS...................... 465,000 437,000 437,000 -28,000 ................
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Adult Employment and Training................................. 43,442 45,593 44,593 +1,151 -1,000
Trust Funds............................................... 7,846 8,283 7,846 ................ -437
Youth Employment and Training \2\............................. 39,354 40,311 11,439 -27,915 -28,872
Employment Security........................................... 6,354 6,376 6,376 +22 ................
Trust Funds............................................... 72,113 84,436 84,436 +12,323 ................
Apprenticeship Services....................................... 21,542 21,725 21,725 +183 ................
Executive Direction \2\....................................... 6,967 7,250 7,000 +33 -250
Trust Funds............................................... 2,090 2,188 2,090 ................ -98
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Program Administration........................... 199,708 216,162 185,505 -14,203 -30,657
Federal Funds....................................... 117,659 121,255 91,133 -26,526 -30,122
Trust Funds......................................... 82,049 94,907 94,372 +12,323 -535
=========================================================================================
Total, Employment and Training Administration........... 8,882,541 8,202,654 8,968,586 +86,045 +765,932
Federal Funds....................................... 5,566,394 4,846,995 5,585,991 +19,597 +738,996
Current Year.................................... (3,794,394) (3,074,995) (3,813,991) (+19,597) (+738,996)
Fiscal year 2009................................ (1,772,000) (1,772,000) (1,772,000) ................ ................
Trust Funds......................................... 3,316,147 3,355,659 3,382,595 +66,448 +26,936
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Enforcement and Participant Assistance........................ 118,718 123,163 119,000 +282 -4,163
Policy and Compliance Assistance.............................. 17,585 18,315 18,315 +730 ................
Executive Leadership, Program Oversight and Admin............. 5,270 5,947 5,947 +677 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, EBSA............................................. 141,573 147,425 143,262 +1,689 -4,163
PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
Pension insurance activities.................................. (80,357) (74,784) (74,784) (-5,573) ................
Pension plan termination...................................... (128,466) (205,158) (205,158) (+76,692) ................
Operational support........................................... (196,567) (131,209) (131,209) (-65,358) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, PBGC (Program level)............................. (405,390) (411,151) (411,151) (+5,761) ................
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Enforcement of Wage and Hour Standards........................ 170,220 182,365 184,365 +14,145 +2,000
Office of Labor-Management Standards.......................... 47,753 56,888 45,737 -2,016 -11,151
Federal Contractor EEO Standards Enforcement.................. 82,441 84,182 84,182 +1,741 ................
Federal Programs for Workers' Compensation.................... 100,889 104,478 104,478 +3,589 ................
Trust Funds............................................... 2,042 2,111 2,111 +69 ................
Program Direction and Support................................. 17,526 17,635 17,635 +109 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, ESA salaries and expenses........................ 420,871 447,659 438,508 +17,637 -9,151
Federal Funds....................................... 418,829 445,548 436,397 +17,568 -9,151
Trust Funds......................................... 2,042 2,111 2,111 +69 ................
SPECIAL BENEFITS
Federal employees compensation benefits....................... 224,000 200,000 200,000 -24,000 ................
Longshore and harbor workers' benefits........................ 3,000 3,000 3,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Special Benefits................................. 227,000 203,000 203,000 -24,000 ................
SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR DISABLED COAL MINERS
Benefit payments.............................................. 298,000 271,000 271,000 -27,000 ................
Administration................................................ 5,373 5,221 5,221 -152 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, fiscal year 2008 program level................ 303,373 276,221 276,221 -27,152 ................
Less funds advanced in prior year................... -74,000 -68,000 -68,000 +6,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Current Year, fiscal year 2008................... 229,373 208,221 208,221 -21,152 ................
New advances, 1st quarter fiscal year 2009.......... 68,000 62,000 62,000 -6,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Special Benefits for Disabled Coal Miners........ 297,373 270,221 270,221 -27,152 ................
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Fund, 102,307 104,745 104,745 +2,438 ................
Administrative Expenses......................................
BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND
Benefit payments and interest on advances..................... 1,010,011 1,009,763 1,009,763 -248 ................
Employment Standards Admin., Salaries and expenses............ 33,578 32,761 32,761 -817 ................
Departmental Management, Salaries and expenses................ 25,255 24,785 24,785 -470 ................
Departmental Management, Inspector General.................... 346 335 335 -11 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Black Lung Disability......................... 1,069,190 1,067,644 1,067,644 -1,546 ................
Treasury Department Administrative Costs...................... 356 356 356 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Black Lung Disability Trust Fund................. 1,069,546 1,068,000 1,068,000 -1,546 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Employment Standards Administration.............. 2,117,097 2,093,625 2,084,474 -32,623 -9,151
Federal Funds....................................... 2,115,055 2,091,514 2,082,363 -32,692 -9,151
Current year.................................... (2,047,055) (2,029,514) (2,020,363) (-26,692) (-9,151)
Fiscal year 2009................................ (68,000) (62,000) (62,000) (-6,000) ................
Trust Funds......................................... 2,042 2,111 2,111 +69 ................
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Safety and Health Standards................................... 16,892 16,851 16,892 ................ +41
Federal Enforcement........................................... 176,973 183,046 188,005 +11,032 +4,959
State Programs................................................ 91,093 91,093 91,093 ................ ................
Technical Support............................................. 22,392 22,066 22,066 -326 ................
Compliance Assistance:
Federal Assistance........................................ 72,659 79,607 72,659 ................ -6,948
State Consultation Grants................................. 53,357 54,531 54,531 +1,174 ................
Training Grants........................................... 10,116 ................ 10,116 ................ +10,116
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Compliance Assistance......................... 136,132 134,138 137,306 +1,174 +3,168
Safety and Health Statistics.................................. 32,274 32,082 32,082 -192 ................
Executive Direction and Administration........................ 11,169 11,001 11,001 -168 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, OSHA............................................. 486,925 490,277 498,445 +11,520 +8,168
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Coal Enforcement.............................................. 120,396 140,620 147,420 +27,024 +6,800
Metal/Non-Metal Enforcement................................... 72,506 72,290 72,690 +184 +400
Standards Development......................................... 2,727 2,737 3,237 +510 +500
Assessments................................................... 6,556 5,743 6,243 -313 +500
Educational Policy and Development............................ 35,326 34,256 37,256 +1,930 +3,000
Technical Support............................................. 29,237 28,200 30,000 +763 +1,800
Program evaluation and information resources (PEIR)........... 21,185 16,219 16,219 -4,966 ................
Program Administration........................................ 13,637 13,413 16,963 +3,326 +3,550
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Mine Safety and Health Administration............ 301,570 313,478 330,028 +28,458 +16,550
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Employment and Unemployment Statistics........................ 169,722 175,320 174,320 +4,598 -1,000
Labor Market Information...................................... 77,067 78,264 78,000 +933 -264
Prices and Cost of Living..................................... 177,847 192,149 178,992 +1,145 -13,157
Compensation and Working Conditions........................... 81,658 84,859 85,859 +4,201 +1,000
Productivity and Technology................................... 11,063 11,332 11,063 ................ -269
Executive Direction and Staff Services........................ 30,766 32,519 31,766 +1,000 -753
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of Labor Statistics....................... 548,123 574,443 560,000 +11,877 -14,443
Federal Funds....................................... 471,056 496,179 482,000 +10,944 -14,179
Trust Funds......................................... 77,067 78,264 78,000 +933 -264
OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Salaries and expenses......................................... 27,712 18,602 27,712 ................ +9,110
DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Executive Direction........................................... 28,189 28,680 28,680 +491 ................
Departmental IT Crosscut...................................... 29,462 31,405 22,000 -7,462 -9,405
Departmental Management Crosscut.............................. 1,108 750 750 -358 ................
Legal Services................................................ 85,488 95,162 95,162 +9,674 ................
Trust Funds............................................... 308 318 318 +10 ................
International Labor Affairs................................... 72,516 14,097 82,516 +10,000 +68,419
Administration and Management................................. 32,865 33,362 33,362 +497 ................
Adjudication.................................................. 27,537 28,289 28,289 +752 ................
Women's Bureau................................................ 9,666 9,832 10,300 +634 +468
Civil Rights Activities....................................... 6,445 6,763 6,763 +318 ................
Chief Financial Officer....................................... 5,336 5,578 5,578 +242 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries and expenses............................ 298,920 254,236 313,718 +14,798 +59,482
Federal Funds....................................... 298,612 253,918 313,400 +14,788 +59,482
Trust Funds......................................... 308 318 318 +10 ................
OFFICE OF JOB CORPS \3\
Administration \2\............................................ ................ ................ 28,872 +28,872 +28,872
Operations.................................................... 879,357 831,372 925,000 +45,643 +93,628
Advance from prior year............................... (591,000) (591,000) (591,000) ................ ................
Fiscal year 2009...................................... 591,000 591,000 591,000 ................ ................
Construction and Renovation............................... 7,920 ................ 15,000 +7,080 +15,000
Advance from prior year............................... (100,000) (100,000) (100,000) ................ ................
Fiscal year 2009...................................... 100,000 100,000 100,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Job Corps.................................... 1,578,277 1,522,372 1,659,872 +81,595 +137,500
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
State administration, Grants.................................. 160,791 161,894 161,894 +1,103 ................
Federal Administration........................................ 31,187 33,282 33,282 +2,095 ................
National Veterans' Training Institute......................... 1,967 1,949 1,967 ................ +18
Homeless Veterans Program..................................... 21,809 23,620 23,620 +1,811 ................
Veterans Workforce Investment Programs........................ 7,435 7,351 7,435 ................ +84
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Veterans Employment and Training................. 223,189 228,096 228,198 +5,009 +102
Federal Funds....................................... 29,244 30,971 31,055 +1,811 +84
Trust Funds......................................... 193,945 197,125 197,143 +3,198 +18
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Program Activities............................................ 67,214 72,929 73,929 +6,715 +1,000
Trust Funds............................................... 5,552 5,729 5,729 +177 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of Inspector General...................... 72,766 78,658 79,658 +6,892 +1,000
Federal funds....................................... 67,214 72,929 73,929 +6,715 +1,000
Trust funds......................................... 5,552 5,729 5,729 +177 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Departmental Management.......................... 2,173,152 2,083,362 2,281,446 +108,294 +198,084
Federal Funds....................................... 1,973,347 1,880,190 2,078,256 +104,909 +198,066
Current Year........................................ (1,282,347) (1,189,190) (1,387,256) (+104,909) (+198,066)
Fiscal year 2009.................................... (691,000) (691,000) (691,000) ................ ................
Trust Funds......................................... 199,805 203,172 203,190 +3,385 +18
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
Working capital fund.......................................... 6,168 12,000 ................ -6,168 -12,000
=========================================================================================
Total, Title I, Department of Labor..................... 14,684,861 13,935,866 14,893,953 +209,092 +958,087
Federal Funds....................................... 11,089,800 10,296,660 11,228,057 +138,257 +931,397
Current Year.................................... (8,558,800) (7,771,660) (8,703,057) (+144,257) (+931,397)
Fiscal year 2009................................ (2,531,000) (2,525,000) (2,525,000) (-6,000) ................
Trust Funds......................................... 3,595,061 3,639,206 3,665,896 +70,835 +26,690
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...................................... 1,988,039 1,988,467 2,238,039 +250,000 +249,572
Free Clinics Medical Malpractice.............................. 41 100 40 -1 -60
National Hansen's Disease Services............................ 15,972 16,109 16,500 +528 +391
Buildings and Facilities.................................. 220 100 220 ................ +120
Payment to Hawaii, treatment of Hansen's...................... 1,996 1,976 1,996 ................ +20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Bureau of Primary Health Care................. 2,006,268 2,006,752 2,256,795 +250,527 +250,043
BUREAU OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
National Health Service Corps:
Field placements.......................................... 40,443 30,729 40,443 ................ +9,714
Recruitment............................................... 85,230 85,230 85,230 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National Health Service Corps................. 125,673 115,959 125,673 ................ +9,714
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Training for Diversity:
Centers of excellence..................................... 11,880 ................ 11,880 ................ +11,880
Health careers opportunity program........................ 3,960 ................ 3,960 ................ +3,960
Faculty loan repayment.................................... 1,289 ................ 1,289 ................ +1,289
Scholarships for disadvantaged students................... 46,657 9,733 46,657 ................ +36,924
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Training for Diversity........................ 63,786 9,733 63,786 ................ +54,053
Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry............... 48,851 ................ 48,851 ................ +48,851
Interdisciplinary Community-Based Linkages:
Area health education centers............................. 28,681 ................ 28,681 ................ +28,681
Allied health and other disciplines....................... 3,960 ................ 5,960 +2,000 +5,960
Geriatric education....................................... 31,548 ................ 31,548 ................ +31,548
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Interdisciplinary Comm. Linkages.............. 64,189 ................ 66,189 +2,000 +66,189
Public health, preventive med. and dental programs............ 7,920 ................ 8,920 +1,000 +8,920
Nursing Programs:
Advanced Education Nursing................................ 57,061 ................ 68,889 +11,828 +68,889
Nurse education, practice, and retention.................. 37,291 37,291 37,291 ................ ................
Nursing workforce diversity............................... 16,107 16,107 16,107 ................ ................
Loan repayment and scholarship program.................... 31,055 43,744 36,000 +4,945 -7,744
Comprehensive geriatric education......................... 3,392 3,392 3,392 ................ ................
Nursing faculty loan program.............................. 4,773 4,773 8,000 +3,227 +3,227
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Nursing programs.............................. 149,679 105,307 169,679 +20,000 +64,372
=========================================================================================
Subtotal, Health Professions............................ 334,425 115,040 357,425 +23,000 +242,385
Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education............... 297,009 110,018 200,000 -97,009 +89,982
National Practitioner Data Bank............................... 16,200 18,900 18,900 +2,700 ................
User Fees................................................. -16,200 -18,900 -18,900 -2,700 ................
Health Care Integrity and Protection Data Bank................ 3,825 ................ 3,825 ................ +3,825
User Fees................................................. -3,825 ................ -3,825 ................ -3,825
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Bureau of Health Professions.................. 757,107 341,017 683,098 -74,009 +342,081
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant......................... 673,000 673,000 673,000 ................ ................
Autism and Other Developmental Disorders \4\.................. 20,000 20,000 37,000 +17,000 +17,000
Sickle cell anemia demonstration program...................... 2,180 2,184 3,180 +1,000 +996
Traumatic Brain Injury........................................ 8,910 ................ 10,000 +1,090 +10,000
Healthy Start................................................. 101,518 100,503 101,518 ................ +1,015
Universal Newborn Hearing..................................... 9,804 ................ 12,000 +2,196 +12,000
Emergency medical services for children....................... 19,800 ................ 20,000 +200 +20,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.............. 835,212 795,687 856,698 +21,486 +61,011
HIV/AIDS BUREAU
Ryan White AIDS Programs:
Emergency Assistance...................................... 603,993 603,993 603,993 ................ ................
Comprehensive Care Programs............................... 1,195,500 1,215,518 1,225,518 +30,018 +10,000
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) (NA).............. (789,546) (814,546) (814,546) (+25,000) ................
Early Intervention Program................................ 193,722 199,821 193,622 -100 -6,199
Children, Youth, Women, and Families...................... 71,794 71,794 75,000 +3,206 +3,206
AIDS Dental Services...................................... 13,086 13,086 13,086 ................ ................
Education and Training Centers............................ 34,700 28,700 34,700 ................ +6,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Ryan White AIDS programs...................... 2,112,795 2,132,912 2,145,919 +33,124 +13,007
Evaluation Tap Funding (NA)............................... (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Ryan White AIDs program level................. (2,137,795) (2,157,912) (2,170,919) (+33,124) (+13,007)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, HIV/AIDS Bureau............................... 2,112,795 2,132,912 2,145,919 +33,124 +13,007
HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS BUREAU
Organ Transplantation......................................... 23,049 23,049 25,049 +2,000 +2,000
National Cord Blood Inventory................................. 3,963 1,966 12,000 +8,037 +10,034
Bone Marrow Program........................................... 25,168 22,701 22,701 -2,467 ................
Office of Pharmacy Affairs.................................... ................ 2,940 2,940 +2,940 ................
Poison control................................................ 23,000 10,000 23,000 ................ +13,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Healthcare systems bureau..................... 75,180 60,656 85,690 +10,510 +25,034
RURAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Rural outreach grants......................................... 38,885 ................ 40,000 +1,115 +40,000
Rural Health Research......................................... 8,737 8,737 9,500 +763 +763
Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants............................. 63,538 ................ 38,538 -25,000 +38,538
Delta Health Initiative \5\................................... ................ ................ 25,000 +25,000 +25,000
Rural and community access to emergency devices............... 1,487 ................ 3,000 +1,513 +3,000
State Offices of Rural Health................................. 8,141 8,141 9,000 +859 +859
Black lung clinics............................................ 5,891 5,886 6,000 +109 +114
Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program \5\........ 1,919 1,904 1,917 -2 +13
Denali Commission............................................. 39,283 ................ 39,283 ................ +39,283
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Rural health programs......................... 167,881 24,668 172,238 +4,357 +147,570
Family Planning............................................... 283,146 283,103 300,000 +16,854 +16,897
Health Care-related Facilities and Activities................. ................ ................ 191,235 +191,235 +191,235
Telehealth.................................................... 6,819 6,819 7,000 +181 +181
Program Management............................................ 146,294 144,191 145,000 -1,294 +809
=========================================================================================
Total, Health resources and services.................... 6,390,702 5,795,805 6,843,673 +452,971 +1,047,868
Total, Health resources & services program level........ (6,415,702) (5,820,805) (6,868,673) (+452,971) (+1,047,868)
Evaluation tap funding.............................. (25,000) (25,000) (25,000) ................ ................
HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOANS (HEAL) PROGRAM:
Liquidating account....................................... (4,000) (1,000) (1,000) (-3,000) ................
Program management........................................ 2,898 2,906 2,906 +8 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, HEAL............................................. 2,898 2,906 2,906 +8 ................
VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM TRUST FUND:
Post-fiscal year 1988 claims.............................. 55,871 57,547 57,547 +1,676 ................
HRSA administration....................................... 3,982 3,528 3,528 -454 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund........... 59,853 61,075 61,075 +1,222 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Health Resources and Services Admin.............. 6,453,453 5,859,786 6,907,654 +454,201 +1,047,868
Total, HRSA program level............................... (6,482,453) (5,885,786) (6,933,654) (+451,201) (+1,047,868)
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Infectious Diseases........................................... 1,791,437 1,781,574 1,762,083 -29,354 -19,491
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (12,794) (12,794) (12,794) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (1,804,231) (1,794,368) (1,774,877) (-29,354) (-19,491)
Health Promotion.............................................. 959,662 958,732 979,876 +20,214 +21,144
Health Information and Service................................ 88,418 108,361 98,854 +10,436 -9,507
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (134,235) (135,135) (133,799) (-436) (-1,336)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (222,653) (243,496) (232,653) (+10,000) (-10,843)
Environmental health and injury............................... 288,104 287,674 296,338 +8,234 +8,664
Occupational safety and health \6\............................ 167,028 165,927 180,326 +13,298 +14,399
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (87,071) (87,071) (92,071) (+5,000) (+5,000)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level \6\............................. (254,099) (252,998) (272,397) (+18,298) (+19,399)
Global health................................................. 334,038 379,719 334,038 ................ -45,681
Terrorism preparedness and response........................... 1,541,300 1,504,375 1,632,448 +91,148 +128,073
Public Health research:
Federal Funds............................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (31,000) (31,000) (31,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (31,000) (31,000) (31,000) ................ ................
Public health improvement and leadership...................... 189,808 190,412 209,829 +20,021 +19,417
Preventive health and health services block grant............. 99,000 ................ 99,000 ................ +99,000
Buildings and Facilities...................................... 134,400 20,000 220,000 +85,600 +200,000
Business services............................................. 344,377 319,877 344,377 ................ +24,500
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Centers for Disease Control...................... 5,937,572 5,716,651 6,157,169 +219,597 +440,518
Evaluation Tap Funding (NA)......................... (265,100) (266,000) (269,664) (+4,564) (+3,664)
Total, Centers for Disease Control program level........ (6,202,672) (5,982,651) (6,426,833) (+224,161) (+444,182)
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
National Cancer Institute..................................... 4,797,639 4,782,114 4,910,160 +112,521 +128,046
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute..................... 2,922,929 2,925,413 2,992,197 +69,268 +66,784
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research.......... 389,703 389,722 398,602 +8,899 +8,880
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney 1,705,868 1,708,045 1,747,784 +41,916 +39,739
Diseases.....................................................
Juvenile diabetes (mandatory)............................. (150,000) (150,000) (150,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, NIDDK......................................... (1,855,868) (1,858,045) (1,897,784) (+41,916) (+39,739)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke......... 1,535,545 1,537,019 1,573,268 +37,723 +36,249
National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases \7\....... 4,268,708 4,292,482 4,368,472 +99,764 +75,990
Global HIV/AIDS Fund Transfer............................. 99,000 300,000 300,000 +201,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, NIAID......................................... 4,367,708 4,592,482 4,668,472 +300,764 +75,990
National Institute of General Medical Sciences................ 1,935,808 1,941,462 1,978,601 +42,793 +37,139
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development........ 1,254,707 1,264,946 1,282,231 +27,524 +17,285
National Eye Institute........................................ 667,116 667,820 681,962 +14,846 +14,142
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences........... 642,002 637,406 656,176 +14,174 +18,770
National Institute on Aging................................... 1,047,260 1,047,148 1,073,048 +25,788 +25,900
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin 508,240 508,082 519,810 +11,570 +11,728
Diseases.....................................................
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication 393,668 393,682 402,680 +9,012 +8,998
Disorders....................................................
National Institute of Nursing Research........................ 137,404 137,800 140,456 +3,052 +2,656
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism............ 436,259 436,505 445,702 +9,443 +9,197
National Institute on Drug Abuse.............................. 1,000,621 1,000,365 1,022,594 +21,973 +22,229
National Institute of Mental Health........................... 1,404,494 1,405,421 1,436,001 +31,507 +30,580
National Human Genome Research Institute...................... 486,491 484,436 497,031 +10,540 +12,595
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering... 296,887 300,463 304,319 +7,432 +3,856
National Center for Research Resources........................ 1,133,240 1,112,498 1,177,997 +44,757 +65,499
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.... 121,576 121,699 124,213 +2,637 +2,514
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities..... 199,444 194,495 203,895 +4,451 +9,400
John E. Fogarty International Center.......................... 66,446 66,594 68,000 +1,554 +1,406
National Library of Medicine.................................. 320,850 312,562 327,817 +6,967 +15,255
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (8,200) (8,200) (8,200) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, NLM........................................... 329,050 320,762 336,017 +6,967 +15,255
Office of the Director \7\.................................... 1,046,901 517,062 1,145,790 +98,889 +628,728
Common Fund (Non-Add)..................................... (483,000) (121,540) (531,300) (+48,300) (+409,760)
Buildings and Facilities...................................... 81,081 136,000 121,081 +40,000 -14,919
=========================================================================================
Total, National Institutes of Health (NIH).............. 28,899,887 28,621,241 29,899,887 +1,000,000 +1,278,646
Global HIV/AIDS Fund Transfer....................... -99,000 -300,000 -300,000 -201,000 ................
Evaluation Tap Funding.............................. (8,200) (8,200) (8,200) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, NIH, Program Level............................... (28,809,087) (28,329,441) (29,608,087) (+799,000) (+1,278,646)
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
(SAMHSA)
Mental Health:
Programs of Regional and National Significance............ 263,263 186,633 298,217 +34,954 +111,584
Mental Health block grant................................. 406,843 406,843 406,843 ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding................................ (21,413) (21,413) (21,413) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level............................. (428,256) (428,256) (428,256) ................ ................
Children's Mental Health.................................. 104,078 104,078 104,078 ................ ................
Grants to States for the Homeless (PATH).................. 54,261 54,261 54,261 ................ ................
Protection and Advocacy................................... 34,000 34,000 39,000 +5,000 +5,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Mental Health................................. 862,445 785,815 902,399 +39,954 +116,584
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (883,858) (807,228) (923,812) (+39,954) (+116,584)
Substance Abuse Treatment:
Programs of Regional and National Significance............ 394,649 347,790 422,268 +27,619 +74,478
Evaluation Tap Funding................................ (4,300) (4,300) (4,300) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level............................. (398,949) (352,090) (426,568) (+27,619) (+74,478)
Substance Abuse block grant............................... 1,679,391 1,679,391 1,679,391 ................ ................
Evaluation Tap Funding................................ (79,200) (79,200) (79,200) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level............................. (1,758,591) (1,758,591) (1,758,591) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Substance Abuse Treatment..................... 2,074,040 2,027,181 2,101,659 +27,619 +74,478
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level............................. (2,157,540) (2,110,681) (2,185,159) (+27,619) (+74,478)
Substance Abuse Prevention:
Programs of Regional and National Significance............ 192,902 156,461 197,108 +4,206 +40,647
Program Management............................................ 76,721 76,969 76,969 +248 ................
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)............................... (16,000) (16,250) (21,750) (+5,750) (+5,500)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. 92,721 93,219 98,719 +5,998 +5,500
=========================================================================================
Total, SAMHSA........................................... 3,206,108 3,046,426 3,278,135 +72,027 +231,709
Evaluation Tap funding.............................. (120,913) (121,163) (126,663) (+5,750) (+5,500)
Total, SAMHSA program level............................. (3,327,021) (3,167,589) (3,404,798) (+77,777) (+237,209)
AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY
Research on Health Costs, Quality, and Outcomes:
Federal Funds............................................. ................ ................ 271,564 +271,564 +271,564
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)............................... (260,986) (271,564) ................ (-260,986) (-271,564)
Clinical effectiveness research (NA).................. (15,000) (15,000) (30,000) (+15,000) (+15,000)
Reducing medical errors (NA).......................... (84,000) (93,934) (78,934) (-5,066) (-15,000)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level............................. (260,986) (271,564) (271,564) (+10,578) ................
Medical Expenditures Panel Surveys:
Federal Funds............................................. ................ ................ 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
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)............................... (2,700) (2,700) ................ (-2,700) (-2,700)
=========================================================================================
Total, AHRQ............................................. ................ ................ 329,564 +329,564 +329,564
Evaluation Tap funding (NA)......................... (318,986) (329,564) ................ (-318,986) (-329,564)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, AHRQ program level............................... (318,986) (329,564) (329,564) (+10,578) ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Public Health Service appropriation.............. 44,497,020 43,244,104 46,572,409 +2,075,389 +3,328,305
Total, Public Health Service program level.............. (45,140,219) (43,695,031) (46,702,936) (+1,562,717) (+3,007,905)
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES
GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID
Medicaid current law benefits................................. 155,467,869 194,109,000 194,109,000 +38,641,131 ................
State and local administration................................ 9,881,583 10,014,716 10,014,716 +133,133 ................
Vaccines for Children......................................... 2,905,330 2,761,957 2,761,957 -143,373 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Medicaid program level........................ 168,254,782 206,885,673 206,885,673 +38,630,891 ................
Less funds advanced in prior year................... -62,783,825 -65,257,617 -65,257,617 -2,473,792 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Grants to States for medicaid.................... 105,470,957 141,628,056 141,628,056 +36,157,099 ................
New advance, 1st quarter............................ 65,257,617 67,292,669 67,292,669 +2,035,052 ................
PAYMENTS TO HEALTH CARE TRUST FUNDS
Supplemental medical insurance................................ 137,623,000 140,704,000 140,704,000 +3,081,000 ................
Hospital insurance for the uninsured.......................... 239,000 269,000 269,000 +30,000 ................
Federal uninsured payment..................................... 229,000 237,000 237,000 +8,000 ................
Program management............................................ 175,000 192,000 192,000 +17,000 ................
General revenue for Part D benefit............................ 37,329,000 46,299,000 46,299,000 +8,970,000 ................
General revenue for Part D administration..................... 703,480 744,000 744,000 +40,520 ................
HCFAC reimbursement........................................... ................ 183,000 383,000 +383,000 +200,000
Prescription drug eligibility determinations.................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Payments to Trust Funds, current law.......... 176,298,480 188,628,000 188,828,000 +12,529,520 +200,000
Less funds advanced in prior year................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
New Advance fiscal year 2009........................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Payments to Trust Funds, current law............. 176,298,480 188,628,000 188,828,000 +12,529,520 +200,000
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT \8\
Research, Demonstration, Evaluation........................... 57,420 33,700 35,325 -22,095 +1,625
Medicare Operations \9\....................................... 2,159,242 2,303,615 2,276,052 +116,810 -27,563
Revitalization plan........................................... 23,963 ................ ................ -23,963 ................
State Survey and Certification................................ 258,128 293,524 293,524 +35,396 ................
Federal Administration \9\.................................... 642,354 643,187 643,187 +833 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Program management, Limitation on new BA......... 3,141,107 3,274,026 3,248,088 +106,981 -25,938
Survey and Certification user fee................... ................ (-35,000) (-35,000) (-35,000) ................
Total, Program management, program level................ (3,141,107) (3,239,026) (3,213,088) (+71,981) (-25,938)
HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND ABUSE CONTROL
Part D drug benefit/medicare advantage (MIP).................. ................ 137,840 288,480 +288,480 +150,640
HHS Office of Inspector General............................... ................ 17,530 36,690 +36,690 +19,160
Department of Justice......................................... ................ 17,530 36,690 +36,690 +19,160
Medicaid and SCHIP financial management....................... ................ 10,100 21,140 +21,140 +11,040
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control.............. ................ 183,000 383,000 +383,000 +200,000
=========================================================================================
Total, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services........ 350,168,161 401,005,751 401,379,813 +51,211,652 +374,062
Federal funds....................................... 347,027,054 397,548,725 397,748,725 +50,721,671 +200,000
Current year.................................... (281,769,437) (330,256,056) (330,456,056) (+48,686,619) (+200,000)
New advance, fiscal year 2009................... (65,257,617) (67,292,669) (67,292,669) (+2,035,052) ................
Trust Funds......................................... 3,141,107 3,457,026 3,631,088 +489,981 +174,062
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
FAMILY SUPPORT PAYMENTS TO STATES
Payments to territories....................................... 38,000 38,000 38,000 ................ ................
Repatriation.................................................. 1,000 1,000 1,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Welfare payments.............................. 39,000 39,000 39,000 ................ ................
Child Support Enforcement:
State and local administration............................ 3,943,678 3,417,713 3,417,713 -525,965 ................
Federal incentive payments................................ 471,000 483,000 483,000 +12,000 ................
Access and visitation..................................... 10,000 10,000 10,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Child Support Enforcement..................... 4,424,678 3,910,713 3,910,713 -513,965 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Family support payments program level............ 4,463,678 3,949,713 3,949,713 -513,965 ................
Less funds advanced in previous years............... -1,200,000 -1,000,000 -1,000,000 +200,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Family support payments, current year............ 3,263,678 2,949,713 2,949,713 -313,965 ................
New advance, 1st quarter, fiscal year 2009.......... 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 ................ ................
LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
Formula grants................................................ 1,980,000 1,500,000 1,980,000 ................ +480,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Formula grants................................ 1,980,000 1,500,000 1,980,000 ................ +480,000
Contingency fund.............................................. 181,170 282,000 181,170 ................ -100,830
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Contingency fund.............................. 181,170 282,000 181,170 ................ -100,830
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, LIHEAP........................................... 2,161,170 1,782,000 2,161,170 ................ +379,170
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, LIHEAP, program level............................ 2,161,170 1,782,000 2,161,170 ................ +379,170
REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE
Transitional and Medical Services............................. 265,546 294,021 294,021 +28,475 ................
Victims of Trafficking........................................ 9,823 14,816 9,823 ................ -4,993
Social Services............................................... 154,005 149,610 154,005 ................ +4,395
Preventive Health............................................. 4,748 4,700 4,748 ................ +48
Targeted Assistance........................................... 48,590 48,104 48,590 ................ +486
Unaccompanied minors.......................................... 95,318 134,662 133,162 +37,844 -1,500
Victims of Torture............................................ 9,817 9,717 9,817 ................ +100
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Refugee and entrant assistance................... 587,847 655,630 654,166 +66,319 -1,464
CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT........................ 2,062,081 2,062,081 2,062,081 ................ ................
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (TITLE XX)........................ 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 ................ ................
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES PROGRAMS
Programs for Children, Youth and Families:
Head Start, current funded................................ 5,499,771 5,399,771 5,699,771 +200,000 +300,000
Advance from prior year............................... (1,388,800) (1,388,800) (1,388,800) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2009...................................... 1,388,800 1,388,800 1,388,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Head Start, program level................. 6,888,571 6,788,571 7,088,571 +200,000 +300,000
Consolidated Runaway, Homeless Youth Program.............. 87,837 87,837 102,837 +15,000 +15,000
Prevention grants to reduce abuse of runaway youth........ 15,027 15,027 20,027 +5,000 +5,000
Child Abuse State Grants.................................. 27,007 27,007 27,007 ................ ................
Child Abuse Discretionary Activities...................... 25,780 36,138 37,738 +11,958 +1,600
Community based child abuse prevention.................... 42,430 42,430 42,430 ................ ................
Abandoned Infants Assistance.............................. 11,835 11,835 11,835 ................ ................
Child Welfare Services.................................... 286,754 286,754 286,754 ................ ................
Child Welfare Training.................................... 7,335 7,335 7,335 ................ ................
Adoption Opportunities.................................... 26,848 26,848 26,848 ................ ................
Adoption Incentive........................................ 5,000 13,500 9,500 +4,500 -4,000
Adoption Awareness........................................ 12,674 12,674 12,674 ................ ................
Interstate Home Study for Adoption and Foster Care........ ................ 10,000 ................ ................ -10,000
Compassion Capital Fund................................... 64,350 75,000 53,625 -10,725 -21,375
Social Services and Income Maintenance Research............... 5,868 ................ 5,825 -43 +5,825
Evaluation tap funding.................................... (6,000) (5,880) (6,000) ................ (+120)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (11,868) (5,880) (11,825) (-43) (+5,945)
Developmental Disabilities Programs:
State Councils............................................ 71,771 71,771 77,271 +5,500 +5,500
Protection and Advocacy................................... 38,718 38,718 42,718 +4,000 +4,000
Voting access for individuals with disabilities........... 15,720 15,720 16,720 +1,000 +1,000
Developmental Disabilities Projects of National 11,414 11,414 15,414 +4,000 +4,000
Significance.............................................
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 33,212 33,213 38,713 +5,501 +5,500
Disabilities.............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Developmental disabilities programs........... 170,835 170,836 190,836 +20,001 +20,000
Native American Programs...................................... 44,332 44,332 49,332 +5,000 +5,000
Community Services:
Grants to States for Community Services................... 630,425 ................ 670,425 +40,000 +670,425
Community Initiative Program:
Economic Development.................................. 27,022 ................ 27,022 ................ +27,022
Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals.......... 5,382 ................ 5,382 ................ +5,382
Individual Development Account Initiative............. 24,452 24,452 24,452 ................ ................
Rural Community Facilities............................ 7,293 ................ 8,000 +707 +8,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Community Initiative Program.............. 64,149 24,452 64,856 +707 +40,404
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Community Services...................... 694,574 24,452 735,281 +40,707 +710,829
Domestic Violence Hotline..................................... 2,970 2,970 3,200 +230 +230
Family Violence/Battered Women's Shelters..................... 124,731 124,731 127,000 +2,269 +2,269
Mentoring Children of Prisoners............................... 49,493 50,000 49,493 ................ -507
Independent Living Training Vouchers.......................... 46,157 46,157 46,157 ................ ................
Abstinence Education.......................................... 108,900 136,664 80,416 -28,484 -56,248
Evaluation Tap Funding.................................... (4,500) (4,500) (4,500) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Program level................................. (113,400) (141,164) (84,916) (-28,484) (-56,248)
Faith-Based Center............................................ 1,386 1,386 1,386 ................ ................
Program Direction............................................. 187,776 197,225 197,225 +9,449 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Children and Families Services Programs.......... 8,938,470 8,239,709 9,213,332 +274,862 +973,623
Current Year........................................ (7,549,670) (6,850,909) (7,824,532) (+274,862) (+973,623)
Fiscal Year 2009.................................... (1,388,800) (1,388,800) (1,388,800) ................ ................
Evaluation Tap funding.............................. (10,500) (10,380) (10,500) ................ (+120)
=========================================================================================
Total, Program level.................................... 8,948,970 8,250,089 9,223,832 +274,862 +973,743
PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES \10\....................... 345,000 345,000 345,000 ................ ................
Discretionary Funds....................................... 89,100 89,100 89,100 ................ ................
PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION
Foster Care................................................... 4,475,000 4,581,000 4,581,000 +106,000 ................
Adoption Assistance........................................... 2,027,000 2,156,000 2,156,000 +129,000 ................
Independent living............................................ 140,000 140,000 140,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Payments to States............................... 6,642,000 6,877,000 6,877,000 +235,000 ................
Less Advances from Prior Year....................... -1,730,000 -1,810,000 -1,810,000 -80,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, payments, current year..................... 4,912,000 5,067,000 5,067,000 +155,000 ................
New Advance, 1st quarter.......................... 1,810,000 1,776,000 1,776,000 -34,000 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Administration for Children & Families........... 26,869,346 25,666,233 27,017,562 +148,216 +1,351,329
Current year........................................ (22,670,546) (21,501,433) (22,852,762) (+182,216) (+1,351,329)
Fiscal year 2009.................................... (4,198,800) (4,164,800) (4,164,800) (-34,000) ................
Evaluation Tap funding.............................. (10,500) (10,380) (10,500) ................ (+120)
=========================================================================================
Total, Administration for Children & Families........... 26,879,846 25,676,613 27,028,062 +148,216 +1,351,449
ADMINISTRATION ON AGING
Grants to States:
Supportive Services and Centers........................... 350,595 350,595 350,595 ................ ................
Preventive Health......................................... 21,400 ................ 21,400 ................ +21,400
Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans--Title VII....... 20,156 19,166 21,156 +1,000 +1,990
Family Caregivers......................................... 156,167 154,187 156,167 ................ +1,980
Native American Caregivers Support........................ 6,241 6,241 6,428 +187 +187
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Caregivers................................ 162,408 160,428 162,595 +187 +2,167
Nutrition:
Congregate Meals...................................... 398,919 383,401 418,519 +19,600 +35,118
Home Delivered Meals.................................. 188,305 180,998 197,805 +9,500 +16,807
Nutrition Services Incentive Program.................. 147,846 147,110 157,246 +9,400 +10,136
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Nutrition................................. 735,070 711,509 773,570 +38,500 +62,061
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants to States.......................... 1,289,629 1,241,698 1,329,316 +39,687 +87,618
Grants for Native Americans................................... 26,134 26,134 27,834 +1,700 +1,700
Program Innovations........................................... 24,058 35,485 11,420 -12,638 -24,065
Aging Network Support Activities.............................. 13,133 13,133 42,651 +29,518 +29,518
Alzheimer's Disease Demonstrations............................ 11,668 ................ 11,668 ................ +11,668
Program Administration........................................ 18,385 18,696 18,696 +311 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Administration on Aging.......................... 1,383,007 1,335,146 1,441,585 +58,578 +106,439
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT:
Federal Funds............................................. 178,674 225,442 227,403 +48,729 +1,961
Trust Funds............................................... 5,793 5,851 5,851 +58 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................................ 184,467 231,293 233,254 +48,787 +1,961
Adolescent Family Life (Title XX)......................... 30,307 30,307 30,307 ................ ................
Minority health........................................... 53,455 43,775 49,475 -3,980 +5,700
Office of Women's Health.................................. 28,246 27,369 30,369 +2,123 +3,000
Minority HIV/AIDS......................................... 51,891 51,891 51,891 ................ ................
Afghanistan............................................... 5,892 5,941 5,941 +49 ................
Embryo adoption awareness campaign........................ 1,980 1,980 4,000 +2,020 +2,020
Evaluation tap funding (ASPE) (NA)........................ (39,552) (46,756) (46,756) (+7,204) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, General Departmental Management.................. 356,238 392,556 405,237 +48,999 +12,681
Federal Funds....................................... 350,445 386,705 399,386 +48,941 +12,681
Trust Funds......................................... 5,793 5,851 5,851 +58 ................
Evaluation tap funding.............................. (39,552) (46,756) (46,756) (+7,204) ................
OFFICE OF MEDICARE HEARINGS AND APPEALS....................... 59,727 70,000 70,000 +10,273 ................
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH INFORMATION 42,402 89,872 43,000 +598 -46,872
TECHNOLOGY \11\..............................................
Evaluation tap funding.................................... (18,900) (28,000) (28,000) (+9,100) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Health Information Tech. program level......... (61,302) (117,872) (71,000) (+9,698) (-46,872)
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL:
Federal Funds............................................. 39,808 44,687 45,687 +5,879 +1,000
HIPAA funding (NA).................................... (175,570) (196,418) (196,418) (+20,848) ................
Medicaid integrity program: Deficit Reduction Act (Public Law ................ (25,000) (25,000) (+25,000) ................
109-171) (NA)................................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Inspector General program level.................. (215,378) (266,105) (267,105) (+51,727) (+1,000)
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS:
Federal Funds............................................. 31,628 33,748 33,748 +2,120 ................
Trust Funds............................................... 3,281 3,314 3,314 +33 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office for Civil Rights.......................... 34,909 37,062 37,062 +2,153 ................
MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS:
Retirement payments....................................... 292,249 317,967 317,967 +25,718 ................
Survivors benefits........................................ 17,338 18,026 18,026 +688 ................
Dependents' medical care.................................. 61,111 66,549 66,549 +5,438 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Medical benefits for Commissioned Officers....... 370,698 402,542 402,542 +31,844 ................
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE EMERGENCY FUND
HRSA homeland security activities \7\......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
CDC homeland security activities \7\.......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
NIH homeland security activities \7\.......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Office of the Secretary homeland security activities.......... 717,320 780,646 756,556 +39,236 -24,090
Other PHSSEF homeland security activities..................... ................ 25,000 55,000 +55,000 +30,000
Pandemic influenza preparedness............................... ................ 948,091 888,000 +888,000 -60,091
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, PHSSEF........................................... 717,320 1,753,737 1,699,556 +982,236 -54,181
=========================================================================================
Total, Office of the Secretary.......................... 1,621,102 2,790,456 2,703,084 +1,081,982 -87,372
Federal Funds....................................... 1,552,301 2,711,291 2,623,919 +1,071,618 -87,372
Trust Funds......................................... 68,801 79,165 79,165 +10,364 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Title II, Dept of Health & Human Services........ 424,538,636 474,041,690 479,114,453 +54,575,817 +5,072,763
Federal Funds....................................... 421,328,728 470,505,499 475,404,200 +54,075,472 +4,898,701
Current year.................................... (351,872,311) (399,048,030) (403,946,731) (+52,074,420) (+4,898,701)
Fiscal year 2009................................ (69,456,417) (71,457,469) (71,457,469) (+2,001,052) ................
Trust Funds......................................... 3,209,908 3,536,191 3,710,253 +500,345 +174,062
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
EDUCATION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED
Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs):
Basic Grants:
Advance from prior year............................... (1,478,584) (1,353,584) (1,353,584) (-125,000) ................
Forward funded........................................ 5,451,387 5,325,824 5,038,599 -412,788 -287,225
Current funded........................................ 3,437 4,000 4,000 +563 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Basic grants current year approp.......... 5,454,824 5,329,824 5,042,599 -412,225 -287,225
Subtotal, Basic grants total funds available........ (6,933,408) (6,683,408) (6,396,183) (-537,225) (-287,225)
Basic Grants Fiscal Year 2009 Advance..................... 1,353,584 1,478,584 1,765,808 +412,224 +287,224
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Basic grants, program level................... 6,808,408 6,808,408 6,808,407 -1 -1
Concentration Grants:
Advance from prior year............................... (1,365,031) (1,365,031) (1,365,031) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2009 Advance.............................. 1,365,031 1,365,031 1,365,031 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Concentration Grants program level........ 1,365,031 1,365,031 1,365,031 ................ ................
Targeted Grants:
Current funded........................................ ................ 1,196,775 ................ ................ -1,196,775
Advance from prior year............................... (2,269,843) (2,332,343) (2,332,343) (+62,500) ................
Fiscal Year 2009 Advance.............................. 2,332,343 2,269,843 2,868,231 +535,888 +598,388
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Targeted Grants program level............. 2,332,343 3,466,618 2,868,231 +535,888 -598,387
Education Finance Incentive Grants:
Advance from prior year............................... (2,269,843) (2,332,343) (2,332,343) (+62,500) ................
Fiscal Year 2009 Advance.............................. 2,332,343 2,269,843 2,868,231 +535,888 +598,388
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Education Finance Incentive Grants........ 2,332,343 2,269,843 2,868,231 +535,888 +598,388
=========================================================================================
Subtotal, Grants to LEAs, program level............. 12,838,125 13,909,900 13,909,900 +1,071,775 ................
Even Start.................................................... 82,283 ................ ................ -82,283 ................
School improvement grants..................................... 125,000 500,000 500,000 +375,000 ................
Reading First:
State Grants (forward funded)............................. 1,029,234 1,018,692 800,000 -229,234 -218,692
Early Reading First........................................... 117,666 117,666 117,666 ................ ................
Striving readers \12\......................................... 31,870 100,000 36,000 +4,130 -64,000
Math Now for elementary school students....................... ................ 125,000 ................ ................ -125,000
Math Now for middle school students........................... ................ 125,000 ................ ................ -125,000
Literacy through School Libraries............................. 19,485 19,486 23,000 +3,515 +3,514
Promise scholarships.......................................... ................ 250,000 ................ ................ -250,000
America's opportunity scholarships for kids................... ................ 50,000 ................ ................ -50,000
State Agency Programs:
Migrant................................................... 386,524 380,295 386,524 ................ +6,229
Neglected and Delinquent/High Risk Youth.................. 49,797 49,797 49,797 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State Agency programs......................... 436,321 430,092 436,321 ................ +6,229
Evaluation.................................................... 9,330 9,327 9,330 ................ +3
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration..................... 2,352 ................ 1,634 -718 +1,634
Migrant Education:
High School Equivalency Program........................... 18,550 18,550 18,550 ................ ................
College Assistance Migrant Program........................ 15,377 15,377 15,377 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Migrant Education............................. 33,927 33,927 33,927 ................ ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Education for the disadvantaged.................. 14,725,593 16,689,090 15,867,778 +1,142,185 -821,312
Current Year........................................ (7,342,292) (9,305,789) (7,000,477) (-341,815) (-2,305,312)
Fiscal Year 2009.................................... (7,383,301) (7,383,301) (8,867,301) (+1,484,000) (+1,484,000)
Subtotal, forward funded................................ (7,158,447) (8,571,383) (6,812,554) (-345,893) (-1,758,829)
IMPACT AID
Basic Support Payments........................................ 1,091,867 1,091,867 1,111,867 +20,000 +20,000
Payments for Children with Disabilities....................... 49,466 49,466 49,466 ................ ................
Facilities Maintenance (Sec. 8008)............................ 4,950 4,597 4,950 ................ +353
Construction (Sec. 8007)...................................... 17,820 17,820 17,820 ................ ................
Payments for Federal Property (Sec. 8002)..................... 64,350 64,350 64,350 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Impact aid....................................... 1,228,453 1,228,100 1,248,453 +20,000 +20,353
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS
State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality.................... 1,452,439 1,352,488 1,452,439 ................ +99,951
Advance from prior year................................... (1,435,000) (1,435,000) (1,435,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2009.......................................... 1,435,000 1,435,000 1,435,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality, (2,887,439) (2,787,488) (2,887,439) ................ (+99,951)
program level..........................................
Early Childhood Educator Professional Development............. 14,550 ................ 14,550 ................ +14,550
Mathematics and Science Partnerships.......................... 182,160 182,124 184,000 +1,840 +1,876
State Grants for Innovative Education (Education Block Grant). 99,000 ................ ................ -99,000 ................
Educational Technology State Grants........................... 272,250 ................ 272,250 ................ +272,250
Supplemental Education Grants................................. 18,001 18,001 18,001 ................ ................
21st Century Community Learning Centers....................... 981,166 981,180 1,000,000 +18,834 +18,820
State Assessments/Enhanced Assessment Instruments............. 407,563 411,630 416,000 +8,437 +4,370
Javits gifted and talented education.......................... 7,596 ................ 7,596 ................ +7,596
Foreign language assistance................................... 23,780 23,755 26,780 +3,000 +3,025
Education for Homeless Children and Youth..................... 61,871 61,878 66,878 +5,007 +5,000
Training and Advisory Services (Civil Rights)................. 7,113 7,113 7,113 ................ ................
Education for Native Hawaiians................................ 33,907 ................ 34,500 +593 +34,500
Alaska Native Education Equity................................ 33,907 ................ 34,500 +593 +34,500
Rural Education............................................... 168,918 168,851 168,918 ................ +67
Comprehensive Centers......................................... 56,257 56,256 60,000 +3,743 +3,744
=========================================================================================
Total, School improvement programs...................... 5,255,478 4,698,276 5,198,525 -56,953 +500,249
Current Year........................................ (3,820,478) (3,263,276) (3,763,525) (-56,953) (+500,249)
Fiscal Year 2009.................................... (1,435,000) (1,435,000) (1,435,000) ................ ................
Subtotal, forward funded................................ (3,625,367) (3,158,151) (3,560,485) (-64,882) (+402,334)
INDIAN EDUCATION
Grants to Local Educational Agencies.......................... 95,331 95,331 95,331 ................ ................
Federal Programs:
Special Programs for Indian Children...................... 19,399 19,399 19,399 ................ ................
National Activities....................................... 3,960 3,953 3,960 ................ +7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Federal Programs.............................. 23,359 23,352 23,359 ................ +7
=========================================================================================
Total, Indian Education................................. 118,690 118,683 118,690 ................ +7
INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT
Troops-to-Teachers............................................ 14,645 14,645 14,645 ................ ................
Transition to Teaching........................................ 44,484 44,482 44,484 ................ +2
National Writing Project...................................... 21,532 ................ 24,000 +2,468 +24,000
Teaching of Traditional American History...................... 119,790 50,000 120,000 +210 +70,000
School Leadership............................................. 14,731 ................ 14,731 ................ +14,731
Advanced Credentialing........................................ 16,695 ................ 9,821 -6,874 +9,821
Adjunct Teacher Corps......................................... ................ 25,000 ................ ................ -25,000
Charter Schools Grants........................................ 214,782 214,782 214,783 +1 +1
Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities.............. 36,611 36,611 ................ -36,611 -36,611
Voluntary Public School Choice................................ 26,278 26,275 26,278 ................ +3
Magnet Schools Assistance..................................... 106,693 106,685 106,693 ................ +8
Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE)................... 158,510 58,108 218,699 +60,189 +160,591
Teacher Incentive Fund, Current funded........................ 200 199,000 99,000 +98,800 -100,000
Teacher Incentive Fund, Forward funded........................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Ready-to-Learn television..................................... 24,255 24,255 25,255 +1,000 +1,000
Close Up Fellowships.......................................... 1,454 ................ 2,500 +1,046 +2,500
Advanced Placement............................................ 37,026 122,175 42,000 +4,974 -80,175
=========================================================================================
Total, Innovation and Improvement....................... 837,686 922,018 962,889 +125,203 +40,871
Subtotal, Forward funded................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
SAFE SCHOOLS AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities: State Grants, 346,500 100,000 300,000 -46,500 +200,000
forward funded...............................................
National Programs............................................. 141,112 224,248 139,112 -2,000 -85,136
Alcohol Abuse Reduction....................................... 32,409 ................ 33,000 +591 +33,000
Mentoring Programs............................................ 48,814 ................ 50,000 +1,186 +50,000
Character education........................................... 24,248 ................ 25,000 +752 +25,000
Elementary and Secondary School Counseling.................... 34,650 ................ 40,000 +5,350 +40,000
Carol M. White Physical Education Program..................... 72,674 ................ 80,000 +7,326 +80,000
Civic Education............................................... 29,111 ................ 30,000 +889 +30,000
=========================================================================================
Total, Safe Schools and Citizenship Education........... 729,518 324,248 697,112 -32,406 +372,864
Current Year........................................ (729,518) (324,248) (697,112) (-32,406) (+372,864)
Subtotal, Forward funded................................ (346,500) (100,000) (300,000) (-46,500) (+200,000)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Current funded................................................ 43,486 43,603 43,603 +117 ................
Forward funded................................................ 625,522 627,216 627,216 +1,694 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, English Language Acquisition..................... 669,008 670,819 670,819 +1,811 ................
SPECIAL EDUCATION
State Grants:
Grants to States Part B current year...................... 5,358,761 4,276,741 5,315,800 -42,961 +1,039,059
Part B advance from prior year........................ (5,424,200) (5,424,200) (5,424,200) ................ ................
Grants to States Part B (Fiscal Year 2009)................ 5,424,200 6,215,200 5,924,200 +500,000 -291,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants to States, program level............... 10,782,961 10,491,941 11,240,000 +457,039 +748,059
Preschool Grants.......................................... 380,751 380,751 380,751 ................ ................
Grants for Infants and Families........................... 436,400 423,067 450,000 +13,600 +26,933
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State grants, program level................... 11,600,112 11,295,759 12,070,751 +470,639 +774,992
IDEA National Activities:
State Personnel Development............................... ................ ................ 46,000 +46,000 +46,000
Technical Assistance and Dissemination.................... 48,903 48,902 48,903 ................ +1
Personnel Preparation..................................... 89,720 89,719 89,720 ................ +1
Parent Information Centers................................ 25,704 25,704 27,000 +1,296 +1,296
Technology and Media Services............................. 38,428 25,063 40,000 +1,572 +14,937
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, IDEA special programs......................... 202,755 189,388 251,623 +48,868 +62,235
Special Olympics Education Programs........................... ................ ................ 8,000 +8,000 +8,000
=========================================================================================
Total, Special education................................ 11,802,867 11,485,147 12,330,374 +527,507 +845,227
Current Year........................................ (6,378,667) (5,269,947) (6,406,174) (+27,507) (+1,136,227)
Fiscal Year 2009.................................... (5,424,200) (6,215,200) (5,924,200) (+500,000) (-291,000)
Subtotal, Forward funded................................ (6,175,912) (5,080,559) (6,192,551) (+16,639) (+1,111,992)
REHABILITATION SERVICES AND DISABILITY RESEARCH
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants........................ 2,837,160 2,874,043 2,874,043 +36,883 ................
Client Assistance State grants................................ 11,782 11,782 11,782 ................ ................
Training...................................................... 38,438 38,438 38,438 ................ ................
Demonstration and training programs........................... 6,511 6,840 10,490 +3,979 +3,650
Migrant and seasonal farmworkers.............................. 2,279 ................ 2,279 ................ +2,279
Recreational programs......................................... 2,518 ................ 2,518 ................ +2,518
Protection and advocacy of individual rights (PAIR)........... 16,489 16,489 17,489 +1,000 +1,000
Projects with industry........................................ 19,538 ................ 19,538 ................ +19,538
Supported employment State grants............................. 29,700 ................ 29,700 ................ +29,700
Independent living:
State grants.............................................. 22,588 22,588 22,588 ................ ................
Centers................................................... 74,638 74,638 74,638 ................ ................
Services for older blind individuals...................... 32,895 32,895 32,895 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Independent living............................ 130,121 130,121 130,121 ................ ................
Program Improvement........................................... 835 633 633 -202 ................
Evaluation.................................................... 1,473 1,973 1,695 +222 -278
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf/Blind Youth and Adults.. 8,511 8,011 9,511 +1,000 +1,500
National Inst. Disability and Rehab. Research (NIDRR)......... 106,705 106,705 106,705 ................ ................
Assistive Technology.......................................... 30,452 26,111 32,000 +1,548 +5,889
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, discretionary programs........................ 405,352 347,103 412,899 +7,547 +65,796
=========================================================================================
Total, Rehabilitation services.......................... 3,242,512 3,221,146 3,286,942 +44,430 +65,796
SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND......................... 17,573 17,573 22,000 +4,427 +4,427
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF (NTID):
Operations................................................ 56,141 55,349 57,295 +1,154 +1,946
Construction.............................................. ................ 913 1,705 +1,705 +792
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, NTID............................................. 56,141 56,262 59,000 +2,859 +2,738
GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY:
Operations................................................ 106,998 106,398 110,400 +3,402 +4,002
Evaluation................................................ ................ 600 600 +600 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Gallaudet........................................ 106,998 106,998 111,000 +4,002 +4,002
=========================================================================================
Total, Special Institutions for Persons with 180,712 180,833 192,000 +11,288 +11,167
Disabilities...........................................
CAREER, TECHNICAL AND ADULT EDUCATION
Career and Technical:
State Grants, current funded.............................. 390,553 600,000 390,553 ................ -209,447
Advance from prior year................................... (791,000) (791,000) (791,000) ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2009.......................................... 791,000 ................ 791,000 ................ +791,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State Grants, program level................... 1,181,553 600,000 1,181,553 ................ +581,553
Tech-Prep Education State Grants.......................... 104,753 ................ 104,753 ................ +104,753
National Programs......................................... 10,000 10,000 8,000 -2,000 -2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Career and Technical Education................ 1,296,306 610,000 1,294,306 -2,000 +684,306
Adult Education:
State Grants/Adult basic and literacy education State 563,975 564,074 564,074 +99 ................
Grants, current funded...................................
National Programs:
National Leadership Activities........................ 9,005 9,096 7,000 -2,005 -2,096
National Institute for Literacy....................... 6,583 6,638 6,638 +55 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, National programs............................. 15,588 15,734 13,638 -1,950 -2,096
=========================================================================================
Subtotal, Adult education............................... 579,563 579,808 577,712 -1,851 -2,096
Smaller Learning Communities, current funded.................. 4,677 ................ ................ -4,677 ................
Smaller Learning Communities, forward funded.................. 88,854 ................ ................ -88,854 ................
State Grants for Incarcerated Youth Offenders................. 22,770 ................ 22,770 ................ +22,770
=========================================================================================
Total, Career, Technical and adult education............ 1,992,170 1,189,808 1,894,788 -97,382 +704,980
Current Year........................................ (1,201,170) (1,189,808) (1,103,788) (-97,382) (-86,020)
Fiscal Year 2009.................................... (791,000) ................ (791,000) ................ (+791,000)
Subtotal, forward funded................................ (1,196,493) (1,189,808) (1,103,788) (-92,705) (-86,020)
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Pell Grants--maximum grant (NA)............................... (4,310) (4,050) (4,310) ................ (+260)
Pell Grants................................................... 13,660,711 13,414,000 14,487,000 +826,289 +1,073,000
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants........... 770,933 ................ 770,933 ................ +770,933
Federal Work Study............................................ 980,354 980,492 980,492 +138 ................
Federal Perkins loan cancellations............................ 65,471 ................ 65,471 ................ +65,471
LEAP program.................................................. 64,987 ................ 64,987 ................ +64,987
=========================================================================================
Total, Student Financial Assistance..................... 15,542,456 14,394,492 16,368,883 +826,427 +1,974,391
STUDENT AID ADMINISTRATION.................................... 717,950 708,216 708,216 -9,734 ................
HIGHER EDUCATION
Aid for Institutional Development:
Strengthening Institutions................................ 79,535 79,535 79,535 ................ ................
Hispanic Serving Institutions............................. 94,914 94,911 94,914 ................ +3
Strengthening Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs)......... 238,095 238,095 238,095 ................ ................
Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions.... 57,915 57,915 57,915 ................ ................
Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving 11,785 ................ 12,500 +715 +12,500
Institutions.............................................
Strengthening Tribal Colleges............................. 23,570 18,570 24,475 +905 +5,905
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Aid for Institutional development............. 505,814 489,026 507,434 +1,620 +18,408
International Education and Foreign Language:
Domestic Programs......................................... 91,541 91,541 91,541 ................ ................
Overseas Programs......................................... 12,610 12,610 12,610 ................ ................
Institute for International Public Policy................. 1,600 1,600 1,600 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, International Education & Foreign Lang........ 105,751 105,751 105,751 ................ ................
Fund for the Improvement of Postsec. Ed. (FIPSE).............. 21,989 21,988 81,844 +59,855 +59,856
Minority Science and Engineering Improvement.................. 8,730 8,730 8,730 ................ ................
Tribally Controlled Postsec Vocational and Technical 7,366 7,366 8,000 +634 +634
Institutions \13\............................................
Federal TRIO Programs......................................... 828,178 828,178 858,178 +30,000 +30,000
GEAR UP....................................................... 303,423 303,423 313,423 +10,000 +10,000
Byrd Honors Scholarships...................................... 40,590 ................ 41,000 +410 +41,000
Javits Fellowships............................................ 9,699 9,797 9,699 ................ -98
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need................. 30,067 30,064 30,067 ................ +3
Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants............................ 59,895 ................ 28,521 -31,374 +28,521
Child Care Access Means Parents in School..................... 15,810 15,810 15,810 ................ ................
Advancing America thru foreign language partnerships.......... ................ 24,000 12,000 +12,000 -12,000
Demonstration in Disabilities/Higher Education................ 6,875 ................ 6,875 ................ +6,875
Underground Railroad Program.................................. 1,980 ................ ................ -1,980 ................
GPRA data/HEA program evaluation.............................. 970 970 970 ................ ................
B.J. Stupak Olympic Scholarships.............................. 970 ................ ................ -970 ................
Thurgood Marshall legal education opportunity program......... 2,946 ................ ................ -2,946 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Higher education................................. 1,951,053 1,845,103 2,028,302 +77,249 +183,199
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Academic Program.............................................. 204,404 204,405 204,405 +1 ................
Endowment Program............................................. 3,526 ................ 3,526 ................ +3,526
Howard University Hospital.................................... 29,461 29,461 29,461 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Howard University................................ 237,391 233,866 237,392 +1 +3,526
COLLEGE HOUSING AND ACADEMIC FACILITIES LOANS (CHAFL)......... 571 481 481 -90 ................
HBCU CAPITAL FINANCING PROGRAM--Federal Adm................... 209 188 188 -21 ................
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
Research, development and dissemination....................... 162,552 162,535 182,552 +20,000 +20,017
Statistics.................................................... 90,022 119,022 95,022 +5,000 -24,000
Regional Educational Laboratories............................. 65,470 65,464 68,000 +2,530 +2,536
Research in special education................................. 71,840 71,829 71,840 ................ +11
Special education studies and evaluations..................... 9,900 9,628 9,628 -272 ................
Statewide data systems........................................ 24,552 49,152 58,000 +33,448 +8,848
Assessment:
National Assessment....................................... 88,095 110,595 98,747 +10,652 -11,848
National Assessment Governing Board....................... 5,054 6,037 6,037 +983 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Assessment.................................... 93,149 116,632 104,784 +11,635 -11,848
=========================================================================================
Total, IES.............................................. 517,485 594,262 589,826 +72,341 -4,436
DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:
Salaries and Expenses..................................... 416,487 429,631 429,631 +13,144 ................
Building Modernization.................................... 2,100 17,303 3,000 +900 -14,303
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Program administration........................... 418,587 446,934 432,631 +14,044 -14,303
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS....................................... 91,205 93,771 93,771 +2,566 ................
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL............................... 50,266 53,239 54,239 +3,973 +1,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental management.......................... 560,058 593,944 580,641 +20,583 -13,303
=========================================================================================
Total, Title III, Department of Education............... 60,309,860 59,098,720 62,982,299 +2,672,439 +3,883,579
Current Year........................................ (45,276,359) (44,065,219) (45,964,798) (+688,439) (+1,899,579)
Emergency appropriations........................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Fiscal Year 2009.................................... (15,033,501) (15,033,501) (17,017,501) (+1,984,000) (+1,984,000)
TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY 4,652 4,994 4,994 +342 ................
DISABLED.....................................................
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)...................... 95,468 89,734 95,468 ................ +5,734
VISTA cost-share revolving fund............................... 3,500 ................ ................ -3,500 ................
National Senior Volunteer Corps:
Foster Grandparents Program............................... 110,937 97,550 110,937 ................ +13,387
Senior Companion Program.................................. 46,964 41,299 46,964 ................ +5,665
Retired Senior Volunteer Program.......................... 59,685 65,643 59,685 ................ -5,958
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Subtotal, Senior Volunteers............................. 217,586 204,492 217,586 ................ +13,094
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Total, Domestic Volunteer Service Programs.............. 316,554 294,226 313,054 -3,500 +18,828
National and Community Service Programs:
National service trust.................................... 117,720 122,521 117,720 ................ -4,801
AmeriCorps grants......................................... 264,825 255,625 275,775 +10,950 +20,150
Innovation, assistance, and other activities.............. 31,131 12,697 10,550 -20,581 -2,147
Evaluation................................................ 3,960 3,960 3,960 ................ ................
National Civilian Community Corps......................... 26,789 11,620 31,789 +5,000 +20,169
Learn and Serve America: K-12 and Higher Ed............... 37,125 32,099 39,125 +2,000 +7,026
State Commission Administrative Grants.................... 12,516 12,000 12,516 ................ +516
Points of Light Foundation................................ ................ 8,900 ................ ................ -8,900
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Subtotal, National and Community Service Programs....... 494,066 459,422 491,435 -2,631 +32,013
National and Community Service, Salaries and expenses \14\.... 68,964 69,520 69,520 +556 ................
Office of Inspector General................................... 4,963 5,512 6,900 +1,937 +1,388
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Total, Corp. for National and Community Service......... 884,547 828,680 880,909 -3,638 +52,229
CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING:
Fiscal year 2010 (current) with fiscal year 2009 400,000 ................ 420,000 +20,000 +420,000
comparable...............................................
Fiscal year 2009 advance with fiscal year 2008 comparable (400,000) (400,000) (400,000) ................ ................
(NA).....................................................
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Subtotal, fiscal year 2009 program level................ 400,000 400,000 400,000 ................ ................
Fiscal year 2008 advance with fiscal year 2007 comparable (400,000) (400,000) (400,000) ................ ................
(NA).....................................................
Rescission of fiscal year 2008 funds (NA)............. ................ (-50,000) ................ ................ (+50,000)
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Subtotal, fiscal year 2008 program level................ 400,000 350,000 400,000 ................ +50,000
Digitalization program, current funded \15\............... 29,700 ................ 29,700 ................ +29,700
Previous appropriated funds (NA) \16\................. ................ (30,600) ................ ................ (-30,600)
Interconnection, current funded \15\...................... 34,650 ................ 26,750 -7,900 +26,750
Previous appropriated funds (NA) \16\................. ................ (26,750) ................ ................ (-26,750)
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Subtotal, fiscal year 2008 appropriation............ 64,350 ................ 56,450 -7,900 +56,450
FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE.................... 42,849 43,800 44,450 +1,601 +650
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION.............. 7,778 8,096 8,096 +318 ................
INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES...................... 247,205 271,246 266,680 +19,475 -4,566
MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION.......................... 12,066 10,748 10,748 -1,318 ................
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND INFO SCIENCE............. 989 ................ 400 -589 +400
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY................................ 3,426 3,113 3,113 -313 ................
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD................................ 251,507 256,238 256,988 +5,481 +750
NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD...................................... 11,596 12,242 12,992 +1,396 +750
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION.............. 10,471 10,696 10,696 +225 ................
RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD
Dual Benefits Payments Account................................ 88,000 79,000 79,000 -9,000 ................
Less Income Tax Receipts on Dual Benefits..................... -6,000 -6,000 -6,000 ................ ................
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Subtotal, Dual Benefits................................. 82,000 73,000 73,000 -9,000 ................
Federal Payment to the RR Retirement Account.................. 150 150 150 ................ ................
Limitation on Administration.................................. 103,694 103,518 103,694 ................ +176
Inspector General......................................... 7,173 7,606 8,000 +827 +394
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Payments to Social Security Trust Funds....................... 20,470 28,140 28,140 +7,670 ................
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Federal benefit payments...................................... 37,204,000 40,675,000 40,675,000 +3,471,000 ................
Beneficiary services.......................................... ................ 36,000 36,000 +36,000 ................
Research and demonstration.................................... 27,000 27,000 28,000 +1,000 +1,000
Administration................................................ 2,950,169 2,983,000 3,030,000 +79,831 +47,000
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Subtotal, SSI program level............................. 40,181,169 43,721,000 43,769,000 +3,587,831 +48,000
Less funds advanced in prior year................... -11,110,000 -16,810,000 -16,810,000 -5,700,000 ................
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Subtotal, regular SSI current year...................... 29,071,169 26,911,000 26,959,000 -2,112,169 +48,000
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Total, SSI, current request............................. 29,071,169 26,911,000 26,959,000 -2,112,169 +48,000
New advance, 1st quarter, fiscal year 2009.......... 16,810,000 14,800,000 14,800,000 -2,010,000 ................
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Total, SSI program...................................... 45,881,169 41,711,000 41,759,000 -4,122,169 +48,000
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
OASDI Trust Funds............................................. 4,598,834 4,698,292 4,776,292 +177,458 +78,000
HI/SMI Trust Funds............................................ 1,626,570 1,679,661 1,679,661 +53,091 ................
Social Security Advisory Board................................ 2,000 2,000 2,000 ................ ................
SSI........................................................... 2,950,169 2,868,000 2,915,000 -35,169 +47,000
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Subtotal, regular LAE................................... 9,177,573 9,247,953 9,372,953 +195,380 +125,000
Additional Program Integrity Funding:
OASDI Trust Funds......................................... ................ 98,000 98,000 +98,000 ................
SSI....................................................... ................ 115,000 115,000 +115,000 ................
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Subtotal, Additional Program Integrity Funding.......... ................ 213,000 213,000 +213,000 ................
User Fees:
SSI User Fee activities................................... 117,000 135,000 135,000 +18,000 ................
SSPA User Fee Activities.................................. 1,000 1,000 1,000 ................ ................
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Subtotal, User fees..................................... 118,000 136,000 136,000 +18,000 ................
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Total, Limitation on Administrative Expenses............ 9,295,573 9,596,953 9,721,953 +426,380 +125,000
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Federal Funds................................................. 25,902 27,000 28,000 +2,098 +1,000
Trust Funds................................................... 66,149 68,047 68,047 +1,898 ................
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Total, Office of Inspector General...................... 92,051 95,047 96,047 +3,996 +1,000
Adjustment: Trust fund transfers from general revenues........ -2,950,169 -2,983,000 -3,030,000 -79,831 -47,000
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Total, Social Security Administration................... 52,339,094 48,448,140 48,575,140 -3,763,954 +127,000
Federal funds....................................... 46,045,541 41,902,140 41,951,140 -4,094,401 +49,000
Current year.................................... (29,235,541) (27,102,140) (27,151,140) (-2,084,401) (+49,000)
New advances, 1st quarter....................... (16,810,000) (14,800,000) (14,800,000) (-2,010,000) ................
Trust funds......................................... 6,293,553 6,546,000 6,624,000 +330,447 +78,000
Total, Title IV, Related Agencies....................... 54,473,547 50,082,267 50,736,500 -3,737,047 +654,233
Federal Funds....................................... 48,057,061 43,414,395 43,990,058 -4,067,003 +575,663
Current Year.................................... (30,847,061) (28,614,395) (28,770,058) (-2,077,003) (+155,663)
Fiscal Year 2009 Advance........................ (16,810,000) (14,800,000) (14,800,000) (-2,010,000) ................
Fiscal Year 2010 Advance........................ (400,000) ................ (420,000) (+20,000) (+420,000)
Trust Funds......................................... 6,416,486 6,667,872 6,746,442 +329,956 +78,570
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\1\ Funding from the Dislocated Worker National Reserve.
\2\ Administration for Job Corps funding was transferred from ETA to DM in fiscal year 2006 Act.
\3\ Job Corps transferred in fiscal year 2006 Act from ETA to Depart. Management but requested in ETA for fiscal year 2008.
\4\ These funds were included in the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant in fiscal year 2007 and the fiscal year 2008 request.
\5\ In fiscal year 2006, the Delta Health initiative funded through the Rural hospital flexibility grant program.
\7\ Public Law 110-28 transferred $49.5 million from NIAID and OD to PHHSEF in fiscal year 2007.
\6\ Includes Mine Safety and Health.
\8\ The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provided $74,000,000 for CMS Program Management.
\9\ Fiscal Year 2006 Appropriations Act included a $60,000,000 program administrative reduction.
\10\ The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provided $20,000,000 for the Promoting Safe and Stable Entitlement Program.
\11\ An additional $50 million for Health IT within AHRQ.
\12\ Funding for Striving readers is forward funded in the fiscal year 2006 conference agreement only.
\13\ Fiscal Year 2008 Request under Higher Education.
\14\ Current funded.
\15\ Requested funds for these activities are from previously appropriated funds.
\16\ Funds are transferred from funds appropriated to FEMA.